Western Books

This is the best western I have ever read, and I have read a lot of them.
I see that message on almost every western that is on amazon, but this time it is true. The book is excellently written and the characters are very colorful and well made. I have never done a review before for a book and probably will never make one again, but I just had to for this book.
I really recommend buying this book, you will not be disappointed.

Great book ! Emotionally, I had to put the book down several times for a few moments to" soak-in "the impact Jose' and McAllister were having on me - I became them and their feelings were my feelings. Awesome reading experience.

A wonderful epic read beautifully by James Drury. I give it 5 stars, it is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read (or listened to). However I am having some difficulty with the sadness of the story. I thought it was a little too tragic for my taste.

I read for pleasure and escape, and I like to be happy when its over. This is why I have read most all of Louis Lamour, some at least twice. There is good and bad, and good always wins in the end. Everyone lives happily ever after.

This is my first Jonas Kirby book. I probably won't be able to stay away from the rest, this one was so moving.

A sculptor taps away at a rock and reveals the body he finds beneath the stone. A painter looks at a blank canvas and sees images coming to life at the discretionary wave of his hand. It is the essence of the artist that we are left to interpret as we often see little of the toil that brought the piece to life. However, sometimes, we look upon an artistic rendering and know the artist suffered, or enjoyed, or was fulfilled by the work; and we get to see the secret innermost reaches of his soul. It speaks to us because it was so very real and important to him. And in that moment when that common thread is found, we smile and say, "I understand what he meant." Now the inverse of that would be the artist that looked at his audience and said, "I understand what they want." This book, like all those of Jonas, gives the lover of the West just that. This man ushers his readers into a time machine and brings the west alive in a way that no writer, in my experience, previously has done. Zane Gray and Louis L'Amour will always be the standards to which this writer is compared as people will find it hard to step out of the genre. But I challenge the reader to compare Jonas' work to the pieces completed by Hemingway at this stage of his career, even Kipling, or Yeats. There is a poetry and fluidity to this young man's style that happens to be portrayed in the west but should be respected on any level of writing quality. You see, PASSION, in all things, is what separates those from the common soldiers that allow the momentum of mediocrity to rule their lives. Jonas speaks volumes of heart and soul in "Eagle" because the voice he has found rings true and with a commitment to accuracy. Much like a proud man would protect his family heritage, Jonas takes the responsibility of "story teller" to the highest degree. "Death of an Eagle" is a must read. It's portrayals of accuracy, kinship, loyalty and heart are merely the superficial assets of the "piece". Lying below the sculptor's rendering, surrounded by stone, beats a heart, available to all and proudly offered by this great author.

It was great to see James Drury's name again. There are still some of us fans left, I guess. He's definitely teling the truth too. I read Death of an Eagle, and it is great from the first page on. How can anyone write such a good story? There is a bear attack from a huge grizzly bear right away, and the main character fights that bear heroically. It was so much like I was fighting it. You can't believe the depth of these characters and how close you get to them. You don't want to let them go. Bring back more of these people, Kirby Jonas! Bless you for writing a book I can read to my eight-year-old or loan to my mom. We've needed a good clean western writer since Louis L'Amour died, and now I've found one better!

The Great Books played a significant role in my early education process and I have always placed considerable value in what they represent. Over the many years I managed to get separated from my original set. I've recently replaced them and was quickly reminded of their importance. I'm truly looking forward to re-familiarizing myself with them during this stage of my life.

Henry W. Kappel

I had heard of the Great Books Project some time ago but had never actually had a chance to see these translations until this past semester at my school library. They were located on the top floor right next to the bathroom so I sort stumbled into them by accident one night. After sifting through a few of these I can't say that I was anything other than supremely disapointed. It was a noble attempt on Adler's part but it just didn't pan out for a number of reasons.

I'm not one of these diversity crackpots and I personally think schools that use this collection (albeit losely) as a foundation for their curriculum (St. John's in Annapolis particularly) are vastly more rigorous, comprehensive, and rewarding than those of practically every other American University. Four years of science, three of mathematics, three of intensive Greek and French, weekly seminars in Western Literature and Philosophy. It's no wonder that this environment produces among the highest acceptance rates into top professional and graduate programs in the country.

