Book Description
A literary event, this love story was written and set in the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance and is being published in book form for the very first time.
In the tradition of Dorothy West's The Wedding and Nella Larsen's Passing, When Washington Was in Vogue casts a loving but critical eye on Black high society of 1920s Washington, D.C. A novel told in letters, this sly, humorous story was first published anonymously in the Black journal The Messenger from 1925 to 1926. This is the first time When Washington Was in Vogue is being published as a book.
In When Washington Was in Vogue, protagonist Davy Carr has just moved to Washington, D.C., and is a member of its Black bourgeoisie. In his letters to his friend Bob in Harlem, Davy recounts his growing romance with Caroline, a beautiful, sharp-witted flapper who tries any number of ways to get Davy's attention. When Washington Was in Vogue details Caroline's earnest but coquettish efforts to woo Davy; it also chronicles Davy's wavering stoicism as he struggles to admit he's attracted to -- and moved by -- this much younger, darker-skinned woman. Along the way, Davy writes his impressions of race, politics, social mores, and the state of Black America.
At its heart, however, When Washington Was in Vogue is an old-fashioned love story. A look into African-American aristocracy in the early part of the twentieth century, this Victorianesque novel about modern romance is filled with the drama and style of one of the most hopeful cultural moments in African-American history. Together with Professor Adam McKible's introduction and Professor Emily Bernard's commentary, this undiscovered story offers a fascinating and memorable reading experience.
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorite books!.......2005-12-29
I fell in love with the characters as they love, party, study, fight, and simply live as successful African Americans in the roaring 20's. I couldn't put it down.
A belated discovery.......2004-10-18
Reading WHEN WASHINGTON WAS IN VOGUE you will feel young again, even if the protagonist, Davy Carr, isn't as young as he used to be before the Great War, in which he served honorably. His letters to his friend Bob reveal, step by step, how he entered an uppermiddle class world of black society in Washington during the days of the 1920s, during Prohibition, and how he found acceptance in the household of a beautiful widow and her two exquisite daughters--one of them, Genevieve, ladylike and stunning, the other, Caroline, a true product of the Jazz Age, flirtatious, fun, and slightly scandalous. Davy's growing interest in Caroline is concealed even from himself, he seems like he's the last person in DC who can figure it out. Is it because she is so much younger than he is?
The editor, Adam McKible Ph.D., hints that this state of affairs parallels Williams' own interests in much younger women, coeds in the great universities in which he served as a librarian, and he quotes from Zora Neale Hurston's memoirs of him flirting like crazy back and forth with young girls. McKible seems a little too taken with his own discovery of this novel, which is no masterpiece by any means, but let him pat himself on the back if he feels like he deserves it, he certainly has given us all some amusing moments and some poignant ones too. I'd like to see a movie version of this book, perhaps with Beyonce as the flirty Caroline and with Angela Bassett as the older and more dignified sister, Genevieve, and to play Captain Davy, who else but Samuel Jackson?
An up close and personal look . . ........2004-07-04
I liked this novel, originally published in a black journal from 1925 through 1926. The details of Davy Carr's middle class existence were sometimes too tedious for my liking, but for anyone who is interested in the daily lives of African Americans during the Roaring Twenties, this book is a must read.
I've read a lot of Edith Wharton and WHEN WASHINGTON WAS IN VOGUE fits nicely with Wharton's insider look at polite society and its pitfalls. There was a lot of discussion in this book about "passing" and "light skinned" girls, but the story didn't shed much light on the real issues of race. Instead the reader learned about dazzling dinner parties, week-ends in the country and late night card games.
There is a love story buried in the book, too. Although there's no real conflict or struggles in the novel, it's worth a few afternoons of your time.
Enjoy.
Love is Timeless.......2004-07-03
Originally published anonymously at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, WHEN WASHINGTON WAS IN VOGUE is a great example of literature of that time period. The story is told with letters composed by Davvy Carr, a former army soldier, to his friend Bob in New York. Davvy, a recent transplant to Washington, DC becomes a student of the life and times of high society there.
