The White Bone: A Novel

Amazon.com

Barbara Gowdy has an utter affinity for the unconventional. In the title story of We So Seldom Look on Love, necrophilia is exquisite rather than execrable, and her wildly funny--and wildly affecting--novel Mister Sandman invites us into the hearts and minds of Toronto's least normal and most loving family. With The White Bone Gowdy continues her exploration of extraordinary lives, but this time human beings ("hindleggers") are on the periphery. And we're grateful when they're not around, since this gives her four-legged characters--elephants--a chance to survive.

The White Bone opens with five family trees. Gowdy's pachyderms include an orphaned visionary, She-Spurns (more familiarly known as Mud), and the "fine-scenter" She-Deflates, not to mention nurse cow She-Soothes and the bull Tall Time. (Though Gowdy's nomenclature may displease some readers, Dumbo wasn't exactly an inspiring name either.) Then, before her tragic narrative even begins, Gowdy offers a second feat of empathy and imagination, a glossary of elephant language. Afflicted by premonitions and obsessed with memory and safety, these animals have terms that range from the formal to the low, the metaphorical to the deeply physical: the "Eternal Shoreless Water" is oblivion, a "sting" is a bullet, and a "flow-stick" a snake. Of course, if you have "trunk," you possess "soulfulness; depth of spirit"--something every participant in Gowdy's fourth novel desperately needs. Initially, her characters' impressions of familiar objects are amusing, but bright comedy precedes dark tragedy. Witness Mud's take on jeeps: "On their own, vehicles prefer to sleep, but whenever a human burrows inside them they race and roar and discharge a foul odour." Needless to say, such speeding tends to precede a killing fest.

Alas, this is a book heavy with omens and slaughter, and Gowdy makes each elephant so individual, so conscious, that their separate fates are impossible to bear. When Tall Time, for instance, hears a helicopter, nothing, not even Gowdy's poetry, can save him: "The shots that pelt his hide feel as light as rain. It is bewildering to be brought down under their little weight." As the devastation increases, and her characters fail, and fail again, to find the magical white bone that should lead them to safety, the novel becomes a litany of pain and death. The only success is Barbara Gowdy's, in getting so thoroughly under the skin of her elephantine protagonists. --Kerry Fried

Book Description

A thrilling journey into the minds of African elephants as they struggle to survive.

If, as many recent nonfiction bestsellers have revealed, animals possess emotions and awareness, they must also have stories. In The White Bone, a novel imagined entirely from the perspective of African elephants, Barbara Gowdy creates a world whole and separate that yet illuminates our own.

For years, young Mud and her family have roamed the high grasses, swamps, and deserts of the sub-Sahara. Now the earth is scorched by drought, and the mutilated bodies of family and friends lie scattered on the ground, shot down by ivory hunters. Nothing-not the once familiar terrain, or the age-old rhythms of life, or even memory itself-seems reliable anymore. Yet a slim prophecy of hope is passed on from water hole to water hole: the sacred white bone of legend will point the elephants toward the Safe Place. And so begins a quest through Africa's vast and perilous plains-until at last the survivors face a decisive trial of loyalty and courage.

In The White Bone, Barbara Gowdy performs a feat of imagination virtually unparalleled in modern fiction. Plunged into an alien landscape, we orient ourselves in elephant time, elephant space, elephant consciousness and begin to feel, as Gowdy puts it, "what it would be like to be that big and gentle, to be that imperiled, and to have that prodigious memory."

Customer Reviews:

Wanted to Like it.......2007-05-05

I came read others' reviews because I couldn't believe how much I was dreading each page of this book when I'd expected to love it. Those who liked it, seem to have liked it from the first page and those who didn't like it, responded to it the way I have responded. I'm about a third of the way through the book and think it is time for me to find something to read that touches me. Much as I love elephants and as horrified as I am about their plight, this book is leaving me cold. In the hands of a good author, I'd be putty.

The Holy Grail for Elephants with the Adventure.......2005-11-06

Several women recommended this book to me quite highly - meaning you may enjoy it. I certainly didn't. The story was predictable and repetitive. Elephants suffering the atrocities of man wander around the plains aimlessly searching for each other, their holy grail (a white bone) and/or the promised land. The elephants kept getting killed or dying from exposure to the barren elements. It was written in a "matriarchal feminist style" that would very much have appealed to me in my early twenties but which I'm rather tired of now. It is unlikely this story will appeal to many men. I read through to the end expecting to find some meaningful take away. I didn't. It was just another story of the suffering and despair brought by human cruelty. If you already know this, don't torture yourself with a 327 page reminder of the fact.

