Virginia Books

The third of this magnificent six volume set proceeds with the dominant theme of the work, which aims to furnish proofs of the soul's immortality through a systemization of the principal ideas belonging to the Platonic tradition [yet paradoxically the work is also highly syncretic, blending elements of Hermetism, Scripture, Eastern mysticism and Medieval Aristotelianism]. Now the crux of this volume then, for one, is that the soul is prior to matter in the hierarchy of being, making it intrinsically superior to the material order. And further, the soul is enjoined to universal Divine Soul and thus it is indivisible, indestructible and eternal by nature. Moreover, while the soul is enmeshed in matter it is the dominant active agent, the ruler of the body: the soul acts in and outside of matter freely but the soul is never is acted upon by matter. Even when the body is said to adversely affect the soul--it is merely a defect in the soul's will-power not a force native to body. And finally, the soul is equipped to understand the true rational principles [Ideas] and their Forms, by way of discursive reasoning as opposed to carnal sense perception. This, it is hoped, will shed some light on some of the main points Ficino demonstrates in his elaborate thesis affirming the soul's immortality. It is recommended that the entire set be purchased and that it be read in moderation due to the density, complexity and magnitude of philosophical ideas and arguments layered throughout this magnificent work. For more details on the Platonic Theology see the *reviews posted for volumes one, two and five.

Marsilio Ficino's "Platonic Theology" is a masterpiece of neo-platonic literature. A seminal review of Plato, Proclus, Augustine etc. Vol 4 is especially good on the properties of God and the working of miracles.
This translation, for the first time in English by Michael Allen is fluid and very readable. The binding and printing is very well done, larger in format and more readable than the Loeb Classics series by the same publisher Harvard University Press. Highly recommended.

Marselo Ficino was one of the leading scholars in Renaissance Italy. Charged by the famous and powerful Medici family with recovering classical literature and philosophy, Ficino played a critical role in translating such works as the Hermetic Corpus and the works of Plotinus and Plato.

Ficino's Platonic Theology is a Renaissance restatement of the metaphysical system of Neo-Platonism, particularly that found in Proclus's Platonic Theology. The core of the system is the First Principle, the One, which while itself is immutable, eternal, and timeless, produces the universe through a chain of being through which it transmits its goodness and being, from the highest level of reality to the lowest, which then returns back to the One in an processing cycle.

Ficino made some accomodations to Christian belief and theology so his system would not raise the ire of the religious authorities, though he also had considerable freedom from ecclesiastical control.

This work is of interest to any philosopher interested in Neo-Platonic idealism and how it has influenced the shape of modern thought.

The Italian philosopher Marsilio Ficino, who was renowned for his Latin translations of all Plato's dialogues, set out to prove that the tenets of Platonism, instead of Aristotelianism, were fundamentally compatible with Christianity. He attempted this not only by acting as the primary mover of the Florentine academy, but also through his magnanimous patron Cosimo de' Medici who apportioned Ficino the leisure to commence his monumental work, "The Platonic Theology," which is offered here for the first time in a long-awaited English translation. Marsilio Ficino's work--from what may be seen from the first of five anticipated volumes--is an artful, straightforward representation of the divine philosophy of Plato, magnificently garbed under a brilliant and definitive medieval synthesis. Of the work itself Ficino says, "the Platonic mysteries are set forth as clearly as possible...so that...we may reveal the Platonic teaching, which is in complete accord with the divine law." Like all Christian-Platonists, Ficino used Augustine as a model for his orthodox amalgamation of the teachings of Plato and Christ, and believed so strongly in it that he said, "the Platonic teaching...is related to the divine law of both Moses and Christ as the moon is to the sun." With this in mind, it may be said that the vision of Marsilio Ficino, so clearly manifested in this work, will come as a relief to anyone ardently devoted to the school of Plato and the religion of Christ. The translated works of Ficino are certainly a great benefit to those confined to the English speaking world, and the other up-and-coming volumes in new I Tatti Renaissance Library (Harvard) are likely to produce the same effects. The value of these newly translated masterpieces of western culture cannot be described.