However, as I mentioned before these schools use Adler's collection as more of a suggestion than anything else mostly because this hodgepodge of some 37,000 poorly translated and at times even obsolete pages of loseleaf paper couldn't possibly offer the coherence required of a college program.

To be fair though this was not Adler's intention with this collection. Still, one is left wondering what exactly Adler's intention was with all of this. One would assume that the intention was to get these books into as many homes and minds as possible. That's a great idea in principle but if folks aren't interest in reading these books individually what would lead you to believe that assembling them in one giant mass makes them more intriguing? Certainly he couldn't have done this to make the books more affordable ($1000+)...oh dear God, I believe he did.

I found the translations to be cumbersome, utterly oblivious to the language of the author's time and location, and unnecessarily small in size. Oh and the paper is of extremely low quality as well at least in the series I read out of.

These are all problems but what I find most unfortunate is the lack of coherence to the whole thing. First off, WHERE are the history books? Aside from the two big Greeks there are absolutely none to be found in the entire collection. Tens of thousands of pages with no history whatsoever to put any of into context for the young reader who I'll assume is the target audience of this collection.

Secondly, I support the attempt to expose the general public to the beauty of mathematics and especially science. But seriously, is there any point in adding something like Newton's Principia to this collection other than to show off? Really, what percentage of the population can make sense of a book like that? Cambridge prints short introductory texts to dozens of subjects in the sciences that are more relavent to that 99.99% of the population that doesn't have an advanced degree in Physics of Mathematics. Next.

Third, if you're selecting works based on influence then how do people like Kierkegaard, Marx and Nietzsche only get one of work apeice included whereas folks like Chaucer, Pascal and Ibsen get numerous selections? How can it be that Pascal has had more influence than a man whose philosophy spawned worldwide panic, violence and revolution for most of the 20th Century?

Finally, if you're going to try and produce a comprehensive collection of the Greatest the Western World has produced why not select each authors most notable contributions to that legacy. Nobody remembers Thomas Mann for "Death and Venice." Nobody remembers Joyce for "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."

But then again I could be wrong. Regardless, I am still going to give this book 4 stars for fighting the good fight against relativism, multiculturalism and the general degeneration of the human race.

Bid a new set from ebay and it arrived in two boxes. It has great contents, but:

1) The books are small in dimension, so print is small and not easy to read.

2) The paper is thin.

3) Need more pictures.

4) Some volumes are quite thin. It will be better either adding more contents, or combine volumes to make the whole set more manageable.

5) The set is listed at $1,195, which translates to about $20 per volume. Judging from the quality of the book, printing quality should be no more than $5 per volume. They should reduce price to make it more accessible.

When I was 16, my father bought me a set of the Great Books. They changed my life. Tocqueville, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, et al.

They teach compassion, reason, understanding, social responsibility, and every other conceivable virtue.

These books are worth their weight in Gold. You can find most, if not all, of these writings for free on the internet since there is no copyright anymore; however, if you are looking for physical books then this is the way to go. Very well made and if you go to the Britannica website you may a good deal or at least a payment plan for the hefty price.

This is an inspiring and practical book with exercises to live lovingly in the world.

The contribution of Delai Lama's writing's in this century may give the world a significant change as it struggles in material pleasures of life. May his message of love and peace win over human suffering and bring about a positive change in people.

Author of "A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems"
Editor of "The Blue Fog Journal"
Rohitash Chandra

Like a few other reviewers, I am in the beginning stages of my practice of Buddhism, and I have struggled with some of the concepts I have read about from other authors, lamas, and practitioners. However, when I read this book by the Dalai Lama, the veil was lifted from my eyes and I literally felt the sudden rush of understanding. Never have I meditated on a topic so deep and full of mystery and felt that it had been explained so thoroughly and with such clarity.

The pages just fly by as you get lost in your own thoughts - your world will be literally turned upside down as you proceed through the chapters. This book will have you thinking long after completion and will allow you to experience your life through completely different (and more compassionate and understanding) eyes.

