Amazon.com's Best of 2001
In retrospect, it seems as if the American Revolution was inevitable. But was it? In Founding Brothers, Joseph J. Ellis reveals that many of those truths we hold to be self-evident were actually fiercely contested in the early days of the republic.
Ellis focuses on six crucial moments in the life of the new nation, including a secret dinner at which the seat of the nation's capital was determined--in exchange for support of Hamilton's financial plan; Washington's precedent-setting Farewell Address; and the Hamilton and Burr duel. Most interesting, perhaps, is the debate (still dividing scholars today) over the meaning of the Revolution. In a fascinating chapter on the renewed friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson at the end of their lives, Ellis points out the fundamental differences between the Republicans, who saw the Revolution as a liberating act and hold the Declaration of Independence most sacred, and the Federalists, who saw the revolution as a step in the building of American nationhood and hold the Constitution most dear. Throughout the text, Ellis explains the personal, face-to-face nature of early American politics--and notes that the members of the revolutionary generation were conscious of the fact that they were establishing precedents on which future generations would rely.
In Founding Brothers, Ellis (whose American Sphinx won the National Book Award for nonfiction in 1997) has written an elegant and engaging narrative, sure to become a classic. Highly recommended. --Sunny Delaney
Book Description
In this landmark work of history, the National Book Award—winning author of American Sphinx explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals–Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison–confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.
The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers–re-examined here as Founding Brothers–combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes–Hamilton and Burr’s deadly duel, Washington’s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams’ administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin’s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison’s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams’ famous correspondence–
Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation’s history.
Download Description
In this landmark work of history, the National Book Award-winning author of American Sphinx explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals -- Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison -- confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.
The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers -- re-examined here as Founding Brothers -- combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes -- Hamilton and Burr's deadly duel, Washington's precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams' administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin's attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison's attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams' famous correspondence -- Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation's history.
"A splendid book -- humane, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
"Lively and illuminating... leaves the reader with a visceral sense of a formative era in American life."
THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Masterful.... Fascinating.... Ellis is an elegant stylist.... [He] captures the passion the founders brought to the revolutionary project.... [A] very fine book."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"Learned, exceedingly well-written, and perceptive."
THE OREGONIAN
Customer Reviews:
Excellent look into the formation of a republic.......2007-10-05
This was a very good read for me. I found it interesting and enlightening. What jumped out most to me were the differing personalities and philosophies of America's early leaders. It was intriguing to read about the Virginia Dynasty and connection between Madison and Jefferson. It was also interesting to read about the various rivalries.
However, there are three things that really made and impression on me from this book.
First, was the reality that the United States of America as a unified, sovereign nation barely happened. Sometimes there is this illusion that America's emergence was divine and undeniable. This book really shoots that illusion down. There were so many differing positions and rival parties. Many were still loyal to the British crown. And even after independence was won the states themselves could barely find consensus. There were so many points of contention. There were so much division among the newly independent American statesmen. The fact there was enough consensus to forge a republic is nothihg short of amazing.
Second, was Washington's decision not to be president for life. His stepping down and allowing someone else to run and take office while he was still alive was very significant. It provided a great degree of credibility to a tenuous political framework that very well could have collapsed once he died. Many leaders, only thinking of themselves, want to remain in position for the rest of their lives at the expense of the organization. Leaders with vision understand the organization has to last long after they are gone. Washington showed great vision with this move.
Lastly, of all of the historical figures that make an impact in this read none do so quite like Alexander Hamilton. After reading this work I feel Hamilton may be the most overlooked founding American of them all. His push for a strong central government made him a mortal political enemy of Jefferson and Madison. As I read the book Hamilton's position for a strong central government and his persona really struck a cord. While Jefferson's dreams of pure libertarianism made for good theory, Hamilton's insistence on a strong central government to regulate commerce made good sense. This book gave me a new interest in Hamilton. I plan to read one of his biographies.
In all, it is a great account of a collection of extraordinary events and people. If you like history and politics (as I do) check this one out.