Useful to the scholar. Thought provoking as intellectual work. Life changing in world view. There is an alternative to secularism or post-modernism.

If the moral of Never ask permission lies in the title, I will jump to the front of the line to praise it. The narrative careens around corners and bounces over bumps so merrily that the reader has only fleeting moments to enjoy the insiights and hoot at the comedy while holding on tightly to that pale yellow tailgate.

Knowing a bona fide eccentric, especially a benevolent one, is simultaneously an entertaining and exasperating experience. Sharing that experience with others is usually daunting. Either the essence of the person being described becomes lost in a jumble of amusing but disjointed anecdotes or eccentricity overwhelms the eccentric, rendering a flat, one-dimensional cartoon in place of a complex, multi-faceted portrait.

In Never Ask Permission, Mary Buford Hitz tackles this daunting task head on, the subject of this memoir being her mother, Elizabeth Scott Bocock or, as she often signed herself, ESB. Rather than take a sequential, "I-am-born" approach, the author chooses to devote separate chapters to different aspects of her mother's personality, each chapter a self-contained essay, overflowing with anecdotes, quotes, and, perhaps most illuminating of all, snippets of ESB's autobiographical sketches. (Most of these autobiographical excerpts, by the way, come from essays ESB wrote during her college years, which began after her sixty-seventh birthday.) Just as a puzzle becomes a picture as each piece falls into place, so does ESB's complex character come into focus, chapter by chapter, with a poignant, but essential clue to this charming, but undeniably complex Virginian saved until the very end.

Many CEO's could learn from ESB's capacity to set goals and achieve them. As ESB emerges from the pages of this lovingly crafted book, the reader meets a determined and creative thinker who probably would not have been impressed with "left-brain/right-brain, lateral thinking, creative problem-solving, if you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem" lingo, but who embodied the positive persona such jargon seeks to describe. With one foot firmly planted in late Victorian America and the other constantly, restlessly forcing her into the future, she was a visionary with an astonishing ability to get things done.

If you enjoy biography, if you are fascinated by Virginia, if you want some side-splitting laughs, or if you are just interested in a good read, this is the book for you.

I bought and read this book in preparation for moving from San Diego to Norfolk...I wanted to get a flavor of the area. What a pleasant surprise! A fascinating read and one that will make you want to visit the area to see where ESB lived, and where she had such influence in preserving historical Richmond.

Mary Buford Hitz has done a remarkable job of portraying a very special person in a very special place during a very special time - the middle to late years of the twentieth century. Elisabeth Scott Bocock was a mover and shaker in Richmond, Virginia, the person who did more than anyone else to see that the city became aware of the importance of preserving its antiquities. She was one of a kind. Her daughter has written a family memoir that touches all the joys and sorrows that all families know and many delightful eccentric experiences that only her family knew. As a sensitive but un-self-conscious exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, this book cannot be beat. Mary Buford Hitz is perceptive about herself, her family, life and the world. In describing her remarkable mother, she also describes herself. Beyond that, she puts her finger on the changing mores of the twentieth century and paints a marvellous picture of her mother, a whirlwind catalyst who left no one she touched unchanged. Auntie Mame pales beside Elisabeth Bocock. This is a well-written, absorbing, wonderful chronicle - ostensibly of one woman's odyssey, but at the same time it touches on every one's odyssey.

Mary Buford Hitz has done a remarkable job of portraying a very special person in a very special place during a very special time - the middle to late years of the twentieth century. Elisabeth Scott Bocock was a mover and shaker in Richmond, Virginia, the person who did more than anyone else to see that the city became aware of the importance of preserving its antiquities. She was one of a kind. Her daughter has written a family memoir that touches all the joys and sorrows that all families know and many delightful eccentric experiences that only her family knew. As a sensitive but un-self-conscious exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, this book cannot be beat. Mary Buford Hitz is perceptive about herself, her family, life and the world. In describing her remarkable mother, she also describes herself. Beyond that, she puts her finger on the changing mores of the twentieth century and paints a marvellous picture of her mother, a whirlwind catalyst who left no one she touched unchanged. Auntie Mame pales beside Elisabeth Bocock. This is a well-written, absorbing, wonderful chronicle - ostensibly of one woman's odyssey, but at the same time it touches on every one's odyssey.

