Western Books

This is the third book of Parkman's that I've read. Previously, I read Pioneers of France in the New World and The Jesuits in North America. About all three I would say a) they are absolutely amazing works of brilliant, inspired scholarship, b) Parkman's measured, objective, caring approach to the topics -- and the beauty and tone of his writing -- is extremely compelling, and c) my grade school, high school, and college education did not provide me with the gritty, fascinating facts about what REALLY happened back in the 17th Century in North America.

This is not James Michener (as much as I have enjoyed his works) packaging and making sense of history -- or the dry, intellectualized expert texts I had to read in school -- or the politically correct wholesome simplified upbeat teachings of my youth, with for example the perfect Puritans and the friendly Indians sharing Thanksgiving.

This is what really happened, detail by detail, based on exhaustive research of original texts -- letters, reports, maps, government documents, earlier histories, etc. Fortunately for Parkman, the early adventurers did a lot of writing, including many of the members of religious orders who accompanied or in some cases led the explorations.

My main takeaway from these true histories is how incredibly dangerous, unsuccessful, and unpredictable the courses of events were in these times (and probably in our time as well). In a way they are like anti-stories, or anti-history. Good often does not prevail over evil; heroes do scandalous things; scoundrels act heroic; no one is assuredly, consistently good or evil; when you least expect it there is a generous caring act; and when you least expect it, when all is going well, there is a foolish, unfortunate, destructive act that ruins all that has been accomplished, etc.

That is, while there may be certain patterns in events, these patterns themselves are constantly shifting, and the most logical and predictable outcomes almost never happen. In other words, Parkman has truly captured life in all its shades of grey and inconsistencies.

His treatment of the Indians is a perfect example. By modern day standards, it is egregiously politically incorrect. But he reveals them in all of their savagery, helpfulness, childish immaturity, wisdom, thievery, generosity, deceit, and unpredictable kindness. The commonplace cannibalism and similarly common extreme forms of repulsive torture done by Indians are carefully documented and reported throughout his texts, as well as the way their easily given friendship essentially saved the lives of most of the key European adventurers at one time or another.

These books are definitely not for the faint of heart or people who want a simplistic "Dummies Guide" to history!

While there is a new Introduction, this is the historic account of Robert LaSalle's exploration of the Louisiana territory in the 1680s. Parkman first published this treatise in 1869; it has since been reprinted numerous times. An excellent, thoroughly engrossing recounting of the exploration of the territory which LaSalle claimed for France in 1682, through which the reader not only learns of the daily travails of the little band of explorers, but also, the human frailties of the man, Robert Cavelier, known as LaSalle. This book gives life to a name from history, and exemplifies the methodical research done by Parkman in the days before telephones, faxes, and copiers. I was thoroughly impressed by the subject and the writer. Excellent; informative, totally enthralling reading-writers of today should take note! Kudos to the publishers (and Krakauer) for bringing this series (back) to life!

For those who liked Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" or Lansing's "Endurance", make room on your bookshelf for another favorite. Parkman tells the story of LaSalle's journeys in North America with a novelist's style and a historian's attention to detail.

Of particular interest were Parkman's references to things which exist "today" referring to his time, the mid to late 1800's. As such, the reader is treated to a double dose of history by viewing past events through the eyes of someone who wrote over 100 years ago. The book was an exciting and enjoyable read.

My only criticisms of the book were that the volume of the footnotes was somewhat distracting, and that a few key phrases were not translated from French. Otherwise, excellent.

Parkman is that unusual combination of great scholar and wonderful writer. His books depicting the history of French exploration of North America and the conflict between the French and the British for control of North America remain the basic narratives of these events. Parkman's writing, combining narrative, psychological insight into major historical actors, and use of rhetoric that seamlessly reflects his narrative, is often superb. This particular book is almost entirely devoted to the career of the Sieur De La Salle, the French explorer obsessed with establishing French control over the Mississippi valley. Parkman provides vivid portraits of the almost incredible hardships of travel in North America, the character of politics in the French colonies, and an insightful treatment of La Salle and his associates. Parkman's powerful but restrained language often recalls the style of Tacitus.

I picked this up on a lark and found I couldn't put it down. A fascinating story, extremely well written and a pure pleasure to read. I travel extensively and found it amazing how many places I go to regularly have a direct link to La Salle. Couldn't recommend it more.

Another GREAT BOOK! by Kirby Jonas.The way he "ties" everything together at the end is truly masterful.You are sure to enjoy.

