Western Books

A fast paced, gritty western novel in the tradition of the greatest western writers like Max Brand, Zane Grey, and Louis L'Amour. Historically factual depiction of the old west with accurate details of the weapons, dress, and characters of the time.

Book was just what I expected. Son loved it for Christms. Seller was reliable and shipped quickly.

I found Trail Hand to be a very enjoyable read. R.W. Stone is a gifted author. He is somewhat of a cross between Louis L'Amour and Elmer Kelton. While the story moves a little slowly in the beginning and occasionally the author delves a little too deeply into the arcane area of veterinary science and firearms, I can fully recommend the book. I am looking forward to reading his next book.

I've been disappointed by a lot of the westerns I've been reading lately. Not enough action, too much revisionist history... but then I read Trail Hand. It's one of the first westerns in a long time that actually kept me engaged in story. They action was great. the history felt authentic. If you are looking for a true western tale, this book is definitely worth a read.

R.W. Stone has produced a first person western adventure that reminded me a lot of Louis L'Amour and E. Leonard. It's sort of a throw back to the older style westerns. It is refereshing to read a classic style western rather than some of the newer revisionist books that are more about unnecessary violence and negativity. Trail Hand is about honor, loyalty and determination. It also seemed historically accurate and had the occasional sense of humor often seen in John Ford westerns.
The hero of Trail Hand is a loner who hires on to guide a herd of horses to California for a Mexican rancher. When the herd is rustled across the border by other "gringos" the Mexicans falsely blame him. In order to clear his name he must go after these murderous rustlers without getting caught by the posse of angry vaqueros bent on lynching him. A truly great read.

I'm not much into westerns, but I sure liked this one!

This is rapid-paced action. With each event, Trimble paints the stage thoroughly, but he knows you are anxious for the story and so gets through it quickly. There is violence and brutality, necessary for the plot, but he doesn't dwell on it. It's presented, you know about it, and then he quickly moves on. I appreciated that.

I got so involved with the characters, I couldn't resist a peek at the last couple of pages very early on. Breathing a sigh of relief at the outcome, I could go back and finish the book leisurely. Not really "leisurely" though, because it was so hard to put down.

Richard Trimble's Trail of the Wolf is a good read with an important message between the covers.

The book is set in the old Southwest, with a set of very believable characters, good, bad, and all varieties in between. The author has clearly done his homework on the geography, customs, and language.

I won't give too much away, but the substance of the book is an exploration of a what if: What if a town in the New Mexico Territory had fallen for one of the great public policy delusions of contemporary America? The consequences are disaster. Trimble's working out of the ramifications are exciting, well-hewn, and illuminating.

I hope the author has more books like this one in him.

Westerns have never been my thing - I can take them or leave them. This one was hard to put down. I became involved with the characters and stayed on the trail with Blackie. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!!!! I can't wait for another book by this author.

If you like westerns, "Trail of the Wolf" is a refreshing new look at what the west was really like. It is written in a style that does not follow the same old worn-out western formula. In fact, it is more than a western. Action, adventure, human nature, are all in this book. The author paints such a realistic picture of the late 1870's west; it's like he was an eyewitness to the events portrayed in the book.

The story is set in the New Mexico Territory in 1878, in the quite little town of Gold Creek. There is a cause and effect to all our actions. What happens when the residents get complacent about their lives brings to light what can happen in any age, not just "the Wild West".

This is a story that is as fresh as this morning's newspaper. I couldn't put it down until I finished. There are very few books today that I can say that about. If you want a book that will hold your interest, entertain, and give you an insight into human nature, this is a book you should not pass up. A great read.

This is the first western novel that I have ever read, but if Dick writes another one, I will surely read it. ... and this was a real treat. The characters become so real, and the suspense is dynamic. I am very familiar with the territory described in the book, and again, it is very realistic.

This is a great book for teaching U.S. History classes, using it as a reference for teaching, or just for reading.

I will try to avoid getting involved in the heated debate that the two previous reviewers wrapped themselves in. Instead I will focus my attention on giving my opinion pertaining to the quality of Ian Shapiro's work. The book itself is laid out beautifully. As a poli-sci student it is a blessing to have such a well laid out book to use in my studies. The choice of font only serves to amplify the intensity of Locke's ideas. Ideas that inevitably shaped the society we live in today. If you are studying the works of this man, or just reading for leisure don't hesitate to read this version, you will not be disappointed.

