Washington Books

This is the historical food researcher's answer to Oprah's "AHH HAA" moments in your life! Sit back and let MS. Hess fill you full of delight as you find out exactly where and how gingerbread got its beginnings and why do we call turkey, well, turkey. The amount of historic research and information is a true goldmine for one serious in their food history or for the novice who would just love to know where all our food preferences comes from. I am a teacher of historic foodways and tell each and every one of my students to start here first! You won't be disapointed.

This book is a jewel. Being a 16th-17th century reenactor, I would not have thought that Martha Washington's cookbook would have become such a favorite of mine. The annotations by Karen Hess make it invaluable to anyone interested in historical cookery from the Elizabethan age onwards, and it is a darned good read, informative and fun even if you aren't. This is the book I will give someone who thinks they might possibly be vaguely interested in historical cookery and would like to learn more. It is very well-researched and there is something to learn on every page. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I stumbled upon this book when I was visiting Mt. Vernon for the first time a few years ago. It looked so interesting I had to purchase it. Even though this is a cookbook, it's very unique with a lot of additional material that explains cooking and the recipes from the time period that the book was written. I'm more of a history buff than a cook, but I really, really enjoyed it.

This is my favorite book! We were living in Mexico and had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala and and visit the Museo Ixchel in Guatemala City, where we found Carmen Pettersen's beautiful book. We also had the wonderful opportunity to see some of Carmen Pettersen's original water color paintings of the Mayans in their "traje," or indigenous apparel, in a friend's home in Antigua!

The water color depictions of the "traje" are incredibly detailed, and the text so intimately describes the culture of the Mayans. It is amazing how much the indigenous dress tells about the ancient and "modern" life of the Mayans.

Every traveler to Guatemala would benefit immensely by reading this book--easy to read and with sixty water color pages (some are fold-out pages) and thirteen photographs to guide the reader through the daily life, religion, and cultural practices of the Mayan families in their villages.

The Maya of Guatemala is THE classic book on the "traje tipico" (native dress) of the Mayan Indians of Guatemala. The exquisitely beautiful paintings produced by Carmen Pettersen over many years constitute the best illustrations ever done of the Mayan "traje". The sixty colorful full page paintings face parallel texts in English and Spanish telling about the particular "traje" and the customs of the Mayan people. Pettersen writes the informative text rather like a diary of her travels to the various towns so while concentrating on the traje and traditions we see something of the individuals and the writer. The paintings, the real point of the book, succeed better than photographs because the detail of the "traje" is not obscured by light and shadow. While accurately detailing the "traje," the paintings at the same time are intensely personal portraits of the individuals. Although there is no book yet which shows the traje of all the different Mayan towns in Guatemala (and Mexico), this book illustrates more than any other. It is my book of first reference to find out about the "traje" of a particular town. If among the many books I have on the Mayan culture I could keep just one book this book would probably be it.

Carmen Pettersen, born in Guatemala of an English father and Mexican mother, learned to paint in England. As a young woman her family moved back to Guatemala where she lived among the Mayan Indians for the rest of her life. The paintings and the text reveal the high regard she had for the Mayans. The original gouache paintings now reside in the Ixchel Museum of Traje in Guatemala City.

