Winter Range: A Novel

Amazon.com

To say Winter Range is a Montana book is to understate the matter entirely. Winter Range is in fact a perfect reflection of the state itself: big and empty. Claire Davis's ultimately unsatisfying story has a nugget of plot at its center that's plenty fascinating. Good old boy Chas Stubblefield can't seem to make a go of it on the ranch his daddy left to him. He's gone bust, it's the dead of winter, and the starving cattle are dropping in the field like great big flies. Which, as it happens, is a crime in the state of Montana. The novel's protagonist, Sheriff Ike Parsons, has to figure out how to handle this potentially explosive situation. The problem is, Chas is a local, and Ike is a newcomer: neighboring ranchers are likely to close ranks. Another problem is that Chas loves Ike's wife, Pattiann. And the third problem is that the author doesn't trust her material. What could have been a taut thriller of cows and unrequited love has become a meditative snooze as endless as the Montanan winter. Davis constantly delves into her characters' family histories to explain their actions: these are details best left in an author's notebooks. It's admirable that Davis has dreamed up how Pattiann's grandparents met and fell in love. But she doesn't convey their story with any liveliness--these background checks feel like Davis's rote enactment of character motivation. She doubts (rightly) that she's brought Pattiann to life, so she throws a lot of information at us to prove Pattiann's existence.

Which is too bad, because Davis is capable of very nice sentences. About a spring dawn: "Everything about this morning said soon." And Ike is a genuinely appealing character: his position as an outsider subverts a lot of sheriff mythology. As his wife, Pattiann, muses, "He was too human for his job. But of course, that's what made him right for it." If only Davis would trust her readers to believe it, rather than trotting out Ike's family tree to convince us. --Claire Dederer

Book Description

Ike Parsons is a small-town Montana sheriff whose life is stable and content; his wife Pattiann is a rancher's daughter with a secret past. But when Ike tries to help a hard-luck cattleman named Chas Stubblefield, he triggers Chas's resentment and finds his home and his wife targeted by a plot for revenge. An award-winning debut novel, Winter Range offers the intimate details of ranching life and a grand, gripping portrait of the West today.

Customer Reviews:

Anyone can publish.......2006-03-26

I was horribly disappointed in "Winter Range". I wonder if the people who granted so many awards for this book actually read the book. And, the reader who reported that this book compares with "Snow Falling on Cedars" is in left field. The author fails to deliver from start to end. Winter Range has a poorly developed plot, weak characters, dead end subplots, and tedious descriptive passages. The author needlessly obsesses over details on sex and animal cruelty, and fails to present a cohesive story and characters. The end was horrible; not only was it unrealistic, it was anticlimactic and could have been so much for artfully and tastefully completed.

I struggled through this book only because it was a book club selection. As I am familiar with Montana, I was disappointed in the author's misrepresentation of so many facets of the state and it's people. The most ridiculous error was that the region where the story takes place, what's termed the "hi-line", is not even geographically close to "eastern" Montana, as the ignorant author kept referring.

gripping tale about life on the range.......2006-03-17

This was a gripping tale about life on the range with some suspense thrown in. I've read other books that have let the story be the harsh climate, ranching, and small town life. This book did that plus had an intriguing storyline/mystery.

A top notch literary western....and much more........2005-05-30

This is a contemporary literary western, as its title implies, but it is also a love story, a meditation on animal rights, and a study of the values of a small community. The author has a gift of dialog and writes beautiful descriptive passages.

It's interesting to compare the history and sense of identity of Pattiann, one of the author's main characters in here, with that of Judy Blunt, author of the memoir, BREAKING CLEAN. Blunt's memoir is an excellent tandem read, and in the front of the book she provides us with a map which comes in handy reading either book.

Blunt is also the first person the author thanks on the acknowledgments page, but I can also see the influences here of William Kittredge's HOLE IN THE SKY and OWNING IT ALL, and perhaps some of Pam Houston's COWBOYS ARE MY WEAKNESS. Also, there are some interesting contrasts in here to Alan LeMay's novel by the same title, WINTER RANGE, published back in 1932.

Claire Davis's WINTER RANGE, however, is still distinctly the author's creation and wondrously beautiful and compelling it is. Overlooked for major awards during its year, it was still good enough to be selected for discussion by the FRESH INK READING GROUP at Readerville and made for an interesting month. Five Stars.

