Chasing Cezanne: A Novel

Amazon.com

Our hero, glamorous art photographer Andre Kelly, is on assignment for glamorous DQ Magazine--run by the glamorous Camilla Porter--in Cape Ferrat on the (you guessed it) glamorous Côte d'Azur. Snooping around an ancestral pile for some snaps, by chance he spies Old Claude, the ancient retainer of the immensely wealthy Denoyer family, packing the family Cezanne into a plumbing van. Puzzled, Andre investigates, and the game is afoot. Peter Mayle's latest effort, Chasing Cezanne, is a whodunit that shows good manners and impeccable taste. It takes its characters--graduates of all the best schools, of course--to some of the world's most posh locales. The plot device is high rent, too: a purloined painting worth a cool $30 million. To call this book lightweight seems unfair and boorish besides. There's lots of travel, lots of opulence, lots of opportunities for Mayle to describe Paris and Provence, and all the yummies you'll find in both places. Who can worry about a mystery when the food's so delectable?

Book Description

Hanky-panky on the international art scene is the source of the hilarity and fizz in Peter Mayle's new novel. He flies us back to the south of France (a region some readers of his irresistible best-sellers believe him to have invented), on a wild chase through galleries, homes of prominent collectors, and wickedly delectable restaurants. There are stopovers in the Bahamas and England, and in New York, where that glossiest of magazines, Decorating Quarterly, reflects the cutting-edge trendiness of its editor, Camilla Jameson Porter. (Camilla has recently broken new ground in the world of power lunches by booking two tables on the same day, and shuttling between them, at the city's trendiest restaurant.)

It is Camilla who has sent our hero, Andre Kelly, to Cap Ferrat to take glamorous photo-graphs of the houses and treasures of the rich, famous, and fatuous. He happens to have his camera at the ready when he spots a Cézanne being loaded onto a plumber's truck near the home of an absent collector. Odd, thinks Andre. And in no time he's on the trail of a state-of-the-art art scam, chasing Cézanne.

It's a joy to follow him and the crowds intent on speeding or foiling his quest--including a beautiful agent; a super-savvy art dealer attracted to the finer things in life, especially if they promise the payoff of a lifetime; an awesome Dutch forger; some outstandingly greedy New York sophisticates; and, invisible in the background, the parade of remarkable chefs whose mouthwatering culinary masterpieces periodically soothe the hero and tantalize the reader of Chasing Cézanne.

Customer Reviews:

Lightweight Divertissement.......2006-04-28

This rather light book is a decent beach read or a companion on a plane flight, but little more. The plot centers on a stolen work of art, and in typical Mayle style includes a romp through France, with many stops at fine restaurants and brasseries. Mayle has a wonderful way of describing the French joie de vivre, with heavy emphasis on their culinary prowess, and this work is no exception. Unfortunately, there is little more to this novel. The plot is not all that plausible, the characters uninteresting, the story not well fleshed out, and the ending is simply stupid. Peter Mayle has written some wonderful novels, but this isn't one of them. I can't even recommend this to someone who liked his other works, it is really without interest or merit. Overall, a disappointing effort, and worthy only to pass the time on vacation or while travelling.

Continue to soak up the good life..........2006-04-21

Although this novelette by Peter Mayle does not have as much of the "good life" of Provence we soak up from his other books, it's still as fun and capricious as his other novels and worth the short bit of time it takes to read it! Recommended for anyone who has enjoyed Mayle's other novels, arm-chair travelers, and people looking for a beach read!

Humorous, intriguing and delicious.......2006-03-24

I've been "hooked" on Peter Mayle since I read Hotel Pastis, and Chasing Cezanne is another rare treat. I can't resist the combination of French scenery, French food, a little intrigue, and lighthearted fun that Mayle combines in his works of fiction. And of course, for those who prefer nonfiction, all of his Provence books (A year in...; Toujours ...; Encore...etc.) are also delightful.

Interesting, but essentially blaisé..........2005-05-31

"Chasing Cezanne" was a little disappointing...I'm not a big reader of fiction outside the sci-fi/fantasy genre, but this book was recommended by a French teacher (herself from Belgium, actually) since I'll be studying in Provence for 9 weeks in the fall. I was expecting more of a "travelogue" (the title and the teacher's description sort of implied a narrative of the author's research on writing a biography of Cezanne.) Needless to say, I was a little skeptical as soon as I discovered it was a novel, but I gave it a try anyway.

