F Books

I enjoyed this book immensely, but probably for the wrong reasons. The book is a bit chewy in places, but stick with it, as it's surprisingly enjoyable on it's own merits. On a more selfish, sadistic note, I had been mecilessly bludgeoned on a regulary basis by a work colleague, a second generation descendant of the Emerald Isle, with tales of Celtic martyrdom and Anglo tyranny, and none of which I felt I had the right to dispute. Then I read the book. After ten minutes of lively debate, challenging all he knew as 'fact', he has not spoken to me since. No-one had ever shut him up before. Heaven. But back to the point, I found this to be a rather good read.

Baby Cromwell, Nottingham, England

R. F. "Roy" Foster author of 'W. B. Yeats: The Apprentice Mage,' 'Charles Stewart Parnell: The Man and His Family' and 'Modern Ireland,' has written this experience and interpetation into Irish history and literature. He does a fine job of it. His bravery in massacring every sacred Irish cow as one would have fun reading it. It leaves you with a warm, passionate, giggly feeling. It's entertainingly brilliant look at the past and present Ireland. I particularly love the chapters and passages on Theme-parks & Histories (with some warning from Foster on expliotation); the chapters on Yeats; When the Newspapers Have Forgotten Me: Yeats, Obituarists and Irishness; Selling Irish Childhoods: Frank McCourt & Gerry Adams; and, Remembering 1798. They're totally smothered in clichés and lots of traditional tidbits of fond or fatal memories, known to some as the Irish experience.

Foster cleverly works moments of Ireland's past into narratives of Irish culture on myth, folklore, ghost stories and romance. The result is from a varied interpetation of opinionated and right down funny interlinking essays. In Theme-parks and Histories-Foster writes of the Irish are to remember or commemorate anything. It is worth remembering the upward curve of Irish cultural achievement-referring to W. B. Yeats, Hugh Leonard, Ezra Pound, Cashel Heritage Society and the 2,000-acre Famine Theme Park in Knockfierna Hill west of Limerick. Irish history, the most distinctive achievement for it. His suggestion to form a monument to Amnesia and forget where they put it. As a historian he would be shocked, but as an Irishman he would be attracted to the idea. Foster shows no mercy on his view of manipulating Irish history on political places and Irish poverty and oppression as a commerically packaged heritage park. His exploration of Yeats' authority of the Irish story's fitting moments as the voice of his Ireland countrymen.

Foster leaves teeth-marked criticism of Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes) and Gerry Adams and their devil may care attittude of taking hostages for fortune. Transcending into the bestsellerdom of Irish childhoods. Simply a technique of marketing where Irish version brag and whimper about the woes of their early years' experience. I find this to be an entertaining reading. In some places a bit wordy, but good telling of Irish culture. You may hate or love it. But, if your interest is in Irish history and literature it's quite essential.

Irish people of all persuasions and in all walks of life have developed a talent for building up a national history to their liking and drawing conclusions from it. Roy Foster's essays are about some of the ways in which Ireland's history has been interpreted, embroidered, exploited and packaged. I think everyone will agree there are cogent reasons for preserving the distinction between history and "national fiction". Ultimately, poor history makes poor propaganda, and propaganda in any case is a shabby use to put something as precious as a nation's history. This book is essential reading for people with an interest in Ireland. (I also recommend strongly the same author's earlier "Modern Ireland 1600-1972".)

This book ought to be on the shelf of anyone with an interest in Irish history. Foster has done an excellent job at making his points about the various 'uses' that history in Ireland has been employed for. From downright propaganda to 'memoirs' masquerading as vague truths he unleashes the power of clear thinking and valid sources. For so long Irish history has been treated as 'story' and this book attempts and succeeds in telling the difference. It is so refreshing to see something sensible in print! It is a great source book or reference and could also be read by delving into the different subjects in the index. I would recommend this for all who are involved in getting to know the real history of Ireland and the Irish and how some Irish 'history' came to be written in the first place.