Far From Empty.......2004-02-28

I hope that nobody was deterred from buying this book by the absurd Amazon editorial review which dismissed it as "big and empty, just like the state of Montana". Those of us who live in the state take offense at such comments. I would also like to point out to this reviewer (who notes, with seeming derision, that starving cattle is "apparently a crime in Montana") that animal neglect and cruelty happen to be crimes in all 50 states, not just in the "empty" ones.

That said, let me tell you why Winter Range is worth your time. First of all, it's a very good read --highly compelling. THe plot revolves around the conflict between a small town sheriff and a failed rancher, but Davis peels back layer upon layer to show us that the roots of this conflict run much deeper than these two men. In fact, the conflict strikes at the heart of an entire community, and an entire (dying) way of life.

I have spent the past five years working in tiny towns and rural areas of Montana, and the tension between the townspeople and the "outsider" sheriff in this story really struck a chord with me. I think Davis has realistically captured the attitude of small town Westerners towards newcomers, while managing to evoke sympathy for both sides.

This book is well-written, original, full of tension, and it leaves you with something to think about after you're finished. WHat more could you ask of a novel? THe only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I think the author fell just short of reaching the full potential of this story. At times, it seemed she wasn't sure what kind of story she wanted to tell. This book has all the elements of a terrific thriller, yet Davis purposefully (I think) detracts from the dramatic tension by digressing into long psychological explorations of her characters. It's almost as if she was embarassed to write a straight-up thriller because she is a talented writer and talented writers are only supposed to write 'literary' novels. Yet I think she could have let this novel be the fast-paced nail-biter it was meant to be, and her top-notch writing and characterization would have still made it stand apart from the rest of that genre.

But this was only her first novel, and it is much, much better than most first attempts. Highly recommended, whether you're looking for excellent writing or a good old-fashioned page-turner.

Not for the feint of heart.......2002-08-31

I couldn't stomache the crulety to the animals. Only the worst of our society would treat animals in this fashion.

Customer Reviews:

a satisfying 3 1/2 star read.......2005-08-13

I have enjoyed Glenda Garland's previous books -- all save "A Delightful Folly" that is which failed to live up to my expectations. "In Pursuit of a Proper Husband" is a follow-up to "A Delightful Folly" and centers on one of the characters from "A Delightful Folly," Noel, Viscount Raversby.

It's been two years since Viscount's Raversby's beautiful wife's (Anne) death. And while he still misses her completely, he has discovered that his wife had kept a secret from him. What this secret is, he's almost afraid to know. But know he must, especially since he has a suspicion that it involves his cad of a brother, Malcolm. And so he tracks his wife's best friend and cousin, Meg Grantham down, and tries to manipulate her into telling him what this secret is. In Meg, however, Raversby has met his match. A military widow who followed the drum, Meg has seen a lot and survived a lot, too much to allow some pampered aristocrat to bully her. But Meg soon realises that Raversby will not go away and seems intent on pushing his presence on her, probably hoping to charm her into telling all. And that's when Meg comes up with a devilish plan of her own. Quickly realising that her shrewish and unpolished niece, Lizzie, is sure to suffer badly while making her bows in London, because of her bad manners, Meg bargains with Raversby that if he helps to see Lizzie credibly established and respectable married, then Meg will reveal all. Surely that will keep the man away. Except that Raversby picks up the gauntlet, and that Meg soon discovers to her dismay that like her dead friend, Anne, she too is quite susceptible to the handsome and dashing Viscount Raversby...

This is definitely a book for readers who prefer mature and intelligent heroines. Meg is no flighty or manipulative beauty; she's clever, witty and loyal, clinging to the beliefs she has, and the path she has chosen for herself. I liked the manner in which the author allowed for the novel to unfold, revealing the secret to the reader about a quarter way into the book, so that one could easily appreciate Meg's stance and root for her to get the better of Raversby. I also liked how she fitted in characters from "A Delightful Folly" allowing for several strands that had been left standing to develop further. And if I was not happy at poor Dorrie's fate, that was my outlook completely. Somehow I felt that Dorrie merited a story of her own, and felt that her ending was a tad shabby. Raversby, as a character, was a little bit more difficult to take to heart. To being with his harping at Meg to share Anne's secret seemed very intrusive; and then there was the fact that he frequently got the worse in the battle of wits between him and Meg, at which he would retire to sulk for a few pages. However, Glenda Garland does give him charm and humour and that does go a long way to making one appreciate this character. (And of course, one does feel sympathy for the man who lost the wife he loved so tragically and then was left with the constant and nagging fear that she had betrayed him in some way.)

