Flying MacArthur to Victory

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Flying MacArthur to Victory
Weldon E. Rhoades
Manufacturer: College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1987
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NVAGMS

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Flying Macarthur to Victory (Military History Ser. 1)
Weldon E. Rhoades
Manufacturer: Texas A&M University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0890969973

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Flying MacArthur to Victory-
Weldon (Dusty) Rhoades-
Manufacturer: Texas A&M Publishing-
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMPEGO

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Flying Macarthur to Victory
Weldon E. Rhoades
Manufacturer: NY
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Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7G9MS

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One of the great accomplishments of the 19th century

Wonderful Engines

Doron Swade's Quest to Build a Difference Engine

History - What a story

Hard to follow

The Difference Engine: Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer
Doron Swade
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Scientists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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The Difference Engine (Spectra Special Editions)

ASIN: 0142001449

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

What a difference a century makes. Doron Swade, technology historian and assistant director of London's Science Museum, investigates the troubles that plagued 19th-century knowledge engineers in The Difference Engine: Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer.

The author is in a unique position to appreciate the technical difficulties of the time, as he led a team that built a working model of a Difference Engine, using contemporary materials, in time for Babbage's 1991 bicentenary. The meat of the book is comprised of the story of the first computing machine design as gathered from the technical notes and drawings curated by Swade. Though Babbage certainly had problems translating his ideas into brass, the reader also comes to understand his fruitless, drawn-out arguments with his funders. Swade had it comparatively easy, though his depictions of the frustrating search for money and then working out how best to build the enormous machine in the late 1980s are delightful.

It is difficult--maybe impossible--to draw a clear, unbroken line of influence from Babbage to any modern computer researchers, but his importance both as the first pioneer and as a symbol of the joys and sorrows of computing is unquestioned. Swade clearly respects his subject deeply, all the more so for having tried to bring the great old man's ideas to life. The Difference Engine is lovingly comprehensive and will thrill readers looking for a more technical examination of Babbage's career. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

In 1821 an inventor and mathematician named Charles Babbage was reviewing a set of mathematical tables. After finding an excess of errors in the results, he exclaimed, "I wish to God these calculations had been executed by steam." Thus began Babbage's lifelong enterprise to design and build a mechanical calculating engine-the world's first computer. Drawing on Babbage's original notes and designs, Doron Swade recounts both Babbage's nineteenth-century quest to build a calculating machine-the Difference Engine-and Swade's own successful attempt to build a replica for the bicentennial of Babbage's birth. Set against the tantalizing background of Victorian science and politics with a colorful cast of characters, The Difference Engine is a saga of ingenuity and will-and the dawning of a new age.

Customer Reviews:

One of the great accomplishments of the 19th century.......2005-08-01

Charles Babbage and John Herschel, the astronomer, were preparing tables for the astronomical society. They needed to check the work of computations by humans, by different computers. The need for tables was particulary important for navigators. The source of error in the tables was clear, human fallibility. The manual production of tables, calculation, transcription, typesetting, and proofreading created opportunities for error. The engine of change in 1821 was the steam engine. Charles Babbage wanted to produce a machine to produce error-free tables.

Babbage entered Trinity in 1810. He studied on his own the work of the French mathematicians. His father was a well-to-do London banker. Charles married and received from his father an allowance of three hundred pounds. In London he established himself in scientific circles. By the spring of 1822 he had a small working model of his first design. Computing devices of the time required manipulation and were limited as to the size of the numbers the devices could handle. Babbit first used the method of differences, addition, in his design. He sent a brief announcement to the Astronomical Society about his invention. He received a mandate from the government and was prepared to build a new machine. He hired Joseph Clement for precision engineering work. Clement and Babbage devised new tools and modified machines. There was a need to produce large numbers of similar parts. Babbage conceived of his machine when manufacturing was in transition. By 1826 Babbage was wholly absorbed in the design of his Difference Engine. The machine was eight feet by seven feet by three feet.

In 1826 Babbage published a book on life assurance. While traveling in Europe following the death of his wife, he learned of his election as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. He never resided in Cambridge and gave no lectures. Babbage expressed a view on the decline of science In England. Undoubtedly science was more professional in Prussia and France. Babbage's position alienated some of his supporters. In 1832 part of the engine was put on display in his drawing room. Clement was to leave the project. Work was not resumed. The Treasury Department spent more than seventeen thousand pounds on it.

There is a curious affinity between mathematics, mind, and computing. After the break with Clement, Babbage moved from the Difference Engine to the Analytical Engine. He devised the first automatic mechanisms for multiplication and division. He had in fact designed a general purpose four function calculator. In 1836 he opted for punch cards to control the engine. The Analytical Engine was never built. Babbage worked in isolation. With the Analytical Engine Babbage was seduced by the intellectual quest.

