France Books

A beautiful, visual book. The story is short and sweet. The colors are vibrant and the rainbow intriguing. Our grandchildren ages 2, 3 and 4 enjoy the book and so do I. Our little one with visual impairment (age 4) can enjoy "Duckie's Rainbow" because of the large size of the book.

Both of my kids (almost-4 and almost-2) like this book, and have since we got it over a year ago. It's a very quick read, which leaves plenty of time to sit and look at the pictures and talk about colors.

This book was given to my 7 month old son by his grandparents and he already shows great interest in it! It has wonderful, bright colors and beautiful artwork. The duck is sweet and friendly looking and the bright colors and storyline will draw kids in. I think this is a wonderful book!!!

Duckie's rainbow is as delicious a visual treat for the adult as it is entertaining and fun for the child. The duck itself has such charm and charisma and my 15 month old takes true delight in identifying it on each page.It's really good for learning/teaching colors but in a totally fresh way and the surprise rainbow at the end of the book is a fantastic grand finale. Frances Barry is a real artist.

I've used this book on two trips to France (May and November of 2000) and I think the book is incredible!

I'm at the advanced level in French, however the menus at the restaurants in France still always confounded me until I bought this book. I would say that 80% to 90% of the food items on any menu are listed in the book. Other French guide books or dictionaries do not have anywhere near the number of entries that this book contains. I've used the book at a number of restaurants in France with great success. Also, the book is so small that you can easily fit it into a small bag (or purse), so it is very easy to carry it and use it in any restaurant. You don't have to be afraid to order the Andouillette any more!

I recently returned from Paris and this small pocket guide was a great help. I ate at a small restaurant in the Marais section of Paris listed in this book and had the best meal of my life. The menu reader part of this book was really helpful for someone with limited knowledge of French. The illustrations and comments are informative and very funny.

I purchased this for an upcoming visit to France and think it will be very useful, esp. for someone who has limited French and loves food. I tested it out using menu information from my French Michelin guide. It does not list everything, but it contains a lot of terms and descriptions.

I've used this book on two trips to France (May and November of 2000) and I think the book is incredible!

I'm at the advanced level in French, however the menus at the restaurants in France still always confounded me until I bought this book. I would say that 80% to 90% of the food items on any menu are listed in the book. Other French guide books or dictionaries do not have anywhere near the number of entries that this book contains. I've used the book at a number of restaurants in France with great success. Also, the book is so small that you can easily fit it into a small bag (or purse), so it is very easy to carry it and use it in any restaurant. You don't have to be afraid to order the Andouillette any more!

I have yet to read a book on Eleanor that I did not find interesting. She is quite a character. My recommendation is to start out by watching the film, Lion In Winter, and then graduating to books on the subject. This one would be a good place to begin.

After having read the romantic but scholarly book by Amy Kelly and the loose but lively biography of Alison Weir, this book presents the perfect balance between readability and scholarship.

The author did an excellent job informing the reader of the differing viewpoints regarding this amazing woman. I learned in detail about Eleanor's two husbands, her ten children, and the various enemies to the "Angevin empire." Thus this book is not just about Eleanor, but also about the historical period in which she lived.

I love this book. I first read it two years ago, and I was hooked. Anyone remotely interested in Eleanor Aquitaine should definetly read this. It's fascinating and absorbing. Two thumbs up for Desmond Seward!