This is an awesome book.
Anyone who loves horses and God will love this book.
It is especially very interesting because I LOVE horses.
The second book in this series, Stolen Gold is great too.
I could not put either of these books down, they were so fascinating.
This is a must read!

The Palomino is a wonderful book that my horse crazy daughter couldn't put down. The story is entertaining and educational. The characters were people we could identify with. It provides a great example for my daughter of loving family relationships and show how reliance on their faith can get them through any difficulty. My daughter has read all three and asks often when the next book will be available.

My daughter read these books and greatly enjoyed them. I picked them up, and they work. The prose is not Tolstoy, and the plot is predictable, but...when I finished reading it I could finally understand my daughter's love of horses, and...I bought her a horse. It is a sweet and lovely book.

This is a great story of a young girl who loves horses and Jesus. She is a loving child with wonderful and understanding parents. She works hard to earn her way to a horse training camp. And learns to be an excellent rider.

Perfect for girls from eight to fifteen.

I happened to read this because it was given to my daughter for christmas. It is a very moving story. Once you start to reading it, it is hard to put down. Once this was read I continued on with Stolen Gold. Also a fantastic book.

Along with providing a good understanding of old-time fiddling in West Virginia, this book also provides a wider discussion of other forms of folk music within the state. Milnes's discussion of the various folk traditions associated with fiddling is really interesting to read. He has fine descriptions of house parties, square dance callers' patter, and a good variety of the folk beliefs associated with fiddle tunes. The chapter on the ballad of Naomi Wise is especially good, and I also appreciated the chance to learn more about the dulcimer tradition in the state. Prior to reading this book, I thought that the dulcimer was primarily a recently introduced instrument that became popular only with the 1950s and 60s folk music revival. Milnes broadens that view and demonstrates that there has been an interesting and rich tradition of dulcimer playing in the Appalachians.

Gerry Milnes knows more about the tradtional music of West Virginia than probably any other writer on the subject.

This book presents a delightful look at the history of West Virginia fiddling, profiles of the players, and the culture in which this music thrived. It is well researched and presented in a very engaging style. Of particular interest to me were his profiles of some of the musical families of the state. In addition to his look at fiddlers, other folk music traditions are covered as well, including a look at the fretted dulcimer players and builders of the region. There are many helpful and interesting photographs as well.

Also recommended: "Fiddles, Snakes, & Dog Days," Milnes documentary film on the same subject which features the playing of many traditonal West Virginia musicians.

A fine book, evoking a lot more than just thoughts of fiddles. It brings back a lot of memories. There's endless stories winding on late into the night and square dances at the fire station with bright lights and cake walks. It's playing rhythm guitar while sitting on the porch hypnotized by the "play of the fiddle", playing those simple little tunes over and over and over, breathing life into them till they break loose and come alive. Reading Jerry's book was like stumbling into an attic full of memories.

There's something hypnotic about the sound of a fiddle, and Jerry weaves his own spell. All those countless, nameless, fiddle players were drawn to it and just couldn't ever get away. Way back "up the holler". It seems like the devil got hold of them & wouldn't let go. It's like sitting around a campfire, deep in the woods, listening to the baying of the hounds and just wondering what's really out there. Lot's of mystery up in the mountains and those old fiddle players felt it and made it sing out. Jerry really loves his fiddle music, but I think he really loves the spell of the mountains even more. Seems to come out best in the sound of a fiddle, played on the front porch, all alone, nothing but that fiddle sound, a full moon, and the deep silence of the endless woods. That fiddle music just floats in the silence. The hills don't care, they just sit there, and the fiddler plays on, just hearing that sound, going on and on and on...

Yep, it's a pretty good tale.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Milnes provides good descriptions of the history and the cultural contexts for fiddling in West Virginia. He provides especially good descriptions of dances. My favorite part of the book dealt with some of the traditional beliefs and practices associated with fiddling. There are fascinating traditions that fiddlers continue to use, and there is a wealth of folklore associated with the instrument. Milnes also provides a fine history of dulcimer music in Appalachia, and his work provides a corrective perspective about this instrument as he challenges the degree of purism and perhaps "snootiness" that is associated with fiddling.

