Memorials Books

This book is comforting and gives you some hope when you read it every day.

In 1943, Caroline Lord became the librarian of the George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library, serving the small community of Francestown, New Hampshire. She was new to the profession, did most of the work by herself, and wasn't always sure she was doing things "properly." Perhaps that's why she kept a journal, jotting down encounters with people and books, and reacting to current events as they affected the library and her town. The result is a book that's interesting on a variety of levels, as it recounts not only the culture of a possibly simpler time in small-town New England, but also the day-to-day operations of the pre-automated library. Ms. Lord retired from her position in December 1960. She has provided for us a nice reminscence of the past. And yet, for better or for worse, librarians of today will connect and commiserate with Ms. Lord's laments about limited finances, limited space for limited resources, and unruly young adult patrons. Librarians in similiar small towns and especially in New England will find themselves nodding their heads at Ms. Lord's notes. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Recommended for librarians of all ages and professional stages, as a diversion and respite from their regular "required" reading.

Fuentes writes better better fiction than lectures; however, the essay on Quixote is an interesting rumination on what is surely one of the great works of fiction. Does Cervantes' book represent the onset of modernity? Fuentes makes this suggestion and others.

William Schuman's lecture is broad but still focuses on the title. It is an excellent account of the state of the Arts' economies 24 years ago, and much of the content, situations and problems brought to light are still very much pertinent to today's Arts communities (even with MBA Arts Managers). The rest of the book contains another lecture and three responses, all of which either shout praises to the arts or agree or disagree with Schuman. For the price, Schuman's lecture alone is worth it. Personally, the book has inspired me to produce a 'follow-up' forum to discuss the changes since the book was published.

The ethereal infrared photography meshed with the insightful narrative is fascinating, not only for the art but for the history of New Orleans. As a genealogist, I am no stranger to learning from the dead. This book, however, teaches about a culture far removed from my North Carolina Scottish roots.

When you think of gardening and great gardeners you immediately think of the English. For hundreds of years this tiny island has produced some of the most influential gardens and architecture. This book provides a most picturesque view of country estates and the architecture of gardening. PERFECT for us weekend gardeners with visions of grandeur

Dan Rhodes (sheriff of Blacklin County, Texas) has been called to the Sunny Dale Nursing Home on at least one previous occasion. This time, it's because someone seems to have stolen Lloyd Bobbit's false teeth. Could it have been Maurice Kennedy, fellow Sunny Dale resident? And could the theft have something to do with a crime committed long ago, when Louis Horn disappeared, and Kennedy was thought to have killed him? What begins as a trivial matter turns serious soon enough when Bobbit is found dead in his room and Kennedy is missing. Rhodes must do all he can to figure out exactly what is going on at Sunny Dale and in the community of Clearview.

But he's also distracted by personal matters. A former prisoner is suing the county, including the sheriff and his colleagues, for neglect during his brief incarceration (detailed in a previous episode) and for having inadequate jail facilities. While Rhodes doesn't totally disagree with the charges, he certainly doesn't have a million dollars to pay the plaintiff. And then there's the fact that Rhodes is supposed to marry Ivy Daniels very soon. Will he wrap up the murder investigation and stay in one piece in time to stand with Ivy before the local judge?

Crider's series is a worthy one to spend time with, and Dan Rhodes is an interesting character. Now if he'd just learn to stay out of harm's way and call one of his deputies for back-up every once in a while ...

"guud san glans, Robert Davidson" is the full name of a contemporary Haida artist whose work was exhibited at Reed College in 1991. His work is in the Haida tradition: totem poles, but with modern techniques. For example, traditional totem poles were hollowed out, but many of his are in the round, meant to be self standing. Very attractive and desirable art, with cultural significance as well.

This book consists primarily of photographs taken by an English doctor from 1975 to 1990 at and near war cemeteries and memorials related to World War One. There is a good text, which gives the background for the events which led to the cemeteries and memorials depicted. The photos are sobering, and if you are a student of photography would be of great interest. I sometimes thought the photos were designed more to show off the photographer's skill than to depict what was to be seen--which I confess is what I was looking for in the book, since I have never seen on the ground the awesome sights related to the First World War, and I suppose I never will. I did not appreciate this book as much as I did a book by Rose E. B. Coombs: Before Endeavours Fade: A Guide to Battlefields of the First World War, which I read on 4 May 1991 and which I thought was almost as worthwhile as going to France to see the sites discussed for myself. Garfield's book has many poignant quotes, but unfortunately does not have a bibliography of any kind.

In this practical, yet deeply enriching study of the Old Testament feasts, we see types of present grace and coming glory.