Lady Winchester is a grand western mystery! Kirby has Another Winner here and this may well be his best novel yet! We have to wait quit long for Kirby's new books but that is not all bad because each one is a gem. He does not write books to become wealthy but rather to create individual literary treasures. He spends countless hours in research, takes painstaking care to be precise with details, writes strong and clean, progresses powerfully through his story to an always perfect Jonas ending. No one can do it like Kirby! With this new book Kirby shows us that he can create a mystery which will have every one guessing up to the last page. And he again made me shed some real tears in those tender passages which sometimes came very unexpectedly. I love to learn from Kirby's books because I know that he invariably teaches both facts and principles for good living. He helps me to become a better person. One has to search far and wide for such a great author who can accomplish that in his readers. I have found none other to measure up to Kirby's standards. Kirby continues to be without question my favorite author and I have read many books by many authors. Lady Winchester actually deserves a six star rating but for now the five star will have to do. This is another of Kirby's books you simply dare not deprive yourself of reading. Thanks, Kirby, you've done it again. You have Another Winner!

After receiving this book,I read it in two days. Not easy to put down. Kirby Jonas has written a "winner" with this one. As good a mystery in a western setting as I have ever read. A lot of twists and turns with an engrossing plot. A clean book, but tough, depicting the raw time period when surviving against injustice was hard enough for men, much less women, and the woman in this book had all the unique courage to overcome adversity from every angle. Highly recommend it!

Kirby Jonas does it again! This is a wonderful book with all of the ingredients necessary to spark the readers imagination and keep you interested all the way through. LADY WINCHESTER is a western, a mystery and love story all in one. The characters are believeable. Lady Winchester, the heroine, is someone to admire and someone I'd like to have as a friend. The bad guys are the true kind of villian you love to hate. The characters show that none of us is perfect but also that even "bad guys" might have a good side. The history and scenery of the region is factual and enlightening.

I have read all of Kirby Jonas's books, for those of you haven't seen my reviews, and I have loved them all. But I must say this is probably Kirby's best work yet. I played the Virginian on NBC television for nine years, and this book is as good as any of the many scripts I saw over all those years. Kirby has created a super character here in Kate Winchester, and every character in the book is someone who draws your interest, whether you like them or not. If you like this book, you might also like the audio version of it and all of Kirby's other books, which I narrated on tape for Books in Motion. I have read many Western novels, and Kirby Jonas is my favorite Western writer.

Make sure you give this one a try.

Olivia Xavier has been widowed for five years. In his will, her husband left her the brewery, Greywell, which Olivia is determined to run herself. As a lady in 1883, it's extremely unconventional for her to be working, and running a brewery is shocking. Olivia doesn't care. She has her dreams and fantasies, and they all center around the stories she reads in dime novels about cowboys and the untamed America.

Will Coffin is a cowboy from Colorado. He's in England looking for his family with no real clue where to start his search. Like any self respecting cowboy, he brought his boots, hat, guns, and saddle with him across the ocean. He has no idea when he rescues her from some thugs that all his skills would be needed to save Lady X's life and brewery.

Olivia is standing outside the brewery waiting for her coach to arrive when she's accosted by several men who'd been sent to intimidate her into selling her brewery. While she's fending them off, a real live cowboy comes out of nowhere and rescues her with a bit of muscle and good ol' western brawling. Once the ruffians are gone, Olivia thanks Will and offers him a reward for his help. Will feels that he only did what any man worth his salt should do and therefore is extremely offended by her offer. He does tell her the general area where he's staying and she later tracks him down. Fortunately for him, she finds him right as the owner of the establishment is requesting him to leave and refuses to let him into his room to gather his possessions. With Olivia backing him up and looking down her aristocratic nose, the owner finally backs down and allows Will to retrieve his things. Olivia offers Will a room in her home for the night. While they talk, Will tells her about his parents' death and the miner who had found and raised him. He also explains to her exactly why he is in England. Olivia is in dire need of help with the so-called gentleman who's trying to force her to sell her brewery. Will needs help finding his folk. Can the two of them work out a plan that ensures that they both find their dreams . . . even if their dreams are more than they ever imagined.