Porter's tongue-in-cheek treatment of the marketing of Ireland is refreshing after an avalanche of Irish hype came from unscrupulous little publishers.The Disneynification of Ireland ,apparently propelled by American ad agencies for the Irish Tourist Board,is treated by Porter correctly as hype to snare innocent Irish-Americans.Porter gets almost every hilarious Irish twist of recent decades in this collection of exposes, including the hilarious, almost unbelievable marketing of the potato famine in Disney-like theme parks.Unfortunately, he closed his collection of revionist chapters without pointing to the biggest Irish hype of all -the invention and collapse of " The Celtic Tiger", based on runaway inflation and a Dublin stock market bubble that aped the rise and fall of America's Nasdaq.Foster's book is a must if you wish a clearer view of the Irish .

As expected of a man like rabbi Jacobs, a great book that gives you a real picture of the Israeli prison system, and shows that inside every Jew there is a part of G-d, no matter how far they seem to be from Him. Rabbi Jacobs did the hardest thing there is to do - he found that part and brought it out into reality.
May we be so lucky to see many more such books.

I am inspired by the Rabbi's dedication to finding the G-dly spark in every person, even in the darkest place, and to encouraging him to build on it and turn his life around.

This book offers a fascinating look at the Israeli prison system from the inside and from the unique point of view of the prison chaplain. Each chapter is the story of a particular prisoner - and a more motley and interesting bunch of characters you couldn't hope to meet! Never predictable, this compelling book draws the reader along in its wake and humanizes both prisoners and prison staff. As such, it's a must-read for anyone who works in criminal justice anywhere.

Coincidentally, I'd recommend this book as a gift for young people who may be resistant to reading. The book's rapid-fire narrative style and its exciting content are things a youthful reader is likely to find especially appealing, while us older folks can probe the deeper human implications of the book's myriad and marvelous tales.

A unique window onto contemporary Israeli culture and Jewish life. Israel Behind Bars is an inspiring text expressed in moving yet entertaining, down-to-earth language. Rabbi Fishel Jacobs' autobiographical style provides a compelling, personal narrative written with honesty and good humor demonstrating the obstacles we face and how they can be overcome. This book is highly recommended for all readers interested in Jewish life, culture and particularly for undergraduate courses in Jewish studies. -- Richard I. Sugarman, Professor of Religion, University of Vermont

This is a great book of inspiring stories, powerful anecdotes and moving lessons. It is an enjoyable read, well written, and really thought provoking. Great for a wide range of audiences and especially intriguing considering the current situation in the Middle East. Rabbi Jacobs is clearly a unique individual who has affected not only the lives of the prisoners, but all who hear his stories as well.

SE, Philadelphia

This book is destined to be an American classic. Beautifully designed, this book delivers family fun on the Thanksgiving holiday!

This book is a fantastic gift for kids for the Thanksgiving holiday. This book includes information and games for the whole family to participate in. The pictures are atractive and colorful and the recipes help make the Thanksgiving meal better. The book is designed in a style to bring the family together in sharing the Thanksgiving holidays. I learned many interesting things while reading it and had fun too.

What a great idea to write a fun and interactive book about the history of Thanksgiving!! My kids loved it, it brought the story of our great-great-grandparents back into our lives. The entire family enjoyed the games and the "Think About It" sections. It will make our next Thanksgiving a bit more special and may even bring some hard-core football addicts back to the family Thanksgiving dinner table.

I was so jazzed about finding this book! I still can't believe how much more there is to the story of Thanksgiving than the Mayflower and the Pilgrims. It blew me away! Kids will absolutely love all the creative exercises the book offers and the illustrations are fabulous! I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and putting to task all the recommendations the author makes for making Thanksgiving a more meaningful holiday. No more missed educational opportunities for my kids! I very very highly recommend this book for any family - and teachers too!

I found this book to be a joyful read. We can hardly wait for Thanksgiving to use it at our table, but already I have learned more about my own history than I knew before. A retired teacher visiting from Germany saw the book laying on the table and read it, delighted with its illustrations and information. She was sure, she said, that this book would make a wonderful English lesson book for the children in Germany. I agreed, and suggest that the author consider submitting the book to some schools in the States as a text. Here is a charming treatment of a wonderful American holiday, and one which should help bring the family together--as we once were on Thanksgiving--giving thanks, for each other, for God's goodness and especially for our opportunity to live in this great nation.

mur·der (mûrdr)
n.
(Etymology: partly from Old English morthor; partly from Old French murdre, of Germanic origin)
1. The unlawful killing of one human by another, especially with premeditated malice.
2. Slang. Something that is very uncomfortable, difficult, or hazardous: The rush hour traffic is murder.
3. A flock of crows.