I'm no genius. A pedant, perhaps, and an arrogant jerk, but not a guy with the kind of education it seems other reviewers have. I can't tell you who Locke's friends were or what his political connections were, either. I have some vague notion that Locke's and Mill's ideas influenced the philisophical basis of the American founding documents, but I'm just a soldier who sometimes likes to bite off more than he can chew--I wan't to know the stuff them smart people do, and don't see any reason I shouldn't!

So if you're like me, let me encourage you to get this book. Your friends will almost certainly call you a nerd (after all, who reads 17th century political philosophy for FUN?), and it'll take a few pages to cut your teeth on the language, but after you get going, this book is a breeze. I can't tell you the philisophical doctrines nor their framework in several distinct points, but I can tell you this: the language, to one of average education, was a little hard to wrap my brain around, but what worked for me was just to set a pace and trudge through it without getting hung up on the one sentence that twisted my mind into a pretzel. After a few pages (maybe 10 or 15) I found that my brain was correcting for the nature of the wording, and for the rest of the book, I swear, I understood what was going on through the second treatise and the Letter, too.

After I got going, I was all highlighters and folded corners, but it had too many profound and simple statements to save them all in my head. If you're even vaguely political, this book will make points as absolutely applicable to today's world politics as it did to those of the bygone time. It applies from everything from the crazy long haired hippie communist democrats to the crazy power-mad Neocons, but it'll make you wish with all your heart that both ruling parties of American Government would give it a quick read over the recess.

Anyhow, I rate this work as 4 stars out of 5. Mostly that's because I have absolutely nothing to compare it against, and am therefore hesitant to give it 5 stars, because it's the first political philosophy I've ever read. But dammit, it seems like a pretty good one to me. Just don't let it scare you off, you don't need to be a genious to understand this. Let's even the playing field between us regular people and the academic jerks (love you guys, really, just making a point) that like to write reviews even Locke wouldn't understand :) This stuff is great, and it's great for even those who, like me, are only moderately intelligent readers.

John Locke died nearly ninety years before the constitution was written. The likes of Jefferson and Hamilton referenced this book in their respective endeavors to frame our constitution and sunbsequent government.

John Locke (1632-1704) wrote "Second Treatise of Government" in 1690, it was the main political philosophical source that our "Founding Fathers" went to in writing the "Declaration of Independence" and in forming our government. I think you should know something of Locke to understand what influenced his thinking. His father was a small landowner, attorney, Puritan and his political sympathies were with the Cromwell Parliament. Like Hobbes, Locke attended Oxford Univ. and did not think much about the curriculum or his professors. Most of his education came from reading books in the Univ. library. Renee Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton's writings greatly influenced Locke. Like Hobbes, he took a tutoring job teaching the son of the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, and traveled Europe. His friendship with the Earl was beneficial in obtaining government appointments. During the political unrest in England, (1679-83) he fled to Holland because his liberal notions put him at odds with the government.

Locke writes the "Second Treatise of Government" to justify the Revolt of 1688 and the ascension of William of Orange to the English throne. The book argues against two lines of absolutist ideas. The first is Sir Robert Filmer's "patriarchal theory of divine right of kings; secondly, Hobbes argument for the sovereign's absolute power in his book "Leviathan." Locke argues that government emanates from the people. Locke's treatise rests like other political writings on its interpretation of human nature. He sees our nature opposite the way Hobbes did, decent and not as selfish or competitive. Man is more inclined to join society through reason and not fear. Man prefers stability to change.

His very important contribution to "law of nature" theory was his bias toward individualism. In state of nature, before government, men were free independent, equal enjoying inalienable rights "chief among them being life, liberty, and property." Where have you read that before? Property rights receive much attention in this treatise. Locke argues that government based on consent of man can still preserve freedom independence and equality.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influenced our founding fathers in their struggle against tyranny. He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen. As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must read Locke's "Second Treatise of Government"

This is a must have for anyone involved with venomous reptiles species, whether it be in the private or professional areas of herpetology. Despite the high price, it is well worth it. This 2 volume set will be a great resource for me in my profession.

Very informative. A must for herp students/amateur and pro keepers

The best herpetology book series ever written. Extensive information on species, potency, treatment, and even localities. You will not need any other books until new editions are released. Hundreds of amazing photographs. Up to 15-20 per species.

This is a damn fine book(s)! The VRWH is an updated and expanded version of the out-of-print 1989 classic The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America. Expanded because it now includes all of North America; that's half the planet! If you can find a copy of the older version it will run you several hundred dollars, making this new version a bargain. I have never met Dr. Campbell but I have been fortunate enough to have spent time with Lamar in tropical forests on a couple of trips. Aside from their professorships Lamar also does field and consulting work with film crews and leads ecotours for his company Greentracks. My limited experience indicates that Lamar is truly a jungle character and an excellent field biologist. Campbell's career is quite extensive with both of these men racking up decades of herp work.

