study Books

3.5 probably more appropriate. I very much enjoyed, the book/package "Can you Sing a High C Without Straining." My bias is being more of a "do it yourself" type of person and get assistance to fill the gaps. I do pop/musical theatre/gospel singing and have done so for sometime. So primarily what I was looking for as a consumer was exercises and instruction that I could work to better my voice.
Though I like the effectiveness of the exercises and instruction other things get in the way of giving this package a 5. Mainly being "skimpy" on the exercises. An example of easy to follow, though not flawless by any means with adequate exercises is
The Complete Vocal Workout: A Step-by Step Guide to Tough Vocals by Roger Kain. So I ended up doing the exercises from this book using a mixture of technique from both(Kain & Appell). Sometimes I also just do the 4 exercises (not including vibrato exercises) given over and over for an hour. It does work, but it would be easier if the compilation was done for you.

Little detailed account
The good:
1.The actual item being reviewed, the book and the CD(exercises/examples) were very informative. A lot of information regarding how to approach singing.
2.How to make a smooth transition regarding your break, or making one less pronounced. The exercises (crescendo/decrescendo (great))are good and watching others perform the exercises are good also.
3.Also detailed account of the tricks of singing and how the vocal cords look and operate are top rate. Would be hard pressed to find anything remotely as thorough.

The not-so good:
1.A plug to take vocal lessons (it feels like on every other page). This is good to know, but if you are testing the methods on your own to see the validity of whether to take lessons it doesn't sit well.
2.The Layout of the book could be a little more reader friendly (more of a design thing)
3.You are asked to do an 1 hrs worth of exercises minimum 6 days a week, but are not given anywhere close to that in terms of exercises. Big disappointment. This is probably the most frustrating, even a solid 20 minutes of exercises not including the instruction and vibrato would have been very helpful.
4.Though the added books were great information, without getting what you are actually looking for it doesn't actually added value to the package. It becomes more of a nuisance, because what you really want is instruction.

Good package, but good be better. If a 5th edition is done, taking care of these things(along with separating instruction from exercises in the tracks) will make it a better product.

Thomas Appell has written an incredibly valuable book. I say this because I am currently his pupil. The book represents the essential foundation of our work together. Through my lessons with Mr. Appell, I am experiencing, first hand, the magic of his vocal instruction as outlined in his book. As a former enthusiastic but rather mediocre Alto in church choirs from my elementary through high school years, I am ecstatic that I am now able now to sing a Tenor High C in full voice with good tone. As a former school administrator at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, I have observed hundreds of teachers teach. Thomas Appell is a master teacher in every respect and I have the good fortune to study with him.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2HB8ITUS5TTSH Can You Sing High C Without Straining? 4th Edition

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RQ446BIOXDEGY Can You Sing High C Without Straining? 4th Edition

I am a trained singer/ singing teacher who often buys books on singing to increase my knowledge and ability and then to transfer that too my students. This book was so well stated, most I have heard before, and some I have not, but often when I read other books, there is so much conflicting information in them and then the explanation is too vague to really understand. this book, there is no ambiguity, this is how you do it and its easy. I like how the breathing support is really pointed out, and you cant get it wrong really. I also really enjoyed the style side of the book. As a technique teacher, I have pretty much neglected that side of singing, just thought that was more of the natural or not element. Its going to be fairly easy now from the instruction that was in there.

Again, Im so glad I bought this.

This book is indespensible if you want to gain insight into colloquial Spanish without the luxury of living in a Spanish-speaking country for a few years. Not only that, but it's fun to read. I pick it up and read it over and over. I'm actually on my second copy having worn one out.

¡Cómpralo ahora mismo!

first edition half this size by same author for $6.50
'beyond the dictionary in spanish'

I'm an intermediate Spanish learner, and when I get sick of grinding memorization, etc, I pick up this book. It's enjoyable, and you really can read it straight through.

