Average customer rating:
- My favorite of the Vachss Burke Books!
- Very Disturbing but quite true
- More truth to "False"
- Hey, it's not so bad, really...
- A greater writer, who has earned the right to preach!!!
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False Allegations: A Burke Novel
Andrew Vachss
Manufacturer: Vintage
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Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Footsteps of the Hawk
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Safe House: A Burke Novel
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Choice of Evil: A Burke Novel
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Down in the Zero
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Dead and Gone: A Burke Novel
ASIN: 0679772936
Release Date: 1997-10-28 |
Amazon.com
Vachss and his quasi-hero Burke are definitely not for the squeamish, dealing largely with stories about abused children. But he is a strong and angry writer who has carved himself out a unique territory in the dark landscape of the thriller. In his 11th Burke novel, Vachss uses the work of the real Dr. Bruce Perry, the Houston psychologist and pioneer researcher into recovered memory, to center the story about a shady lawyer who specializes in getting such cases thrown out of court.
Book Description
"In the first rank of American crime writers. . . . Next to Vachss, Chandler, Cain and Hammett look like choirboys."
--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Burke--ex-con, mercenary, sometime killer--makes his living preying on New York's most vicious predators and avenging their innocent victims. But in Andrew Vachss's mercilessly suspenseful new novel, Burke finds himself working the other side of the street, where guilt and innocence are as disposable as the sheets in a Times Square hotel--and as dirty.
Burke's new employer is Kite, a fanatical crusader who specializes in debunking "false allegations of child sexual abuse. Kite has a case that may be the real thing, but needs Burke to tell him if it is. And if mere money can't persuade Burke to cooperate, Kite has plenty of other incentives at his disposal--including a fanatical bodyguard with a taste for corsets and brass knuckles. A tour guide to hell written in icy prose, False Allegations is Vachss at his most unnerving.
"Burke is the toughest talking first-person narrator since Mike Hammer."
--Los Angeles Times
"Vachss . . . writes hypnotically violent prose."
--Chicago Sun-Times
Customer Reviews:
My favorite of the Vachss Burke Books!.......2005-11-17
Andrew Vachss would have to be considered my favorite writer. He write some of the most hard, heavy, disturbing, graphic, and redemming material I have ever read. This book, was certainly no less.
False Allegations is a story about Burke, a mercanary investigator dredging into whether a child abuse case was fabricated or real. He is hired by a man named Kite, who debunks false "Child Abuse" cases. One thing to note, is that Burke is fanatical in helping children. It is his one honorable and honest trait. Otherwise he is no less a con-man/hit man who presides over a "family" of criminals.
Anyway, this was excellantly written, the plot was really good, the characters were fully explored. Excellant book!
I would strongly recommend this book!
Very Disturbing but quite true.......2001-05-28
Of all the Burke novels that I have read which would be all of them, this one disturbed me the most. It struck a nerve in me and it scared me because the truth can't be denied. False Allegations is a testimony of how to keep a rape society going. If you are interested in transforming our society than this is the book to read. Burke enters the controversial ground of recovered memories but not for the reasons he thinks he is. He meets Dr. Bruce Perry who is not a fictional person. I have made use of Dr. Perry's research in my career as a teacher of children who have been abused. If you like poetic justice, this book also includes that in such a way that one can't help but cheer. This is not a novel to take lightly.
More truth to "False".......2000-05-16
After two mediocre entries in the great Burke series ("Down in the Zero" and "Footsteps of the Hawk") Vachss starts to breath life back into his main charachter again. Burke is reenergized and back at what he does best, dealing with abused children and borderline psychotic females. Vachss's early Burke novels ("Flood," "Blue Belle," "Blossom" and "Hard Candy") remain the best of the series. But with "False Allegations" he begins a revival which has carried him through the two most recent novels. Thankfully so. A world without Burke would be a duller world, indeed.
