Authors Books

In 2006 our county was challenged to read "Captains Courageous" in preparation for the "Tall Ships" event that summer. I have to admit I seldom read fiction. I like to learn something when I read. If I want to be entertained, I'll watch TV or go to a movie. The local Library arranged for Dr. Engel to be the guest speaker and give his take on Kipling. It was the nost enthralling talk I have ever been priviledged to hear! Our "county read" this year was "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitsgerald. Dr. Engel was our guest speaker again. I was able to tell him personally how much I have enjoyed his book and CDs! The CDs are great for travelling time listening. His essays on famous authors cannot be topped!

I started reading this book while recovering from surgery and finished it in two days. When I'd finish reading about one author, I couldn't wait to read the next. A wonderful book that I can't wait to pass on to all my friends.

It has been my great privilege to hear Dr. Elliott Engel in
a wonderful lecture on Margaret Mitchell. Elliott has produced
countless audio/video CD's and cassettes for those interested in
a general knowledge of the great writers of Western Literature.
This is a wonderful book! If more people read it there would
be rejoicing in this old English Literature major's literary
heart!
Engel writes in a light, lively and easy to understand. Enjoy
learning about the greats from Shakespeare to Dickens, the Brontes, Twain and others. Enjoy!

I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up. A friend heard the author lecture on Shakespeare and bought a copy for our daughter, a Ph.D. candidate in English (Shakespeare). She sent it to us to deliver, since she didn't have our daughter's address. My wife and I both read a little bit, and then decided we had to read it all. Our daughter will have to write a thank-you for a used book.
Engel belongs to the school of biographical literary criticism, and thinks that authors' works are influenced strongly by their lives and the times in which they live them. The brief, and partial sketches of these nineteen literary greats are based on his classroom lectures. All I can say is that I wish he had been one of my teachers. These lectures in writing are cleverly written, with a very pleasing dry wit, and are informative while being interesting. Do you know the origin of the term "box office" and the actors' wish to "break a leg"? You will after you read Engel's snapshot of Shakespeare. And no one ever told me before that Chaucer was satire. Finding this book was a fortuitous accident. I hope my daughter enjoys it as much as I did.

If you've ever heard one of Dr. Engel's lectures, you know what a captivating storyteller he is. Now, for the first time, the content of his lectures has been put into book form. You can almost hear his voice as you read through the pages of this book.

As other reviewers have already stated, A Dab of Dickens is a collection of short biographical sketches of over a dozen of the greatest authors of all time. What is unique about these sketches is that, although they are short, they are filled with fascinating tales about the lives of our most beloved authors - tales that I am sure most of us did not ever know. For instance, I was fascinated to find that when he was only 3 years old, Edgar Allan Poe was forced to sit on the front row of the theatre and watch his mother, who played Juliet, stab herself and "die" - eight times a week. No wonder he wrote the kind of macabre stories that he did!

The great thing about Dr. Engel's new book is that it gives you just enough to keep your interest, it doesn't overwhelm you, and it makes you want to know more. You want to keep reading the chapter on Poe because you just cannot believe that even more horrible things could have possibly happened to one person. You may be bored by Ernest Hemmingway (for instance), but you don't mind reading his entire chapter because it's not information overload. And at the end of this wonderful book you have a list of authors whose major works you now cannot wait to read.

If you love literature and are fascinated by the authors who have brought us so many priceless works of art, this book is for you. If you don't know much about literature at all but are curious to find out more, this book is for you as well. But this book is also perfect for the person who hated English class in high school, avoided literature like the plague in college, and has been glad to forget it completely ever since. I promise that even you will find something fascinating and inspiring among the pages of this book.

Great service. Condition of book was stellar and it was delivered in a very timely manner.

"The Dancing Girl of Izu and Other Stories" is an odd collection of sorts, mixing an elegant, straight-forward short story together with some autobiography and a fluttering of palm-of-the-hand tales. Each element contributes a unique flavor, and a different facet of Kawabata's style.

J. Martin Holman proves himself again a master translator of Kawabata, retaining the flow and most importantly the feeling of the originals, far more than other translators I have read. The only flaw I found was that he splits the book into two sections, which I personally found a bit jarring. I think it more naturally flows into three distinct chapters.

"The Dancing Girl of Izu" is as fine a short story as you are likely to read anywhere. Every necessary element is contained, with no superfluous decoration. It is heartbreaking in its subtlety, and masterful in its craft. Everything important is unsaid. Kawabata can manipulate emotions so deeply using so little, leaving the reader with an aching emptiness as great as that of the narrator. Beautiful, and fully worth the cost of the collection alone.