Here's a representative entry that shows how many examples the author gives from various countries --

carpeta: A Friend of unusual Falsity since not only does it not mean "carpet" but has very diverse meanings within the Hispanic world. In Spain and Mexico it means a "file," of the sort used in offices. In Peru it means a "desk" of the sort used in schools (elsewhere usually pupitre) and in Colombia it means a "table-cloth" (ornamental; not for meals). I have also heard it used for a "brief-case."

A carpet, as you know, is una alfombra. Wall-to-wall carpet is hecha a medida, "made to measure," but is often referred to as moqueta, "moquette" (carpet-material).

In an earlier commentary about this book, a reviewer wondered how a $7 paperback could be going for upwards of $140. Well, the answer is: scarcity. This is where you have to be careful. The book listed under the title "Cassell's Colloquial Spanish" is said to be the third revised edition, published in 1981. That edition is indeed quite rare, which accounts for its fetching big bucks. However, that's not the end of the story. A couple of other reviewers lamented that there isn't an updated version of this book. It turns out there is, but with a different subtitle.

Which leads me to my story. After seeing the book offered from one of the online sellers at a "bargain basement" (compared to all the others, that is) price, I ordered what I thought to be the 1981 edition. When the book arrived, though, I noticed some differences from the picture and publication info I'd seen at Amazon. So I went back and compared ISBN numbers. The book I'd ordered was not the 1981 edition; the ISBN number for that one is 0020794304. The ISBN number on the one I received is 030407943X. Confused, I typed in that number and was startled by the result. The title of the book with that ISBN number was listed as "Spanish Colloquial", and no author's name was listed anywhere (BTW, Amazon has corrected the title and added the author's name). What's more, the publisher was listed as Orion Publishing Company, not Cassell's. The particularly strange thing about that is the name Orion appears nowhere in the book I have, while the name Cassell's appears several times (I found out later that Orion owned the printing rights to the Cassell's line for several years, but no longer). In addition, the book's cataloging info indicates that the 1981 edition was reprinted three times: 1985, 1988 and 1993. The copy I have is the 1993 reprint, even though the concluding words of the introduction are "Abingdon, 1980, A. Bryson Gerrard." My guess is the 1993 reprint is far less rare than the 1981 third edition. To top it all off, several sellers were offering the 1993 printing at prices lower than what I paid.

So was I duped? It appears that way. But I'm not going to send the book back, because it does contain everything I was hoping to find in the first place. And I concur wholeheartedly with all of the other reviewers. Gerrard has done a tremendous service to English speakers who are passionate about learning Spanish. Some of the information in Gerrard's book is a bit dated, though, which obviously can't be blamed on him. Just try to recall the state of the Internet in 1980 and you'll understand. I don't know if Mr. Gerrard is dead now, but don't let the passage of two and a half decades dissuade you from enjoying his fine work. However, taking into account the need for a more contemporary reference, I would also recommend "Streetwise Spanish" -- both volumes, the dialogue book and the dictionary/thesaurus.

This book is a gem for the student of Spanish, providing the various colloquial meanings of a good many useful Spanish words. The author's various first-hand anecdotes about the situations in which he heard the words used in a particular way will amuse even the casual monolingual reader. Some of his warnings about linguistic etiquette might be a little out of date in the more modern, and Americanized, parts of the Spanish-speaking world, but it's always better to err on the side of propriety. Your command of colloquial Spanish will break down barriers that mere conversational proficiency cannot overcome , and this book has proven to be an excellent teacher for me.

I'll let the other's pontificate on the content of the book. I won't disagree with anything less than a 5 star rating. However, I noticed the price varies wildly. Buds Art Books dot com consistently prices this @ $125.00...new. I ordered my copy from Bud via Amazon. Not sure why they aren't listed anymore.

This is the best learning tool out there short of having an actual teacher. Hundreds of drawings waiting to be imitated in order to correct ones vision of what one sees. Finish this book and you'll know how to draw. Method used by many artists in the past including van gogh. This is my favorite of the dozens of art books I own. Am also glad someone mentioned buying it from the museum rather that the overpriced vendors offers.

The Dahesh Museum of Art is taking orders right now (Sept. 2007) for a new printing of the hardcover English version of the book, to be shipped at the end of October. I just put in my order, the new price is $95 (it was $90 at the first printing). For those who have been waiting to purchase this book for months, the new printing is only a few weeks away.