Venomous reptiles do not make up a single taxonomic group of reptiles but instead are a fascinating mix of lizards and snakes that follow the same evolutionary path of using venoms and toxins in self-defense and food capture. Venomous reptiles, snakes in particular, are frequently discussed distinctly due to their import in human fears and interactions. The main topics of this treatise are the world's two venomous lizard species, the coral snakes, and the pit vipers. We get keys to the venomous reptiles of Canada and North America, in both English and Spanish, as well as tables of geographic distribution by species and distribution by vegetation types. This format continues for Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands, and South America all by individual countries.

Volume 1 continues with the taxon accounts beginning with the Helodermids. The only poisonous lizards, the famous Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard, are introduced by their original type descriptions and relevant natural history quotes from the world's literature. We then get an historical background of etymology and research, which leads us into the known natural history of the animals.

This format continues with the coral snakes in 3 genera and more than 70 described species. This chapter opens with numerous tables and figures to assist in identifying and distinguishing the various and similar species. Only a fool would rely on the old dictum, "Red touch yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touch black, it's ok Jack". There is a huge amount of natural history information including Spanish, local, and common names of the snakes. Just about everything relating to these snakes is mentioned, from habitat preference, feeding, breeding, physiology, and toxicology are discussed. There are distribution maps, scale patterns, line drawings, and black & white photos all illustrating important taxonomic traits.

The taxonomically more challenging pitvipers are then discussed. Campbell and Lamar currently recognize 12 genera with 111 described species. As all things taxonomic this recognition is in a constant state of flux as new information and data become available. There is a surprisingly open discussion to potential problems with the phylogenetic placement of these groups but there needs to be a baseline from which to work from and this current arrangement seems most valid. In fact this type of debate and historical placement and naming of groups is one of my favorite aspects of this book. As an amateur herper I only delve into these groups on occasion. Campbell and Lamar's discussions allow me to play catch-up on current taxonomic argument and naming without having to track down the myriad of published papers swaying favor back and forth.

Volume 2 begins with the rattlesnakes and closing with a number of non-venomous mimics as well as some less dangerously venomous snakes found in other families. Following are chapters on venomous snake mimicry, New World venomous snake evolution, and venom poisoning, toxinology, and symptomology contributed by various authors.

I don't have much in the way of critique for this book other to say that it seems apparent that this was written for a specific audience and that audience being biologists or fairly well versed dedicated amateurs. For example, the chapter on the lizards tells us there are 2 venomous species but does not immediately introduce them as Heloderma suspectum and H. horridum nor does it initially correlate the common names of Gila monster and beaded lizard, respectively. The introduction to these lizards details the generic distribution and speaks of their range overlap using common names and throughout the generic introduction there is alternating use of the common names and scientific names. Granted most herpetologists are familiar enough with these lizards to recognize what the authors are speaking of but neophytes may have difficulty distinguishing to which species they are referring too without flipping pages ahead to clear themselves.

The chapter on coral snakes mentions the important patterns of rings called monads and triads without fully explaining them. The glossary helps but without diagrams these definitions are fuzzy. Are these criticisms oversights or assumptions that the reader is already knowledgeable? I suspect the latter as the text is concise and well written.

Like the previous edition this one is sure to become a classic. Even though this text was finally released in April I have read several scientific journal articles citing this book. That should be ample testament to its research potential. The photos are wonderful and highly descriptive as well as artistic. One look at the covers, Volume 1 with my personal favorite coral snake Micrurus langsdorffi and Volume 2 with the awesome bushmaster Lachesis stenophrys, are enough to elicit excitement. And does Lamar look ever so distinguished in his author photo. As most of these scientific texts have limited marketing potential they are usually limited to first run prints of limited editions. If that is the case with this one, don't miss your chance to pick up a copy. At $150 it's a bargain. You'll kick yourself when you're later trying to chase down a used copy at twice that price. Did I mention the literature cited section is 100 pages?!

What can be said about this beautiful set of books that hasn't been said...it is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting amateur or professional herpetologist! These books go into great deal regarding the biology and evolution of New World venomous reptiles. There are well over 1000 full color plates, along with detailed descriptions of each of the over 200 venomous reptile species in the Western Hemisphere. Do yourself a favor and pick these up! Well worth every penny.