"Diary of my Sixteenth Year," "Oil," "The Master of Funerals" and "Gathering Ashes" are four short autobiographical sketches of Kawabata's relationship with his only relative, a blind grandfather who would figure into several tales. Not factual per se, but true impressions. They present an intimate portrait of youth trying to understand the aged, of responsibility and resentment of responsibility, and of the numbness of death. The stories are presented as recovered diary accounts Kawabata wrote when he was 16, and they may be so. I believe the feelings, and that is enough.

The third section contains the 18 remaining unpublished palm-of-the-hand stories, Kawabata's personal trademark and contribution to literature. A page or three at the most, each story functions like a Zen koan, a story or riddle with no obvious meaning used as a contemplation tool by meditating monks to clear their minds and make them go hmmm...as they try to decipher. Koans have been called "extremely brief vignettes enabling the individual to hold entire universes of thought in mind all at once," and I think this sums it up nicely. Do not attempt to decipher these palm-of-the-hand stories, but instead read them and feel them and go hmm...

This is an interesting mix of Yasunari Kawabata's early work, well before he was Japan's literary superstar, and well before the works that would ultimately win him the Nobel prize. The title story (I can't say titular, can I?) is of a college student's crush on the youngest member of a dancing troup. Most likely autobiographical, it leaves the reader sharing Kawabata's youthful loneliness. The second larger short story (there's no better way to describe it) is Diary of My Sixteenth Year, which covers the disappating love of a youth and his dying grandfather.

The remaining stories are much shorter, ranging from 3 to 10 pages each. Birthplace is an interesting story of abandonment and leaving one's home behind. Burning the Pine Boughs is as much about reading between the lines as reading what's on the page. Oil is a deep work of overcoming childhood loss.

Three common themes permeate these stories. First is the idea of an imperfect, sour or unatainable love. Second is the idea that at least somehow many of them are autobiographical. Third is that much is left unsaid in the stories. In a sense they are a prose form of Zen art, where what is unsaid can be more important than what is put to paper. Despite being distinct, one can read inferences between the stories (the hands for prayer in both Master of Funerals and Hands, for example) and perhaps that is enough to tie them all together.

Although Snow Country is commonly referred to as Kawabata's greatest accomplishment, these stories were more accessible and emotionally powerful.

I recently read this collection of short (with the emphasis on "short") stories. This set of stories are very autobiographical; especially in the first part. The title story is a tale of young love. The message that came through to me was the innocence of the attraction of the two main characters. After that came a touching diary that told of the relationship of a teenage boy and the elderly, invalid grandfather who raised him. It reminded me of my relationship with my own grandfather. The other sketches were worth reading as well and most were only two or three short pages in length. There is certainly a poetic style in Kawabata's works. This particular collection is a good introduction to the writer.

Although Kawabata is most often associated with his better than good Palm-of-the-hand stories, I don't view them as my favorate Kawabata work. The Dancing Girl of Izu (mandatory reading for Japanese Junior High School Students) is a sort of coming of age story that made me step back and reflect. The semi-autobiographical work is tender, heart warming, and a keen glimpse into Japanese life. If you have read and enjoyed earlier works of this author I would strongly suggest this collection to you. If you have yet to discover Kawabata, I say there's no better place to start!

Just looking at the cover, let alone the title, and a snicker comes to mind immediately. I've never heard of David Athey. I mean seriously, who wants to read a book called "Danny Gospel"? But then again, sometimes the things that look so retarded to us just might be quite the inspiration in the end. This was really nothing short of a pleasant surprise for me. And it was a great read, might I add. Readers familiar with W. Dale Cramer might find a treat woven within the pages of "Danny Gospel."

Meet Danny! He was a performer with his family, and they performed concerts of hymns. Danny Gospel is no stranger. In fact, he's well known around Iowa. As a mailman, he just wants life to be normal. But he gets a kiss, and he wants to find the woman who gave it to him. This begins the adventures of Danny Gospel. Humor lightens the mood, while sadness often permeates through the cracks. What does life hold for Danny Gospel?

This is a humbling account of one man. And for the long chapters, it is anything but boring and drawn out. It is quite enjoyable, and it was a pleasure to read this work by David Athey. Whether he served up a one hit wonder or not, I'm thankful to have experienced his work.

Reviewed by Tracy Kokemuller for Reader Views (6/08)

"Danny Gospel" is the story of a man named Danny. Danny is a mailman living in a rundown trailer in Iowa. All he has to look forward to everyday are the old women on his route giving him baked goods. Danny used to be a gospel singer with his family, hence the name, "Danny Gospel." He has gone through a lot of recent tragedies and is struggling to maintain his sanity. One day after a vivid dream of a woman kissing him he wakes up and decides to put on a blue suit and go find her. He is sure that she will be his wife and they will marry on Christmas Eve. Everyone around him begins to think he has gone crazy when he tells them about her. It is also discovered that a lot of mail has gone missing and they begin to point the finger at Danny. Is Danny really going crazy or is this a man who has so much faith that he can make his own dream come true?

