history

I have just finished "Heaven Is A Beautiful Place", by Genevieve Chandler Peterkin...it is a wonderful, wonderful story of South Carolina history at its best...you are 'right there' with tales Mrs Peterkin tells of Lillie Knox, Zacky Knox, her mother-in-law Julia and Mama...cringe at the ghost tales of Alice Flagg and others...the romance and marriage to Bill, then the birth of their only son, Jim...grieve at the lost of that young son...her faith in God that grew stronger and stronger as troubles came.

It was hard at times to lay the book down, while at other times you could not wait to see what happened.

I am now going to pass my copy of "Heaven Is A Beautiful Place" on to my 89 year old mother, who likes to read, as she says, 'something real'...

This book is a must read for all ages! I had a feeling of sadness come over me as I finished because I realized my adventure with Mrs. Peterkin was over.

I was not going to read this book, figuring it was yet another trivial book by a local person with famous connections (Julia Peterkin, a novelist who won a Pulitzer, was the author's mother-in-law). Was I wrong! This is one of the most riveting books I have ever read. Peterkin is a gifted storyteller with amazing stories to tell, stories that are right up there with the best fiction. I want to compare her to Flannery O'Connor, to Nabokov, to Kipling, to Dickens, to any fiction writer whose stories linger with us for the rest of our lives. Yet these powerful stories are true and open a window into recent times. Some of her stories prove that truth is stranger than fiction. They are in turns hilarious, outrageous, tragic, moving and illuminating.

Please, get this book. I don't know Peterkin but I wish I did. I picked up the book by accident and never put it down till I finished. Beg, borrow or steal it, whatever it takes to get it in your hands.

Hills of Sacrifice is outstanding. A detailed, extensively researched book on the 5th Regimental Combat Team and the officers and soldiers in the command during the Korean War. His vivid writing style has the action jumping off the page and makes you feel the exhilaration of battle and the heartbreak of death. The comprehensive interviews, many detailed photographs and annotated maps give the reader an intimate relationship with the soldiers and their life and death on the battlefield. A must read book for anyone interested in the Korean War, the life of a combat soldier and the strategies of war.

"HILLS OF SACRIFICE, so appropriately titled, appears on the 50th Anniversary of the outset of the Forgotten War. It is a fitting tribute to one of the US Army's oldest and most distinguished regiments.

Much of the vivid narrative derives from the memoirs and recollections of combat veterans. In that regard, it is similar to the well regarded book, "FIGHTING ON THE BRINK: DEFENDING THE PUSAN PERIMITER." Indeed, the two authors interviewed some of the same eye witnesses of the 5th Regimental Combat Team.

This timely work is far more than a war diary chronology of combat operations. A number of compelling themes emerge. One is the sorrowful tale of the young soldier from Hawaii who did not survive the endless infantry assaults upon well defended Korean hills. Also set forth are the heroics of many survivors. A good number of them continued in the military to attain the lofty rank of Command Sergeant Major or General Officer. Moreover, the author offers fair critique of combat leadership and tactics; praising the worthy and challenging the questionable.

This volume is a stirring and revealing history for the casual reader. It is an essential addition to the library of all students of modern warfare.

I read this book at my moms. We always try to keep up with anything and anyone that knew John Kennawell. It was a blessing to see that Michael had a picture of Sonny and my Uncle Johnny together. I will always remember that picture and know my mother has it. Someday I will have that same picture. Also I was glad that he put letters from mothers and others in this touching book.

The kidnapping of Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann by the Israeli Mossad was one of it's most known coups of the 1960's. Eichnmann was one of Nazi Germany's most notorious war criminals, who was personally responsible for the killing of millions of Jews in occupied Europe. This book brings the story of Isser Harel, Israel's legendary intelligence spymaster who was Head of the Mossad at the time of the operation. Harel's story of this complex action is told in a simple and moving way. The editor Shlomo Shpiro, an Israeli intelligence expert, places in his detailed introduction the operation in its overall historical contex. The new books contains, for the first time, the real names of all Mossad personnel involved, as well as the astounding facts about the involvement of West Germany in this operation. A must reading not only to those interested in the hunt for Nazi criminals but also to everyone interested in real, as opposed to fictional, intelligence work.

