Product Description
The Barnum Museum is a combination waxworks, masked ball, and circus sideshow masquerading as a collection of short stories. Within its pages, note such sights as: a study of the motives and strategies used by the participants in the game of Clue, including the seduction of Miss Scarlet by Colonel Mustard; the Barnum Museum, a fantastic, monstrous landmark so compelling that an entire town finds its citizens gradually and inexorably disappearing into it; a bored dilettante who constructs an imaginary woman--and loses her to an imaginary man!--and a legendary magician so skilled at sleight-of-hand that he is pursued by police for the crime of erasing the line between the real and the conjured.
Ingeniously written and orchestrated, each exhibit in The Barnum Museum will compel you to continue, each story becoming a lure to the next.
Customer Reviews:
Couldn't get into this book.......2007-09-01
The story ideas sounded good, but in reading them, I was bored.
I saw "The Illusionist" and really liked it. This is one case where the movie is better than the written story.
Short stories defy classification.......2007-06-10
Very well-written almost-classic short stories defy classification. Millhauser writes descriptively but sparingly, a seemingly contradictory characterization that makes his bare-bones stories deeper and more complex than their length would otherwise allow.
Interestingly, the story that spurred me to read this collection, :Eisenheim the Illusionist" that was the basis for the recent movie The Illusionist, wasn't the best story of the lot. While the movie did a good job of capturing the aura of matter-of-fact mystery of the story, the story is too spare to carry a full-length Hollywood movie without embellishment. Both the movie and the story are excellent, but other stories in the collection are better.
My favorites:
--"The Barnum Museum", which describes a real place in such terms of mystery and desire that the reader's heart will ache in hope that such a place really exists, in the mind if nowhere else.
--"Klassik Komix #1" which is a panel-by-panel description of a 30's-style comic book of obscure and uncertain meaning. Again, Millhauser's spare writing style lends the story more meaning in the missing pieces.
Everything as advertised.......2007-05-08
This item was exactly as advertised and was received quickly and in excellent condition.
The Barnum Museum Stories.......2007-03-25
The short story form is one of the most difficult to master, but Steven Milhauser does just that, become its master. This collection of short stories, including Eisenheim the Illusionist which became a fascinating film last year starring Edward Norton, was - for me - his crowning achievement. You'll want to go back again and again to read the stories and find each time something you hadn't noticed before, some nuance, perhaps, that opens the door a little more into Milhauser's fascinating world.
A different (but pleasing) style of writing.......2007-03-09
To add a different type of praise to Steven Millhauser's work.... I suggest "The Barnum Museum" to those who want to try reading a different style of writing. Not to say that his style is difficult because it is not. But his style is a enjoyable departure from the usual short story telling and his stories are a departure from the "usual."
It is not appropriate to try to explain his style because it would detract from the discovery that you will have if you try this book. Try it, I think that you will be happy for the experiance.
Book Description
The last thing newly-dubbed knight Sir Kenneth MacKenzie desires is a wife. In fact, what he both desires and needs is a little solitude and privacy to restore his newly inherited Cuidrach Castle to its former glory. His new social position demands he behave with chivalry and hospitality, even though there is a beautiful and shapely woman claiming to be his wife, living in his home. She has no right to be trespassing in his castle and stealing his name and he has every intention of forcing this beautiful woman out, hospitality be damned!Lady Mariota Macnicol has been burned by love before and she has no intention of letting it happen again. She gave her heart to a golden-tongued man who beguiled her so completely that she sacrificed her dowry, her body, and her good name. Rather than honor that, he died in his mistress's arms and, through some evil machinations, Mariota was branded his murderess. So Mariota took to Cuidrach Castle with a little white lie to keep her location a secret. But Kenneth is unlike any nobleman Mariota has ever encountered...Before long, this man who craved solitude will discover a desire he never thought possible for the stunning and spirited woman. And this "murderess" who no longer believes in love will find a love deeper and more enduring than any she ever thought possible.
Customer Reviews:
Another EXCELLENT Welfonder Book.......2007-04-08
She just keeps getting better. Her Scottish tales keep me enthralled from page one to the end. Wish I could rate her books higher as they are so very excellent as Ms Welfonder is so very talented in her way of writing.