The author takes us through Danny's journey in an almost dreamlike state. His writing is eloquent with descriptions so vivid they jump off the page. The story was a bit confusing because it went back and forth in time introducing us to a lot of characters. I did really like the story though so it is worth it to figure them out. Danny's faith was very inspiring to me and I found myself wishing he were a real person. I wanted to help him and look up to him just like the other characters in the story did. You will find yourself thinking of Danny long after you lay down this book, "Danny Gospel."

A good literary novel takes you to places you've never been (literally and figuratively). You discover new things about the world, and about yourself. Danny Gospel does this to the Nth degree, and I highly recommend it.

Danny's happy family and world have collapsed around him, and he seems to have been left with nothing but a couple of friends. Slowly, gradually, seeing and reflecting on the world through Danny's eyes, we piece together all that has brought him to this point. With masterful narration and beautiful prose, Danny leads us deeper into his family and his inner life, and we accompany him as he tries to put the broken pieces together.

Though there is much sadness and tragedy in the story, I found it to be increadibly uplifting at the same time. Most of us, like Danny, just want a "normal happy life," with a spouse and children and maybe a nice place in the country --- but there's always something that keeps us from getting there. The story led me to reflect on how better to keep my own inner peace while trying to find the elusive "normal happy life." And Danny Gospel is an excellent illustration of something else: there is seldom a Disney-style "happily ever after" in real life --- but even a life marked with tragedies and disappointments can still be full of joy and peace.

I have read alot of books, but very few of them have had the power to move me to laughter and to tears. Danny Gospel had the power to do both and for me, that adds it into a category that includes only "The Brothers K" and "Les Miserables." This is an immensely powerful book, with page after page of beautiful prose and a wonderful story that kept me glued an entire weekend.

I second the reviews listed above. Buy this book. You won't regret it.

"We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honourable, but we without honour." 1 Corinthians 4:10

In few novels does a character come so close to an incarnation of the words "fool for Christ" as does Daniel David McGillicuddy, the hero of David Athey's debut novel "Danny Gospel." Danny has lost everything, his family, his home, his bride, his sanity, and his respectability. He has been stripped of everything except his faith, which feeds both his innate kindliness and his joy, a joy which the world cannot give or take away. He is a bit like the "Holy Fools" of the Russian Orthodox tradition, a living contradiction to the world, and the often unwitting vehicle for salvific graces.

Constantly seeking the elusive state he calls "normal and happy," it becomes quickly obvious to the reader that while Danny may have moments of happiness in his life he will never be "normal." The Gospel-singing Iowa farm family in which he was raised, although idealized by memory and bitter loss, was anything but normal. One tragic accident causes "the Gospel family" to unravel, leading to death and dispersal. Danny is left alone, except for a few faithful friends; his guilt over the original fatal mishap contributes to his trauma.

For Danny is truly emotionally troubled; the story is told from his point of view and it is not always clear when he is hallucinating and when he is lucid. It is difficult not to become mesmerized by the peculiar twists of Danny's thought processes. His tendency to pursue every dream and impulse leads him upon an odyssey across America. His adventures at last bring him full circle, to the moment when being "normal and happy" are once again within his grasp.

However, Danny is uniquely marked by the cross. He longs for the days when his family proclaimed the Gospel through their music. Danny is called to share the Gospel on a deeper level, the level of abasement, of humiliation, of being a stranger and pilgrim on the earth. Lyrically written, "Danny Gospel" vivifies the scents and sounds of Iowa farms and towns, with characters who are distinctly Midwestern and prosaically salt-of-the-earth. Danny shines among them like a prophet of old, pointing the way to another and better world, saving his life by losing it.

A small in size book, being about 5 x 6. It is printed on glossy paper with many photographs. It is an exceptional buy for the amount of money tendered. If you read anything by Mr. Carroll you have to have this book too. Mr. Carroll's work is a must for anyone writing anything. The simple truth is his writing means nothing as far as plot, but his style is brilliant.

Is there anyone out there that knows what the name of the writing style used by Mr. Carroll. For instance his characters are telling a story to someone small Mr. Carroll aims his text at a small animal. The small animal answers back in small type. When someone is running and talking, there are long drawn out sentences.