I've read many books with cowboys and ladies but this is the first one I've ever read where the cowboy goes to England and I have to tell you I love it! Will doesn't put on fancy airs for anybody. He speaks with a decidedly American twang, and isn't afraid to fight when the need arises. Olivia is also bold, her fear of being ousted from society keeps her from displaying the full force of her nerve, though you do get peeks of it here and there. She's intelligent and determined, just as I'd expect a business woman to be. However, there's also a wistfulness that comes out when she's with Will. Together, they're a power to be reckoned with as they set out to shock and titillate the upper-crust of English society. Zoe Archer's LADY X'S COWBOY is both humorous and exciting from beginning to end. Definitely a book I'd recommend reading if you enjoy cowboy stories.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

This book changed my view of romance novels. It was funny, intelligent, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm ordering Zoe Archer's 2nd book because I liked this one so much.

An unbelievable debut from Archer that grabs you from the very beginning. Olivia is a heroine out of her time struggling to battle the inevitable censure brought on by the fact that she is managing one of the most successful breweries in London which her late husband has left her. In her two years of full mourning she has decided to read every scrap of literature relating the management and the making of beer. She tackles the task head on, becoming so successful at it that spoiled and unscrupulous, peer of the realm Lord Pryce decides that he wants her brewery and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Hence a lovely villain.

When Lady Olivia is attacked by thugs hired by Pryce, Will Coffin strides in out of the fog to save the day. Full with a bushy mustache, six shooter, as long duster and more Western expressions that will put a grin on your face (such as "Fog's so thick that not even a mule in a mineshaft could see!"). The typical Western Cowboy who Lady Olivia hires to help manage her brewery. There are enough hot electrical sparks between them to light a fire - they are very sexually attracted to each other - as he is constantly saying whatever is on his mind - mostly to do with Lady Olivia's appearance, her beauty or her lips. She is taken aback by his candor and easy going, honest manner. All hell brakes loose when she brings him to her house and they encounter the tremendous censure from society when a high class lady is fraternizing with the lower classes.

This book is marvelous. An amazing story of how Olivia's love for Will transforms her and how they will stop at nothing to be together and love each other - no matter the dictates of society. An amazing debut from Zoë Archer - the book was exquisite, well written observing the Victorian elements of the era and fun and sexy to boot. The character development is wonderful and you will delight in reading Olivia's and Will's story. I can't wait for Zoë's next book.

In 1883 London, Colorado cowboy Will Coffin intercedes and rescues Lady Olivia Xavier from assault of three punks. She thinks the hunk who saved her from Lord Pryce's hired thugs could have been the front cover model of the western dime novels she loves to read.

Lady Olivia hires Will to help her save the brewery that she inherited from her late husband her unscrupulous rival Lord Pryce will do anything to either destroy or preferably steal her firm. Meanwhile Will has come to England to find his family here. He has no plans to socialize with people he does not understand nor is able to communicate with yet somehow he and Lady X who speaks a foreign language that sort of sounds like English, communicate through their hearts. Though the lady and the cowboy are in love, their respective social classes are more than just oceans apart.

This is a terrific Victorian romance that focuses on cultural differences between a tea toting English aristocrat and a cow poking American cowboy. The story line emphasizes the Grand Canyonesque gaps that the loving pair must surmount if they want a permanent relationship a concept both desire and fear. Humor via stereotyping presumptions add to the fun as Olivia cannot understand how he can be gentle instead of a rough hooligan like in the dime novels while Will struggles with how his English rose can be understanding and kind instead of haughty as he assumed all aristocratic ladies pretend a loftiness that make dudes like him feel like sewage. Fans will enjoy Zoe Archer's superb historical driven by two obviously in love characters that live light years apart in lifestyles.

Harriet Klausner

Zoe Archer's debut novel is a refreshing and delightful read. Lady Olivia Xavier, the beautiful heroine, will not disappoint romance readers. She is a strong, independent businesswoman who frowns and struggles with the dictates of Victorian society and forms her own path. Underneath, she longs for romance and adventure, reading dime store cowboy novels in her spare time. Will Coffin, a "real" American cowboy, arrives in England to try and locate his lost family. He is a strong, sexy male who is attracted to and admires Olivia. He comes to her rescue to save her brewery, but also gives her the romance she has longed for. The romance is fun and sexy; definitely an 8 to 10 on the sensual scale. Zoe Archer really pulls off the blend of the Wild West American & the Society English Lady. There is suspense and many fun scenes. Unlike some romances, you do not walk away thinking any of these characters are flighty. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books by Zoe Archer.