You can tell that her heart & soul are deeply entrenched in Scotlands misty moors & heather in the highlands.
Knight is a winner.......2006-08-11
I have read and enjoyed all of Ms Welfonder's books. Until the Knight Comes is no exception. The characters and story line are well developed, richly detailed and the atmosphere created by the writer draws you into the story. Ms Welfonder does extensive research for her books and it shows in all the small details that make the story come alive. I always know that a Sue-Ellen Welfonder book will be worth the price and will transport me to ancient Scotland for hours of enjoyable reading.
The Best of Summer Reads.......2006-07-14
I've read several medieval romances this summer, and Until the Knight Comes has been my favorite. Sir Kenneth MacKenzie is a marvelously fierce knight. Lady Mariota MacNichol both fiery and passionate. This story was engaging and sensual and wonderfully romantic.
Amazing Talent!.......2006-07-14
Ms. Welfonder hooked me from the first page. Captivating, steamy, utterly breathtaking, she brings the Highlands to life with her impassioned stories. A very memorable and recommended read.
3-1/2* Lovely Medieval Romance.......2006-07-09
Once again Welfonder returns the reader to her beloved medieval Scotland to give her fans a dose of romance and intrigue amongst the heather, lochs and crags of the land and people she clearly loves.
Lady Mariota Macnicol defied her family to become the lover of Hugh Aleson, Bastard of Drumodyn thinking he loved her and would take her to wife. Instead, he lived right up to his name the moment Mariota discovered him fornicating with the local alewife. So shocked at being discovered Hugh died of a heart attack, but the alewife so angered at losing a hefty source of income, stole the stunned Mariota's dirk, plunging it into Hugh's chest and escaped while Mariota was found and accused of killing the liege lord of the castle.
Imprisoned in the dungeon, Mariota was rescued by her companion Nessa and they escaped to the vacant ruin of Castle Cuidrach. Unfortunately, for the two women the newly made knight, Sir Kenneth MacKenzie has just arrived to take possession of his inheritance. Mariota boldly claims she is the lady of the keep awaiting her husband but quickly changes her story when Kenneth informs her -- the keep in now his. Both have vowed to never love again, but chemistry and the meddling Devorgilla of Doon would soon be working her magic to have them both singing a new tune and to help them face the danger of besting those who sought to tear them apart.
*** This was a bit slower in pace than Welfonder's previous titles but resonates clearly this authors love of Scotland through the vivid imagery of her prose. I also found the suspense and intrigue to be a tad bit less developed in this and focused more on the character development of both Kenneth and Mariota and their burgeoning romance. Lady Mariota, was ashamed of her affair with the knave Hugh and to have witnessed his betrayal of her in the most shocking manner after going against her beloved family to be with him was a tremendous burden to carry. Kenneth lived with the stigma of his bastard lineage and had always steered clear of `fallen women'. These were two wounded souls whose physical attraction to another disguised the `love' that neither cared to admit to. Secondary characters were all colorfully brought to life and I was thrilled to see Devorgilla reappearing to add that delightful bit of magic I've found to be immensely satisfying in this series. Jamie "the Small" was a darling and I certainly hope to see more of him in future offerings. Well written, nicely sensual love scenes combined with a sweet ending that will melt your heart and mist your eyes are all in store for the reader.
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
Average customer rating:
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Until the Knight Comes
Manufacturer: Warner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I62I7O |
Book Description
In the aftermath of Gettysburg, the 35th Regiment of the Union Army were pulled through a time warp, leaving them stranded in a strange alien word. Now it's time for exploration-and to discover a way to survive...
Product Description
A revealing account of a New Age spirituality that has infiltrated much of the church today. Exposes the subtle strategies to compromise the gospel message with Eastern mystical practices cloaked under evangelical terminology and wrappings. Topics include: Contemplative Prayer Yoga Labyrinths Spiritual Directors Reiki Desert Fathers Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines Purpose Driven and the Emerging Church Some questions this book answers ... What exactly is contemplative spirituality and how is it New Age? Who are some of the major proponents of contemplative prayer and how are their teachings entering the church? Is Rick Warren s Purpose Driven paradigm promoting the contemplative prayer movement? What is wrong with Christian yoga? What is the emerging church really all about and why is it spiritually dangerous?