I hardly ever buy nonfiction but seeing this at Borders I knew I had to have it. Lewis Carrol is one of the greatest writers of the nineteenth century, surpassing even Tolstoy,Dostoevsky,and Dickens. I have a complete collection of all of his works and enjoy them all(except for the math puzzles, math has never been my strongest point.) If you are a fan of Lewis Carroll then this is the book for you. Gorgous illustrations and photographs, an interesting and informative text, this is a wonderful little book to own. It is also informative if you are interested in Victorian England such as Iam (probably due to my Lewis Carroll fixation) There are also examples of Lewis Carrolls photography and pictures of the Liddle children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the world of Alice and who is obsessed with Mr. Dodgson's books.

This book provides a well written description of the conditions and environment that led to the writing of the Alice books. The reader is immersed in Victorian culture both verbally and visually. The profusely illustrated book is a joy to read and informative as well. It fills the niche between biography and textual analysis.

Joel Birenbaum, president of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America

I mention the 'train book' aspect because this book is just the size to tuck into a handbag. As one who loves Lewis Carroll's works, and has studied Victorian England in depth, I found this work to be a surprisingly rich, delightful treatment of Lewis Carroll's life and work.

It is not an in-depth study of all aspects of his life, and, somehow, I found it most refreshing that, unlike some books which are, there were no diversions into Freudian speculation or treatments of bizarre theories about Dodgson's ways. Instead, the reader is treated to a fairly thorough survey of biographical information and essentials of Lewis Carroll's writings.

The illustrations are exceptionally extensive, including many photographs (of or by Carroll), varied illustrations from editions of "Alice," and, as far as textual illustrations are concerned, excerpts from Dodgson's private correspondence and diaries. One comes to the end of the book with a sense of having covered an amazingly large scope. For example, other authors have mentioned (without showing) the supposedly notorious nude photographs of children which Dodgson prepared. This book not only includes the pictures (which tend to the cherubic, with no flavour of the erotic), but places them into the Victorian cultural perspective with taste and dignity.

The author's style is superb - with a blend of beautiful language, concise but thorough treatment of the material, and impressive dignity. There is none of the excesses common in many books on Lewis Carroll, where rash speculation and prurient "let's pander to the 21st century love for 'dirt'" ruin the essentials of the story. Lewis Carroll is presented in all his brilliance, humour, and eccentricity. The classic works, with all of their fancy, wit, and wonder, are not ruined by excessive analysis or so filled with 'dark' speculation that one forgets what every child can see: they are delightful diversions.

Pair this book with an annotated edition of Lewis Carroll's works, and you will have the perfect gift for anyone who has ever loved "Alice" and her creator. And creator indeed Carroll was, for, as this book shows well, the Alice of fiction was hardly a model of Alice Liddell. The author speaks in some detail of the relationship of the "real" Alice and Charles Dodgson, with no tired attempts to confuse them with the book's contents. As well, the references to other Victorian literature and art places Carroll's work, and the friendship with the Liddell family, in an enlightening perspective for the contomporary reader.

Witty, insightful, and extensively detailed for a pocket book, I would highly recommend this work for anyone who already loves Lewis Carroll or would like a further acquaintance.

This tidy, colorful book presents an evenly balanced look at the life and times of Lewis Carroll. The reproductions of rare photos are outstanding, and are cause enough to buy the book on it's own. The text aviods the loathesome practice of trying to find deep symbolism and imagery in Carroll's works, but rather focuses on them with a pleasant reverence.

Some of my favorite authors are Canadian. Cheryl Tardif is a new addition to the ranks of Margaret Atwood, Tanya Huff, and a host of others.

Arson is probably the deadliest five letter word and definitely a curse to any firefighter or criminalist. Solving arson cases and especially preventing recidivism in an arsonist takes special training. A future Canadian FBI has developed a crack team of investigators to help solve these types of crimes. The three are led by Matthew Divine, hence the name of the book. Divine makes no appearances and seems more like the mysterious "Charlie" of the Angels' boss.

Jasi (Jasmine) McLellan, is a Pyro psychic who can breathe smoke from either the conflagration or cremains of a crime and join minds with the arsonist. Natassia, a recent Russian emigre, is a Victim Empath, who literally talks to dead people and 'empties' their psychic aura when she reads them. Ben rounds out the team (and provides a love interest for Natassia) as a profiler and empath. For this book, they are joined by arson investigator, Brandon Walsh, who initially doesn't believe in any of their gifts and serves as an interesting antagonist.

The team's facing a serial arsonist. The crime that comes to their attention is the incineration of Dr. Norman Washburn at his lakeside cabin. The physician is trussed up in IV tubing, soaked with gasoline, and set ablaze. What gets them called in is that the physician is the 'illegitimate father' of a notable politician from that area.

