5 comments about Francis Parkman : France and England in North America : Vol. 1: Pioneers of France in the New World, The Jesuits in North America in the Seventeenth Century, La Salle and the Discovery of the Great West, The Old Regime in Canada (Library of America).

1. Francis Parkman is one of the most talented writers of our country's history that one will read. He writes as if he is hovering about the situation and describes it so you feel as if you were there, not bogging you down with details. This is a must read for all history buffs.



2. Parkman's magisterial work on the role of France in the New World must surely rank as one of the high points of 19th century American literature. Certainly the editors of the highly-esteemed Library of America made that determination when they selected the complete set of Parkman's works to be included in the ongoing Library of America series. Only a partial read is required to understand why this multi-volume work, written over a thirty year time frame, is regularly compared to Gibbon's "Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire," for Parkman's mastery of narrative historical storytelling pours forth from the earliest pages in prose that is rarely seen in today's written works. This is truly a monumental work, and should likely be considered a critical component for anyone trying to truly understand the development of the New World from the European perspective.
   
   Parkman begins his saga with the founding and settlement of the area we now call "St Augustine" in Florida, arguably the oldest continuous settlement in the United States, and routinely billed as the "Oldest City in The United States." To visit St Augustine today is to make Parkman's narrative come to life, for there we visit and see Ribault's monument, the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose, and the so-called "Fountain of Youth." To those who are more familiar with US colonial history in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and in greater New England, this is a story that greatly predates the Revolution, and unfolds the stormy rivalry between Spain and France's claims in the New World. It is often a brutal epic, but also contains the awe and wonder of Europeans who for the first time explored the unknowns found therein after the long trip across the Atlantic.
   
   After this difficult early series of episodes, the story turns to LaSalle and the many other French explorers who explored and settled in the area of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the issues and battles that ensued as these early explorers met the indigenous peoples of the region. Any map of the United States will yield an abundance of French names through Illinois, Michigan, and all around the Great Lakes (the word "Illinois" itself is a great example, and "Detroit," actually "d'étroit," or "of the straights"), bearing witness to the history of French exploration and settlement in these early years.
   
   Parkman's narrative is superb, a example of historical writing at its best. His source documentation is so thorough that the work can serve as a primary resource for a seemingly endless series of derivative studies. But whether you are a historian or not, Parkman brings the story alive, and lets you be a virtual guest through the centuries. Make sure you get both volumes.



3. This new edition of Francis Parkman's early American history is a first rate republication by "The Library of America" and what a book! Parkman writes history like he was there when the events took place . You can see the Indians war paint and hear the great orator Pontiac as he stirs the tribes to follow him . Watch as the The British army learns hard lessons in the American wilderness . Watch as pioneers begin to spread across the Appalachian mountains . Parkman walked many of the trails he describes and much of his details come from eyewitness. His books are heavily footnoted with not just the source , but quotes verbatim in support of his writing . His histories are written in the style of the great epics of old like Romulus and Remus . This book goes to the passions of the participants , both sides . To be sure he writes from the veiw point of a Proud American but that does'nt mean he ignores the other sides veiw point and thankfully these were written before political correctness became to dominate veiw point . I have read no modern history better written or more in depth as to its subject. I recomend all his histories . This one in particular as it covers a little published time in American history .



4. Without a doubt one of the most intriging and engaging historical books I've ever read. The scope of his research and writing are awe inspiring. Its written in an older english style, but that also gives it a nice flavor. This book is a must read for any serious student of American history as well as those wanting a better understanding of the first explorers into the North American continent.



5. "Parkman was a lair. He fabricated documents, misquoted others, pretended to use his great collection of sources when he really relied almost entirely on a small set of nastily biased secondary works, and did it in order to support an ideology of divisiveness and hate based on racism, bigotry, misogyny, authoritarianism, chauvinism and upper class arrogance."
   Empire of Fortune, by Francis Jennings

1 comments about Best Hikes With Dogs Boston & Beyond (Best Hikes With Dogs).