Expectations aside, the novel is still rather flat. The protaganists spend most of the story flying from one spot to another, with editorial observations injected by Mayle frequently and randomly. They toss money around like water yet constantly seem desperate for more. The characters, especially the bad guys, are remarkably cliché. The problems faced by the main characters never really seemed to catch my interest, and even a couple times when their lives where in danger, the descriptions of their situation didn't even raise a mild anxiety in me.

I just finished a survey course of Western art from the 15th to 20th centuries, so all the art references piqued my interest, but they still felt like a sophomoric attempt to make an "in-joke" with part of his audience and leave the rest scratching their heads. It was an easy read, though, and still managed to (mostly) hold my attention throughout (I finished it in one sitting.)

Overall, a pleasant but forgettable experience that, in the hands of a competent screenwriter and director, might make a good film. I think I'll try Mayle's "A Year in Provence" which, from what I've read, seems closer to what I was looking for.

As effervescent as French champagne.......2005-05-11

So I pick some no-brainers off the library shelf -- Deaver, Woods, Mayle, and a couple of lesser-knowns -- and "Chasing Cezanne" is so much fun, not to mention goreless and unperverted, that I can't bring myself to read the others. As much as I enjoy murder mysteries with psychological complexities, "Cezanne" has definitely put me off my feed. Like Rosemunde Pilcher's novels, it's a vacation to heaven. The plot of "Cezanne" is not overburdened but merely le moutard sur la viand of glamourous settings and eccentric characters who love themselves and life, sweet romance without graphic sex, and food, food, food. This novel is a salad course, a sorbet that clears a mental palette of sordid modern life. Its pace is much livelier than that of the Provence books -- which is appropriate, after all. I'm going back for seconds.

Chasing Cezanne LP Signed Edition: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Chasing Cezanne LP Signed Edition: A Novel
Peter Mayle
Manufacturer: Random House Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0679774408
Release Date: 1997-05-27

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Chasing Cezanne: A Novel
Peter Mayle
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PBXVCS

Average customer rating:

Chasing Cézanne: A Novel
Peter Mayle
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WTWZUM

Product Description

A photographer in the south of France spots a Cézanne being loaded into a truck and, along with his beautiful assistant, follows it into a forgery scam. This is a novel about France, food, and the art world.

Average customer rating:

Excellent book

Simple and Easy to Understand

Simply the Best

Very good book

This is a great book for all kind of healthy folk and those that desire great health

Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, Third Edition
Nancy Clark
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Weight Loss | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Nancy Clark's Food Guide for Marathoners

Advanced Sports Nutrition

Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes

The Cyclist's Food Guide

Encyclopedia of Sports and Fitness Nutrition

ASIN: 073604602X

Amazon.com

What's the best diet for good health and athletic performance? Nancy Clark, M.S., R.D., describes the dietary balance and specific foods shown to be optimal for athletes from recreational exercisers to Olympic hopefuls, citing supporting studies. Refreshingly free of high-protein hype, Clark emphasizes a varied, wholesome, moderate diet high in complex carbohydrates ("without question, wholesome carbohydrates are the best choices for fueling your muscles and promoting good health"), especially whole grains and starches; adequate but not excessive protein; and 20 to 35 percent fat. Learn the components and variables of your ideal diet, with tables of nutritional information and marvelous tidbits, such as calorie/fat counts of various fast foods. Did you realize that an Au Bon Pain pecan roll has 800 calories and 45 grams of fat--double the calories/fat in a serving of KFC's Crispy Strips? Did you know that a Dunkin' Donuts 16-ounce Coffee Coolatta with cream has 410 calories and 22 grams of fat--about equivalent to a McDonald's Quarter-Pounder? Clark, a well-known sports nutrition expert, also covers weight loss, weight gain, eating disorders, and includes 72 recipes. Highly recommended for athletes, exercisers, and average folk who want to understand how to design a personalized diet. --Joan Price

Book Description

Boost your energy, reduce stress, lose body fat, build muscle, and improve your performance with the all-time best-selling sports nutrition guide! Updated with realistic eating strategies to help you make the right food choices in today's eat-and-run society, Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook shows how to navigate your way healthfully through grocery stores, fast food drive-throughs, restaurants, and even your own kitchen. More than 72 recipes are included for healthful, mouth-watering meals that are quick and easy to prepare.