Customer Reviews:
Very well researched book.......2007-10-02
Seems like most of the books I have been reading lately have all been by authors that will read of few books someone else has written on a subject and then put them all together in their own book, So you just keep getting the same information over and over. It is obvious that this author has actually studied and researched his subjects and offers new information that most people can not see. I have studied the New Age Movement for many years and have read many many books. A Time of Departing gave me a better understanding of several subjects. You will be impressed!!
The most complete study of the current apostacy in the church.......2007-09-14
My husband and I have both read this book, and purchased multiple copies to give to friends. Ray Yungen has succeeded in bringing forth the truth about the current trends in the church and those who are promoting them. Any Christian with discernment will find this book a necessity in these days, for it truly helps the reader make sense of the new terms and trends within the church and the spirit of error within each one. We have referenced it time and again. Lighthouse Trails publishing/Research is truly a light for truth in this world of spiritual deception. Many thanks for publishing this great book for Mr. Yungen.
The "savage wolves" are here........2007-09-04
In Acts 20, Paul tells the elders of the church in Ephesus that after he leaves, "savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them."
Ray Yungen gives the same warning today! Contemplative practices are in the church. Men have arisen and are distorting the truth...and they have many followers. If you are committed to Biblical, Christ-centered Christianity, you need to understand the history, the process, and the promoters of contemplative prayer. This book is the place to start your own study of this not-so-new New Age practice invading the church.
A Must Read!.......2007-09-03
This book opened my eyes to a movement within the evangelical church that is very dangerous. Mr. Yungen's book will equip the reader to discern the sign of the times.
a must read!!!!.......2007-08-31
Ray Yungen does an excellent work on exposing the new age filtering into the church today. Thought provoking and never dull, I would recommend this book to anyone who has questions about what is going on in Christiandom today. This book I have used many times to evaluate books that are in question that are being promoted as Christian material today.
Customer Reviews:
This is an excellent book of sophisticated French desserts.......2006-09-01
I own Professional Pastry Chef by Bo Friberg, compare to that book this book is so tiny. However, this book has many recipes that the professional pastry chef contained, mostly with colored pictures. The recipes are easy to follow compare to PPC and with pictured instructions. I agree with the other reviewer who said that pictures a bit dated, but it understandable since this book was published in the late 70s early 80s. PPC and many other books that I tried had often referred to the recipes from other pages, therefore seeing the same method in this book didn't bother me much.
Overall this book carries more bangs than many other larger books in its class. I say buy this book over monster size PPC if you are an at home or professional baker and need to learn the classic French desserts.
Track this book down if you love baking!.......2003-01-08
Gaston Lenotre has compiled a mouth-watering book of French pastries that an intermediate or ambitious beginning cook should have no trouble using. The color photographs are gorgeous, although dated in appearance, and the recipes are well-written and easy to follow.
The book is laid out as though assuming the reader has no knowledge of pastry baking. The book begins with a compilation of terms and techniques, and procedes to a section of "basic" recipes such as Chantilly Cream, Butter Cream, Dessert Syrup, and Almond Paste. And then the fun begins: brioche, croissants, and pithiviers, working up to Mirabelle Plum Tart, Chocolate-Vanilla Charlotte, soufflees, and Autumn Meringue Cake. The cool-down phase is candy: truffles, chocolate thistles, and carmelized hazelnuts. The Strawberry Cake, deceptively simple in name, is outstanding with its genoise base, buttercream and fresh berry filling, and marzipan top. The Upside Down Orange Cake and the chocolate mousse filled and pleated chocolate ribbon topped Autumn Meringue Cake are also show stoppers. For each recipe, Lenotre supplies preparation time (valid only if you are already familiar with the techniques), baking time, and cookware/utensil needs.