This high quality book (as is usually the case with Flammarion titles), features what may or may not be Eric Kayser's favourite tarts. Have no illusions, pastry chefs rarely develop a recipe for a product to sell in their shop and then just publish it for the general public!
This work has beautiful photographs, gloss paper, artistic presentation and a very easy to use layout. Each recipe is alloted a full page photograph and in most cases there are photos of the procedures.
Mr Kayser is not a pastry chef but first and foremost a baker. His tarts reflect this as they are rich, hearty affair with a generous rustique appearance. The simple but hearty presentation makes one's mouth water.
As other reviewers have mentioned, we are dealing with a somewhat dodgy translation here. The Metric weights and their volume equivalents are not the same in way too many recipes. Case in point the chocolate short pastry: It sais 400g of cake flour and the volume is stated as 4.5 cups. 4.5 cups is about 600g or more(!) thus transforming the otherwise balanced recipe to a sandstone!
Also some recipes do not correspond to the photos. On page 66, the artichoke,tapenade and parmesan quiche asks for 400g of pate brisee and in the adjacent photo of the product the pastry is bread dough. On the same recipe the 400g are stated as 1Lb in the volume measures, while 1Lb is exactly 454g. Similarly the apple and raisin tart on page 121 calls for puff pastry, but the photo of the product shows what looks like a shortbread base. I don't know if this is a mistake of the original or of the translation, but considering all the other mistakes I lean towards the latter.
Let this not prevent you from buying the book though. The Metric weights, that by sheer Providence have remained in the book after the translation are accurate and proper. I only use Metric so I don't mind the messed volume measures. It is the best way to make pastry, accurate with consistent results. I would advise all aspiring home bakers/pastry chefs out there to acquire a scale and go Metric.
To the contents now. There are 20 savory tarts and quiches, 25 fruit tarts, 10 chocolate tarts and 5 sweet tarts with variable main ingredients. Add to this the many basic recipes for tart and bread doughs, including puff and croissant doughs and you get a pretty good package for the money.
The basic pastry section states the recipes, the method and in small photographs the products made using each dough along with the page to find them. This can be very useful as each recipe is for three 24cm/9.5 inch square pans, or three 26cm/10 inch round pans. So if you make the whole recipe instead of scaling it down you know where to use the leftover dough.
Mr Kayser does not use too much butter to make his doughs flavorful as other authors do. The flavor comes from the quality of the ingredients and the balanced recipes. I have something to note though concerning the yeasted doughs. They are all done in the space of (at the most) 2 hours by using a lot of yeast. My advice is to half the yeast and place the dough, covered, in the refrigerator for about 8 hours, or overnight. This method makes for excellent flavorful dough.
There are instructions and tips dispersed all over the book and they are helpful and very easy to follow.
In the savory section my personal favorites are:
Smoked trout and fennel tart.
Leek, anchovy and tapenade quiche.
Chanterelle and duck breast tart.
Marinated salmon and mozzarella tart (with pesto).
Artichoke, tapenade and parmesan quiche.

From the fruit section I would single out:
Cherry clafoutis tart.
Blueberry tart.
Mirabelle almond tart.
Normandy apple tart.
Apricot pistachio tart.

In the chocolate section the 'White chocolate and raspberry tart' and the 'chocolate trio tart' stand out and from the sweet section I like the Fig and pecan tart.

I have to note that the book has no index.
Despite the faults of the translation I really do like this book and I am not sorry that I bought it. I ordered it together with 'Mes Tarts' by Christine Ferber and although the latter has the name of the translator prominently depicted on the cover, it still has mistakes in the quantities. Between the two books I prefer Eric Kayser's book.

I purchased this book along with Beyond the Bread Basket, another book by famous baker Eric Kayser.

This book is another fantastic title, with excellent photography and fantastic tarts. I have already tried a few and have found them to be extraordinary. I would definitely recommend this book -- the pictures alone make it worth it!

I've been a fan and client of one of Maison kayser shops in Tokyo for nearly 8 years. Every single bread baked in there is unique; his bread is the best bread in town.
Having Mr. Kayser book of tarts, and reading it page after page, it has turned into an amazing discovery, the bases are easy and can be prepared in advance, as well as saving some for later, besides, there are plenty of suggestions for the filling, but whether you go for them or you just use your own creation the result is absolutely fantastic. I absolute recommend it.

This is a superior tart book both for technique and a well-organized array of recipes with some excellent flavor combinations. For the knowledge of the chef, the quality of the recipes and the photography, design and layout of the book I would give it 5-stars.

HOWEVER, hopefully the US publisher will do a little heavy lifting on corrections for the next printing: my advice would be to make a trial run of each recipe before preparing one of these tarts for public presentation, use your best baking judgment on ingredient amounts, and use the weights listed for more accurate measure. Originally published in French, this English language edition does not credit any translator and I would venture a guess that the translator is not a baker, nor did they consult one. Suggested volume equivalents are often glaringly off (e.g. Pate Brisee), and technique for assembly is often better guided by the superior photographs than by the meager written instructions, which can lead to not-so-spectacular results. For example, the recipe for the apricot pistachio tart instructs the baker to use half of the filling mixture to to spread on top of the apricots...if you do this, you will not see any gorgeous golden glistening apricots in your finished product.