Not great.......2007-09-29
Pretty much the most boring book I have ever read. (I had to for school)
An excellent capsule view.............2007-09-12
...of the founding of our country. The founders were NOT a homogenous "band of brothers"; there were profound personal, political, philosophical and sectional differences, which somehow got worked out. This superb book looks at incidents and relationships, and how they affected the final product.
[1] The Duel...Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804. This was an anti-climax for Hamilton; his useful life was already over...he had betrayed George Washington politically, and had experienced too many scandals in his personal life. The apostle of centralized government had become irrelevent, and, as for Aaron Burr, he had way too many enemies. In fact, Jefferson and Adams, who were then estranged, both hated both Burr and Hamilton. Anyway, Hamilton died, and Burr might as well have....he went on to try to become Emperor Aaron I, ran afoul of Mr. Jefferson....but that's another story. Dueling was already illegal, and this about finished it, though isolated incidents would occur until the Civil War.
[2] The Dinner Table Bargain. How did Washington, DC, get to be our capital? Here's how....Southerners wanted the new capital in the South...Alexander Hamilton wanted the new Federal Government to assume state debts. Assumption and Location. Enter Thomas Jefferson...he invited Madison and Hamilton to dinner at his rented house in New York. Hamilton, who could have cared less where the capital got located, agreed to back Madison's choice of the malarial swamp where our capital is today. Madison agreed not to fight assumption, though he still wouldn't vote for it. Compromise....
[3] The Silence....over slavery. Many, especially Benjamin Franklin, wanted to end slvery with the ratification of The Constitution...the Southerners wouldn't go along, and the resultant compromise put the problem off for another 20 years, by which time the cotton gin had been invented...Shiloh...Sharpsburg...Chickamauga... I know, there was a LOT more that went into causing the Civil War, but....
[4] The Farewell....to George Washington. Washington retired at the end of his second term. He had profound problems [mainly with Congress] in the second term, and God knows that he had done his share, and more. Maybe he knew that he wouldn't survive a third term. The Farewell Address is one of the masterpieces of the English language; how much of it was Washington's work, and how much Alexander Hamilton's, remains a matter of conjecture....
[5] and [6]...Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Friends, collaborators in the invention of a nation...estranged over differences in politics...then, a final decision "not to die till we have explained ourselves to each other", which resulted in a wealth of letters that will be studied forever. Only God would have dared write the end...both died July 4, 1826, the 50th. anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. A writer of fiction would be dismissed as insane for such a thing...
Joseph Ellis is a treasure...biographies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson [not written in that order] that are substantive enough for a historian, and short enough that any intelligent person can read them easily. Yes, others have gone deeper...but Douglas Southall Freeman needed seven long volumes for Washington, and Dumas Malone six for Jefferson. Ellis writes history that is "available"....and this MAY be his best work. I can't recommend it strongly enough....
Wonderful book.......2007-08-26
I have developed a fascination with some of the nations great men, and been reading books on them, curious to what makes them 'tick'. This book is really unique in that it gives a really interesting perspective not only on the men, but the dynamic between them. It has been some of my favorite reading. This book is very well written, and thoughts flow logically and cohesively. I think the author has done a splendid job.
The Perfect Introduction to the History of the Revolutionary Period.......2007-08-09
Bottom Line: A very enjoyable and easy read. Before taking on the huge biographies on Adams, Hamilton, Washington, and Jefferson read this book.
What You Will Learn: This book is sort of a greatest hits of revolutionary history. My favorite section is on the run-up to the duel between Hamilton and Burr - something I had read about in High School, but never with so much detail and drama. The description of the complicated relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson is also very interesting and well written.
Parting Shot: Joseph Ellis does a great job in making history exciting - this book would serve as a great gift for a young person without much previous reading in American History.
Book Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program.
Product Description
3 Book Collection; Benjamin Franklin; Founding Brothers; John Adams.
Product Description
3 Book Set By Joseph J. Ellis; American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson; His Excellency: George Washington; Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation.
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Leather bound book accented in 22kt gold.
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Brand new! LEATHER BOUND book accented in 22kt gold!