1. Hiking with one's dog can be an exciting experience for both dog and owner. "Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston & Beyond" offers an array of hikes for hikers that facilitate the accompaniment of their dog. Offering fifty trails, both urban and rural, that give plenty of varieties for hikers and their canine friends, Best Hikes with Dogs Boston & Beyond is an absolute must for hikers who are also pet owners who reside in Boston and the Massachusetts area. "Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston & Beyond" is a top notch acquisition that is as practical as it is informative.

2 comments about Nathaniel Hawthorne's Tales (Norton Critical Editions).

1. This is very well edited and prepared collection of Hawthorne's tales. It has everything what a critical edition needs. But the real value of this book are, of course, Hawthorne's tales themselves. For a long time Hawthorne was almost forgotten author, forgotten for common readers I mean, and he was only a name from literary history. But he did not deserve that. His place is among his readers. His tales are among the finest allegories ever written. "Wakefield" is maybe the only real predeccesors of Kafka's works. "Young Goodman Brown" reminds of "Twilight Zone". Hawthorne's tales are great and exceptionally and surprisingly modern.



2. This Norton Critical Edition of 21 of Hawthorne's
   tales and sketches (arranged chronologically according
   to date of publication -- from "My Kinsman, Major
   Molineux" [1831] to "Feathertop: A Moralized Legend"
   [1852]) is a truly wonderful anthology. But the editor,
   James McIntosh, in the excellent Norton Critical
   Editions manner, has also included the major "Prefaces"
   from Hawthorne's collections of tales ("The Old
   Manse"-- from _Mosses from an Old Manse_ [1846];

   "Preface to the 1851 Edition of _Twice-told Tales_";
   and "Preface to _The Snow-Image_), as well as
   Letters, excerpts from Hawthorne's notebooks, and
   finally, an excellent series of critical essays,
   extending from Hawthorne's own time up to 1980
   [among these is a full inclusion of Herman Melville's
   wondrous essay of praise and idolatry, "Hawthorne
   and His Mosses" -- first published in _Literary
   World_ on 17 and 14 August 1850.].
   Even though one might have one's own reasons for
   having bias against Hawthorne the man, still the
   quality of literacy and the insight into human
   psychology and feelings is of such an exceptional
   artistic and genius sort that one must leave those
   qualifiers outside the temple when one comes inside
   to ponder and meditate upon the spirit and wisdom
   of this artist.
   The best words in speaking of him, of honoring him,
   perhaps come from himself and from others who knew
   him and read him and were influenced, in whatever way,
   by him.
   * * * * * * * * *
   "Lightly as I have spoken of these old books, there
   yet lingers with me a superstitious reverence for
   literature of all kinds. A bound volume has a charm
   in my eyes, similar to what scraps of manuscript possess,
   for the Mussulman. He imagines, that those wind-wafted
   records are perhaps hallowed by some sacred verse; and I,
   that every new book, or antique one, may contain the
   'Open Sesame' -- the spell to disclose treasures,
   hidden in some unsuspected cave of Truth."
   --Nathaniel Hawthorne; "The Old Manse."
   * * * * * * * * *
   "When a new star rises in the heavens, people gaze
   after it for a season with the naked eye, and with such
   telescopes as they may find. In the stream of thought,
   which flows so peacefully deep and clear, through the
   pages of this book, we see the bright reflection of a
   spiritual star, after which men will be fain to gaze
   'with the naked eye, and with the spy-glasses of
   criticism.' The star is but newly risen; and ere long
   the observations of numerous star-gazers, perched up
   on arm-chairs and editors' tables, will inform the
   world of the magnitude and its place in the heaven of
   poetry, whether it be in the paw of the Great Bear, or
   on the forehead of Pegasus, or on the strings of the
   Lyre, or in the wings of the Eagle. [from Norton
   footnote: Constellations, here representing -- rough
   power, dynamic inspiration, musical grace, lofty
   majesty.]
   --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; from an unsigned
   review of _Twice-Told Tales_, 1837.
   * * * * * * * * *
   "No man can read a fine author, and relish him to
   his very bones, while he reads, without subsequently
   fancying to himself some ideal image of the man and
   his mind. And if you rightly look for it, you will
   almost always find that the author himself has somewhere
   furnished you with his own picture. For poets (whether
   in prose or verse), being painters of Nature, are like
   their brethren of the pencil, the true portrait-painters,
   who, in the multitude of likenesses to be sketched, do
   not invariably omit their own, and in all high instances,
   they paint them without any vanity, though, at times,
   with a lurking something, that would take several
   pages to properly define."
   -- Herman Melville; "Hawthorne and His Mosses."
   * * * * * * * * *
   Wondrous praise for this Artist of the Beautiful
   and Insightful -- Revealer of the Heart and Mind...