"He needed killin'" is a common phrase in the South and unfortunately, there's not much sympathy for the victim in this case. Nor for one of the prior victims, foster mother Charlotte Foreman, who died in a similar manner, unfortunately, Samantha, one of Charlotte's foster kids, was witness and the arsonist killed her as well.

It's clear that the arsonist is working from a 'dead list' and will strike again so it's imperative the team tracks him down quickly. The issue is--can Jasi work with Brandon when the sparks literally are flying between them? And can they untangle the Gordian knot of clues in before perhaps another innocent victim goes out in a blaze?

It's difficult to write a credible multiple point of view novel, because each character has to have his or her own 'voice'. Ms. Tardif manages to do that with the four primary characters. In addition, Jasi slips into the arsonist's mind and Natassia gives voice to the victims.

The alternate world Ms. Tardif has created is also interesting combined with a very Canadian feel. It still blows my mind that a criminal investigator would be taking a taxi anywhere, I'm so used to the US agents with their G-rides.

My only gripes are more than average copy-editing problems and Jasi missing some critical questions on one cab driver interrogation. I realize she did it to keep the suspense going, but that was at the cost of the character and unworthy of her talents. A veteran agent, like Jasi, would have asked more questions and eliminated the subject right there.

My next stop is to purchase Ms. Tardif's second book, "Divine Justice". Merry Christmas to me!

Things get really hot in this paranormal thriller when a serial arsonist murders three people, one of whom is the father of a politician on the rise. Set in British Columbia at a time in the near future, the case is assigned to a very special team of investigators with psychic abilities.

Leading the team is agent Jasmine McLellan, a Pyro-Psychic who can visit the remains of an arsonist's target and reconstruct the crime through the mind of the perpetrator. The other two members are Ben, a Psychometric Empath who can check you out by just touching your bare skin, and Natassia, a Victim Empath, who can reverse the saying that dead men tell no tales. The three form a very closely knit group, so that when they are ordered to temporarily expand the group by one, things get really tense, especially when the newest member is tall, rugged and handsome, but most of all, a skeptic.

The trail blows hot and cold as it leads them across British Columbia, as do the emotions, but the thing is, how many more people does the arsonist intend to kill, and how are the victims connected to each other?

The author combines murder, arson, adultery, blackmail, abuse and much more in this fast-paced book that you'll just have to read in one sitting. The only problem with it is that there is a book two mentioned, and I don't yet have a copy in my hands.


Amanda Richards, August 28, 2007

Jasmine McLellan and her team of psychically-gifted CFBI agents race against the clock to discover the identity of a serial arsonist/murderer. The reader is swept along through plot twists, profiling, even politics as 'Jasi', herself, enters the mind of the killer.
Highly emotional, yet intriguing, "Divine Intervention" is the first of the 'Divine Series' by Ms Tardif, who has already made a name for herself with "Whale Song" and "The River".
"Divine Intervention" is set in southern British Columbia, Canada in the not-too-distant future, and is as well-written and moving as her previous novels. And for excitement and thrills, it surely doesn't disappoint! Divine Intervention

A serial arsonist is on the loose, and they may strike again. Jasi's team of psychically gifted individuals is set on the case. Another member, albeit sceptical, is later added to the case, even though this adds unwanted friction within the group dynamics. The team uses their gifts to gain valuable clues, leading them down a twisty path across British Columbia to the most likely suspect; but the clues do not always point in the right direction. The arsonist will strike again. Will Jasi and her team discover who the culprit is in time? Or will they be too late?

Tardif writes a unique crime thriller set in British Columbia. Her use of psychically gifted characters adds to the uniqueness of the story, as well as adding extra layers. Through the use of the characters' gift, the reader can see the twisted minds of the criminal as well as the victims, who are just as twisted, if not more so, than the criminal. Jasi's team is a very tight-knit group, who have worked on several cases together. The new member to the team adds some tension and conflict between the members. This added friction contributes another dimension to the story. Tardif leads the readers on an exciting adventure as the characters gain clues, struggling against time to solve the case before the arsonist strikes again.

Cheryl Tardif was born in Vancouver, B.C., and has lived at different locations across Canada and Bermuda. She has also published the novels Whale Song and The River. There are more books in the works and waiting to be published, including the much anticipate second book in the Divine series, Divine Justice.

A crime novel at its best, with a Canadian twist, this book is a really thrilling page-turner, and is highly recommended by: Margaret Orford, Allbooks Reviews.

If you are a mystery fan then Divine Intervention will definately appeal to you. But this story is more than your average murder mystery. It is a futuristic mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat right until the very end wondering just who did it.

Like a fly getting trapped in a spiders web this story will keep you entangled right until the very end.

Whale song was great, but Cheryl Tardifs stories just keep on getting better. I cannot wait until her next one.

Ian Lyon Poet, Artist and soon to be Author.

