Virginia Books

This is a classic piece of history, meticulously researched from available records. It is of particular importance and significance to those, like myself, who are researching family history of those ancestors who lived in this area of the Virginia frontier during the years 1740-1780.

With its vast territorial rights and claims, Virginia at one time had the most extensive frontier of any of the original thirteen states and colonies. Moreover, Virginia served as a gateway for the various migrations to the west, northwest, and southwest by early colonists, including the intrepid Scotch-Irish. By far the most authoritative and comprehensive account of the advance of the Virginia frontier in colonial times is Kegley's Virginia Frontier--a mammoth work detailing the social, religious, and family life in Southwest Virginia from 1730 to 1790.

The importance of this extraordinary work to genealogists cannot be overstated. Kegley culled through a multitude of original records to ensure that his work would be the most reliable sourcebook available on this subject. To help the reader understand the migration into this new area, Kegley focuses particularly on the settlers themselves. He identifies each newcomer with his place of settlement, and then examines the pioneer's experiences and subsequent movements, using nearly three dozen maps to show more definitively the location of settlements and important homesteads. More than sixty additional illustrations further enhance and clarify the text.

The narrative is divided into five parts: Part I covers the Virginia frontier from the beginning of the colony to 1740; Part II covers the period from 1740 to 1760; Part III tells the story of the Virginia frontier in the French and Indian War; Part IV covers the closing years of the war and the settlements from 1760 to the organization of Botetourt County in 1770; and Part V details the organization and development of Botetourt County from 1770 to 1783. Throughout each of these parts--in section after section--there are biographical sketches and countless lists of land grants and deeds of conveyance identifying thousands upon thousands of settlers and their family members. This documentary history is without a doubt the premier source of information on the pioneers of the Virginia frontier.

"Henceforth [Kegley's Virginia Frontier] will be regarded and accepted as the one necessary and sufficient corner-stone in any collection of books dealing with the history of the Virginia frontier."--Samuel M. Wilson

The history of Kodak photography and Kodak's advertising, which influenced American culture and the arts, is revealed in Kodak and the Lens of Nostalgia, a survey of the Kodak campaign to make photography a part of daily American life. Included are unused campaigns never published, in this fascinating survey of Kodak's ad history.

As a student of Professor West's at the University of Missouri-Columbia, I was excited to read her work after enjoying her as a teacher. With "Kodak," she has meticulously reconstructed the campaigns used by Kodak throughout the late 1800s to mid 1900s. Initially, snapshots were seen as a means of leisure. Towards the early 1900s, however, Kodak's advertising scheme shifted the emphasis towards nostalgia and preservation of memories (more specifically, familial). Kodak even went so far as to use their advertising for propaganda (see "The Death Campaign"). All of this and more is included with beautiful illustrations. The book is a fascinating read, one that will provide a true sense of Americana through the ever-changing Kodak lense.

This book combines the best informational qualities of a thoroughly-researched scholarly work with the warmth of a journal of a personal pilgrimage. The author's broad experience with labyrinths casts a profound aura of spiritual authenticity over the whole presentation. The array of dramatic photographs alone would be worth the price of admission! I already knew a good deal about labyrinths and I learned even more from this book. I particularly appreciated the range of historical information presented. This is truly a seminal work in the field. Joyce Gibb, M.A. psychotherapist, Oklahoma City, OK.

One would be hard pressed to find a better overview of labyrinths. This book is short, concise, and highly readable, and it contains an extraordinary collection of labyrinth photographs. A color photo, if not two or three, adorns nearly every page. There is also an abundance of illustrations. The book itself is well bound -- actually sewn instead of glued, which is a rarity these days.

Although it is barely over 100 pages, this book is packed with information. There are numerous sidebars with quotes from labyrinth walkers as well as featurettes on subjects mentioned within the text. There is even one demonstrating how to draw a seven-circuit labyrinth. In the introduction, the author quickly distinguishes between a labyrinth and a maze, the two words often being used interchangeably and incorrectly. Sorry to disappoint fans of the movie "Labyrinth" with David Bowie, the structure in which that film takes place is actually a maze and not a true labyrinth.

The history of the labyrinth unfolds in the first six chapters from its vague origins in the Bronze Age through to its reappearance in the 20th Century. The author does not go into great detail during the history portion of the book, but she provides key names, locations, and dates, enabling the reader to explore certain aspects further if so desired. The early uses and symbolisms of labyrinths are theorized, but in instances where little is known, archaeological guesswork is cleared indicated.

The final four chapters are devoted to the reemergence of labyrinths in the 20th Century. An overview is given of the modern movement sparking renewed interest in this ancient design and resulting in the creation of the majority of the walking-size models ever to have existed. The current uses of labyrinths as tools for meditation, relaxation, stress relief, emotional healing, and nondenominational spiritual awakening among other applications are given detailed treatment. There is also an entire chapter devoted to nine contemporary labyrinth designers.

The book concludes with a listing of some of the most famous labyrinths (complete with accompanying photographs) in North America, Europe, and Scandinavia. There is an index, a bibliography for further reading, and list of resources whose included web and email addresses may or may not be still available.

First of all--this book was recommended to me--thank you!

I am taking a line from the introduction of this book for the title of this review. In this book, this line refers to the words of Abraham Lincoln, in praise, of the women of the United States during the Civil War.

This booklet is a tribute. Well written and informative, I have learned more in these pages than I ever have in hours in the classroom. I would like to thank the authors of this book. I will look forward to reading any future works by the Libby/Novak team.