All in all though, this was a very good read and one worth recommending. The characters were nicely presented and the story unfolded smoothly and quickly. Especially well done was how the author built up and allowed the romance between our hero and heroine to develop. And if I had one disappointment, it was with the speed at which Dorrie Bourre's story was quickly and undeservedly finished.

Victoria Alexander (When We Meet Again, The Pursuit of Marriage, The Princes Bride, Her Highness My Wife, Love with the Proper Husband, and A Visit from Nicholas)

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Victoria Alexander (When We Meet Again, The Pursuit of Marriage, The Princes Bride, Her Highness My Wife, Love with the Proper Husband, and A Visit from Nicholas)
Victoria Alexander
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QSNOZ4

Product Description

Distressed over the current widespread disinterest in matrimony among their eminently marriageable offspring, the formidable matriarchs of the ton have taken matters into their own meddling hands with the formation of The Ladies' Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain.

4 Books by VICTORIA ALEXANDER (Lady In Question - Love With the Proper Husband - The Pursuit of Marriage - Her Highness My Wife)

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4 Books by VICTORIA ALEXANDER (Lady In Question - Love With the Proper Husband - The Pursuit of Marriage - Her Highness My Wife)
VICTORIA ALEXANDER
Manufacturer: Avon Historical Romance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000V0YGFE

Book Description

Dion-Healer, also called Wolfwalker, dared to try to unlock the secrets of aliens. Her courage was rewarded with their fury, and she was nearly destroyed. Now, desperate to put distance between herself and the fate that awaits her, Dion rages against the wolves as much as she rages against the world.

But she cannot elude those who seek her: the Gray Ones, who grow restless with her absence; the brother searching the wilderness for his Wolfwalker twin; and the people of her homeland, who are relying on her to secure their future with her new knowledge. And there is one other: a distant warrior unable to resist the mysterious force that summons him to find a woman whose face he has never seen, whose name he has never heard.

As the forces of destiny converge on Dion, she must fight to keep her secrets safe--secrets that could change Wolfwalker, warrior, and their very world forever.

Customer Reviews:

3 and 1/2 Stars For Good Writing But There's Still Something Missing.......2007-09-03

"Silver Moons, Black Steel" is the book that is the sequel to "Wolf's Bane", and "Grayheart is the book forthcoming, or "Wolf In Night", whichever works. This book is longer than the last, but length isn't everything. You soon come to notice that the book is nothing more but a set of journies from three indivdual POV's, a very long drawn-out journey for the three to come together at the end.

This review will probably contain spoilers, so...

Dion, the Master Healer and Wolfwalker, is still finding herself. Now, at the end of "Wolf's Bane" she claimed to find what she sought, but you never know with Dion. She is haunted by this unknown man who is a raider named Talon. Talon is also haunted by Dion by the wolves, and Talon realises that he has more of a life than with his father Drovic and his raiders.

This book should have been the thing that saved 'Wolf's Bane' but it barely did. The ending where you find out who Talon is would have brought light to the readers and Dion, but even in the Epologue there's more angst and drama that clouded this book throughout. Talon's raider band that decided to follow him in the end to sort out their lives and make a new one of themselves had plently of room for development or character differences, but even that was a failiure. The raiders Weed, Harare, Sojourn, Ki...they all sound the same, and they have no differences except some habits that they do, and their appearances. They have different fighting styles that are never tested, and they might as well be one person. There were some raiders that were unique, like Al, the only one with red hair, but I noticed a mistake in the book.

In the beginning, Morley, a raider, was killed during a failed robbery attempt yet he appears later on in the book. Something to keep in mind.

Granted, this book was fun to read, and as always, Tara is a very good writer, but it didn't bring anything new to the table.