Highly recommended for experienced practitioners, as well as beginners like me who wish to grasp an extremely deep and insightful concept that will not be explained with better clarity.

This was a wonderfully insightful book that challenges you to take a hard look at the "true you". It makes you think on the choices you have made in life, and where you want to go from where you are now. I found this book very enlightening and found great peace in it's reading. I learned many things about myself that I feel have made me want to be a better person, and I believe it has helped put me on that path. I recommend this title to anyone looking for self awareness.

As a beginner in Buddhism, this was the first Buddhist book that I read. Before reading this, I had heard of many ways of Buddhist thought through small online writings, but His Holiness' 'How to See Yourself As You Really Are' truly helped me to gain a more meaningful understanding of impermanence, dependent arising, and compassion.
I suggest anyone new to Buddhism and still confused read this book.
Also, I'm currently reading His Holiness' 'The Way to Freedom' and I feel as if It's the perfect thing to read along with 'How to See Yourself As You Really Are'.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Kishido: The Way of the Western Warrior" by Peter Hobart. The book can be read pretty quickly. It contains 50 short chapters in 161 pages and then includes a short Glossary of Japanese terms used in the book as well. While the chapters are short, the contain some very important lessons.

The book is a series of lessons that Hobart's martial art master passed to his students while not only teaching martial arts, but teaching virtues embedded in all traditional martial ways. The instructor taught through example that conduct is just as important as ability. He exemplified integrity, dignity, courtesy, chivalry, truth, trust, benevolence, and wisdom. He passed these lessons to his students, and now Hobart has written them down so the reader can blend the philosophical and spiritual concepts found in martial arts with the physical and technical training of their specific art.

The lessons include:

Part I: Foundation

1. Kishido The Way of the Western Warrior
2. Bumon Lineage
3. Shoshin An Open Mind
4. Junshin A Pure Heart
5. Fudoshin A Determined Spirit
6. Ihtaram A Civil Code
7. Enkyoku The Winding Way
8. Ganshiki Insight
9. Discretio Mater Virtutis Restraint
10. Noblesse Oblige Obligation

Part II: Range

1. Bangei Versatility
2. Bunbuichi Sword and Brush
3. Bokuden, Ima Anachronism?
4. Koji The Master Texts
5. Nihongo The Lingua Franca
6. Shika, Doka, Renga Expression
7. Heiho Strategy
8. Koan Mumonkan
9. Kanpo Healing
10. Garyotensei The Eyes of the Dragon

Part III: Strategy

1. Yohei Mercenaries and Merchants
2. Gi Right Decision
3. Yu Bravery
4. Jin Benevolence
5. Rei Right Action
6. Makoto Truth
7. Meiyo A Matter of Honor
8. Chugi Loyalty
9. Ichigo, Ichie The Power of One
10. Hanare Time to Let Go

Part IV: Harmony

1. The Dao Interconnectedness
2. Docere Versus Ducere Instructors and Educators
3. Primum Est Non Nocere First Do No Harm
4. Chaqun A Son Gout Horses for Courses
5. Shojin Demagogues and Curmudgeons
6. Stare Decisis Tradition
7. Girei Professional Courtesy
8. Kiki Opportunity
9. Kouhei No One is Above the Law
10. Tatsutoriatowonigosazu Leave Things a Little Better Than You Found Them

Part V: Void

1. Kotan Elegant Simplicity
2. Heisei Serenity
3. Fuga Refinement
4. Enryo Reserve
5. Panache A White Plume
6. Gyakute The Unexpected
7. Hokosaki Advance and Be Recognized!
8. Okunote The Other Hand
9. Matsunen The Final Days
10. Renzoku Passing the Torch


As you can see, there are quite a few topics with quite a range of lessons. I think some of the most important are illustrated in the final chapter, those of gi, yu, jin, rei, makoto, meiyo, and chugi; or Right Decision, Bravery, Benevolence, Right Action, Truth, Honor, and Loyalty.