William Jennings Bryan abdicated his position as secretary of state under Woodrow Wilson because of Wilson's policy of strict accountability for Germany after the sinking of the Lusitania. This is one of many things my history teacher, R Andrew Kiel, taught me.

CONSPIRACY?!!!!!! EEEE EWW EEEE EWW WHA, WHA?! (Deep Inhale) Why I oughtta!

This is a very fine book by R. Andrew Kiel regarding both the life and times of J. Edgar Hoover AND the JFK assassination. Also of note---my work is credited on 36+ pages! In a way, this volume is almost two books in one becuase of its dual focus on the former director of the FBI and the Kennedy murder. Highly recommended (great photos, too). :)

Vince Palamara-JFK/ Secret Service expert (History Channel, author of two books, in over 30 other author's books, etc.)
Pittsburgh, PA

BEST JFK ASSASSINATION BOOK: ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
BEST JFK SECRET SERVICE BOOK: SURVIVOR'S GUILT BY YOURS TRULY :)

R. Andrew Kiel's book is a fascinating look into the many facets of J. Edgar Hoover. This book begins with a well documented look into Hoover's early involvement in the fight against communism. Next Kiel takes an extraordinary look into the secrets, lies and untruths behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Hoover's possible involvement. The last section deals with Hoover's involvement in the escalation of troops in Vietnam during the Johnson administration. In the end, Kiel leaves you wondering how we could have been so naive to trust our government so blindly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a fascination with history and a desire for the truth.

F-117A Nighthawk was the pioneer of the modern series of stealth fighters and bombers and its performance during the Gulf War of 1991 was excellent. Jon Lake gives many details about the development of the aircraft, the years of absolute secrecy at Tonopah, the strike in Panama, the deployment to Saudi Arabia, the operations there and analyzes every system and technological innovation used in this type. The photographs are superb but the strongest point of the book is that it does not hide the many weaknesses of the F-117A (the chapter about laser lock on the targets and its problems was astonishing!) and it also contains a chapter about other versions of the F-117 and newer stealth types like F-22 and B-2. A real gem for the aircraft enthusiast and it is a pity that this series stopped after publishing a few titles.

I am a military aviation enthusiast and take keen interest in Russian fighters, especially MiG-29. MiG-29 caught my fancy ever since these a/c were inducted into Indian Air Force. Incidentally one of my friend is widely acknowledged to be one of the pioneers of MiG- 29s in India. He specialises in aerobatice. I have read janes how to fly and fight in F-117 Staelth fighter. I have seen a documentary on this a/c on Discovery channel. This is really a great a/c. I remember how it performed in Gulf war and was appropriately named BAGHDAD EXPRESS. One book which I long to possess is Janes how to fly and fight in Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum. But unfortunately this book is not available in India. Kindly suggest how to procure this book. I shall deem it a great favour. Kindly pass on this message to Mr. JON LAKE (author) if possible and please reply to me on my e- mail address:- rajnish_fin_2001@yahoo.com. My postal address is 3120 sector B- 4 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi- 110070 (India).

Best Regards, Rajnish Sharma

If you love the stealth fighter, then this is the book for you! Awsome pictures, stunning explanations from the devlopment to the deployment in Desert Storm, this is the ultamite book on the F-117! It even has interviews from the pilots who fly the aircraft, its payload, even a 4-page fold-out picture and cross-section of the Stealth! There isn't a book out there better than this!

If you like the F-117 Stealth Fighter you'll love this book! I highly recommend it!

