Washington Books

good chronological account of Early's 1864 campaign many interesting side notes to a little studied Confederate actio

Mr. Judge does history a great justice by writing the history of the Invasion of Washington from its inception. He covers the early phase from a confederate defeat at Cloyds Mountain in Pulaski County just south of Blacksburg (VA. Tech), takes you to Lynchburg and Early's arrival and the subsequent journey to Washington D.C. Gives the reader the complete field of study of the campaign. Wonderful description of future Baltimore Police Chief Harry Gilmore who was a colorful confederate calavary leader as well as a vivid description of the hidden valley of the Shennodoah, Fort Valley.

This book is must reading for anyone interested in Civil War history or who lives in the areas between Monocacy Junction and Washington, D. C. where this action occurred. The book provides a detailed synopsis of the action and is loaded with details of the local history, much of which remains intact for anyone interested in retracing the course of Early's raid.

Season of Fire proves to be a well written and well researched book on Confederacy's last effort to do something meaningful by trying to attacked Washington DC. Led by General Jubal Early, the Confederate forces came pretty close to success and the authors were correct in saying that even if the occupation of Union capitol would only be momentary, the political and morale cost would be devastating for the north. While hindsight make this campaign almost a sideshow, the book revealed how close it really was to being a main event.

Folks, this is a fun guide that can aid native Seattleites and visitors alike. I've used it many times to get a good, reasonably (or dirt cheap) bite to eat in an often expensive town.
The cool thing is, you can look in the index for categories of food (say, Barbecue or Breakfast), restaurant names, or even better, neighborhoods. That makes it a fun "let's check out this neighborhood" guide also!
A worthy purchase. I've worn mine out!

I visit Seattle enough that I needed to know where I could get decent food at a decent price - this really fits the bill. Some of these places have nondescript exteriors, and so you would expect run-of-the-mill eats - but I tried four suggestions and found them all to be places with good food, fast food, and reasonably priced. Easily saved enough in two days to pay for the book.

This book is very comprehensive as far as cheap Seattle eats. I have yet to discover a restaurant in the book that is below average. Bon appetite!

My wife and I always kept the first edition of this wonderful restaurant guide in the car, and we are just as happy with this newer addition.

Although I grew up in Seattle, we've lived about 45 minutes out of town for over 20 years, and it's hard to keep up with the restaruant scene when we return "home" sporadically. We're the kind of people who prefer to avoid fast food joints and chains, and being school teachers, we're always looking for a good deal. On top of that, we're always open for something off the beaten path. This guide has never failed to tip us off to a satisfying dining experience.

We recently attended a performance in West Seattle, and checked out "Cheap Eats" for some family-friendly restaurants in that area, since we had three kids along with us. We had it narrowed down to three possibilities, but the kids decided on a delightful Italian restaurant. Good food, good price, and great atmosphere for all of us.

Fortunately, many of our favorites from the first edtion survived in the new book. One of them is The Sunlight Cafe in the Roosevelt area, where we can always count on a tasteful vegetarian meal.

This guide has two helpful indexes in the back, one for the type of cuisine--whether it be Japanese, Thai, or Italian--and the other for listings by Seattle neighborhoods. The main body of the book has the restaurant reviews listed alphabetically. The reviews do a helpful job of describing the menu, what's good and what's not, the atmosphere, hours, whether or not credit cards and checks are accepted, and if live music is available.

If you're in Seattle, get this one and keep it in the car!

I am a zookeeper in an accredited zoological institution and this book is a must read as we care for captive animals. A comprehensive enrichment program is critical for wild animals in captive environments as these programs provide the animals with choices, complexities, and change. The guiding principle for enrichment is based on the animal's natural history. This book very appropriately emphasizes the requirement of enrichment for the animal's well being. Read this book and it will give you hope.

A book that had to be written. This book is a good and basic guide for people working or interested in environmental enrichment. Several aspects are covered by the book, from theoretical bases to the implications to use enrichment for the conservation and welfare of wild animals. However, although it gives a lots of examples on mammals and some on reptiles, it forgets birds.