Profound.......2005-01-02

A profound and inventive book. Gowdy's choice of speaking to the human condition through the medium of an extended family of elephants is unusual, to say the least, but ultimately rewarding. A challanging but deeply satisfying read. In my opinion, this is Gowdy at her best.

Elephant Epic.......2004-11-21

One way of looking at "The White Bone" is to think of as following the conventions of much of the best of epic fantasy. A threatened race, dependant on the hope of a youth born with superior powers, destined to find a sacred artifact that will lead her people from the monsters that prey on them, through turmoil and hardship to a promised land, encountering fascinating creatures along the way. However, "The White Bone" is not fantasy -it's a harrowing, tragic and dramatic story - and it's real. The characters may be made up, and certain plot points (like the sacred object: the fabled White Bone of the title) but the basics are true. The threatened race is the elephant race, the monsters that prey on them are human poachers, the journey the group treks on is through Africa, and the creatures they encounter are mongooses, rhinoceroses, ostritches, etc.

The heroine in the book, and one of the great heroines in all the field of novels, is Mud, a young elephant orphaned at birth. The elephants have their own religion, their own worldview, their own stories handed down through the generations. Through the book we also get briefer glimpses of the worldviews of other species. The worldviews of the enigmatic hindleggers (the elephants's term for humans) is unknown; for, although each group of elephants has a mind-talker who can communicate telepathically with most creatures, thus learning of their perceptions of the world and their thoughts and feelings, to share with the other elephants, the minds of humans are unreadable. The mind-talkers hear from certain other animals they can't communicate with only what is described as a 'faint chiming'; from humans though comes a hideous absolute silence that can be deeply traumatic to encounter. The mind-talker in the main group of elephants is Date Bed, a shy younger elephant who clings to Mud. These two, along with the bull elephant Tall Time, comprise the three central characters of the story.

It's hard to say how much of the elephant culture and worldview depicted in the novel paralells the minds of real elephants, but it's likely alot closer than the traditional scientific view (now thankfully being abandoned in whole or in part by many scientists) of elephants and all non-human creatures as basically automatons driven solely by biological instinct and completely or virtually devoid of thought or emotion. Whatever the case may be, this involving, vividly written, detailed and character-driven epic gives fascinating glimpses at how other lifeforms may view things; and a disturbing look at how humanity does indeed conduct itself amongst its fellow species.

Strangely Disappointed.......2004-04-14

Perhaps it was because I had been expecting more from this book {a bad idea, I know} but after reading this I felt let down. It was well written, but I just never felt myself really connecting with the characters. Now for the inevitable comparison . . . I loved `Watership Down'. I wanted to know more about what happened, if and how they would survive and so on. With `White Bone', I just did not find myself caring.
Overall, it's worth reading . . . maybe.

MONKEY And The WHITE BONE DEMON. Adapted from the novel The Pilgrimage to the West by Wu Cheng En.

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MONKEY And The WHITE BONE DEMON. Adapted from the novel The Pilgrimage to the West by Wu Cheng En.
Zhang Xiu Shi.
Manufacturer: Kestrel/ Viking,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MZCBHS

Average customer rating:

The White Bone : A Novel
Barbara; Gowdy, Focus Gowdy
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NW6HBQ

Average customer rating:

The White Bone : A Novel
Barbara Gowdy
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NV17FS

Average customer rating:

The White Bone : A Novel
Barbara Gowdy
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JDUZ8A

Average customer rating:

White Bone, The : A Novel
Barbara Gowdy
Manufacturer: Metropolitan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O6LUG8

Book Description

Abarrach, the Realm of stone. Here, on a barren world of underground caverns built around a core of molten lava, the lesser races -- humans, elves, and dwarves -- seem to have all died off. Here, too, what may well be the last remnants of the once powerful Sartan still struggle to survive. For Haplo and Alfred -- enemies by heritage, traveling companions by necessity -- Abarrach may reveal more than either dares to discover about the history of Sartan... and the future of all their descendants.