Hey, it's not so bad, really..........1999-05-08
Okay, so this isn't the *best* Burke novel, but some of the things I had read about it almost had me scared to read it. Luckily, it's not nearly as preachy or slow or off-track as they'd have you believe. I was expecting it to turn into a textbook or something, but nope, it's definitely a Burke novel, and still a good one, with some convoluted plot twists going on, especially at the end. You can't really fault Vachss for having an "agenda" with his novels, 'cuz, face it, that's what the man's about. His novels are all about promoting the things Vachss likes (from dogs to cool cars to Judy Hensky to loyalty as the cardinal virtue, etc.) and damning the things he hates (which should be obvious - the man's obsessed, but more power to 'im for that). But the bottom line is, Vachss would never steer you toward anything that wasn't good for you. He ain't preachin' - he's *testifyin'*. And ya gotta respect him for it. This is one guy I have heavy, heavy respect for, both as a fine writer and a heckuva stand-up, sincere human being, and I've been putting in work to promote this guy's work to any and everyone I can. This may not be the Burke novel you want to start with, but it shouldn't be too big a disappointment to those who've taken the ride a few times already. Even if it's the weakest of the series, the series is so incredibly strong that you can't go wrong, schoolboy... ;)
A greater writer, who has earned the right to preach!!!.......1998-04-27
I have enjoyed reading the noir of Andrew Vachss. His is a very hard boiled, no holds barred style, and will always, if nothing else leave his readers thinking. However, I'm rather surprised by the negative feed back Vachss has received for "False Allegations". The novel is certainly in keeping with Vachss' style and his character Burke. It is fast paced, and reads like his other works. Yet many seem to feel it is a bit preachy. To a certain extent it is preachy, But so what? Vachss having devoted his life to the helping of children, and abused children in particular, has earned the right to give a bit of a sermon if he so desires. His detractors should keep in mind that as a lawyer he didn't have to specialize in children' assistance, and defense. He could have specialized in other areas of law, become a real shark, and earned a fortune. But he didn't, and instead devoted his career to child welfare, and protection.And what they will learn is that unlike so many people in our day, Vachss doesn't simply talk the talk, he also walks the walk!!! Which is more than most people can say today. To not just believe in something, (Whatever it might be.) but living it on a daily basis. While I fully recognize that as noir prose, this novel isn't as hard boiled as his other Burke novels, nevertheless it is still a great read with a very legitimate message. It is for this reason that I gave it a ten. I have recently read "Safe House", the latest Burke novel, it was excellent, and I look forward to more in the Burke series. The series should be read in order starting with "Flood", and "False Allegations", the ninth in the Burke series should not be passed up.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent mechanics, excellent execution.......2006-09-11
First off, the art in this book is fantastic. Creepy at times, but when you're talking about nasty-looking gadgets made by powers whose very nature would tear your mind from its roots, that's to be expected. In the copy I have, the pictures suffer from some coloring issues (it's a bound printout of the free version of the supplement that came with my copy of Ptolus), but I've seen the original in stores and on my computer screen.
The chaositech is . . . well, staggering. The melee weapons along fostered a half-dozen ideas for memorable encounters with twisted foes, and it actually gets better from there. My favourite bits are the Malefic Haunting items, chaos creations that have ghosts stitched into their very fabric. It's reminiscent of the best parts of the old Wraith setting for Storyteller, but with rules that work well in a more dice-intensive system like d20.
Some have complained that the prices and abilities granted by chaositech items place them well outside the range of anything the party could every hope to have, but that's sort of missing the point. Chaositech will eventually make the PCs into drooling idiots or homicidal maniacs, and the book's replete with suggestions on how to show that to the party. Offering a PC great power, but at the price of their sanity and most likely their soul - DMs should LIVE for chances like that.
Another five stars for Monte Cook, who continues to prove himself one of the most unique game designers out there.