Joseph Johnston, Curator, Arte Maya Tz'utuhil

www.artemaya.com

As the curator of artemaya has pointed out this is the book to have. I concurr with everything he has said and find this book indespensible when studying the ancient or modern Maya. Without a doubt this is my favorite book on the subject and even after twenty three years in my possession I still open it up and gaze upon the magnificent pictures. Carmen Pettersen's paintings were done in the early 1970's and are of the highest and utmost quality. Her personal observations on the culture reflect her sensitivity to the subject which in turn is refleted in her art. For example, when describing the toursist hot spot Chichicastenango, with its beautiful marketplace and church where pagan and Christian religion is practised, she comments on the "disintegration of this tribe" and "the complete degeneration of the people who wrote the Popol Vuh" as "the older people and leaders stand fast and steady, suffering silently with sullen hatred in their eyes." The models used in the book are of such exceptional quality and life like that it is as though they will begin moving . She depicts her subject matter as strong and proud, in spite of a humbling history of European influence. Pettersen obviously was in tune with her subjects in art as the expressions on their faces come to life. The details of the clothing are superb and exquisite artistry. The pullouts pages have even more detail as she shows an entire village scene like a marketplace or the people gathered in Chichicastenango. If you are familiar with Maya clothing and the various tribes that continue the ancient traditions, including embroidery sewn with a bone needle, you are probably aware of of colorful and intricate patterns achieved on these textiles. These are not the products sold to tourists but the authentic attire that the people themselves wear. Nothing is lost or compromised in the paintings and are exact reproductions of authentic dress. If you are planing a trip to Guatemala it is highly recommended that you get this book before you go or if nothing else before you leave country to return home. It is preferable to have the book before so you can understand what you will see as you step back in time and enter the remote jungles and ancient customs of the Maya. This is THE BOOK on the contemporary life and dress in Guatemala. If you have anything more than a passing interest in the people of Guatemala than this is the book to have, get it NOW, you will not be dissappointed.

In preparation for my trip to Italy I wanted a better understanding of this magnificent man and the work that he did. Specifically, I was looking for a relatively easy read that covered the history of Michelangelo from birth to death. This book met all my expectations. The pictures were not very good quality but I didn't mind since I was going to see most of it in person. Great traveler's history of Michelangelo!

The text in Michelangelo is marvelous. It is charmingly and knowledgeably written, so much so that I hope one of the reprints will be made into a coffee-table extravaganza. It is a superb guide which we will take with us on our next visit to Italy. The appendixes are a triumph in themselvers, and a worthwhile trip into the great master's progression through life. It is a wonderful job.

In Michelangelo: In The Footsteps Of The Master, Charles Washington offers an engaging account of Michelangelo's life and art in the form of an Italian travel guide specifically suited to those who would like to visit the cities and towns where this master artists worked including Caprese, Florence, Bologna, Ferrar, Venice, Siena, and Rome. The modern traveler to Italy can see Michelangelo's artworks preserved in museums, churches, public buildings, plazas, and streets. Michelangelo is very highly recommended and informative reading for both armchair travelers and on-site visitors seeking to enhanced their awareness of, and appreciation for, the life and accomplishments of the great man. The informative text is supplemented with black and white photography, maps, chronologies, bibliography, and an index.

MISJUDGED by Gail Tusan Washington is the heart-wrenching tale of Suzanne Vincent, a hardworking woman who has become a judge in spite of her youth. She was appointed by the governor and now it is time for her to run for re-election. Chance Rotherman, an attorney, wants the position and will stop at nothing to get it. Her campaign manager suggests that Suzanne bring out some unpleasantness Rotherman has been involved with, but Suzanne isn't for playing dirty. Unfortunately, Rotherman doesn't feel the same and an eighteen-year-old secret Suzanne has been keeping just might cause her to lose the election.

As a judge in the family court, Suzanne deals with dysfunctional families every day, and as expected, some of that dysfunction spills over onto her. A woman she ruled against committed suicide and Rotherman finds a way to encourage the woman's grandmother to make a scene at Suzanne's campaign speech. Will the people listen to Rotherman? Will he expose her secret?

MISJUDGED is the painful story of a woman who is attempting to do the right thing, but discovers the dirty world of politics doesn't care where her heart is. It is a page-turner that dips into the psyche of Suzanne while exposing the dirt that can be flung during a political campaign. It says a lot about how the United States elections are run. It also explores family relationships and has a hint of romance. I would highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

This is a must read book. Gail's style is riveting and makes you want to continue reading. I will be looking forward to her next book.

Beautifully written novel. Great fiction debut for this real life judge. Author manages to pull reader into the twists and turns of the story. Looking forward to her next effort!

The story is excellent. The writer's experience of serving as a judge shined through the pages! A MUST READ.

The latest addition to the "Moon Handbooks" travel guide series, San Juan Islands: Including Victoria And The Gulf Islands is a travel guide precisely written by Don Pitcher for vacationers looking to make their own travel and entertainment choices by create a unique and personalized travel plan suited entirely and specifically to their own personal tastes. With key information on accommodations, activities, points of interest, transportation, history, climate, and more of each island, San Juan Islands is an excellent travel planning and guidebook resource which is especially recommended as a quick and easy reference.