As a storyteller and passive folklorist I found this book to be extremely useful and well written. The work the author has done to trace the origins of lore is an incredible journey into the past and speaks clearly to the persistent little voices in my head that are always calling out- "Now how on earth did someone think that up." The book does much more than instruct the reader: It creates a whole new world around folk traditions that is as colorful and as engaging as any novel and as useful for understanding Appalachia as any history book.

Great read, especially if you enjoy historical and romantic novels. The author is able to transport you back in time to the early 1800's. She paints an intriguing picture of Plantation life on the James River touching on slavery, inheritance, Quaker religious issues. Highly recommended although I am not certain of any basis of historical fact.

Just when I was convinced that this summer would leave me irritable and dissatisfied with fiction, I chanced upon this wonderful read! The main characters are well drawn, and despite a mystical tendency to see and feel past events and current ghosts, believable. The situation is a new look at the old returning scion theme, with a female character who is refreshingly unlike most in period novels, yet true to her time and station. Charbonneau weaves in several story lines well, leaving only one that tugs at greater exposition, that of the Frenchman, "Fayette". On the whole, a marvelous way to spend some reading hours.

Ms. Charbonneau has woven another masterful, compelling tale. I found the narrative richly layered with drama, action, and heartfelt romance. Readers will fall in love just as the main characters do! Judith Mercer is a warm, unique heroine; and Ethan Randolph is deftly drawn as a man both simple and complex, endearing in his innocence and attractive in his strength.

Anyone who thinks all romance novels are alike have never read a novel by Ms. Charbonneau! What I always like best about her work is her fresh, unique voice. THE RANDOLPH LEGACY does not disappoint. The plot is unusual and intriguing. The language is spare but visual, painting pictures of sailing ships, bustling ports, sunny plantations and lighthouses by the sea. This is a book you won't want to put down!

Charbonneau's latest novel represents both a brilliant celebration and daring augmentation of the historical romance genre. In The Randolph Legacy, Charbonneau demonstrates to the hilt her mastery of all of the traditional elements of her craft: the weaving of a deep mystery around the fascinating male protagonist, Ethan Randolph; searing and sensuous descriptions of carnal passion unfolding in the beautiful Quakeress heroine, Judith Mercer; convergence of fast-paced subplots on the harrowing denoument of the central mystery; all served up with sedulous attention to the regional cultures of the United States in 1815. But, in addition to these traditional elements, Charbonneau audaciously bestows upon her most sympathetic characters certain shared powers of extra-sensory perception that enable them to transcend their cultural limitations and that also enable Charbonneau to further her ethical investigation of the ambiguities, hypocrisies, and redemptive possibilities of interracial human relations on the slave plantations of Virginia.

In 1805 on the high seas, English Captain Willis has a twelve year old American lashed for refusing to work as a sailor under the English flag. Due to the fast action of a French prisoner, the lad's life is saved, but he mentally and physically crippled.

A decade later, a Quaker Judith Mercer escorts a strange young man to the Windover Plantation in Virginia. She swears to the wealthy Randolph family that the crippled creature is their lost son Ethan, who allegedly died at sea ten years ago. As Judith helps Ethan regain his physical and emotional health, the pair falls in love with each other. However, Judith has demons of her own to surmount before she can ever think of entering into a loving relationship. Then there are those who would prefer the heir to be impressed by the British again. With all this hanging in the air, it appears that two deserving souls will still fail to find happiness.

THE RANDOLPH LEGACY is a fast paced historical fiction, with a strong romantic thread running through the well researched and fascinating story line. The issue of British impressment of American citizens are seen through a fresh perspective, a trademark of Eileen Charbonneau. The lead protagonists are endearing character, who add emotional depth as they struggle to overcome their personal histories to forge a future together. The colorful story line is brisk and exciting. Ms. Charbonneau, known for her young adult novels, should receive acclaim as a multi-genre talented author.