The nation's leading sports nutritionist Nancy Clark helps you get the maximum benefit from the foods you choose with customized eating plans. You'll learn how to eat before games or tournaments and, just as important, how to eat afterward for optimal recovery. Clark covers current food, drink, and sport supplement options and explains which are best—and why—based on individual energy expenditure. She also gives advice on trendy diet alternatives like the Zone, Atkins, thermogenics, and Ultra Slim-Fast.

Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook is the preferred source of solid nutritional advice to fuel an active lifestyle. Eat to feel great, achieve a desired weight, and be energized all day long.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book.......2007-02-12

I teach sports nutrition to college students. This book has been great because it helped me relate general nutrition to the athlete. The information is accurate and the examples are very helfpul. Nancy Clark also adds informative tables that relate to sports nutrition. I recommend this book to athletes and nonathletes alike.

Simple and Easy to Understand.......2006-12-31

I am a high school basketball player who was looking for a nutrition guide to help me eat right. I have tried to read books before about nutrition but I could never understand what they were even talking about! This book is great nutrition made easy. I have learned so much just by reading this book! I am now more energized and even losing some extra pounds I couldnt get rid of before. My sports performace has also improved! This book covers so much! I cant stress to you how important this book is and how it is going to change your life!! I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to lose weight, gain weight, enhance performance in sports, or just looking for a way maintain weight and eat healthy!!

Simply the Best.......2006-11-29

There's no much to say about this book. Everything is already said. And it is still the best book in the field. Well done, Nancy!!!
Sead Malicevic, MD

Very good book.......2006-08-08

Simple to understand, great buy. Explains everything and specially in a healthy way, no strange diets or food combinations just plain good sports and nutrition science. I really loved this book.

This is a great book for all kind of healthy folk and those that desire great health.......2005-10-06

I found this book very informative with numerous practical and healthy recipes for the busy American. Explanations of the prescriptions for food are detailed and well thought. I recommened this as a good read and great resource book for those concerned about eating right, not matter what the situation is.

Average customer rating:

Excellente!

Excellent, Entertaining Survey of Regional Spanish Cuisine

Worth every penny!

Appropriately Titled Book!

Another Great Book by Casas

Delicioso! The Regional Cooking of Spain
Penelope Casas
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Spanish | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Latin American | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Tapas (Revised): The Little Dishes of Spain

The Foods and Wines of Spain

La Cocina de Mama: The Great Home Cooking of Spain

Paella!: Spectacular Rice Dishes From Spain

Discovering Spain: An Uncommon Guide (New, Updated Edition) (Discovering Spain)

ASIN: 0679430555
Release Date: 1996-04-30

Book Description

Bursting with the enticing and varied flavors of the seven culinary regions of Spain, this new cookbook by the most knowledgeable American expert on Spanish cuisine takes readers on a gastronomic journey filled with new discoveries. Over 400 recipes. of color photos.

Customer Reviews:

Excellente!.......2005-08-29

This is probably, no is, the best book on regional cooking of Spain. Congratulations Mrs. Casas!

Excellent, Entertaining Survey of Regional Spanish Cuisine.......2005-04-29

`Delicioso!' and `Paella!' are leading Spanish cuisine writer Penelope Casas' latest books, following her similar pair, `Tapas' and `The Food and Wine of Spain'. In many ways, the later books are more similar to one another than they are to the earlier books. Both concentrate on regional cuisines. While the paella is certainly made throughout Spain, the dish originated in Valencia with many other rice dishes, described in `Delicioso!' as `region of the rices'.

Similarly, while `Delicioso!' covers all of Spain, it is not, like `The Food and Wine of Spain', a work which is intended to touch all aspects of the country's cuisine, although it is an excellent supplement to the earlier work. Since `Delicioso!' is organized by region and `The Food...' is organized by type of dish, they are like the warp and weft of the same piece of cloth. While the latter book provides the support and strength, giving us all the details about technique, ingredients, and wines, the former book enlivens the discussion by going into depth on selected regional specialities such as four different Tortilla Espanola recipes from Andalucia (Sevilla, Granada, Cadiz, Cordoba, Gibraltar) on the southwestern corner of Spain, which Casas baptizes as `The Region of Fried Foods & Gazpachos'. This chapter may give the historically naïve a notion that the Spanish Celts somehow brought a love of potatoes to Spain. The fact is exactly the opposite, as it was the Spanish who introduced the potato to Europe, specifically through the ports of Cadiz and Granada rather than the spud's coming from Ireland into northern Celtic Spain of Galicia.