Davvy takes up residence in the boarding house of Margaret Rhodes and there he makes the acquaintance of many interesting people, including Caroline Rhodes. She is feisty and demanding, her very presence screams for attention. Caroline does her best to try to capture Davvy's interest by forceably inviting herself into his room and perusing his personal belongings. Unbeknownst to Davvy, Caroline is interested in him, however he does not consider her as a love interest because she is many years his junior. Through the letters, the story is revealed. Much to his surprise, Davvy develops feelings for Caroline. At this time of realization Davvy must discover whether it is too late for or will Davvy and Caroline be able to overcome their difference and succumb to the possibility that love holds for them?
This novel is unique in its portrayal of boy meets girl. It provides an interesting glimpse into the 1920's. The book speaks to inter-race and societal issues. It captured my attention through its use of vivid details and genuineness, yet it was not a major page-turner that compelled me to want to read on. I think it is a decent read that offered a refreshing twist on the unfolding of a relationship.
Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
A captivating and well written love story.......2004-06-22
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The style was unusual and very entertaining. Davy (the main character) detailed the characters so richly, it was easy to envisioned each person. I was especially drawn to Davy's use of colorful language. Several times I found myself stifling a laugh on the train and I didn't want the letters to end.
I recently started a book club with several friends and "When Washington Was In Vogue" will definitely be a book we share together. Thanks to Professor McKible for a great discovery.
Customer Reviews:
Good non comic Batman Novels.......2006-12-31
The Batman Murders
To Stalk A Spectre
Captured By The Engines
If you can find em, check em out, they're pretty good, especially - to stalk a spectre.
All about POV.......2004-10-08
To me this book is all about Point Of View. I love that the chapters are told from a diffferent POVs. Normally having more that one writer on a book is a bad idea, but becasue of the format, the different POVs, I was okay with it in this book. The way the characters think would be different, so having different writers, with different writing styles, doing the POVs helps show that. I thought the story line was interesting as well.
I loved getting to see how the villians thought of Batman, since i don't think we usually get enough of their thoughts. I also thought they did a good job with the relationships withing the BatClan.
I would recommend this book to any Batman fan.
The Dark Knight Returns!.......2004-06-01
I've tended to avoid delving into superhero novels largely because, of those I've read, I haven't been as overwhelmed by a great story without the graphics that generally accompany superhero adventures. As a result, there's something lost from the 'bang,' 'pow,' and 'ziff' in the translation from panel-to-panel stories to straight prose ... but, wow, THE RISE OF SIN TZU is different ... so strongly different, in fact, that I could imagine a whole series of Batbooks (non-comic) to spring up in the years ahead. This adventure is just that good.
Devin Grayson and Flint Dille know a thing or two about the Batman and his Rogues Gallery: in fact, Flint Dille is responsibility for the video game, BATMAN: THE RISE OF SIN TZU ... these are no lightweights. What they've accomplished here is no small feat: through an interesting narrative device -- dedicating each chapter to an entirely different person in this well-told tale -- is lay the foundation for superhero novels that could and should follow in these footsteps.
Gotham City's darkest fears have come to pass: someone dastardly has freed all of the inmates of Stonegate Prison, as well as several select lunatics from Arkham Asylum, to send the city swirling into chaos. The leader behind it all -- the mysterious Sin Tzu -- appears to have a simple purpose in mind: destroy the city ... when, in reality, his true goal is far more despicable: destroy Batman.
Terrific supporting players from the Bat-universe (Nightwing, Commissioner Gordon, Robin, Batgirl, Alfred, etc.) are all along for the ride, and the individualized focus that the writers give each of these players brings out yet even more fascinating characterizations for the players as well as for their unique perspective on the Batman, what he does, why he does it, and what it means to the city-at-large.
