Michigan Books

The author brings you into the personal lives of his characters as he develops a fast paced socially enlightening legal thriller. The novel's action is accurately showcased in Southeastern Michigan. You not only get to know the characters, but if you live in Michigan you recognize the familiar landmarks. If you aren't from Michigan, you learn about the Motor City and its suburbs as well as understanding the politics of the area. This story has an important message. Hate, redemption, intolerance, nobleness, and prejudice are dealt with in enlightened terms.

"The Farewell Principle" by Steven Weiss is a fast-paced story that incorporates legal and personal challenges of a Michigan attorney, Maurice "Mo" Robinson. Mo is forced to face his own personal prejudices and loyalties when he encounters a white supremacist group.Mo grapples with real-life situations that makes one question one's own values and beliefs. This page-turner is especially satisfying to people familiar with Detroit since many Detroit streets and buildings are mentioned.(a la Elmore Leonard}.Steve Weiss, a first-time novelist, has successfully written a realistic compelling story that I would highly recommend.

This is an outstanding first time effort in fiction concerning problems of our time in urban center. Revolves around a racial murder resulting in trial drama with former prosecutor defending a life long friend. The characters are well defined. An additional twist depicts member of the cloth attempting to reform a racial bigot by logic and friendship. Good yarn!

Reads like Grisham, but makes you think. as well. You'll love the realistic characters in this page turner. Once you get going, save time to finish, because you won't be able to put it down.

I like a book that gets your heart pumping and your mind racing. This one does 'em both. After you read this book, you'll realize what the power of the pen is all about. I recommend this highly.

I am a biologist that has been working in the Galapagos as a Naturalist leading tours there for the last 6 years. Michael Jackson's book is the "Bible" for the beginning naturalist and certainly more than adequate for the casual "ecotourist". Jackson covers all major aspects of the history, geology, ecology, and biology of the islands. In the "biology" section, he gives a clear, concise, but thorough group-by-group treatment of all major taxa including plants, reptiles, land and sea birds, mammals, and a brief section covering marine life. While there are other guidebooks available, none come close to the accuracy, clarity of presentation, and logical format of this book. Of particular usefulness are the many photos, tables, and graphs which provide a visual representation of many of the topics discussed and a synthesis of large amounts of data.

Every naturalist guide in the Galapagos has this book. They also sell this book at the Charles Darwin Center in Santa Cruz, and it is a must read. It explains how the islands came about and what makes them so unique. I highly recommend this book!

My wife and I bought Jackson's book in preparation for a trip to the Galapagos. The book served us well; when we arrived at the islands we felt that we were almost on a first-name basis with all the fantastic creatures and plants that make the Galapagos such a fascinating place. The book is considerably more than just a field guide; it includes information on the islands' history, their environmental and ecological setting, and the conservation efforts being made to preserve this truly unique place. And, as the title indicates, the book provides a lot of natural history, not just a brief summary of bare facts about each animal or plant. Not only is it a fine guide, it is a most enjoyable read.

I just recently returned from the Galapagos Islands, and the book that guided me throughout my journey was this book by M.H. Jackson. Very easy to find the animal you are looking, and also helps to discover more creatures to look for. Helped explain things further from what the guides had said. Also helped me in answering many people's questions about different creatures. A Great book! A must for all travelers to the galapagos in search of unique wildlife.

I would imagine that most visitors to the Galapaos are not naturalists. For those without a strong background in natural sciences, I would highly recommend this book. The book is easy and fun to read, detailed without being tedious. The photos are amazing and the author's passion for the islands is evident. If you only have time to read one book, this is one I would advise a Galapagos visitor to read in advance of their trip.

Reading the person problems that the Yomtoob's had living with Liver Transplants has helped us as a family to deal with the situation. It is NOT a helpless journey, just a very long and difficult one. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

I was amazed and touched by this book. Well-written, thought-provoking and heart rending....you feel the triumph and tribulations of this family and their journey with each page!! You will definitely think very strongly about writing a living will and becoming an organ donor.

This is a great book with useful medical information about the transplant process as well as a heart warming account of the struggles of waiting for an organ donor and receiving a liver transplant. I could hardly put the book down after I started reading. Emotions and events are described so well that you feel you are part of the family and therefore part of the journey.