Another winner.......2004-01-27

I absolutely love the Wolfwalker series. In this book, the reader really gets to focus on the characters. I couldn't put this book down. The suspense and nearly fevered pace keep the reader going. It's something to read again and again. READ THIS BOOK! (after you read the previous ones) Another winner from Tara K. Harper!

Silver Moons, Black Steel.......2003-12-01

This book is so cool. It has adventure, heart-filled moments, and a few laughs. You may want 2 read the pre-sequels 2 this book, or it may not make sence. It has the same characters, and alot more adventures. I loved this book, and I highly suggest it.

Story answers some questions, but..........2002-04-13

This is the 6th book in the Wolfwaker series, and is a worthy addition to the series. I felt conflicted as I read the book, because the underlying thread of this series has been following Dion's adventures, yet the real focus is on a new character named Talon, a raider. It's an adjustment to shift perspectives, and see life through the eyes of a raider since we've grown to dispise them as much as Dion. I felt myself wanting to find out more about Dion throughout the novel, and hoping that the story would shift back to Dion's perspective. Still, I found the story engaging, and couldn't put the book down...

It looks like Tara Harper may be ready to move away from Dion while staying within the same world. I only wish Tara would give us more information on some of the secondary characters like Rhom, Tehana, Gamon, and Gray Hishn. I love the Wolfwalker series, but I wonder how many books Tara has left in her that adds to the legend of Dion...

the missing book.......2001-11-29

here it is the book that was skiped in the series.
It fills in the missing time before Ember Dione's girl is born.

This book was amazing...It had me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning because i wanted to find out who was hunting her through the wolf bond and why.

Dion is suffering from many personal losts and she is trying to hide from all the people who are making demands on her life. The Elders who want her to scout and heal for them, the Wolves who want her to keep her promise to rid them of the plague that haunts them, and the mysterious hunter who she can feel through the pack song.

Like all of Harper's books, i was drawn into the story and could feel the stress and pain that all the characters felt....especially Dion's.

This is a series i can read over and over again and it will never get old. Can't wait for the next one to come out.

Average customer rating:
Silver Moons, Black Steel

Manufacturer: Books On Tape
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0736687874

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Silver Moons, Black Steel: Tales of the Wolves, Book 5 (Unabridged)
Tara K Harper
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000F6INVC

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Silver Moons, Black Steel
Tara K. Harper
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVB48W

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The Wolfwalker Series: Wolfwalker, Shadow Leader, Storm Runner, Grayheart, Wolf's Bane, Silver Moons Black Steel, Wolf in Night (Set of 7 Sci-Fi Novels)
Tara K. Harper
Manufacturer: Del-Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000QYBGEO

Book Description

The Desert Fathers were the first Christian monks, living in solitude in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. In contrast to the formalized and official theology of the "founding fathers" of the Church, they were ordinary Christians who chose to renounce the world and live lives of celibacy, fasting, vigil, prayer, and poverty in direct and simple response to the gospel. First recorded in the fourth century, their Sayings-consisting of spiritual advice, anecdotes, parables, and reflections on life-influenced the rule of St. Benedict, set the pattern for Western monasticism, and have inspired centuries of poetry, opera, and art.

Organized around key themes-Charity, Fortitude, Lust, Patience, Prayer, Self-control, and Visions-this edition of the Sayings is fresh, accessible, and authoritative.

Translated, edited, and with an introduction by Benedicta Ward.

Customer Reviews:

Very inspiring..........2007-10-01

This is a very inspiring and helpful translation of the Desert Fathers' sayings. I am very appreciative of such an inspiring and helpful perspective into early Christian monasticism and mystical theology.

Western Bias on description.......2006-10-14

You write "In contrast to the formalized and official theology of the "founding fathers" of the Church, they were ordinary Christians who chose to renounce the world and live lives of celibacy, fasting, vigil, prayer, and poverty in direct and simple response to the gospel."

I ask, who do you think the founding fathers where? St. Anthony the Great defended the so called "formalized official theology". Please demonstrate where any of the Desert fathers stood in contracst to any of the Christological or Trinitarian doctrines of the seven ecumenical councils.

As far at the Desert Fathers go they are incredible, they are the bases of Christian Theology as has been taught and is continued to be taught in the Orthodox Church.