An exciting tale told at breakneck speed, THE RISE OF SIN TZU is one great yarn from start to finish!
deadly game of cat and bat.......2003-11-06
In Asia, ingenious but amoral immortal Sin Tzu begins taking control over vast parts of the continent either through diplomatic guile or a blood show of force. His success is so rapid and easy, he feels like a modern Alexander the Great with no real competition to keep him from ennui. However, he learns of the Dark Knight across the ocean in Gotham City and wonders if he might prove a worthy opponent.
Sin Tzu begins his deadly game of cat and bat by allowing his adversary to catch him and lock him up in Arkham Asylum, home for some of most dangerous predators on the planet. Applying his arcane skills, Sin Tzu recruits three subordinates, Bane, Clayface, and the Scarecrow. This trio leads his army of cutthroats and murderous lunatics against Batman and his three superhero allies, Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl. The stakes is simply the population of Gotham City and surrounding areas.
Taken from a game with the same name; BATMAN: RISE OF SIN TZU is an exciting fantasy tale starring one of the great characters of fiction. Batman's foe is as tough as they come and is supplemented from some of the Dark Knight's stronger antagonists including Bane who broke his back. The story line is fast-paced, never slowing down once Sin Tzu arrives in North America; yet the essence of the four superheroes stay true. Fans of Batman will appreciate his latest crime fighting thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Great for fans of the Bat-family!.......2003-11-04
I agree with the above reviewer that the writing styles are inconsistent, but the stuff in the good chapters (about 80% of the book) makes it worth wading through the bad ones (only four total, I think). The chapters are all written from the point of view of different characters including Batman himself and Nightwing and Robin and even the original Batgirl, Barbara Gordon. While they're participating in the main plotline, they also reflect on their histories (I think this is Animated Series continuity) with Gotham and with each other, and some of the in-character insights are really powerful and moving (and funny!) I don't know why they decided to make a book out of a video game, but I can't imagine one being much better than this! There are some hidden treasures in here that it would be a shame to miss.
Book Description
BradyGames' Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Official Strategy Guide provides a detailed walkthrough with expert fighting strategies and killer boss tactics. Tips for finding all hidden items and goodies. Complete rundown of all martial arts attacks and combos. Comprehensive character coverage. Game secrets revealed!
This product is available for sale in North America only.
Average customer rating:
- A great character and story, but incomplete.
- There is a hereafter. There is Justice. The Spectre is both.
- The Spectre is an awesome character..........
- Buy this now.
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Spectre, The: Crimes and Punishments
John Ostrander , and
Tom Mandrake
Manufacturer: DC Comics
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ASIN: 1563891271 |
Customer Reviews:
A great character and story, but incomplete........2005-06-06
Ask someone who Batman or Superman is and they'll spout off to you a brief description and history of the character as if it were common knowledge. Ask someone who the Spectre is, and you're likely to get blank looks.
The Spectre is definitely one of DC Comic's more obscure characters, despite his current resurgence in the "Day of Vengeance" miniseries. The Spectre really hasn't appeared in many storylines. He had a pretty short-lived run in the ancient "More Fun Comics" series, appeared as a narrator in the popular graphic novel "Kingdom Come", and ultimately obtained his own comic series that ran for sixty-something issues. And though he was created to be an archetypical character like Batman and Superman, he never really caught on. Which is a shame.
This graphic novel collects the first four issues of the 1990's Spectre comic (the one I mentioned earlier that ran for sixty-something issues). This comic focused heavily on the characters and morally ambiguous situations because it's hard to put the Spectre into a fight where it would be realistic for him to lose. The Spectre, you see, is perhaps the single most powerful entity in the entire DC universe. And instead of trying to deny this, John Ostrander acknowledges this key element of the Spectre, and instead of trying to put him in situations where he himself is in danger, he puts him in situations where he must question his own effectiveness and how he uses the incredible powers that he wields. The comic is not very action-oriented, but instead involves more psychological battles than physical ones.
The story revolves around Jim Corrigan, a dead man that has wandered the Earth for more than fifty years as the frightening and ethereal Spectre, the embodiment of the Wrath of God. His mission is to inact vengeance and retribution for the murdered dead, but in the process also come to understand the nature of evil. He is tortured by his power, as he cannot rest until he fulfills his mission. After being involved in a mystery that ultimately results in the death of an innocent, a young social worker takes an interest in Corrigan, and he must examine the past and how he came to be the Spectre in the first place.
