Reviews (18)

" a state within a state,a virtual invisible government"

Eye Opening, Fun, Enlightening, Fun, Sad, Gruesome
Its given me so much incite into political workings, political networking, establishing connections, streetsmarts, collusion, and an interesting heritage.

Classic
When it comes to organized crime in the U.S., the talk is generally "Mafia this, Mafia that," and while La Cosa Nostra has certainly caused its share of mayhem, it's hardly fair to ignore the contribution other groups have made to the history of the American underworld.Tons of minority groups, white and otherwise--Blacks, Chinese, Russians, Armenians, Jews, and so on--have been involved in organized criminal activities to one degree or another, but as T.J. English points out in Paddy Whacked, the Irish have one distiction that can never be taken away: they got there first.English paints a vivid portrait of good old days that weren't always good, starting with the arrival of the first Irish immigrants after the potato famine of the 1840's and continuing through turbulent and violent times that saw the Irish emerge as a prominent force in the American criminal underworld as well as in American society as a whole.Paddy Whacked tells some highly unpleasant stories about Irish-American history, shedding light on inhuman poverty, ethnic and religious prejudice, violent gang wars, and large-scale political malfeasance, but that doesn't stop it from being mighty entertaining throughout, no matter what your background.If your view of the Irish is all shamrocks, leprechauns, and green beer on St. Patrick's day, this book should offer up some surprises, as much of what we associate with inner cities today (gangs, colors, drive-by shootings) had its roots at least partially in the Irish enclaves of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Gangsters    3. General    4. History    5. History - U.S.    6. History: World    7. Irish-American criminals    8. Organized Crime    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. History / General   

Editorial Review

Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, Read more

Reviews (147)

An essential book
This is such a good book, because of the way it is written, and also because of the incredible adventure it describes.It is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica.Shackleton had been to the Antarctic twice before.The first time he accompanied Robert Falcon Scott in 1901 in an attempt to reach the as yet unclaimed South Pole and claim it for Great Britain.They were unsuccessful and came very close to losing their lives.The significant problems that went with traveling in the Antarctic were that no one lived there (and so no one was there to help if you got into trouble), nothing lived in the interior (no plants or animals to feed on), and the climatic conditions were horrific (snow, ice, wind speeds of up to 200 miles an hour and temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit).Scott proved to be a very difficult man to travel with -arrogant, abusive and not particularly competent, which is not what you are looking for in the leader of such an expedition.The next time he journeyed south, in 1908, Shackleton, as the leader, chose his own men, and made his own mistakes, such as taking a team of ponies that were supposed to pull the sledges.The ponies were very ill-suited to such an environment and were eventually shot and eaten.This expedition was also a failure, but Shackleton had again learned a lot from the experience.By the end of 1912 the South Pole had been conquered by the Norwegian Amundson, and Shackleton's rival, Scott, had perished with all of his men only eleven miles from a supply depot that would have saved their lives.Now the only significant prize left to be achieved in the Antarctic was the traversing of the continent from one side to the other.Thus Shackleton's 1914 expedition was called the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Real adventure
It's a book that takes you to an incredible adventure. Photogrpahs make it even more exciting !

What an Adventure, and Pictures,Too.
I don't know why I keep reading these sagas of sufferring and adventure about polar expeditions,but I do.Of course, Shackleton's Anarctic expedition is one of the best of the bunch.
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Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Discovery And Exploration (General)    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Endurance (Ship)    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Special Interest - Adventure    15. Travel    16. Biography: general    17. Geographical discovery & exploration    18. Ireland    19. Journeys    20. Shackleton, Ernest Henry    21. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (12)

A delightful memoir
This was a book I hated to see end.The descriptions of Corfu, family members and residents of the island, and wildlife were lyrical and loving.The author was a keen observer of his environment and was able to share his observations vividly with the reader.His humorous anecdotes were of laugh-aloud variety.
A pleasant summer read!
My Family and Other Animals is about a ten-year-old boy named Gerald who moves to the sun-soaked island Corfu, Greece with his family to escape the dreary and gloomy climate in London. There, he encounters many different animals and people. I absolutely loved this book because it was really funny. There was a lot of action in this book. Durrell lovingly described each and every animal that he owned. He also told every detail of the settings, so I felt like I was really in Corfu!
My Family and Other Animals
Charming and delightful. A true story which made me want to pack and return to Corfu again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Corfu Island    3. Corfu Island (Greece)    4. Description And Travel    5. Europe - Greece    6. General    7. Greece    8. Natural History    9. Nature    10. Nature/Ecology    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Travel - Foreign    13. Travel - General    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