It's a little sad when publishing companies "buy-in" a superior foreign published book with excellent technical credentials, but don't bother to invest the time in verifying the technical translations. People will and ought to buy this book for more than the pretty pictures, but they had better know what they are doing in the kitchen until the publisher gets cracking on the corrections.

PUBLISHER: test bake these recipes and correct them.

NOT recommended for beginner bakers.

This is my favorite book written about the spiritual life. Cantalamessa helped me see the Eucharist from dozens of perspectives that changed the way I attended daily Mass and how I live every day. I found that reading just one short chapter gave me enough to medidtate on for close to an hour. Very, very powerful.

The best book I have read on the Eucharist in a very long time,THE EUCHARIST, OUR SANCTIFICATION, inspires the reader to greater love for the Eucharist and for the Church. It presents a scholarly yet simple approach to the subject, enriching the presentation with the historical foundation for various dimensions of the Eucharist and suggesting implications for personal spirituality as well as Church unity. It is the kind of book one can only read a little at a time; it is so rich!

This is an excellent book because it addresses the issue of the Eucharist in ways that go beyond the standard answers. Raniero Cantalamessa paints a picture that has texture, smells and richness that have really helped me to understand the depths of the Eucharist and how it has a necessary meaning for my life and the Church. I'm a protestant, and Raniero Cantalamessa has given me a lot to "chew". I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about the subject.

Excellant meditation tool. Fr. Cantalamessa is a scholar as well as mystic when it comes to the greastest prayer of all times-Eucharist. I have to admit my first impression of the book was half favorable. With many text books during my seminary trainning I consider this one as one too many. But it was during my secend year of priesthood that I found this little book, a great tool and assistance in my priestly ministery.

I often travel to Europe. Hop the trains with my Eurail Pass and hit as many countries as I can in less than 10 days.

On one trip I took about 6 different phrase books with me and wrapped them all up with a rubber band. Too bulky!

What's better for European travelers are phrase books with multiple languages. The European Menu Translator fits perfectly in a backpack and even in your back pocket.

Great reference for eating out all over Western Europe.

If I had one criticism, it would be that they might want to include a couple more languages. Maybe expand it a bit and include some other important Euro languages, like Dutch, Czech, or even Russian. Certainly Greek should be added.

But otherwise great job Galbraiths!

This is an excellent travel book. Because it is small, it's easy to tuck in your purse, back pack or whatever. It's so thorough it makes the most of each meal on the road. It can bring a great new dimension to eating in countries with French, German, Spanish or Italian menus!

It's so inexpensive, it's a great bon voyage gift for a friend or for yourself.
We love ours!
Julie & Peter Dawson.

Collaboratively written by Whitney and Anne Galbraith, European Menu Translator is a "user friendly" pocket-sized dictionary specifically designed for tourists and travelers seeking to understand the specialized cuisine terminology of France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. A brief introduction to the fine dining basics of each nation supplements the lists of alphabetically arranged terms, subdivided by language. European Menu Translator is an excellent and very highly recommended reference whether when dining abroad or simply eating at a European-style restaurant here at home.

This is a terrific little book! EUROPEAN MENU TRANSLATOR has four languages in one small volume: French, German, Italian and Spanish. Menu items are easy to look up--it's in a dictionary style. The size is just right--I keep it in my moneybelt for quick access and full-time availability. I have food allergies and just plain avoid certain foods (eggplant--ick!). I also discovered some pleasant surprises that got me to try new things (did you know that Spanish moles are all based on chocolate?). This book allows me to enjoy the foods of the country without any unpleasant surprises! I highly recommend EUROPEAN MENU TRANSLATOR for any traveler.