After twenty years the Treasury axed the Difference Engine and wrote off the expense. Between 1846 and 1849 Babbage designed Difference Engine No. 2. Maurice Wilkins believed the Analytical Engine was one of the great accomplishments of the 19th century. The Science Museum in Britain built a version of the Difference Engine No. 2 for an exhibit on Babbage.

Wonderful Engines.......2002-09-16

This book has 2 basic parts. First, is the discussion of Babbage's life and his computing engines. Second, is the author's modern-day story of attempting to complete Babbage's Difference Engine, a feat which Babbage himself was unable to do. I picked up this book for the first part. I wanted to learn about Babbage and how his engines worked. While the author gives a wonderful account of Babbage's life and methodology, he does not clearly describe HOW these engines function. I realize that the engines are extremely complex, but a chapter on the functioning of the Difference Engine trial piece and some diagrams on its operations would have been much appreciated. Unfortunately, as were Babbage's contemporaries, we are left mainly in dark as to how simply turning a crank can produce the necessary additions. The author also never fully explains the "method of finite differences" upon which the function of the difference engine is based.

The most amazing part of the book is the overview of Babbage's design for the Analytical Engine- the first programmable computer. It is amazingly similar in concept to today's modern computers, but it uses motion through metal gears and cams, instead of electricity through logic gates and wires. I expected to be bored by the modern-day story, but I actually was interested in the process of reconstructing this 19th century machine. It was enlightening to see how the same problems Babbage faced 150 years before troubled engineers today.

Overall, I recommend this book for those curious about Babbage and his engines. However, the writing seems jerky and unorganized in parts, and there is little technical description of the engines' functionality.

Doron Swade's Quest to Build a Difference Engine.......2002-09-13

This is the first book I've read on Charles Babbage, but I imagine that there are others that are better. First, this book seems to assume you've already read a book or two about Babbage before. It almost has an apologetic tone and seems to be an answer to what, I assume, have been slights against Babbage and his work. Second, this book is as much about the author and his quest to build a Difference Engine as it is about Babbage himself. If you want to hear about dealing with office politics in an British museum, you may find this interesting.

All in all, this is a fairly dry read. It was interesting at points, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it for your first book on Babbage.

History - What a story.......2002-05-15

I enjoyed this book very much. It was refreshing to step away from the technical library and read more about the people, machines, trials, and triumphs that occured as far back as the early 1800's.

Though it all you learn about a man who had such vision. His execution could be faulted for many reasons. But in the end the machine works! I can not wait to see the Difference Engine myself someday.

Hard to follow.......2002-05-11

I bought this book hoping to gain a better knowledge of Charles Babbage and of course entertainment. The knowledge part was delivered but I found this book a very hard read. Do not expect to laugh occasionally because the story is very dry. The book also assumes that the reader is very familiar with British history, which I am not. From a factual standpoint it does deliver but its layout and the storyline make it an awful reference resource.

The Difference Engine : Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer

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The Difference Engine : Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer
Doron Swade
Manufacturer: Viking Penguin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLWDP0

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The Difference Engine : Charles Babbage and the Quest to Build the First Computer
Doron Swade
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJKXP4

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THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE: CHARLES BABBAGE AND THE QUEST TO BUILD THE FIRST COMPUTER
Doron Swade
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXFGN0

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The difference engine; Charles Babbage and the quest to build the first computer.
Doron. [BABBAGE] SWADE
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TOQ4SE

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Gives different perspective

Not an ordinary self-help book

Excellent Insights!

A BOOK WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE

Conquer your fears in this safe environment....

Embracing Fear: and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life
Thom Rutledge
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Embracing Fear: How to Turn What Scares Us into Our Greatest Gift

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Practice Makes Practice

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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0062517740
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Book Description

Fear takes many forms -- dread, worry, panic, anxiety, self-consciousness, superstition, and negativity -- and manifests itself in many ways -- avoidance, procrastination, judgment, control, agitation, and perfectionism, to name just a few. Fear is our constant companion. It haunts us day and night and prevents us from living to our potential. Whether we are afraid of the dark or of being alone, failure or commitment, public speaking or flying, fear dominates our lives, affecting nearly every decision we make.

Embracing Fear challenges us to confront and move beyond the destructive control of unhealthy fear. Utilizing the acronym F-E-A-R, psychotherapist Thom Rutledge maps out a step-by-step methodology:

Face it
Explore it
Accept it
Respond to it

Instead of repressing or ignoring the voices of panic and dread, we learn that it is only through facing, exploring, accepting, and responding to fear that we free ourselves from its paralyzing grip. Combining compelling stories from the author's twenty-year practice, examples from his own struggles with addiction and depression, and practical exercises and tools, Embracing Fear does not pretend to teach the impossible and eliminate fear, but rather shows us that once we understand it we can live beyond its tyrannical control. This powerful life-transforming guide is for everyone who constantly worries about the what-ifs, but is ready and willing to triumph over fear's pervasive presence once and for all.

