Scandal Takes a Holiday (A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery)

Book Description

As an “informer”—a private detective—Marcus Didius Falco has an insider’s knowledge of the Empire’s less than glorious side. He’s also been in the middle of its most dangerous secrets more than once. So when he’s hired to find notorious gossip “scribe” Infamia, Marcus figures the missing muckraker is either taking advantage of a vacation bribe from some wealthy wife—or resting up from injuries inflicted by some senator’s henchmen. But instead of earning an easy fee, Marcus soon finds himself at odds against a sinister ring of pirates preying on the wealthy; a ruthlessly-vulgar construction magnate...and several of his own less-than-reputable family members. And what he uncovers will lead him through the dark byways and underground of the Empire’s busiest seaport…where a cold-blooded killer with nothing to lose waits to bury one cynical informer for good...

Customer Reviews:

Falco in Ostia.......2007-03-29

Our intrepid hero has the task of finding a missing gossip writer in the seaport town of Ostia. Of course, with Falco, nothing is ever as simple as it initially appears, and quite soon he finds himself up to his neck in various nefarious doings. In addition, he meets an uncle who is never spoken about by the rest of the family, and also learns some very interesting things about his father. This is a rollicking story, and it moves along quite rapidly. The Falco series is one of the best, and this book certainly lives up to the quality of the others.

Sleuthing in the underbelly of ancient Rome, #16.......2006-07-18

What sort of story is this? It is not a study of character. Marcus Didius Falco is as feckless an "informer" as ever, his patrician wife still has the smarts in the family, his sister Maia is ever obnoxious, the growing kids have quarrels, and Petronius is here. So, this is a tale of a Roman extended family (very extended here), on a vacation of a sort. Most all the other series characters make appearences, if only to send them away. Each one is a well-differentiated and recognizable "character," indeed, but there's little character development (despite one big revelation). Not much back-story is given for this mob, although there's now a handy genealogy for the Didius clan and some helpful maps. So, this is not the place to start this amusing series.

This volume lacks much of mystery (well, there is the mystery cult of "mother" Cybele and her eunuch priests). Falco the sleuth is seeking a missing muckraker, but he doesn't make much progress for a great many pages. Instead he seems to fall into one tangential investigation after another (although, this being a novel, they must all tie in somehow, even if as red herrings--or should I say garum?*). Actually, the tangents ARE the story this time. Falco is at his best when his values are at stake, but the missing scandal monger is not really one of them. (Rome did have a daily newspaper, but it belonged to the Emperor and was posted only in the Forum.)

I really enjoyed Davis's descriptions of several Roman customs new to this series. There's the workings of the port city of Ostia where the Didii spend their time in this volume, numerous temple cults besides Cybele's, a grand Roman funeral at the cusp of the story, and everybody's favorites: Pirates--on shore, afloat, and somehow entangled in this story (ah, there's the mystery).

Davis is writing the most amusing, or cynical, or contemporary, series of Roman whodunnits. I think there are more funny asides here than usual. Her humor tends to drag it out a bit, or divert attention from the plot, or reduce the tension of Falco's quest. Falco's sceptical view of everything is the most "contemporary" aspect of Davis's writing (aside from the absence of the Ciceronian rhetorical flourishes seen in ancient writings). Davis is light on Latin words and terms, probably a good thing (in contrast to Colleen McCullough's very serious series that comes with a glossary).

I give it four stars because while it is not Davis at her best, and lacks suspense, the setting and plot are fresh. The pb cover art drops the previous "mosaic" image taken from the story in favor of an atmospheric city scene, which I think is an inappropriate Renaissance scene.

*For more on this piquant sauce, see the story in Steven Saylor's amusing collection, A Gladiator Dies Only Once (the title story is also most entertaining).

Scandal Takes a Holiday: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery Novel

Average customer rating:

Strong entry in the series and a great set up for the next one.
A Welcome Addition to the Series
Falco just gets better and better
Amusing, lightweight look at Imperial Rome
Funny and exciting historical mystery

Scandal Takes a Holiday: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery Novel
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

British Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Historical | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0892968125

Book Description

Lindsey Davis’s sixteenth novel in the bestselling Marcus Didius Falco series is a tale of scandal, piracy and deception.