Madeleine Vionnet's greatest distinction as a designer was her discovery of the bias cut. Cutting patterns along the bias forces the fabric to cling to the body and move with it, which created her trademark look of draped, form-conscious clothing. When designer Issey Miyake first saw a Vionnet dress, it was like the first time he saw Read more

Reviews (17)

Fashion Architect
Being an architect (of buildings) I appreciate Madeleine Vionnet's approach to clothing "architecture."It is a pleasure analyzing the patterns and looking at the results in the gowns.Some of the gowns are very contemporary-looking and would be appropriate on today's "red carpet" events.It is a worthy and significant addition to any library

Designer skilled beyond belief
I have always admired photos of Vionnet's gowns.Not until I read this book did I have the slightest inkling of the genius in her work.She was truly an architect of clothing for the body.The book shows photos of each garment accompanied by pattern illustrations to show how the garment was constructed.Pure amazement.A wonderful book to give to anyone working with fabric, from fiber artists to homemakers.
Inspiring!
Though I have not read this book through I have paged through completely and it is a wonder visually.It has amazing photos along with patterns and history of many of Vionnet's creations.This book can be enjoyed by pattern makers, designers, history buffs and clothes horses.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Biography    4. Commercial - Fashion Design    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Fashion design    8. France    9. History    10. Patterns    11. Vionnet, Madeleine    12. Women costume designers    13. Biography: general    14. Photography / General   

Reviews (17)

Nunca se separe de su ejemplar
Es de los libros que nos ayudan a liberarnos de los prejuicios. Otorga libertad. Me lo leo una vez al mes. Lo que ense�a en sus paginas es dificil de aplicar a la vida en pocas semanas. Hay que leerlo cada cierto periodo.

Insiteful & Soulful
Each book of Miguel Ruiz has a unique perspective and way to show a journey for an individual, which will bring them from any darkness they are experiencing into their own light of happiness.I give away these books as gifts as I find them incredible assets for everyday living.
This is a great book,.
Please learn to reflect every day. think on todays day like it is the last day of your life and enjoy it the best that you can ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient Philosophy    2. Careers - General    3. Conduct of life    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. General    6. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    7. Miscellanea    8. Normative Ethics    9. Personal Growth - General    10. Philosophy    11. Psychology    12. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    13. Toltec philosophy   

Subjects:  1. 18th Century World History    2. Encyclopedias    3. Enlightenment    4. Europe    5. Europe - General    6. History - General History    7. Philosophy    8. Reference    9. United States    10. European history: c 1500 to c 1750    11. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    12. History, World | Modern    13. Reference / Encyclopedias    14. Social history    15. Western philosophy, c 1600 to c 1800    16. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (8)

A refreshing, compact look at Sephardic history
It has often been difficult for me to keep old textbooks.Oftentimes they're dry as toast and I can't wait to foist them off to the university bookstore again.However, I kept Gerber's book after my Spanish Jewry class ended.Simply put, it's a nice little treasure.
"Basta mi nombre que es Abrabanel."
THE JEWS OF SPAIN is an eminently readable and important survey history of the Ibero-Jewish experience from Biblical times. The Jews of Sepharad (Spain) are first mentioned in the Prophetic Book of Obadiah. From this beginning in antiquity, they can trace their history on Spanish soil right down to the present day.
True Experience
I am a Sephardic Jew,I have thought these thoughts and felt these feelings.I read the book and was surprised that my thoughts and feelings were far from uncommon among Spain's exiles and Jane Gerber captured it truly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Jewish - General    6. Judaism - General    7. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    8. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    9. Jewish studies    10. Judaism    11. Religion / Judaism / General    12. Spain   

Reviews (21)

Five Royle Grand Duaghters
This book is an amazing look at five of Queen Victoria's Granddaughters that would themselves be Queens of five countries and affect the course of history.
Fascinating history book
It was always interesting to see how Queen Victoria ruled the world and reading of her granddaughters who became queens,is very fascinating!!! A part of history that will probably not be repeated except for the present Queen of England.
A good book to read if your familar with Queen Victoria.
This is a good book to read if you are extremely familar with Queen Victoria. There are two problems with this book, (1) The author did not focus or give enough information about Queen Maud's life as she did with the other grandaughters. (2) It's lacking information in certain places.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Europe    6. Historical - General    7. Queens    8. Royalty    9. Russia    10. Victoria,    11. Women   

Reviews (14)

