Europe Books

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The Patisseries of Paris: Chocolatiers, Tea Salons, Ice Cream Parlors, and more
With only nine days and a FULL program for my Paris vacation I won't have time for mistakes of 'so-so' restautants and patisseries. The book seems to be very thorough and well researched, many reviews agree with other 'foodies' opinions. I have 'tagged' the 'must visits' and 'possibles' and will give you my full review after I will have come back (April 2009).
Again, very well organized, well researched and easy to follow.

This book was everything I hoped it would be - exquisite photographs, evocative of a trip I'll never take, yet seems to be lingering in my brain. Love it ... hope there'll be more, just like it.

My sister and I recently returned from 2 weeks in France. While in Paris we visited several of the recommended patisseries and totally enjoyed the wonderful offerings. We actually planned some of our sightseeing and shopping around the location of a few of these. Good idea for Paris!

I love that this book is devoted to Paris' Patisseries, chocolate shops, and tea shops. When you go to Paris, these are special treats for the eyes and taste buds. Even if you are not traveling, it's a luxury to read the description of each shop's specialty and salivate at the photos.

This book lists the vendors by Arrondissement; and there is an index by business type and alphabetical listing. There are beautiful photos and a description of each shop.

Since the book is small (pocket size), the prints are tiny, I wish they used a bolder font. Also, you have to read through the text to find out what the author liked the most about each shop. The reading is great, but if I'm in one Arrond. and trying to figure out which shop to visit, it would be great to have the special dishes highlighted under each shop, to make them easier to find. Maybe make more use of a sidebar to highlight that info?

This cocoa-dusted treasure hits that mythical sweet spot between practical, trusted travel guide and gorgeous, dreamy (if petite) coffee table book. Full of the kind of beautiful photos and evocative lyrical prose that you'll never find in any guide and jam-packed with all of the actionable, expert advice that's missing from all those exquisitely photographed gift books, this one has it all. Organized by arrondissements, you're meant to flip to the neighborhood you're visiting to find the author's recos for the best macarons, tartes or baguettes nearby. If I were visiting France soon, that's just what I'd be doing. Cramming bookmarks between the pages, grabbing a map and taking off before the sun came up. But for now, curled up on my couch in New Jersey, I'm literally reading this like a romantic novel. Cover to cover. Dreaming of Paris...

Set in a Swedish village long ago, Per and the Dala Horse is the charming tale of a young boy's quest to recover a golden chalice stolen by trolls. When an old farmer dies, he leaves all his worldly possessions to his three sons. The eldest inherits the farm. The middle son receives a fine riding horse. But Per, the youngest son, receives only a beautifully carved and painted wooden horse. The two elder brothers laugh at Per and his seemingly worthless wooden horse; but Per cherishes it, sure that it will one day prove useful. When the trolls steal the golden communion chalice from the village church, Per's two older brothers try unsuccessfully to rescue it. It is Per, with the help of his magnificent Dala horse, who is able to rescue the cherished stolen chalice. Yvonne Gilbert's stunning colored pencil illustrations are more vibrant than ever in this new edition of Per and the Dala Horse. Rebecca Hickox's spirited text makes this an enchanting picture book.

Illustrated by Yvonne Gilbert

This really is a must for anyone of Swedish heritage - especially for boys. The story is suitable for around 3-8 years. The illustrations are probably the most gorgeous I have ever seen in any child's book. The author has combined the best of many traditional Swedish stories. Consequently the book has a very evocative, almost primal feel. Anyone with Swedish blood will relate to this story in a very deep way. This is a magical book and it really should come back into print - publishers, why are you wasting time! Reprint this book!

My heritage is 100% Swedish. It is difficult for me to find books about Swedish culture in general, and close to impossible to find Swedish stories to which my seven-year old son can relate.

I believe each cultural has its own beauty and much to offer the world. I often encounter people assuming that because we speak English and are Lutheran, then our cultural heritage is the same as Britain's (we're are not Anglo-Saxons, the Church of England has nothing to do with Scandinavia, and our native tongue is Swedish) or since Swedish is a Germanic language, then our culture must be like the Germans'. Like every other society that has evolved on its own, the Swedes are proud of who they are and how they came to be.

I remember Dala horses all over my grandparents' homes and in my house growing up as well. I want very much for my son to enjoy the richness of where his family comes from, and why we still remain so close to our relatives in "the old country." This is simply a wonderful book that has aided in giving my son his own cultural identity.

