Massachusetts Books

I can't remember the last time I had this much fun reading a memoir. David Slavitt, poet, runs for state representative in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a Republican, knowing full well he can't win. What he can do is pull back the curtain of small-time electoral politics, a seemingly petty enterprise with big consequences in the daily lives of Americans. He succeeds at this, in prose that is cranky on its surface, but with something celebratory underneath. You get the sense that Slavitt is having a great time performing the miserable, mundane tasks required of those who run for small-time office, and, a few pages in, the reader is having a great time, too.

Slavitt is an old school libertarian Republican, which meant his policy positions put him at odds with the Democrats and with many in his own party. As his narrative moves forward, the reader watches him slowly be seduced by the possibility of winning, which means Slavitt must deal with the small daily compromises required of those politicians who want to win. These exigencies are absurd, and Slavitt knows they are absurd, and calls them absurd, and yet he wants to run as though he might win, so he throws himself headlong into the absurdity.

In the end, it's the reader who wins. There's plenty of enlightenment to be found here, sure, regarding the rickety process of political power by which American public policy is shaped. But the real pleasure here is living for awhile in Slavitt's head, and seeing for awhile the way he sees. Blue State Blues is a must-read.

Soitos has written a splendid take on black detective fiction and deserves kudos for his enterprising spirit. I loved the entire book. Does anyone have Dr. Soitos' email address? If so email me offline at danbloom@reporters.net [I am doing a newspaper story on the author...and need to locate him ASAP. Steve, you there? Bloomy here in Taiwan...]

Doris Doane draws on years of experience as a historian and park ranger on Cape Cod to write text as only an "old timer" could. She lets you into a world that she grew to love -- Old Cape Cod. The illustrator brings his masterful work to the page to complement her work. A terrific book!

The period of time covered by this book, from 1580 to 1660, might be viewed as the origin of our modern theater concept. This is the time of Marlowe and Shakespeare. 'The Book of the Play' in those days was the term used to describe the printed version of the play, the script if you will.

It is, of course, well known that Shakespeare's plays were both published in print and performed on stage. But this is the first book to systematically analyze the effect that such printing had on the playwright, the printer and the readers of the plays.

The authors of these essays are all distinguished academics specializing in early modern drama. They are predominately from United States universities, but also include some from Canada and England.

I was elated to locate this book! I just ordered this hard-to-find book and eagerly await its arrival. I wanted to share the order info so those who have been pursuing this long awaited revision can obtain their own copy. I have rated it a 5 based on the earlier editions that started my geneaolgy research years ago.

THE BOOK OF THE WILDERS (REVISED) by Edwin M. Wilder, M.D., 1585 total pages. THIRD PRINTING IS NOW AVAILABLE from Justin E. Wilder, 904 Redding Road, Angola, IN 46703, Phone: 260-665-9568, http://members.aol.com/wild190/wilder.html

Short Description from the website:
This book covers the descendants of Thomas and Edward Wilder who came from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony about 1638. It was first printed in the 1960s as an update of the old 1878 Book. Much information has now been added correcting many omissions and errors. A complete new index is included.

This is one large hardbound volume of 1585 total pages. Price is $59* (check or money order) to just cover the cost of printing and mailing.

* This price is for shipment within U.S.A. Call or write for international shipping.

ostrowski handles the daunting task of a historical review of the LOC with expert finesse and lucidity. it should be mandatory reading in all middle schools, high schools, undergraduate and graduate institutions. MTSU is lucky to have an erudite such as ostrowski. hollywood beware! i see an epic along the lines of "gone with the wind" brewing.

The Borden Murder Mystery, by Arthur S. Phillips

Andrew J. Borden accumulated large wealth through parsimonious thrift and "by means which fell within the letter of the law". Mr. Borden's "conduct in business matters had made him many enemies"; "the sharpest man in town". Borden was rumored to charge more for funeral services than actually provided. He raised rents for tenants who earned more. Borden's daughters did not enjoy the fittings of their social rank. Lizzie's character was benevolent in religious and charitable work. Reporter John J. Manning said the guest bedroom was "not very light", and a body could not have been seen from the hall. One photograph shows Andrew J. Jennings peeking from the front door closet while concealed therein. The walls and ceilings were covered with hundreds of blood spots, yet Lizzie's clothing had none. The murder weapon was never found. Denying counsel to Lizzie at the Inquest resulted in the exclusion of her testimony at the trial.

After forty years Arthur S. Phillips was the sole survivor of those who participated professionally in this trial. Phillips joined the defense team with all the enthusiasm of a new lawyer. "The mass of documents and other evidence collected by the defence have never been disclosed or discussed", because it would be necessary for any new police investigation. [Some believe this hidden history would solve the Borden murders.] A perfectly sane, normal woman without any criminal history could not hack her stepmother and father to death. Lizzie was believed guilty because no one else could have committed this crime. If Lizzie later showed a lack of mental balance it was because she lived alone, was ogled in public, and was very annoyed by public activities.

At the time of the murders there were two strangers loitering around the front of the house with a team as seen by Mark Chase, a former assistant to the Chief of Police. Dr. Benjamin J. Handy saw a stranger acting in an unusual and agitated manner. Mrs. Sarah R. Hart also saw him. The back screen door was unfastened during the morning. Lawyer Jennings was aided by George D. Robinson and Melvin O. Adams to avoid an "anti-climax", some minor matter that could unduly affect a jury. Phillips gives an example that refuted the claim of the Prosecutor that Lizzie was not up in the barn.

Public opinion is created and maintained by news stories and editorials in the press. The Fall River `Globe' produced stories to make Lizzie appear guilty, and that money and social position can "turn the wheels of justice". Bridget was detained by the prosecution and was unavailable to the defendant's attorneys. Andrew J. Borden was not liberal with his family, but Lizzie had $2,800 in her banks, plus textile shares and was not in want. Many children dislike a stepmother. Lizzie couldn't have committed the crime, but has been judged guilty by the classes. This is the real mystery, "Others had more reason to kill him" even if we do not know the reason for which it was done.

Excellent guide to Boston for the first timer or the native who wants details for great day trip. Filled with clear and informative maps, fun photos and wonderful descriptions of different areas of Boston and the many surrounding attractions. It contains a terrific history section, practical tips on planning your trip, accomodations, restaurants, shopping and sports info and more and even a list of good books about Boston. The book is scattered with helpful tips and recommendations to enhance your visit. A very attractive book, it's size (about 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 and about 3/4 inch think) makes it easy to carry around and substantial enough to save as a great souvenir of your trip. I work at a Global Training Center and we use this book consistently to help our visitors plan their sightseeing. I highly recommeded this guide.

With information about Boston's colleges, neighborhoods and historical sites, it's a coffee table book that could double as a guide book for residents and visitors alike. It would make the perfect gift for a student at one of the area's colleges who needs to know more about what the city has to offer.