In all stealth fighter book, from my opinion, I think this is the best overall I have read. The book has got great pictures where I seldom fine anywhere else, if you people like stealth fighter pictures, this is the book for you. Not only the amazing pictures that make me grade it 5 stars, but the amazing story told was also the point. The real story about working on the stealth fighter that people seldon get to see was told what will the pilots must & mustn't do before boarding the plane & after landing the plane. This book is worth buying because it is a valuable aset to the fans of the stealth fighter.

love it! very informative and has the best of the best artworks. but could use a modern edition strictly of the 20th century

This is one of the standard history of art textbooks. Of course it includes color prints of all the most famous art of the Western tradition, as well as numerous photographs and floorplans of famous architecture. It has a little coverage of Islamic art, but that is a topic that deserves better than it can be given in a textbook on the Western tradition. Painting, architecture and sculpture are clearly the focus, but photography and decor each get a nod. Other forms of art--from gardening to appliance design--although interesting, evidently cannot fit in this space.

The text is adequate: a little better than standard textbook composition, less dull, perhaps a touch less condescending, and of course perfectly informative.

Issues in technique, interpretation and so on are well-introduced.

If you, like me, are not a student but an adult just curious about art, this is a fine choice. I've also enjoyed work by Robert Hughes ("The Shock of the New," which I strongly recommend, and "American Visions"), Andre Malraux ("The Voices of Silence") and David Morgan ("The Sacred Gaze").

(I'm not widely read in this field by any means: those are the only books I've read about Western art history! So there could be various better books out there. But still, this textbook has been very useful to me, helping me fill out my knowledge in many areas.)

An excellent base for an art student to build upon; clear, informative, visual, and historical. Supplements and sources such as Wikipedia and encyclopedias and history texts will show how intertwined art is with politics and religions in depth where the book skims over.
A wonderful book, and covers some Eastern Art despite the focus title on the West. Chapters are organized and they get the point across; lovely descriptions of photographs that are present in the book, so you really get to study the subject and with the assistance of the text, see the inner beauty in the architecture.
What I found lacking was the mention of the Golden Ratio, and in fact, any mathematics whatsoever. As mathematics is very important to ancient-modern art, I found it rather confusing. However, as said before, an excellent base.
Very intriguing and not in the least boring or dry, Janson's History of Art is a prime choice coupled with supplementary books. If you're interested in overall art history, this is the one to go with...
Have fun!!!

This book is incredibly comprehensive and covers all aspects of art in different cultures, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and burial sites. It is remarkably detailed (almost too much so), and has many great pictures.

The most distinctive aspect of this book is the primary sources it includes that explain the historical context of artworks. For example, there are numerous letters (translated, of course) from Italian artists in the Renaissance to their clients. Another text includes excerpts from the law code of Hammurabi, to accompany the sculptural piece on which it was originally engraved.

I used the original Janson when I took art history in college. I bought this for my son and started reading it on my own. What a wonderful rework of this classic. It provides very accessible descriptions of historical context as well as clear presentations of the impact of "technology" (i.e. development of various media) on the ability of the artists of various periods to express themselves. Love this book.

While I found the book, on the whole, to be an interesting entry in a historical space that is lightly populated; meaning that few books are written about the Indian culture during Colonial times and the impact of expansionism on their culture, I felt there were aspects of the book that adversely affected its quality:

1. The detail surrounding the land, colonial speculation (including Jefferson's holdings) and the treaties to expand the colonies' territory to be excessive and ineffective in their attempt to connect Jefferson's said holdings with an overall strategic conspiracy.
2. The book's focus on Jefferson's interest and approach to the American Indian, while interesting and keeping with the title, limited the potential of the book which, I believe, would have been better served if the premise focused more on the colonies' overall perspective and dealings with the Indians. This would have included a more extensive overview of the interaction of the specific tribes, the impact of the six nations and how this interaction diluted or enhanced the Indian culture.
3. I don't believe that it is contradictory for a man of science (based on Jefferson's interest in language and culture correlations and origin), to suggest that certain tribes represented a real threat to the safety of citizens that were, technically, the responsibility of Virginia and,eventually,the United States. Decisions to support eradication of "bad" elements versus those tribes that were cooperative seems logical given the reports that were received and magnitude of the violence that was observed.

Having said that, the chapters regarding the tracking of language patterns, formulating questions that would uncover additional information about tribal history and Jefferson's desire and passion to explore the role of the Native American and determine whether there were connections with the Welsch were fascinating and were great reading.

Overall, while I enjoyed the book, I sensed too much intent to discredit Jefferson and too little effort to suggest the overall importance of Jefferson's desire and approach to collecting and preserving data on the American Indian.