Customer Reviews:

Again, Amazed.......2007-07-09

From the first to the last this cycle is AWESOME! This one in particular really leaves the strongest impact of "What's going to happen next?" burning in your mind at the end so be sure to have the next one handy when you near the end because you won't be able to wait too long! Again I must say WARNING - this Cycle is addicting.

Fire Sea - Death Gate Cycle takes a very dark turn..........2006-02-23

Fire Sea, the third of seven books in Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Death Gate Cycle is just as good as the previous two, if not better. This entry in the series takes place in Abarrach, the Realm of Stone.

It starts out different from all the rest, with the first seven chapters being part of a diary from Balthazar, King Edward's necromancer. Soon, as Haplo is about to enter the Death Gate, Alfred (from Dragon Wing) drops in and goes with Haplo to Abarrach. They soon discover that the Sartan found here practice Necromancy, or the art of bringing back the dead. This is discovered much to Alfred's horror, as he cannot believe his race would do such a thing.

The book continues, with many conflicts and sub-conflicts rising up and making for a very dark and interesting read. We get to see inside Haplo, and we discover he is not all Sartan-hater we think he is. We also find that Haplo is not invincible and that Alfred is more powerful than we knew.

Fire Sea is an amazing book in the Death Gate Cycle, and I cannot wait to read Serpent Mage!

P.S: Be sure to read the appendicies...They're important!

One of the best!.......2005-09-27

Fire Sea is book #3 of a seven book series. While the previous two volumes are quite good in themselves, this is the one that takes this series to a whole new level. I truly believe that Weis & Hickman did their best bit of writing as a team on this one book. The enviroment is so alive (in a dark sort of way).

"Gripping" is the word I would use to describe Fire Sea. I don't want to give away any spoliers, but believe me, the conflicts involved and the atmosphere itself will keep you turning pages for several hours. The storyline is very dark and morbid. The dead walk freely in Abarrach and the living are slowly dying off. The novel describes the struggle of the living as they try to survive a world that is killing them, just as they are unknowlingly killing themselves.

It is simply brilliant work, and I would freely recommend the book to anyone.

sorta ok sometimes.......2005-08-13

eh.. Decent books but tend to be weak in my view. They have some killer ideas but at the same time seem to get lost and opt not to take these books to a level higher than just run of the mill fantasy.

Not bad, it is a shame the rest of the series was not written as well.......2005-07-30

First, I will tell you how to get the most enjoyment out of this series. Start with going to the library and renting all of these books. Do not buy them as they are not worth it. Then read books 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 without reading the footnotes or the appendixes. You have the option of reading books 2 and 5 if you are really enjoying the series, but they are only filler and do not even need to be skimmed. Finally, accept the fact that Weis and Hickman may only be one hit wonders and move on.

Second, I write reviews for those who seek good fantasy and not for the zealots who hang on every Weis and Hickman word. You would think from some of the reviews of this series that these books were greater than War and Peace and written by Bronte and Conrad. In reality, this series is not very good. I am not trying to trash Weis and Hickman, I found the Dragon Lance series to be extremely enjoyable and would give at least the first two series of that line four stars. This series deserves no more than 2 stars. The books are incomplete thoughts that may have been much better had the authors taken more time to flesh out the story. Beware of fantasy books that contain footnotes and appendixes. Usually, these are the telltale signs of poor writing. Having said that, I did manage to read most of these seven books and here are some thoughts.

Many reviewers have made a lot of the fact that Xar is actually tsar or czar. I fail to see the significance here. Xar is a ruler and a tsar is a ruler. So what? What I found to be much more interesting and ultimately distracting was the use, by the authors, of the word mensch. Mensch is a Hebrew word. It is not close to a Hebrew word, it is a Hebrew word. If you look it up, mensch means a person of integrity and honor. What are the authors trying to say here? That all people without ambition or power are full of integrity and honor. I read all seven books trying to understand the use of this word to no avail.

Not surprising considering the books are filled with errors and inconsistencies. Some of these errors and inconsistencies are no doubt addressed in the footnotes and appendixes, but it would take an additional seven books to address all the problems. I believe that most of these problems occurred because the authors did not take the time to complete their work. Perhaps they were pressured by their publisher.