I recently read this book and found it to be a particularly moving experience, expressing a remarkable commitment between mother and son and family. Even though the topic illness is liver failure and liver transplant, I felt that thoughtfully reading The Gift of Life 2 would be very helpful to a family coping with any serious illness.
Sincerely,
Susan K. Farley

As the mother of a multiorgan transplant daughter, we were very fortunate to be under the care of Debbie Weppler and the transplant team at the University of Miami. My daughter recovered from a very difficult transplant by following Debbie Weppler's advice. If you or a loved one is facing a transplant, read this book so you will know what to expect. It will be a tremendous help for you and guide you through the process.

I gave this book to my Father-in-law (a long time Red Wing fan) for a Father's Day gift. It was great timing since the Wings clinched the Stanley Cup just weeks before! He loved it, reading it in only two days! He mentioned how interesting it was for weeks!

Before I gave it to him, I'll admit I glaced through some of the pages. It was an interesting concept-having the different players talk about their teammates. All the comments about one player were put into a chapter. So you had three or four pages of stories and anecdotes about one player all grouped together.

You also heard stories about their private lives and some behind the scenes moments of one of the greatest eras in hockey!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a long time hockey fan!

THE GODS OF OLYMPIA STADIUM IS A MUST READ FOR ALL NOSTALGIA AND LOVERS OF OLD RED WING HOCKEY. THERE ARE MANY GREAT PHOTOS AND SOME GREAT INTERVIEWS WITH RED WING LEGENDS TED LINDSAY AND GORDIE HOWE (GREAT THOU ART). THE INTERVIEWS ARE DETAILED, HONEST AND ENLIGHTENING. I HAVE READ MANY BOOKS ABOUT THE RED WINGS AND THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST. THE FRONT AND BACK COVER HAVE EXCELLENT AND NOSTALGIC PHOTOS OF MANY OF THESE GREAT PLAYERS FROM YEARS AGO. I AM GOING TO USE THIS BOOK AS A DECORATION BECAUSE I LOVE THE COVER SOME MUCH. WELL WORTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

Meet the greatest hockey players of all time. Rich Kincaide has caught the excitement, spirit, frenzy, and love for the game in these interviews of players on some of the best teams in the history of the Detroit Red Wings.

He may be interviewing men who played the game 50 years ago but you don't feel like you're reading history-- you are right there and enjoying the conversation with him.

Rich Kincaide's "The Gods of Olympia Stadium" is a great book for anyone with a passing interest in hockey and a must have for those who love it. Everyone: This book is a great holiday gift idea for the sports fan in your life!

The Book is wonderful and a great read--finished it off in one night--left me awestruck and wondering when the next one will be available.

The cover is fantastic! Looking at it kind of makes you feel like you've been checked by Gordie Howe himself. That is if being checked by Gordie were a good thing! This is one book you can tell by its cover! Of course what's most impressive is on the inside.
Shakespeare wrote in one the sonnets "so long as eyes can see, so long lives this. And this gives life to thee." Richard Kincaide has done his part to keep the legacy of these great gentlemen of hockey alive to inspire and entertain for, well, forever now. The rest is up to the fans. This book should be on the shelf of anyone who loves sports.

Excellent! Well defined, well written, and precise in the accounts of A. M. Keeler during the American Civil War, pre, during and post the war. The Allen's put heart and soul into this book, and is simply a must read for any and all Civil War historians. We all read, we all study, and we all try to remember, but without a good story-line we forget, this book makes the imprint, and the feel for what took place at the time. The book compliments the historical regiment known as the Michigan 22nd. Douglas M. Casamer, Author "The Michigan 22nd Infantry and the Men Who Served".

I have never been a student of American history and have regretted that fact many times. Reading this greatly researched and well written book was just wonderful for someone like me. I have loved reading every detail of Keeler's confinement.There were a lot of facts that surprised me such as his family and friends sending him money, food and other items. It must have been extremely difficult for them to accomplish that in those times.
I graduated from Armada Agricultural High School and was so surprised to find out that he taught there after his service. It was exciting to read names and places that are familiar to me having grown up in Macomb County.
Write another book,Bob and Cheryl!!