Casas dubs Galicia as `The Region of the Sauces', which is entirely appropriate as it is very close culinarily and geographically to France. The other most important aspect of Galician cuisine is its seafood. Aside from being a coastal province, it benefits from deep fjord which harbor a much wider variety of species than can be found on less variegated coasts. It also shares with close neighbor Portugal a tradition of sailing far afield, as far as the Grand Banks off Newfoundland to fish for cod and trade in bacalao (salted, dried cod).

The provinces of Aragon and Navarra in the interior border with France in the northeast (location of Pamplona and Zaragoza) are named `Region of the Peppers'. But, one thing that strikes me as I go through this book is how pervasive certain foods are throughout Spanish cuisine. Every region makes heavy use of sweet peppers, especially in the form of pimiento and paprika. While Aragon is `...Peppers', the recipe for stuffed pepper is in the chapter on `...Sauces'. As of this reading, I have not yet sensed a great divide as there is between northern and southern Italy. I do not hold this against Casas' culinary expertise of against this book, as I am entranced by the variety of the recipes within the world of important Spanish products.

The most interesting aspect of the `Region of the Casseroles', Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast of Catalunya (including major port Barcelona) is in the cooking in Spanish earthenware. This is the point at which I regret that Ms. Casas was not more photographically oriented, as a book based on location would be well served by a decent number of photographs, including some nice snaps of these earthenware cookpots. As the region closest to Provence and Northern Italy, I sense a lot of similarity in the use of garlic, greens, bread, and thick soups. In fact, I am constantly amazed by how much garlic shows up in Spanish recipes. The eight (8) to sixteen (16) cloves specified for some recipes would make a Sicilian blanche.

Landlocked central Spain of Castilla, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha (including Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia, and Guadalupe) is baptized as the `Region of the Roasts'. I am quite surprised, after seeing recipe after recipe and paean after paean to tapas, Tortilla Espanola, and paella, to find this chapter identifying the Cocido, `a meal-in-a-pot' based on chickpeas, vegetables, and meats, that has been praised in poetry and lauded in popular song...' as the `National Dish' of Spain. This in spite of the fact that the recipes look remarkably like the French Cassolet, with a few changes in ingredients. But then, this is why we don't limit our culinary reading to `The Joy of Cooking'. Having said that, I am surprised that Casas gives us but a single recipe for cocido. What I do see is more recipes for potatoes, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and asparagus. The roasts of the region are primarily lamb, pig, and chicken, heavy on braising and marinading.

The southeastern Spain of Valencia is, obviously, `The Region of the Rices', the home of the paella and saffron. Amazingly, it was not the Romans (who introduced olives and grapes to Hispania) but the Moors who introduced rice and the irrigation techniques needed to cultivate it to Valencia. I will say much more about paella in my review of the book `Paella!' but I do note that Casas does not duplicate any specific recipes across the two books, although there are many similar recipes, as seafood, game, meat, and mixed paella recipes appear in both books.

The previously mentioned `Region of Fried Foods' also happens to be the region of Sherry and Sherry vinegar. This means that sherry vinegar is a much more important ingredient in Andalucia than in most other parts of Spain.

The last region and the one closest to the New World is the Canary Islands, fittingly entitled `The Region of the Mojos'. This is appropriate as it gives a subtle link to the cuisine of Mexico. Casas and other writers often point out that there are few similarities between the cuisines of Spain and Mexico, but there are some, and the spicy dipping sauces of the Canaries are one hint of the overlap.

If your cookbook shelf is limited, get `Delicioso!'. If you are a paella fanatic, get `Paella!', but consider both.

Worth every penny!.......2005-02-18

Penelope Casas is surely an authority on Spanish cusine. She has won numerous awards and The Spanish government has awarded her both the National Prize of Gastronomy and the Medal of Touristic Merit, naming her Dame of the Order of Civil Merit.

I own three of her books and have never come across any other Spanish cookbook that is as authentic and at the same time simple to follow as hers.

Delicioso is a collection of classic spanish recipes, but goes far beyond that. If you are interested in learning some of the history behind what the Spaniards eat depending on their region this is the perfect book for you. There are no glossy pictures here but the detailed explanations make up for that.

One thing that is missing here is a reference of where to find some of the ingredients utilized in Spanish cuisine. "Cesar" by Olivier Said and James Mellgren offers such a reference (the best one in my opinion is tienda.com) and I stongly advise using authentic ingredients and not the chorizo from your local grocery store. Trust me it is worth the expense!