Most of the characters are thinly veiled shadows of those characters from the Dragon Lance series. Only, these characters are not as interesting or as engaging. Part of the problem is that Weis and Hickman never determine where they want the story to go. They blur the line between good and evil, then they erase the line, then they re-draw the line in bold. In Dragon Lance, it was intriguing to see how the characters dealt with the discovery of the duality of their own nature. In this book it is just confusing.

Fire Sea [The Death Gate Cycle Volume 3]

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Fire Sea [The Death Gate Cycle Volume 3]
Margaret / Hickman, Tracy Weis
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZQKQA

Book Description

Parody: The Final Frontier

Now you can cruise the most hilarious sector of the space-time continuum, with this collection of twenty Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes not by the leading lights of the Western literary tradition: James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Collins...

Steven Boyett transports you into the sort of alternative universes and avid reader or Trekker would love:

a Clancy-like realm where the Enterprise crew mobilizes to fix Captain Picard's broken watch
a Heller-esque domain where you can only get out of Starfleet if you're crazy--and, if you want to get out of Starfleet, you're clearly not crazy
a Collins-ish netherworld where Counselor Demanda Troi sleeps and shops her way around the galaxy
a Melvillean place where Moby Trek lies in wait

...and many more.

Boldly go where no one has gone before with this stellar combination of high art and high comedy.

Customer Reviews:

trekbaby.......2007-01-14

This will be the funniest StarTrek book you'll ever read! I bought one the year it came out at DragonCon, read the entire book there and hurt myself laughing. Since then I've purchased several copies to give to friends and they feel it is hilarious as well! Keep on Trekin'

Cute idea...not that great in execution.......2005-05-02

The author, Mr. Boyett, definitely has his literary background down pat. He's managed to capture the look but not the soul of each of the writers that he portrays. But the book is banal, the stories aren't very good. They're like one trick ponies, one joke stories that go on for too long.

The Star Trek elements will have the inner geek in you smiling but that's about the limit.

BTW, the only story in the book that I kind of liked was the Anne Rice Parody, the Vampire LeForge. That was pretty funny.

Pleasant romp from Boyett. At last something new from him........2004-08-30

Some folks have bashed this confection because they were unfamiliar with the authors and stories parodied here. Shame. What you haven't read is your own problem, and the literati chosen for this series of parodies comes from a high school reading list. In other wrods, Boyett chose carefully to make the collection of parodies accessible to the kind of people who like to read and who actually finished their Sr. High reading lists.
So, why buy this? Well, you only need to get it if you totally dig Star Trek AND you totally dig good literature. Those two things are pre-requisite. Of course, you can trump them both if you are just a fan of Steven R. Boyett, as am I. What he accomplishes here is cool and fun, and hopefully it will whet you appetite for things more cool, more fun, and far more compelling in his novels *Ariel* and *The Architect of Sleep.*

Gleeful entertainment.......2001-08-31

One of the best--and most literate--Star Trek texts out there, this collection of short parodies should be enjoyable to any reasonably-well-read Star Trek fan.
The only thing to note is to be sure you're familiar with most of the authors involved before you read the parodies, as the true fun is in seeing how successfully Boyett mimics many different styles, from pitch-perfect Tom Robbins to superb faux Joyce (!) to Anne Rice, to J.D. Salinger, to...

STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID.......2001-04-30

Thank God that Gene Roddenberry is dead. If he wasn't, then this would absolutely kill him. As it is, he is probably turning over in his grave. From the way that this was written, it is obvious that Paramount had nothing to do with it, nor did they authorize it either. As far as paradies go, this is the absolute worst. I ordered this book thinking that it was one of the regular books that come out every month. Boy, was I mistaken!!! I returned it as fast as I could.

Treks Not Taken: What If Stephen King, Anne Rice, Kurt Vonnegut, and Other Literary Greats Had Written Episodes of Star Trek : The Next Generation?