An easy read, this day by day account of the life of Captain Alonzo M. Keeler, a "Guest" of the Confederacy, paints a vivid picture of a Michigan soldier's experiences in a Confederate prison camp.
William & Muriel Beltz, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable

Any serious study of a battle or regiment is enhanced when the conditions the troops fought under can be included. Because so much time was spent in camp as compared to actual time spent in battle, to understand how the weather, terrain and health of the soldiers contributed to the outcome, adds depth and texture to the strategies of military maneuvers. Bob and Cherie Allen have brought together Captain Alonzo Keeler's diary, letters and speeches to the GAR to provide us with just such a look into the daily life of a 22nd Michigan Union Officer. Captain Keeler's own words illustrated the highs and lows of his confinement in Libby prison and, after the war, his return to civilian life. His depth of feeling and dedication to his regiment never wavered. This book is a great companion piece to anyone studying battles involving the 22nd Michigan.
-Bill Grandstaff, Facilitator, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable

Very well written. The investigation and detail show the author's extensive knowledge of the Civil War. The many original diary entries show this book's authenticity and helps you to empathize with the emotions of Keeler as well as the many trials that the soldiers faced on a daily basis.

Great for the history buff who wants factual details about the Civil War.

Exciting and well-written! A must-read for any fan of Bigfoot lore.

For those that want to complete their Bigfoot fiction library, pick this book up.

'Nuf said.

Sincerely,
Loren Coleman, Author
Bigfoot! The True Story of Apes in America

While recently lecturing for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Mufon (the Mutual UFO Network), I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Shiel, the author of a new book titled "The Hunt For Bigfoot."
According to the blurb for the book, "Lisa A. Shiel turned a long-time interest in alternative history and archaeology (especially Egyptology) into gripping fiction based on her own unique interpretation of events that have fueled curiosity worldwide."

With a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas to her credit, Lisa has written what is without doubt (in my own opinion) a lively, exciting and gripping piece of fiction based around the Bigfoot mystery - and a number of other mysteries, too!

The book focuses primarily upon Katy Gallagher, a website designer and would-be anthropologist, and historian Charlie Bergren, who scour the planet for proof that current evolutionary theories are flawed.

Their quest turns dangerous when Katy is threatened and Charlie vanishes. Katy joins forces with Charlie's son, amateur Egyptologist Rick Bergren, to find the missing Charlie.

Plunging into the depths of Michigan's north woods, they tumble into a double-edged mystery - a hidden Bigfoot society protected by an ancient race with highly advanced technology who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets, and a mysterious billionaire willing, for his own reasons, to kill to preserve the Bigfoot legend.

To stay alive, Katy and Rick must unravel an enigma half a billion years in the weaving. They must find the creature science says cannot exist.

If you are even remotely interested in cryptozoology, ancient cosmic visitors, the legends of Atlantis, human evolution and more, then grab a copy of "The Hunt For Bigfoot" by Lisa Shiel as soon as possible.

Book one in the "Human Origins" series, it is soon to be followed by its sequel: "Lord Of The Dead."

For further details of "The Hunt For Bigfoot," contact: www.SlipdownMountain.com

One of the few new books which i really enjoyed. I have an interest in adventure stories, that coupled with my interest in alternatives to main stream science, found a really exciting and deep story line that held my interest until the end. This is a book of 400 pages, and read it cover to cover in just 4 days. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes thought provoking mysteries. It was a fun reading, and I look forward to her next book.

This book is interesting and FUN, FUN, FUN! A wonderful tale of northern Michigan's backwoods. I would recommend this book to anyone young or old. It is a delightful read and exciting right up to the last page.

As vice president for plant operations at a medium scale manufacturing plant in Saint Louis I have searched for an approach to improve the plant's productivity for many years. "It's Not Magic" has given me the tools to approach my problems differently. I have found the book's methods of management applicable to my manufacturing plant. Although I have only been able to test them out on a small scale, I look forward to being able to implement them plant wide. Kudos to Klein and Zawacki for hitting the nail on the head !

The book follows a small company as it starts down the road of modern management. The book is a fast read, and is similar to The Goal in style. In it the problems faced and the resources available reflect the real world of small to mid-size manufacturing. The key benefit to the reader is the blending of academic theory with shop floor reality. I enjoyed the book and learned some new ideas from it. More importantly, it also showed how to start putting those ideas into action.

"It's not Magic" is a must read for anyone involved in constantly seeking improvement. The efficient mix of production techniques and management philosophy is needed to be successful in an increasingly competitive workplace. As anyone who has ever been on or around a production line knows the ultimate goal has to be seeking better methods to complete the work. It's very refreshing to see a real life example of how production and philosophy can work so well together. I look forward to the next publication by Klein and Zawacki.