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Limited edition, signed by the author
Average customer rating:
- Comprehensive and easy to do
- saving stuff
- Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions
- Excellent resource for collectors and small museum curators
- ALEX SHELDON...THAT LITTLE DEVIL!
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Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions
Don Williams , and
Louisa Jaggar
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Care & Restoration | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743264169 |
Book Description
The most comprehensive book on preserving every type of collectible -- from the sentimental to the valuable -- from the Smithsonian's Senior Conservator.
For both the serious collector and the sometimes sentimentalist, Saving Stuff explains -- in plain language -- how you can use the techniques of museum professionals to keep your prized possessions in mint condition.
You do not need deep pockets or oodles of time: using Don Williams's simple instructions, you can preserve anything quickly and inexpensively. In Saving Stuff, he demystifies preservation and presents easy, foolproof methods anyone can use to save nearly everything, including:
- Photographs -- in print and digital form
- Stuff only a parent could love -- from baby teeth to old blankets and first artworks
- Furniture -- whether it's painted, varnished, or upholstered
- Family heirlooms -- from silver to rugs to wedding dresses
- Sports and political memorabilia -- trading cards, posters, equipment, buttons, stickers
- Attic leftovers -- scrapbooks, military uniforms, medals
- Musical instruments
- Fine art -- oil paintings, etchings, lithographs
- Printed matter -- comic books, magazines, old letters
- And much, much more
With step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, tips for making the things you use every day last, and stories about how the Smithsonian takes care of our national treasures, Saving Stuff is the only book you need to take care of the stuff you love.
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive and easy to do.......2007-05-19
This book is excellent. It is easy to understand, cheap to implement, comprehensive, and effective. The book covers maintenance as well as storage. I wish my ancestors had been able to access to this book.
saving stuff.......2007-05-09
I don't need this book. I thought it was a book on saving things that don't matter, or that does matter. Files, odds and ends. I needed a organizer of house items Its primarlily antiques.
Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions.......2007-01-19
amazon delivered item on time as promised. Item was a Christmas gift which the recipient liked.
Excellent resource for collectors and small museum curators.......2006-01-29
"The most comprehensive book on preserving every type of collectible..." Don Williams, Senior Conservator of the Smithsonian Institution, has written a concise volume dealing with how to preserve everything from baseball cards to furniture. Easy to understand preservation practices. No hard to understand museum jargon. An excellent work for anyone who collects anything or the small museum.
ALEX SHELDON...THAT LITTLE DEVIL!.......2005-11-10
I absolutely loved this BRILLIANT book! I am a long time antiquer/yardsaler and I found the book extrodinarily useful! I have been able to preserve things i never thought possible, like my grilled cheese sandwich with the virgin mary on it! I also learned to never keep valuable coins in a jar where my daughter may be able to reach them and turn them into Coinstart (that silly hooligan). This is definately one of my top 3.14 books of all time! IT IS A MUST READ FOR THE AGES!
PS. YAY FOR SCHOOL AND BOO TO CRYSTAL METH!
Product Description
Gryffin Strain: His Female The human Chiarra is on the run. When she manages to cross the dangerous maelstrom, seeking refuge among the fascinating Gryffin, she never epects to become the prize in a vicious contest between two magnificent males. Descended from the winged Gryffins and armed with poisonous barbs on their knuckles, the mighty Gryffin are humanoid creatures both deadly and dangerous. They are feared for their power and strength, though regarded as "animal" by the prejudiced human dwelling on the far side of the treacherous divide. And yet, human females are highly prized as mates - it is perhaps every Gryffin male's fantasy to have a woman like Chiarra in his fold. Determined to save the girl from certain death, Jarrk fights for the right to claim her - only to be shamed in front of his people by the hostile, arrogant little human. Thus ensues a battle of wills between the two - a struggle born of pride, prejudice and misconception - fired by a dangerous, unwanted attraction that cannot be denied. By the time Chiarra's past catches up to her, Jarrk has developed a taste for all this sensual creature can offer him - and claimed Chiarra as his own. He'll kill the man who dares to touch his female. Now they are on the run, but a Gryffin and human together make a conspicuous pair. Though they might outwit the men who seek Chiarra's life, they'll never outrun the huge reward offered for her capture. Only a combination of human ingenuity and animal instinct will save them - only with unconditional trust can they find the true promise of love. Kingdom of Khal: Redeeming Davik Set in an ancient world peopled by strange races with paranormal abilities, Davik's story takes you to the Kingdom of Khal, where civil war between North and South threatens to tear the country apart. When the besieging army captures a beautiful Northern Rebel, the girl gives her word to submit to the two Southern Princes in return for their promise to neither force nor bind her. Almos
Customer Reviews:
You will prize Prized Possession.......2007-01-18
PRIZED POSSESSION contains two unique erotic fantasies by a very gifted writer.