The storyline is a good one, and it gives a good insight into the nature of the Spectre as well as his slightly different alter-ego, Corrigan. One thing that is really enjoyable about the story is how Ostrander works around the Spectre's near omnipotence. The Spectre wields nearly limitless and unimaginable power in the real world, but when he enters the soul of another, he is almost entirely at their mercy. It leads to many interesting situations that examine the nature of the human heart and soul.
The artwork is quite good as well. It enhances the storyline by painting pictures of the surreal world that the Spectre resides in. Also note that this book is not for the faint of heart. The Spectre is not a hero like Superman or even Batman; when he combats criminals and those worthy of punishment, he generally finishes them off in the most gruesome and visually unpleasant way he can think of.
Though I really like the story and the main character, the book feels incomplete, something addressed in the foreword by the author. These first four issues are a great introduction to the Spectre, but they also start a plot arc that was not resolved for eight more issues in the original comic series, making the book feel like it just ends without a suitable resolution. The main point of the work is achieved, which is to establish the character of the Spectre and how he operates, but the finer points and subplots feel incomplete.
In the end, I really enjoyed the Spectre. He is definitely one of DC's most underrated heroes. However, the fact that this book only gives you a brief taste of what the Spectre is about pains me, since there are currently no other collections of comics from this series available. It's a crying shame, as I would certainly pick them up to read about the further adventures of one of the most powerful and most tortured heroes in comics.
There is a hereafter. There is Justice. The Spectre is both........2002-10-25
While it was Frank Miller and his interpretation of Batman that got me back into reading comics after 20 years, it was John Ostrander's take on the Spectre that kept me reading- for 60 glorious issues. This collection contains the first 4 issues that established the basics and the tone.
The Spectre has always been an underrated character in the DC universe, inspite of the fact that he is the most powerful, and that he was created by Jerry Siegel (the co-creator of Superman.)
Ostrander, and the artist Tom Mandrake, were the first to really do justice to the character.
Here is the Wrath of God welded to a human soul. This dual creature, part man, part immortal aspect of the Creator, is tasked to wander the earth confronting evil and avenging the unavenged dead. It is a task at which he must ultimately fail, or as the character admits: "For fifty years, that's what I've done. And the world is no better." You see, he was meant to confront and COMPREHEND evil, for when his mortal portion understood WHY men commit evil, then his soul would be freed and...another soul would be welded to that of the Spectre to serve penance. Morally, philosophically, theologically it is some pretty heavy stuff.
And when the Spectre shows his true aspect and power while proclaiming "There will be Justice! There will be Retribution! You must pay!" well, it still gives me chills. After all, this is the voice of the Wrath of God....
The Spectre is an awesome character.................2002-02-27
This graphic novel reprints the first 4 issues of the SPECTRE series by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake. They redefined the character for a new generation and did not throw out any of his previous history (he dates back to the 1940s). Ostrander is one of the best writers in comics and is not afraid to tackle controversial topics. The artwork of Mandrake is both moody and exquisite at the same time. They made an awesome team and this comic was the best one published by DC in quite awhile. The comic was voluntarily ended by Ostrander but what great stories he gave us (well over 60 issues of classic storytelling).
Buy this now........2000-04-10
John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake's Spectre stories are perhaps the most under rated in comics. Ostrander's stories explore topics that are all but ignored in other comics, and Tom Mandrake's art is perfectly suited for this book. The Spectre will appeal to people who enjoy the intelligent stories found in DC's VERTIGO line (and these same readers will find the art to be much better than what they are used to). Next to The Sandman, this was the BEST book that DC has published in a long time.