Harriet Klausner

Safe Streets illustrates why we cannot depend upon the government for our safety.

Trusting that the police will be there in time of need is foolish.

Equally foolish is to believe that new or existing laws will prevent a suicidal maniac from murdering your entire family at the neighborhood Mall.

This is our country and we must take responsibility for our own and our family's safety.

[...]I highly recommend Safe Streets to anyone who believes that the government will be responsible for their safety.

If you are a women, you need to read this book. If you are anti-gun, you need to read this book. If you do not know YOUR role as a citizen of America, you need to read this book. Mr. Longenecker reaches back into the era of our Founding Fathers, grabs the term 'Sovereign Citizen,' whips it back through time, places it squarely in front of our eyes and says 'This is who you are!' In the short span of 204 pages, he teaches us what our 'Fathers' knew and warned us about. He describes the theft of our authority to run our lives and how our 'abdication' has weakened our resistance to aggression and therefore has increased crime. I encourage all women to read this book to help you see the connection between freedom and the safety of your families and even your own body. Today, Freedom, is largely taught in the home. As women, that is largely our venue. It's in our homes that much of freedom's lessons are learned or not learned. 'Safe Streets' endeavors to point out the assaults on our authority as heads of households under the guise of some benefit 'for the children.' 'Safe Streets' clearly explains that The Second Amendment to our Constitution is NOT ABOUT GUNS! It is about freedom, and your authority to run your own lives, to manage your own household and keep your families safe. Who is the head of your household? You think it is you? Guess again. You're being replaced. 'Safe Streets' shows us how ever increasing government infringements on your sovereignty have and are this very minute stealing your freedom, authority, safety and wealth. And how to stop it.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns by John Longenecker is one of the first publications from his new Libertarian and pro-gun publishing company, Contrast Media Press. His hard hitting articles can be read at his web site called Good for The Country and have been picked up by numerous media outlets and web sites. In fact, they are always insanely popular whenever they are posted on various pro-gun and pro-freedom websites. If you enjoy Longenecker's energetic writing style, then you will definitely love Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns discusses how government enforced dependency is destroying the American spirit, our independence, and is actually one of the root causes of violent crime. Longenecker successfully shows how private ownership of guns does not only benefit gun owners. He shows how gun ownership combats crime, protects our liberties, and helps preserve the independent spirit that makes America the greatest country on earth.

It is a complicated theme, but it is also so simple that it should be common sense. The fact that it is somewhat complicated shows exactly how far we have fallen. That is where this book comes in. It was not only written for patriots, liberty advocates, and gun owners. It was written for the non-gun owner or anyone who a wakeup needs call. Hopefully, they will realize the enormous benefits that gun ownership has on society and that the fight to control our guns is not only about guns. It is about control.

This is one of those books that you truly have to read, because a few paragraphs in a review could never do it justice. However, I will hit on a few parts that really stood out.

The Gun Control Formula

Longenecker discusses how gun control is actually social engineering and is the blueprint for all of the attacks against individual freedom, sanctity of life, and the interests of the United States of America. In the book, you will learn how gun control is also a threat against marriage, religion, and many other parts of our everyday life.

Armed Citizens - Citizen Authority Or Vigilante

Longenecker discusses how citizens who uses a firearm for self-defense is acting on citizen authority and is not a vigilante. This section of the book is one that you may find yourself highlighting paragraphs so that you can use them later in a debate with an antigun co-worker or friend.

Victim Disarmament Zones

Longenecker discusses how Victim Disarmament Zones (also known as Criminal Protection Zones and Criminal Empowerment Zones) leave law-abiding citizens defenseless against criminals. He also discusses several recent incidents where innocent unarmed people were slaughtered in Victim Disarmament Zones.

The CPR Corollary

This part of the book is by far my favorite, and worth at least twice as much as the price of the book. Longenecker was one of the first paramedics in Los Angeles, and was on one of the first panels discussing bystander CPR. As a paramedic for large city myself, I could really relate to the concept of the CPR Corollary. In this section, Longenecker discusses how citizens carrying handguns is identical to citizen CPR prior to the arrival of first responders. He also discusses how many doctors and medical professionals initially opposed citizens learning CPR and wanted it left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and CPR was taught to bystanders. As a result, lives have been saved.
This is similar to concealed carry and how may law enforcement officials and government officials oppose armed citizens and want the responsibility for your own safety be left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense is prevailing again, and more states are either passing or improving their concealed carry laws. As a result, lives are saved.