Many works on early United States history tend to give Indian affairs less attention than it deserves. There are two recent books with which I am familiar that help correct this situation. The first is Robert Remini's study of Jacksonian American, "Andrew Jackson and his Indian Wars". The second is Professor Wallace's book on Jefferson's relationship to the Indians, which I am discussing here.

Remini's and Wallace's book can be read together because both tell parts of the same sad story. Expansionist pressures from settlers and the fear of the United States of Indian attacks, particularly when incited by hostile European nations led to a policy of land cessions, wars, and forced removal westward of the Indian tribes. The process culminated with Andrew Jackson's Indian wars and presidency, the subject of Remini's book, but it was effectively put in place by Thomas Jefferson, as shown by Wallace.

Jefferson and his Indian policy, however, seem to me to present a more complex case than Jackson. As Wallace's book shows, Jefferson was indeed a polymath, a scholar and intellectual as well as a, paradoxically, man of power and position. Jefferson took a genuine interest in Indian archaeology, culture and language and made himself or encouraged others to make, scholarly and enthnological contributions that are still important towards understanding the Indians.

Jefferson, even on Professor Wallace's account, had compassion for the Indian tribes and an interest in their well-being, even if this interest was overshadowed, as it was, by his desire to obtain Indian land for the new nation and even though his view of Indian interests was misguided and partial.

Wallace's book traces Jefferson's early relationship with Indians beginning before the revolution when Jefferson was a land speculator in the then Western United States. He explores in detail Jefferson's writing on Indians, particularly his writing on the Indian chief Logan in his "Notes on the State of Virginia." Jefferson's partial reading of the fate of this "Noble Savage", according to Wallace, shows the ambivalent character of Jefferson's approach to the Indians.

Wallace describes in detail Jefferson the politician approaching Indian affairs in the original United States territory and in the Louisiana purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. The announced goals of the policy were peace, land cessions and civilization for the Indians. Too often, these policies became simply the means for tribal destruction and deprivation and for the removal policy, for both the southern and the northern tribes, that culminated in the administration of Andrew Jackson. (again, see the Remini book.)

There are some fascinating quotations in the book that illustrate Wallace's points that are set aside and emphasized in blocked-type and quotes. It is a good way of gaining focus. The book has a wealth of documentation and is not simply a political history. As I indicated Jefferson was a complex individual and this book shows him, focusing on Indian affairs, in all his personal and political variety.

Wallace has a clear feeling for the tragedy of the American Indian. Yet his book is balanced in tone and does not degenerate into ideological or special pleading. His opinions are stated clearly and eloquently in his introduction and conclusion and in his discussions of the events described in the text. The book has the measure of a scholar and encourages the reader to reflect for him or herself on the record.

There are those who are skeptical of the public's recent interest in American History, as shown by the success of McCollough's John Adams as well as other popular historical works, on grounds that it is a new attempt to promote American exceptionalism and to avoid considering the tragedies of our past. I disagree. I think, this interest in history shows a renewed love and interest in our country with no desire to minimize its failings. Wallace's book to me shows both love of our country and a sense of one of its major tragedies.

The detailed review by Robin Friedman (below) gives a fair and ample account of this book's content and quality. I'm afraid Thomas Jefferson does not escape with his reputation intact, but I doubt that AFC Wallace intended to besmirch or belittle him for any political agenda. Jefferson was my hero in high school, but almost nothing I've learned about him since then has polished his image. John Quincy Adams, who knew him well, slowly came to regard him as hypocritical, cunning, self-absorbed, given to magnifying his own exploits... what today might be called "narcissistic". Wahington detested him in his later years and cut off communication. Obviously, Jefferson can't be blamed for the uses later generations have made of him to justify secession, states-rights conservatism, racist forms of populism, etc, but history does provide a lens for interpreting his ideologies and for finding that aside from the noble rhetoric of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's legacy is mostly pernicious.
This is, however, a very well-written and readable book, superbly researched, and not at all tendentious. Don't read it alone! (Of course, if you read it at all, you've probably read other books on Jefferson and on the 18th C). Take a look at FORCED FOUNDERS as a counterweight.