I bought "Ethics on the Ark" at the same time as this book, and was disappointed with that book. This book, however, was a very nice surprise. I felt it gave a unbiased view of captive animal enrichment, and the ethics behind keeping animals in captivity. I appreciated the completeness of this book, starting from a historical perspective, straight through to modern reasoning. I would say this is a must have for anyone working with animals in a captive environment.

This is my must have book (bible) for my research on environmental enrichment. If you work with animals in a captive situation, you need to read this book. The book also deals with stereotypy. A lot of excellent information on enrichment and its implications for captive animals. If you are at all interested in environmental enrichment or currently implement an enrichment program for your animals, do yourself a favor and read this book.

awesome story, characterizations and description. Grabs you and doesn't let you go until the end... thanks!

I have recently read both of Clausens books and am thrilled to have found a new writer that I can eagerly watch and wait for the next book. I have lived in Seattle all my life and he made it come alive for me. The city has changed now but at that time I knew those places and some of the other recesses of downtown in those days. I could picture easily where they were and what was going on. Lets have some more.

Officer Clausen's second book is just as good as his first, "First Avenue," but in a different way. Here he writes not one, not two, but THREE very sympathetic and believable female characters (rare for a man). He also devotes a few chapters to the interior monologues of Daniel, the 8-year old central character of this story, and these are rendered with sensitivity and insight without condescension. He even creates a character who is homeless-by-choice, whom he neither vilifies nor glorifies. These are difficult tightropes to walk, and Clausen dances fearlessly across the rope.

The Seattle locations are so accurate that I recognized most of them immediately before he even named them. I think I've even met some of the background characters who work there!

The story is a tough, gritty crime novel which has at its center some crimes which are not easy to watch transpire, so this is not a lightweight or casual book. It is, however, a very well-crafted novel which is at least as good as his first.

That's high praise indeed.

Two female cops patrol the distinctive Ballard Avenue neighborhood in Seattle, and they do it mostly on foot. They become involved in the murders of two children, who've both been found in places where people dump trash.

I want to meet the characters that inhabit this neighborhood again and again. (Please take the hint, Mr. Clausen!)

Clausen is not a typical shoot-em-up author, although he writes action extremely well, thank you.

However, characters and their relationships to one another provide the bedrock of his story. Many of his scenes are quiet and filled with description and emotion. He is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent mystery writers at the game today.

He created a place that I did not want to leave. While he was at it, he spun a very fine, enjoyable mystery yarn. One of the things I really appreciate about this book is that every single scene was real and believable. It all might actually have happened.

I think discerning readers like those who love Barbara Hambly, Elizabeth George and Peter Robinson would enjoy Lowen Clausen. Fans who read only the scream-ride books by James Patterson and Harlan Coben might not! I'm not a snob - I read Coben myself. But it's Clausen's next book that I'm looking forward to most.

I may be a bit prejudiced (because I co-wrote one of the essays in this collection), but once I got the book (and finished re-reading my own), I turned to the front and read each essay from cover to cover in one sitting! I couldn't put it down, curious to see how I could or couldn't relate to the various stories, picking out my favorites, and finding some shocking surprises. Some are hilarious, some are so so sad, all are compelling. Just as I'll give my future kids Doug Coupland's "Shampoo Planet" if they want to know what it was like to be a new college grad in the early-90s, I'll give my future kids (especially the daughters) "Sex and Sensibility" (not "Sex and the City" reruns) if they want to know what it was like to be thirty-ish and single at the turn of the century.

Most women's sex lives fall in the cracks between those four Sex and the City stereotypes. The way we live and love -- and especially, the way we lose love -- is more nuanced than any TV character could convey. This book is an amazing collection of stories, all of them located in these cracks, and all of them beautifully nuanced... they're funny, heart-wrenching, but best of all, true. And Lisa Gabriele's hilarious "How to Be Alone" is worth the cover price of the book on its own. Buy this book for your best friend or make your book club read it... you'll be talking about its stories for hours. You can even do that over Cosmos for all I care!

This is a great collection of female voices writing about what it is like to be single today. Tales of bawdiness and naughtiness, balanced with less experimental approaches to dating, and all laced with the humor one needs as a single woman - anywhere. The variety of stories is matched by the variety of styles of writing in this collection of 'true romances" and one is sure to find a silver lining in them all. A great read one should share with all their girlfriends!