Safe Streets in The Nationwide Concealed Carry Of Handguns by John Longenecker should hold a prominent place in your home library. It is not just a book; it is a tool that can be used to change minds and to help preserve our liberties.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns by John Longenecker is one of the first publications from his new Libertarian and pro-gun publishing company, Contrast Media Press. His hard hitting articles can be read at his web site called Good for The Country and have been picked up by numerous media outlets and web sites. They are always insanely popular whenever they are posted on various pro-gun or pro-freedom websites. If you enjoy Longenecker's energetic writing style, then you will definitely love Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns.

Safe Streets In The Nationwide Concealed Carry of Handguns discusses how government enforced dependency is destroying the American spirit, our independence, and is actually one of the root causes of violent crime. Longenecker successfully shows how private ownership of guns does not only benefit gun owners. He shows how gun ownership combats crime, protects our liberties, and helps preserve the independent spirit that makes America the greatest country on earth.

It is a complicated theme, but it is also so simple that it should be common sense. The fact that it is somewhat complicated shows exactly how far we have fallen. That is where this book comes in. It was not only written for patriots, liberty advocates, and gun owners. It was written for the non-gun owner or anyone who a wakeup needs call. Hopefully, they will realize the enormous benefits that gun ownership has on society and that the fight to control our guns is not only about guns. It is about control.

This is one of those books that you truly have to read, because a few paragraphs in a review could never do it justice. However, I will hit on a few parts that really stood out.

The Gun Control Formula

Longenecker discusses how gun control is actually social engineering and is the blueprint for all of the attacks against individual freedom, anctity of life, and the interests of the United States of America. In the book, you will learn how gun control is also a threat against marriage, religion, and many other parts of our everyday life.

Armed Citizens - Citizen Authority Or Vigilante

Longenecker discusses how citizens who uses a firearm for self-defense is acting on citizen authority and is not a vigilante. This section of the book is one that you may find yourself highlighting paragraphs so that you can use them later in a debate with an antigun co-worker or friend.

Victim Disarmament Zones

Longenecker discusses how Victim Disarmament Zones (also known as Criminal Protection Zones and Criminal Empowerment Zones) leave law-abiding citizens defenseless against criminals. He also discusses several recent incidents where innocent unarmed people were slaughtered in Victim Disarmament Zones.

The CPR Corollary

This part of the book is by far my favorite, and worth at least twice as much as the price of the book. Longenecker was one of the first paramedics in Los Angeles, and was on one of the first panels discussing bystander CPR. As a paramedic for large city myself, I could really relate to the concept of the CPR Corollary. In this section, Longenecker discusses how citizens carrying handguns is identical to citizen CPR prior to the arrival of first responders. He also discusses how many doctors and medical professionals initially opposed citizens learning CPR and wanted it left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and CPR was taught to bystanders. As a result, lives have been saved.
This is similar to concealed carry and how may law enforcement officials and government officials oppose armed citizens and want the responsibility for your own safety be left to professionals. Thankfully, common sense is prevailing again, and more states are either passing or improving their concealed carry laws. As a result, lives are saved.

Safe Streets in The Nationwide Concealed Carry Of Handguns by John Longenecker should hold a prominent place in your home library. It is not just a book; it is a tool that can be used to change minds and to help preserve our liberties.

None of the CDC, the National Academy of Sciences, nor DoJ were able to find that ANY gun control reduces VIOLENT CRIME, MURDER, SUICIDE or ACCIDENTS in any significant manner.

None. There it is -- gun control doesn't work. No emotion, just science.

Obviously the NICS/Brady background check must do SOMETHING, right? No, it isn't even enforced on criminals so there cannot be any compelling reason for it:

Less than 100 criminals are prosecuted each year for Brady/NICS violations -- and the vast majority of these are because the authorities needed to arrest or prosecute a criminal but can't make the real charge stick, or needs a "predicate felony" for a conspiracy or RICO charge.