I've heard many times that students of drawing used to draw from master drawings and plaster casts before being allowed to work from life, but I was not aware that courses were in place to direct such study. One course that came into existence under the direction of academic artists Charles Bargue and Jean-Léon Gérôme, at once a definitive statement of ideals and a last hurrah for the academic tradition, was edited by Gerald Ackerman and published a few years ago.

Ackerman writes:
"The abandonment of the study of the classical ideal in the last quarter of the nineteenth century was a serious break in an established yet vital artistic tradition. After all, Western art is an artificial activity that became self-conscious in antiquity and again in the Italian Renaissance, each time articulating an intellectual, apologetic theory of art that continued to influence the creation and teaching of painting over the centuries".

"The twentieth-century break in this developed tradition is problematic for young, contemporary artists who may not be attracted by the many schools and movements of modernism but are instead drawn to the imitation of nature. Without access to the rich lore and methods of humanist figure painting, they find themselves untrained and underequipped for many of the technical problems that confront them as Realists. Without help, today's young Realist artists may end up uncritically copying superficial appearances, randomly selecting from nature, and unwittingly producing clumsy and incoherent figures".

I've pointed out before that our present situation in art is not characterized by pluralism, but by false pluralism. Real pluralism would provide for a situation in which both the realists and the various modernists could flourish together. Instead, realism as it would have been understood by Gérôme is not generally taken seriously by art professionals and not commonly taught at schools.

The change has been good for the various modernists - I feel like I came out okay - but bad for the realists. The above is one of the first acknowledgments I've seen that the tradition of painting and sculpture requires a community of like-minded people for sustenance. The realists have it especially hard because their craft is so difficult.

No doubt about it - if you copied every plate in the course, as is recommended, you would become a champion renderer. You might also die of boredom; I doubt that each and every plate is necessary to get the fundamentals across. You might also find yourself at a loss when faced with the female model, as not a single plate in the last series, which pictures the figure in schematic sketches, is an image of a woman.

But it's clear that realists need a particular kind of education, and I think it would do the modernists no harm to revive parts of the traditional curriculum. It didn't interfere with the progress of the Impressionists, the Cubists, or the early abstractionists. Ackerman's book provides an important look into the past, and suggests constructive ideas about how art could be nurtured in the future.

The book is a complete reprint of the fabled but rare Drawing Course ("Cours de Dessin")of Charles Bargue and Jean-Leon Gérôme, published in Paris in the 1860s and 1870s. For most of the next half-century, this set of nearly 200 masterful lithographs was copied by art students worldwide before they attempted to draw from a live model. This book will be valuable to a wide range of artists, students, art historians and collectors, even as it introduces them to the hitherto-neglected master, Charles Bargue.

The Drawing Course is separated into three sections, in an ascending order of difficulty. The first section consists of lithographs by Bargue after casts of sculptures, mostly antique examples that present the structure of the human body with remarkable clarity and intelligence. The second part contains the lithographs that Bargue made after master drawings by Renaissance and modern artists, and the third section almost 60 exemplary drawings of nude male models.

The first two sections were for use in commercial or design schools to teach the principles of good taste based on classical form, the better to turn out competitive goods for commerce and industry. The last section, drawing from live models, was reserved for fine-art academies, opinion being that such training was beyond the grasp or need of humble commercial artists.

By and large the subjects for the plates are quite elevated. A prettily turned foot is taken from the first-century Medici Venus at the Uffizi in Florence; a sinewy shoulder and arm from Michelangelo's ''Moses'' at San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome; and the serenely spiritual-looking head of Anne of Brittany, wife of Louis XII, from her recumbent tomb figure by Giovanni Giusti (1515-22) in the Cathedral of Saint-Denis in Paris.

This portrait was a subject of fascination for van Gogh during a period when he was studying for the ministry. ''The expression of Anne of Brittany's face is noble, and reminds one of the sea and rocky coasts,'' he wrote to his brother in 1877, mentioning that he had hung the plate with her likeness in his room.