Recently single, I took this book with me for airplane reading on a weekend trip. In these essays and the spaces between, I remembered both the power and blissful stillness of being alone and the enchanting buzz of dating around, both of which I had found before my last relationship. Beautifully edited, funny, sharp and sensually delightful, this book is a collection of thoughtful, vulnerable power. I read all weekend, and found myself, on the last pages of the book, after my plane had landed back in New York, straining to read in what I realized was a dark cab. I reluctantly put the book down and have returned to re-read several times since.

This is the best kind of popular history book. The author has used the tensions within the rising Brown family to highlight the tensions within the rising colonies. Rhode Island is the perfect panorama for a story like this, the home of individual rights and abolition in America, yet built on the proceeds of slavery, rum and piracy.

the north caused and profitted from slavery more than history books tell. this fabulous story shows two brothers who embodied the american quest for liberty while confronting the great question that still haunts our country today. incredible circumstances find the battle between abolition and slavery contained in one family, and details how the north defended slavery during the birth of our nation.

The tiny State of Rhode Island certainly played a significant role during the American Revolution. Few recall that when Roger Williams established Rhode Island in 1644 it was for all practical purposes the first practicing democratic state since the fall of Athens. Rhode Islanders were an exceptionally independent lot. The burning of the two masted British schooner "Gaspee" in June of 1772 by a group of leading citizens of the colony essentially struck the first blow in the nations quest for independence. In "Sons of Providence" author Charles Rappleye recalls the historic events that were unfolding in Rhode Island in those years and focuses on two brothers, John and Moses Brown, who would find themselves on opposite sides of so many of the important questions of their day. It is a compelling story.
Until recently I never realized how important the issue of the slave trade was as the nations march toward independence proceeded. It seems slavery was a highly emotional issue even in the 1770's and 1780's. John and Moses Brown along with brothers James and Nicholas were members of one of the most prominent families in colonial Providence. The Brown family was involved in all manner of commerce and in 1765 they made the decision to enter the slave trade. And so it was that they outfitted a ship they christened "Sally" to make the voyage. In "Sons of Providence" you will discover why the slave trade was such a controversial and dirty business. If you have never read about the conditions that existed on these ships then you are sure to be horrified. It turns out that roughly half the slaves that were picked up on the West Coast of Africa died during the return voyage.
In any event, in the years following the "Sally" debacle John Brown and his brother Moses would pursue entirely different paths. John was first and foremost a businessman and lobbied for laws and policies favorable to the merchant class. For the rest of his life John Brown would continue to oppose any measures that would outlaw slavery and restict commerce in any way. Moses Brown on the other hand would renounce his Baptist heritage (his great grandfather Chad Brown was the first pastor of the First Baptist Church in America)and become a Quaker. Quakers were among the earliest and most vocal opponents of slavery and the simple Quaker lifestyle held much appeal for Moses Brown. Moses Brown would divest himself of much of his fortune and become one of the leading abolitionists of his day.
Although John and Moses Brown would continue to collaborate on a number of projects over the next quarter century they would nonetheless find themselves on opposite sides of any number of important issues.
In his extraordinary book "John Adams" author David McCullough
gets much of his source material from the voluminous letters between John and Abigail Adams. Likewise, much of the material for "Sons of Providence" appears to be culled from letters between John and Moses Brown. As such this book provides tremendous insight into the thought processes of those on both sides of so many of the important issues of that era.
"Sons of Providence" is exceptionally well-written and meticulously researched. This is a must read for history buffs and a great choice for general readers as well. Highly recommended!

uncovers what the history books have been trying to hide. america almost ended slavery at the very begining

Scott's photographs are exquisite and beautifully married to simple but sophisticated text by her co-author, Reid. In an era of "Chicken Soup for the Soul (which I also occasionally read and find helpful), The Soul in Balance is a visual delight and a book whose messages are challenging, thought-provoking, and soothing. This book would make a perfect gift for almost anyone whose life is too hectic, fragmented, and in need of some inner direction. Scott's understanding and appreciation of the natural world are reflective and direct descendants of the best 18th century traditions. But no mistake, she is a complete, late-20th century sensibility with an remarkable eye and camera technique that excels.