It is refreshing to hear from a professor who has his feet on the ground. The easy stile of writing is very appealable, and the dialog flows easily while devulging the enjoyable relationship of owner, supervisors, line employees and Keen, the professor/consultant. All participate together in the rebirth of a small manufacturing company. All this takes place while decades'old organizational certainties meet with, blend, and in some cases are replaced by new discoveries. The author demonstrates that "salesmanship" is a key ingredient in effecting in-house change. A must read for anyone seeking to improve the bottom line. -- Rodger Faherty

It's Not Magic should be read by everyone involved in organizational change and improvement. It examines not only the need to change systems and structures but recognizes that success also requires the ability to bring about change in the organization's culture and way of thinking. In an easy to read and interesting format, Klein and Zawacki focus on a few fundamental concepts and illustrate how they actually applied these throughout an organization. The insights gained from their experiences are invaluable. Reading this book will motivate you to modify your outlook and organizational systems in order to transform your company into a world-class organization.

Those readers looking for both a thorough history of Jerusalem will also get an informative review of the political and religious aspects of the Near East. Many endnotes and a very useful bibliography.

My God indeed!
What a time line story!!! It is without equal, and tells us just where this present day middle east crises is going.
Pulling out the stops here, i want to say this book should be required reading for all people from all cultures.
I have just finished my third reading and keep it next to my reading chair like a Bible.
Only problem; none.

Eric Cline has written a vast range of books and articles for both specialized publications and general audiences. His latest book, "Jerusalem Besieged", is written in the same vein as his previous book "Battles of Armageddon" and yet in many ways this new book must have been difficult to write. While Megiddo is in ruins, Jerusalem is still the religious center of three major world faiths and is held sacred by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is almost impossible to write a book on Jerusalem without offending someone, but Cline has managed to write one of the most tactful books possible. Nowhere does he slide into polemic, nor has he made any religious claims in lieu of evidence. He has tried his best to write an even-handed account of Jerusalem's military past. He has spent a great deal of time in that city and his love of the subject comes through loud and clear. He writes as an archaeologist not as a political commentator, and yet there is much journalistic material he has read and incorporated into the text. Cline writes in beautifully lucid prose. General readers will find the material accessible and yet Cline's research is available in the footnotes and the extensive bibliography. Readers are given a framework within which to think about the repercussions of several millenia of strife in Jerusalem. Cline documents 118 separate conflicts during which Jerusalem has been destroyed completely twice, besieged 23 times and attacked an additional 52 times. It has been captured and re-captured 44 times and this does not even include the 20 revolts and innumerable riots. Cline manages to cover them in less than 500 pages while covering each incident, and giving judicious opinions in places where controversy occurs. This is a must purchase for military historians and general readers alike.

This was a very informative book, well researched and most importantly it was easy to read without falling asleep. Highly recommended.

This is a book that really needed to be written.

When I lived briefly in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, I was told that in ancient times, Tabuk had been known as "the most evil place in the world." Frankly at the time, I doubted that any geographical locality could have a karma of its own. After reading Eric H. Cline's book, Jerusalem Besieged, I think I'm going to have to reconsider the issue.

What I found most intriguing about the author's discussion was his concept of the origin of the site's importance. Most archaeologists tend to point to the advantage of a location as the inspiration for settlement and development in the area. Often things like access to a sheltered harbor, a fishing resource, mineral wealth such as flint, obsidian, ceramic clay, iron, gold or silver, or water availability and so on are reasons that a city grows and flourishes through time. As one realtor has said, "there are three things to remember in selecting real estate: location, location, location."

Jerusalem however seems to defy that premise. According to the author, it is neither exceptional for its geologic nor for its geographic gifts. The agricultural value of the surrounding land is marginal, water supply is iffy, there are no large stands of timber to be harvested and few if any valuable mineral riches to be mined. Geographically it seems to have been an isolated site, in the back of beyond. It lies well inland of the coast and is not the hub of intersecting trade routes. In fact, although it is mentioned in the Egyptian Armarna texts, it seems to have held little political value until David took it forcibly from the Jebusites, its previous owners, and made it the center of his new monarchy. It would appear that even he chose the site primarily because it had not been a power base for any of his own people. Its foreign citizenry owed no one but him any loyalty, so it would not entangle him in the petty internal feuds that seemed to be the bane of the Israelite political world. Yet over the past 3000 years, more blood has been shed over the city of Jerusalem than practically any other site on earth.