In the wealthy town of Ostia, our hero Falco appears to be enjoying a relaxing holiday. But when his girlfriend, Helena, arrives carrying a batch of old copies of the Daily Gazette – with the intention of catching up on the latest scandal – Falco is forced to admit to Petronius his real reasons for being there.

“Infamia,” the pen name of the scribe who writes the gossip column for the Daily Gazette, has gone missing. His fellow scribes have employed Falco to find him and bring him back from his lazy, drunken truancy. However, Falco suspects that there is more to his absence than might at first appear. Before long, Falco’s enquiries lead him into the world of piracy and the discovery of criminal traditions long believed dead. Is this the right path toward finding Infamia? Why would pirates have taken him? And if they have, will he be found alive?

Customer Reviews:

Strong entry in the series and a great set up for the next one........2006-01-11

The family gets out of Rome and the "press" of the era is explored. Plus there's pirates. Everybody likes pirates. There is a deus ex machina that saves Falco but otherwise this was an enjoyable mystery.

A Welcome Addition to the Series.......2005-08-19

Marcus Didius Falco is not, despite his claims, visiting Ostia for pleasure, but to track down Infamia, whose scandalous column in the Daily Gazette gets him in trouble more often than not. He said he was going to visit an Aunt in Ostia, but he never returned and the only thing he leaves behind him are some personal effects and a trail of several odd clues.

For instance, shortly before his disappearance, he attempted to take on various different jobs, even applied to the Vigiles. One of the last people to see him is a reclusive old sea merchant who claims, despite rumors otherwise, to have never been a pirate...piracy being one of the things that, officially, no longer exists.

This sixteenth book following the adventures of Falco has several interesting twists. An informer (private eye) of some renown, he, along with his best friend Petronis and his love Helena find themselves in an increasingly dangerous situation, filled with Cicilain pirates, kidnapping and murder.

The series is famous for its rich depiction of Ancient Rome and each one seems to focus on a slightly different area of the culture and history, teaching us a great deal. This time, as you may have gathered, it's piracy.

It was interesting to see how the pirates were used by the Roman government, then declared completely stamped out, though, unofficially, everyone knew it was still going on. Also, the rules that these pirates abided by to make sure that their victim's families paid up showed them to be shrewd businessmen as well as criminals.

Falco just gets better and better.......2005-08-04

Marcus Didius Falco has been voted the best comic detective. This is mostly due to Davis' style of writing, she writes books you cannot put down partly because of the plots and partly the light humour she give her readers. Falco is an informer in Ancient Rome, that is much like a private detective today, he gets into a lot of scrapes but solves his own cases and several of other peoples. In this book he is hired to find the missing scribe who writes the scandal pages of the Daily Gazette. His investigation takes him to the coastal town of Ostia some twenty miles from Rome where Diocles was supposed to be holidaying. Falco moves his whole family into a small apartment, that is partner and colleague, Helena, their two daughters and a foster child Albia who takes care of the babies. While pursuing leads on the scribe's whereabouts Falco stumbles on a large band of pirates and a kidnapping syndicate in the region so he assists the law enforcement agency in the region to round up those gangs in the process of discovering the truth about Diocles' disappearance.

Amusing, lightweight look at Imperial Rome.......2005-07-03

"Scadal Takes a Holiday" is the latest of Lindsey Davis's chronicles of the "informer" Marcus Didius Falco of the first century AD Rome -- sort of a hardboiled detective in a toga (although Falco doesn't really like wearing a toga). This adventure takes him to port of Ostia downriver from Rome, seeking for a scandalsheet writer who has disappered. As usual, his family proves more troublesome (and maybe more dangerous) than the criminals he encounters. Although Davis's characters perhaps lack the depth and subtlety of those of Steven Saylor (author of a series of mysteries set in first century BCE Rome), the Falco books nonetheless are well researched and provide authentic glimpses into the politics and culture of early Imperial Rome.

Funny and exciting historical mystery.......2005-01-26

The upper class in Rome get their news from the Daily Gazette. It's mostly boring--events of the Emperor, some lies (rumors of pirates are untrue), but with a load of gossip. Except that gossip has gotten thin lately as the gossip writer has taken an extended vacation. So extended, in fact, that his fellow writers hire Marcus Didius Falco, an informant, to find him.