I am very grateful that this book is so Swedish. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for new perspectives about the smaller European nations.

Set in a Swedish village long ago, Per and the Dala Horse is the tale of a young boy's quest to recover a golden chalice stolen by trolls. When an old farmer dies, he leaves all his worldly possessions to his three sons. The eldest inherits the farm. The middle son receives a fine riding horse. But Per, the youngest son, receives only a beautifully carved and painted wooden horse. When the trolls steal the golden communion chalice from the village church, Per, with the help of his magnificent Dala horse, is able to rescue the cherished stolen chalice. Yvonne Gilbert's stunning colored pencil illustrations are more vibrant than ever in this new edition of Per and the Dala Horse. Rebecca Hickox's spirited text makes this an enchanting picture book. Ages 4-9. Paperback.

This book so captured our imaginations that I had to purchase a little wooden Dala horse for our son. The artwork is beautiful, the story is culturally sensitive, the scenes are exciting and the language is rich. I've been reading this book to my son since he was two. He's four, now, and still loves it!

And for that matter, how can you not love Lloyd Alexander? I have yet to read a book of his I didn't like.

In the Vesper Holly books, Alexander has created a fun, spunky heroine who's as smart and resourceful as she is beautiful. In contrast is her ever-patient, loveable but not-as-sharp guardian, Brinnie, who finds himself in impossible life-or-death situations - thanks to Vesper.

The whole series is a great, fast-paced, fun adventure in the style of Indiana Jones. But I have to say, of all the books, the Philadelphia Adventure is my favorite.

For one thing, while all the other books in the series are set in far-off, imaginary, exotic locales, the Philadelphia Adventure is set in - well, Philadelphia, PA, in the good ol' USA. The characters Vesper and her friends encounter are true historical figures, as is the Exposition that supplies the backdrop for the book.

The plot in this book is also tighter and more realistic than previous Vesper Holly titles. While I do love the other books, you have to wonder how Vesper just happens to come to the right conclusion every time (when there aren't many clues given to the reader or narrator). And, it's just a startling coincidence that in several of the other books, Vesper's nemesis Dr. Helvitius just "happens" to be in the area, versus in this book, where he actually launches a scheme against Vesper while trying to take over the world.

Vesper shows a more realistic, human side in the Philadelphia Adventure, often second-guessing her actions, wondering what the best course of action is. While she comes out on top every time, it's nice to see that, in this book, she's still an imperfect person - it makes her choices and the final outcome that much better.

Overall, a great series for kids with a literary character they can truly look up to.

I'm 21, and I must say I love the Vesper Holly books as much as I did when I first discovered them at age 10. I read them over and over again through my teen years. They're like a cross between Indiana Jones and the Adventures of Tintin, with an added bonus--an original female heroine! As a little girl I admired Vesper and all her intelligence and pluck; she's a great role model for smart, ambitious girls who want to make discoveries. The Philadelphia Adventure was always my favorite of the series; the humor and action that are the hallmark of the series are at their peak here. I sniffled when I got to the end, because until last year, this was the final installment. I was delighted to discover that Lloyd Alexander has recently written a series finale (Xanadu Adventure).

Vesper, with a heart as big as her brain and her endearing knacks for mathematics, historical puzzles, and banjo music is a truly trailbrazing heroine in young adult literature. Thank you, thank you, Lloyd Alexander!

The ever delightful Vesper Holly is back in this fifth chronicle by one of my favorite master storytellers. Vesper's resourcefulness, bravery and wit are ever-present while she falls in love (innocently) yet again. Her red hair, fiery personality, orphaned status and love for a certain fat cat conjure up another favorite heroine of the historical fiction world, exotic Nefret Emerson from the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. Each of these books packs a lot of punch considering how short they are, making them perfect for any young reader.

This was a wonderful book, with characteristic Lloyd Alexander wit and humor, along with his deft story-telling. People of all ages will enjoy this latest escapade of Vesper Holly!

Unlike the other books in the Vesper Holly series, this book takes places in an actual place, Philadelphia (as you might have gathered from the title). The World Exposition is going to be held there, but the opening keeps on being delayed, problems of plagued it from the start. President Grant goes to Vesper Holly's home and pleads for Vesper to rescue the kidnapped children in the care of the Brazilian King. The stage is set for some grand Vesper Holly action with her guardian Brinnie, Smiler and Slider (from the previous books), and a new character, Weed in toll! This is a fabulous book!