Anyone who has read a Junior League cookbook knows the quality. This book is one more diamond on their necklace. Quality of content, the paper and photographs...buy it.

This wonderful cookbook has recipes from celebrities (David Cassidy, Phyllis McGuire, Rosie O'Donnell, Lance Burton) and chefs from the major Strip Hotels (Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Hilton, Spago, Rio, MGM). I found the recipes very straight-forward and easy to read. Color is the word for this book. In addition to the bright colors on the cover, those colors are carried out through the book in each chapter. There is information about Las Vegas, the surrounding areas, etc. I found it an interesting read. The pictures of the food in this book make your mouth water. I could not believe the recipes were makeable for the food I saw! The recipe on the cover was a watermelon sorbet/salsa shrimp cocktail. Only in Las Vegas! It made me glad to know that all the money generated from the sale of the book go back into the Las Vegas community. I had difficulty obtaining a copy here, they kept selling out.

This cookbook has great visual appeal, as well as excellent recipes that are not difficult to make - at least those that I have tried are not. "Salt-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin" produced the best tenderloin I have ever made and the "Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes" are absolutely the best! I've tried several other recipes with equal success. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys cooking or just reading cookbooks.

I received this cookbook as a gift. It didn't get stuck on the shelf; I spent several evenings looking through it. The layout and use of color and photos as well as the periodic commentary makes it great for pleasure reading. But it's a wonderful cookbook, too. I have tried several recipes already, and every one has been a success. Many are simple enough for family meals as well as savory and elegant enough for entertaining. I will be using this cookbook regularly.

This book is not only beautiful, it just sparkles with energy. Every recipe that I have tried is just outstanding! I recently had a luncheon and served the Asparagus Tart, salad with the Soy Orange Vinaigrette dressing and Key Lime Cheesecake. The meal was a real hit with my friends and the recipes were so simple that I could easily do it again! The one thing that impresses me most about this cookbook is that the recipes are straightforward, easy to follow, and delicious. I'm sure this cookbook will be used repeatedly and not sit on the shelf. The chef and celebrity recipes are great additions and the sidebars about the recipes and chefs are interesting reading.

After reading this, I can see why literate local cowmen want to own their own copies. It reminds of the real and complex characters who work the range around here. The ending snuck up on me. What a bonus

It seems so rare that you come across a book suitable for all ages. Last Buckaroo has no bad language and no torrid sex. It's simply a funny book that almost anyone can enjoy. I also liked the glossary in the back for us city folks who are not use to a lot of the Western terminology.

Mackey Hedges takes you into a world that most of us could never do or even experience, yet he makes you feel like your right there. His tails of the overzelous young Dean and the wild and woolly Tap kept me in stiches for days. As my husband read the book he would call to me to read to him because he was laughing to hard and his eyes were watering. I wish I could read more books like this. Am ordering five copies for my friends. A book like that I could never lend out.

I bought this book two years ago for a father's day present. My father read it and has been rantin' and ravin' about it ever since so I thought I would buy myself a copy. I began reading and couldn't put it down. The story telling is fantastic and I was continually laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and wild antics of the characters. I highly recommend this book. One of my favorites.

Finally, a "real cowboy" story by a real cowboy. None of this make-believe Hollywood bull-puckey here! Having ridden in the same saddle as Hedges many years ago, it is refreshing to read a well-written and true-to-life tale of two migrant buckaroos as they work and play in some of the most beautiful and off-the-beaten paths in the Great American West. One of the few books that makes me laugh out loud! A must for any serious WESTERN fan (Never use country and WESTERN in the same sentence!). A tip of the ol'Stetson to Mackey Hedges. Here's to the next book!

The groundwork of this book does flow a little slow. Keep on reading because it is well worth it. Morris gives you a very good account of the life before and during the Civil War. There is a nice romance of the characters that tell the story. The author also gives you some of the history of the Winslow family. I think you will be looking for some of his other books. By Ruth Thompson author of the "Bluegrass Dream" and "Natchez Above The River"

Writing as a Small BusinessQualifying Laps: A Brewster County NovelSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelTravelersThe Bluegrass Dream: A Wilderness Adventure of Early SettlersNatchez Above The River: A Family's Survival In The Civil War

I love books during the Civil War period. But this one is my favorite. At first I didn't know if I would like it but I kept on reading and I loved it. If you like books during the Civil War period and romance I would suggest strongly that you read this book

i have read up to book 15 in this series and i love them, but this one is my favorite for many reasons. One it take place before and during the civil war. It talks about all the struggle people had to face during that war. You also get caught up in the family history of th Winslows. I can't wait to read the next one.