I discovered Mary Oliver by reading a short story which referenced Wild Geese. Finding Wild Geese quite literally saved my life. The rest of Dream Work was hardly a let down. The opening poem, Dogfish... "I want to listen to the enormous waterfalls of the sun"... how do you get better than that? From Rage to Shadows to Sliver, Orion, Trilliums... every single poem in this book is pure. This book is my "Bible" so to speak.
Get this book. *Get it.*

I was a little tired of studying one day years ago and decided to pick up something entirely different and read it instead. I did a random search for whatever words came to my fingertips first. I was away at college and feeling a little homesick I guess. As I recall, the words included "moonlight", "home", and "dream". I got back Twelve Moons, House of Light, and Dreamwork. That started my romance with Mary Oliver.
I'm aware that many people say her imagery is too rich, too luxurious, and that it is not so much elemental as "stock". I also believe that that's like criticizing Tchaikovsky or Strauss or Puccini for being too melodic, too beautiful, too sad, too delightful.
I see no reason to believe that popularity and artistic value must be inversely proportional. Quite the contrary, I wish that more people could know about this wonderful woman to whom I am so deeply grateful.

If Dream Work was composed only of one poem - Wild Geese- it would receive 5 stars! In this poem alone Mary Oliver captures the heart of our souls. It is my "mantra".

This book, like much of Mary Oliver's work, breathes with true poetry, the beauty of nature, the spirit of life and dreams. This isn't just fancy wordplay.

I will be teaching language arts. I plan to use Mary Oliver in the classroom to get students interested in poetry. She writes in such a down to earth manner that she can be understood and discussed by people who aren't really "into poetry". Oliver gives us a new angle to look at the world with - but one that can be related to easily.

This is one of those books you think initially think would intimidate and overwhelm you; but from the first word it actually reads like a novel you can't put down. We are all fortunate that the Ravitch team writes so accessibly and engagingly. This book has already become part of my nightly bedtime routine; I look forward to reading a selection every night. "The English Reader" should be in everyone's library -- or at everyone's bedside. It's a lively treasure.

No one's better than educational historian Diane Ravitch at pointing out what's missing from today's schooling and doing something about it. This new anthology brings together poems, stories, songs and other literature that used to be part of the common experience of all educated men and women and have been replaced by second-rate material designed to be easy to read, raising scores without raising knowledge. Nothing in one of today's textbook readers will be remembered for long, while the pages of this book contain phrases, lines, whole paragraphs that touch us, stay in our memories, and connect us with each other through our common knowledge of these classics of our common culture. An excellent gift for any child, parent, teacher, or friend; these selections are sure to resonate and provide lasting pleasures.

A very nicely done anthology containing important cultural slices of English prose and poetry. The short but helpful introductions given to the author of each chosen writing are just right.

Perfect reading for those of us whose earlier education did not cover a wide swath of the written word as produced in the mother country. Even an experienced reader will enjoy stumbling across thoughts known to him but hitherto not tied in his mind to the specific work of a British author.

The English Reader wakes one up to remember all the past days when one read these wonderful pieces and a life of business took one away from their enjoyment. It's like stopping to smell the roses. Thank you

"Life imitates art," declares Oscar Wilde in The Decay of Lying, one of the many wonderful pieces of writing collected in The English Reader. Yet most of us are woefully ignorant of the art or at least the literature that our lives imitate. This indispensable anthology proves how instrumental the literary arts have been in creating the culture we know. It also proves something else--that great literature is fun to read. Thank you to Michael and Diane Ravitch for this educational and engaging book.

This collection of short stories was given to me as birthday present and came wrapped up and labelled "highly recommended". I had some reservations at first but they quickly dispelled after reading the first few pages.

The emphasis is on quality writing as much as erotic content. The contributors range from talented debutants to distinguished authors, including a fellow of The Royal Society of Literature.

Editor Mitzi Szereto breaks out of the limited constraints of the erotic genre to present a unique piece of literature. Erotic encounters and fantasies from every continent are skillfully blended in a book full of warmth, enigma and passion. The book is full of fun and adventure - and you wouldn't mind reading it on a train or a plane.

In fact, I suggest you do - who knows where it will lead?

I think this is what literature is supposed to be.

Editor Mitzi Szereto assembles an eclectic group of writers writing an eclectic group of stories. You don't need to buy a plane ticket to have sex around the world, just read this book! Unlike most other erotica anthologies I've read, there is nothing remotely stale or trite in the storytelling in this one. Forget those so-called "Best" erotica books, because this one really IS the best.