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Treks Not Taken: What If Stephen King, Anne Rice, Kurt Vonnegut, and Other Literary Greats Had Written Episodes of Star Trek : The Next Generation?
Steven R. Boyett
Manufacturer: Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Donald DeYoung's first two volumes of Science and the Bible have been widely popular with children's ministry leaders, parents, pastors, homeschoolers, and teachers. Now this third volume provides even more ideas for demonstrating the order and grandeur of creation to encourage an appreciation of all God has made. The book's thirty dynamic but simple experiments illustrate the laws of nature, teach Bible principles, and affirm God's power as Creator. Each demonstration has a catchy or unusual result, making the Bible truth unforgettable. The clearly explained experiments use common household objects, require little set-up time, and are illustrated by pictures and diagrams.

Customer Reviews:

Science and the Bible.......2007-07-06

If you are going to use this book at home, you will need an overhead projector.

A fun, refreshing resource to get kids' attention.......2005-02-25

If you have a bunch of boys in your sunday school class, I can't think of a better way to get their attention than using this handy little resource. The devotionals are short, and they have a little "scienc-y" experiment to demonstrate and tie in to the devotional. The lessons do take a little preparation in reviewing and having your stuff ready and so on. But the kids' reactions make them worth it. As a Sunday School teacher, I've relied primarily on the curriculum which is usually tailored to auditory learners with the l-o-n-g Bible story and application. But kids get the wiggles, and some don't get a whole lot out of the way we traditionally teach school. So this is a nice way to reach other kids with more interactive learning styles. I personally wouldn't use it as my sole resource for teaching Sunday School, but it is a wonderful, fun way to give your teaching some variety.

Average customer rating:

BEST COOKBOOK EVER!

This one's a keeper!

Yankee Magazine's Church Suppers & Potluck Dinners: Cookbook
Yankee Magazine
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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The Church Potluck Supper Cookbook: Over 500 Hearty, Delicious Recipes for Friends, Family, and Community

Church Potluck Carry-ins And Casseroles: Homestyle Recipes for Church Suppers, Family Gatherings, And Community Celebrations

Church Suppers: 722 Favorite Recipes From Our Church Communities

ASIN: 0679432086
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Book Description

Looking for a fresh idea for a family dinner, something quick and easy to feed last-minute guests, or a special treat to take to a potluck? Not to worry. In Yankee Magazine's Church Suppers & Potluck Dinners Cookbook, you'll find over 275 delicious and time-saving dishes famous throughout New England.

To compile this book, Yankee Magazine approached hometown churches and other popular community organizations across the region and asked them to share the recipes that are consistently everyone's local favorites. Hundreds of recipes flooded Yankee's mailbox, but only the very best made it into these pages.

The result: this remarkable collection of true family classics and simplified gourmet feasts. From hearty casseroles to impressive company fare, rustic soups and inventive salads to luscious desserts that will win raves from kids and grownups alike, every recipe in Magazine's Church Suppers & Potluck Dinners Cookbook is a surefire winner.

With an emphasis on convenience as well as taste, these dishes don't require special trips to the gourmet shop. Many can be prepared from produce on hand in your refrigerator and staples in your pantry, making them perfect for busy days or surprise company. (Also included are dishes that can be made ahead of time for last-minute preparation.) Need to make corn bread for 40, pancakes for 65, or chocolate cake for 100? Find the precise instructions in the chapter "Recipes to Feed a Crowd." And every chapter is complemented by wonderful suggestions for hosting potlucks and entertaining larger groups in general.

Packed with crowd-pleasing recipes -- plus beautiful illustrations by Pamela Carroll -- Yankee Magazine's Church Suppers & Potluck Dinners Cookbook is sure to keep them coming back for more.

Customer Reviews:

BEST COOKBOOK EVER!.......2005-04-29

Every time I make a dish from this book I am asked for the recipe. It never fails! A mainstay in our house!

This one's a keeper!.......2000-10-13

This cookbook contains a pleasing variety of recipes, from the simplest soups and breads to elegant entrees and desserts. A collection of family and hometown favorites from the New England area, it is sure to bring fresh ideas into the kitchens of its readers. Many of the recipes are suited to certain seasons, including a chapter of hearty stews and chowders that will bring the warm fuzzies to the coldest winter day. For those who garden or love fresh produce, the Vegetables and Side Dishes chapter is filled with unique ways to enjoy the produce all summer. Having sampled many of the recipes, I have tasted elegance from the Herbed Cheese Spread all the way to the Chocolate Cheesecake! Many of the recipes are designed to be time savers for the busy family and some can be made the day before serving. The fact that most of them can be made from ingredients that are already in stock is an extra bonus for cooks on the go. There is also a handy section on Recipes to Feed a Crowd that can stretch your offerings into servings for 20 - 100. Whether you are hoping for a new twist on an old classic, or something to impress the neighbors at your own potluck, this is a must read for cooks and food lovers alike. Complete with helpful hints and a few vignettes for your reading pleasure, the recipes offered within will have even your finicky eaters asking for seconds.