Entropy Acceleration.......2004-11-11
Fantasy super tech, mutations and cyberwear all geared to the service of a group chaotic outsiders whose goal is entropy. This book has a lot of goodies for DMs although a lot of what is in here is very, very powerful the price for this power can be quite steep. Designed to slipped rather seamlessly into virtually any campaign this little tool box is a treasure trove of toys that can be used for great effect by any DM for a good old fashioned scare or used as "Things Man was not Meant to Know"
Book Description
With more than 200,000 copies sold, the most authoritative book on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia has been completely revised and updated.
From Fatigued to Fantastic! offers the most effective treatment plan to help people recover from these disorders, and will coincide with the publication of a groundbreaking study in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome announcing the author's findings to the medical community. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFIDS) and fibromyalgia are illnesses characterized by severe long-term fatigue, achiness, "brain fog," and recurrent infections, among other symptoms. The conditions are frequently misdiagnosed and patients often receive confusing and misleading information from health practitioners.
Dr. Teitelbaum, one of the country's leading experts on CFIDS and fibromyalgia, has experienced and overcome these illnesses himself. In this revised edition of his landmark book, he examines the possible causes of the disorders and provides instructions for patients on how to eliminate them, using both natural and pharmacological methods. He offers compelling evidence that these disorders can be treated effectively, and provides the latest scientific research and cutting-edge discoveries about these diseases as well as sound, compassionate advice on dealing with them. Notes. Index.
Customer Reviews:
Dr. Teitelbaum is a genuis!.......2007-07-08
This is the best book I have ever read about Chronic Fatigue. There is so much useful information, and step-by-step directions to heal yourself. He talks about which supplements and/or prescriptions are helpful, and the recommended doses. He also provides free information on his website, including some great lectures.
This book could change your life.......2007-07-03
My doctor required that I read this book. And I am so glad that I bought it. After suffering with this for nearly 10 years I know that my doctor and I are on the right path. I feel hope for the first time in a very long time. Educate yourself because you are the best person to advocate for you. This book will really make that job easier.
Fantastic looking back at Fatigue Now.......2007-06-20
I bought my mother this book as she was frightened and depressed at what was happening to her. This book and armed with one other, she was able to take charge of her life, get her energy back, started exercising, and soon she had a new lease on life and is still working on it. I applaud the writer of this great book. My mother thanks you and so do I.
From Fatigued to Fantastic and Pain Free 123.......2007-05-13
I am so happy with the amount of imformation provided in these books. I am struggling with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, among other things, and it's so incredible to have this kind of support.
From Fatigued to Fantastic.......2007-04-16
This is an excellent book with a plethora of information on the diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. The author presents a multitude of therapies for managing the multiple dysfunctions involved in these disorders, many of which were revolutionary at the time that the book was written.
It is for these reasons that I give the book a high rating.
That said, since the book was released, new information on how to treat the aforementioned disorders has emerged, as new insights into the causes of these have likewise been discovered. For instance, it is now thought by many experts that Lyme disease is a major cause of CFIDS/Fibromyalgia, as is a certain genetic defect.
Also, this book, as most others dealing with CFIDS, did not deal much with past emotional trauma and how this manifests in the body as physical illness. For anyone who suspects that this factor has played a role in the development of his/her CFIDS, finding information that deals with this aspect of healing is absolutely vital for recovery
Further, I am more of a believer in natural approaches to healing, and this book suggests pharmaceutical drugs when other therapies might be safer, more effective options.
In the end, however, it is an amazingly informative book with important and useful insights which will help any CFIDS/Fibromyalgia sufferer.
Customer Reviews:
Wow.......2007-01-17
I love this cookbook! I just pulled it out to look something up, noticed how torn up it has gotten, and thought I'd look online for a replacement copy. This is, hands down, my favorite and most used cookbook. Recipes are easy to follow and delicious. I've had "authentic" cooking from some of the countries included, so I can vouch for the fact that the recipes are right on target.