Experienced artists will recognize the skill and insight with which Bargue solved problems of drawing from nature; they will want to copy these plates to sharpen their professional skills. For art students, the Drawing Course is a practical introduction to realistic drawing based on the observation of nature, a course blissfully free of the usual charts and schemata requiring memorization and often productive of stultification.

For art historians, the Drawing Course documents the longstanding tradition of accurate draftsmanship prized by the late nineteenth-century figure painters who stood at the convergence of classicism and realism.

This volume concludes with a biography of Charles Bargue and a preliminary catalogue of his paintings, accompanied by reproductions of works both located and lost. Bargue started his career as a lithographer reproducing the drawings of commercial illustrators for a popular market in comic, sentimental and erotic subjects.

By working with Gérôme, and by preparing the plates for this Drawing Course, Bargue was transformed into a master painter, equipped with the skills to match his taste, talent and ideas. He became a master of telling details and exquisite tonal harmonies.

This is one of the most amazing books I have read lately. It gives you a new perspective on the way we choose to live our lives. Life changing information. Really enjoyed this book.

Chasing Daylight (formerly published as 'Seizing Your Divine Moment') is a creative and powerful catalyst for your faith. McManus urges us to live a life of Christian adventure, aware of what God is doing in us and around us, and inviting us to be a part of something far greater than ourselves. It's not a book you will power through - there's just too much to think about. That's not to say his writing is unclear or verbose, it's very well written. The book is packed with stories, challenges, wonderful insight, and much to reflect on. He stresses how important it is to live in the moment and to be in tune to what God wants from us in the moment. "The divine potential of a moment is unlocked by the choices we make. Each moment's personal, historic, and eternal value is directly related to the choices we make within it. If a moment is the gate through which your divine journey begins, then choice is the key that unlocks the adventure. (pg.18)" Typically divine moments need to be seized, not simply walked through.

The nine chapters, though not hard divisions, describe the key elements of the book: choices, initiative, uncertainty, influence, risk, advance, impact, movement, awakening. The scriptural theme running through the book is the narrative of Jonathan and his shield bearer attacking the Philistine camp without support (I Samuel 14). Throughout the call to act in response to our faith is clear, despite the risk, despite the uncertainty, even if we for a time go alone. "I don't know what it means for others, but for a follower of Christ, what it means to live on the edge is to stand at the epicenter of where the kingdom of God confronts the kingdom of darkness." I would recommend this book for anyone longing for deeper communion with God and passionate about a life that counts.

This book is awesome! McManus really inspires you to look at every second that goes by in life, and seize those divine moments because they can really impact someone's life, as well as your own. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

Chasing Daylight is the kick in the rear a lot of us need. Go after your passions with confidence and don't look back.

McManus is an inspiration and by telling the story of Jonathan he gives us an example of someone living boldly because they can not live any other way. That is the life I want to lead.

I loved this book. I would read it in the mornings while eating breakfast and it was a great start to the day. Erwin McManus is very passionate about his faith and he is very effective in trying to convey that passion. So many of his personal stories that he tells made just say "Wow." And then I realized how so many small things we do, the little leaps of faith that we take, can have such huge rewards and make so many differences in people's lives that do not know Christ. This book is definitely a call to action for the individual and also for the church as a whole. Let's be a generation that seeks to help the lost, the poor, the broken. Let's be a generation that puts other needs before our own. Great message!

I would agree with another reviewer that things get repeated a lot throughout, probably because the whole book was based around the story of Jonathan and the Philistines. Could have been shorter, but still, an excellent read and highly recommended.

I found this book very clear and informative. I know one of my great-grand parents was Cherokee but have found tracing that branch of the family tree very difficult. The records come to a dead stop in Tennessee. Thanks to Mr. McClure's hard work I now have different avenues to take in my search.

I think it is a great information guide to help people finding their Cherokee heritage. I discovered that I am related to the author.

This is a must have for those who are serious into looking into their Native American Ancestry. Its a great book!!

