Nebraska Books

Mavericks of black literature are the focus of these essays, considering such under-mentioned writers as J.A. Rogers, an early member of the Harlem Renaissance and pioneering journalist; and Vincent Carter, who lived as a voluntary expatriate writer in Europe. Out There is an intriguing and thoughtful account of a very unusual set of black writers.

I bought the book for one reason, and that is because I am an undergrad pre-law student. I was also on probation for a 6 month period and I was able to file motions with the information in this book. It explains what has to take place for a criminal charge to be filed, and what the penalties are. If it's a law in Nebraska (criminal), it's in this book. Also explains every traffic infraction and their definitions. Two thumbs up, especially for the price.

Things have been pretty tough for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in recent years. In 2004 they suffered their first losing season in over 40 years, breaking the nation's longest streak in that area. But it would be hard to argue with anyone who claimed that Nebraska was the most dominant team of the 80's and 90's, compiling an eye-popping record of 211 wins against just 36 losses, averaging less than one loss per year in those two decades. Of course the man at the helm for all but the last two seasons of the 90's was the great Tom Osborne. Nebraska Football is of course the subject of this latest offering from Triumph Books and Athlon Sports in their Game Day series, dedicated to the greatest program in college football.

On thing that really makes Nebraska unique is that they don't have the benefit of professional sports or even another large university in their state to compete with. In Nebraska, the Cornhuskers are it and it is one of the great atmospheres in all of sports. The book follows the same formula as the rest in the series, beginning with a look at the Traditions and pageantry of NU football, including their famous red sea of fans, garbed in crimson, and the blackshirt defense as it has become known. I for one never knew the story and origin behind the blackshirt defense until I read this book.

Nebraska's great players reads like who's who of college football greats: Tommie Frazier, Turner Gill, Eric Crouch, Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, Grant Wistrom, Will Shields, and many more. When it comes to coaches, two names stand out, and what a pair they are! Bob Devaney took over in 1962 after Nebraska had finished 3-6-1 the previous year. NU would not have another losing season for over 40 years! Devaney went 101-20-2 and winning 8 conference titles, and two national championships. He turned the team over to Tom Osborne who would do even better with a record of 255-49-3 and three national championships. From 1994-1997, Osborne's teams lost only two games.

Relive some of NU's greatest games including the 1971 "Game of the Century" showdown with rival Oklahoma, won by the Huskers 35 - 31, the 1995 Orange Bowl win over Miami, and the miraculous overtime win over Missouri in 1997 that preserved an unbeaten season. You'll thrill to many more great moments and rivalries in this thrilling look at Nebraska football.

As with all of Triumph's books it sparkles with fantastic black & white and color photography and is personalized by reflections from former players and coaches. Even if you're not a fan of NU, you can't help but respect them.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

This fascinating little cookbook will give you insight into your grandmothers' recipes. I'm going to make first the tapioca pudding my husband used to love at his grandmother's house. There are recipes from several nationalities, including beef a la mode: soak for three days in vinegar, then brown and serve with raisin gravy. Do you flavor your banana recipes with lemon? All these do! How about warm cucumber and egg salad in sweet cream? Want to read what Willa Cather ate at age 20 at a Women's Christian supper--including two large slices of chocolate cake? Gotta start cookin'!

This is a great selection of poetry, and not just Nebraska poetry. The diverse voices presented are a pleasure to read, running from funny to tear-jerking and back.

Featuring full-color photographs of 103 original quilts, all drawn from the Nebraska Quilt Project survey, Nebraska Quilts & Quiltmakers by Patricia Cox Crews (Professor of Textiles, Clothing, And Design, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and Ronald C. Naugle (Professor of History, Nebraska Wesleyan University) is a dazzling 245-page showcase of great quilts ranging from the 1800's to the modern day, and from stylized repeating decorations, to applique patchworks, to stunning art visions crafted from needlecrafted fabric. Accompanying each presented quilt is a brief biography of its quiltmaker and a history of the quilt, such as one of a pioneer woman who struggled to protect her children and keep them alive under harsh conditions. Nebraska Quilts & Quiltmakers is a very highly recommended and inspirational resource for dedicated quilters of all levels experience and expertise.

Excerpt from book's Epilogue:

"Nebraska Sand is a slice of American Midwestern life - real people in the real world of survival. The beauty is subtle and raw. Real life and real people inspire me. To me, these people are always multi-faceted, complex nad fascinating."

This book does such an excellent job at showing you the countryside in Nebraska. It is not just cornfields and cowboys. You get to see the state from pictures of the Missouri River winding through the plains with Omaha in the background, to the rolling hills of the panhandle with chimney rock towering above everything. This book shows you amazing pictures and scenes. You will not be able to believe all these pictures were taken in the same state. The book is mainly a picture book, but it is great for the coffee table. Nebraska has so many different ecosystems, from farmland, to the Sandhills, to the high plains, and rolling hills, and many more. Show this book to anyone who has never been to Nebraska, and they will understand the state and be able to appreciate it on a much higher level. I grew up there and have explored much of the state, but am still amazed at the awesome scenery in this book.

Describes the development and use of the classic Indian trade gun with its characteristic serpent or dragon-like side plate. Reprint of the now scarce 1956 hardcover edition. 86 pp., illustrated with more than 50 photos.

I love this book. It's a durable hardcover, not too large or heavy, with just the right pictures to capture both urban and rural Nebraska people, places, landscapes, and wildlife.