So gun control doesn't work and it just interferes with the right of every law abiding American to self-defense and to protect his/her family.

This books explains the evidence and makes the case.

I had been hoping for a more happy read. I know that not all search and rescues end happily but this book has many grim endings and some graphic details. I had a hard time reading certain sections and can't imagine what it was like for Beth Barkley to live them.

Because of her amazing courage and perseverence I could not put the book down. I'm glad I read it but I don't think it is a book I would re-read because it is so sad.

It doesn't have anything to do with reviewing the book but I came away wondering why on earth someone willing to face machine guns, hostile populations and sleeping in a tent in an Armenian winter had to worry about whether she could afford to take off work to go on these missions of mercy. You couldn't pay me enough money to do what she does. Why should anyone have to use their vacation time and be set back financially to do this?

I expected more technical information about training dogs, but was captivated by the stories and adventures. I wish there had been pictures of the White Shepherds. My 10 year old and 12 year old (boy and girl) liked the book very much.

The stories in this book could almost stand on their own. I can't imagine doing this dangerous and time consuming work for free, and for so many years! The copy of the book I got has a White Shepherd on the front, much more interesting than the picture shown here. I read it all in one night, couldn't put it down!

Being and animal lover it was more than anything the stories about the bonds forged between the dogs and their "persons" that drew me in. I'd always looked at dogs sniffing through rubble and thought "that's all there is." How wrong I was. Search and Rescue gave me a glimpse into the years long training, the poignant and oftimes funny adventures, the sacrifices and fortitude on the part of both person and dog that it takes to do this work. I was fascinated by the interactions between peoples of all nationalities, how they worked together all over the world, and the inside workings of the governments behind the scenes. What touched me the most was what Search and Rescue came to mean to one courageous woman and her three white German Shepherds. Search and Rescue will bring smiles, tears and understanding to all who read it.

I enjoyed this book VERY much since I do search and rescue but THIS IS NOT A TRAINING BOOK but a true story of a woman and her two dogs. if you are looking for a training book I would suggest the the book by Susan Bulanda called "Ready, the training of a search and rescue dog" it is a very good book. I used it to train my current SAR dog. Happy Searching!!!

omgaw yall have just gott to read this book the way mrs naylor describes everything is on the mark!!! i think this is the best book a teen could ever read cuz it shows how hard and also how fast life can go if u dont slow down!!the thing tht made me look at this book was the titles and the author i love mrs. naylors books but the title just made me take a double glance once i picked it up the cover was BEAUTIFUL!!!well yall have to read this I LOVE IT!!

THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK. I LOVED IT. IT IS NOT LIKE ANYTHING I HAVE READED BEFORE.I WOULD SAY THIS IS A BOOK ANY YOUNG WOMAN OR MAN FOR THAT MATTER WOULD ENJOY READING. I WOULD NOT LET ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF ABOUT 10 READ IT BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT IS A GREAT BOOK. I REALLY ENJOY IT...

I read this book as part of the requirements for an adolescent literature course. Surprisingly, I liked it. Like all teens, Beth faced the pressures of being herself, pleasing her family, fitting in with friends, and still working hard in school. Like many Appalachian young adults, she knows that education is a way to leave the poverty-striken life her family has, even if she should decide to live nearby.

I liked the character of Beth because she showed strength--strength to adhere to family ties while defying what was expected by the family, the grit to work create a better life for herself, and yet the ability not to compromise her plans for her future.

I would not recommend this for a high school reading list, but if my teenaged daughter wanted to read it, I certainly would not find it offending.

I loved it! I live in a small town in West Virginia, like the main character and I know what it's like to look out your window and see the beautiful mountains. I also know what it was like for Beth with her parents wanting something for her that she didn't want.

I think that every teenager should read this book. Beth just displays to me that she is such a hard worker and she tried everyday to keep her family in good health and helping her mother. I wanted her and Harless to get married all through the book. I think that they should make a movie about the book and Beth should be played by Katie Holmes. Hey, it's a thought! Thanks!