Ok, I started reading the Winslow series, and I'd have to say that this one was one of my favorites because it had action! If you like action, the Civil War, and romance; read this book!

Because I am so interested in the Civil War, and the years and events before and after it, I really loved this book. Gilbert Morris became one of my favorite authors when I first read the book Drummer Boy At Bull Run, and it intrigued me to read the rest of his books. I am just starting out on the House Of Winslow books, and I like them already.

I read this book when it was first out in paper back, since then, I think I've read everything Johnstone has written. A true storyteller.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT IS HIS BEST ONE. I AM GLAD THAT I GOT ONE OF THE FIRST COPIES BEFORE THEY CHANGED COVERS.

The book The Last Mountain Man is about an 18 year old boy named Smoke, who swears to get revenge on the men who killed his father and brother. Smoke lives with a mountain man named Preacher, who teaches Smoke everything he needs to know about the west. I would recommend this book to any one who like westerns and/or action books.

I was in awe reading about the adventures of Smoke Jensen and Preacher The action was fast and brutal, a real page-turner. You can almost smell the gunsmoke! I'm glad I finally discovered Mr. Johnstone.

"The Last Mountain Man" is the beginning of the Smoke Jensen story. Smoke is a raw naive kid, who learns fast, and won't take any crap from any outlaw murdering thief. If you like the Western genre you'll LOVE William W. Johnstone's "Mountain Man" series. Smoke Jensen is genuine.

The Western Writers of America awarded "Leaving Missouri" the 1998 Spur Award for Best Paperback Original! Since only 6 or 7 Spurs have been given to female authors of book-length fiction in the past fifty years or so, I thought this was worth mentioning. "Leaving Missouri" is a hoot! It's funny and charming and scary and sad, a book you'll want to read over and over. Bring Kleenex!

A good story of "Hush Up Clutie Mae Chestnut" Initially, the dialect was a bit overpowering, but the storyline soon puts that out of mind. The book reads quickly and well; I found myself amazed at the number of events occuring within a short period of time. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Recknor's works.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It made me sad and made me laugh- what a good book! Clutie Mae is quite the character and her story is unique

Ellen Recknor's "Leaving Missouri" has surpassed standard western fare and shapeless pulp fiction, and has earned the right to keep company with the great literature we remember from the good old days (the quality of which we were sure would never again be found in the new release section). The lushly detailed characterization and slick-as-a-whistle comedy, go hand in hand with an immensely moving story. This young heroine moves not only beyond the state line, but beyond her small-town ideas and limitations, as she gains wisdom and strength on the journey to adulthood. You will laugh, you will cry, you will cheer. And by the end, you will have lived a lifetime through the eyes of Clutie Mae Chestnut.

I've bought copies for everyone I know who's interested in westerns. Leaving Missouri is a genuine hoot.

This textbook is required for an online class I am taking, but it is so well put together and interesting that I would recommend it to anyone interested in a business law crash course!

The product arrived next day as I had paid for it to do so. The condition was good. I would buy from them again.

This book was one of the best Business Law books I have ever read. The authors write the book that makes Business Law easy to understand. It is very well written and once you start reading it, it is hard to stop. I highly recommend this for any Business Law Course or if you want to skim the surface of the subject, then this book is the proper gradient.

This was an interesting textbook. I almost decided to keep it for future reference. Some of the material did not go into the depth I would have preferred, but it was still a really good read for a textbook.

This text was actually enjoyable to read most of the time. There is a lot of good information, and the presentation makes it easy to digest. It is still a text, and there is a lot of information. Still, when compared to most textbooks, this is among the best for both coverage of the material and ease of reading.

