Mississippi Books

Majesty Of The Mississippi Delta is as much a travel account as an architectural and art history of the homes, churches, and stores on the Mississippi Delta. Color photos of both interiors and exteriors are accompanied by quotes from historical documents and descriptions of each building. A rich history for those who enjoy architectural history in general and the Mississippi area in particular.

If your love of beauty and history extends to architecture but your travel budget is limited, consider obtaining a copy of THE MAJESTY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA.

Author Jim Fraiser and photographer West Freeman traveled the 200-mile length of the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta, the heart of of the realm of King Cotton, to assemble the text and illustrations for this handsome, informative little book. The result is replete with fascinating anecdotes about times long past and splendid pictures of the extraordinarily beautiful homes, churches and public buildings that stand as a monument to an era.

Beginning at Port Gibson, the "Gateway to the Delta," and the classic simplicity of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Messers Fraiser and Freeman trace the history of this diverse and scenic region in both the lives of its founders and the exquisite constructs they created. The text is filled with gossipy tidbits as well as less-familiar history, like the chandelier from the famous steamboat Robert E. Lee that hangs in Port Gibson's First Presbyterian Church and the tale of the ghost of owner John Bobb, murdered by Union soldiers, that purportedly still roams the flying-wing stairway and double-tiered galleries of McRaven in Vicksburg.

This book is for those whose hunger for beauty extends to that crafted by the hands of man. If it has a flaw, it is that the taste of these magnificent structures it provides leaves the reader hungry to sample them first-hand. Should one be fortunate enough to do that, they could do worse than to tuck their copy of THE MAJESTY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA into their tote as a reference.

Memory's Tailor is one of the finest and most touching novels that I read this year. Rudner's narrative is captivating in its detail and emotional quality. I highly recomend this book.

Berman, the hero of the novel and I believe to be Rudner's alter-ego in the beginning of the story is a reclusive non-person- a persona he has had to affect in order to survive in the anti-semetic climate of the Soviet Union prior to perestroika. Berman's character develops as he realizes that those who witness the inhumanitites exacted upon individuals by the state must record and preserve the memory of these events. He learns that these tragedies are compounded when the victims and their stories are forgotten. In developing the characters,Berman and Zorin, the author tells us, often with great humor, of their most unusual Odyssey, and their enounters with many memorable characters whose stories cried out to be chronicled and remembered. Berman, a tailor,formerly worked for the Kirov ballet repairing costumes. He is called upon to help repair costumes from the period of Catherine the Great,by the museum curator. He goes back to work reluctanly. While sewing the costumes Berman meets and develops a wonderful relationship with a char woman. Her death than causes Berman to reach back, upon his long forgotten faith, and eventually become a witness to all that he hears. Many unusual event are experienced by Zorin, a retired glassblower, recruited by Berman to aid him in his plan and as they cross the Urkraine and Russian countryside together. The characters they encounter are so wonderful and so alive, and their stories so interesting, that I as a reader also became part of their journey. This novel, completed before the death of Lawrence Rudner in 1995, is his second novel was beautifully edited by John Kessel and Susan Ketchin. The message that Rudner so forcefully relates in this very human story is one that is so important; to listen, to record, and to witness.

I attended college in Mississippi and knew some of her history. This book helps fill in some gaps and provides new insights. It is very helpful to any student of history that might be passing through the state. It also helps as a handy reference guide.
I would recommend this to any professional or amateur historian and to any traveler.

This is an excellent book by a very good author. Mississippi is such a paradox and the clever narrative makes that point without resorting to stereotypes. I highly recommend it, especially if you are likely to road-trip thru Mississippi any time soon.

Jo Beecher Prather has created a unique Children's story and introduced a truly remarkable character in Beau, a squirrel who lives in the Mississippi Govenor's mansion. Beau explores the Govenor's Mansion explaining things in a most humorous way...one can't help but smile. Beautifully illustrated by noted MS author and Govenor's Award Winner Kenneth M. Quinn, this book is a must have for any Mississippian or fan of Children's Books.

Jo Beecher Prather has created a unique story and invented a geniune character in Beau, a squirrel who lives in the Govenor's Mansion of Mississippi. As Beau takes the reader through the mansion describing events in humurous ways, you can't help but smile. Beautifully illustrated artwork from noted Mississippi Artist Kenneth M. Quinn, this children's book is a must have for any children's book collection.

