University of Nebraska Books

This book is an extended, annotated bibliography of the principle religious-controversial, theological and related literature published by Englishmen in the sixteenth century. If I remember correctly (I don't have the book in front of me) it includes works in both English and Latin, and published both at home and abroad. Full title and bibliographic information is provided along with, in most cases, a brief description of the publication in question. Organization is roughly chronological, but within the major sections, Milward groups his material by topical thread (e.g. works pertaining to the Jewel / Harding debate, the Campion episode, Hooker's career, etc.) This is not a complete index, but does seem to contain all the important works of interest in studying the major chapters of 16th-century English religious history, and many of the minor publications.

This book represents a true service to scholarship in the field, and should be very useful to anyone doing historical research, anyone looking to get a handle on the (often baroque) ins and outs of Reformation-era controversial literature, or even students of English literature who want to get better acquainted with what was, after all, the main channel of English learning for most of the century.

Milward also put together a companion volume, "Religious Controversies of the Jacobean Age."

(A few reflections after using this book: (1) It's amazing how far back the various themes and dialectical strategies of Reformation theological debate go: you almost get the impression that everything essential was said (at least in essence) before the first generation of reformers passed away. (2) What a shame so much learning, and so much potential for compromise, was wasted on fruitless invective! What a shame that questions of eccesiology were so often wrapped up with questions of politics! (3) It's depressing that all this mass of writing is read today only by a few historians or (maybe) theologians, if them. There have to be some buried treasures here, right?)

American humorist James Thurber (1894 - 1961) brought us Walter Mitty, and now freelance journalist Neil Grauer brings us James Thurber in all his comic and caustic complexity.

A native of Ohio and graduate of Ohio State University, Thurber began as a code clerk in the Department of State. After working as a journalist in Paris, he began a life-long association with New Yorker magazine, whose pages were brightened with Thurber's short stories and classic cartoons in which his misanthropy is often present as animals ape the behavior of humans and vice vera.

Always aware of the frailties and pratfalls of human beings as they faced life's predicaments, Thurber penned among others, "The Middle-Aged Man on the Flying Trapeze" and "The Thurber Carnival." In 1940 he joined Eliot Nugent to write a drama of college life, "The Male Animal," which, along with other Thurber works, was made into a motion picture.

This funny man's last years were relentlessly bleak. Unable to cope with the loss of his sight, Thurber alienated many of his former colleagues with boring boasts of his past successes.

Grauer does not gloss over the humorist's flaws, instead presents a concise human portrait of one who brought laughter to the lives of many.

- Gail Cooke

I'm pleased to have William Kloefkorn's second volume of his memoir. He writes as he speaks, with humor. His memoir, tied to the four elements, is creative and a novel way to view a life through an illustrative story. I'm never disappointed in reading Kloefkorn.

Thorough and well-written, Willig approaches areas of the subject matter other authors have yet to address. Exceptional research and unbiased presentation of Native Americans and their British counterparts; a must-have for any history classroom and educator.

The first amendment clashes with the sixth amendment more often than one would think. "Rights in the Balance: Free Press, Fair Trial, & Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart" is an examination of the modern media and its interference with the court system as people attempt to get a fair trial in today's society. A deft examination that hopes to find the fine line that can lie between the two peacefully, "Rights in the Balance: Free Press, Fair Trial, & Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart" is a top pick for community library law collections.

A well-researched and -written work on how state militias evolved into the early National Guard, in the years between the Civil War and WWI. It was this period in which state militias, a force originally designed by the Framers to be an alternative to a standing army, only then took on some cohesion -- and gradually came under national control. (Mr. Cooper does provide brief reviews of pre-1865 and post-WWI militia to put all this in context). Given that the National Guard today (June 2005) is a major part of national effort both in home defense and in the war overseas, this book is a fine start in understanding how the Guard began -- and that beginning is during the period this book covers. Recommended especially for legal and serious military scholars. If this is a first volume, to be continued into 1920-2000 as the Guard became a predominantly national defense asset (and less and less that of the States), then Mr. Cooper's next work on the Guard will be something to look forward to.

The River and I, chronicles in metaphoric imagery John Neihart's open boat navigation of the Great Missouri River for two thousand-miles, from Fort Benton, Montana down to Sioux City, Iowa. Originally commisioned for a magazine the book contains 25 photos and illustrations made on the trip.

Young Neihardt views the Missouri River in flood: ".... This cruel, invulnerable, restless giant.... This yellow, sinous beast with hell broth slavering from its jaws!... This dare-devil boy-god that sauntered along with a town in its pocket, and a steepled church under its arm for a moment's toy."

Gabrielle Roy is one of my favorite authors and this book is just another example of how she is able, with few well chosen words, to reach deep into the human spirit. On the surface this is a simple story of a little girl growing up and her small adventures with her grand-mother, an older gentlemen in the neighborhood, and her own mother. And yet, it is so much more. It is about growing old. It is about memories. It is about what makes husband and wives stay together against all odds. It is about what makes life a special gift to each and every one of us. If you have not yet read Gabrielle Roy, you are in for a very unique and special treat!!

Allison Adelle Hedge Coke's childhood and young adult years as recounted in this gritty and courageous memoir, are not only a story or survival but a story of strength. Under the best of circumstances, a mixed blood Cherokee/Huron child looks out at a world where discrimination against Native Americans is the norm. Add to this an insane mother, mental and physical abuse at home as well as in her relationships, rape, alcoholism, drugs, theft, and numerous periods of hospitalization for life-threatening injuries and you have a powerful recipe for disaster. If you are strong, this memoir will test your strength. If you are standing in similar shoes, this memoir will uplift you and provide hope. In the final analysis, the culture that we've placed behind the eight-ball of our misunderstandings was the foundation of A. A. Hedge Coke's strength and her emergence as a survivor. Life and memories endure through stories, and this story is strong medicine.

Enhanced with an informative introduction by Duane A. Smith, The Rockies by David Lavender (Professor of History and Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College) is an informed and informative history of the majestic Rocky Mountains ranging from the gold strikes of 1859 to struggles that brought about law codes unique to the mountainous American West. An engaging presentation as much about the impact of humanity as it is about the mountain range itself, The Rockies is a welcome addition to American History Studies reading lists and academic library collections. Also very highly recommended is Professor Duane Smith's earlier works: The Way To The Western Sea: Lewis And Clark Across The Continent (0803280033, ...) and Westward Vision: The Story Of The Oregon Trail (0803279159, ...).