Villainous Bourbons try mightily to murder one of Napoleon's finest generals in an historical thriller about Marshal Michel Ney, whom the Emperor called "the bravest of the brave." When high ranking French and English rescue Ney from certain execution behind the Luxembourg Palace in 1815, the adventure begins. Bradshaw's thoroughly researched account of what became of this extraordinary man who spoke several languages, was an expert swordsman, and possessed a notable physique convinced this reader that Ney did, indeed, confound the French rulers and escape his ordered death. The historical detail and fast-paced narrative make this a story that will keep you on edge until the last page.

The time and research put forth on Execution Denied pay off in the finished product. You needn't be a history buff to be moved by this compelling novel. Marshall Ney had to be the "Bravest of the Brave", both in battle and in political suvival skills. Ney 's portrayal is fascinating on many levels. Bradshaw does a great job convincing you that Ney not only survived his enemies, but went forward to an intriguing life in the Carolinas. Well done!

Bradshaw's dedicated, precise and unending research on Ney coupled with interesting, exciting and very probable historical events makes for an excellent novel about a fascinating man. I didn't want the book to end.

Despite being an historical "novel" the research and inference suggest far more fact than assumption. The book flows and the story is compelling. Bradshaw has done an excellent job of engaging the reader and keeping the story alive. It is hard to put down once you atart. Whether a history buff or not it is a fine addition to the collection of books about Ney. Reading the research Bradshaw has done in support of the underlying theme one is driven to the conclusion that it is not only plausible that Ney was executed in France but died in the Carolinas, but probably true. One can only wonder what the French will say to this.

I advise anyone who is trying to come out with a line to read this book and purchase the DVD! This book is a great reference guide - something good to always keep on stand by. Very useful if you want to do things right!

I got this book today and I am delighted. the book tells you exactly how to set up your own line and how to sell it in details. this book is just exactly what I need. I also have some other books for starting fashion business but I'd say this book is the best and it is more focussed on the business side of fashion.

I went to fashion school, worked for large high end lines, did the whole deal. I was lucky that in one of my classes they made us read this book. This book is basically the bible to the apparel industry. I would say only 10% of this industry is design the other 90% is business which is covered completely in this book. I've looked into other similar books and they are great for the design aspects, but nothing covers the business end like this book, don't waste you time with other titles this is the one to read if you really want to know how to start your own line.

This book is a life saver! If you have ANY questions about starting your own line...BUY THIS BOOK! It covers everything from A to Z but with precise detail. The appendixes show great examples of different forms and documents that you would need in order to be successful. Most of the other fashion books are too basic and lacking in detail, but this book definitely delivers. It beats all my other fashion books hands down. (This is my first Amazon review- I normally read 'em but never write 'em but this book is worth it!)

This is probably Vollmann at his best. It isn't "Argall," which I found esoteric and difficult. I didn't finish "Argall," and I really suspect that the novel is less well-read and understood than it is publicly praised.

"Fathers and Crows" isn't difficult - it's passionately involved, balanced, epic and completely absorbing.

This is one of the best novels I have ever read, if not the best. Vollmann's prose-- his use of language, his landscapes, his characterizations, everything-- is absolutely gorgeous. This book is such a treat that I intentionally read it slowly in order to savor it. I can't reccomend it highly enough.

plucked Blossoms of SOULS (Fearing Never a Thorn); Who PRAYED BLOOD to SANCTIFY THE BONES OF CATAMOUNTS; who foreswore RUM, WOMEN and LEAD, Who were SO ASTOUNDED at the unfathomable extinctions of SAVAGES; who MADE MORE MIRACLES THAN THEY SAW!

Thus begins Vollmann's Second Dream "ABOUT OUR CONTINENT IN THE DAYS OF SAINTS". Fathers & Crows is long, and long-winded, however if you're up to the task and looking for a very interesting journey into New France (Canada) as it was in the early 17th Century, then this is the book you've been looking for. Without going into detail about William Vollmann or his 7 Dreams project (see my review of THE ICE SHIRT, vol. 1) I should point out that this is a blend of history and post-modern novel writing. Time is skewed in such a way that the characters (such as Champlain, Poutrincourt, or Pere Brebeuf, for example) are sometimes walking through modern day Quebec and not realizing it. As in The Ice Shirt, Vollmann occasionally blends his contemporary experiences traveling in and around Montreal into the "plot" (though there's not really a plot in any traditional sense here) is very effective in adding perspective into the history which has taken place, and CONTINUES to take place. Even Jesus, St. Ignatious de Loyola (especially), and Roberto de Nobili arrive on stage here! And special mention to the converted "Savages" such as Amantacha, Joseph Chiwatenah, and Catherine Tekakwitha.