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Paper Money of the United States 18th Edition

Still a classic, but ...

my review of my purchase

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations (Paper Money of the United States)
Arthur L. Friedberg , and Ira S. Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin & Currency Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Coins & Medals | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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A Guide Book Of United States Paper Money: Complete Source for History, Grading, and Prices (Official Red Book) (Official Red Book)

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Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money

Standard Guide to Small Size U. S. Paper Money 1928 to Date

The Official Blackbook Price Guide to US Paper Money 2007, 39th Edition (Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Paper Money)

ASIN: 0871845180

Book Description

The standard reference work on paper money

PAPER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES -
A COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE WITH VALUATIONS
Eighteenth (2006-2007) Edition by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg

based on the original work by Robert Friedberg (1912-1963)

Includes:

large size notes * fractional currency * small size notes * encased postage stamps from the first year of paper money (1861) to the present

Also contains sections on confederate states notes, colonial and continental currency, error notes

Customer Reviews:

Paper Money of the United States 18th Edition.......2007-03-21

A must have for any collector of Collectible Paper Currency !!! This reference book is yearly updated (which is a must to stay on top of the ever changing pricing of these collectible notes) and goes into great detail of each and every U.S. Note ever printed with the current market value of the notes. Black and white pictures of each note as well as breathe taking colored photos of each U.S. Note. I find I use this reference book everyday along with my other U.S. Paper Currency reference books in my private library.

Still a classic, but ..........2007-02-19

The Friedberg book continues to be a classic reference for U.S. Paper Money. However, its strength is still pre-1928, large size notes. There are far better references for small size paper money, notably the Standard Guide to Small Size U.S. Paper Money by Schwartz and Lindquist. For example, that book catalogs blocks, mules and other variations, something that friedberg doesn't even mention. However, having said that, Friedberg is still an important book for anyone interested in U.S. paper money to have in their library.

my review of my purchase.......2007-01-10

Book came well on time and was brand new, perfect shape. Totally satisfied with the product and the service!

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations : The Standard Reference Work on Paper Money (Paper Money of the United States)

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations : The Standard Reference Work on Paper Money (Paper Money of the United States)
Arthur L. Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin & Currency Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Coins & Medals | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0871845172

Book Description

From the first year of Federal paper money, 1861, to the present, the fronts and backs of all classes and types of currency, from 3 cents to 10,000 dollars are illustrated. These are accompanied by text listing, describing and pricing every variety of paper money ever issued, now for the first time in as many as five states of preservation, from Very Good to Uncirculated (more than 10,000 prices). There are more than 900 photographs in total.

The result is a complete pictorial, descriptive and numismatic history of the currency of the United States. There are also supplemental sections on Colonial and Continental Currency (notes issued from 1680 to 1788), the Treasury Notes of the War of 1812, which are considered by some to be the first national currency, a comprehensive listing by type of the issues of the Confederate States of America, and a complete listing of the 14,348 National Banks that existed from 1863 to 1929 when these institutions were allowed to issue currency.

Paper money collectors depend on the Friedberg Numbering System, a uniform method of cataloguing bank notes that is the international standard for American currency. The numbering shorthand, along with the hundreds of photographs, enables anyone to instantly locate a specific banknote, and allows a dealer to advertise a note without need of extensive description.

Those who thought that U.S. currency was only a monotonous study in green and black, until the recently-issued twenty dollar note, will be pleasantly surprised. A full twenty pages of color illustrations show American paper money as indisputable works of art and beauty. The notes are representative of two of the finest assemblages of American paper money extant - those of the Aubrey and Adeline Bebee Collection at the American Numismatic Association and the notes in the collection at the Federal Reserve Bank in San Francisco. Not only are many of the specimens in the finest state of preservation possible, but some are also so extremely rare that they may only be seen on the pages of the book or by traveling to the respective exhibitions. New to the seventeenth edition are expanded listings Federal Reserve Notes, with new listings of the various large size types types, and more comprehensive coverage of small size star notes. The book also includes a price appreciation chart showing the advancement in value of U.S. currency from 1953 to the present.