The book is full of stories and examples of how the master not only taught the lessons, but lived them as well. I'll say again, you can read through this book quite quickly, but it will mean more if you savor each lesson and look to see if you are applying it to your own life. I know I related many of the lessons to teachings that I've had from my instructors and I looked for ways that I could better live by the code outlined in this book to make me a better teacher as well. I hope to be an example of these traits to my students also, and I truly believe if you are going to teach someone skills that can hurt or kill someone, you must also instill the positive character traits so that person will only use those skills if necessary and will never misuse the teachings.

I highly recommend this book. I believe the teachings Hobart has shared from the wise master will enhance your own martial art journey.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

This collection of short stories is very philosophical and eclectic spanning a wide range of topics that all have to do with personal growth. The story Ihtaram: A Civil Code takes place takes decades ago on the Arabian Peninsula. The author incorporates Bushido principles as he tells of a good host allowing a murder to happen rather than violate the code of hospitality. The point of this extreme story is to show that the host chose to find resolution by working within the mandated code. I don't exactly agree with this viewpoint but the story was intriguing. I also loved the calligraphy and the quotations.

....ask those who have gone before. Sometimes, I struggle to blend eastern thought with everyday western living. Peter Hobart helps by taking years of experience and distilling it down to an essence over a few pages. Pick out either an idea or concept listed, and gain a new thought (or revisit an old one semi forgotten) to work on. Not just for the martial artist, also for those who wish to live, rather then exist.
The chapters may be thin, so what?! Never say in 300 words what can be said in 30.So, if you are wanting to stetch your mind, or just want a degree of clarity in everyday living, then perhaps this is the book for you.

A very readable series of essays on the philosophy behind the martial way. I'm reading it again as a guide for teaching design in an art school.

Kishido: The Way of the Western Warrior
I've been studying martial arts for over 35 years (karate, aikido, iaido, and tai chi), and I'm also an amateur historian. Along the Way I've read a good deal (in translation largely) about budo and the historical contexts in which it evolved.

Recently I went in search of books to give as gifts to some of my students, and largely based on reviews at Amazon I picked 'Kishido'. However, to assure that it was 'worthy' for my purposes, I read it before presenting it. I could barely put this book down until I finished it. I've found little else that I've read that has touched me so profoundly and captured the essence of the martial arts, including autobiographies of the masters of the past century.

Not only did I present this to my students, I've now shared it with my peers and teachers, as well as added it to my library. This is one book I'll read more than once, and I highly recommend it to anyone who shares my love of budo.

Will really lets you know how he feels (which I personally echo) about the treatment of the Vets by the general media and the leftist protesters during the opening pages of the book. The novel itself is a great tale that is very well told and hard to put down. The story is written in the language of the military, I really enjoyed reading it and could readily relate to (myself, also a retired E-8 but not a Viet Nam vet). There's an excellent glossary for non-vet types that makes clear reference of all the military terms in the book.

Just finished "Of Silent Parades" by Will Graley. Great book that brings back memories for us that were in Vietnam in one role or another. Great first book. I'm eagerly awating his next.

I am 34 years old and have never heard of the "Paris Peace Accords" until I read this book! I'm glad I read it! I learned and appreciate the truth!

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ga. and familiar with Ft. Benning, Ga. and reading this book brought back fond memories! This book was about the end of Vietnam and a soldiers story of a group of people who stuck together through thick and thin! No matter what! The idea of people like that fighting for me and my country...yes I'm very proud to be an American! Would make a great movie! Thank you Mr. Graley

"OF SILENT PARADES" published by Trafford Publishing, a publisher who has the fortitude to bring forth truth, has educated me and my generation that Vietnam Veterans never retreated to the beaches in shame as some quote "historians" unquote would have history to record.
Christine Castillo
Colorado Springs, CO

spent a pleasant afternoon reading , about 5 hrs from start to finish. time just flew by as I got caught up in the characters and decriptions of war. would recommend it to all of my friends.

This romance is a great stand alone story! The characters are well-rounded and the turns of phrase are amazing!

It also introduces you to all of the people who arein the Grea Brain series as well.

Excellent book I will read to my children.