GRYFFIN STRAIN: HIS FEMALE. On the run from the soldiers of her own land, human Chiarra braves the maelstrom winds to cross the chasm. Instead of finding safety, she is captured by a large golden Gryffin named Grat. But Grat's possession of Chiarra is immediately, and successfully, challenged by Jarrk and Chiarra must now join his pit until it is safe to once again face the maelstrom and head north.
The non-human Gryffins are magnificent creatures, but are considered little better than talking animals by the humans. Chiarra has heard of Gryffins mating with humans, but Jarrk offers her only his protection while she waits for the maelstrom winds to abate enough to risk another crossing. Chiarra works alongside the other females in Jarrk's pit, observing and learning about the Gryffins and their society. And almost from the outset, she discovers feelings of respect and lust for Jarrk--feelings that are clearly reciprocated.
Although Jarrk has provided Chiarra with sanctuary, she still faces a multitude of dangers, including dragons that roam the adjoining forest, the malevolent Grat who wants Chiarra as his mate, and the soldiers who seek to punish Chiarra for her unforgivable crime. Even as they begin to explore their passion for one another, Jarrk and Chiarra are faced with the brutal realities that threaten to separate them forever.
Both the title of this book, Prized Possession, and the title of this story are a little misleading. To me, they hint of subjugation and bondage. In actuality, Jarrk and Chiarra both learn to overcome their initial misconceptions and form a deep respect and love for each other. (Not to worry--there are still some hot sex scenes.)
I liked the fact that Ms. Hayes opened this story without any set-up or explanations. Readers are dropped into the middle of the action and only bit by bit learn about this strange, fascinating world and Jarrk's and Chiarra's respective pasts. Therefore, each new piece of information becomes a treat, another piece of the puzzle which isn't fully revealed until the end. Despite the satisfying conclusion, I think there are still some mysteries to be explored and I'm hoping there will be more Gryffin stories that do just that.
KINGDOM OF KHAL: REDEEMING DAVIK. During the war against the Northern Rebels, two Southern Princes capture and enslave the mysterious and alluring Petra. Warrik is a huge man, a formidable warrior, and the Heir to Southern Khal. His loyal brother Davik is his master strategist and constant companion--in everything. The brothers' infatuation with their sexual plaything quickly grows to the point that it is less clear who is really being enslaved. In addition, small tensions develop between the brothers and, for the first time in his life, Davik finds himself reluctant to share a woman with Warrik.
Once again, Ms. Hayes has readers stepping directly into a world with a complex military and social history that is inhabited by people with equally complex histories and motivations. This story also uses gradual reveals, and contains twist after twist until the final surprising conclusion.
Kingdom of Khal: Redeeming Davik was a difficult and disturbing story. I frequently had to put it down and just walk away. Even in a world full of brutality and violence, Petra's gut-clenching ordeals stand out. Imprisoned at a young age, Petra has already endured flogging, beatings, constant restraint, rape (and coerced sex), subjugation, emotional loss, and the deaths of loved ones during her short life. Despite these horrors, Petra is not an object of pity. Instead, she is a strong, ambitious woman with a soft heart but a core of steel--a woman who has a master plan and is determined to see it to its fulfillment.
Ms. Hayes has created a rich, believable, and strangely compelling world that is not for the faint of heart. All of the characters, even the secondary characters, were three-dimensional and realistically full of both human strengths and fallibilities. I may not have always liked this world or the characters, but I was always mesmerized by them--mesmerized enough to want to read the followup to this story, DYE'S KINGDOM--WANTING IT FOREVER.