Falco, along with his wife and assorted members of his family, head for Ostia, the port of Rome where Diocles was supposed to be visiting with his aunt. As Falco investigates, he finds evidence of multiple crimes--piracy that had supposedly been smashed by Pompey, professional kidnapping, and a strange mix of firefighting with professional building.

Author Lindsey Davis continues her funny and exciting Marcus Didius Falco series in SCANDAL TAKES A HOLIDAY. Falco's relations with his aristocratic wife Helena and their respective families adds to both humor and to the character depth. As always, Davis's historical detail adds to the interest and engages the reader.

I thought Davis occasionally got carried away with the family and a series of mysteries that didn't really relate to each other, making this novel a bit weaker than some of the others in the series. That doesn't mean that SCANDAL wasn't a completely enjoyable ride. I found myself laughing out loud several times and read through the entire novel in a single sitting.

Average customer rating:

Fun again. The Marcus Didius Falco series, as a whole, is sensational!

Scandal Takes a Holiday: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery Novel
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: B000KHXC30

Customer Reviews:

Fun again. The Marcus Didius Falco series, as a whole, is sensational!.......2007-06-14

Fun, but ends on a somewhat depressing (and homophobic) note. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.

Scandal Takes a Holiday (Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

Scandal Takes a Holiday (Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries)
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Sound Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Historical | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Thrillers | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0792735528

Average customer rating:

Scandal Takes A Holiday
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Century
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Engaging series, although not Paxson's best

Some good early work

disagreement

A grave disappointment
The Mistress of the Jewels (Westria, No 1)
Diana L. Paxson
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Paxson, Diana | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Wind Crystal (Westria, No. 6)

The Jewel of Fire (7th Book of Westria)

Silverhair the Wanderer

The Golden Hills of Westria

The Dragons of the Rhine (Paxson, Diana L. Wodan's Children, Bk. 2.)

ASIN: 0812548663

Customer Reviews:

Engaging series, although not Paxson's best.......2004-08-12

Lady of Light and Lady of Darkness introduce interesting characters in a fabulous setting (apparently Earth after an apocalypse) but the endings are unsatisfying, especially in the second book. The hero and heroine, Faris and Jehan, vacillate between strength and weakness and become rather blase in Lady of Darkness. Still, the series is entertaining and worth reading. Perhaps more appropriate for teens than adults.

Some good early work.......2003-10-01

A little about me. . . I have read nearly everything by Diana Paxson, starting with her more recent works (e.g., "Wolf and the Raven," "Dragons on the Rhine," the "Hallowed Isle" series). It wasn't until recently that I could acquire all of the Westria novels and read them.

I disagree with the negative comments by another reviewer. The Westria series was one of Diana Paxson's first novels and, as an early novel, is quite good. It may help to understand how "Mistress of the Jewels" fits into the entire series. While other authors give you a short, brief descent into chaos/evil from which the hero/heroine must emerge, in "Mistress" Ms. Paxson shows you the descent and the contributing factors. It isn't until "Silverhair the Wanderer" (pt. 3 of the Westria series) that you are truly introduced to all of the heroes and heroines and begin to see their struggle to emerge from chaos/evil. As such, "Mistress" is truly a 'prequel,' and it is in later books of the Westria series that Ms. Paxson's character and plot development truly shine.

All in all, the entire series is a good read.

disagreement.......2000-09-29

i disagree with the above review. i have never read the short stories, but i loved this book. i found the characters deep and compelling. i loved the premise and the story.

A grave disappointment.......1999-09-10

Perhaps I misjudged Ms. Paxon's ability as a novelist. I first came across her works in one of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword And Sorceress anthologies. Ms Paxon's short story was incredible! Apon discovering that a friend of mine had the Jewels of Westria, a book by the same author as one of my favorite short stories, I practically STOLE his copy! I started reading enthusiastically, but that passed rather quickly.. The plot is predictable, and not particualrly deep. The characters are generally boring and lacking in depth or personality. Sorry, Ms Paxon. This one is a bomber!

Average customer rating:

The Mistress of the Jewels
Diana Paxson
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000ORAED2

Average customer rating:

MISTRESS OF THE JEWELS (WESTRIA, NO 1)
DIANA L. PAXSON
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M6BBLE

Book Description

More than 24 million people run in the United States alone, but 65 percent will have to stop at least once this year because of injury. Still others will choose to run through the pain. But in this groundbreaking book, ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer teaches us the running technique he created to heal and prevent injuries and also to run faster, farther, and with much less effort at any age.