I think the title says it all... great book if you want to learn about your Cherokee past.

I just rec'd the this book and after only flipping through just a few pages on my great grandmother's MCCLURE lines, I'm impressed! Not only am I looking forward to reading this book but I plan on using it for future reference, as I see a few made at the end of one of the chapters and I haven't even read thru it yet - and can not wait! Thank you Dr. Tony MCCLURE. You did your homework because you know your homework. Buy this book! You will not be disappointed!

Kelly's story is one of humor, laughter, pain, tears, and totally inspirational. Ever feel down and out? Read Kelly's story - it is uplifting knowing that one can reach death's portal, only to turn back and say "I've got mountains to climb." When you think things can't get any worse - read Kelly's story. Life gives each of us obstacles to overcome. Kelly has done so with grace, good humor, determination, with a husband encouraging her every step of the way, and with gratitude for the gift from a donor.

Thank you Kelly and Craig for such a wonderful, inspirational account of your lives. This has truly changed me in a very positive way. My priorities and outlook are back in the proper perspective. I do not know that I would have handled everything as positively as you two, and pray I will never have to find out.
This book should be read by everyone. It provides a very unique perspective into personal motivation, unbelievable drive, and magnificient teamwork.
WONDERFUL !

I have just finished Kelly's book The Climb of My Life and am left truly inspired... It is an amusing, poignant, and motivating read that reminds us all that each life is to be cherished and lived to the fullest capacity. Insightful and inspiring, I have mentioned this book in many discussions, as I feel any and every person can benefit from reading Kelly's story. One of the many sentiments I want to incorporate into my own life is greeting your loved one at the end day with "what was the best part of your day?" automatically creating a positive round of communication as opposed to the typical "how was your day?" which often leads to dwelling on the negative. I have taken Kelly's book to heart - I catch myself referring to Kelly and Craig's attitude "well, it could have been worse" when I encounter trivial irks, and then find myself consciously acknowledging how great life truly is. Kelly's personal narrative left me smiling, my eyes misty, and a genuine tug at my heart. Her emotional and physical strength is truly admirable, as is her adoring husband who never let her give up.

It's not every day...
It's not every day you come across two people with such unconditional love and devotion for each other; it's not every day you come across someone who is able to embrace courage, hope, and determination with death staring her in the face; it's not every day you come across someone who has turned "giving back" into their main mission in life; and it's not every day you come across someone who has not only been given a second chance at life via a heart transplant but has lived a life which most can only dream to attain.

"The Climb of My Life" is a well written, captivating journey that will be hard to put down. It reveals to the reader, through humor and tears, how Kelly has faced adversity and pursued her journey. I am inspired by her courage and strength to step out beyond my boundries. Thank you Kelly for this.

This is an amazing story about medical miracles, undaunted courage, steely determination, steadfast love, and ultimate triumph. While most of us won't face the sorts of challenges described here, there are many lessons to be learned. The inspiration of Kelly's story is a gift. If you want an exciting story about real adventure, this book is for you. If nothing else, this book should inspire every one to become an organ donor.

This is an EXCELLENT book about the inner workings and decision makeing process of the Bush Administration during Panama and Desert Shield/Storm.

It is easy to become jaded today about what our government is doing and why, but The Commanders, is one of the most engaging looks at your government coming together. For better or for worse, it is even more engaging since so many of the "players" in this book are in the forefront of our news today. One of Woodwards' best.

I bought this book on a Friday night and compulsively read the book until Sunday morning. The read is quick, and the parts about Panama are very fascinating. It's nice to read about something that doesn't involve the Middle East....oh wait a minute, the middle east is covered as is the military history of this period. Colin Powell is a hero and a great pragmatic man, which mkes me long for the pre-Clinton days. History would be much different if Goerge the 1st stayed in power just 4 more years. The bravery and pragmatism of the 1st Bush administration makes you wonder about this Bush administration.