I really enjoyed this book and agree with many of the other reviews- it was a well-written look into the Western Mysteries, and divides its time equally between the shaman path and the magus. What I really liked was that the author's emphasized that shamanistic traditions are not inferior to the "high magic" branches of western tradition: this distinction is key in actually fully understanding the traditions. Overall and in-depth and enjoyable read with some useful exercises as well!

I first read this many years ago under its previous title THE WESTERN WAY. This wonderful book, written by two who have travelled the path deeply, gave voice and clarity to my own vague spiritual yearning, and helped me begin a rich and rewarding journey of my own. I, and many in the West, have looked eastward to find a spirituality perceived lacking in the West. Yet, a beautiful, rich and coherent spirituality does indeed exist in Western culture. This book brought me home again, and stirred the analeptic memory of my soul.

Poetic, scholarly and practical, this book offers many rich and engaging practica for exploration, none of which are terribly difficult. However, approach them with respect; do not underestimate the power of these exercises to open the inner mind and heart.

This is one of the most comprehensive & thorough books I've ever read in the realm of alternative spirituality. It gives an excellent overview of all the main topics in both native/Pagan/earth-centered practice and alchemical/Hermetic/celestial practice. However, it took me almost 2 years to get through the whole book, as it is written very intelligently and requires much reflection to truly digest. Definitely not a Llewellyn-fluff book (although those have their place)! You will need to invest serious thought and time to fully understand & incorporate this book's concepts into your life. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it as one of your first alternative spirituality books; come back to it when you have studied awhile first. It will help answer your questions & fill in the gaps of earlier teachings. My favorite part are the Practices, which are like guided meditations that help bring the sometimes dry text to vibrant life.

It's impossible for me to know where to start with a book this dense. Even with all my years studying shamanism, Witchcraft, magic, and world religions, this book had lots of information that either elobrated on things only touched upon in other sources or explained things no other text ever tried to do. I knew I'd love the shaman section, but the magi section is where I learned a lot about paradigms I don't always agree with, but ought to know to be well rounded. As someone with no Christian background, I found the sections of early Christianity's involvement with mysticism fascinating. It helps if you have already read dozens of books on the history and practice of shamanism and magic so that the sheer volume of information doesn't overwhelm you. This is the rare book I can actually say advanced workers of magic in the Western Tradition can enjoy.

For those who have been searching for years for a copy of Caitlin and John Matthews' "The Western Way", omnibus edition, which was the compilation of the two prior western tradition magical works "The Native Tradition" and "The Hermetic Tradition", here is their definitive work revised, rewritten, and updated. The Matthews stand as two of the premier writers and practitioners of Western Tradition magic and native "shamanic" modalities, within a Celtic framework. Along with serious Western Tradition practitioners and writers such as Gareth Knight, who wrote the forward for their original works, and R. J. Stewart, who collaborated with John Matthews on quite a number of books, the Matthews have written an intriguing manual for practitioners, leading you on a journey to the Otherworlds, and leading you back safely.

As a shamanic practitioner trained in the Harner method, as well as a Druid with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, I can assure you that the practical principles Caitlin and John Matthews instruct in this tome are well worth the time, energy, and effort of those serious about magical and shamanic work. "A rose of the West should not seek to bloom like a lotus of the East", as the pioneers of formalizing Western Tradition have said, referring of course to Dion Fortune, Christine Hartley, William Gray, Gareth Knight, Israel Regardie, and others. This is not to disparage Eastern mysticism at all, only indicates that Eastern mysticism and practice is geared for the Eastern mind. Many people of Western cultures study Eastern practices, unaware that within their own Western cultural heritage there exists a lineage of spiritual and mystical traditions that are every bit as effective and enduring as the Eastern traditions.

Drawing from the myths, stories, poetry, ancient writings, and resources, the Matthews provide ample background to substantiate a legacy of Western magical and native traditions left to us by the giants who have gone before us. The Eastern mind and psyche is more attuned to the stillness, the still center, and simply being, while the Western mind and psyche is better engaged in activities and interactions with beings who habitate the many Otherworlds, as well as with our own Higher Self, and with our guardians and guides. These interactions can range from various divination methods, intuition, automatic writing communications, augury, scrying, inspiration, or actual verbal, aural, or thought-exchange interactions with beings. One can access otherworlds and walk therein, at will, with one foot in each world, hence the title of the book.

Considering there are organizations of medical doctors and other health care professionals who are now actively studying and practicing shamanism and shamanic techniques, in the USA and elsewhere, what was once a small and eclectic group of indigenous practitioners around the world has blossomed into thousands of people from all walks of life, called to this type of work and exploration, for whatever reasons. This book by the Matthews, whether one is drawn to Celtic shamanism, traditions, or magic, or not, can only help to enrich one's understanding and experience of shamanism and magic.