Barbara McIntosh has written a wondeful story with Mississippi Kiss. This is a must read for the historical romance reader, as well as anyone else. You won't be sorry. Give it a go!

This is one of the first romance novels I read (about 6 years ago) and I still remember it well. It's one of the best I've read (outside of Johanna Lindsey). If you liked "Man of my Dreams," you'll love this book. The characters are well thought out and the plot is amazing. I highly recommend it!

Collectors of state quilt books will not want to miss this important addition to their library.

This wonderful book not only teaches you about quilts, it also teaches you about the state of Mississippi history. I learned facts I had not known. Such as, Mississippi was one of the five wealthiest states in the Union before the Civil War. And of course this was from the cotton plantations, which supplied the cotton to make quilts. A must read for anyone interested in antiquity of our state.

As a history buff, I find that the only way to really get people interested in the past is to use storytelling. Mississippi Secrets does just that. The book doesn't just state the facts. It also delves into the myths and legends that make storytelling so much fun. I especially enjoyed the rich legends of Native Americans in Mississippi. Plus it's got murders, ghost stories, and a documented UFO encounter. Now that's entertainment. Besides that, what other book would tell you what Afroman and Jim Henson have in common? This book is enjoyable, whether you care about Mississippi history or not.

When I first picked up Mississippi Secrets, I really didn't expect to read anything that I didn't already know. I consider myself a smart person with a good knowledge of world events, but Mississippi Secrets goes far beyond the stuff we're taught in history class.

This book does a great job of showing Mississipp's connection to major historical persons and events. For instance, do you know what a gigantic role Mississippi played in the life and death of Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame)? I do now. Mississippi Secrets takes famous characters out of the history books and places them in the real world where they were not the squeaky clean heroes we thought they were. And the bite-sized portions remind me of an Uncle John's Bathroom Reader, but with cool stories I look forward to impressing my friends with.

In short, I learned something. More importantly, I enjoyed it.

An excellent book, which pays attention to an episode in history, that should not be forgotten. In simple words James Yates makes clear the relationship between his struggle for civil rights in the US and his later contribution to the International Brigades in Spain. Also his courage to go on with his activities after the Worldwar, as his pictures show, is impressive...

This book is one of the greatest books I bought at the time when I was in the US. Pete Seeger wrote about the book: This is a great story, a great read, and has a great lesson to teach young Americans , black and white, of how you can be strongly rooted in your home community and at the same time see a sense of kindship with working people around this whole world. The battle to save the elected Loyalist government of Spain 50 years ago was the first battle in World War II. The Abraham Lincoln Brigade and others may have lost a battle but they didn't lose the war, nor have lost it yet. Carry on! I want to send all my respect to the members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, your international solidarity which you showed in the battle against the fascist Franco regime will never be forgotten, we will never forget you bright stars in the darkness.

How to brighten your spirits and put a smile on your face --- Just pick up and peruse this bright little gem of a book. The artist's 'joie de vivre' is infectious. Even though the depictions are of local scenes, be it in Mississippi or London or elsewhere, the themes are universal, and I find myself gravitating to Miriam's uplifting view of the world.

This is a wonderful book! It depicts the artist's happy view of life and (mostly) of her home state Mississippi. It is a grand addition to anyones collection. Highly recommended.

An amazing true adventure brought to life -- beautifully written, and with a spirited hero and heroine. In a narrative and highly readable fashion, the author takes us back into the life and times of the early 1800s. She brings into sharp relief the courage and persistence shown by Nicholas Roosevelt and his young wife Lydia Latrobe, as they dared the first steamboat voyage down the uncharted waters of the Mississippi River. The New Madrid earthquake, Indians, primitive living conditions and a host of other challenges spice the story of the historic voyage.

"Mr. Roosevelt's Steamboat" describes the first steamboat journey on the Mississippi. It reads like a fast-paced novel yet it is scrupulously accurate history thanks to the thorough research done by the gifted Ms. Dohan. The three-month voyage starts in Pittsburgh in 1811 and is an exciting adventure for Nicholas and Lydia Roosevelt and their two children--the second born enroute. (Nicholas was Theodore Roosevelt's great-granduncle.) Roosevelt believed in his boat and risked everything to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of steam transportation on the Mississippi. The adventure-packed voyage includes passages through dangerous falls, a chase by Indians, the New Madrid earthquake and an on-board fire. This excellently written book is a must for those who like true-action with their history.