I really enjoyed this book. It is by Lloyd Alexander, author of The High King winner of the Newbery Medal. One reason I enjoyed was that it kept on surprising me until the end.
It is not based on things that really happened, although it has people who really existed, such as President Ulysses S. Grant.
The adventure begins when Ulysses Grant comes to Vesper Holly's door asking for her help with a kidnaping of two children. The kidnaper is using the children to ransom the emperor of Brazil.
The kidnapper hates Vesper Holly, so he made it clear that bad things would happen to the children if she did not deliver the ransom. That way he can put her in danger to get revenge on her.

This lovely portfolio book was born out of a love affair with Italy that has spanned many years, and that has been nurtured by numerous personal visits. On one of those trips the authors, Joe Bauwens and Marybeth Flower, visited a different hill town every day. Spending most of their time in the piazze of these towns, they came to appreciate how the piazza is an expression of the unique cultural life of each community. No one had used photography to tell this story in the way that Bauwens and Flower came to know it. Challenged by this awareness, they undertook a year of rigorous training from professional photographers in various workshops. Armed with this education, they returned to Italy for five months, traveled to many of Italy's towns and cities, took thousands of photographs, spent endless hours selecting the very best, and wrote captivating text to go with them. Piazza--Italy's Heart & Soul is the result. Clearly, these two amateur photographers transformed themselves into amazingly skillful photojournalists, and in so doing realized their dream of communicating in photographs and words the vitality of Italians and their beloved piazze.

The artistic and vibrant quality of this work is an inspiration to those who aspire to tell other stories in a similar manner. In chapter after chapter the authors succeed beyond measure in capturing the beauty, joy, action, passion, color, and fashion found in the piazze of this wonderful Mediterranean country. Those who already know and love Italy will want this book to enrich their memories. Those who do not, but who see this book and open it, will want to make the journey in order to know and love Italy.

Wow! We gave Piazza to my Italian husband for Father's Day and it was a hit with the whole extended family. The photographs captivated all of us-- by either taking us back to Italy in our memories or inspiring the desire for a first visit. Piazza excites and inspires through the very last photo. We can tell the authors/photographers are in love with their subject. This is truly and exceptional book!! Debra Romano

After flipping through the pages of this award winning book, I instantly called to make airline reservations to Tuscany! The authors/photographers images are so vibrant and exciting you feel like you've traveled and experienced the moments with them! Not only is this book a must have but a great gift for even the non-traveler!

Joe Bauwens and MaryBeth Flower love photography and Italy! The results are incandescent. I yearn for Italy most days of the week and this book makes me especially nostalgic for this gorgeous and delightful nation! This is my favorite coffee table book and I have 30 or so that I love! This is a fabulous gift!

Italy has long been at the top of my list of countries to visit if ever given the chance. Sadly, budget and vacation time are currently prohibitive factors for such a trip. That's the beauty of books such as Joe Bauwens' and MaryBeth Flower's PIAZZA: ITALY'S HEART AND SOUL - they can transport you to places you've dreamed of, through the splendor of their photography and the descriptive footnotes teaching a bit of that region's cultures and traditions.

When you open the book, you are immediately captured by the colorful flags born by the sbandieratori of Gubbio, and can almost feel their movement as they run, proudly bearing their flags.

You can feel the press of the crowds when you turn to the depiction of the Ceri Marathon. Then a castle in Vernazza seems to be carved from the seaside bluff it tops, rather than being built upon it by mere men.

As exciting as some of these photos are, still others convey a solemn peace and stillness, such as the picture of the Santa Maria della Salute church in the dark of night, with lights spotlighting its majestic dome.

Mr. Bauwens and Ms. Flower miss nothing, including pictures of citizens in traditional costume as well as people in modern dress. We find children laughing and playing, and other people from all walks of life, who through the very normalcy of their pictures, depict everyday life in Italy more surely than mere words. From the pink-haired woman on her cell phone to the pony-tailed man on his unicycle, we experience it all.

I can almost taste the rich cappuccino when I see the pictures of this dark treat decorated with whimsical chocolate designs atop the foam. I can imagine sitting at an outdoor cafe quietly watching all of these sights go by as I sip my own cup, careful not to burn my mouth.