Book Description
In recent years Buddhist nuns from Asia and the West have met together to become more active in improving their status in the female sangha. At "Life As A Buddhist Nun," the 1996 conference in Dharamsala, His Holiness the Dalai Lama supported this effort of Buddhist nuns to clarify their purpose in taking vows, widening their context, broadening community beyond their own abbeys, and supporting one another on their quest to achieve greater equality. This book gathers some of the presentations and teaching at this conference. Coming from many different countries and backgrounds, these women show ways they have found to embrace group practice in an era when most societies extol individualism. Their passion for earned wisdom should inspire lay practitioners and other nuns seeking the essence of Buddhist practice.
Customer Reviews:
Monastic & cultural differences, adaptations, & experiences.......2005-05-20
This insightful book has 14 chapters based on "Life as a Buddhist Nun," a 3 week educational program for nuns @ Bodhgaya, India, Feb. 1996. The authors are from numerous countries, mostly European. Major sections include: history & monastic discipline, living as a Buddhist nun, nun's teachings, and a poignant appendix: p. 187: Bhikshuni Tenzin Palmo (England) "The Situation of Western Monastics," which made the Dalai Lama weep and an interview with the him in which he stated, pp. 192-3: "I think the rights of women practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist community have been neglected."
There are many references to cultural differences between East and West and the need to adapt:
p. ix: Dalai Lama: "Wherever Buddhism has taken root in a new land, there has always been a certain variation in the style in which it is observed.
p. xxxiv: editor Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron (USA): "Western monastics must determine how to keep some of the precepts according to the society and situation in which they find themselves. When Buddhism spread from India to Tibet, China, and other countries, the way of keeping the precepts was also adjusted to fit the mentality of the society as well as the geography, climate, economics, and so on of the country. This process is only beginning in the West now."
pp. 7-8: Bhikshuni Lekshe Tsomo (Hawaii), "Buddhist Monasticism & its Western Adaptation"--"Differences in social conditions now and at the time of the Buddha require thoughtful adaptation of the precepts in the present day."
p. 19-21: Dr. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh (Thailand) "The History of the Bhikkhuni Sangha"--"The Buddha always made exceptions after the general rule was established...Questioning the authority of certain passages in the Buddhist scriptures is a delicate issue, and we have to be very careful. How can we prove that everything was passed down exactly as the Buddha spoke it? On the other hand, isn't there a danger in saying that certain passages are later interpolations? I become suspicious only when a passage does not correspond with the spirit of the main core of the Buddha's teachings."
p. 31: Kabilsingh: "Certain ancient Indian social values were taken into Buddhism, because the Buddhist community was not separate from the general Indian society at the time."
p. 117: Chi-Kwang Sunim (Australia), "A Strong Tradition Adapting to Change: The Nuns in Korea"--""Westernization and technology are not the problem; what we do with them is."
pp. 141-2: Thubten Chodron "Finding Your Way"--"What is the essence of the Buddha's teachings that we must practice, bring back to our Western countries, and teach others? What is cultural form that we need not bring to the West? ...I had to confront the fact that copying a cultural form and others' external behavior was not necessarily practicing the Dharma...Because most of us Western monastics are operating cross-culturally, we would benefit from adapting the positive aspects and values of all culture we contact, while leaving behind whatever prejudice and preconceptions we may encounter."
pp. 167-8: Bhikshuni Wendy Finster (Australia) "We should be careful to distinguish between the Buddhadharma & the cultural context within which it has developed & be sure that we grasp the essence of the Dharma without getting caught up in the paraphernalia appropriate to its Asian cultural context. We must make an effort through our own individual practice to separate the grain from the chaff."
Of particular note: Bhikshuni Ngawang Chodron's (England) cogent arguments for full (Bhikshuni) ordination for nuns: p. 91: Under King Langdarma most Tibetan "monks were killed or forcefully disrobed, but 3 who survived fled to Kham, Eastern Tibet. There they met 2 Chinese monks who completed the required quorum of five monks to give ordination. If Tibetan monks could enlist the aid of Chinese monks, I feel that nuns in the Tibetan tradition should be able to enlist the help of Chinese monks & nuns who now give the Bhikshuni ordination...A central land is defined in the scriptures as a place which has the 4 classes of Buddhist disciples: bhikshus, bhikshunis, & lay practitioners of both sexes. If a place has no bhikshunis, it is not a central land...Why should a 70 year old nun still be a novice?"