2 comments about Northeast (SmartGarden Regional Guides).

1. SmartGarden's Northeast guide is a beautifully presented book with large photos of plants and brief write-ups on characteristics, as well as an easy-to-follow guide to sunlight needs, drought resistance, temperature, and height. The two main sections are divided into Woody Plants and Herbaceous Plants, with each of those subdivided into various helpful planting categories like: Trees with purple foliage; perennials for dry, sunny sites; genuses; aquatic perennials for floral interest.
   
   I like the planting categories and have found them helpful, but I wish the write-ups were longer with more information about that plant. Sometimes the categories are frustrating, as you might wish to look up a plant by family, but you can always cross-reference in the back. One of my favorite plant books is Pojar and Mackinnon's Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast and it contains incredible information on all the plants, as well as an excellent navigation guide. However, SmartGarden's Northeast is geared towards gardeners vs. botanists and is full of practical hands-on information. The beginning and end of the book contain general notes on planting, soil testing, and wildlife encouragement or discouragement. In terms of northeast plant guides, I would say this has been one of the best that I've found. I love the full color photo spreads and the size of the book. It's great to find something that makes gardening in certain growing conditions easier. A good addition to the gardening library.



2. A good resource...lot's of good information on the plants named.
   
   If one already owns several plant encycolpedias such as A. Armitage's Perennial source or Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape plants...this may only add in respect with it's value of the wonderful photos.
   
   That said...photos are often worth their price even though we've seen that plant in a pot at the nursery....seeing plants situated in a landscape often helps us envision it's possibilities of use in the garden.
   
   For that alone...this book is a complimentary companion perhaps to the more well researched & thorough volumes available.
   
   Check it out at the book store first...to get an idea at how nice the photos are if you're still not convinced.

4 comments about A Building History of Northern New England.

1. Tremendous amount of scholarly work by Mr Garvin detailing construction of buildings in an important area of New England history and culture. Highly recommended.



2. Finally, a book that focuses on New England building history. This book should be read cover to cover for a complete understanding of the evolution of construction and to understand the important details often overlooked. I thought I had a pretty good knowledge of old house construction, but I learned something on every page. Excellent photos demonstrating the point discussed in the text. Should be on the bookshelf of every old house person.
   
   Chester, Vermont



3. Scholarly and comprehensively researched! The most impressive overview of the cultural landscape of New England yet published. It integrates research from a wide variety of sources and academic fields. A must read for anyone interested in the cultural landscape and material culture of this region.



4. This book is an invaluable resource for understanding and dating early buildings in all of New England.

5 comments about Louisa May Alcott: Little Women, Little Men, Jo's Boys: Little Women, Little Men, Jo's Boys (Library of America).

1. Louisa May Alcott is best known for her classic novel "Little Women," an enchanting look at growing up. But the story of Jo March didn't stop when she went to Plumfields. This collection includes not just "Little Women," but also its two sequels.
   