But the creators of this coffee table book don't rely on just pictures to deliver the Italian experience - they draft prose as picturesque as their photographs to completely immerse you in the details of the event, the town, the feel of the place.

I'd expected PIAZZA: ITALY'S HEART AND SOUL to assuage some of my wanderlust, but instead I find I want even more fervently to wander through the rainbow town of Burano. I want to coast through the watery streets of Venice in my own gondola, with a gondolier pointing out spots of interest in a thick Italian accent. I want to dance in the street to the beat of the street musicians on the Ligurian shore.

Italy is a country steeped in history and this beautiful tome clearly shows this in everything from the architecture to the people to the traditional celebrations. It's the next best thing to being able to visit Italy yourself. For a taste of Italy sure to fuel a few daydreams, pick up a copy of PIAZZA: ITALY'S HEART AND SOUL.

**Courtesy of Wild on Books**

This book would appeal to the young person who has the time and a little money to tour Ireland staying at hostels and trying out pubs. It's a fun book to read and you do learn a little about Ireland too.

Have yourself a Guinness while reading this book, it is a great pairing. The book is a smooth read and will inspire you to by the "mothers milk".
It's a craic in itself. luis

This book was fun, interesting and very well written. To read a book about Ireland that does not have the troubles as its main subject matter is refreshing. The author does a great job of relating Irish culture to the reader. The author even goes as far as to write the peoples dialects into the book, so that when you are reading the book, you can get a sense of the softness of the language.

I would recommend this title to anyone that wants to learn a bit about Ireland. I would especially recommend this to all those of Irish decent.

The subtitle of this book tells you what this Irish travel book is all about. And that is what drew me to it.

Contents:
The first round
Dublin on tap
Beer and politics
Blood is thicker than Guinness
Love at first pint
Pub town
Heading north
The holy mountain
A land of pubs and poets
Last drinks

Australian, Evan McHugh, travels to Ireland to meet some friends. On the ferry over to Dublin from Wales, he and his travelling companion "Twidkiwodm" (the-woman-I-didn't-know-I-would-one-day-marry), aka Michelle, have their first Guinness. It was not a very good experience (but it sure was funny to read). Debarking, they are told that the Guinness served on the ferry is about the worst in the world. Their friends take them to a couple of pubs in Dublin, including the Guinness Factory Tour. Whilst sitting in a Dublin pub, they are told that the best Guinness is found on west side of Ireland. Off they go, looking for the best Guinness and the result is Pint Sized Ireland: In Search of the Perfect Guinness.

Travelling cheaply, hitchhiking and sleeping in hostels, McHugh provides a wonderful travelogue of Ireland. That he is looking for the "perfect Guinness" makes this even sweeter. Travelling from town to town, asking about the best Guinness, experiencing some of Ireland's best (but maybe not so well known) sites, and picking up books from local writers (Yeats is one). Interspersed throughout the book, McHugh includes words from the writers to explain some of his experiences. It adds a lot to the book.

This book really makes me want to visit Ireland. No matter where he goes, be it Dublin, Westport, Sligo, or Belfast, the people are friendly, kind, and humorous. At each stop, either the barman or someone in the pub tells McHugh where he can find the best pint of Guinness (hint: it is always somewhere else). It is in a pub in Belfast, his last stop, where a patron begins to tell him where he can find the best pint. Stopping the man, McHugh tells him where you can find the best Guinness in Ireland. He drank for free the rest of the evening. Yes, the answer was that good, that true. And after reading this book, I agree (if you ask, I will tell you where).

An excellent travelogue, especially if you love "moother's milk."

Slainte!

A friend of mine tipped me to a book that immediately caught my interest... Pint-Sized Ireland: In Search of the Perfect Guinness by Evan McHugh. Having spent a little time in Ireland for a software conference, I find myself drawn to the country, people, and customs. Evan McHugh made me feel like I was right back there. And I haven't read something this funny in quite awhile...

Contents: The first round; Dublin on tap; Beer and politics; Blood is thicker than Guinness; Love at first pint; Pub town; Heading north; The holy mountain; A land of pubs and poets; Last drinks

So the framework of the story is that Evan and his traveling companion (who was to become his wife) decide to travel over to "Oirland" to meet up with a couple of friends. Knowing that there would be plenty of drinking (it *is* Ireland!) of Guinness, he felt that it was necessary to acquire a taste for the dark beverage. On the ferry over, they start their training. It does *not* go well. His description of "moother's milk" leads you to believe that mother is none too well. As expected, a stop at a pub is the first order of business once they meet their friends. This Guinness goes down better, which starts the discussion as to where you can find the "perfect Guinness". So as they travel the island via train, hitchhiking, and hostels, the question is always asked... where can I find the perfect Guinness? And it's always "somewhere else". Along the way, you meet traveling companions, colorful locals, and more pubs than you ever imagine existed. And at the end, McHugh does find the answer to where the perfect Guinness can be found. And it's a classic...