Fathers and Crows is about the French colonization of Canada, and begins almost 500 years later, after the Vikings left the continent in failure (but not before bringing the Ice Shirt). Not long after Columbus arrived, French explorers such as Cabot, and then the map-obsessed Champlain, along with the Poutrincourts and the Pontgraves, sailed along the Fleuve St. Laurent and founded small outposts in what is modern day Quebec. From the very beginning they encountered native American peoples such as the Algonkins, Huron, and the dreaded Iroquois. The French, unlike the English in Virgnia (see vol. 3, ARGALL) attempted to assimilate these various tribes, mainly through trade (IRON for BEAVER pelts) and most importantly, through submission to CHRISTIANITY. Thus, the Grey Gowns (the Recollects) and later on, the more successful Black Gowns, or JESUITS.

Now you can read a straight-forward history on this time period in another place by a traditional historian, but after having read The Ice Shirt and now Fathers & Crows, I'm convinced that Vollmann's Seven Dreams are excellent blends of history and modern travelouge, along with personal experience (and a predisposition to favor women in the form of prostitutes), and extensive research into personalities, events, technologies, religion, and mythology. Sometimes he may play a little "loose" with time frames, but he documents just about everything somewhere in his 100+ pages of Glossary notes!

On a final note, it's not necessary to start with Vol. 1 at all -if the subject of first encounters between Europeans & Native Americans; Jesuits, French explorers, French Canada, or anything at all to do with North American cultural history (and legacy) interests you, then this a great book (and series) to own. You'll dream of floating down Canadian rivers, or ascending the rapids with the Jesuit Peres doing St. Ignatius' "EXERCISES" (around which the total drama unfolds, as it did with Ice and Frost and varioous "shirts" of reality in vol. 1).

Unbelievable that this amazing novel has so few reviews (but, actually, maybe not given the sad state of most American reader's attention spans anymore - oh well, too bad - YOU'RE ALL MISSING OUT!). For those who do find their way here, give Fathers & Crows a shot. Yes, it's long-winded and you may get bored and say "enough"! Fine. If not, like me, you might just paddle on in your canoe and find yourself hooked, and learning a heck of a lot of new and mostly obscured or glossed over (or simply forgotten) history which will tell you EVERYTHING about who we are as North Americans today. Happy voyages, eh! Next up: ARGALL.

William T. Vollmann may be the most important young writer in North America. This, his third novel details the clashes between native and european cultures in North America in the sixteenth century. Vollmann chronicles the unrelenting brutality of the time period and the inevitable economic imperatives that predict the demise of native American culture once the resources of the land become apparent. He manages to skillfully blend the mysticism of native culture with the harsh reality of the landscape and the men whose very nature it was to take what they wanted. He melds these disparate themes together in an exotic narrative that forces one to examine how European contact decimated the native peoples. When one completes the novel there is no doubt how the war was one; the only question left being our consciences and how to reconcile modern day attitudes withe stark reality of history. This exhaustive effort brings us almost halfway to the authors stated goal of a seven novel series; one can only wonder what is left in store but with Vollmann's imagination in full flight we anticipate a wild ride ahead

Beautifully illustrated and well told. Frances' art is to die for (no pun intended). Her luscious gothic world is definitely a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Favole series. Disappointingly short though.

i loved this book the only problem is that its too short. this girl is a terific writer and artist and i recomend this to any one who likes reading edgar allan poe or bram stoker. it is meant for a mature crowd but anyone who loves literature will like this piece

The stories in this book are so poetic and beautiful. The gothic art work is amazing! The colors are soft, but yet still bold. I love it!!

I first saw some of Victoria Frances' art in an issue of "Heavy Metal", and I fell in love with it right then. When I got the book, "Flavole: Stone Tears", I felt like I was reading a dream. The art is unbelievable. I love this book, and I can't wait for more books in this series.