Where are the English Recipes?.......2006-06-12
How could a book on immigrant ancestors leave out the English? He covers Irish, Scottish, And Welsh immigrant recipes as well as recipes from many other cultures. Did all the English settlers become United Empire Loyalists and move north to Canada? I'm a Canadian and we ignore the English here as well. We have days celebrating every other culture except the English - Carribanna (in Toronto), Black history month, St. Patricks Day, Robbie Burns Day, St. Jean Baptiste Day (especially in Quebec) but no St. Davids Day (I don't even know when it is).
It's a good book but I guess I'll just have to look elsewhere for recipes for bangers and mash, bubble and squeak, fish and chips, trifle, etc.
a very simple and divere cookbook .......2005-12-27
When I was a kid I used to come home and turn on the Frugal Gourmet as he whipped up his meals. It was the first cooking show that I had ever seen and I still have fond memories of it. I bought this cookbook at a second hand store and have loved it ever since. The book breaksdown into chapters introducing and including simple recipes from different countries. Each dish is a typical, common meal that you would be served if you were there. The food is easy to make and all the ingredients are things you should be able to pick up in the local grocery store. The countries range from Cuba, Mexico, USA to Spain, Italy, Norway, France and then on to Ethiopia, Thailand, Egypt, Philippines, and Japan. There are around 60 or so countries represented and I have attempted to try foods from each. I love especially the Cuban, Hungarian, and German dishes. I really like how Smith puts his personal touch in describing fondly some of the reasons he chose the recipes.
The Frugal Gourmet has a series of cook books but this one is a good starter. This is great for someone who likes comfort food, and cuisine from different countries.
A family favorite for over a decade.......2004-06-12
My family has been using this cookbook for about 15 years, and we all love it. My brother and I started using it as high school kids, and loved experimenting with the enormous range of completely different cuisines represented here. When we left home our parents gave us each copies of this book, and it's still a favorite; now my husband loves the Filipino egg rolls, and the authentic Ethiopian section brings back fond memories of time I spent working there.
Over the years we've tried a high proportion of the recipes, and they've never failed or turned out "wrong." You will need access to some unusual ingredients, but many come in dried forms you could order over the internet if the selection in your town is limited. There's a helpful ingredient dictionary that suggests some substitutions. Any unfamilar techniques are explained so clearly, it's hard for even an inexperienced cook to mess things up. This is a great cookbook for any adventurous eater!
Excellent book. Broad ethnic coverage........2003-03-02
This book is an excellent tool to sample cuisines from numerous cultures. Each of the recipes that I have tried are excellent. Also, there is a background of not only each culture, but often a background of each dish.
The book is not only a good cookbook, but also a fun and educational read.
Book Description
At last, a book about your pet that emphasizes total care, training and companionship! You'll not only learn about the species-specific traits of your special pet, you'll also learn what the world's like from your pet's perspective; how to feed, groom and keep your pet healthy; and how to enjoy your pet through training and activities you can do together. The Akita is written by a breed expert and includes a special chapter on training by Dr. Ian Dunbar, internationally renowned animal behaviorist, and chapters on getting active with your dog by longtime Dog Fancy magazine columnist Bardi McLennan. Best of all, the book is filled with info-packed sidebars and fun facts to make caring for your pet easy and enjoyable.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but not Great book on Akitas.......2006-03-16
As an individual considering the purchase of an akita, I was hoping to find a book that would offer me an indepth look at the breed characteristics, and specific items which would help me better determine if the breed is for me. While the book offers a nice introduction to the Akita breed, it offers no real insight into specifics that could help in my decision. The second half of the book is a generel overview of raising a puppy and training dogs. A great overview, but not what I was expecting.
When an author becomes an authority..........2003-12-01
Our Akita is now 8 years old and has developed, magnificently. This is in no small part due to reading Barbara's book in preparation. As wonderful as the Akita is, this breed best requires the owner some self-education before purchase. This book helps one getting it right from the start (which is imperative).