I felt that this was an excellent book on Thomas Jefferson's views toward the native people of North America. It illuminated many parts of his feelings toward native people and their place in the "American Republic." I felt that it also raised many questions about his participation in early land speculation with Henry, Washington, and Franklin as well as his role in the eventual displacement of native people. Anyone interested in early colonial policy toward natives will surely love this book.

Part of the Jeffersonian fascination involves the many facets, ambiguities and paradoxes he presents: the libertarian who owned slaves; the budget-slashing, small-government advocate who was a personal spendthrift, perpetually teetering at the brink of financial ruin; the shy and ineffective public speaker who was one of the most ruthless and scheming of backroom political operatives; the reclusive scholar and intellectual who spent two hours a day on horseback, and apparently indulged surreptitious passions in the slave quarters. Professor Wallace gives us a little known side of Jefferson: the student of Native American culture, history and language, who took quite deliberate measures to destroy them. Jefferson, who apparently was sincerely fascinated with the Indians, and sympathetic to their plight as they vanished under the burdens of disease, debt, whiskey and the murderous encroachments of frontiersmen, did little to protect them and their way of life, which was incompatible with Jefferson's expansionist, egalitarian vision of a nation of white protestant yeoman farmers. At best, Jefferson hoped that the Indians could be assimilated into white society, as were the Cherokee before Jefferson's successors allowed them to be dispossessed. A fascinating book with some great sidelights (for example, I had no idea that Siouxian tribes at one time lived in Virginia).

It's also the best I own all of them and let me tell you this is a good buy. I bought it in the marketplace for $3.77, most places want to sell it for over $30. The way the pictures are laid out in the book it's as if the photographer is telling a story w/ pictures. Amazing, absolutely amazing.

After over forty years, the JFK mystique is still with us, tempered and expanded over the course of time. There are two main themes that strike you when reading this book. The first is that in the initial stages of his campaign for President in 1960, JFK did not generate a great deal of interest. He toured the primary states and in some cases addressed very hostile crowds. In other cases, it was a misnomer to describe his audience as a crowd. However, he persevered and by the end of the campaign the crowds to see and hear him were enormous. His was the last successful presidential campaign that began at the bottom and was not carefully orchestrated with the aid of political handlers.
The second main theme is how incredibly photogenic John Kennedy and his wife were. Not only were they beautiful people, but they were people whose good looks survived the often-harsh reality of the camera. While some of these pictures were posed, most were not and yet both of them still maintain a certain regal quality. Pictures with a small amount of explanatory text cannot truly do historical justice to the Kennedy presidency. However, this book is literally and figuratively a snapshot of his presidency and therefore is of historical interest.

A beautiful book on the former first family. The perfect book to share with family and friends. Highly recommended!!!!!! FOR QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS ON JACKIE ONASSIS, PLEAE E-MAIL ME AT MellissaLD@aol.com. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

The text are complete, and there are a lot of rare and cute photos. The book tells about Jack, Jackie and bobby so it's great. I suggest it too all Kennedy fans. I enjoyed it.

I'm an italian student in Economy and I'm a great fan of Jfk. Probably I think this is one of the best book I have ever read. The photos are very nice and the text of Schlesinger is very interesting.

I am a fan of the Kennedys and I love this book! It is just pictures...pictures...pictures! It is so wonderful! I had to wait 6 long days for it to come to my house. But it was worth it! I love all of the photographs of Caroline as a 2 year old at the beach playing with her parents. I also like the ones of John at the beach with his mother.
This book is wonderful. And I love it. If you buy it, it is worth the money! I paid 12 dollars for it! Mark Shaw did a good job!!!

Many memories, and brings much sadness at the same time- I have my book from earlier print from the 1960's - with this latest event it is even more of a keeper- by the way who is the publisher now.- mine was Ambassador Books Canada- and printed by Sanders printing Corp, NY. Do you know if the eariler editions are more valuable? any response would be appreciated.

Mark Shaw's photographs capture the idyllic moments of John, Jackie, Caroline and John Jr., whether at play in the White House or laughing together on a Cape Cod beach. The simple yet stunning photos of this famous foursome will be as familiar to you as your own family photo album.