While it sounds like this book is all about beer, it's really something much better. It's a travel diary of sorts, written by someone who has a real knack for capturing the color and flavor of the culture. In many instances, he writes the Irish dialogue as it sounds. So when they are visiting their first pub, he tells his friends they had a Guinness coming over on the ferry. The reply is classic. "Oh, you shouldn'ta doon that. It's fookin' shite, that's why. Now get that into ya. We've a lotta poobs ahead of us." After spending time with my friends over there, I know that would have been the EXACT reply I would have received, using the EXACT same words. :)

If you're at all interested in Irish culture, this is a must read. Think of it as a way to understand the openness of the Irish people, and how in a "poob" you're never a stranger...

I bought this book after reading the reviews of others who said that this book was chock full of info...and they were not kidding! I did find out things I did not know before about Poland and have enjoyed reading it, though I have hopped from topic to topic rather than reading the whole thing straight thru. It is more like an encyclopedia on Poland than a cover-to-cover read...a very useful resource!

I found this book to be very helpful, not only for travelers to Poland, but for business travelers also. The author has brought it all together in a format that is easy and interesting to read. Cheers for the helpful Polish translations.

"Poland: A Unique Country and Its People" is not only a history book but an encyclopedia of information. This book teaches the history, geography, government, economy and culture of Poland. It's huge, there is more information here than I even thought I wanted to know. There's so much interesting stuff, my favorite parts are: Folklore & Legends, Unique Polish Customs, Social & Business Etiquette, Distinctive Food & Drink and the Polish Recipes. It's great for people with a Polish family history or those who just want to learn more about Poland.

Whether your interest in Poland is for business, pleasure or genealogy, start with Alicja Deck-Partyka's book, Poland: A Unique Country and its People.

The true value of this intelligent book is its fascinating scope and breadth. The reader will know something about everything Polish; from the history, customs, fine arts, sports, and famous Poles to the 24 authentic recipes towards the end. For those who need more detail, the author includes an impressive 7 pages of bibliography that would endear her to any researcher. This book is an insider's guide to the current realities in Poland.

The business traveler would find this book particularly helpful because the customs and social economics of Poland are well presented for the outsider to grasp. The reader is brought up to date about the government, leading industries, transportation, and the current topics of the day.

The genealogist researching family history would benefit from learning the historical and cultural setting the ancestors lived in. I recommend this user friendly book to genealogists researching Polish records to get oriented to names, places, and events that shaped family heritage that reaches back to Poland.

After reading this book, a polish descendent will buy an airline ticket to Poland for sure.

For any traveler who wants to know more about Poland before you get off the plane, this book would make your homework a pleasure. If you can't do the homework, read this book on the plane. Have a great trip.

In this impressive volume Alicja Deck-Partyka has captured the heart of Poland's culture, people, and history. The book covers a span of history, from the Slavs who occupied the Vistula River basin at the end of the Neolithic Age to the newly organized Independent and Democratic Poland instituted in 1990.

The author has detailed the country's turbulent past. Poland is a country between the East and the West of Europe. Every conflict in Europe has had an impact on Poland, killing people and destroying the country. Significant events in Polish history, wars, battles, and recovery are described. Poles have suffered more than any other nation in the world. Poland has a rich history.

"Poland" is an enormous effort, and an outstanding guide to a better understanding of this heroic country. Extremely well written with thorough and extensive well documented research, the book is divided into five sections: History, geography, government, economy, and culture. Written with both breadth and depth the reader gets an all-inclusive panoramic view of Poland's rich history and people.

I was surprised to learn of Poland's abundance in natural resources, the numerous National Parks, and diversity of wildlife. Deck-Partyka covered the scope of changes in government and the impact these changes have had on Poland's economy.

I particularly enjoyed the section on Polish culture with detailed descriptions of their traditions and customs. A chapter dedicated to Polish proverbs captured some unique wisdom: "A guest sees more in an hour that the host sees in a year." And, "Friends in need get to know each other."