ChiRunning employs the deep power reserves in the core muscles of the trunk, an approach that grows out of such disciplines as yoga, Pilates, and t'ai chi. This excellent step-by-step program offers training principles and is easily learned.

Dramatically reduce your potential for injury Make knee pain and shin splints a thing of the past Greatly reduce post-run recovery time Create a safe and effective training program Make running any distance enjoyable whether you're a beginning runner or a seasoned competitor

Customer Reviews:

Not a runner, YET........2007-10-10

I'm a beginning runner and found the concepts in the book very valuable -- from how to position my body to the ideal attitude.
More importantly, I gave this book to two people who have been running for some time and do full marathons. Each of them thought the book very beneficial and have begun applying the principles to enhance their own style.
Since the techniques are based on martial arts principles (I'm a black belt), anyone involved in the fighting arts will appreciate the lessons -- whether you want to run or not.

Chi Running.......2007-10-05

This book is great, there is a bit of fluffy Zen stuff in there, but there is also a bunch of great tips and exercises. I think it's fun and informative and a worthwhile read. Certainly a bargain at $12 bucks.

Buy the Lore of Running - not this one!.......2007-10-05

This book could have been summed up in an introduction. Essentially don't waste energy when you're running. A little bit of biomechanics and a little bit of physics disguised as Eastern Philosophy. A waste of paper; in the form of a book and from my wallet in the form of money. Buy the book "Lore of Running" - smartest most complete book on running known to date. Very useful... worth your time and money. Still want this book - take mine.

life changing.......2007-09-11

I have been a runner for years, for excercise. This book has taught me how to take it to the next level!! So far I have gone from running for 30 minutes to an hour!!

Chi or POSE.......2007-09-08

I have now read both Danny Dreyer's Chi Running and Nicholas Romanov's POSE Method of Running several times and if you're thinking of picking one or the other I'd say you can learn a lot by reading both

POSE is a little more mechanical, in its approach... chi a little more, well, Zen but the core messages are very similar and there are enough differences in approach to make them both worthwhile

Average customer rating:

Good book

My all-time favorite cookbook!

unusable!

A Taste of Lebanon

Basics of Lebanese Cuisine for Western Tastes

A Taste of Lebanon: Cooking Today the Lebanese Way
Mary Salloum
Manufacturer: Interlink Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Middle Eastern | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Lebanese Cuisine: More than 200 Simple, Delicious, Authentic Recipes

Kibbee 'N' Spice and Everything Nice : Popular and Easy Recipes for the Lebanese and American Family

Lebanese Cuisine: More Than 250 Authentic Recipes From The Most Elegant Middle Eastern Cuisine

Lebanese Mountain Cookery

From the Tables of Lebanon: Traditional Vegetarian Cuisine

ASIN: 0940793903

Book Description

A Taste of Lebanon Cooking Today The Lebanese Way A cultural as well as a gastronomic delight, this book maintains the authentic flavor of the Middle East while adapting recipes to suit Western lifestyles and kitchens. It is a valuable guide to the incredible diversity of Lebanese cookery. Over 200 recipes include appetizers, sauces, soups, salads, yogurt dishes, main courses, pastries and desserts, plus ingredient information and helpful hints. See, also, A Taste of the Mediterranean.

7" x 10"; 17 color photographs; wire coil bound

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-09-09

In general is a good middle eastern cooking book. It has good recipes and they're not that complicated to do.

My all-time favorite cookbook!.......2007-02-23

I originally received this book as a gift from my husband's 90 year old Lebanese aunt, who told me the recipes are the same as they learned to cook in the old country. Well, I have tried most of the recipes in this book, and they are all delicious. One comment from one of the Lebanese cousins at my husband's birthday party was "these are better than the Lebanese make" referring to the kibby balls I had made from a recipe in this book. I have purchased this book as gifts for all of my 6 grown children, and also for several of my friends. We all refer to it as "the book", and everyone knows which one we are talking about. Mine has been used so much, that the pages are all tattered and torn. Now that is the sign of a GREAT cookbook!

unusable!.......2006-08-30

I bought this book because i love cooking and love arabic food.the recipes in the book are good but the problem is that even if followed very carefully,the meals do not come out.they are always eighter undercooked, overcooked or just plain flavorless.The cooking times and temperatures are always off!Worst cookbook i ever bought!I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because a few of the salads and beverages were ok,the rest is a waste!