Although they may not be for everyone, Ms. Hayes's stories are unique, well-written, interesting, and, yes, challenging. I'm giving PRIZED POSSESSION a 5-star recommendation.
*UP ALL NIGHT LONG*.......2006-08-16
I wish I had of started reading this book earlier in the evening because I could not put it down! Fabulous! Very erotic, especially if you are into different species and their sexual encounters with humans. Hot!
Erotic Romance At Its Finest.......2005-12-01
Two wonderful romance novels from beginning to end. Brilliant characters and a plot to go along with all that steamy romance; Madison does it in perfect harmony. With exciting adventure and sizzling sex, Ms. Hayes keeps your sexual desire wanting more!
Pretty good book.......2005-11-28
Two books in one. The first story is a little odd but the second story actually has a little bit of a plot to it!! Kind of surprising for this type. Of course the majority of both stories is the sex but that's what all these books are about anyway.
Average customer rating:
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HOTTEST BLOOD - Hot Blood Series: The Ultimate in Erotic Horror: I Hear the Mermaids Singing; Llama; Where the Heart Was; The Last Crossing; Damaged Goods; Hillbettys; Abuse; Forever in My Thoughts; Blind Date; Sex Object; Box 69; Prized Possession
Jeff; Garrett, Michael (editors) (Nancy Holder; Bentley Little; David J. Schow; Thomas Tessier; Elizabeth Massie; Graham Watkins; Matthew Costello; Don D'Ammassa; Julie Wilson; Graham Masterton; Rex Miller; Jeff Gelb; Chris Lacher) Gelb
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Costello, Matthew | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
D'Ammassa, Don | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
David, Michael | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Garrett, Michael | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Gelb, Jeff | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Holder, Nancy | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Little, Bentley | ( L ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Massie, Elizabeth | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Masterson, Graham | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Miller, Rex | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Schow, David | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Tessier, Thomas | ( T ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Thomas, J. | ( T ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Watkins, Graham | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Erotic | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000N5GL4Q |
Book Description
From the Edgar Award-winning author of The Suspect and A Chill Rain in January comes a superbly crafted story of love, hate, and murder...
RCMP Staff Sergeant Karl Alberg is at a crossroads. Coping with the death of his father and his own inexorable slide into middle age, he must make a decision about his relationship with his lover of eight years, Cassandra Mitchell. Restless and in desperate need of distraction, Alberg finds a project to fill the time during his bereavement leave: looking into the all-too-neat disappearance of a local man on the morning after his sixth wedding anniversary. Ultimately the case converges with another, as the very messy life of a simpleminded Vancouver stock boy spills over into the small coastal town of Sechelt, in an explosive climax of shocking, unforgettable violence.
Average customer rating:
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HOTTEST BLOOD: The Ultimate in Erotic Horror: I Hear the Mermaids Singing; Llama; Where the Heart Was; The Last Crossing; Damaged Goods; Hillbettys; Abuse; Forever in My Thoughts; Blind Date; Sex Object; Box 69; Prized Possession; At the Count of Three
Jeff; Garrett, Michael (editors) (Nancy Holder; Bentley Little; David J. Schow; Thomas Tessier; Elizabeth Massie; Graham Watkins; Matthew Costello; Don D'Ammassa; Julie Wilson; Graham Masterton; Rex Miller; Jeff Gelb; Chris Lacher) Gelb
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Costello, Matthew | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
D'Ammassa, Don | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
David, Michael | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Garrett, Michael | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Gelb, Jeff | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Holder, Nancy | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Little, Bentley | ( L ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Massie, Elizabeth | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Masterson, Graham | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Miller, Rex | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Schow, David | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Tessier, Thomas | ( T ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Thomas, J. | ( T ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Watkins, Graham | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B000NRX23C |
Average customer rating:
- Refreshing
- Insightful look at Glasgow during the Great Depression
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Prized Possessions
Jessica Stirling
Manufacturer: Chivers Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
General | Literature & Fiction | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 0754003876 |
Book Description
Lizzie Conway has clawed her way out of the Gorbals slums despite a crippling burden of debt left by her husband.She would do anything to protect her daughters from the violence of Glasgow's mean streets.To give them a better life, Lizzie sacrifices her own chance at happiness to break the endless round of poverty that engulfs them.But now the girls are grown:Polly has a secure post with the borough council, Babs is a clerk, and even Rosie, whose life is marred by deafness, is set to find work that suits her talents.Lizzie soon discovers that her strength and determination are not enough to protect her girls from falling in love with men as tough and feckless as their father.Yet Lizzie is a fighter to the bitter end-and so, as she learns, are her daughters.Jessica Stirling brings Glasgow of the 1930s to vivid, vibrant life in this unforgettable story of an indomitable family of women.AUTHORBIO: Jessica Stirling was born in Glasgow and still lives in Scotland.A beloved and successful writer, she thrilled readers with her bestselling first trilogy: The Spoiled Earth, The Hiring Fair, and The Dark Pasture.Ms. Stirling is the author of over twenty heartwarming novels, among them, her Isle of Mull trilogy, which includes The Island Wife, The Wind from the Hills, and The Strawberry Season, all published by St. Martin's Press.