Very disappointing - there are better books on Akitas..........2001-05-15
especially if you want a book that is devoted entirely to the Akita!! Half of this book is about dogs in general. The information is good, just not what I expected from a book entitled "The Akita: An Owner's Guide..." The real title of this book is what you find between the parentheses.
Bull Terriers.......2000-02-07
Bull Terriers are my favorite dogs and suff like that. Im getting that dog next week on a saturday. I hope everyone of u people gets a dog tooÜ
Very good book!.......1999-04-26
This is an excellent reference book for people who are looking to buy an Akita, or the first time owner. The pictures were beautiful, and the text was straight forward and did not try to hide the goods or the bads about owning an Akita. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the breed.
Book Description
The Doll Directory is a detailed, state-by-state guide listing the museums and collections of antique, art, baby, contemporary, fashion, and miniature dolls, plus special category collections including the W.P.A. dolls found in museums, libraries, and historical societies, bed and breakfast inns, and other venues that have permanent quality collections of dolls for public viewing. The book includes listings of doll hospitals and their specialties, plus directories of national doll organizations and clubs and a guide to annual doll shows. Interviews with a doll museum curator, doll doctor, costumer, show director, and artist, plus in-depth articles on selected collections, will give readers a behind-the-scenes look at the doll world from many different perspectives. Doll 'dream destinations' will be included as well. The Doll Directory is the indispensable guide every doll lover/collector needs to find museums and collections to visit, hospitals for doll reconstruction and restoration, doll clubs and organizations to join, and doll shows to attend. This book is brought to you by Kathryn Witt, author of Contemporary American Doll Artists and Their Dolls.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book, Great Buy.......2005-06-01
Witt's Doll Directory is beautifully presented, orderly, and informative. Whether a casual doll enthusiast or a serious collector, every reader is sure to find amid this well-written volume many new museums and doll-related places to visit. It's a keeper that will be referenced for many years to come. I highly recommend it. As a professional bargain hunter (www.bargainomics.com), I know a good buy when I see one. Other books of this type sell for $30 or more. This is an impressive book and deal.
Cross Country Dolls.......2005-05-30
I LOVE this book! I bought it at on online bookstore that specializes in books for RVers and I have used it to find doll collections all over the west coast. I never would have found the wonderfully eclectic collection at the Eastern Oregon Museum without it. I enjoy this book so much, I bought Witt's other book, Contemporary American Doll Artists and Their Dolls, and am now reading it.
Doll museum gold mine!.......2005-05-25
I collect many different types of dolls and was thrilled when I saw this book. I had no idea there were so many doll museums and collections in the U.S., but now I have a way to see each and every one of them. I liked that there was information describing each collection and loved that some of these collections are at bed and breakfasts! Very enjoyable, informative reading.
Not right for me, is it right for you?.......2005-02-28
My newest passion is going to doll shows. Oh, I love seeing all the different dolls and finding the bargains! BUT I'm in an area of the country where doll shows are months apart. I found this book and thought it would be great... Until I took it home and looked at it. It was AWFUL! No convention listings, doll club information was way too general and all the stores and museums are in the northeast, nowhere near me. I ended up returning the book THE SAME DAY! This was not the right book for me.
Book Description
Choose from over 350 striking Christmas themed motifs, and apply them to all your favourite crafts year after year.
Crafters of all skill levels need an extensive selection of motifs and patterns to apply to their work. Part One explains how to choose and then, step by step, transfer the motifs to your chosen crafts. There are even instructions for combining and embellishing motifs, and applying colour for all manner of wonderful festive effects. A gallery of completed projects provides ideas and inspiration.
Part Two is the extensive library of clear, high quality Christmas motifs. The subjects give a wide variety of festive images that progress in complexity within each chapter, starting with simple and easy motifs, moving on to more detailed images. Whether you want a quick motif for a Christmas card or rubber stamped gift wrap, or a more intricate look for a beautiful piece of glass painting or wall frieze, there is sure to be lots to delight and inspire.