Editor Mitzi Szereto has definitely outdone herself in this new offering of tales of erotic travel. There isn't one weak story in the bunch. Some of my favorites include Traditional Aryuvedic, Brit novelist Lesley Glaister's Silver Cowboy, and the editor's own Bakewell, Revisited, which made my breath catch in my throat. Szereto is a masterful prose writer in her own right, and her keen editorial eye for quality erotic storytelling is unrivaled by anyone else working in the genre. This is a truly superior anthology.

Erotic Travel Tales 2, the second in this wonderfully original anthology series edited by author Mitzi Szereto, has something for everyone -- and gives it to us with a delicious punch to the brain...and the groin! A diverse collection with stories penned by old favorites and fresh voices in erotica, including erotica's first Royal Fellow of Literature. Szereto takes us on an unforgettable journey. I just hope we are gifted with a volume 3!

I've never been all that keen on erotica, but Erotic Travel Tales 2 has changed my mind. I was expecting the typical one-handed drivel you usually find in this genre, and did I get the surprise of my life when I opened this book to read the contents. Szereto's amassed an interesting collection of material penned by a wide range of voices -- from popular authors of erotica to those from more mainstream areas of literature. As a result, this is a collection utterly unique from anything else in its category. The stories work as literary fiction, erotic fiction, and travel fiction. You can't go wrong with this sparkling collection! Szereto is a real class act!

The book was a well needed rest from the Epic level adventures the author has been giving
us for quite some time now.

Believe me, I'm not complaining about the sheer magnitude of the adventures that the
Cerberus Exiles have been facing as of late, quite the contrary. They need a rest,
a break from saving not only humanity, but the world, and, in the case of the Dragon
King's, the whole solar system.

As people have come to expect with the series, the book is about change, and quite

significant changes at that, which will be mentioned below.

The novel begins in the Australian Outback, at a base that has been constructed inside
a powerful natural energy location, that has been worshipped by the Aboriginals since time
immorial. The aboriginals are not at all pleased with the intrusion, and make their displeasure
known to Sam's forces.

Kane and Grant are testing out the air to surface capabilities of the Manta craft, which they
have taken from the moonbase. They attack AREA 51, and end up destroying a number of
Magistrates. They're quite happy with the way the craft perform.

It is here that Grant informs Kane that he's leaving, to go to New Edo to be with the woman
who's captured his heart. This is just the first of the major changes occuring in the
series.

Cerberus is changing as well. Survivors from the moonbase are starting to trickle back Earth,
and are taking up residence in the redoubt. For the first time in years, new personnel are

walking the halls of the base. Kane and Grant, especially Kane, is something of a legend
amoung the newcomers, not only because of saving the entire Solar system, but
the fact that he went toe to toe with Maccan and not only survived, but defeated the
last Danaan.

Things are tense between Kane and Quavell. He uses any excuse that he can to stay away
from her.

Grant brings Shizuka with him back to Cerberus, to meet with the personel, yet another
change taking place.

The original idea was to return to the moonbase to get the medical equipment they needed
to help Quavell during her pregnancy, and this leads not only to her kidnapping, but it also
incapacitates both Kane and Grant, leaving the rescue mission up to Brigid, Domi and
Shizuka.

Despite the tension between Domi and Shizuka, they travel to the Outback, using
Lakesh's Phase Transducer. During the voyage, they encounter the Dreamtime, and
when they awaken, they're guests of the Aboriginals, who attacked Sam's base.

While she is captive, a great deal is learned about Quavell, and the hybrids as well,
including the fact that Quavell had a human lover before Kane, and the other humans
who were forced into 'service' at Cobalts demand.

With their help, they are able to infiltrate the facility, locate and rescue Quavell.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a significant number of changes to the series, many of
which are going to have long term effects as the series goes on.

Keep the changes coming, all that can happen is more and more readers get attracted to the series, as long as they're done properly, and the time is taken to introduce said changes, without just throwing them at the readers with little to no explination!

First, I don't think there was any way Mark Ellis could have topped himself after the epic two-parter, the Dragon Kings. Far Empire is a break from the frantic action and mighty revelations of the two previous books.

But a lot of stuff still goes on in this book starting with the cover...it's beautiful! I was very impressed since we finally get to see what Domi looks like after all these years!

The cover fits in with the very erotic overtones of the story itself. We get see Kane and Grant in action in the Manta ships taken from the moon base, we see the three main women characters of the series take center stage, kicking [behind] and taking names--

AND we finally find out what happened to Baron Cobalt whose fate has been a mystery for nearly two years! Not to mention that a couple of new female characters are introduced, both of them as different from one another as can be.

I really enjoyed the sequences set in Australia with the aborgines and their beliefs in "Dreamtime." I'd like to see another adventure set there.

I'm such a fan of the series and the characters just visiting with the heroes makes up for any lack of pointless gunfights and bloodshed.