Customer Reviews:

Gives different perspective.......2006-02-25

I found this a book insightful although very simplistic in writing style. It was helpful in giving other counselors a different way of looking at difficulties they have in some therapy sessions. Especially those clients that are stuck in one perspective and can not move off the safety square.

Not an ordinary self-help book.......2005-04-09

*****
This book is a great read all about fear. Specifically, it is about embracing fear---facing fear---rather than running from it, stuffing it, etc. Unlike most self-help books, the author does not presume to be an authority with easy answers; instead, he is a fellow human being who struggles with his own fear and that of his clients. He shares very practical techniques to approach your fears so that you can still have the life you want, regardless of your fears.

Fear underlies most if all negative emotions. I found this book to be very helpful. The author asks many helpful questions such as "What would I do today if I were brave?"...leading me to see where my fears stopped me.

Another technique he uses is splitting our self-talk into the negative voices of unhealthy unnecessary fear (which he calls The Bully) and the positive voices of what we know with our heads and hearts (which he calls The Ally). This has been really helpful to me, too. He makes the point that we will never rid ourselves of fear, but we will be less and less bothered by it as we learn how to face it.

This book differs from an ordinary self-help book in that it is amazingly useful, plus the author is practical, transparent, realistic, and humble. I loved reading it, highlighted it all over the place, and will read it again.

It is an excellent value and worth hours of therapy. I would even suggest it in lieu of therapy! I immediately bought two copies to send to two of my closest friends.
*****

Excellent Insights!.......2003-05-17

This book will challenge you to look fear in the face and walk right though it! On the other side of fear is Love. If you want more love in your life. . . read this book!

A BOOK WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE.......2003-01-23

Written with sincere compassion, and a warm, direct tone, Thom Rutledge gives us permission to be human, and helps the reader see that having fears, or tendencies to avoid those situations which create fear, is not a basis for shame. Embracing Fear teaches the reader to transform maladaptive responses, into winning situations, and the importance of finding the gift, lesson or opportunity in challenges we face. With his honest style, he helps us find the reason and rational messages we can listen to within our being when facing difficult or frightening situations. This is a man who knows of what he writes. His knowledge, personal experience, and ability to convey that he truly cares makes him a uniquley therapeutic and helpful writer. The reader is left feeling nurtured all along the way, and yet skillfully challenged as well. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD author: Fed Up! The Breakthrough Ten Step No-Diet Fitness Plan.

Conquer your fears in this safe environment...........2002-11-19

I like this book because of Thom's simple, down-to-earth language and his sharing from his own personal experiences. He helps us realize how pervasively and unconsciously fear operates in our lives. His viewing fear as normal, rather than the result of personal weaknesses, enables us to see ourselves as struggling, growing and traveling together with him and others, not set apart and different. He has a safe, inviting approach to dealing with the Bullies, as he calls our fears. I believe, without exception, those who want to live their lives to the fullest will benefit from Thom's perspective and the steps to being in charge of fear. He holds our hand and convincingly shows us page by page.

Embracing Fear and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life

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Embracing Fear and Finding the Courage to Live Your Life
Thom Rutledge
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0965440079

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Embracing Fear: And Finding the Courage to Live Your Life
Thom Rutledge
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF67US

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The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure Cookbook: More Than 200 Delicious Recipes Featuring the Foods Proven to Lower Cholesterol
Robert E. Kowalski
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Low Fat | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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The New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure

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Cholesterol Cures: More Than 325 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol and Live Longer from Almonds and Chocolate to Garlic and Wine

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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0060916893

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The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure Cookbook: More Than 200 Delicious Recipes Featuring the Foods Proven to Lower Cholesterol
Robert E. Kowalski
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MC0TG6

Book Description

The U.S. Government and its Army killed millions of buffalo as part of an all-out war against the Native Americans in the nineteenth century. The plains Indians, who relied on the buffalo as a source of food and spiritual power, weakened and succumbed to the aggressors as the buffalo quickly disappeared from the prairies. "Buffalo Nation" tells the story of this brutal war, and details the amazing comeback of the buffalo. The number of bison in the U.S. plummeted from more than thirty million in the early 1800s to fewer than 500 at the turn of the century. There are now more than 250,000 bison on ranches and sanctuaries across the nation. Valerius Geist also examines the natural history of the buffalo—underscoring its importance in North America in this enlightening exploration that will appeal to history buffs, conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, and those concerned with Native American issues. The book features writings by "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Mari Sandoz, George Catlin, Black Elk, Lewis and Clark, General George Custer, Chief Plenty-coups, John James Audubon, Daniel Boone, Francis Parkman, and more. Illustrations include those by Charles M. Russell, Albert Bierstadt, George Catlin, and various Native American artists, along with more than 80 historical and contemporary photographs.