So what makes this rock in the middle of nowhere such a magnet for passion and violence? Why does the City of Peace seem to drive sensible people crazy? According to Professor Cline it would appear to be the city's emotional wealth. So many have made Jerusalem the center of spiritual and emotional importance that the site is invested with staggering human significance. That investment in Jerusalem over the past 3000 years almost ensures continuous strife over its possession. No one seems immune to the insanity either. People from as distant as the Far East have taken a part in the madness. Everyone from the Romans to the British and the US have entered the melee. Embarrassingly-for a nominal Christian at least-the worst of the violence seems to have been perpetrated by the Crusaders.

Almost all of the illustrations of the city in the book are from its outside and from a fair distance. I think the artist had a good idea. Personally by the end of the book I felt that everyone should be forbidden to live on the site for their own good; it's far too dangerous. It should be walled off for the health of the world, and the faithful and the curious can look at it through the fence from a safe distance. Having read the author's book The Battles of Armageddon, I would have to say that if the end of days does occur, it won't be at Megiddo; it'll be at Jerusalem!

As I said above, this is a book that really needed to be written. It's not that there is anything particularly new in it; it's just that it's all particularly focused. I think that it should be required reading for all politicians, both regional and national, and certainly for any of those involved in attempts to bring about peace in the area. For the general reader it will make the issues in the Middle East far clearer and reveal why a lasting peace in the area is unlikely to occur any time soon. It will also make the Arab countries' horror over the US activities in the region more understandable. Certainly the author's final statement, quoting O'Neill, is vividly evocative of the entire message of the book, "For now, however, in Jerusalem, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, `There is no present or future-only the past, happening over and over again...(p. 310).'"

My dad, like many others, does the lighthouse thing with an emphasis on Michigan lighthouses. I wouldn't even think of getting him another book of lighthouse photos but I saw this in my doctor's waiting room and instantly knew I had to get it for him. The pictures are beautiful and the text interesting. Highly recommended.

I've known Ed for a few years and have come to respect and enjoy his images. He finds images that we as non-photographers can only dream about. Nice Work Ed and congrats on yet another super book!

Dan McGuire, Roichester, NY

This is a gorgeous book, and the text nicely balances the photographs, tying in the meaning of the photographs with the stories of the lighthouse, and with Ed Wargin's endeavors to reach the lighthouses just to photograph them. Truly worth having.

Aficionados of lighthouses take note! Ed Wargin has photographed the lighthouses of Michigan and his work is impressive. His talent is evident as he is able to breathe life into his subject matter.

Legends of Light contains lighthouses photographed from the inside and outside and various prospective of the surrounding area, including the environment. Wargin gives us a bonus because he lists all of the Michigan lighthouses and provides a map of their location in the back of the book. That added immensely to my enjoyment.

Gull Rock on Lake Superior was established in 1867. The view from above of the lighthouse perched on its own tiny island is dramatic. You're alternately drawn to its beauty and repelled by the confinement.

The internal photograph of Lake Michigan's St. Helena Island lighthouse is warm, cozy and ever so inviting. I wanted to snuggle up with a book by the stove and read while drinking a cup of hot tea.

The stark reality of winter in a northland lighthouse is evident in Wargin's photograph of Cheboygan Crib Light on Lake Huron. As I gazed on the winter white, I found myself becoming chilled. It is extraordinary for a photographer to ellicit such strong feelings and emotions from a viewer.

The interior of Whitefish Point on Lake Superior is a room that could be found in any home, yet it is in a lighthouse.

The burial site near Rock Harbor is fascinating and evokes all sorts of questions like who, when, how?

South Manitou Island lighthouse on Lake Michigan has my heart. Actually, I found myself studying the picture and returning to it repeatedly. I'd love to live there.

Wargin has captured the flavor and the majesty of lighthouses with his wonderful images. My heart now belongs to the lighthouses and the Great Lakes region. I want to visit so many of them it looks like a road trip is in our future.

Armchair Interviews says: Legends of Light is a book to savor and to live in the dream of the beauty of our northern Great Lakes Region. This is a wonderful gift book for someone who loves lighthouses. And maybe that's you.