Further, there were some very interesting psychological observations and comments:
p. 144: Thubten Chodron: "Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are prevalent in Westerners...Tibetans do not have words in their language for low self-esteem or guilt, so Westerners' problems with these feelings are not readily comprehensible to them. His Holiness had difficulty understanding how someone could not like himself. He looked around this room of educated, successful people and asked, `Who feels low self-esteem?' Everyone looked at each other and replied, `We all do.' His Holiness was shocked."
p. 158: Finster (a clinical psychologist and nun): "Only enlightened persons are totally mentally healthy." Her powerful & provocative chapter speaks to sangha dangers, responsibilities, & cultural differences.
p. 166: [not meeting one's expectations] "causes us to judge ourselves harshly and feel guilty, and as a result our self-esteem plummets. This surprises our Asian teachers; they do not realize the level of self-criticism and self-hatred that can arise in individuals raised in our culture."
p. 169: "If we find that we are not happier in our daily life, then we are not practicing the Dharma correctly." She also contrasts "spiritual materialism" vs. "kitchen sink reality."
But, perhaps the heart of the book lies in the descriptions of modern monastic life as actually experienced today, such as "Life in Gampo Abbey" by Bhikshuni Tsultrim Palmo, including rituals and daily routines. After all, the main point of a nun's life is to practice the Dharma. As the editor points out, p. xxxiii: "If we were able to keep the precepts perfectly, we would not need to take them." This is a fine book.
Some Interesting Essays.......2001-01-30
This book was the fruit of a conference of female ordained Buddhist monastics. Like all essay collections, this is a mixed bag, but contains at least three or four very interesting chapters. The book is organized into two main sections. The first is a series of essays by Buddhist nuns from different monastic traditions--Zen, Theravadin, Tibetan Kagyu, etc. They describe the routine in their monasteries, the rhythm of collective life. This section begins with an excellent article by Professor Chatsumarn Kabilsingh of Bangkok on "The History of the Bhikkhuni Sangha." She raises some interesting points concerning the historical Buddha's efforts to improve the status of the nuns (bikshunis) in relation to the monks (bikshus). The second section consists of brief dharma teachings by some of the nuns. Most notable is an essay by Khandro Rinpoche, a female Tibetan tulku and daughter of the head of the Mindrolling lineage. Another very good essay is about "How to Rely On A Spiritual Teacher" by Bhikshuni Jampa Chokyi, from Spain.
A complete eye-opener.......2000-02-20
These essays shine with intelligence and compassion. They also fill in so many little details about nuns' lives, dreams, obstacles and the work ahead. I was stunned by the book's vivid descriptions and its practical approach to everyday problems. Buddhist nuns are regular people, of course, but have focused their energy on the monastic discipline which supports a solid spiritual way of life. The essays break these things down, giving them a human face, a view of spiritual matters in perspective. Most of all, the book imparts a precious gift - an opportunity to imagine what it would be like. We can all rejoice.
Amazon.com
Because making a handmade gift takes time--one of our most precious commodities--Sally Pasley Vargas points out in Food for Friends that giving one expresses "something very personal: that we care, that our friends matter, that it is important to sustain our relationships." The recipient of a handmade gift of food gets a bonus: a gift that nurtures, comforts, and offers nourishment. In this beautifully presented work, Vargas offers something for every level of cook, with guidance for everything from wrapping and presenting edible gifts to choosing ingredients and preparing them. Gorgeous color photographs will encourage and motivate even those of us who think that we are less than creative.