A distinguished panel of acknowledged experts on paper money has assisted the authors, enabling them to establish accurate and up-to-the minute valuations for all issues.

Average customer rating:

F&F good as always...

A must have for the Currency Collector.

Outstanding Guide & Catalog

Great book for a beginner or Advanced U.S Currency collector

Paper Money of the United States : A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations (Paper Money of the United States, 16th ed)
Arthur L. Friedberg , Robert Friedberg , and Ira S. Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin & Currency Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Coins & Medals | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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A Guide Book Of United States Paper Money: Complete Source for History, Grading, and Prices (Official Red Book) (Official Red Book)

Guide Book of United States Currency (Official Whitman Guidebook Series)

ASIN: 0871845164

Book Description

The standard reference work on American currency. This guide illustrates, catalogs, describes and places values on all United States paper money, from the first issues in 1861 to the present. Included are the large size notes issued until 1928, the fractional currency (three cents to fifty cents) notes produced from 1862 to 1876, and the current size notes, which were first issued in 1929. Also includes sections on notes of the colonial period and the issues of the Confederate States of America. The Friedberg Numbering System is the method used by dealers to identify and describe notes when buying and selling.

Featuring twenty pages of color photographs of paper money from the world famous collection of the American Numismatic Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Customer Reviews:

F&F good as always..........2001-05-21

Clearly THE book for the beginner and intermediate collector. It gives an excellent overview of each type of note (Nationals, Silver Certs, etc.) as well brief descriptions of each note within each type. A great way to learn the history associated with the engravings on U.S. paper currency from the Civil War (1861) to the present.

And, of course, the Friedberg numbering scheme is the standard method of referencing notes among collectors and dealers alike.

It should be noted however, that the values given for the notes are very rough approximations (very conservative). This is especially true for the UNC grade(MS60-64). There are no values for GEM notes (MS65+).

If you're looking for a comprehensive note reference with ball park values, this book is for you.

A must have for the Currency Collector........2000-01-10

This is the standard reference work on United States Currency for the collector. While the prices given are pretty much obsolete in the volatile currency market, the Friedberg Numbering system is universally used by dealers and collectors alike. If you are considering participation in floor or online auctions, you cannot tell what you are bidding on without this book, as all notes will be listed by FR#. Well worth the investment!

Outstanding Guide & Catalog.......1999-08-30

This book is a must-have for the serious US currency collector, along with the Standard Catalog, 17th edition. Together they provide a great catalog and price guide for US Treasury issues. There are good sections on fractionals and Confederate currency, and decent treatment of colonials. No obsoletes or military payment certificates. The black and white photos are quite a bit larger than those in the Standard Catalog. The color pictures in the back are a nice touch, but the printing is not the world's greatest -- many of the reds come out as pinks, the greens look almost fluorescent, etc.

There aren't many anecdotes or interesting bits of trivia, but as a guide and catalog it is top notch.

Great book for a beginner or Advanced U.S Currency collector.......1999-04-12

I find this is a great book for any collector of U.S. Currency. Crisp photos of just about EVERY diff Note 1861-Current (Very Nice color section in the back) and up-to-date pricing in the fast changing currency market. Also great for keeping track of your own collection. Definately Recommended!

Paper Money of the United States a Complete Illustrated Guide with the Valuations

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States a Complete Illustrated Guide with the Valuations
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: The Coin and Currency Publishing Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JWLY1I

$Paper money of the United States,: A complete illustrated guide with valuations; large size notes, fractional currency, small size notes, encased postage ... year of paper money, 1861, to the present$
Average customer rating:

Paper money of the United States,: A complete illustrated guide with valuations; large size notes, fractional currency, small size notes, encased postage ... year of paper money, 1861, to the present
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin and Currency Pub. Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Public Finance | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Coins & Medals | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007DX20U

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations (Second Edition)

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide With Valuations (Second Edition)
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: The Coin and Currency Publishing Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JLF69K

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations (Second edition). Large SIze Notes, Fractional Currency, Small Size Notes, Encased Postage Stamps from the First Year of Paper Money, 1861 to the Present.