Relevant for today's spiritual journey.......2006-07-12

"The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks," translated and with an introduction by Benedicta Ward, not only provides insight into the life and thought of early Christian monasticism, but is a source of inspiriation for anyone who wishes to take seriously the disciplines of the Christian faith today.

As I read through most of these thought-provoking quotes and anecdotes, I was amazed at how much the spiritual struggles of these holy men and women are similar to my own. Granted, these were written about and for the monastic setting in the desert over 1,500 years ago, but it doesn't take much to translate the principles provided here into our secular contemporary lives.

This priceless volume served as my bedtime reading for many months, and it will be in the rotation so that I can return to it again and again.

There are so many treasures here. Below are a few samples:

"Chastity is born of tranquility, and silence, and inner prayer."

"If you are not tempted, you have no hope; if you are not tempted, it is because you are sinning."

"The passions work in four stages: first in the heart, then in the face, third in words, fourth in deeds -- and it is in deeds that it is essential not to render evil for evil. If you purify your heart, passion will not show in your expression, but if it does, take care not to speak about it; if you do speak, cut the conversation short in case you render evil for evil."

Highly recommended reading for anyone seeking spiritual discipline.

Good Introduction.......2005-08-26

This 2003 paperback is a good first book on the Desert Fathers. Benedicta Ward's introduction is excellent and her scholarship within the field is well known. This volume is a translation of the Latin text, Verba Seniorum, which arranges the stories and sayings according to topics (Self-Control, Fortitude, Unceasing Prayer, Humility, Charity, etc.) This particular text would make an excellent addition to a home library or a textbook for highschool or college students. A more complete version of these ancient texts can be found in Benedicta Ward's Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Cistercian publications,1975) and The Lives of the Desert Fathers, translated by Norman Russell with a monograph by Benedicta Ward (Cistercian publications, 1981.)

Why mystic monks?.......2005-02-02

This wonderful collection gives an insight into early Christian thought and the part it played in the development of medieval monastic culture. The introduction by Ward is informative, placing the writings in their historical context and outlining the breadth of their influence throughout the middle ages and beyond.

The book is a collection of sayings by Palestinian, Syrian and Egyptian monks and is organised around various themes such as compunction, charity, humility, lust, patience and fortitude. One aphorism by Sisois from the first section in the collection, entitled `Progress in Perfection', establishes a theme that is a constant refrain throughout the volume: `Be despised; put your self-will behind your back; be free of wordly concerns, and you will have peace.'

The section on compunction is possibly the most rich and humane in the collection. It is the `deep piercing' or `compunction' of the soul by grief and love that was central to the faith of the Desert Fathers: `It was said about Arsenius that whenever he was doing manual work he kept a cloth at his chest because of the tears that streamed from his eyes.'

The desert fathers, most likely due to their harsh environment, had a particularly low opinion of the natural world and the human body. Their ideas could consequently be seen as contributing to the anti-ecological strain of Christianity, and the notion that man's spirit is supposedly superior to the rest of creation. Nevertheless, Ward has produced a wonderful translation of the Latin texts that offer unusually rich insights into the secrets of the heart and the psychology of the spiritual life. Its pages are full of wisdom that can still resonate with people in a modern context and, despite their antiquity, assuage some of the anxieties peculiar to our contemporary condition.

The Desert Fathers : Sayings of the Early Christian Monks

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The Desert Fathers : Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Benedicta Ward Various
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Imagine if you could create a delicious home-cooked meal in only minutes and with only four ingredients. An experienced cook can make tasty and appetizing meals for those days when there is barely a minute to spare and a beginning cook will find an excellent resource for quick and easy cooking. Also included are countless recipe variations, as well as numerous nutrition and kitchen tips and techniques. Whatever your situation, The 250 Best 4-Ingredient Recipes will be an outstanding addition to your kitchen.

Create some of these appealing recipes: Seafood Chowder, Busy Day Stew, Gingered Apple Slaw, Baked Maple Salmon, Black Bean Chili, Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff, Polenta Pie, Puffy Oven Pancakes, Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds, Citrus-Baked Apple Slices.