Appropriately Titled Book!.......2004-10-07

I originally stumbled across this book looking for some variety. Having ancestors from Spain, I thought this would be an interesting adventure. Delicioso has surpassed my expectations. I have made several dishes and all have been quite excellent and easy to prepare with American ingredients. I also enjoy the commentary and education on the regional differences and origins of items. It is well worth it - we love it!

Another Great Book by Casas.......2001-07-19

I was first introduced to Penelope Casas' books several years back when a friend gave me "The Foods and Wine of Spain". I have been hooked since. Her recipes are always on target and delicious. A particular focus of this book is the regional differences in Spanish cuisine. From the Moorish influenced lamb and melon stew to the Catalan garlic chicken, Casas covers the cuisine deliciously. I use this book regularly and have follow its suggestions on restaurants and tapas bars when visiting Spain.

Product Description

This playful and affectionate dog is distinguished by its white coat and powder-puff look. It?s adaptable to a wide range of living situations and relatively easy to care for. Basic information on keeping healthy, contented, well cared for animals. Facts and advice cover all aspects of pet care, which include proper feeding, housing, health care, grooming, training, and much more. The text in each manual is supplemented with many vivid, full-color photos, and with instructive, anatomically accurate line art.

Customer Reviews:

Bichon Frise Owners advice.......2007-03-29

This book has everything you ever need to know about this great little breed. The powder puff Bichon Frise is a great companion dog and this book helps with all aspects of care for your dog. We have used this book over the years and found it to be useful in maintaining an learning more about our Bichon Frise. Whether you are thinking of buying a Bichon Frise or own one this book is big on facts and helpful ideas for raising and maintaining a healthy companion. There are many color photographs and black and white illustrations. This book is up to date and very informative. Recommended for owners of Bichon Frise and perspective owners.

Average customer rating:

The Bichon frise handbook
Dick Beauchamp
Manufacturer: Rohman Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006XACI6

Book Description

This collector's guide covers talking toys dating from 1878 to 1998. Over 350 full color photos are included. Stock numbers, when available, are included for each doll and animal, as well as values for factory sealed, mint in box, and loose talking dolls. Pull string, battery operated, record player toys, circuit board talkers, and cassette toys are covered. REVIEW: This book features selected photos from the author's first, second, and third editions of her popular R.S. Prussia series, now out of print, as well as brand new photographs. This book focuses on R.S. Prussia china made by the Reinhold Schlegelmilch factories in Suhl and Tillowitz. This edition takes a different approach than her previous books, in that it uses the many themes of decoration when grouping photos.

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding collector's identification and value guide........2000-04-06

Kathy and Don Lewis' Talking Toys Of The 20th Century provide an outstanding collector's identification and value guide, using small color photos to provide clear pictures of not only the toys, but the boxes which house them. An organization by toy publisher makes them quick to locate.

Not a very good source.......1999-09-22

When one looks for a collectors guide they are looking for an informed source. A truly good "guide" will show an item in it's mint, original state. This way one can tell if the item they own is in Mint, Good, or Poor condition. It is unfortunate that Ms. Eisenstein and others make excuses for the untidy and ragged condition of some of the dolls and toys in this book, and for the sorry state of the photography. It tells me that the authors did not feel that it was their job to find really great examples of things that are not that hard to find... It takes hard work and imagination for this, and I'm afraid these things are lacking.

Excellent reference from the Chatty Cathy authors!.......1999-09-15

Another wonderful, informative book from Kathy and Don Lewis, the authors of "Chatty Cathy Dolls." It's wonderful to see a real guide, using photos from collectors which depict items in played with to mint condition, which is realistic for older dolls and toys. How often are we lucky enough to find mint condition collectible playthings? Highly recommend!

Great Book.......1999-09-03

I have spent hours reading Talking Toys of the 20th Century. It is an outstanding book and Kathy and Don Lewis did a remarkable job in their research to make this book possible. Thank you Kathy and Don.

Outstanding resource book for YOU, the collector!.......1999-09-02

"Talking Toys of The 20th Century" is the only book of its kind in the world...It is an outstanding, comprehensive photo and value guide, not simply a resource for the "serious" collector, but instead it's an easy to read, fun to look at pictorial of some of the most important and obscure talking toys ever made. Once you see the wonderful photos and read the product descriptions of these magical icons from the past, you'll want to get a second or third job to satisfy your ever growing hunger to collect these treasures. Also check out the Lewis' first book on Chatty Cathy and Family Dolls...A must have for Chatty collectors!