I read the Great Brain series as a kid, and continue to re-read them as an adult. Recently I discovered "Papa Married a Momon" and was not disappointed by Fitzgerald's story telling. But after doing a little online research I was disappointed to find that it is only very loosley based on his life in Utah (i.e. Fitzgerald was born in 1906 and the stories take place in the 1880s-1890s and papa lived until 1937). But I would highly recommend the book, especially if you enjoyed the adventures as told in the great brain series.

This wonderful book is a perfect mix of the Little House on the Prarie and Great Brain books. What I found the most interesting was the equal treatment of Mormons, Catholics, Methodists, and even Agnostics in frontier Utah. In fact, there are both good and bad examples of each. The overall religious message of the book is that "all religions are but windows in the same church letting in the light of God," which stresses the ideas of tolerance, love, and respect for all people irregardless of their religious beliefs. I highly recommend this book for all people who are fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and John D. Fitzgerald or even pioneer life and Utah history. Although it's out of print, you can probably find a copy in your local library. For 300 pages, it's a quick read. I have to warn you, though, it'll make you cry in the end. Even I teared up a bit, and I very rarely get emotionally involved in books. I also laughed out loud a few times, too. This book is really special.

I have loved every book by John D. Fitzgerald that I was able to get my hands on. All of his books are wonderful but perhaps the best one is Papa Married a Morman. The true story of the Fitzgerald family is uplifting, powerful, and very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to any one who loves history and who loves a good story. The other two books in this serious, Mama's Boarding House, which takes place after Papa Married a Morman, and Uncle Will and the Fitzgerald Curse, which tells the story of Uncle Will from childhood up until the time of the end of silverlode, are also great to read.

I found this book at a swap meet--took it home more from the quirky title then anything...and I discovered my favorite book! The story is an easy & non-demanding read with pictures of the family--your unable to set it down! I once lent this book to my Mom, she in turn lent, and so on. The book was returned to me 2 years later, and had visited over 25 homes!! I know of no other book that has had that wide of an appeal, regardless of religious background...a DEFINATE must have!

Rick Steves is a total nut job wacko (I met him once in one of his recommended hotels in Paris!), but this is hands down the greatest travel advise I can possibly imagine. The Rick Steves style of travel is not for everyone (my mother-in-law for example) but by using the advise in this book, most people should have a fabulous European vacation.

This book is filled with great advise to successfully plan and enjoy a trip to Europe without the fuss of an organized bus tour. Meet locals, enjoy great food, and stay at charming little hotels on a suprisingly inexpensive budget.

This is a must read for anyone who is even thinking about traveling overseas independently. Going to Europe independently (either solo, as a couple, or small group) is by far the best way to see Europe in all its pretentious, snobbish, dirty, crowded, smokey, rude, elitist, and hyprocritical, yet beautiful, fun, friendly, historic, great-tasting, exciting, and romantic charm.

**NOTE** This not a travel guide with suggested hotels, restaurants, etc. but rather a travel skills handbooks; how to find a hotel room, make your way around a European train station, or order a meal at a "No English spoken" restaurant. His series of guide books dedicated to individual countries are also worth checking out has yet to steer us wrong on three trips around Europe.

I love this book. What else it there to say. I refer to this book ALL THE TIME. I was living in the UK and planned a few trips to the continent, and this book was invaluable. From desitnation suggestions, to places to stay, as well as advice, and little secret tidbits. I love it. Anyone traveling to Europe needs to buy a copy of this book!

I have used Rick Steves' books for over 6 years in varying capacities, and if you read them with the idea in mind that he is first and foremost a teacher, you can get more out of these books. They are definitely helpful to those who find travel abroad intimidating at first, and after giving it a go, will follow his travel pedagogy and break out on their own path, looking for their own back doors. While he does 'reveal' some well-known (to Europeans) 'back doors', they are places that do offer a different aspect of Europe than the popular destinations.

I bought this book in preparation for my first trip to Europe last summer. Two of us were going to be traveling around Europe for approximately three weeks.

We're students so we were clearly on a budget but not incredibly limited.