Customer Reviews:

There IS an Audeince for this Book.......2003-03-30

At first glance, my opinion here was that any book offeirng a pizza recipe starting with frozen crust is a crime against humanity, but then I simmered down a bit. I am, after all, something of a fanatic about pizza--and about authentic, complete recipes in general. And then I remembered that I have two kids who have two sterling qualities: Both are a) employed and b) living elsewhere. The big thing is to keep them that way. So fars as a) is concerned I'm helpless, but for b) I'm going to enlist the aid of this book.

Increasingly we live in an age when more and more people--especially young people--think cooking is something only their parents do, and when they grow tired of warming up take-out Chinese in the microwave, they start inviting themselves to dinner. Partly it's the fault of parents who didn't involved kids in the kitchen in the first place, so consider this book the make-up course.

Anyone who hasn't cooked, doesn't cook or thinks he can't cook can and should take this book of clear, simple, easily followed recipes and go to school on it. OK, there are lots of simple and simple-minded recipes like hot-salsa cheese dip and sloppy joes, but there's lots of other stuff they should have learnt about much earlier: tapenade, for example, Indian chicken, pork tenderloin. In short, dishes originating in actual civilizations, not marketing campaigns. In not too much time the user of this book will become competent at the very least, and he'll save a bundle over the cost of take-out. Whether he actually finds himself awakening to the delights of serious cooking and eating--that's another story. For now I'll be happy if my kids--who'll be getting their copies pronto--will progress to the point that I am at least once in a while able to dine at their apartments because they're not ashamed to invite me and I'm not afraid to accept. (Bill Marsano is an award-winning magazine writer on wines/spirits, travel and food.)

Book Description

It has been more than 20 years since a major work on switchblades has been published, and never has one showcased as many different types as Rich Langston's welcome new book. The Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives contains a history of the early cutlery industry in America; a detailed examination of the evolution of switchblades; and a user-friendly, up-to-the-minute, illustrated reference section that helps collectors and novices alike identify all kinds of knives from museum-quality antiques to Granddad's old folder that's been hidden in the attic for decades. Langston, a life-long knife lover and collector, provides an honest appraisal of more than 160 autos based on maker, condition, markings, materials, functioning and availability. This handsome hardcover is for collectors, enthusiasts, historians or anyone even considering buying or selling a switchblade

Customer Reviews:

great for american switchblades only.......2007-07-21

This book has great information on American switchblade history. There is very little information on italian switchblades. All pictures are black and white. If your into American switchblades, this is your book. If your looking for information on Italian switchblades, pass on this book.

the collectors guide to switchblade knifes.......2007-02-24

Some pictures and grading info, has a wide array of types and years of knifes. "Antique American Switchblades" is ten times a better source.

Excellent Reference.......2006-11-03

The most comprehensive book on collectible early switchblades on the market
Well layed out easy to understand, very good book.

Four 'blades up' for this book .......2006-07-27

Richard Langston is an acknowledged expert in this field and a well known avid collector of automatic knives. He does not disappoint in the "Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives" . While the book is a little heavily oriented to towards the early twentieth century companies of Pressbutton, Schrade Walden, and their derivatives, this is in keeping with the spirit of the hobby as these are generally the most sought after knives. His insights on the histories of these companies is invaluable from the standpoint of determining age of these products. On the down side, I would have liked to have seen a little more historical and dating information about other companies products and imported knives, but you can only get so much in one book.

The Love of Subject.......2002-01-23

Richard Langston's book is best summed up by the title of this review. His historical and informational references are effused
with his personality and wit. I enjoyed reading the beginning of this book so much, it left me wanting for more. The early days
of the cutlery industry in the United States, and Upstate New York in particular, were a fascinating time. To read about this
history from the perspective of someone who has been an enthusiastic student for most of his life, is a gift not often discovered.

The Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives : An Illustrated Hardcover Historical & Price Reference

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The Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives : An Illustrated Hardcover Historical & Price Reference
Richard Langston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SHZFKA

Product Description

Hardcover. It has been more than 20 years since a major work on switchblades has been published, and never has one showcased as many different types as Rich Langstons welcome new book. The Collectors Guide to Switchblade Knives contains a history of the early cutlery industry in America; a detailed examination of the evolution of switchblades; and a user-friendly, up-to-the-minute, illustrated reference section that helps collectors and novices alike identify all kinds of knives from museum-quality antiques to Granddads old folder thats been hidden in the attic for decades. Langston, a life-long knife lover and collector, provides an honest appraisal of more than 160 autos based on maker, condition, markings, materials, functioning and availability. This handsome hardcover is for collectors, enthusiasts, historians or anyone even considering buying or selling a switchblade

Customer Reviews:

This is the one you've been waiting for!.......1999-02-01

After you've read and mastered any other chip carving technique, this one comes along as a surprise. Barton reviews other styples and applications of chip carving so that when he explains positive image motif, you get the full impact of what it does. Positive Image motif is a radical change from traditional chip carving but one that is certainly very pleasing. The carver would have to develop his drawing skills to do it, but the results are well worth it! For anyone who works with wood, this is a book that adds an entirely new dimension to any woodworking project.

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Look for another way to "reinvent" your kitchen

Sunset books have come a long way!

Who says "not usual" is not good??!!

Innovative!

Bizarre -- not the usual practical Sunset book.

Sunset Reinvent Your Kitchen
Christine E. Barnes
Manufacturer: Sunset Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Kitchens | Remodeling & Renovation | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Contracting | Construction | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Reinvent Your Bathroom: Over 60 Projects and Quick Decorating Ideas

Before & After Kitchen Makeovers

Kitchens: Planning and Remodeling

Design Ideas for Kitchens (Design Ideas Series)

Sunset Ideas for Great Kitchens (Ideas for Great)

ASIN: 0376017929

Book Description

This collection of over 70 decorating projects, many of which can be done in a day or over a weekend, will update the look of your kitchen without turning your lifeor your wallet upside-down. Detailed instructions and practical step-by-step photographs guide you through innovative projects like hand-painting a tablecloth and napkins, redoing a floor, and building a message center for a kitchen desk area. Quick Changes include instructions for replacing faucets, light fixtures, and drawer pulls.

Customer Reviews:

Look for another way to "reinvent" your kitchen.......2002-12-14

I was expecting this book to have some instructions or tips for remodeling a kitchen, or advice about different gadgets I could install, or show decorative objects I could display, but it is mostly a book on instructions for cutesy little projects. However, unlike the other reviewers, I was neither charmed or nor inspired. These are projects you can find in most other non-kitchen books on interior decoration. If the photos were great, that would make up for the lack of substantive information, but they are not. My recommendation is to skip this book.

Sunset books have come a long way!.......2002-07-23

I stopped buying Sunset books years ago, but this book has restored my faith in Sunset. I am one of those individuals who loves clever and innovative interior design, but sadly was not born with the creative gene. I can follow directions though and this book provides the inspiration and direction on how to achieve it. Many of the ideas can crossover easily into other rooms and different home styles. I could have used a book like this years ago when my husband and I were remodeling and updating our first house, a 1940's bungalow. Several of the styles would have worked well in the kitchen, which was the one room we did not remodel, because we did not know where or how to begin! Now I have a contemporary home and there are ideas I am gleaning for it; like the black and white photo gallery. It is simple, clean, dramatic, and I want it for a hallway. The vinyl tile floor in the retro kitchen is the solution I have been seeking for a bathroom floor that must be redone. The metal faced cabinets and concrete counter in the industrial kitchen are very stylish and appealing for a modern/cutting edge look, and I want the rough hewn table that is in that kitchen.
This book is crammed full of ideas and projects. BIG projects, little projects, and projects that would require a professional
to execute. One good idea makes the cost of the book worthwhile to me, and as stated above I have come away with far more than one good idea.

Who says "not usual" is not good??!!.......2002-07-23

This book features unusual projects indeed. And that's what I like about it. I especially like being able to do things at a reasonable cost.

Black and white photocopies mounted in plexiglass on the wall! That's genius, why would I want to spend thousands for the same effect a classy art gallery would likely do?

Converting a cheap utility cart into a rolling Island! What a great thing in tough economic times to be able to upgrade my kitchen.

If you've ever priced putting concrete slab countertops throughout your kitchen, (which you also have to seal), you'll know that the concrete coating is do-able at a fraction of the cost. And doesn't require a road-crew to move in!

If you're looking for some boring old how-to book to make "practical" country duck-shaped cutouts with a jigsaw, stay away from this book. It's packed full of gutsy hands-on projects with good illustrations and instructions to guide you through.