The fine arts, museums, sports, folklore, religion, holidays, social and business etiquette, women's issues, and architecture are among other interesting topics covered by the author.

Another feature Alicja included was an appendix with a biographic glimpse into the lives of some memorable Poles, some Polish recipes, background information on Polish Saints, and a listing of common Polish first names.

Alicja Deck-Partyka has provided the reader with a comprehensive, easy to read captivating glimpse into the country and people of Poland. I highly recommend "Poland" to every American of Polish descent, and to history and social studies readers, teachers, and students everywhere.

This is a must have book! I had bought The PreRaphaelites: Inspiration From the Past but this book is much better! The first book did not have the breadth of illustrations and seemed to focus a lot on the sex lives of the artists. Many of them were promiscuous, but their artwork is still awesome. The illustrations in this book are very inclusive and none of the large illustrations is split between two pages, which is true of the other book I got. The illustrations are gorgeous here and plentiful and the text is intelligent and informative without being too "heavy." I can't recommend this book highly enough for someone who enjoys the PreRaphaelites (and perhaps like me, wishes artists today had the same color sense, high ideals and delight in nature).

This is a stunningly beautiful book filled with incredibly beautiful art. The narrative text is well written.

This book is the most amazing introduction to the Pre-Raphaelites! The pictures are absolutely amazing, especially since this is an over-sized book and therefore the details in the photos are amazing!

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about the Pre-Raphaeilite Artists (in general) and also to anyone that loves the Pre-Raphaelite works of Art & needs a good introduction!

First, let me say what I like about this book. It is profusely illustrated with full-page images, nearly all pictures mentioned in the text are reproduced in good quality, so one immediately sees what is described by the author. The text is free of jargon, lucid and highly entertaining (check the story of John Ruskin's unhappy marriage). Basic facts are rendered, short biographies of major painters are here, as well as some historical background (for example, the Aesthetic Movement and Oscar Wilde).
But this book has its weaker points. Mr. Christopher Wood does not specify what he means by "Pre-Rafaelite style"; sometimes it appears as he only means close adherence to nature and precise detailing. But what would he say then about German Biedermeier or French Neo-Grecs? The text overall is too smooth, it does not take into consideration newer approaches to art history (Norman Bryson's studies of pictures as sign systems, for example). So if you want a problem book, a challenging essay, you better look to Elizabeth Prettejohn's study. This one is just an introductory survey aimed at a general reader -- but a pretty good introduction, I might add.

I am a learning hobbyist artist interested mostly in portraits. An artist friend told me that I might be interested in the pictures of the Pre-Raphaelites. "Pre-Ra...What?"

When I bought this book I had not intended to read much of the text. I was primarily attracted to the beautiful pictures in the book, which I hope to learn from. It turns out that Christopher Wood's rendition of the biographies of these remarkable group of mid- to late 19th century English artists was exceptionally well weaved and readable. I got a very good education on the history of the Pre-Rephaelite art with fascinating details of the lives of the key players and, of course, beautiful, large-format reproduction of their best work.

I came across a number of books on this subject. Some have better and more detail prose, but none comes close to this one in terms selection and the quality of reproduction of the pictures.

If you're into swords, this is a must have book. It's more than a catolog of styles of medieval swords but also explains the developement of the weapons and how swords and armour influenced each other. It also explains the difficulty in dating a weapon by the style of blade and hilt.

Ewart Oakeshott in this pictorial guide takes you by the hand
in a enjoyable trip along the classification created by him
on the european medieval sword: The Oakeshott Typology. You'll be delighted by the pictures of dozens of vintage pieces and you'll be inspired to forge your own swords based on the different pieces depicted in this book. A useful reference for the advanced sword enthusiast and an excellent introduction to the novice.

This book contains a life-time's work and research of the sword. All the way from the early Scandinavian sword to the swords of the Renaissance and gives full in-depth summary and description on each piece. The author, Ewart Oakeshott is the leading expert of medieval swords and has taught me plenty (if not more) from his previous works. I am satisfied with the latest one here. "Records of the Medieval Sword" is well suited for a sword expert as well as for beginners and is for all to enjoy. The only thing I have to complain is that the binding of the book isnt done very well, but then again it could just be mine only. But then again, it should stop you from purchasing one.