This book is a must read for those who are fasinated by the shadowy world of espionage. A magnificant account of the capture of the nazi war criminal Adolf Eichman, by the Mossad. Written by the chief Israeli spy master, Isser Harel, it is an in depth discription of how Eichman was found, tracked, captured, smuggled out of Argentina, and brought to trial. Get your hands on this book, it is truely amazing.

Frederick Forsyth, Ken Follett and Robert Ludlum all together couldn't think up a story as amazing as this one. THE HOUSE ON GARIBALDI STREET is called a "Classic of Espionage" and it is. Isser Harel, the Chief of the Israeli Secret Services recounts in detail the amazing capture of Adolf Eichmann, "The Man In The Glass Booth" who was Hitler's senior functionary in creating and carrying out the "Final Solution" and one of the prime creators of the Holocaust.

Eichmann, whose policies and personal behavior condemned six million human beings to death, was captured by Israeli agents, tried in a Court of law, and executed---the only person ever put to death by Judicial process in Israel. Hiding in Argentina under an assumed name, he was eventually caught through a combination of complacency (his family began to use their real name), bizarre coincidence (a neighborhood blind man acted as the informant after his daughter dated Eichmann's son), luck (Eichmann never caught on that he had been discovered), and incredibly hard work (the Israelis painstakingly traced him and tracked him down).

This is true espionage, so real it reads like a novel. Far and away the most taut tale ever written---because it's true.

This little book is loaded with beautiful pics of purses of all kinds. From the functional to the whimiscal(and there are some really off-the-wall ones included),you'll find it in here besides plenty of interesting facts about different bags and designers as well. I wish it had more "timelines", but, other than that,if you really appreciate the art of handbags(or know someone that does),this tome should be very appreciated..

Wao! I have collected purses and shoes since I was 13. This book is incredibly complete. The photographs are awesome and the descriptions incredibly accurate! I would buy to give as a very very good present to anyone that enjoys handbags, purses and shoes!

If you really like bags, this is your book. Lots of lovely photographs and very well written text. A must-have for any handbag lover.

Harmon and Holman have done a fantastic job editing this handbook. I had to pick it up for use in a poetry class (taught by Harmon, no less!) and have found it to be not only a useful study guide, but an entertaining read insofar as it is not dry as one might suspect such a book to be, but is at times quite humorous. From "amphimacer" to "homeoleuton" (and seemingly everything else related to literary style, rhetoric, rules, movements, and just plain interesting facts), the handbook is comprehensive and easy to follow.

The editors have cited -- and in many cases quoted -- passages from a wide variety of popular literary works in order to make each entry clear. Cross-referencing is extensive and definitions are very understandable.

The entries are alphabetized, and each time a new letter comes about, the editors give an example and a history of a different font.

Also included are a time-line of literary movements, both American and English, and listings of literary prize-winners and major publications and events in both American and English literary history.

In corresponding with friends whose interests run along the same vein as mine, I have enthusiastically recommended Harmon and Holman's handbook, and I extend that here, as well.

Daryl L. Houston (dhouston@email.unc.edu)

If you have a question about English or American literature, chances are you'll find the answer here. William Harmon, professor of English at the University of North Carolina has revised and updated this handbook, long popular in academia. He's added more than 100 entries which reflect current trends in literature and criticism.

If you don't have a student at home, get this book anyway. Read it. Just the outline of English and American literary history in the back of the book is worth the price. You undoubtedly will find books here you never knew existed. I thought I'd read all of Eudora Welty, for instance, but I found a "new" title listed here -- new to me, at least. I also discovered a James Gould Cozzens book I'd never heard of.

The handbook is actually an encyclopedia of words and phrases pertaining to the study of literature. Listings are defined, explained and often illustrated. There are cross references. Appendices include complete lists of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners for fiction, poetry and drama. The index of proper names in the back lists over 2,300 authors and prominent literary figures.

This book is a must for the home library. Also, it's entertaining as well as informative reading. You may well find yourself curled up with it, unwilling to tear yourself away.

Very informative and expansive. It's handy and interesting because it goes past basic definitions to include historical background, etc.