Legends Of Light: A Michigan Lighthouse Portfolio is a stunning, full-color photographic showcase of Michigan's lighthouses, inside and out. A brief introduction embellishes the compilation of full-page and some two-page spread photographs. From simple, cozy lighthouse interiors to panoramic scenes of the ocean shore at sunset, Legends Of Light is a very special tribute which is hallmarked by visual splendor and is a superb giftbook selection -- especially for lighthouse aficionados.

Nothing further to add, but wanted to point out that this work is not as slanted politically correct as Encolp in his review above make it seem. The book is much more objective, all the pseudo-intellectual babbling is purely the reviewer's preferred conlcusions using the data in the book as a springboard. I just can't help wonder why he is so disturbed by so-called "manly types" (or what he means by that).

Sound familiar? Does what goes around -- come around
again? Are the malls the 21st century version of
the Roman baths? Are the Nascar racetracks the 21st
century version of the chariot races? Are our
football stadiums the 21st century version of the
Colosseum? This book does not present its themes
in these terms, but one cannot help but think about
these things as one reads it -- in tandem with reading
the Roman writers who satirized or caught in verse the
goings-on in their own times: Catullus, Martial,
Petronius, Juvenal.
Besides the "Introduction" by David S. Porter, there
are 3 large Parts to the division of the book. Part
I is titled: "Social Structures and Demography". Within
this section are informative and highly interesting essays
on "The Roman Family," "Elite Male Identity in the Roman
Empire," and "Roman Demography." Part II is titled:
"Religion." There is only one essay in this Part --
"Roman Religion: Ideas and Action." Part III is titled:
"Bread and Circuses" [the famous phrase used to describe
how the rulers and the "elite" kept the masses under their
control -- by giving them doles of food or by providing
them with mass entertainments to keep their minds off
the fact of their gruelling lives and that they did
not lead the "good life" that the "elites" were leading --
sound familiar?]. In this Part are the essays: "Feeding
the City: The Organization, Operation,and Scale of the
Supply System for Rome," "Amusing the Masses: Buildings
for Entertainment and Leisure in the Roman World," and
"Entertainers in the Roman World." Since our modern
era also seems to be so much into shallow entertainment
and pleasures, perhaps the titles of the subsections of
this last chapter will be intriguing: Actors and Athletes.
Chariot Racing.[the factions and their fans sound like
ancient Roman predecessors to the WWF and Nascar
fanatics...] Gladiators, Beast Hunts, and Executions.
[well, we haven't "progressed" in our tastes and
"sophistication" that far yet...but, who knows? ...]
All in all, this is a very interesting, insightful,
intriguing -- as well as provoking book. The
section that interested me the most was the one
on the Roman emphasis and hang-up on male identity -
what was considered manly, and what was not. It isn't,
as if that is one of the main obsessions in our own
times in the U.S. of A. , of course. And what are
all the "manly" types contributing to the betterment,
stability, and nobility of our present society and culture?
It gives one pause, for reflection.

First off, this book is a collection of seven very long essays by different experts. The essays deal with the minutest details of Roman life, ranging from religious practice to construction to gladiatorial combat and criminal execution. Not all essays are created equal, and there are two in here that I found rather dry, but perhaps that is because I couldn't care less about the specifics of amphitheater construction. The others were phenomenal, and even the "boring" ones contain excellent and useful information.

I read L,D,&E (as I have begun to call it) for an undergraduate class in Roman History and had to write a critical review-type paper about it. I have to say I actually enjoyed the assignment. The book was, overall, excellent. It features real-life "snapshots" of different aspects of Roman life, and unlike many books about Ancient Rome, it doesn't focus solely on the upper classes. It also doesn't spend any time discussing politics or history or "great men" of the times, so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. This book is NOT an introduction to imperial Rome -- you'll need to have one of those under your belt already -- but it IS the most wonderful, complete, and readable supplementary material available. It really fills in the gaps and answers questions you didn't know you had, giving you a vastly more complete picture of Rome under the Emperors.

This book discusses aspects of Roman life that are frequently difficult to research... such as the kinds of toys Roman children enjoyed or the types of birth control that were popular. It covers such subjects as "feeding the city" and "entertaining the populace" as well as religion and other expected items. The work comprises a sweeping approach to "real life stuff" in a framework that is scholarly (with plenty of documentation) but highly entertaining. It's the kind of book I've been wanting to own for years.

This is an interesting, well-written book that would be a good edition to the library of any student of Roman history as well as being a good resource for writers of historical fiction.