I had to read this book for my History of Slavery class, thought by the author. Dr. Morgan gave excellent insight in addition to his book. I would suggust this book to anyone for anytype of reading, pleasure and required.

Morgan's analysis will give anyone who wants to know more about slavery an immense amount of material. Comparing the Chesapeake and Lowcountry areas of the American colonies during the eighteenth century, Morgan discusses the economic and cultural sides of the different slave institutions and discusses black-white encounters. No matter how one may try to define slavery in one, distinct way, Morgan shows there is always an exception to that definition. I know Morgan worked for many years to produce this book and that this book is the culmination of an immense amount of research and analysis, but this book would make a larger impact if it was shorter. By the time I was done reading this mammoth book, I had a hard time remembering all the topics he brought up. For any history student, like me, it is worth reading, but make sure you give yourself plenty of time to understand it.

I had the pleasure of listening to this author lecture to in class during my senior year of college. Having the opportunity to discuss this book with the author made Slave Counterpoint come to life. Slave Counterpoint makes the topic of Antebellum slavery captivating for those interested in learning about the early days of slavery in the Cheasapeake Bay region. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a sharp curiosity about early colonial history and wishes to be engaged in an honest account of events(I would recommend reading this book a couple of chapeter at a time).

Philip D. Morgan's exhaustively researched and extremely detailed text seeks to compare and contrast the social structure and overall formation of the slave systems of the Chesapeake, VA and Lowcountry, SC regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Morgan does not adopt a narrative approach: he offers numerous discussions-all of which are deftly integrated into his descriptive analyses-of how black cultures changed over time. Morgan spends the 700-odd pages eschewing monolithic portrayals of black culture at almost every opportunity, preferring to investigate complexity and contradiction rather than to resort to pithy judgment. This is an excellent, important read.

I have read no better detailed study than this book. Long but worth it due to the rich detail.

This is a simply fascinating work that weaves business history, marketing theory and techniques, economic differentiation, and overt and unconscious racism. The most interesting dimensions (for this unapologetic Son of the South) is the isolation of the feelings and thoughts of nostalgia that the Quaker Oats image of Aunt Jemima invoked and Manring examines in detail. He follows the work of James Young and illustrator N.C. Wyeth's creation and adaptations of the image from conception to modern politically correct adaptation.

I'm not sure I completely buy into Manrings total thesis, since as a child I always just thought of Aunt Jemima's big old smile as normal, and after all, who doesn't like pancakes? Her image to me meant "proud," "good cooking," and "skilled" not contented servitude as Manring proposes.

Still, this is a fascinating and challenging read.

Prof. Manring has accomplished something rare: an academic book free of jargon, a cultural history free of polemic, and a thorough analysis that never drags. She writes clear, lively prose -- this is a book for the general reader as well as the student of American history. Brava!

This book and its contextualization of Aunt Jemima or the mammy stereotype, as I refer to it, is well-written and thought-provoking. The material has been very helpful to me in exploring how this particular stereotype of black women functions in American culture and I will be using it as a key reference in my dissertation. Thanks.

Slave in a Box is a great study of the racism and sexism embodied in the birth of advertising. It is not only provocative but also chock full of great facts about the era--from the importance of paper bags in marketing to the story of an African American who actually wrote for minstrel shows. I am writing because I am a historian and used the book in my Industrialization of America class. The class generally hated it, because it is so detailed, but despite their response I recommend using it in a course. Our discussion was painful--black students said the book was "depressing" and white students denied that race had anything to do with the power of this trade name (they harped on the convenience, as if the stereotype was irrelevant!). I learned so much about them and so much about what we all need to do as teachers that I think it was a very valuable experience.

Very often, histories/studies of Aunt Jemima and the mammy stereotype are simply descriptive; this book does a great job of showing how Aunt Jemima's image and products were designed to complement/support ideal white femininity. My only criticism is that Aunt Jemima's presence on television and radio wasn't discussed enough. A great read for anyone interested in issues of race, gender and domesticity. I have recommended this book to many people, and continue to do so.