Ewart Oakeshott was unsurpassed in his understanding of medieval swords. Unlike the majority of weapons curators who focus exclusively on the hilt and try their hardest to pretend that the sword was never a practical tool, he appreciated the whole sword. Oakeshott's typology is based on blade shape, i.e. on how the sword handles and what it can be used for. Because of this Ewart was loved by re-enactors and historical swordsmen who view swords as a beautifully designed tool that comes to life in their hands.

I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Ewart just before his death (editing a paper he submitted to the anthology Spada). Just as he reminded museum curators that the sword was a practical tool, not an art object, he reminded swordsmen that the sword was an important symbol of just might, not just a tool.

Records of the Medieval Sword is the best available book describing medieval swords (though his earlier book The Sword in the Age of Chivalry is also well worth picking up). It has clear photographs of the whole sword, and lists blade lengths. If only it had a few more measurements (weight, blade width at various points, point of balance, centre of percussion etc.) it would be a perfect resource for people who make and use swords but who rarely have the opportunity to hold genuine originals and feel their handling characteristics. Even with this minor omission, this book deserves pride of place in the library of anyone interested in the medieval sword.

Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor Spada, Spada II

Records of the Medieval Sword is a remarkable volume, representing a body of work in the subject area with no equal.

Although the information is provided in an extremely authoritative manner, it is written in a very personable way, leaving this reader with a desire to know (have known?) the author.

If I were to attempt to be overly critical of this book, I would mention that there are a few minor, but still rather annoying, typographical errors and mis-numbered illustrations that detract somewhat from the otherwise masterly scholorship presented in the volume.

Also, in my opinion, a reference such as this should be provided in a hard cover edition, with full color plates wherever possible.

I will treasure this addition to my library.

This book has a lot of valuable information for anyone interested in the Templars. It has historical information in the preface and appendix and its content has every single rule the Knights of the Temple followed. It has every single battle rule and the everyday life activities of templars. The sins and the penitence, how to be admitted and the admittance ritual. How to get a counsil toghether, everything they were supposed to do. I suggest that if you are interested either in Templars or in the Dark Ages, you ought to buy this book.

This English translation of the French "Rule" of the Templars is an essential reference for all students of the Templars, and of the history of "related" organizations such as Freemasonry. The "Reception" ritual will be of special interest to Freemason's, as parts of it are hauntingly familiar.

Excellent. No doubt already on the shelves of those interested in this Medieval Catholic military lay religious order.
For the uninitiated reader, first read the Introduction, Primitive Rule, and Appendix. Then, the rest. To a reader for whom the Templars are "knights who fought in the crusades,"
the Rule will seem most unexpectedly profuse in dwelling upon internal monastic disciplines, religious guidelines, and personal observances. Regulations addressing military issues and a Knight's behavior in the field are present.
An appendix, coordinated with references to the Rule, treats some of the military aspect, especially in regards to the use of armed mounted force and the order's rankings.
If unfamiliar with the Military Orders, it will be an eye-opener as to what the Catholic Church proposed for its monks.
If doing extended reading elsewhere, a reader will be startled at the surprise ending of that now supressed Order. I would alert those who do followup, not to confuse "Templar," as properly used for this group, with some current appropriators of that name, used for purposes of having mystique of lore & legend.

J.M. Upton-Ward has earned my eternal respect for the work presented here. The Rule, so vital to understanding the Order is clearly layed out and explained. Additional information is also included making this the one "must own" book for Templar scholars.

The Rule of the Templars: The French Text of the Rule of the Order of the Knights Templar, Judi Upton-Ward (Woodbridge, UK: The Boydell Press, 1992)

The myths surrounding the Knights Templar range from tales of great treasure to legends concerning a wealth of wisdom kept secret for a thousand years. Many have tried to discover what this great esoteric wisdom was, but, so far, no one has been able to 'decipher' any of the so-called 'clues' allegedly left behind by the Templars. These references to secret wisdom perhaps arose from the accusations of secrecy brought against the order during their trial. What many failed to recognize, or perhaps ignored, was that as a military order, the Templars had many reasons to keep their Rule, which governed their lives and their behavior in battle, a secret. Fortunately for us living nearly a thousand years later, we now have access to this 'secret knowledge' through Judi Upton-Ward's translation of the French version of the Rule, found in her book, The Rule of the Templars. In this work, Upton-Ward translates not only the Templars' Rule but also the statutes and includes an article by Matthew Bennett that discusses the military side of the Rule. In translating the Templar Rule from the vernacular, Upton-Ward points out that this work is just how the Templars themselves would have read it, straight from their native language, rather than being written in Latin by scholars who may not have know the military implications of what they were writing about. The importance of the French text lies here. This was a work written by and for the military men of the order for the purpose of governing their lives and ordering their behavior. Like any well-oiled military machine, it was necessary for the Rule to contain information on how to act on and off the field, information the Templars would not have wanted to fall into enemy hands.