Average customer rating:
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Christmas (Crafter's Design Library)
Sharon Bennett
Manufacturer: David & Charles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0715317482 |
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Engineering Geology: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress (Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress ..)
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
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ASIN: 9067642401 |
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New Technology for Geosciences: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
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ASIN: 9067642657 |
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Structural Geology & Geomechanics: Proceedings of the 30th International Geological Congress
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
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ASIN: 9067642495 |
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The Lithographs and Etchings of Philip Pearlstein
Richard S. Field
Manufacturer: Springfield Art Museum
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ASIN: 093430601X |
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- Understated Greatness
- cheers to Henson
- Interesting but incomplete
- Editions can differ considerably
- Inspiring Work, Incredible Journey, Incredible Photos
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A Negro Explorer at the North Pole
Matthew A. Henson
Manufacturer: Invisible Cities Press
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Similar Items:
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North Pole Legacy: Black, White, and Eskimo
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The North Pole
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Matthew Henson (Black American Series)
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My Arctic Journal: A Year among Ice-Fields and Eskimos
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Glory & Honor
ASIN: 1931229007 |
Book Description
When Commander Robert Peary reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909, one other American was with him-Matthew Henson, a black man from Maryland who had been Peary's faithful companion through 22 years of polar exploration. This is Henson's story in his own words, from his early years as a sailor to his meeting Robert Peary and their multiple expeditions to the North Pole. Filled with hair-breadth escapes from disaster and haunting evocations of life in the Arctic, this classic of exploration literature reveals Henson as the true hero of the journey, one who had been forced to accept a lower status because of his race. It was Henson who learned to speak the native tongue of the Eskimos, Henson who handled the dogs and broke the trail, and Henson who arrived first at the North Pole after being purposely left behind by Peary. New to this edition are rare articles and photos of the expedition that Henson published to set the record straight.
Customer Reviews:
Understated Greatness.......2005-04-23
Matthew Henson was a great and courageous American who never got the proper respect or credit for his contribution toward the exploration of the North Pole from 1891 to 1909. Racism was undoubtedly the reason, and perhaps this is why his book is so frustratingly short on detail.
As a quick romp through the Arctic, Henson wrote a good book: missing is any significant reference to racism, and the relationships between the various explorers, including Peary, are always positive. We know that Henson endured more than just the frigid arctic temperatures during the polar expeditions, but throughout his book he is the consummate gentleman; his narrative is understated and toned down to the gentlemanly pitch of the period. In this regard, Henson again shows his greatness because while it is obvious that he was subjected to abuse and humiliation, and while it is further evident that he was proud to have stood at the North Pole not only as an American, but also as a black man, Henson did not let his book become anything other than an account of an arctic expedition.
In his later years, Henson did finally speak out about many of the inequities under which he had struggled during the polar expeditions. These later revelations render "A Negro Explorer at the North Pole" virtually unusable as a primary reference beyond dates and times. Still, the book is written in Matthew Henson's voice, and is worth reading if only to know him better.
cheers to Henson.......2004-02-24
I've always had a soft spot for Henson ever since Peary was quoted as saying he took Henson, a black man, with him because he didn't want to share the honor of reaching the North Pole with another man. I too tend to doubt that Henson wrote this, but he deserves a great deal of credit. Especially for putting up with Peary.
Interesting but incomplete.......2002-12-16
Matthew Henson's life was different from those of many other blacks of his day. He was privileged to be in on one of the greatest adventures of the early 20th century: reaching the North Pole. Taken from and based on a diary he kept at the time, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole provides a good timeline and basic account of the trek. Accompanying Commander Peary and Henson in the final stretch were Eskimos and dogs.
The account as written by Henson, speaks well of Peary and their relationship. However, the cover blurb tells a bit of a different story. Of tension between the two men. Of Peary's intentions not to have Henson reach the Pole with him. And of vengeful actions by Peary afterwards, such as stealing Henson's photographs.