Fischer presents a detailed and trenchant look at the problems of historical explanation in this fine book. It is certainly one of the best history books I've ever read, although it's not a history book per se, since it's really a critique of the different explanations historians use. Fischer discusses probably about a hundred or more of these, so you probably won't be able to remember them all, but if nothing else, you'll be more alert to the more common and egregious types of historical errors, and overall, the book is a useful analysis and reminder of the problems and difficulties of writing history. In that regard, it's still a very interesting and worthwhile book.

Some of the fallacies I already knew from philosophy, such as the pathetic fallacy, the fallacy of composition, the post hoc fallacy, and so on, which are already well known. But then there are plenty of others with more abstruse names, such as the "the fallacy of the hypostatized proof." My one complaint enters here, since Fischer would have benefited from a knowledge of logic and philosophy, since he sometimes gives names to fallacies that are well known in logic and philosophy by a different name.

But overall, this is one of the best books on the methods and philosophy of history I've read, and it should probably be required reading for every student of history and professional historian alike.

This is a classic that should be read by anyone interested in history. Fischer has created a typology of the kinds of errors historians make. He explains each clearly and entertainingly, drawing on examples from the works of eminent historians. I wonder if other historians still speak with him. If you like books on clear thinking, this one is a must for you. It can help anyone think and write more clearly.

Fischer is a classic. It should be kept readily at hand by anyone who considers clear thought important.

I read this book several years ago. My mom bought me a hardback copy at a yard sale. Everyone that touched the cover wanted to read it. Just physical contact with the book made me want more....and the story....I just can't say enough!!!!!

I picked this book up from a remainder stack at a local bookstore because I liked the title... I'm keeping this book because it took me for a ride that few contemporary works of fiction have. A thoroughly enjoyable read, full of startling twists and intelligent writing.

I accidentally found this book while browsing the stacks of a local bookstore and was really surprised that I hadn't heard of the book or the author. Not many writers have the ability to startle me with such a wonderful writing style coupled with a zesty storyline. This is one of those books whose words are placed together with great feeling and care, resulting in a sharp, clear and sometimes painful book.

Ruth Gruber tells the story of the less than 1,000 Jewish refugees taken in by the United States during World War II, and the amazingly warm acceptance and appreciation of the New York community in which they were placed. The story of this immigrant experience and the richness of their gifts to this country are inspiring and must-read tales, without being preachy or boring. Everyone I know who has read this book has ordered a copy to share with others. This is a wonderful book!

Earlier this year, I went to see a screening of the CBS miniseries based off this book. Ruth Gruber, the author, eloquently spoke, as did New York Senator Chuck Schumer. The senator said that Mrs. Gruber's "valiance" was "enormous." One would have an incredible amount of trouble disagreeing with that. Similarly, the brilliance of "Haven," a reflection on Mrs. Gruber's efforts during the Second World War to assist 1,000 European Jewish immigrants come to America and then live here successfuly, is enormous. The language is humble but immensely warming. The beauty of the writing is only overcome by the power of the story. This book should be read. It deserves to be read, not just by those who are interested in the Holocaust or the history of American Jews, but by all Americans.

Ruth Gruber writes with the same poise with which she speaks, from the heart! The simplicity of her text somehow magically draws one into the times about which she writes. She writes about difficult subjects yet it is impossible to put down her books. I've been devouring them all.

Reading this book is like roaming through 2000 years of the Roman empire and all the transplanted Romans who grace the US. I loved it and I'm not Italian. And, sorry, Leon, but I don't even want to be Italian. I've got a better idea. Why don't you do one on Jewish or Irish people? They're pretty entertaining. The book probably deserves five stars, but I'd like to see some graphics in it, so I just gave it four.

Being of Italian decent on my mother's side, I was overwhelmed by this fantastic collection of Italian accomplishments. This book gives detailed information about contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans. Finally, a "User friendly" book which is quite addictive and difficult to put down. This reminds me of those famous stories my mother use to tell me as a boy. I only wish she had the opportunity to experience this pleasant and enjoyable reading material. I highly suggest giving this book to any young person who is trying to discovering his/her great rich Italian background. It is all here!

When the family gets together either at home or for an outdoor picnic, we whip out our copy of "Heritage Italian-American Style!" We have a blast with this jam-packed collection of both recognized and some not-so-well-known contributions that Italians have made to better the world. Invariable, the teens and young adults chime in to test their own knowledge of their culture and are often surprised to discover in the process of "playing" a game...just how much fun learning can be! Especially, when you're learning about why we should be proud to be Italian!! The old timers are equally entertained while being secretly educated at the same time!!