The practical exercises that were the hallmark of the earlier books remain, with enriching and updating as needed, but the structure of the prior works remains intact. I kept my omnibus edition of "The Western Way" even though most of it is incorporated within "Walkers Between the Worlds", for sentimental reasons, because it was the first book I ever read that was such a "synchonious" experience for me, one of the "Ah-ha" moments of my life, that I cannot let it go. It served me well when I was called to assist my late mother in crossing over to the Summerlands, and I took her on a journey to the Underworld so that she wouldn't be afraid of passing over, and she found it beautiful. That was prior to the "Walkers Between The Worlds" edition. All the important material and exercises from "The Western Way" were kept in the Walkers Between The Worlds" book.

Gregg Braden, author and speaker, has said that Mayan and other indigenous teachings refer to this time in the world as the time of the "Walkers Between the Worlds", and this has some significance to the year 2012, perhaps as a time of increasing and accelerating Earth vibrations.

This is by far the most readable and enjoyable of the several translations of Lucretius that I have read. Humphries was a poet, and it shows. He has captured the ideas of Lucretius and expressed them in vivid English.

I can only second the opinions presented here. This is great poetry and great philosophy. Lucretius is truly amazing in his presentation of science, much of it the foundations of today's; he was the first and remains the best of popular science writers. The translation is dazzling. For once we are not reading to get an approximation of the original author's intentions, but for sheer excitement. This book should restore faith in the vital interplay of ancient and modern culture and dispel the myth of dualism between art and science.

Lovers of quality literature should be grateful that Rolfe Humphries, finest Latin-English translator to ever live, employed his formidable talents in a translation of the monumental De Rerum Natura. The poem itself is an undisputed masterpiece, a philosophical tour de force that has influenced writers across 2000 years of time, from Vergil to Robert Frost. Yet Lucretius is most often translated into prose, causing De Rerum Natura to be viewed as more philosophy than poetry. Humphries' fine translation not only breathes fresh life into a great work, but also reminds us that, though he was a didactic Epicurean philosopher, Titus Lucretius Carus was, first and foremost, a poet. Apart from reading the Latin, there is no better way to experience De Rerum Natura than through Humphries' rendering.

I ordered this with some trepidation: Lucretius was difficult enough to understand in prose, never mind poetry. It turns out that this translation is the CLEAREST and MOST READABLE Lucretius I have ever seen. Lucretius is an author I read regularly. He has accomnpanied me through my life for years. This is now the translation which I will turn to. This is a book to study, memorize sections from, enjoy, and be dazzled by. I want to thank the author for his evident love for the material to turn out such an excellent translation.

A number of other English translations, in prose or verse, have emerged since this book was first published in 1968. While most have their good points, this one stands out for its clarity, unforced feel, and the sheer beauty of its poetry. (It doesn't hurt that it is reasonably priced!) In this Lucretius, the poet and philosopher are inextricably mixed and cannot be put asunder.

The naturalistic view of a beautiful but cold, and unfeeling universe is limned brilliantly and passionately. The gods appear, but only as a literary conceit, or as a faint concession to the possibility of higher realms of being. We are left "all alone", but not "all afraid". The light of understanding banishes dark terrors: Nothing; no horrors await us in death. Our lives here remain what we make them. Far from leading to nihilism and despair, this knowledge renews our sense of purpose. Play your part well; there is no second act.

I can only hint at the excitement that awaits the interested reader within these pages. If anything written here has failed to convey the pleasure of this book, or has proven off-putting, then I apologize. "Tole et lege!"

The promos for "The West" series on PBS seemed to imply that Ken Burn's following up to his incredible "Civil War" epic would be as good as the Civil War was.

And it was. Burns was able to capture the whole panorama of the history of the West, and left no stone unturned. Here was the saga of the pioneers, the cruelty of the buffalo hunters, the tragedy of the Native Americans, the bravery of Custer - and of Crazy Horse and Chief Joseph, the terrible "die up" where thousands of poor cattle froze to death in the Montana blizzards, and the courage and perserverence of settlers like the Loves. The musical score too was perfect, capturing every dramatic movement, every nuance just right.