Book is packed with useful information for traveling in the San Juan Islands. Includes a number of islands and how to get there. Topics cover a variety of topics for people who have different interests: camping, bed and breakfasts, bicycling, restaurants, beaches, museums, resorts. Makes it easier to plan a vacation. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in traveling to the San Juan Islands. It gives helpful advice on everything from hotels to restaurants to activities. It has more indepth information than most other travel books. I found their recommendations on ferry travel very useful. Highly recommend.

What's not to like? The pictures are beautiful and the information is good. Prices are accurate too. One of the few items in my short history of collecting glass that I've found actually can be bought and sold for the prices listed. My only complaint is that a number of times they picture the same item twice. We love pictures, surely there were enough items available that pictures didn't have to be repeated.

Author Kenneth M. Wilson passed away before publication of his opus MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPOINT GLASS - but he reviewed and approved the page proofs and had written two chapters of the projected second volume (which will be prepared in future using his research materials and illustrations), so nothing lacks in MT. WASHINGTON except the author's ability to enjoy his finished product. The Mt. Washington Glass Works and the companies after it make up America's second-oldest glass manufacturer: the factory opened for business in the mid-1800s and spun off another business in silver plating. Glass collectors will find MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPORT GLASS the definitive encyclopedia of the manufacturer's works: the volume has been long awaited by collectors and provides an extensive company history to compliment an in-depth coverage of its many products. Chapters come packed with black and white and color illustrations and photos, providing descriptions and color illustrations of all glasses and silver-plated wares and reviewing design, craftsmanship and unique attributes. Add indexes of patents and trademarks, glass decorators who operated in the region from 1867 to 1902, and illustrations of ads, production records and more and you have a truly outstanding reference.

We have waited a very long time for a comprehensive book on this beautiful American art glass and Betty Sisk has provided us with a treat for the eyes! The photos are beautiful in full color and plentiful. I did not know that such examples of this artform existed until feasting on this book. All collectors of art glass must add this to their libraries. The information with each type of glass is insightful and just enough to ready the reader for the pictures to follow. The insight provided is both scholarly and from a collector's perspective. Prices are given in a fair range to give a fair market value. And what pictures there are to enjoy! Many glass types are well covered for the first time. This book will set a very high standard by which all other references on this glass will be judged in the years to come. We indeed owe the author a debt due to this subject's neglect until now. This is a must buy! We have waited a long time to get this book-thanks Betty!!

The history of the United States comes alive in the words of its presidents.

There comes a dramatic time in the life of a person, party, organization or nation that cries for the uplift and release of a speech. Someone is called upon to articulate the pride, hope or grief of it all. The speaker becomes the center of attention and the world stops to listen.

That responsibility is often shouldered by our President. Great Presidents not only act as the country's head of state, but also the voice of its people. They help define who we are and what we experience. In my opinion, their speeches constitute one of the best expressions of the nation's mood.

This book presents 40 of the nation's greatest Presidential speeches. Former Clinton Speechwriter Michael Waldman, introduces them, anchors them in history and explains their impact.

Acknowledging that speeches are written for the ear, not the eye, this book contains two CD that allow you to hear many of these actual speeches. Some of the recordings are more than 100 years old. The voice of every President since Benjamin Harrison is included.

This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the nation's history guided by the words of our Presidents.

I actually heard Michael Waldman (the author) give a lecture regarding the genesis of this book. Mr. Waldman was President Clinton's chief speech writer for 5 years. When Mr. Waldman once asked an aide for a reference text on the most important presidential speeches in history, he was told that no such text exists. It is my understanding that this was the primary motivation for Mr. Waldman to write this book.

I thoroughly delight in reading the speeches that Mr. Waldman has selected. In particular, I am in agreement with Mr. Waldman regarding the centrality of Abraham Lincoln's speeches in American History. I have come to agree that the Gettysburg Address is "the most important speech" ever given by a president.

This is a book that I have read over and over again. It continually inspires and challenges my views of myself as an American. I highly recommend it to everyone.