To those who were there when John Kennedy was in the White House, this book will serve as a touching remembrance and to people who know about the Kennedys from just a historical standpoint, the photos and words will provide a more personal glimpse into the years that are commonly referred to as the Camelot era. Richard Reeves words are not overly sentimental but an accurate assessment of the life and times of this legendary family.

Overall, The John F. Kennedys: A Family Album, is a pleasant, yet sometimes sad journey looking back at what was considered the perfect family of two successful, stunning parents and their adorable children. Behind the photos, all was not perfect but Mark Shaw's camera didn't lie -- in the end, they were like any other family with problems but in-between they knew how to have fun and simply enjoy each others company, as is evident in many of Shaw's photos, especially those showing them at play at their home on Cape Cod.

Followers of the Kennedy's will no doubt enjoy this book, as will those who are interested in what life was like for a very public family who shared their private times with a talented photographer and with the world. If you like taking a look back in time, you will no doubt enjoy the journey Mark Shaw and Richard Reeves takes you on.

This book has beautiful photographs of the former first family. Congradulations to Mark Shaw for a wonderful job!!!!!! FOR QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS ON JACKIE ONASSIS, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT MellissaLD@aol.com. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark Shaw's book is a real treat. His loving, poignant photographs show the real love, the real bonds, the real ties within the most famous family. The pictures of little Caroline and John are among my favorites. Caroline and John from all accounts have remained so natural, so wonderfully, refreshingly normal. I loved seeing these two children at play. Pennsylvania Avenue could have been Main Street. To their parents' credit, they grew up unaffected. This book shows it.

Mr. Callo is an excellent writer who analyzes Jones' carrer with many of the special insights of a naval officer. Dealing with his men, tactics in battle and the interface between the navy and the political bosses. Quite a contrast to Evan Thomas' portrayal of Jones attacks on England in a political context.

I enjoyed this book. Admiral Callo presented a balanced history that placed the strategic, operational and tactical achievements of John Paul Jones' career in perspective. Admiral Callo, for example, discusses both the strengths and weaknesses of Jones' naval leadership, the fortitious circumstances of the tactical victory over the HMS Serapis (i.e. the role of chance and friction in war), the effect of tactical wins against the British in the larger strategic context of the American Revolution, and the joint operations involving the Russian fleet actions at the Liman of the Dnieper. All said, Admiral Callo avoids the hero-worship of some writers, providing a solidly researched, well-written biography of John Paul Jones' life. I recommend this book for Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines - all members of the Armed Forces should know something about the life of an important patriot who established many traditions for the sea service.

Callo's book, many of the other recent historical novels of the same period, helped me better understand the difficulties faced by our new nation and it's leaders. John Paul Jones, like his peers Franklin, Jefferson and Washington, was not a hero but rather became one because of the challenges he faced both on the sea and in the politics of the new nation. The values and traditions we still follow today are well described and as a retired Navy Officer I better understand the origins of our Navy and Jones' contributions. I strongly recommend this book.

Rear Admiral Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.) presents John Paul Jones: America's First Sea Warrior, a biography that eschews both the blind idolization of past accounts and the inaccurately deconstructionist present accounts of Jones' amazing life. Scrutinizing both the well-known aspects of Jones' life, such as his stunning military victories and his tireless advocacy of naval power, and lesser-known aspects such as his relationship with civilian leaders like Benjamin Franklin, which in turn set precedents for a fledgling nation's concept of civilian control of the military. A glossary and an index round out this even-handed and meticulously accurate examination of Jones' life and legacy.

John Paul Jones was a most interesting character, filled with contradictions. He was a fighting captain of the nascent American Navy. He had the foresight to look at the future of America as a world power. At the same time he was a difficult man. He was difficult to put up with if he were your friend, he was disparaging of the poor performance of his fellow captains, he was self-promoting to an extreme. But he was not one you wanted to have an an opponent in battle. His failings prevented him from reaching high rank, among them was his relationship with women. He never married and was accused from time to time of rape, molesting a ten year old girl and numerous affairs with married women. He died in Paris, 45 years old.

This book, written by a Navy Admiral is perhaps the most carefully researched, most balanced of the biographies of John Paul Jones. It has neither the adoration, nor the snide condemnation of some other recent biographies.