If Henson had given more descriptions of the day-to-day efforts, the reader might have a fuller understanding of the relationship between the two men, as well as the amount of effort and the toll on the men that actually occurred. Included in this edition are articles written by Henson to counter Peary's not giving him credit for his contribution to the expedition. These were included by the editor and add to our understanding of events.
There are many published biographies of Peary and his expeditions to the North Pole for those who are interested in adventure literature. For those who might like more on the contribution of blacks in history, try Fire on the Beach by David Wright & David Zoby, the story of the Pea Island Lifesavers.
Editions can differ considerably.......2002-03-23
If you are looking for a reprint of this book, first published in 1912, the two paperback editions currently available are very different. The Cooper Square Press edition has the edge for several reasons.
The edition published by Invisible Cities Press substitutes a neat modern typeface for the 1912 original's old fashioned one, and it has a very nice selection of pictures, but few, if any, that appeared in Henson's original book. It also adds as an appendix what it calls an "extremely rare article" written by Henson, detailing "the real story of Peary's trip to the Pole," in which Henson claims Peary planned to leave him short of the Pole and go on alone. The article also details "Peary's uncharitable actions toward Henson once they had returned to civilization," the book cover claims.
Many of the details of this article are in direct conflict with the book's text. If the article is truly the "real story of Peary's trip to the Pole," then what is the markedly different account contained in Henson's book? The article also raises questions about the introduction written by S. Allen Counter, who claims that rather than Peary being "uncharitable" to Henson after the expedition, "they remained friends and collaborators until Peary's death in 1920."
Oddly enough, the other edition, published by Cooper Square Press, solves these contradictions in a lengthy introduction written by Robert Bryce, who claims to have seen most of the original documents associated with Henson. He explains the differences in the Henson book's text and this same article in some detail. In doing so, he makes much of Henson's lack of credibility, even making a case that A Negro Explorer at the North Pole was not really authored by Henson himself. He also addresses some remarks to Counter's former writings about Henson that help explain the apparent contradictions in Counter's new introduction. The Cooper Square edition preserves the original typeface of the 1912 book, but is not really a facsimile, as its introduction claims. It lacks some of the original pictures and uses others that were not in the original. In rating this title, I have split the difference. Certainly you will learn a lot more about Henson from the Cooper Square edition. Four stars for the Cooper Square Press edition, one star for the less enlightening Invisible Cities effort.
Inspiring Work, Incredible Journey, Incredible Photos.......2001-07-03
Hats off to Dr. Counter and Invisible Cities Press for presenting Matt's amazing account of how he reached the North Pole with Peary. This inspiring work is presented with the dignity it deserves. (Unlike earlier reprints this one is complete with every word Matt put into the 1912 original.)
The publisher went all the way with photos! This has to be the ultimate Henson photo book with restored prints from such hidden jewels as Peary's rare "Secrets of Polar Travel". Here you see the Eskimos skinning a polar bear with paws that look to be 2 feet across! The pictures comprise a significant resource allowing the reader to see every detail of the dog sledges, ice trails, and even artists illustrations from the very rare 1910 Hampton's magazine series. Bravo!
The introduction is by Dr. Allen Counter of the Harvard Foundation. He is the world expert on Henson, a man whose deeds and accomplishment on behalf of Matt's memory have made history. He presents a perfect compliment to the original (1912) introductions by Commander Peary and Booker T. Washington. Much more than that, he gives us a cohesive narrative explaining many details about Peary and Henson that had been "murky". His scholarship (extensive research, reading Matt's diaries, etc.) lets us appreciate the historical context in which the North Pole was attained and why Henson was the key man that made it physically possible. Dr. Counter's 15-page intro will be much read in years to come. It is an outline of, hopefully, a full-length book on Matt that he should author someday to preserve his wealth of Henson knowledge. There is no one else in the world, writing about this subject, that is in Counter's league.