Bob Woodword seems to have become the reporter of authority when it comes to writing what I have heard called "instant histories", that is, histories that will surely be expanded as perspective is gained on a given event, but ones that accurately record how people saw things at the time. In "The Commanders" Woodword gives blow by blow accounts of two major foreign policy crisis' which ultimately led to military action: the removal of Manuel Noriega from Panama and Operation Desert Storm. The book is a quick and absorbing read, focusing almost entirely on the relationhip between the military (Pentagon) and civilian (White House) leaderships, and how that relationship operates during a crisis.

I assume that many who read this book now look to widen their view of some of the key players in the current administration, namely Cheney, Powell, and Wolfowitz (though in much lesser role here) and now is as good a time as any to do so. My impression of Powell, while widened, remains consistent. He comes off as more hesitant to use force than others, very conscious of organization, very thorough, and very aware that words have power. Cheney, however, doesn't at all resemble his sinister caricature. He, too, is careful and analytical, often concerned with Bush "ratcheting up the rhetoric way too much," and, at one point, even recomending that Bush slow down and "wait for the UN." Whereas these two figures are painted as rivals within the "W" administration, they pictured as allies in the first Bush Administration.

Our problems with diplomacy are also present, though they are not the focus of the book. The presumed reaction from Latin America contrained our ability to craft a war plan in Panama, even though it was "anticipated that privately most of these governments would send back-channel word that they were nuetral or even pleased" that Noriega was removed, and it was certain that the Panamanian people hated their leadership (92% were ultimately in favor of Noriega's removal, according to Woodword). Also, many instances show Arab regimes begging for protection, though not wanting their populations to know about the American presence. At one point, the exiled Emir of Kuwait even refuses to meet with members of the US Senate. And of course, "The French were a problem and required a major effort". We will continue to have problems if governments, particualrly democratic ones, refuse to reveal to their publics what they see as in their own national interest. Ahh, the trials of a superpower!

If you are looking for an account of the diplomatic manuevering, the assembling of the coalition, or the national political debate preceeding either conflict; or you want an account of Gulf I itself, this is not your book. Taken for what it is, however, "The Commanders" is an excellent. There are a number of times where statements from this book could fit perfectly into the latest foray in Iraq, but I'll let you hunt for those.

Lastly, funniest line in the book: "the secure internal electronic-mail system, called E-mail, provided a means of quick nearly instantaneous communications by computer with the boss." Who knew only a decade ago that you needed someone to explain what an E-mail is?

This book starts at the beginning of the GHW Bush Administration and goes through to the very beginning of the Gulf War.
It's always a little difficult to know how accurate Woodward's recountings are of conversations and inner-thoughts of the most important people, but there are rarely serious complaints about the accuracy of his books - at least as far as I am aware. For the most part, the book comes from the perspective of Powell and Cheney, with important additions from other key folks at the Pentagon and White House.
The beauty of reading about the GHW Bush Administration is that one also learns about the GW Bush Administration, for many of the key players came back for an encore.

Woodward did a top notch job of discussing important issues in a way that appeals to the general reader. I hope he continues to do so with the GW Bush Administration; both "Bush at War" and "Plan of Attack" are fine books, but "The Commanders" is much better.

This insightful book is not only an inspiration for those lucky enough to already own woodlands, but for anyone interested in trees and conservation. I wanted to find a "Forestry 101" course which reflected progressive environmental principles - and this is certainly it. Morsbach's writing style is engaging. Even where he repeats himself he makes the information consistently fascinating. And he doesn't shrink from presenting views which are opposed to his. The illustrations are wonderful and the glossary at the end invaluable. Because I live in Austria - where the "Dauerwald" principle described by Morsbach is well established - his holistic international approach was especially appealing.

If you are at all interested in Forestry and planting and growing trees, then this is definitely the book for you. To me this has become my forestry bible. There are so many great ideas, and interesting stories throughout the entire book. When I got done reading it the first time I was disappointed that I had already finished it, so I had to read it again. And believe it or not it was good the second time because it was able to bring me back to the woods on a cold winter's night, and that is always a great place to be.

i was very pleased with this book, disregard my review of wildlife and woodlot managment. this is the one to buy, i confused the two books. this one is entertaining and informative for the novice. good prospective for the small woodlot owner

This book was excellent and contained alot of common sense advice. I only deducted a star because it was more applicable to the East Coast, while I live on the West. Really good material, and I liked its balanced approach to the use of "non-Green" methods.