Agincourt: A great medieval battle in France leads Henry V of England to greatness
Agincourt is the lastest book by noted Bronte biographer Juliet Barker. Barker received her Ph.D. from Oxford in Medieval History; needless to say she is an expert on Agincourt!
Excellent history; the first "band of brothers"
If you can set aside the Hollywood and Shakespearean versions of Henry V for a few hours and immerse yourself in the details of the complete campaign in France in 1415, starting with the ascension of the young king and running through to hints of the eventual outcomes of the war (think Joan of Arc and some rare French victories in revenge), you will find an exhaustive, at times exhausting account of piety, intrigue, treachery, treason, courage, leadership and good, old-fashioned battlefield management.
Clears up a lot of misconseptions
Most of our perceptions, if not knowledge, of the battle at Agincourt come from Branagh's 1989 film of Shakespeare's Henry V. But that perception is limited. The film makes it appear that there was a small group of buddies out to resist the not much bigger French forces.
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Subjects:  1. 1066-1485    2. 1387-1422    3. Agincourt, Battle of, Agincourt, France, 1415    4. Europe - Great Britain - General    5. Great Britain    6. Henry    7. History    8. History - Military / War    9. History, Military    10. History: World    11. King of England,    12. Medieval    13. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    14. Military - Other    15. Military History - Medieval    16. Western Europe - General    17. History / Europe / Western   

Reviews (81)

The One Book
This was the second book I read in my Holocaust Literature class and it's excellent! Gerda describes everything perferctly, taking you back in time. She remembers both the good and the bad with extreme clarity, something I wish I had (I have a horrible memory). The actual story being told is extremely sad though and I almost feel that it's wrong to tell of something like Gerda went through and saw, but the courage and strength she has gained in life is unbelievable (an epiloge is included in the back showing this). Gerda is such an inspiration and I hope that there are more people like her in the future. If I could only bring 1 holocaust book with me to a desert island, this would be it! Highly recommended.

Amazing
I read this book for an eigth grade English project last year.It is truely touching and amazing to think how the world once was, and still is in some areas of the world.When I read this book, I could hardly put it down.Even now, it makes me remember the pain the war caused.This is a good read that speaks the truth.

Life, Hope, Survival
It may have been serendipity that the author survived the German labor camps.This book, however, is about more than serendipity--it's about character, and the ability of a survivor to heal and find beauty, purpose and love in the aftermath of great personal tragedy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1924-    2. Bielsko-Biaa    3. Bielsko-Bia±a    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Conscript labor    9. Germany    10. Historical - Holocaust    11. Holocaust    12. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    13. Jews    14. Klein, Gerda Weissmann,    15. Personal narratives    16. Poland    17. Women    18. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (23)

Good author, bad editor
This is an excellent book, which has received much well deserved praise. Rather than repeating the praise, I would like to take up a few points which I feel a good editor would have corrected:
The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939
A very good book for the period leading up to WWII....an interesting read for all those interested in WWII and the events that defined what really happened. Provides in-depth facts and represents well thought-out research....a very good read.

Mad Delusion Of Propaganda
The Battle For Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 is a book that focuses on not just the causes of the conflict and military actions taken during it, but also on the ideals, goals and politics that shaped the two sides.
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Subjects:  1. Civil War, 1936-1939    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Military - Other    7. Revolutionary    8. Spain    9. History / Military / General   

Reviews (73)

History Comes Alive and in Such Amazingly Unexpected Ways!
In just over 60 chapters, this gifted author exposes a long series of various types of scandals, plots and curious events that have occurred throughout most of recorded (European) history. The stories are weaved in carefully crafted prose that is also very cleverly tongue-in-cheek. This combination, along with the fact that chapters are only a few pages long, makes the book very entertaining and extremely difficult to put down. The first thing you know is that you've finished devouring the book, only to find your appetite craving for a couple more just like it. This is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Great Book-Interesting People
This book is very interesting if you are into history. The people covered in the book range from Roman Emperors around the time of Christ, to bad Popes, to French English Russian German Kings and Emperors. Such examples of these being the family of Napolean, the descendents of Isabella and Ferdinand, the "War of the Roses" the many wives of Henry VIII and their children, and the children of James II.There are many more people and so much iformation, but they are all worth the read

ROYAL GOSSIP
This book is a very fun read.I especially liked the story on Louis XIV's brother, he must have been a hilarious spectacle.Honestly you wonder how these people were allowed to rule, they were so hedonistic and debauched, but frankly that's what makes this book so amusing.Though this book is quite good, the benchmark on these type of books is Royal Babylon, that book is fantastic, it has more stories and is more explicit, but honestly, I recommend them both, although they cover some of the same ground, they compliment each other. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Conduct of life    3. Europe - Great Britain - General    4. Heads of state    5. Historical - General    6. History    7. History: World    8. Kings and rulers    9. Royalty    10. Scandals    11. Biography: royalty    12. History / Social History    13. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (99)