This book was a God send! I used it to structure my budget, itinerary, everything. While I can't discount the help of online resources (particularly http://www.guideforeurope.com) I couldn't have planned the trip without this book.

I recommend this book to people planning a first trip to Europe or a first independent trip to Europe. Now as a caveat I think you should use parts of this book but not treat it like a Bible. It's a starting point and then the rest of up to you - but as a starting point it is fantastic!

In addition to this book I highly recommend Rick Steves Best of Europe book. His entire series is just fantastic -- if you use these books your trip will turn out incredible and you'll be a pro at planning!

I must admit, Rick Steves knows what he's talking about when it comes to travelling through Europe. I backpacked through four countries in Western Europe this summer and I followed much of the advice contained within this book in my preparation and travels. I encountered no problems in my travels, but it still felt good to be better prepared than not. As far as the back door adventures . . . well I didn't get to any of them. I stayed in the large cities and the "touristy" spots of Europe, but the information and advice within this book is beneficial to anyone, regardless of where they're going. The only thing I didn't do that Steves recommended is to leave the book in the hostel for the next traveler. I'm going to keep this book and use it the next time I prepare to fly off to Europe for awhile.

Very well done. We enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did an excellent job of making the story come alive.

The book Doesn't lack for action and it is a well written book. The one thing they could of done to make it better than it is. Was have men or a man do the male readings for the book. Miss Rose did a very good job with the female parts but was lacking when it came to the male parts in the book.

This one is, in my opinion, probably the weakest Sackett story so far. I admitt I am new to Louis Lamour (relatively). I have read 9 of his books so far and I enjoy them very much and continue to read more. The Sackett series are a special lot but I was not overly excited about this particular one. It is worth reading, I guess, like any other Louis Lamour, but I would put this one off because there are many more exciting ones than this.
Still a Lamour fan

Louis L'Amour writes like a girl, and when he's telling the story of 16-year-old Echo Sackett, that's an excellent thing to do. Echo leaves her mountain home in 1840 to claim an unexpected inheritance in the City of Philadelphia, and the story is principally about her efforts to outwit and outfight the criminals who want to make sure she doesn't get back to the mountains with what is rightfully hers.

Echo, every inch the lady, has spunk and smarts enough to go with the knife she calls her "Arkansas Toothpick." Being a Sackett, she also has a lively sense of her family history. As in most L'Amour books, the Sackett ethos -- help your kin at any cost -- is on full display here. I also enjoyed the book because it includes a free black man and a gallant city boy, not to mention serious villains. Their adventures, and reactions to them, are true to the time and place of which they're part.

It's also worth noting that the moral code that suffuses this book -- the idea that doing good deeds is like scattering bread on the water -- is L'Amour's version of what author Catherine Ryan Hyde would famously call "Pay it Forward" many years later.

In short, on the river or off of it, Echo Sackett is good company, and not just another pretty face. She reminds me of a family friend who ignored the unspoken navy blue dress code to interview for an elementary school teaching job wearing a lime-green skirt and matching Eisenhower jacket. You'll enjoy this story even if you haven't had the good fortune of knowing a young woman of such character.

Echo Sackett is one of the few women mentioned of the family. She is young, but she is a better shot than her brothers. Echo is also a strong female character who still aspires to be ladylike and not masculized.

But she still knows to "expect Higginses" when she finds she is due an inheritance and travels alone to retrieve it. Fortunately, being a woman is an advantage in a world of men who will underestimate her abilities.

I admire L'Amour for writing such a strong, young female character. Girls may become interested in reading westerns after their introduction to Echo Sackett.

I bought six of my favorite childhood books for my great-grandson..."Little Black Sambo", "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", "Henny Penny", "Chicken Little", "The Three Little Kittens", and "Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit". My great-grandie is 2-1/2 and I can't wait to read these wonderful stories to him.

Timely delivery. The book was great. My great grandson loved it.