And the book too, while perhaps not as comprehensive as Geoffrey Ward's earlier "Civil War" volume, provided the viewer with a superb text and many, never-before-seen illustrations. The reader can sense the drama of the Earps and Wild Bill Hickok, can hope that Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce reach Canada and safety (which they didn't) and feel the heartbreak when Joseph was cruelly denied the return to his homeland. The reader can also cheer for the courtship of the Loves, and almost live the toil, the disappointments, and the determination of that family through the text, the first-hand accounts, and the marvellous illustrations. I found myself getting angry over the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the Mormon scapegoating of the Paiutes; being sickened and almost in tears over the slaughter of the buffalo, and the old Native American woman's tale of how the last buffalo went into Mount Scott, never to return; and in appreciating how Buffalo Bill Cody and Theodore Roosevelt did their level best in trying to save the West that they loved - Cody through the Wild West shows, and Roosevelt through his conservation efforts.

It is all here in Mr. Ward's excellent text, and more. There may be other books on the West, but for the perfect introduction to anyone interested in Western History, or even for the grizzled enthusiast, this book is not only the perfect companion to the series, it is also a perfect coffee table pictorial history of a history and a lifestyle that is all but gone.

This book is well organized and written. It would make a
perfect reference for a class project. There are vivid scenes
from the American West; such as, a majestic portrait of
the legendary Davey Crockett. The Devil's Tower is depicted
in a picturesque Wyoming scene. There are beautiful still
photos of a Snake Priest and Hopi dancer. The author researched
this work thoroughly. It is representative of the early
West. The purchase is recommended as a top rated historical
reference book well-suited for students of all ages and
backgrounds.

The world has known the American West as the wild and untamed land of cowboys and Indians that Hollywood brought along with it's movies. The real story of the West is much more amazing than at first sight. Ward's story is beautifully illustrated with magnificent text that makes it a worthy successor to the movie series. He tells the story through the eyes of those who lived it and that is something very important in the history of the west. Without first hand accounts our knowledge would be vague, but this book captures the essence of all the west had and has to offer: adventure, a beautiful landscape, and a great mysterious past...

As a book based on a PBS documentary, it's a big coffee table affair with plenty of photos (I had the hardcover version). And there are some extraordinary pictures in there - while much of the period of history they're looking at (from November 1528 with a some shipwrecked Spaniards washing ashore on Galveston Island to the early 1900s) was pre-camera, much of it was post. Moreover there are maps, paintings and photos of relatively untouched landscape to illustrate earlier times.

That being said, there's also plenty of text. And being that they've consciously chosen to largely illustrate the time by retelling the stories of extraordinary and/or typical individuals of the times, there are many engaging and fascinating stories. C'mon, the whole interaction between European settlers and the native Americans is chock full of tragedy, adventure and colour - you'd have to work hard to make this sort of content boring (although it's been done). It's a very palatable way of reading history, not getting bogged down in statistics or alternate interpretations. Of course in their selection of material you're definitely getting only one version of events, and the bias, while generally subtle, is unavoidable. But, hey, given that I hardly had any version before, this gave me a lot more of an idea than I had.

You have to suffer the odd overblown essay thrown in here and there, where guest writers try to outdo each other for sentimentality and bogus psuedo-spiritual flapdoodle about (FX: turn the reverb right up) `The West'. At least it's not quite as silly as the religious fervour some attach to Baseball as some sort of sacred ritual - but it is still silly. Sure, the West is an amazing place, it's more than just some rocks and sand - we get it. You going on in with some gushy mysticism really just cheapens it - let it speak for itself.

Well, that's what I reckon anyway. But, as I said, the self-conscious attempts at grand writing are only aberrations, most of the time you are treated with amazing but true stories. If that's the sort of history you're after, it delivers.

The West : An Illustrated History by Geoffrey C. Ward, Dayton Duncan has got to be one of the most "Can't put down" type of books I've had the wonderful pleasure of owning, ever! The illustrations, to many to count are of the finest quality I've ever seen in a book not to mention that the editorial choices were perfect. The photos depict the exact expressions that capture those lost moments in time... If you can get this book - buy it! It is for all ages and you could never grow tired reading it, as well. A certain coffee table type book! I rate this book a 5 STAR!

Western and Eastern Mysteries (Key of It All) Comparative Cultural Numerology Mysteries Encyclopedia will connect those who are still searching for the complete comparative "opus," which is the backbone of the numerology mysteries.

Chapter 13 of the English Language numerology, in the "Western Mysteries," is the door through which one can enter, to complete the key through which universal understanding and connection can be earned. Through translating (words) tongues into the English language alphabet words, and further, into their simple English numbers, the inner eye expands its understanding.

The serious numbers student, through the simple numbers method, mentioned in Chapter 13, of Western Mysteries, can further verify their own destiny through their name and birthdate numbers, by further understanding that there is a nine-year cycle for each letter of one's name. Each nine-year name-alphabet letter number will be the individual "law of attraction," by attracting to one experiences.

