Hedge

First published in 1980, Autumn Story follows Lord Woodmouse's daughter through her adventures exploring the delights of autumn harvest in the woods, until she realizes she is lost. As always, remarkable illustrations of blackberry brambles and fauna seen only by tiny folk bring both authenticity and charm.

The author proposes to study the Vietnamese expatriates living in Paris, France and arriving in that country between 1954 and 2000. The majority came to France after 1975. Although they formed a minority group, they did not actively get involved into French politics.

They had their own politics, which they brought with them from Vietnam. Two groups dominated the landscape: the communist pro-Hanoi group and the anticommunist group. The particularities of these two groups were analyzed and studied lengthily as the author, a Frenchwoman, has been able to "infiltrate" into these groups.

This is an important study that reveals how fractionated the Vietnamese living in Paris are and how politics in the native country still profoundly affects these people. One could say that the Vietnam war goes on in Paris.

If you love Brambly Hedge books or even if you are just discovering the series, this book is absolutely not to be missed.

Inside are many of Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge family homes and other buildings from the stories in cut-away illustrations and useful bits of information. Children and adults will delight in the wonderful illustrations depicting in detail the world of these much loves characters.

When I was a little girl, I would spend hours imagining myself inside the buildings, ort else pretending that they were three dimnentional so that I could play doll house with them. I'm hardly a little girl any more, but I still love the book. I brought it with me to college! It has only temporarily left my posession because I have loaned it to my aunt who intends to use it as a model to inspire her own homemade Brambly Hedge doll houses. This book is SO wonderful. As a long time fan of the series and a very selective collector of childrens literature, I highly recomend it.

What is the greatest boondoggle/stumbling block to the run ofthe mill avid Brambly Hedge aficionado/collector?
Hands down, ithas to be a lack of information.

Whether you are speaking of pieces ever done, dates of release, or countries availabe, it's all here in Louise Irvine's outstanding work. The photographs are well worth the price of the book, but on top of those is the documenting of the very complex and phenomenal merchandizing tale which is so indicative of not only the tremendous enthusiasm which exists for Jill Barklem's world of characters/stories/artwork, but this day in age in which it is occurring....ie the tail end of the 20th century.

In America, when it comes to obtaining Brambly Hedge merchandise, we are at a big disadvantage compared to most of the other markets, that is the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. In those places when you ask after Brambly Hedge Items at a gift or china shop there is instant product recognition. Here you are more likely to get a response like: "That's those little bunnies, right?" Louise's book somewhat levels the playing field for us poor Yanks with previously unavailable information.

Louise Irvine has taken on the daunting task of identifying and photo cataloguing every item of major significance related to the community of English mice, known as the Brambly Hedge. These critters first appeared on the literary scene in 1980, in the form of the first four books by authoress, Jill Barklem. Since the introduction of the Spring; Summer; Autumn; and Winter "Stories" there have been no fewer than 2 dozen companies from all over the world with lines of merchandise with everything from China plates, figures in china, resin, and pewter, to stationery and even cosmetics in which to feature the mice made famous in Ms. Barklem's extremely eloquent and exquistitely illustrated children's books.

The Collector's Book has an introduction of the general story of Jill and how she came to write and illustrate her stories. The chapters are then listed in descending order of the most prolific of the Brambly Hedge Licensees....32 pages devoted to Royal Doulton, with pictures of everything ever available from them, followed by a 27 page chapter devoted to Border Fine Arts and Enesco, on down the list to a final chapter of "Useful addresses". Included with each book is a very helpful price guide insert.

Thank you, Mrs. Barklem, for your creativity and magnificent artistry captured in your eight wonderfully illustrated children's books. Thank you Louise, for the dogged persuit needed to put this fantastically documented and illustrated volume out there for the the consuming Brambly Hedge public to 'devour', as I am sure that they will. Best of luck and fortune to you and the Publishers of this volume. From a devoted "Brambly Hedger", Jo Ann Travis, USA

I found the photos and directions in this book to be the most complete and the easiest to follow that I've ever seen in a book of this type. The completed charaacters are gorgeous. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to both beginners and advanced doll makers. Superb!

This book explores film reality and the art of film-making. A book like the one, that Inez Hedges wrote, is useful in understanding movies that explore the edges of our souls. For example, the movie 'CRASH' has been described as disturbing, yet when viewed using the guides Ms Hedges develops, the disturbance is seen as a reflection of ourselves. Her book includes a bibliography. While short, only 160 pages, her ideas are expressed compactly, yet readable. Would recommend this book to any director, producer or film society. The average film goer may find this book a difficult read.

My only complaint is that the book did not explore the subjectiveness/objectiveness of films from the 1980's in depth that would intice the reader to explore those films which are more readily available as videos. While I understand Ms Hedges reasons to comment on the early masters and pioneers of film, a wider audience could have been served by detailing newer films too.

For one of the least expensive gardening books I have ever purchased, this one is exremely helpful and even inspirational! Four of the 20 garden projects included in this workbook were on my list of things I had always wanted to do, but could never find the specific 'how to' information. So, in addition to looking at beautiful pictures of the Beech hedge I always wanted to plant or the Madame Alfred Carriere rose fanned out against a house wall, I now have a complete list of the exact materials and equipment needed as well thoroughly written steps and stages. After reading it from beginning to end, I find at least four more garden projects to add to the 'must do' list! Thank you!!

These were my favourite stories when I was little. I found them when I was looking for another book in a cardboard box. I still have fond memories of these stories and reading them all those years later brought back quite a lot of memories. Reading them now made me realise what utter classics of children's literature these books are. The colourful, detailed pictures. The fun stories. The extra something which makes a story downright enjoyable.

If you have a kid these should be the books to buy for them.

A heartfelt recommedation from a (former) kid.

I really enjoyed this book. Kathy Sheldon has a nice easy style of writing and makes her book informative and pleasant to read.

The book covers just about every question that one might have on the subject of different kinds of garden barriers. There are six chapters: FUNCTION & DESIGN - Discusses your particular needs. WALLS - Different types of material to use, stone, brick, concrete, or timber. FENCES - Various kinds of fencing, board, lattice, basket weave, post & rail, bamboo, stick, wattle, chain link, and woven willow. HEDGES and TALL PLANTINGS - Making border divisions by using bushes, flowers and trees. PLANTS and BORDERS - Choosing the right plants to go along with your wall, fence or hedge. ENHANCING BORDERS - Ways to decorate your garden walls and fencing.

There are color pictures on almost every page, and instructions for building the various walls and fences are written and then illustrated with drawings. Even if you already have some type of fence or wall, this book provides a lot of ideas about how to enhance an already existing border. I liked reading about the living willow fence which sounded like a an interesting project to try. Also, the unusually named ha-ha wall provided a little history. It's an ancient design that was used around large estates to enhance the view, but keep the farm animals contained.

The book starts with a sort of quirky quest -- to find out more about a "great hedge"!! in India. The investigation leads into a deeper exploration of what the British presence in India was really all about. Anybody who is interested in India will want to read this book.

For more reviews, look up the hardback edition of this book. At last count, there were 13 reviews there.