I have to admit I don't usually read books like this since I prefer fantasy and some sci-fi. But the cover grabbed me and the contents held me. This was a very engaging, sexy romp with good solid characterization.

If Far Empire is an indicator of what the Outlanders series as a whole is like, then I'll be a regular reader.

"Far Empire" is unusual for a novel in the Outlanders series in that it concentrates more on tying up some loose ends from the two part Dragon Kings epic, as well as introducing new situations and characters into the mix.

It's also unusual in that grater attention is given to the erotic aspects of the series than has been the norm lately, with a surprisingly graphic sex scene.

The plot is straightforward--Quavell is abducted to Australia during a mat-trans jump. Kane and Grant are sidelined with injuries so it's up to the females to rally a rescue--isn't that just like real life?

Brigid, Shizuka and Domi travel to Ayers Rock in Australia to get her back and they do it in style.

Overall,despite the fact that most of the physical action is pretty much confined to the first few and last few chapters, "Far Empire" is a solid, satisfying read, particular for us female fans of the series. It's a character driven story, not plot driven.

It's almost like this book was written as a "thank you" for the show of support for the Outlanders series from women readers and if that's the case, all I can say to the author, on behalf of the female OL fans is a heartfelt "You're Welcome!"

And by the way--I think this cover is great!!

As usual Mark Ellis has given us an OL installment that one just can't put down. From the first page, Far Empire hits the ground running, shooting out of the gate, and carrying the reader along for the ride. Unlike past installments of the OL series Far Empire, carried a very strong erotic tone that was apparent through the entire novel, as well as concentrating for the most part on some of the female characters that have come to be such an intrecal part of the series over the last five plus years. Tying up some loose ends from the previous OL installment DRAGONEYE, limited the amount of action that could be placed in this particular story. Even so that decrease in action did not protract from the story or make this OL installment any less enjoyable than past installments. The introduction of new characters, and new situations, as well as shifting the spotlight on to some familiar faces, in order to expand on the stories each character has, made Far Empire an interesting read, and that much more enjoyable. This is definately well worth the time and money, both will be well spent on this latest OL story.

This story is great for people looking for a book that gets you thinking. I rather enjoyed reading this book and am currently looking for other books written by KAtherine Hull and Pamela Whitlock.

The Far Distant Oxus and it's sequels were among my favorite childhood books. I recently re-read them and was once again swept into a world in which children create their own adventures, a river, the forest, the moores are an invitation to adventure and life is filled with endless possibilities. The relationships between the children are very real, with just a tinge of mystery. I found myself nostalgic for a childhood that I never had after reading them again. Written by teenagers, the book lacks any sentimentality, rather the authors' youth seems to have lent an authenticity to the thoughts and feelings of the featured children. I wish someone would publish it again.

This is a book I discovered as a child in 1938, together with the other two books in the series, "Oxus in Summer" and "Escape to Persia". The child's view of the world as endlessly exciting and the kinds of adventures the children have are so authentic that I doubt any child could resist them. In the present climate the freedom these children have, the imagination, the absence of cruelty or danger, the connection to animals and to each other is enormously refreshing. The book was out of print for a long time but was reissued in 1978 with a fascinating forward by Arthur Crowe Ransome, through whose efforts it was originally published. These books were favorites of mine in childhood and when I used to read them aloud to my own children. I still own all three and now read them to my grandchildren. I have never met a child who had a chance to read this book who didn't love it.

This is a book I discovered as a child in 1938, together with the other two books in the series, "Oxus in Summer" and "Escape to Persia". The child's view of the world as endlessly exciting and the kinds of adventures the children have are so authentic that I doubt any child could resist them. In the present climate the freedom these children have, the imagination, the absence of cruelty or danger, the connection to animals and to each other is enormously refreshing. The book was out of print for a long time but was reissued in 1978 with a fascinating forward by Arthur Crowe Ransome, through whose efforts it was originally published. These books were favorites of mine in childhood and when I used to read them aloud to my own children. I still own all three and now read them to my grandchildren. I have never met a child who had a chance to read this book who didn't love it.

I first read this book when I was about 11 - I discovered it in my local library, and ended up borrowing it again and again. I have recently managed to track down a second-hand copy but sadly this is a U.S. edition without the authors' charming illustrations. I loved the Arthur Ransome books as a child but I loved this more - so vividly written, and the children seemed so real. One very memorable scene (to me) was when they were reflecting on their own adventures and realising that they would soon be grown up and that their lives, and the countryside in which the book is set (Exmoor) would soon never be the same again. This was very astute for two teenagers to have written shortly before the outbreak of World War II, especially when you look back 60 years later.