   "Little Women" introduces us to the four March sisters: pretty Meg, shy Beth, aspiring artist Amy, and tomboyish Jo. In the middle of the Civil War, the girls mature and explore the world, with the help of their mischievous male neighbor Laurie. But with their new freedoms and loves come sacrifices and heartbreak as well...
   
   At the end of the first book, "Mother Bhaer" adopted a small army of preteen boys in addition to her own sons. "Little Men" chronicles the growing pains of her boys -- some of them have been neglected, some are wild, some are nieces and "nevvies" of Jo's, and some just need the delightful chaos of a loving home.
   
   "Jo's Boys" wraps up the trilogy in a bittersweet manner. Jo's boys (and girls) have grown up and are starting to stretch their wings away from home, and are even starting to fall in love. Some of the boys have run-ins with the law, some have trouble pursuing the girls of their dreams, and one will risk his very soul -- and his love -- for something he believes in.
   
   With a much-beloved classic like "Little Women," it's pretty much a given that the sequels won't stack up. But "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys" are still a good mixture of humor, poignancy and "lovering." And of course, the original "Little Women" is one of the best coming-of-age novels of all time, as well as the best book that Alcott ever wrote.
   
   Alcott had a talent for writing realistic family stories and sweet romances, without letting them get dull. And she manages to create a colorful cast, from the mischievous Laurie and rambunctious Jo, to the gentle Marmee and the meek-to-mad cast of "Jo's boys." No matter how many characters Alcott wrote, she managed to give each one a personality.
   
   Louisa May Alcott created the lovable March family, and in the three-pack of "Little Women," "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys," we get to see three generations in action. Funny, poignant and sweet.



2. in the NY Times by MARY JO SALTER titled "Louisa May Alcott's American Girls". I've read a "girls" version a million years ago and have one or more leather bound gifty editions which I haven't read. The Showalter-edited version should be close to the original so I will buy it next month. Please note I have not yet read this version despite my rating and I really wrote here to recommend the review.



3. As I re-read these delightful pages, I found myself comparing Little Women to Pride and Prejudice, that outstanding work that captures human psychology so well. The comparison made me see new depths in Little Women that convince me that Little Women is by far the stronger work.
   
   But my biggest reaction was how modern the views in the book are. Women should have education, access to opportunities to develop their interests and marriage to men who will complement them. People should be concerned about each other and help one another, lest any person's life be harmed or feelings hurt in the process.
   
   I also noticed how complete a community of loving women can be within the same family.
   
   The writing style is beautifully spare. The key point of a chapter may turn on two or three words. And then, everything changes in the twinkling of an eye.
   
   Being a long book, Ms. Alcott has plenty of chances to develop her characters and she does so beautifully . . . allowing Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy and Laurie to grow and change as they age.
   
   I also came to appreciate more the scope of the book, taking the young women from teenage years through the first few years of marriage. It's a time period that few books consider. Usually, it's all over when the marriage happens. I like this approach better.
   
   Should you read Little Women? Does the sun rise in the East?
   
   If you haven't read Little Women, you've missed great role models for how to be a parent, spouse and child.
   
   Here's the story in a nutshell: During the Civil War, Mr. March is away serving as a chaplain in the Union army. Mrs. March (Marmee) and her four daughters are at home in the cold north making do on small income with the help of one servant, Hannah. As the story opens, the March family is facing a frugal Christmas. But events soon take an unexpected turn and their hearts are filled with gladness. Jo makes an unexpected and most humorous acquaintance of the Laurence boy (Theodore, known as Laurie) who lives next door with old Mr. Laurance, his grandfather. The two families draw upon one another for strength and friendships grow. Illness intercedes making the two families even more dependent on one another. One by one, the children move into adulthood, deal with their romantic feelings and form their alliances.
   
   The characters of each child are quite different, allowing Ms. Alcott to explore the contrasts by putting them together in various private and social occasions. Meg is beautiful and much admired. She should attract many suitors. Jo is energetic, self-absorbed and talented in writing (the character closest to Ms. Alcott herself). Beth is very kind and yet fragile. Amy is the social climber in the family . . . and the pet. Laurie has an artistic temperament, but finds himself expected to play an heir's role.
   