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations (Second edition). Large SIze Notes, Fractional Currency, Small Size Notes, Encased Postage Stamps from the First Year of Paper Money, 1861 to the Present.
Robert. Friedberg
Manufacturer: The Coin and Currency Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WW50OM

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations, Eighth Edition

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations, Eighth Edition
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin and Currency Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MANEMY

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations, Ninth Edition

Average customer rating:

Paper Money of the United States: A Complete Illustrated Guide with Valuations, Ninth Edition
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: Coin and Currency Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBGIS0

Average customer rating:

PAPER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES:A COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE WITH VALUATIONS
Robert Friedberg
Manufacturer: The Coin and Currency Institue Inc. NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GTCGN4

Customer Reviews:

Worth Its Weight In Gold.......2007-05-16

This book is useful precisely because so many of the yarns listed are discontinued. Many of us knitters use vintage patterns and when the instructions call for a yarn that is no longer in production, we can turn to the Universal Yarn Finder to determine weight, yardage, put-up as well as fiber composition and gauge of the original yarn in order to make an intelligent and informed substitution. It's one of the most utilized volumes in my knitting library.

Good book that is outdated........1999-08-07

This book was helpful a few years ago when the yarns described inthe book were still available. Unfortunately a lot of yarns have beendiscontinued and many new ones that would be good substitutions are not in the book because of it's age. My rating is based only on this fact, a few years ago it would have been different. It is good if you know yarns well and the pattern you have calls for old yarn that doesn't exist anymore but is in the book and based on that you can figure out the substitute by yourself.

Maggie Righetti's Universal yarn finder: Vol. II

Average customer rating:

Maggie Righetti's Universal yarn finder: Vol. II
Maggie Righetti
Manufacturer: Maggie Righetti Designs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00070SZ2S

Average customer rating:

Universal Yarn Finder
Maggie Righetti
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OIUZAS

Average customer rating:

UNIVERSAL YARN FINDER VOL 1

Manufacturer: Self Published
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GRF908

Book Description

What makes a home SenseSational? These elegantly simple, innovative ideas for sprucing up the décor in ways that awaken all five senses and revitalize the spirit. Each inspiring page of this charming little manual, adorned with delicate line drawings, offers a single, easy to implement tip for creating beauty throughout the house. Feel the difference plush fabrics and pillows can make. Breathe in the delicious aroma of apple cider with cinnamon sticks, simmering on the stove. Add a pretty wicker shelf to the bathroom and show off decorative glass bottles of lotion and bubble bath. Put on a favorite CD to set the mood. With suggestions for both everyday and special occasions, there's something for everyone.

Customer Reviews:

Disaster.......2000-11-14

Excuse me, but this book only contains home decorating tips for morons.

Heavily preachy.......2000-05-16

I did not like the tone of the book, even though it does contain some good tips. However, over half of the tips are items like "Say a prayer", and "Give praise" and "Hold hands". Huh?

I expected an interior decoration type book. What this is is a lifestyle book - how to provide materials to enhance your five senses at home (which is where the 505 number comes from - it contains 101 tips per sense).

So if you are looking for an interior decoration book, this is probably not the book you are looking for.

Make your home more inviting!.......2000-05-03

This book contains the information contained in the five books 101 quick tips to make you home feel, smell, look, taste, and sound sensesational. The tips will make your home more inviting and the tips are simple and usually take very little effort to do. A great book!

Book Description

These two full-color volumes showcase recent work by some of the finest illustrators of children's books (both fiction and nonfiction) from around the world.?

Customer Reviews:

Deftly written, thoroughly researched, & highly recommended.......2002-09-06

An American Musical Dynasty: A Biography Of The Wolle Family Of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania by music historian and educator Paul S. Larson (Professor Emeritus, Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) is a unique and fascinating historical examination and history of the Wolle family whose influential and enduring musical tradition was founded in the American colonial era of the 1700's. The rise of their music intertwined with the Moravian Church tells the history of the Moravian culture, as well as that of a very fine style of exquisite concert music. An American Musical Dynasty is a deftly written, thoroughly researched, and highly recommended biographical saga tracing family, music, faith, and way of life throughout centuries of American history.

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