To the person who recommended this book to me--thank you!

The title for my review is taken from a line in the introduction of this book. The line in the introduction refers to a statement made by A. Lincoln. He was referring to the nurses of the Civil War. I use this line because the entire booklet is a tribute.

I was able to learn more from these pages than from hours in a classroom. The authors have a definite flair for writing interesting and informative material. I will be excited to read future works by the MacCaskill/Novak writing team.

This book is the first in the series "Ecology and Law in Modern Society," aimed at exploring the feasibility of placing ecosystem ecology at the center of environmental policy and law. The 11 highly readable chapters establish the foundation for the series. In the opening chapter the authors provide an overview of the two disciplines, introducing the basic concepts of each. The following eight chapters chronicle the history of the movement of ecological concepts into environmental law from
1970 through the 1990s, illustrated by selected case histories of episodic interactions of environmental law and ecology. Chapter 10 discusses international law regimes. The concluding chapter covers an inventory of the problems posed by the relationship and an agenda for future research. Some 47 tables succinctly summarize concepts and examples of interactive cases. Eight figures depict basic cycles and models useful for readers unfamiliar with them. Each chapter ends with copious, informative notes and citations to references given in the bibliography. This important book should be required reading and study for ecologists, environmental scientists, lawyers, and policy makers. Absolutely essential for law and ecology libraries.

Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. --
R. L. Smith, West Virginia University

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. THIS BOOK IS TEN TIMES BETTER THEN HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parrish impresses her reader with not only the grasp and knowledge of her material, but with also a certain spice that is often missing in non-fiction. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader is immersed in the Hollins culture. This is most definitely a must for the Dillard and Smith fan, but even more so a must for the reader who enjoys exquisite writing.

The author provides an historical overview of the development of private Southern women's schools from finishing schools to respected institutions of higher learning. Primary in this change at Hollins is the influence of Louis Rubin on both the writing program and the writers that program produced, with many quotes from the students about their mentor. Parrish also gives many humorous and interesting anecdotes about Lee Smith, Annie Dillard and the other subjects of the book during their formative years at Hollins. She shows how their college experiences carried over to their writing both then and through the years since graduation. For Lee Smith and Annie Dillard fans, this book is a must-read.

A better bargain than this smashing little paperback will be hard to find. The blended letters of Susan and Charles Blackford, two erudite, observant members of the Virginian gentry, tell the story of one family's Civil War struggle in the frontlines and on the homefront beautifully. Susan describes the loss of children, the battle to feed family, and the "impression" she made in front of her husband's unit plunging headfirst into a mudpile. Charles observes the war from the vantages of both the line and the staff, and supplies some incredible character studies ranging from Jeff Davis to Lee and Jackson, down to the private soldier (with the impudence of a town cow). A collection of letters from someone who wrote on a warmed frying pan to keep his hand from freezing probably deserves reading regardless! My third reading...

My Uncle Minor was the author of this book. It was first published 40 years ago.We would sit on his front porch and he would talk about his work. He told me how proud he was that when it went out of print and became a library issue that he would get a phone call about once a year from a college student challenging him on one General he misquoted the name. My Uncle is deceased now but going through the house after his death I accidently found a stack of unpublished manuscripts that would headed for the dumpster as no one knew about them. I salveged them and working on getting them in print as they are wonderful cival war historical novels. The first one is named Cry Liberty as is centered around Lychburg and Col Lynch and the war. I am sure he would be proud that I saved his work so many can enjoy it in print.

A very fine book which appears to have two layers. Easy to read it would seem like a warm cheering up from an old friend. But as you read it a second layer appears grounding it into a solid and quiet yet bright philosophy. Just like fine sandpaper's effect on a piece of glass it makes things look more luminous while giving you a certain distance on yourself, others and the world. A source of comfort that doesn't smother you in moral principles and leaves space for discord. Highly recomended to untangle our minds.

I liked this book very much. I felt it has much to offer in the way of practical advice for those going thru trying times in their life. I especially liked how Virginia quoted many different sources to illustrate her ideas. It's chapters are short and concise and is very easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book.

Felt like I was there. All this happened while I was a kid so I clearly remembre the times. Felt like a trip back there.

I have met the author and he is a great guy writting from personal accounts of his family.

Read it.

A quick and riveting read. Interesting characters and easy to imagine yourself in the sticky predicaments, trying to deal with conflicting emotions and instincts.

I have just finished Living Next Door to the Death House and really appreciated the good writing. The book was excellent! It has been very helpful to me in my work as a Methodist pastor; during Advent I did a series of lectures on "tough issues" and thought that Homosexuality or separation of Church and State/Prayer in our schools would be the most passionate subjects, but I was amazed in that the Death Penalty was, by far, the most passionate and difficult for many. I have learned that I can talk about why I am against the Death Penalty, but I have not had a loved one murdered...... the stories I have heard from my members have humbled me and I continue to learn that this whole subject is very complex. This book takes so many of the sides and I found it to be very helpful. I will suggest it to my people here that are struggling. Again, I commend the Owenses for their excellent book.

In Living Next Door to the Death House, the Owenses have taken on a difficult and potentially painful subject with great sensitivity and compassion. After talking to everyone from victims to prosecutors, guards to abolitionists, they present a balanced portrait of a system that can not be viewed in black and white. Along the way, they challenge the reader to think about capital punishment's relationship to justice and community, and what it means for someone to be executed in your name. A fair and balanced book, I recommend it to anyone seeking a greater understanding of capital punishment in this country.