Hulse confirmed his experiences through "alphabet numbers." Which you can do as well. The secret for positive experiences is to use positive words and their numerological correlation.

Further, within the 9-year cycle, Each person has "tri-mester numbers," which can be verified through the numerology of names, addresses, and experiences correlating in a particular period with synchonistic numbers.

As Hulse has stated in "Western Mysteries," the English language and its simple numbers from 1-9, allows the serious student to develop the inner eye to verify and see how it is that the macro and micro metaphysics connect with the physics of macro and micro experiences.

Both Western and Eastern Mysteries (The Key to It All), provides the connection the earnest student of numbers wisdom has earned.

I've got both the "Eastern" and "Western" mysteries and while I won't pretend to understand half of what was written in each, both are outstanding reference books that one can grasp even if one doesn't have much knowledge of the occult.

I found it useful for looking up symbols and seeing more similarities between cultures than I had previously thought.

Definitely a "must-have," whether novice or expert.

This book and its companion: "The Eastern Mysteries" provide a wonderful compendium of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary information. They make it possible to understand the deep connections between all peoples of the world.

This is an excellent book, both for reading and as a resource. Hulse gives an incredible amount of information in an easy to understand format. This book is invaluable in helping to understand the connections between various cultures and their methods.

It was so good! Its one of the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Hawk

This book was so good!!! It was about horses, adventurous, humorous, has great charcters, and the Saddle Club goes to the Bar None!!!! YEAH!! This book is a 10+

Hi! We're the Stirrup Stars. We love this book, because not only is it about horses and friendships, but it's exciting and humorous as well! You'll never want to put it down. We also loved it because it listed several different cultural traditions for the holidays. A MUST-READ!

Westren star is a great book about friendship and teamwork, you have to learn to work with people that maybe you dont really like, just like the girls did in this book, even though they didnt like gary they still made him part of the team! i would recomend this book to anyone the loves adventure and fun!!!

Kate set the alarm clock. "We'll leave before dawn," she said, pulling on a jacket and boots. "I'm going to go call Dad."

"We shouldn't ride bareback," Carole suggested after Kate left.

That made sense. This wasn't a pleasure ride. This was serious business. The lives of many horses could be on the line.

A minute later Kate reappeared. Her face looked grim.

"What's the matter?" asked Stevie.

"The phone's dead. The storm must have knocked it out," Kate answered. "It looks like we're on our own."

Copyright © 1995 by Bonnie Bryant Hiller.

--This book was one of the best by Bonnie Bryant ever written! (e-mail me at stirrup_stars@hotmail.com)

Mary Costner's mother had left her half the share of a gold mine in Gregory Gulch, Colorado Territory. Mary's partner was Big Jim McCoy, a huge Irishman with a mean temper. To Mary, however, he was the father she never had. Mary dressed as a boy and went by the name of Mark so all the other miners would not bother her. The two hit several veins of gold. Every time they considered quitting, another vein showed up. Then one morning Mary woke up with a huge lump on her head, a knife in her hand, and blood everywhere. Big Jim had been murdered and Mary could remember nothing of the night before. Unable to do anything else, and determined to clear her name, Mary ran. She did not get too far before her horse threw her. Mary became unconscious in a snow drift.

U.S. Marshal Carter Monroe had the nickname "Coldhearted Monroe". He and his deputy, Rick McCallum, were on the way to see Carter's mother. Carter Monroe was one of the best at his job, but he was always on the lookout for The Carlson Gang, who had killed his sister long ago. Carter had managed to kill three of the five men thus far. They found Mary nearly dead. Carter cared for her until they reached Judith, his mother.

Finding herself in the home of a U.S. Marshal, Mary pretended to remember nothing but her name. She just wanted time to figure out what to do. In the meantime, Mary would help Judith. (Even with an opera!) And hot upon her trail was John McCoy and the two evil gunslingers, Sammy and Randy Carlson!

***** This is the last book in the Misfit series. The author, somehow, was able to make me care for all the characters throughout the entire trilogy. Each book is a stand-alone story, but if you read all three you will see just how brightly the writing talent of Brenda K. Jernigan shines! Past characters, such as Thunder, return for an encore. Be warned that there is a lot of adventure in the fast paced novel, so do not begin reading until you have plenty of time with no interruptions. Unputdownable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

It was different and a page turner for me!! The romance between Mary and Carter was beautiful!!