A Taste of Lebanon.......2006-07-20

The books arrived in brand new condition and were sent on an expedited basis. Thank you.

Basics of Lebanese Cuisine for Western Tastes.......2006-07-15

The basics of Lebanese cuisine are presented in this cookbook including kibbi, kafta, yogurt, hummous, baklava, tabouleh, baba gannoush, and many others. Many of the recipes in this book present ideas on how to use these staples of Lebanese cuisine in a variety interesting and different ways. Many of the recipes have been modified for Western tastes, and a few would be unrecognizable in Lebanon (Sloppy Joe Pita Pockets or Pita Burritos!). None of the recipes are particularly complex (except perhaps some of the pastries). There are quite a few of what I would consider to be filler recipes in this cookbook to round out the book. The reason that I rated this book at only three stars is that there really isn't much to it. Once you get past the traditional Lebanese basics, that's pretty much it. A great introduction to Lebanese flavors and Lebanese cooking, but you will be quickly left looking for more.

Average customer rating:

Some information is outdated

question on parakeet behavior

The New Parakeet Handbook

Great book for the first time owner!

Jam Packed w/info

The New Parakeet Handbook: Everything About the Purchase, Diet, Diseases, and Behavior of Parakeets : With a Special Chapter on Raising Parakeets (New Pet Handbooks)
I. Birmelin , and Annette Wolter
Manufacturer: Barrons Educational Series Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Birds | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Step by Step Book About Training Your Parakeet

Complete Book of Parakeet Care, The (Barron's N)

Parakeets (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

Parakeet Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

Why Do Parakeets Do That?: Real Answers to the Curious Things Parakeets Do

ASIN: 0812029852

Customer Reviews:

Some information is outdated.......2006-01-19

I enjoyed reading this book, and I love all the pictures, but some important information is outdated. For example, the book suggests over and over that you give your parakeet gravel to help with digestion, but this is a big no-no. A more recent book would explain the dangers of this practice, and inform the reader to steer clear of gravel and grit, as well as sandpaper perches (which can hurt and injure your bird's poor little feet).

Much of the information is very helpful, and again, the pictures are wonderful, but I would suggest a more current book to anyone who is looking for accurate information on the feeding and care of your parakeet. If I had noticed the publishing date of this book (English version was first published in 1986) I would have passed on it.

question on parakeet behavior.......2000-03-17

Please let me know about parakeets eating the paper on the bottom of the cage. "Wicky" has become finiky with his food and started to eat paper. Is this harmfil? What should I do?

The New Parakeet Handbook.......2000-02-05

This book is an exallent source of information on the raising, caring or breedind of budgies. It includes diagnosis and treatment charts for illnesses and injuries. This book also includes what and what not to feed the budgie, home grown foods and housing requirments. It even has a section for breeding, taming and the behavior of Parakeets. In my opion this book is a MUST for ALL parakeet owners. Wheither the first time novice, or a serious breeder. Use it as a guide to care for your bird or as a referance guide for diagnosing and treatment of any budgie problems. The book has lots of photos, drawings, and charts. I love this book and use it all the time for my budgie Joe. This is one awsome budgie book!

Great book for the first time owner!.......1999-11-06

This book is excellent for children,or those of us just getting our first "keet".The information is concise and easily understood.The book is set up to cover a touch of just about everything from where did they originate to handfeeding babies.The color photos are exquisite! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a budgie.It would also make a nice gift accompaniment if someone would like to give someone a budgie as a gift!

Jam Packed w/info.......1999-07-07

THis book has so much information that I never knew about my parakeets. It teachs Care and feeding to even understanding parakeet behavior! This is an excellent book.