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Best Author for 18-inch dolls Clothing!

Sew the International Wardrobe for 18 in. dolls

Sew the International Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls
Joan Hinds
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Sew the Storybook Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls

Simple & Stylish Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls' Clothing (Creative Crafters)

ASIN: 0873419901

Book Description

Among the best-selling dolls on the market today are the charming 18-inch dolls by American Girls, Faithful Friends, and others. The fun of owning these wonderful dolls is dressing them in a variety of outfits. Now home sewers can take their dolls around the world without leaving their sewing rooms.

A great value, this book includes full-size tissue-paper pattern sheets for 16 authentic ethnic outfits from Norway, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, China, Japan, Germany, and more. Buying the patterns individually (if you could find them!) would cost much more and the complete instructions and helpful illustrations included assure well-fitting, and attractive results.

- Full-size tissue patterns for 16 ethnic costumes (a great value!)
- Complete step-by-step instructions with helpful illustrations
- Beautiful color photos
- Fascinating historical details about the countries and costumes

Customer Reviews:

Best Author for 18-inch dolls Clothing!.......2004-01-31

I LOVE this book. I bought this book because I wanted to make the Russian and Irish costumes for my daughter's dolls. I have NEVER sewed doll clothes before this. The patterns are SO easy and I was able to make several of the costumes from fabric scraps about the house.

I have since made MANY doll clothes and after this book had the confidence to purchase some of the commercial patterns. After working with the commercial patterns, I REALLY started to appreciate the clarity and ease of Joan Hinds patterns (and the FIT - they fit the dolls 100%). Some people don't like the pattern paper, but I always trace them onto poster board and that way I get a durable patterns for years to come (and on poster board, the kids can trace them out onto the cloth easier too!).

I have since purchased several of her books and love them all. I love all the photos and the easy directions. If you are new to sewing doll clothes or just new to sewing, this is a great book to get you up and running!

Sew the International Wardrobe for 18 in. dolls.......2001-08-14

Like all of Joan's books, this one is easy to read and follow, and has great doll clothing ideas. Her patterns are easy to understand and always go together well, and fit American Girl style dolls to a T. I enjoyed this book because there are so many ethnic designs; it will be fun to find just the right fabrics to make them all. I highly recommend this book!

Book Description

Topiary designs for all types of gardens, even special projects for children

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book for first time injuries!!!.......2005-01-14

I checked out this book from the library, and after using it for several weeks, decided it would be cheaper to buy the book than pay the library fines. The book provides lots of very useful information on how to manage back pain. Using techniques in the book I was able to recover from a herniated disc much faster than my doctor expected. I gave it 4 of 5 stars only because I found the planning lists at the end of every chapter a bit of overkill. Having fewer lists would have gotten it 5 stars.

$Andrea's Prism: The Refracted Light, the Rainbow Colors, the Fragments of a Young Teacher's Life$
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Andrea's Prism: The Refracted Light, the Rainbow Colors, the Fragments of a Young Teacher's Life
Sallyann Keith
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0759632529

Book Description

Idealistic teachers try to help young people in many ways. Andrea helped a pregnant teenager, a foster son on the brink of sexual awakening, an Hispanic young woman moving into corporate life. Was the help worthwhile? A teacher seldom knows.

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Fragments of Rainbows
Amy Vladeck Heinrich
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Japanese | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Japanese & Haiku | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0231054289

Fragments of Rainbows: The Life and Poetry of Saito Mokichi.

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Fragments of Rainbows: The Life and Poetry of Saito Mokichi.
Saito]. Heinrich, Amy Vladeck. [MOKICHI
Manufacturer: NY: Columbia University Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UG5GKI

Rainbow Fragments - A Garden Book of the Iris

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Rainbow Fragments - A Garden Book of the Iris
J. Marion Shull
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Doran & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O6AX4I

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Rainbow Fragments: A Garden Book of the Iris
J. Marion Shull
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Doran and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K8KJ8K

Rainbow fragments;: A garden book of the iris, with illustrations in full color,

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Rainbow fragments;: A garden book of the iris, with illustrations in full color,
James Marion Shull
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Doran & company, inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008598NM

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Fragments of Rainbows
Amy Vladeck Heinrich
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPSJK4

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Fragments of the rainbow
Carmen Voss
Manufacturer: The Ampersand Workshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Collecting | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B000736C6G

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