The biggest drawback to this cookbook is the constant referral to basic recipes, demanding frequent page flipping as you prepare a pastry. For example, the Strawberry Cake requires one recipe of buttercream filling, one recipe of dessert syrup, one recipe of genoise, one recipe of almond paste in addition to the more specific needs. Of course, the advantage of such shortened ingredient lists is the mistaken belief that the preparation might be simpler than it is.
For anyone interested in the art of pastry making, this is a wonderful book.
Average customer rating:
- Warm, funny, wonderful, poignant and very surprising!
- Wonderful book
- Enchanted Companion
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Enchanted Companions: Stories Of Dolls In Our Lives
Carolyn Michael
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Dolls
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0740733311 |
Book Description
"Dolls hold a power that time doesn't diminish," says author and doll artist Carolyn Michael. In Enchanted Companions: Stories of Dolls in Our Lives, she proves her point with a captivating collection of men's and women's memories of their dolls.More than 40 black-and-white photographs pulled from albums around the world enrich these heartwarming, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking stories. The writers span generations and cultures. From a nine-year-old child to a 92-year-old grandmother, each has a special doll story to tell:o Sisters tell stories of their brother, George, an outspoken, self-assured ventriloquist doll who insists he's no dummy.o During her confinement at an internment camp of Japanese Americans during World War II, a woman teaches herself and others to make dolls.oA young girl, given a doll to ease the pain of leaving her mother and Korean homeland for a new life in America, grows up celebrating the doll's birthday, which is the anniversary of her adoption.o A man recalls the fun adventures he had playing with his brother's original G.I. Joe, and the shame he felt when he broke it. Enchanted Companions reminds us that, more than mere playthings, dolls are cherished companions, keepers of secrets, and sparks for the imagination.
Customer Reviews:
Warm, funny, wonderful, poignant and very surprising!.......2007-03-01
All these words describe Carolyn Michael's book Enchanted Companions. But mostly it is full of surprises. None of the stories are predicatable or the sort of stories I would imagine that people would have about dolls. Dolls touch peoples' lives in unexpected ways. My favorites stories were "George Rufus Yoder" and "Bawl Room Dance." Amazing writing and a beautifully put-together book. I want volume two if there is one!
Wonderful book.......2002-09-06
filled with heart, laughter, joy and memorable characters. Vintage black and white photos of doll owners and their "enchanted companions" enhance this delightful book. A marvelous gift.
Enchanted Companion.......2001-12-17
This book was created by Carolyn Michael, her friends, and other contacts as a part of individual and group writing practice. The author states in the introduction that she was inspired by a story written by another participant about her mother's feelings about a special doll. The story is the first story in the book, entitled "Who Would I Tell?" by Susan Berlin. This treasure holds 24 more stories, which the author has been collecting since 1993. This memoir style collection speaks with many voices, including several pieces by children. The stories are brought to life with black and white photos of the dolls that are in each story and by picures of the writers as children. My favorite story in this collection is called, "The Night My Fanny Hit the Wall" by Nina Munk, who was 15 when she wrote this story. She speaks of the touching moment when she realized that her dolls were not real. Carolyn Michael's collection allows each writer to share their own personal experience, while connecting the reader with the common experiences that many of us have shared. I would recommend this book for adults and older children who value the memories of love and friendship with their own special dolls, and for those who want to reflect on a cherished time in childhood.
Book Description
For eighty years Philip Simmons has molded lumps of metal into beautiful ornamental gates, fences, and railings. In the only book for young readers about this amazing African-American craftsman, Mary E. Lyons crafts a vivid portrait of a remarkable man and his art. Researching the book with intricate care, Lyons visited frequently with Simmons and his coworkers. Using the artist's own words, she has pulled together not only a vision of the man and his work but the story of his remarkable lifetime, from his beginning as the great-grandson of slaves to his achievements as a nationally renowned artist. Philip Simmons is truly a working person's hero and role model. Catching the Fire presents the landscape of his life. This is the story of a man who loves his work and who creates art with passion.