I don't know if I'll ever get around to improving my kitchen, but reading these ideas gives me the courage to try! Thank you Sunset for the best collection of EXTRA-ordinary ideas yet.

Innovative!.......2002-07-22

What a refreshing,innovative, and inexpensive way to redo kitchens! I always wanted to get araound the high-priced decorators and professional installers; this book shows me how!
Great ideas with complete illustrations and photos!

Bizarre -- not the usual practical Sunset book........2002-06-10

Not the usual practical, useful Sunset book.

Some of the items include: have a welder make your curtain rods; soak ivy in glycerine for three days and nail it over a door or window ("the glycerine will preserve the ivy for up to a month"); use paper bags for wallpaper; make a blackboard message center with paint; have a sheet metal shop make new skins for your dishwasher ("small differences can make it difficult to install the new skins").

Make black-and-white photocopies of favorite photos and mount each one between two plastic pieces on the wall using wall-anchors, bolts, and bushings make from auto brake line; cover old office chairs with suede; mount galvanized steel fronts over wooden cabinets (requires muriatic acid and respirator); renew counters by pouring concrete over them ("When the surface begins to wear, apply another coat of the water-based sealer.")

More reasonable topics: install granite countertop (requires diamond-blade power saw); build a wooden microwave rollaround cabinet with a wine rack underneath; make a free-standing counter by covering standard cabinets with beadboard; use foamboard to put colored back panels inside cabinets; build a free-standing pantry; install vinyl floor; install tile on backsplash; take a metal industrial cart and add a wood cutting-board top; various sewing projects.

Not the practical Sunset book on remodeling that I thought I ordered.

For people who do not have enough challenges in their life.

Amazon.com

While we are constantly reminded that the digital medium is like none other, Steven Holtzman wants us to realize that we're not yet aware of just how different it is. The areas of uniqueness and its deeper capabilities as a means of artistic expression are just beginning to be explored. Holtzman takes us on a tour of some of the most exciting of these explorations. Moving back and forth among technical issues, artistic visions, and artistic technique, he pushes the door just a bit wider to reveal glimpses of new possibilities. While what's being done is exciting, the real wonder, Digital Mosaics shows, lies in the knowledge that today's artistic innovations pave the way for unexpected visions tomorrow.

Book Description

As the internet and digital media become increasingly familiar presences in our daily lives, our encounters with the digital world become more frequent -- we get news on-line, we shop and book travel on the Web, we play games on our CD-ROMs. Yet we still haven't fully realized the potential of digital media to take us beyond what traditional media -- such as newspapers, books, TV, or film -- have to offer. It is precisely because the digital medium is so radically different, says Steven Holtzman, that it will influence not only the way we communicate, but also the way we think and create.

Through the work of artists and designers on the cutting edge of technology, Digital Mosaics explores the possibilities of digital expression: gravity-defying sculptures that can exist in cypberspace, a newspaper that communicates at a glance the relationships among various news stories, an interactive opera in which members of the audience become members of the audience become part of the performance. Holtzman also shows us how computer pioneers are now able to produce works of astonishing complexity and intelligence, dynamic worlds full of creatures that grow and evolve, music that perpetuates itself, and beautiful fractal images that rival nature's masterpieces.

Holtzman examines the unique qualities of these on-line experiences. Digital art is infinitely reproducible (there is no "original"), and yet is ephemeral. The digital experience is interactive, not passive, and this will change the way we look at and experience digital worlds. The traditional boundary between the audience and the artist will become only more blurred. And while the digital world links individuals to a global community, it is also a place in which individual expression will flourish as never before. The computer, says Holtzman, does not replace books, painting, photography, film, or theater. It is a new medium that will give rise to entirely new forms of creative expression.

Insightful, thought-provoking, and illustrated throughout, Digital Mosaics is the thoughtful traveler's guide to the digital worlds of our future.

Customer Reviews:

Way way cool bio!.......2001-03-10

I bought it in 93' and it's been one of my favorite itens on Madonna. Every page has at least a picture, some have lots of pictures and no texts, and several whole page pictures. Doesn't cover Madonna's career until now, of course but it's indeed a collector's piece. The time it covers, it covers you get to know a lot about it, and those pictures.... several are really hard to find!

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