Customer Reviews:
Refreshing.......2002-08-26
Although this book has nothing jumping out at you, it's storyline is good and quite entertaining.
Set in Glasgow Scotland in the Depression Era we look into the life of Lizzy Conway, a poor widow whose husband is Missing In Action during the war.
Lizzie has a load on her shoulders as she tries to make ends meet. She is indebted to the Italians through her husband's Frank unpaid debt and only managing on a small wage, it isn't easy. She has to care for three teenage daughters whom she keeps her protective eyes on, hopeful as they grow that they will find decent spouses to take them out of the slums into better living conditions and security.
Lizzie Conway the good mother and fighter takes a last chance on life for the good of all....but will it work out as planned? Read this refreshing book....a wonderful book for women of all ages..
Insightful look at Glasgow during the Great Depression.......2001-07-28
Her husband probably died during World War I though officially he is listed as missing in action. For the last decade or so, Liz Conway has raised her three precious daughters by herself. Being a single mother is hard enough, but Liz also owes a lot of money, the debt being the inheritance from her missing spouse.
Liz gives up her life sacrificing everything so that her three children can begin the climb out of poverty. Somehow love blossoms with Bernard Peabody even if Liz is reluctant to allow her heart to call the shots at least until she knows her three darlings are happily settled. Still, the girls follow her lead as they too begin to fall in love with what Liz prays are responsible caring men.
Though there is some romance in PRIZED POSSESSIONS, the story line focuses on life in Glasgow during the Great Depression. Much of the moving plot occurs in slums teeming with abject poverty and hopelessness. Against that backdrop, Liz manages to keep her beloved family safe and secure. She is a heroine in her quiet way, which is why historical fiction fans will have a field day with this leisurely drawn character study of 1930s Glasgow.
Harriet Klausner
Average customer rating:
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Prized Possessions
Avery Corman
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
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ASIN: 0671692984 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent, more please.......1999-04-16
Avery Gorman's book is about a girl who is date raped and her fight to regain her soul. It raises an important question about our whole approach to sexual morality. In our society it is increasingly suggested that we should by sexually desirable and experienced in order to be popular and happy, and that our qualities be publically and even aggressively transmitted. Sex comes first, then, possibily, respect, love, commitment. I suggest this is all back to front. ANY sexual encounter can lead to rape. If we viewd relationships differently, that truly fulfilling sex only follows after respect, love and commitment, there would be no date-rape. This is NOT to say that a girl who is date-raped was "asking" for it: there is no excuse for aggressive assault. But young people need to be educated to realize that true relationships develop from character rather than physical attraction and that true popularity wuill come from maintaining that stand.
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- Girl with a Pearl Earring
- Good Harbor: A Novel
- Green Lantern: Hero's Quest (Justice League of America)
- Half in Love : Stories
- Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis, Book 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Horse Heaven
- How to Make an American Quilt
- Ignorance: A Novel
Books Index
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