Recipes for breakfast foods, such as Out-of-This-World Five-Grain Pancake and Waffle Mix, Maple-Cranberry Granola, and Mexican-Style Hot-Chocolate Mix, are quick and easy to assemble and make the perfect gifts for a busy household or a student away from home. Packaged in decorated bags and presented in cheerful bow-tied wicker baskets, gifts such as these are sure to please. Come summer, Vargas recommends stocking up on perfectly ripe fruit and making jams and preserves. Her instructions are clear and easy to follow, and if you do as she says, you'll have your holiday shopping done before the weather changes. Just make batches when you can, and fill four-ounce jars with a variety of flavors. Then tie such delicacies as Blackberry-Peach Jam, Strawberry Rubies, and Clementine-Cranberry Marmalade together with ribbons or raffia, make pretty labels, and give a sweet memory of summer to your family and friends. Preserved fruits such as Peaches in Raspberry Champagne, Cherry and Apricot Compote, and Blueberry-Lemon Sauce are elegant, unique treats that are so beautiful in their jars they hardly need any wrapping at all.
With a pantry full of homemade "bottled luxury" liqueurs such as Framboise, Sweet Blackberry Wine, and Orange Ratafia, and condiments like Homemade Grainy Mustard, Cranberry Chutney, and Cascabel Chile Salsa, you'll never need to run out at the last minute for a hostess gift. If you do have the time last-minute, Vargas's Lavender-Lemon Tea Cakes make fragrant, old-fashioned tea loaves, and her Chocolate-Apricot Rugelach are simply addictive. Creamy, rich dark-chocolate-and-whiskey Mystery Truffles and assorted Mendiants--coin-shaped chocolate candies studded with nuts and dried fruits--make a stunning gift. By following Vargas's step-by-step instructions and planning ahead, you'll perfect the art of giving in no time. --Leora Y. Bloom
Customer Reviews:
Food for Friends:Homemade gifts for every season.......2005-09-20
This book has so many fun and wonderful things to make for yourself or for a friend. I have made several of the recipes and have received "rave" reviews for all of them.
Great ways to make your friends feel special!.......2004-11-05
I was given this book as a door prize at a fund raising event. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed to have won a cook book, since I am not a cook. BUT...I love making my friends and family feel special, and this book has some great ideas on how to do just that. It has everything from very simple ways to make cordials and wines to jams and jellies and even a wonderful recipe for toasted pecans. The ideas for packaging are wonderful. The book is even very pretty, so it makes a great coffee table book or a pretty little hostess gift! (That is...unless you want to choose a simple recipe in the book for your hostess)! Two thumbs up!
A book to keep.......2001-12-12
I thought to give this book to a friend, but then I read it and decided that the creative ideas were so good and unusual, and the practical tips were so helpful that I would keep it myself, and give away the finished products she describes rather than the book itself. I have just made the hazelnut shortbread, and altho' I knew the tip about rubbing toasted hazelnuts in a cloth to remove the brown skin, she suggested a damp terry towel, and the dampness is the key! It was so much easier than with the dry towel I used before.
If you can bear to give it away, it would make a lovely present.
A Book for Friends (and for You).......2001-11-05
I confess. Though I consider myself a fairly competent cook, I have always been afraid to make jam, or preserves, or anything that had the potential to maim or kill if not done correctly. So I was delighted to receive a copy of "Food for Friends" as a gift. Ms. Vargas' easy-to-follow instructions gave me the confidence I needed to make my first-ever batch of jam: blueberry-raspberry, which she recommends for beginners. It was easy and delicious and no one died from eating it!! I have tried a few more of the recipies, and found them also easy to follow and lovely to give as presents. "Food for Friends" - in addition to providing wonderful gift ideas from your kitchen - also makes a terrific holiday gift itself, for that special cook in your life. Beautifully illustrated and CLEARLY written, it's a winner!
DISAPPOINTING.......2001-09-27
I found this book disappointing. There weren't really any new ideas for presentation that I hadn't seen before. There were very few recipes that actually appealed to me.
Book Description
Fine details of carving and construction are highlighted to demonstrate the best golden oak furniture from American makers at the end of the nineteenth century. China cabinets, bookcases, chairs, tables, and accent forms are shown in various styles with detailed descriptions and price ranges to reflect their values in the furniture market today. This book will become the standard reference by which dealers, collectors, decorators, curators, and historians can judge the field.