This book has a concept or format that is guaranteed to make American history come alive as never before. It's a reprint of the most significant speeches by all of America's presidents. In addition it is supplied with two CD's. These contain the actual voices of every president since Benjamin Harrison in 1889. It also includes comments by ex-presidents Ford, Carter and Clinton on the speeches that influenced them the most.

This book is a capsule of American history done in a way that brings it home faster and easier than any standard history textbook. It's a large format book and at 480 pages it can contain a lot of material and it does. It is a splendid book.

I really enjoy the book.I'm a Nine year old girl and I will be visiting WAshington D. C. with my family this summer. I thought the book was very interesting because it told me everything you can see in the city. It has really good pictures of things you can find. It has great maps, pockets for stamps and envelopes, and other lose items.It had very good background information. It has made me excited about my trip.

What a great book! Very informative and enjoyable for kids as well as for adults. Our children loved the different exercises, the interesting facts and the photos throughout the book. It made our vacation a lot more interesting and educational, which is exactly what we wanted. The kids are taking the book to school to show their classmates and teachers. We highly recommend this great book!

Hope to see one on U.S. National Parks soon!

Ed & Colleen Garcia

My seven year old had a great time iwth this book. It helped her get excited about our trip to Washington, made the tirp more meaningful to her, and has her looking forward to our next visit. Definitely a keeper!

I have purchased this calendar for many years, and order early online to assure earliest delivery. The paper accepts pencil and ink and erases cleanly. Each day has adequate room for appointments and ample margins for numerous, extra "notes to self". Blank inside covers are great places to post frequently used phone numbers. Fits in my purse for meetings. Pages turn easily and stay open. A high quality, matte photo of beautiful art each time you turn the page.

Having begun purchasing National Gallery of Art Engagement Calendars from Universe in 2002, the 2006 edition is my choice again for the 5th year in a row! This elegant product features 56 handsomely printed details of masterpieces from the collection of the Washington DC National Gallery of Art -- one for each week of the year. The approximately 6.5" by 9" format is the perfect size -- neither too small nor too large. When opened to a particular week, there is a space for each day's agenda -- Monday thru Sunday -- on one page and a superbly reproduced detail of a work of art on the facing page. For art devotees as well as others I heartily recommend this beautifully executed publication.

This calendar has a new masterpiece for every turn of the page unlike some art engagement calendars (especially the ones with frosted covers). The reproductions are done so well that I have visited DC and the NGA specifically to pick up a print based on what I've seen in past editions. FYI: Order early because these engagement calendars sell out EVERY YEAR! I've been caught out more than once, so fair warning. You will never find these calendars at half price after New Year's!

This book has the National Geographic glossy quality and lot of great information! We picked this up for our planned trip to DC. I will update this review when we take the trip. Well, we did the trip and we liked the pictures and information but I found the DK book better for current information and had additional information that this book did not have ....but it was still a good book to get a preview with.

I have already written reviews on other National Geographic Traveler Guides on Ireland ( Dec 4,05 ), San Francisco ( Jan 3,06), Interstates Crossing America (Feb 5,06 ),and California (Aug 23,06 ). I have given many reasons why these are excellent guides ;and after looking through the miriad of guides on the bookshelves,you won't be sorry if you choose National Geographic. They are of the highest quality and construction and make a great memory of your visits and on top of that the design and format is consistant. What you have to realize is that they are excellent as a guide to the history and places to visit. This is where Nat Geo shines over the others.This guide would also be a teriffic value to those who live locally or even as a reference of the areas and places for whatever reasons. In reading or following news ,it will be turning to them often. With other travel guides,one often discard after the trip , as they are generally mainly heavy on
Accomodation,Restauraunt and other information that quickly becomes outdated,printed on cheap paper and with minimal information and pictures,maps,drawings and information.
National Geographic are hard to beat in what they do.They are showing it again in Travel Guides.

This is a great guide to the sights and museums of Washington DC. The maps and descriptions of the sights and museums are excellent. The metro map on the back cover is very handy, and the detailed maps of the sections of the city are useful and easy to read. This is not a guide for hotels and dining, although some coverage is given.