I had been in hospitals for 12 months when I read Alexandra Scott's book. It was so peaceful and beautiful, while the text and pictures enhanced one another. For people in distress with little energy, it is balm for the self.

This is such a soothing, satisfying book. The photographs are exquisite, with a wonderful sense of intimacy and color: red berries glistening in droplets of ice, poppies with the fine blonde hairs along their stems backlit in the sun. Scott's sensitive, observant eye takes you places you wouldn't know to go, pulling your eye deep into a hydrangea, where tiny growing leaves curl into infinity. There is a real synergy between the photos and the thoughtful quotes, to a degree that I have never seen. Reid is a poet and you can tell; when you read the quote and look back at the picture, you understand it in a different way. I've been giving copies to everyone I know.

The Soul In Balance: The Gardens Of Washington National Cathedral pairs photographs with short quotations from Biblical, Philosophical, and literary works thereby creating lovely, inspiring images both visual and philosophical. Alexandra K. Scott's color photographs pair beautifully with quotations selected by Heddy F. Reid and New Testament passages chosen by Frederica Isabelle Scott. The Soul In Balance is an ideal gift book to commemorate special occasions, and to browse through in search of heart's ease and the spirit's inspiration.

It's Altonya Washington....what do you expect? It was a great short story for an afternoon delight.

This was a great story. I loved how AlTonya weaved lots of love and passion into this short story. She even blessed us with another set of twins, although they are only five years old. They seem like they are going to be heartbreakers. I would love to read more about Max and Jurel. Regina too. She seems like quite a character.

Even though this is a short story she has done it again! You can tell right from the beginning the love that Max and Jury. You can feel their turmoil of them wanting to be together. We only meet the twins briefly but them seem like an intersting duo. AlTonya packs a lot into this story. I hope we see more from these characters. Job well done!

Ms. Washington has done it again. What a wonderful short story... the only thing missing from this is the length of the story. I would really love to read more about Jurel and Max. The fact is I really liked the characters and want to know more and more about them. I certainly hope that Ms. Washington continues writing more stories whether they are short or long, she continues to captivate the reader.

Reading this book confirms my opinions of both Hillary and Bill. I have always thought that he had kissed the Blarney Stone. The thought of her being President scares me.

"Speak No Evil" is a behind-the-scenes look at the way vicious Washington games are played. After the macabre murder in the first chapter, "whodunnit" meets "whydunnit"--and all the players seem to be drawn (are they real?) from Washington figures on the current scene. It makes you wonder.

It's a compelling read for mystery fans, political junkies and anybody who enjoys a book that will keep you guessing. I loved it.

A very wise person once defined genius as being not what youknow as much as knowing where to look. Mr Aldrich and Mr. Davis have woven a tale that could have easily been a front page story in any major American newspaper. Or maybe it already has. The only too real setting of this novel is the strange world of politicians that have either lost it all or have gained so much that even the truth is a minor detail. Joseph P. DeVine is a former FBI agent working as a consultant investigating the strange death of a political information gatherer know as "Dr. Dirt". And on his tail, Anne Carlson, a reporter for the L.A. Times. Speak no Evil introduces the reader to a collection of ruined politicos, powerfull politically connected families, a former Soviet spetznaz turned assassin, Dmitri Popova. And a unhuggable slimeball named Lindstrom. From the Oval Office in the White House to the brothels in Surabaya, Indonesia, a string of shady land deals, pay-offs, corruption and a bastard child. This novel becomes a little too real at times. The story is loosely based on the experiences and knowledge gained by Mr, Aldrich from many years working for the F.B.I. And his assignement to protecting "the current residents" of the White House. An unnerving insight into what might be, what can be, and what is. Just a note...It might be best to think of "Cyclops" as just a monster in an old Sinbad movie, if you think it would help.

Davis and Adrich either concoct or expose for the public, a high-powered, high-tech political dirt digging operation. Their backgrounds suggest the latter. While `Speak No Evil' is "fiction", the amount of facts and truths as they relate to the present-day political scene leave you wondering where fact ends and fiction takes over! Education or fantasy? This powerful murder-mystery, political thriller is alive and fast-paced from cover to cover.