Born Fighting and Unreconstructed!!!
As a proud Kentuckian, Presbyterian, and combat Marine this book has become my Bible.I can never thank James Webb for the inspiration that he has given me in my life with every book that he has written.This book though is one that stands apart.
Honor - Courage - Committment
If only more people were as proud of their heritage !
WOW!
What a thoroughly enjoyable read! Jim Webb has told the story of my people better than anyone I've read--there are a couple of other books that attempt what he so masterfully accomplished. I was pleased to learn that stubbornness, the willingness to fight when pressed, and honor were genetic---or at least hard-wired into the Scot-Irish people. An excellent review of our history, and of our people and how they came to be major players in establishing this Great Nation.
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Subjects:  1. Elements In The U.S. Population    2. Ethnic Studies - General    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. Race And Ethnic Relations    7. Social History    8. United States - General    9. History / United States / General   

Reviews (2)

Camilla & Charles:A Selfish Love Affair
While I felt that this was an interesting read I felt the author painted an unfair portrait of Diana.She portrayed Diana as a crazy, unstable shrew and yet it was Charles refusal to end his relationship with Camilla that caused Diana to be so unhappy and angry.I don't think there are very few women on this planet that would be happy and accept the fact that their husband has a mistress for 20 years that he refuses to give up after marriage.It proved to me at least, that Diana was justified in her ending her marriage and giving up the throne.The author paints Charles and Camilla as 2 poor lovers who go through hell just to be together.I felt no sympathy for either of them.But it is an engrossing book none the less.

Think of England
An even and informative tale about Camilla Parker-Bowles, a poor little rich girl who may someday get her prince.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1947-    2. 1948-    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Camilla,    7. Charles,    8. Duchess of Cornwall,    9. Great Britain    10. Great Britain - History - 20th Century    11. Historical - British    12. Prince of Wales,    13. Princes    14. Relations with women    15. Charles    16. Parker Bowles, Camilla    17. Sociology, Social Studies    18. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (149)

The Truth About War
All the barroom heroes, the bellowing "patriots," and those who are willing to fight to the last drop of someone else's blood...likely wouldn't learn anything from this book.However, for the great majority of humanity, including those who may have been seduced by the "glory" of war, this book would prove most instructive.More than any other book I have read describing personal experiences during war, this one provides a comprehensive, detailed, and compelling picture of its reality.The author spares neither himself nor anyone else, in showing the cruelty, fear, and insanity that both explain and indict battlefield conduct.He describes as "packs of wolves" the groups of starving soldiers walking for days across frozen stretches of land, who desolate whole villages in their search for food.War crimes are commonplace and as understandable as they are deplorable...and mixed in with this are the unexpected mercy, personal misery, and always the desperation of men who expect to die, but don't want to...usually.
MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT
Before reading this controversial book, I did some research into the argument that Sajer's memoir is or is not authentic and came away from it sitting on the fence. I had to read this book and judge it for myself, having read more than a few memoirs from the German side previously. Although it has been claimed that Guy Sajer is a real person who did fight in the Wehrmacht, my sources relate that Sajer did not defend the book as a meticulous eye-witness account of the battles he was in or of the time frame in which they were fought. Essentially, Sajer says that his book is more about feelings than about facts. It is an impression of war and not a history book, so fact and accuracy take a back seat to the author's purpose of creating a mood.
Remarkable
The Forgotten Soldier is an amazing read, one that will invoke a variety of emotions within the reader.The stark and horifying landscape painted by the author places the reader right at the Eastern Front.If one wants to "feel" the experience of a soldier at battle, this is one of the best books ever written to gain that experience.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Europe - Germany    5. Historical - General    6. Military    7. Military - World War II    8. Biography & Autobiography / Military    9. Biography: historical    10. European history: Second World War    11. Germany   

Reviews (3)

An excellent history of the III SS-Panzer Korps
This book was an interesting read about the III SS-Panzer-Korps (Germanisches).
Excellent History of the III SS Panzer Korps
Like most of Wilhelm Tieke's books, excellently written blending tremendous historic details along with many engrossing personal accounts. Of the 60 JJ Fedorowicz titles that are in my collection, this book is my favorite. Recommended without hesitation for anyone interested in the Waffen SS or War on the Eastern Front. Also note, this book was selected as one the Top Ten Military Books for the year 2001 as determined from the Stone&Stone.com Military Book Survey.

Triump of the Will!
This book recounts in full details the idealism and ultimate sacrifice of the Germans, ethnic Germans and European volunteers in the Korps which fought to stem the Red Bolshevic hordes from the cradle of civilization. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Military    3. Military - World War II    4. Military life & institutions    5. Germany    6. Regiments   

Reviews (3)

Beautiful and Charming
This is a Wonderful book! The pictures are very beautiful, vivid! A Photo Collection Of Great Interest
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