Customer Reviews:

Reality Check..........2000-11-07

I was loaned the book when I was engaged to my ex-husband. We never read it. I'm not saying it would have saved a marriage/divorce - but I will try to give it to all who I know are "in love," contemplating marriage, engaged, and even already married. This refreshing & thought-provoking book lays all out (EVERYTHING)plainly and simply and just forces you to think very practically about the person and relationship you're involved with and may be committing to. It made me re-think what commitment in marriage really is... and just what marriage really is... especially in a day when, as the author puts it, "No one seems to ask parents or grandparents anymore. I suspect it is not so much the young who don't want to ask as it is their elders who don't quite know how to answer." Some of this is hard to swallow - but if you're open-minded and willing to accept the fact that you don't have it all figured out... I think you'll find the topics worthy of some interesting thoughts and conversations. Read this with your boyfriend or girlfriend, fiance or even husband or wife. If you're reluctant, think about how interesting it is that we'll share ourselves so intimately (even outside of marriage) yet avoid "tough" conversations... Even if you don't agree with everything, the discussions this book generates will almost certainly be enlightening. I challenge you to read it with an open mind & with God's love for you in mind.

Book Description

This exceptional how-to book shows you the ins and outs of making fabulous hats for your antique and contemporary dolls including items for the popular 15-in fashion dolls such as Gene®, Tyler®, and Alex®. We all know that fashion is about the accessories and a hat can make or break an outfit. Designer Timothy Alberts shows step-by-step how you can make stunning hats to accompany your doll's costumes, and includes four different hat patterns. In addition to the source guide, the authors also include an illustrated history of many different styles and how they are incorporated into today's fashions. This elegant book will be a favorite for modern and antique collectors alike. 225 color photos. 128 pages · 8-1/2" x 11"

Customer Reviews:

The art of making extraordinary reading material.......2002-08-26

I loved this book! This is the latest in my collection books by Timothy Alberts. From beginning to end the author captivates you with attention to detail. Although this book does not delve deeply into the more intricate aspects of how to make the designs shown, most are not for the beginner anyway. The designs featured in this book are some of the finest that I have seen. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in millinery, and eagerly await future works.

Lack of Information.......2002-06-19

I was unhappy to see that this book did not contain explicit hat making instructions. The best example was chapter 5 on straw hats. In the instructions you are told to sew the straw braid together either by hand or machine but did not tell you if you should butt the straw braid together or over lap the braid. No help was given for hand sewing the braid either... what stitch to use? Nothing was mentioned about machine settings either. For example, if you use a straight stitch how long should the stitch be? If you use a machine zigzag stitch what is the best length and width. I was also surprised at the how to pictures in the book. I expected better close-ups. This was my first book about millinery so my expectations may be too high but I still feel the book left out a lot of very important information.

Book Description

In Turning South Again the distinguished and award-winning essayist, poet, and scholar of African American literature Houston A. Baker, Jr. offers a revisionist account of the struggle for black modernism in the United States. With a take on the work of Booker T. Washington and the Tuskegee Institute surprisingly different from that in his earlier book Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance, Baker combines historical considerations with psychoanalysis, personal memoir, and whiteness studies to argue that the American South and its regulating institutions—particularly that of incarceration—have always been at the center of the African American experience.
From the holds of slave ships to the peonage of Reconstruction to the contemporary prison system, incarceration has largely defined black life in the United States. Even Washington’s school at Tuskegee, Baker explains, housed and regulated black bodies no longer directly controlled by slave owners. He further implicates Washington by claiming that in enacting his ideas about racial “uplift,” Washington engaged in “mulatto modernism,” a compromised attempt at full citizenship. Combining autobiographical prose, literary criticism, psychoanalytic writing, and, occasionally, blues lyrics and poetry, Baker meditates on the consequences of mulatto modernism for the project of black modernism, which he defines as the achievement of mobile, life-enhancing participation in the public sphere and economic solvency for the majority of African Americans. By including a section about growing up in the South, as well as his recent return to assume a professorship at Duke, Baker contributes further to one of the book’s central concerns: a call to centralize the South in American cultural studies.

Customer Reviews:

Shoddy application of psychoanalysis to black history........2006-11-14

Overall, I was very dissapointed with Baker's approach and expected much more from someone with a good reputation for literary analysis. I could accept his psychoanalytic speculative ventures about Booker T. Washington's personal biography, but as the major underpining of a judgement against Washington that he is intent on making, it is very thin. Especially when there are no specific references from Up From Slavery, or testimony by students, acquaintances etc. to support such theorizing. All in all I found it very unbalanced and unscholarly.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books