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Milady's Nail Art and Design
Tammy Bigan
Manufacturer: Milady
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Milady's Art and Science of Nail Technology
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Style on Hand: Perfect Nail and Skin Care
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The Encyclopedia of Nails (Habia City & Guilds)
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Nail Art
ASIN: 1562531182 |
Book Description
This innovative resource offers special tips and handy guidelines, providing everything needed to excel as an artist in this creative field. With a bold, unusual layout, this book will enrich the success of a nail technician by taking the reader step-by-step through the basics and all the way to marketing and selling your nail art designs. Master these dazzling designs today, and learn the highly creative art of decorative nails.
Book Description
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the minimalist trend and the influence it has had upon decoration and interior design. The projects chosen, although they cannot always be labeled as "100% minimalist," do clearly reflect the impact of this movement on architecture, art, fashion, and design. As the modern movement gradually began to fade out, minimalist art came into its own and then went on to become an unmistakable reference for the subsequent minimalist movement, as exemplified in architecture and decoration by the inspiring works of the modern masters Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.
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Bon Voyage!: Travel Posters of the Edwardian Era
Julia Wigg
Manufacturer: Stationery Office Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
European
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ASIN: 0114402612 |
Customer Reviews:
The definitive description of cabaret today........1999-07-23
Being a cabaret singer myself, I was immediately taken in by this book. I saw all three ladies perform during the 93-94 season and I was glad to relive those performances. The way Ms. Winer weaves in and out of the divas' stories, mingling in sections on other NYC cabaret denizens, and her honest, tell-it-like-it-is style kept me wanting more.
The hard truth that it is almost impossible to make a living in cabaret - even these great stars struggle - was difficult to read. But I believe that especially in a book like this, the truths have to be told.
Ms. Winer points out the battles, but also the rewards of this field: creating magic in the night - and the music.
It's a good read.
A fascinating read..........1999-04-07
This is the book equivalent of a behind-the-scenes documentary. It tosses you into the often difficult world that is New York cabaret. Although all three ladies are established stars, they struggle like everyone else. I bought this book on a whim. I have long been a fan of Rosemary Clooney, and knew a little of the other ladies, but thought it would be entertaining to read about the cabaret world. I don't think you have to be a huge fan to appreciate the book. Winer's style is most appropriate and entertaining for a book of this kind. Winer weaves in and out of the stories of each singer, and little by little, you learn a lot. As she follows Rosie, Barbara and Julie around, you start to get a clear picture of what it takes to make it: determination, resilience, a sense of humor, and unfailing talent. She captures moments you won't find in an interview. All in all, I would recommend this book highly, but not to just anyone. If you are a fan of any of the profiled singers, if you are a performer, if you enjoy finding out "what makes people tick," you'll enjoy this book.
interesting stories and anecdotes not written well.......1998-06-22
This is a book for people who are really interested in the careers of these three cabaret stars. The stories are interesting, but the writing, editing, and organization are weak--that is, you have to really care about these performers to want to read on. Their stories kept me going--the presentation of the material, including chronological jumping and seemingly endless repetition, with no real purpose, were downright annoying. The book reads as though it was written by a groupie who'd skipped writing class. It definitely has peaks and valleys, with the anecdotes being the peaks and the presentation being the valleys.
Product Description
The Night and the Music follows Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Cook, and Julie Wilson through a season of nightclub performances, and tells the story of their stardom, how they lost it, and how they won it back. It conveys the glittering atmosphere of smoke-filled clubs and the special bond a singer can create with an audience.
Books:
- White Chappell, Scarlet Tracings
- You Have to Be Careful in the Land of the Free
- A Cool Million and The Dream Life of Balso Snell: Two Novels
- A Day No Pigs Would Die
- A Very Private Gentleman: A Novel
- A Walk in the Night and Other Stories
- Accident of Birth: A Novel
- All Honest Men: A Biographical Novel
- All Shot Up
- Along the Border Lies
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