I bought this book on an impulse, simply based on the brightly colored illustrations and a brief refrain that that appears when you look inside the book. I couldn't be more delighted with this purchase. The book is a wonderful addition to my fairy tale library and my kindergarten kids absolutely LOVE listening to and participating in the retelling of the story, especially the rhyming refrain..... "I'm a troll from a deep dark hole - my belly's getting thinner. I need to eat and goat's a treat - so I'll have you for my dinner!".

PS - I agree: How lame that Amazon has mixed together reviews for all these various versions of "Three Billy Goats Gruff." They are all so different and all by different illustrators and authors!

Anyway, this is a comment about Marcia Brown's 1957 version, which I found to be incredibly gory. Rather than merely knock the troll off the bridge, this billy goat gruff graphically dismembers him, poking out his eyes and reducing him to "bits, body and bones." Yuck! There are other, mellower version out there... This one's not a favorite. (ReadThatAgain!)

Cute book with pictures that keep their attention. My boys walk around all the time saying "who is going over my bridge" in their gruff little troll voice! "Don't eat me... I too little," they say. I am so glad I added this book to our collection.

Very satisfied with product purchased from this seller. Fast delivery, honest description of product per seller and packaging was great. I bought this book for my husband and he enjoyed reading it. Thank you!

"Unfinished Business" by Ralph Heibutzki is a great read and provides great insight into the life of a not-so-well-known American guitarist. I was a fan of Danny Gatton before his untimely death and own 8 CDs by him. After reading Ralph's book, I ordered the other half of Gatton's canon (8 CDs and an instructional DVD) including a live soundboard recording by Evan Johns from the period when Danny was playing with Evan.

As I was one that always wondered what would cause a "normal" guy like Danny to take his life, on the heels of Roy Buchanan taking his own life, the book provided much insight into those dark days. It also provided insight into his glory days, his love of classic cars, and his struggles with the music industry.

The book was so captivating that I took it everywhere with me. I doing so, many folks inquired about it ... and more people in my town knew of Danny than I ever imagined. One friend was so impressed with my overview of the book, he requested to read it when I finished with it. Because I want to keep my signed copy intact, I'm buying him a copy as a gift.

If you have any interest in Danny Gatton or any interest in an amazing American guitar hero, "Unfinished Business" is his story.

The book reinvigorated my interest in DG. I had a couple cds of his and knew him to be a hot shot guitarist, but never concentrated much focused listening time on his music. Reading the book has gotten me on a DG binge, and I've picked up a few more cds and some live recordings (Fat Boys 1974!) and have listened alot more closely. Before reading this book, I didn't know about his death or anything about any interfamilial squabbles, but the author presented them very even-handedly. I knew Gatton was a well respected and influential guitarist but I was still surprised to read about some of the other musicians who were influenced by or impressed by his music. And being a guitar player myself (big surprise) I feel motivated to try to learn a lick or two of his myself. Thanks for the great book!

As a musician, I was very fortunate to know Danny personally as he played in one of his earliest DC bands with my uncle, Rick Harmel. I recall that he took time to show me a few practice scales almost everytime I ran into him - no matter how busy he appeeared - and he was a warm-hearted, generous guy to the core.

This book balances the abrupt, tragic end of Danny's life with the highs and motivations that made Gatton a player's player. It also spotlights many of the people (like Arlen Roth) that contributed their loyalty and friendship to Danny. Thank you Ralph for a great homage and superb, thorough account of the life of the Master of the Telecaster. A "must read" for all guitarists - and anyone else who enjoys a moving account of an accomplished human being.

The other reviewers have discussed the merits of Danny's playing, so I will mostly stick to extolling the book. Heibutzki talked to just about everybody, and found most if not all of the print material and used this in his thoughtful, comprehensive biography.
As an interviewer, the author got his subjects to open up, and what they say frequently tells as much about themselves as about Danny. As a consequence, the reader gets a sense of the mileau of clubs, studios, band and record label politics, and Washington DC and Southern Maryland music and lifestyle from the 60's to the 90's. A great deal of attention is paid to Danny's interest in cars, and his family life, as well as his early days gigging in various teenage bands and with Liz Meyer & Friends before he became "unfamous".
Also, the book comes with a bibliography and discography, as well as a useful index, showing the author's almost academic thoroughness.