As editor of AMICI Magazine, the largest Italian-American Magazine west of Ohio, I am inundated with requests to review Italian books. Leon's book is one of the few I couldn't put down. It made me think. It made me laugh. It made me proud...or prouDER, should say!!

I can tell you one the cultural tragedies of our time is that we're literally forgetting to keep our kids Italian. As silly as that sounds, the truth is many families today understandably marry outside of the culture or simply live life in fast lane and overlook the importance of story telling, carrying on Italian traditions and keeping ourselves informed about our culture. Books like Heritage Italian-American Style truly keep our heritage alive!

Once you get your own copy, you'll see why you feel inclined to buy several for your family and friends!

This is a brief but sweeping overview of the Reformation, concentrating mainly on the political and social forces at work during the whole period. Although Belloc was an ardent Catholic, he is surprisingly balanced in his analysis; for instance he pulls no punches when critiquing the shortcomings of the Church, and is quite mild in his assessment of Martin Luther. (Belloc is most venomous toward the British upper classes, who so shamelessly exploited the Church, Elizabeth, and the common people merely to increase their personal wealth and solidify their political position. His analysis is undoubtedly contrary to mainstream English history, but is compellingly supported by the facts.) Belloc's greatest strength is his ability to distill general principles and underlying causes from the tidal wave of political and social upheaval that was pouring across Europe. Thus the book is a fantastic starting point for a study of the Reformation. Although it is short on details (especially military details) it provides a very clear context.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to hear a truly Catholic perspective of the Reformation. I dare say, one will not hear this in any typical American Western Civ class--yet how tragic this is! Belloc's position is that the Reformation would have gone down as but one of the many uprisings in the Catholic Church over the centuries, akin to the Arian, Nestorian, and Albegensian heresies before it, were it not for certain socio-political forces at work, which allowed the Protestant movement to achieve its lasting foothold upon much of Northern Europe. It is from this political perspective that Belloc brilliantly explains nation by nation how Europe was prevented from returning in unity to the Catholic Church. A truly fascinating and illuminating read, of which no true scholar of western civ can afford to deprive himself!

"Read history books, my son, there is the true philosophy to be found." Napoleon to his son

In my reading of history books there is a pre-Hilaire Belloc period and a post-Hilaire Belloc period. This is because what Belloc writes and how he writes it is so novel, refreshing, clear and shocking that you simply cannot be the same man after reading his works.

Don't expect a book full of quotes and references to primary sources with an imposing bibliography at the back. There isn't a single quote or reference to a primary or secondary source in any of the books by Belloc that I've read.

Briefly, you will have to take Belloc's word for it that things really happened the way he says they did. The man doesn't really put forward arguments, he simply states his case. And it works! For some, specially people who don't have a conservative mindset or who take methodology very seriously, this will probably be considered a major flaw and they will dismiss Belloc's works as mere propaganda but I didn't bother: I was completely absorbed by his quick and fascinating narrative and mind-blowing historical analysis.

Belloc is not a historian who likes to recreate a historical period by giving the reader a wealth of details about clothing, dietary habits and what not. No, his view is a tend thousand feet view: the main events, the underlying causes, the far-reaching consequences. Everything is said with utmost clarity and almost bluntly: the Reformation was a catastrophe for European civilization and its main driving force was rapacity.

In How the Reformation Happened, Belloc covers the whole period from immediately before AD 1517, when Luther published his theses, to the reign of Louis XIV. This is a long period for a book of less than 150 pages but as I said above Belloc is only interested in the quintessence of history. He leaves aside all the chaff and gives you only the grain.

This book deals only with events and does not go into the doctrinal issues. For this read Belloc's short book on heresies "The Great Heresies" and on the enemies of the Church "Survivals and New Arrivals".

The pace of the narrative is breathtaking but always crystal clear and studded with thought-provoking reflections. Since most of us have been spoon-fed a Protestant and anti-Catholic version of history, most of what he says will appear quite novel but his writing is so cogent that you will end up being convinced. I was for example completely taken aback by his explanation of the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre in AD 1572 .

This book is an eye-opener and a page-turner. And a source of true philosophy...