The media has so saturated the public with Asian martial arts stories that the western heritage of combat has been forgotten by many people. Lessons From The Western Warriors provides a new perspective by taking the reader on an exploration of effective fighting moves and tactics used in the western world. The author Fred Neff, who is both a Kempo master and a lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides a fascinating history of western fighting going back to the ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, Babylonians and Greeks. The author Fred Neff's explanation of the Greek art of pankration, which encompassed both striking and grappling was intriguing. Also, very interesting was the development of boxing and wresting throughout history as explained in the book. I really enjoyed the author's straight forward way of presenting little known history. Author Fred Neff's book is divided into chapters on Common Questions, Physical Conditing, Stance and Movement, Punching, Kicking, Dodges and Blocks, Combinations (of blows), Combining Boxing and Grappling, Strategy and Suggestions for Enhancing Training. Learning how to out think the adversary comes through loud and clear in this presentation. The strategy section helps provide guidelines for doing this that should be adaptable for anyone. I like the flexibility Fred Neff provides by teaching moves and tactics that can be adapted for use in a variety of different situations. From Fred Neff's narration to the safety guidelines for practice the book emphasizes the avoidance of excessive violence and respect for other people. The broad base of experience of author Fred Neff as a teacher, Kempo Master and accomplished Minneapolis, Minnesota, lawyer no doubt played a part in the new perspective provided in this unique work. Fred Neff has received many awards for his active community involvement including the City of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award, a Commendation for Distinguished Service From the Sibley County Attorney's Office, and the Lamp of Knowledge Award from the Twin Cities Lawyer's Guild that are reflective of his interest in helping other people. Lessons From The Western Warriors is not only very interesting, but is helpful to readers in a number of ways. It provides a fresh historical perspective on the fighting arts, teaches the use of western fighting moves for self-defense and emphasizes the need to out-think the adversary rather than just rely on powerful or exotic moves. Just as a powerful swing of a bat in baseball does no good if it is not timed correctly, similarly a powerful or exotic blow is not effective unless it is tactically timed to hit the adversary. Lessons From The Western Warriors is a book that provides valuable information, methods and tactics in a straght forward and interesting manner, so it earns my unqualified recommendation.

This book is recommended by Ned Beaumont in a couple of his books. This book looks like it would be good for a kid dealing with bullies, like the other reviewer. The techniques aren't hard core and brutal, it's stuff that shouldn't get you in trouble with the law. It's got some pretty good basics, the grappling could have had a couple of joint locks added though. It should have been a little bigger and a little more detailed. I'm going to give it to my little brother, I think it'll help him. I ordered mine through amazon from Adsrus on a Saturday. It shipped on Monday from Iowa and arrived at my home in south east Texas on Thursday. The total cost was $6.42. It's definitely a good deal.

While browsing, I happened to find a truly unique and dynamic book entitled Lessons from the Western Warriors by Fred Neff. The self-defense techniques included in the book are from the western world as opposed to the usual rehash of Asiain fighting arts. As I looked through the book, I found it interesting to find reference to the ancient art of pankration that was practiced by the Greeks. I was fascinated to discover that people in the west had their own martial arts history. I ended up buying the book. Once I got into reading the text, looking at the photographs and practicing the techniques, I found that they were both effective and efficient. I think this book is simply terrific and heartily suggest that anyone with an interest in learning really effective self-defense and fighting techniques get a copy of the book.

This book on western fighting tactics is truly unique. After reading Lessons from the Western Warriors I could only conclude that this book is a very well thought out approach to showing the core fighting methods that has emerged over time from the western world. Many of the punching techniques were familiar to me based on my experience with boxing. I have personally used some of the same techniques shown in this book both in the boxing ring and in more than one fight outside the ring. From my experience, the fighting moves shown in the Lessons from the Western Warriors really work! I like this book by Fred Neff very much and give it my highest recommendation. (Even if all you are interested in is basic self-defense, this book is a must.)

During my senior year in high school, I hit upon a book at the library called Lessons from the Western Warriors by Fred Neff. I took it out and started to practice the techniques in it. A byproduct of my practice was that I started feeling stronger and more confident. After graduation, I was at a party where the "jock" who had the reputation of being the toughest guy at our school was, as ususal, picking on my friends. He was big and powerful with a very intimidating way about him. I always tried to avoid him, becuase of the beating he had delivered to people I knew. That night he added me to his list of potential victims, when he purposely bumped into me and ended up challenging me to a fight. Having studied and practiced from the Lessons from the Western Warriors book, I carefully sized up this tough guy and accepted his challenge. Despite my nervousness and to the surprise of everybody at the party, I won the fight. After that time, he never bothered me again. I credit the book on Lessons from the Western Warriors for that win. In April of this year, I came upon and bought this great book. Lessons from the Western Warriors shows realistic fighting techniques and strategy that can be used by anyone. The book provides tremendous lessons on fighting techniques and strategy that should be useful in mounting an effective defense against all types of antagonists. This book is really worth reading.