Georgia Books

I read this book years ago, and it forced me into a love of poetry. Beyond simple poetry, many of his works can be described as essay-poems. They are deep, (often) extremely personal, expond on a simple truth of nature, but in a way that must be re-read and pondered; bringing greater awareness and "life" as a result. His other works are excellent, with varying themes, but this stands slightly above ALL others. I have literally loned my book to dozons of people to read who usually share my opinion. Not an easy read at all, but always wise, insightful, volnerable, and true.

In his "Education," Henry Adams declared: "Strictly, the Southerner had no mind; he had temperament. He was not a scholar; he had no intellectual training; he could not analyze an idea, and he could not even conceive of admitting two." It is this "slur" which Professor O'Brien (author of the awesome "Conjectures of Order" and other tomes on Southern intellectual history) posits at the center of this most interesting volume. So,upon what experiences did Adams base his rather pessimistic assessment? One source of contact with the South was his grandmother Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, originally from Maryland, wife of John Quincy Adams. Much space is devoted to Louisa, perhaps too much, but this chapter does afford an interesting perspective on the formative stages of young Henry. More pertinent is the chapter on Henry Adams period of living in Washington and how this afforded him first-hand opportunities to encounter Southern traditions and attitudes. Any student of Adams will find this chapter irresistible. Another chapter ("American Types") focuses upon Charles Francis Adams, Jr., Henry's elder brother, who served extensively in the Civil War, and his potential influence. However, there is much fascinating information in this chapter aside from CFA, Jr., including a discussion of some of Henry's earlier writings which related to the South (the Randolph biography, e.g.) and his two novels. Finally, the author focuses upon Adams' later works (Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres and the Education) to probe the mature Adams view on Southern culture. Along the way there are interesting detours, such as some comments about W.J. Cash's "Mind of the South" and why there is definitely some sensitivity and defensiveness on this topic which linger even until today. Many interesting illustrations are included, among them some fine pictures taken by Clover Adams. The notes are extremely valuable. I don't know if we ever get to the point of completely understanding what causative factors shaped Adams' views of the South, or even if we are exposed to the entire range of his views, but this book is absolutely essential for gaining an invaluable insight into Adams.

Great reading, it is a look into life from the past that gives
hope for the future.

I keep rereading this book. A fascinating discussion of modernism that illuminates two powerful characters. New York is the perfect subject for these women.

This was a very interesting study of how the war affected everyday life of citizens. The high rate of dissertion was due to many reasons but the higher duty that pulled the men was to the safety of their own family. When conflicted between duty to "the cause" and reports of starvation on the homefront, or of thier women and children being at the mercy of vagabonds, many men opted to honor the higher duty of their familial commitments. Very interesting to read about the lack of governmental support for fighting men's families; the women's resourcefulness in severe hardship; and how the soldiers' minds were focused on their children and their safety. If you want a fuller picture of the Civil War than what is presented by history books generally, read this book.

His most "frightening moment" on the trail is a great read and had me laughing out loud. All of his guidebooks are excellent, but I believe this is the best. It contains a nice history of the trail, a good biography of MacKaye, and excellent topographic maps.

I got this as a Valentine's gift and she loved it. We've done several of the things listed in the book--visited gardens, gone swing dancing, and made pottery--by ourselves and with other couples. The thing I like most about this book is that its not all sappy--all moon and June and candlelight dinners. Many of the ideas are fun and active and more affordable than a dozen roses. Some of the ideas even include your kids and would be appropriate for friends too. Just a really fun book that I keep in the glove compartment.

This book represents the painstaking effort of a great mind. An excrucriatingly detailed critical review of the economic literature pre-dating Marx is undertaken. Anyone seeking to understand the history of economics must carefully review this epic work. Historians too, will appreciate the extensive treatment of the contexts into which generations of economic ideas were born. Marx's revolutionary new theory of class emerges clearly from his critical reading of the great and not-so-great works which provided the foundation on which his break-throughs were built.

"The Historic Oakland Cemetery of Atlanta:Speaking Stones", like most of History Press' publications, is content laidened and complimented with photographs. There is so much to learn in this book, it left me wanting more -- which is a good thing! I learned so much about Atlanta history from the author's descriptions of the headstones in Oakland Cemetery.It was easy to put together a historical outline from her narrative. I like the way she turned each tombstone into a story, which ultimately is how we want our lives to be remembered. The Author pays tribute to these lives and makes us care, which is more than most history books accomplish. History Press appears to have a motive to keep local history alive. This book certainly accomplishes that, it keeps these men and woman live who now lie in Oakland Cemetary.

As Administrator of the Georgia Writers Association, many books come across my desk for nomination in the Georgia Author of the Year Awards.When this book came in, I had to take it home to read it. I bring many books home, yet finish very few. I read this book cover to cover. It is a great read. Every historical site in Atlanta should sell this book. It is better than having a real live tour guide. It would be a great book for someone coming to Atlanta and wants to see the real story of Atlanta.

Gunther's work is not only well composed with a wonderful tone, he also has brought to life the richness of Savannah and its path through the last two centuries.