. . . gave its life for a good cause.

This is the most important book on my shelves as I "manage" my 75 Virginia woodland acres.

I like Morsbach's maverick approach to forestry, in particular the emphasis he places on aesthetic and environmental considerations. Once again, the committed, thoughtful individual trumps a whole barrel full of clipboard-carrying "experts."

The book contains multiple grammatical errors that are slightly distracting to me, a former editor, but otherwise entirely trivial.

I really enjoyed this book. You meet famous and not so famous people in this book. Some you will never forget like Hystercine Rankin, who made a quilt of her fathers killing in Mississippi, when she was only ten.She eventually won a $5000 prize for it. Or how the author talks about his family and the "healing quilt" and his lifelong affinity of quilts. The stories in here are good, and the quilts are out of this world. One of the best oral African American history books out there.

This book thoroughly documents quilting and quilt makers from across the USA. Roland Freeman tells the story of the quilt makers largely through his spectacular photographs. He includes unknown but highly talented artists as well as celebrities who also quilt. The photographs are accompanied with stories from the artists, and these narratives provide a terrific base for understanding why this folk art retains its vibrancy in the 21st century. In many ways, Freeman's photography and writing can also be understood as part of the artistic fabric that he stitches together.

Influenced by his love of quilts, photographer Roland Freeman acts as anthrolopologist and quilting historian in this beautiful, comprehensive book. Featuring full color photos of African-American quilts and quilters and well-researched text, this book is a must-read even for non-quilting enthusiasts. The history and cultural heritage of a people have been preserved in this beautiful artform. I found myself moved after reading this book. You will be too.

This book is truly awesome. Although I have almost every quiltmaking book in print, the photos here are of the most unique and breathtakingly beautiful I've ever seen. And the accompanying stories about the quiltmakers are at once inspirational and humbling ... e.g., a quilt depicting the lynching of a woman's father, and explanation of how neighbors were afraid to attend the funeral. (Don't let that discourage you; most of the quilts are uplifting and gorgeous by any standards -- and the few sad ones are incredibly moving and meaningful.)

I can't imagine anyone not loving this book. Frankly, I was so awed by the gifted artists whose work is contained therein that my first thought was that African Americans have all the talent and creativity (and, no, I'm not an African American). Even if you're not moved by the stories/bios (although I can't imagine not being), you've *GOT* to be awed and inspired by the extraordinarily beautiful and truly unique quilting, which cannot help but enable you to improve your own designs.

I wish that there were more stars than 5 ... This book deserves the highest rating imaginable.

African-American Quilters, Preservers and Their Stories represents the first national survey & a personal record of how this photographer & folkorist's life has intertwined with the world of quiltmaking.

The communion refers to the power of quilts to create a virtual web of connections-individual, generational, professional, physical, spiritual, cultural & historical. Some of the names of those glorious quilts are: Rainbow Block; Slave Chain; Log Cabin; Three Pigs in a Pen; Double Wedding Ring; Black Jack Scarecrow; Monsters, Dragons and Flies; African Diaspora; African-American Women; African-American Men; Memories of My Father's Death; Memories; Scripture; Martin Luther King Jr.; Hand Me Down My Mother's Work; Mother Africa's Children; The Underground Railroad; Baltimore Arabber Selling Watermelons; Harriet Tubman Quilt & Tableau.

For all those who consider quilt making one of America's finest crafts, this will be a lifetime companion & will rekindle that dramatic & endearing form of art. Very well done!

You have got to read this book! It is filled with women & men & the love of fabric & colors; of the love of design & community coming together to stitch lives together. Do visit my site for my full review & more books on quilting.

A lot of the business integrity literature is written by academics or by owners of relatively large concerns; this one is from the trenches. Abrams is a carpenter, founder and co-owner of a homebuilding business on Martha's Vineyard, a resort island in Massachusetts

The business has survived for over 20 years, and has been collectively owned by its workers since 1987.