Mary Costner's mother had left her half the share of a gold mine in Gregory Gulch, Colorado Territory. Mary's partner was Big Jim McCoy, a huge Irishman with a mean temper. To Mary, however, he was the father she never had. Mary dressed as a boy and went by the name of Mark so all the other miners would not bother her. The two hit several veins of gold. Every time they considered quitting, another vein showed up. Then one morning Mary woke up with a huge lump on her head, a knife in her hand, and blood everywhere. Big Jim had been murdered and Mary could remember nothing of the night before. Unable to do anything else, and determined to clear her name, Mary ran. She did not get too far before her horse threw her. Mary became unconscious in a snow drift.

U.S. Marshal Carter Monroe had the nickname "Coldhearted Monroe". He and his deputy, Rick McCallum, were on the way to see Carter's mother. Carter Monroe was one of the best at his job, but he was always on the lookout for The Carlson Gang, who had killed his sister long ago. Carter had managed to kill three of the five men thus far. They found Mary nearly dead. Carter cared for her until they reached Judith, his mother.

Finding herself in the home of a U.S. Marshal, Mary pretended to remember nothing but her name. She just wanted time to figure out what to do. In the meantime, Mary would help Judith. (Even with an opera!) And hot upon her trail was John McCoy and the two evil gunslingers, Sammy and Randy Carlson!

***** This is the last book in the Misfit series. The author, somehow, was able to make me care for all the characters throughout the entire trilogy. Each book is a stand-alone story, but if you read all three you will see just how brightly the writing talent of Brenda K. Jernigan shines! Past characters, such as Thunder, return for an encore. Be warned that there is a lot of adventure in the fast paced novel, so do not begin reading until you have plenty of time with no interruptions. Unputdownable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

In 1870 Mary Costner accompanied by her brother Billy has proof that she owns a gold mine in Gregory Gulch near Pikes Peak. Her "partner" Big Jim McCoy is stunned not just because he feels someone is trying to steal his claim, but that someone is a female. The Marshal informs both that each has a share. Mary tells Jim that she will dress like a man and work as hard as or even harder than him as Billy leaves town.

Two years pass and things seem relatively smooth until one day Mary awakens holding a bloody knife near her dead partner. She foolishly flees into a horrific snowstorm, but is rescued by Marshal Carter Monroe, who takes her into his home. While he believes she has amnesia, he investigates Big Jim's murder expecting a link to the killing of his sister. As Carter and Mary fall in love, an unknown assailant abducts her, forcing the Marshal to decide between love and revenge. If he chooses the former, he might die, if he chooses the latter she might die.

Fans of western romantic suspense will appreciate this deep tale of love vs. vengeance. The crisp story line is vividly descriptive (my hands remain cold from the storm) so that the audience obtains a taste of Reconstruction Era Colorado yet still provides plenty of intrigue. Though the amnesia ploy feels ancient, the lead couple is a delightful pairing that keeps the ruse fresh as both struggles with unwanted love when each has a secret that they respectively believe would end any relationship between them. In turn, readers will have a fine time with this winner.

Harriet Klausner

Mary Costner's mother had left her half the share of a gold mine in Gregory Gulch, Colorado Territory. Mary's partner was Big Jim McCoy, a huge Irishman with a mean temper. To Mary, however, he was the father she never had. Mary dressed as a boy and went by the name of Mark so all the other miners would not bother her. The two hit several veins of gold. Every time they considered quitting, another vein showed up. Then one morning Mary woke up with a huge lump on her head, a knife in her hand, and blood everywhere. Big Jim had been murdered and Mary could remember nothing of the night before. Unable to do anything else, and determined to clear her name, Mary ran. She did not get too far before her horse threw her. Mary became unconscious in a snow drift.

U.S. Marshal Carter Monroe had the nickname "Coldhearted Monroe". He and his deputy, Rick McCallum, were on the way to see Carter's mother. Carter Monroe was one of the best at his job, but he was always on the lookout for The Carlson Gang, who had killed his sister long ago. Carter had managed to kill three of the five men thus far. They found Mary nearly dead. Carter cared for her until they reached Judith, his mother.

Finding herself in the home of a U.S. Marshal, Mary pretended to remember nothing but her name. She just wanted time to figure out what to do. In the meantime, Mary would help Judith. (Even with an opera!) And hot upon her trail was John McCoy and the two evil gunslingers, Sammy and Randy Carlson!

***** This is the last book in the Misfit series. The author, somehow, was able to make me care for all the characters throughout the entire trilogy. Each book is a stand-alone story, but if you read all three you will see just how brightly the writing talent of Brenda K. Jernigan shines! Past characters, such as Thunder, return for an encore. Be warned that there is a lot of adventure in the fast paced novel, so do not begin reading until you have plenty of time with no interruptions. Unputdownable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.