Book Description

This large photographic book examines the Bedouin of Arabia and gathers material on weavings, costumes and jewelry, their leather work, woodwork, basketry, metalwork, and equipment needed for survival in the desert.

Customer Reviews:

A look at a lifestyle.......2000-11-07

This is a lovely volume of native crafts that would be well appreciated by the individual interested in the arts and crafts of a nomadic people. Some of the textiles displayed are worthy of a museum as are some of the pieces of equipment used to make them. There are old photos even showing how some of the cultural equipment was actually used. Much of the material presented was collected in the suqs (market places) in Taif, Riyadh, and Jiddah, places to which I had been myself and where I had also collected some craft objects which I display in my own home. As growing numbers of the world's community begin to acquire and prefer the more "perfect," cheaper, mass produced commodoties of our age of technology, the knowledge of these crafts will undoubtedly dwindle. Hopefully those with an appreciation of the knowledge and artistic ability of the old crafsman will preserve with loving care some of the few pieces that remain. I know some large silver bedouin beads I purchased in the women's suq in Riyadh have a pride of place in my home; I use them as Christmas tree ornaments every year and treasure them!

Average customer rating:
The practical application of acoustic principles (Architectural and building series)
Douglas Jack Wayth Cullum
Manufacturer: E. & F.N. Spon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007IT5HO

Average customer rating:
Acoustic principles,: Practical application (First popular and school editions)
Douglas Jack Wayth Cullum
Manufacturer: E. & F.N. Spon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007J3KEW

Book Description

Prostitution was central to popular print depictions of London in the eighteenth century. Whether deployed as incidental colour in street scenes or providing the sole subject matter for prints, the figure of the prostitute lay at the very heart of the project to depict the fabric and character of the emerging metropolis. In this, the first in-depth examination of the numerous images of prostitution produced for London's print market throughout the eighteenth century, Sophie Carter challenges perceptions of the period as an era of healthy and largely tolerant ribaldry, demonstrating instead how such imagery was born of and driven by extreme cultural anxiety.

Situating images of prostitution within the wider social context of their production and reception, and drawing on a range of contemporary moral, legal and literary discourses, Carter presents the prostitute as a key figure through which to trace prevailing attitudes towards gender, sexuality and public order in the context of urban culture. Identifying these images as a coherent and distinct category of popular print imagery, she also shows how they constitute a valuable site through which the public role and representational strategies of popular print culture itself can be explored.

Customer Reviews:

Gee, I thought it was great..........2002-03-18

I thought this work was marvelous. It's prodigiously and compassionately researched and written, exploring such varied facets of a single individual's life from what his parentage was (and how that may have shaped his identity,) what he wore (and how *that* may have shaped his identity,) the mistakes he made during his lifetime, who he might have been romantically involved with, and the disposition of his body after his death.

It's not a very theoretically-oriented text, but as a biography of the most famous Seminole who ever lived -- I though it made Osceola jump off the page. Only note of warning: this does contain a rather graphic couple of chapters on both Osceola's decapitation by his doctor immediately following his death and the exhumation of his corpse in the sixties. Sensitive readers should be aware of this.

BTW, Dr. Wickman is currently the Director of the Department of Anthropology and Geneaology at the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and was formerly the state of Florida's historian. I'm not saying this makes her unimpeachable as an historian, but I really do think she knows what she's talking about.

Wickman's disrespect for Osceola'a legacy.......2000-08-07

I wanted to request a refund on the amount of money that had been wasted on this terrible piece of writing, but it was much more fun to use the book in building a fire. Wickman's research was padantic; obsessively detailed. However, there was no linear (or other) thinking involved in the final synthesis. In fact, having read the same research literature as Dr. Wickman had poured through, it is amazing to me that someone could write so many pages that are comprehensible only to people who have actually read the same research literature. Her writing evokes a rememberance of a criticism of Henry James (slightly reworded): "This author (not a writer) fills a much needed void." Let us pray that the Seminole Tribe of Florida will soon experience a void that once was occupied by this author. Osceola was a great War Chief, and a very interesting individual. Wickman's work does great injustice to both legacies.

Ivy-covered research.......2000-07-13

If you're into reading heavy-handed college textbooks then this book is for you! Exhaustively researched and abstrusely (look that one up!) written, it makes Osceola's dynamic and fascinating life as exciting as stale crackers. The author even has the audacity to rate other researchers in the back. The research is exhastive and you will be too once you finish this book. It gave my dictionary a good workout tho!

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