Customer Reviews:
A Charleston Treasure.......2007-05-23
After visiting Charleston and meeting this wonderful, talented gentleman, I bought the book to learn more about him. It is well written and describes beautifully the wrought iron gates that he designed and built in this lovely city. If you've seen any of his work either in Charleston or the Smithsonian Museum, this book will add to your knowledge of this very talented African American, now 95 years old.
The man & his Craft.......2001-01-30
I am sorry, but I never read the book, but I purchased it as a gift for friend. However I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Simmons on a tour of Charleston, South Carolina in 1998. He is an incredibly lively person who is full of humor and has countless stories to share. I remember one in particular, when he spoke of his years as a boy when there were only horse & carriages for transportation. Then he said the age of the automobile came to be and folks would stop whatever they were doing to watch in awe as the automobile went by. Then he chuckled quietly as he descibed the same behavior today when a horse & carriage goes clamoring through town. There are no words to describe the artistic craftmanship of Mr. Simmons iron works, you simply have to see for yourself. As for Mr. Simmons, he is a proud yet humble man about his craft, his works and his life, you should meet him for yourself.
A stirring and fascinating account.......1999-08-04
a stirring and engaging account of a man whose life spans almost the whole century, who grew up in a fascinating environment, regularly crossing between worlds while he served an apprenticeship, and went on to cross between other worlds, a folk artist who is regarded by the art world as a peerless sculptor, whose work is exhibited in museums. THis is a great study by a preeminent folklorist that will interest anyone.
Book Description
From the creative minds behind one of the world's most innovative flower shops comes the book that will revolutionize the way we buy and use flowers. Lays out plans for reawakening the flower industry while offering practical advice for amateurs and professionals alike, with countless examples of how to create natural flower arrangements.
Full-color photographs.
Customer Reviews:
A book for lorists.......2000-04-14
This is a book dedicated to the flower business.The authordetails his own experiences, observations and personal view about howto buy and sell flowers.The basic idea is to use the best and unsual flowers to create occasional arrangements.
The book presents some chapters about natural flower arrangemnts.It is presented the Madderlake style, maybe a mix of English and French style.. It is not a book for beginners.The book is quite philosophical and should be read with attention.
If you love flower arrangements, I recommend:Ikebana Expressions by Akane Teshigahara.
Customer Reviews:
i loved this!.......2000-04-04
While doing my science research project, I found many books on advertising, but none as fascinating and complete as this. It's actually fun to look through!
I think it's really true that whatever are in ads reflect our society, and it was interesting to see ALL the entertainment ads, which made me think more about my project and everything else. It's a terrific book!
i loved this!.......2000-04-04
While doing my science research project, I found many books on advertising, but none as fascinating and complete as this. It's actually fun to look through!
I think it's really true that whatever are in ads reflect our society, and it was interesting to see ALL the entertainment ads, which made me think more about my project and everything else. It's a terrific book!
Average customer rating:
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Kiki On One Wheel
Kiki Paige
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Entertainers
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1403304181 |
Product Description
This is the story about the life and times of Otto, Betty and Kiki Paige; based on their lives in the entertainment world. One filled with love, fun, laughter, and of course tragedy. Specifically, in the use of the unicycle, a single wheeled bike, which has been the vehicle that has allowed the family to tour and entertain most of the world. These tours have led to the meeting of some very interesting and important people, and conversely, some not as interesting or important. These tours were with her parents, with the various troupes they had, and then ultimately by herself. Kiki's love life and list of friends and working acquaintances reads like a WHO's WHO in the entertainment world. Her resume is filled with: a European radio show of her own at the age of five; several TV shows; plaques and awards from every imaginable military, institutional, and governmental facet; picture albums that would fill garage walls-all from the entertainment world. This book includes many pictures of her travels and those she met.
Books:
- Branwell: A Novel of the Bronte Brother
- Breaking the Tongue: A Novel
- Buy the Chief a Cadillac: A Novel
- Cereus Blooms at Night: A Novel
- Changes at Fairacre
- Conflicting Sanity
- Dancing on the Edge of the Roof: A Novel
- Dancing With Einstein: A Novel
- Death in Midsummer: And Other Stories
- Death Kit: A Novel
Books Index
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