What Upton-Ward accomplishes with her translation of the Templar Rule is an accessible look at the 'secret knowledge' of the Templars and a detailed look at the lives the Templars led, which, it turns out, actually closely paralleled the lives of other religious orders, which a few changes needed to accommodate the military nature of the Templars. The work is easy to read and geared to both scholars and pleasure readers alike.


Jennifer Regan and Dr. Carl Edwin Lindgren

the forward starts off "(she) could have left russia--remember that as you read these journals." what comes across initially as anna's relentless account of putin's rise to autocratic dominance is more of an alarming and disheartening account of russia's systematic devolution where democracy, freedom of press and the semblance of a worthy society were fleetingly promised as they were taken away. incredible heart-wrenching accounts of the moscow theater and beslan school massacres as well as the two chechen wars.

A must read for anyone who wants to understand the "new" Russia. One hopes others will have the courage to take up Ms. Politkovskaya's crusade in exposing the corruption so rampant in Putin's (and now Medvedev's)Russia.

This is a riveting account of a life constantly in peril. The translation is equally outstanding, conveying both the "conversationalism" of a "diary" and the formality of the more essential elements.

Anna Politkovskaya's "Russian Diary" is a gold mine of information and provides unparalleled insights into Putin's Neo-Soviet Russia.

Many believe that Politkovskaya was murdered for her indepth investigative reporting into all aspects of Putin's regime. In this book she makes it clear that Russia is rapidly sliding into a dark and deep abyss.

Politkovskaya reveals the rampant corruption prevalent in the Russian government and its total disregard for the Russian population, human rights, and basic democratic principles.

"Russian Diary" is a first-hand account of the growing power of Russia's criminal community and its alliance with Vladimir Putin, the rampant greed and lawlessness of the new Russian business elite, the unbridled brutality of the Russian security services, and the gross incompetence of the Russian military.

Politkovskaya believed that Russia was headed for another major war in the Caucasus against the mountain peoples it has been terrorizing and murdering for the last decade.

This is a sad and depressing story that is all too familiar to those with firsthand knowledge of the Soviet Union and Russia.

For those who care about Russia, it is hard to put this book down. It is a compelling read. However, one cannot help read "A Russian Diary" without an overwhelming sense of sadness. We know how the story ends. The last entry in the diary was made in August 2006, and soon thereafter Anna Politkovskaya life ends, murdered by unknown assailants in Moscow.

The profound nature of this loss comes across on every page of this book, as Ms. Politkovskaya carefully and without flinching describes contemporary Russian society, warts and all, as perhaps no other journalist left living can. This book brings the reader a first-hand look into the tragedies of Dubrovka Theater and the school siege at Beslan. And also chronicles the seemingly endless war in Chechnya. She asks hard questions of the Russian government and its apparent failure to manage these matters.

As great of a loss as the death of Anna Politkovskaya is, her dairy is a reminder of perhaps the greatest tragedy and missed opportunity in the last quarter of a century. With the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia had the opportunity once and forever to move into the family of democratic states. This book documents that although there are elections, this has not really happened, not even close. What we have now is a tightly controlled state governed by an intelligence oligarchy with a fondness for the Soviet past, which has restricted rather than expanded civil liberties and workers' rights. These restrictions have been justified in the name of protecting national security and the promotion of state controlled capitalism. "A Russian Diary" documents how the Russian people are languishing with a government seemingly disinclined to tackle the serious social welfare problems that are besetting the country.

This book is commentary on the Russian government, but it also asks tough questions of Americans and Western Europeans. What could they have done differently to nudge Russia toward a democratic direction? Is it too late? Are we destined to regress into a more perverse version of the Cold War, with a Russian government mistrusting the West once again, but now empowered by oil and gas revenues?

I hope that is not the case both for Russia and the West. However, without Anna Politkoyskaya alive to point out the deficiencies in the Russian government and the shortcomings of the West, the unthinkable becomes possible.