Abrams struggles with the meaning of craft, his sense of place, the tension between wanting to build the finest possible home and the desire to serve the greatest good. Coupled with Abrams' insights from his own wide-ranging reading, it makes for quite a journey.

Abrams believes in "cathedral thinking": looking at the long-term view that the task he starts may not be completed in his lifetime.

We see his own journey from being in charge to sharing control, which he says "has the greatest potential to cause the greatest returns." (p. 44)

Questioning the conventional grow-or-die mentality, he looks at the difference between growth and development, and takes pride in turning down the "wrong" work. And a lot of it is about trust, perhaps summed up in this quote: "Wherever you work, if you believe in what you do and are committed to principles of quality and cooperation, you can't afford *not* to choose the work you are willing to do and the clients you are comfortable serving. We have found that when we elect to work with people we don't trust, we are likely to lose both money and sleep." (p. 92)

Shel Horowitz's award-winning sixth book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First, demonstrates how to build a business around ethics, environmental sustainability, and cooperative practices--and how to develop marketing that highlights those advantages.

A document of great vision and execution in a positive direction. A fine example of collaborative and cooperative thinking thich enhances the resulting effort. Everyone wants to work in a nurturing environment.

This is an excellent business book!

I recommend it to any CEO wondering how to maintain a profitable and healthy organization beyond next quarter's bonus.

John Abrams shows us how real business success can be achieved for the corporation and the community in this documentary of South Mountain Company. It is well written and packed with the tested principals and concepts that have built this successful, community centered business on Martha's Vineyard.

Imagine that true workplace democracy combined with commitments to ethical business dealings and social responsibility can lead to a high quality, sustainable, and profitable business! Corporate America should sit up and take notice!

I vote that we make this book required reading as part of the rehabilitation process of all incarcerated former corporate executives.

In an era in which corporations are measured on quarterly, single bottom-line returns, John Abrams presents a compelling case that a multiple bottom-line, values oriented, long term focus can be a successful business strategy in The Company We Keep.

In this well-written and compelling book, Abrams artfully examines the long-accepted American business concept of growth;and determines that growth for growth's sake is a short-term strategy leading to failure. He weaves over twenty years of experience in construction, design and sustainable building practices into a philosophical look at the meaning of work and success; the result provides the reader with fabric from which to examine his/her own company, work life, natural environment and style of doing business. Perhaps most importantly, the book is written in a warm, reflective style which makes it hard to put down and leaves the reader yearning for more insights and information from this writer, who provides substantial research and details to support his work and ideas. Just as a good movie creates long-lasting recollections of scenes, The Company We Keep brings daily reminders of wonderful stories and the confidence that strong personal and company values can indeed be the means to a successful and growing business.

Can a company built and grown on Abrams's hippie values of kindness, love, respect, honesty, and freedom of the individual actually be successful in this era rife with competition?

A friend recommended this book, as am a business owner, MBA, Gen X/ Y, who embraces these values to the extent that I'll never compromise, and have built a small, successful business with similar emphasis on treating people involved extraordinarily well. Profit, like in Abrams's story, was simply a bi-product. And the joy of knowing I'm doing good for so many interested parties is priceless.

So many lessons to be learned in this wonderful book! I couldn't put it down once I started reading. Abrams's completely open, honest approach is heart-warming and inspiring.

One can hold true to one's values, and still build a fabulously successful company, one in which the coworkers are also owners with a vested interest. And customers, too, are treated like partners. Emphasis on quality of work, versus growth simply for the sake of growth, is often illustrated.

This is one of those rare books one remembers long after reading. Each day since reading the book, I hear ordinary words like 'cooperation', which bring me back to the wonderful stories in this book and to the many studies well-noted in the book suggesting further evidence of people's natural urge to cooperate (and success in doing so).

A beautiful story and a must-read for anyone in business who wants to keep his/ her soul! Thank you for sharing your heartfelt, model example of developing a very successful business with values, Mr. Abrams!! The book is a classic. Will revisit it often, and already sent several copies to friends.