At long last Matt's 1912 work has been made available to everyone who wants to experience first hand Henson's excellent (and charming) account of reaching the Pole. In this respect he wrote a better, more intriguing, narrative than Peary did. Matt is an inspirational hero for all of us; a man of courage, humility, endurance, and great skill. He is still, to this day, a legend in the Arctic where the Inuit people adore him. His grandchildren live on in Greenland and speak with heart felt pride of Mari-Pahluk, "Matthew the kind one", the first man to stand on top of the world.
Customer Reviews:
A BLACK EXPLORER AT THE NORTH POLE WAS ABOUT RBERT PEARY AND.......1998-11-16
THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN READ BY EVERY BLACK EXPLORER IN U S OF A SO THEY KNOW JUST HOW GREAT THIS MAN WAS.
Average customer rating:
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A Negro Explorer at the North Pole
A. Matthew Henson
Manufacturer: IndyPublish
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
African-American & Black
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
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General
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Adventurers & Explorers
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ASIN: 1435313275 |
Average customer rating:
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A negro explorer at the North Pole (Heritage series)
Matthew Alexander Henson
Manufacturer: Candace Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
African-American & Black
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
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African-American Studies
| Special Groups
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
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General
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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ASIN: 1889073091 |
Book Description
Matthew Henson wrote this amazing 1912 autobiographical account of reaching the North Pole with Peary. Long out of print, this edition is the first accurate reproduction to restore his original title.
Customer Reviews:
The REAL Matt is Back.......2001-01-30
Thanks to Widget Magic for taking the time and expense to reproduce this book in all its original glory.
Matt's matter of fact, easy-to-read style and his thorough descriptions immediately pull you into his amazing journey to the Pole.
Those who have questioned his claims, especially in light of his skin color, will find obvious contrast between Matt's simple, clear and honest way of telling this incredible story, and the exaggerated and inconsistent claims of would-be explorers and their backers who are unwilling to accept his place in history.
More kudos to Widget Magic for resisting the tide of those who would prefer to see a white man in Matt's place.
Henson speaks for himself........2001-01-29
In looking down today's non-fiction best sellers lists, it's sometimes difficult to remember that people have accomplished great things and take the time to write about them. When all you need is a twisted weekend with a politician or a twist on the latest fad diet to qualify for a 7 figure advance on a 300 page masterpiece, readers should feel cheated.
In fact, there's no need to feel that way any longer. Mr. Verne Robinson has faithfully restored and republished a work of substance in Matthew Henson's A Negro Explorer at the North Pole.
A word about the restoration: Mr. Robinson has not "revised" or altered the work to reflect modern terminology, not even spellings (I'm old enough to have learned reading from books where "to-day" was hyphenated). I really appreciate this, not only does it bolster the authenticity of the book, it immerses the reader in the time. This is critical to understanding the enormity of the challenge.
Originally published in 1912, a mere three years after the great journey, Mr. Henson presented what I think of as a lecture series based on his journal entries on the famed Peary Polar Expedition of 1909. Though Dark Companion (from the same publisher.. also an excellent book) provides the whole story of Matt's life and great detail about the Greenland years and earlier polar explorations, this book is based on Mr. Henson's journal of the 1909 assault on the Pole.
No one who reads this book could possibly hold onto the idea that Peary kept Henson for the last drive in order that he could pass off fraudulent readings. No one can read this book and think that. The writing reminds me a great deal of the books I grew up on.
One part of the book that might be overlooked is the appendix. In it, Henson provides a first hand anthropological article on the arctic natives. Along with his brief scientific notes, it's this that makes me wish that there had been a third book detailing the science of the arctic from his perspective. Perhaps the excellent Matthew Henson website will continue to serve as a repository for the science and passion of this story. Mr. Robinson's work there is nothing short of great. It is a true labor of love.
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