   You'll long remember with delight the stories of their thespian performances, games, dances and social visits. Although the book makes up a wonderfully detailed novel, the chapters are written almost as stand-alone short stories that pack a powerful punch in their modeling of good behavior.
   
   If Little Men weren't an entertaining novel, it could serve as a timeless reminder of how adults can help children direct their energies in helpful ways and develop better habits. The philosophy is to provide lots of love, understanding, forgiveness, slack and carefully chosen incentives and guidance while encouraging friendships among youngsters who will balance one another out if they spend time together. You'll recognize lots of Marmee's loving approach in Jo's more rough and tumble perspective. It's a nice combination.
   
   For those who loved the child-centered world of Little Women, you'll be entranced by what Jo does to educate and raise her own boys, her nephew and niece, a troublesome neighbor girl, male boarders and some unfortunate orphans.
   
   Much of the novel focuses on the character development of two poor orphans, Nat and Dan, who find Jo's Plumfield (which she inherited near the end of Little Women) to be an unfamiliar paradise of a home and school that requires some adjusting to.
   
   Although the title is Little Men, there's plenty of focus on Daisy, twin sister to Demi, Nan, an independent girl with lots of energy, and Bess, Amy and Laurie's daughter. There are pretend balls, teas, and dramatic performances that echo those in Little Women.
   
   But the male slant that is subdued in Little Women bursts forth in Little Men as the book recounts pranks, brawls, collections of disgusting items, pillow fights, taming a colt and doing heavy chores.
   
   Like Little Women, the chapters are really short stories involving the same characters as they progress from month to month.
   
   If you liked Little Women and Little Men, you'll be rewarded for reading Jo's Boys because you'll find out what happened to Nat, Dan, Nan, Emil, Tom, Demi, Daisy, Bess, Jo, Meg, Amy and Laurie in another ten years.
   
   Jo is transformed into a famous novelist who spends her time trying to hide from her public with little luck. It's quite humorous. Plumfield is now a college. Nat goes abroad for advanced training in music and learns other lessons better. Dan seeks to build a new world in the West and runs into the consequences of his quick temper. Emil has a most remarkable adventure on the high seas that will remind many of classic sailing tales in the 19th century. Nan is interested in medicine and little else. Demi turns out to be spoiled. Daisy is patiently waiting for her love to return.
   
   Ms. Alcott takes herself more seriously as a writer and enriches the text with references that may not be familiar to many readers. That effect makes the book seem much less accessible.
   
   But the same loving heart underlies this reunion. You just have to look past more language to find it.



4. Never read this as a kid but watched all versions in the movies. The book was so much better. She's great writer, like Lucy Maud Montgomery and Mark Twain. Great american classic.



5. The Library of America produces these great books of bundled literature for really great prices, and of course, Amazon's price is even better. This was the FIRST TIME I'd ever seen ALL of "Little Women" in its two-volume format, nothing deleted or abridged, all the language of the 1860s intact, and the numerous obscure literary references. There's a great section in the back with all of these references listed, and a section of Alcott's life and the events preceding the publications and her life after. Get as many of these books as you can afford.

No comments about Katahdin: An Historic Journey - Legends, Exploration, and Preservation of Maine's Highest Peak.

2 comments about Fodor's New England, 28th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. I took this 28th Edition with me on my August 10-day tour through Boston, New Hampshire & Maine. I also had with me: Frommer'sVermont, New Hampshire and Maine, However, hands down, Fodor's is the better of the two.
   
   Do note, that both Fodor's and Frommer's target those who have some jingle in their pockets. Thus, if you are a student/backpacker/struggling worker/stock trader who specialized in Bear Stearns, you might want to consider getting Lonely Planet 2008. In Fodor's you will find very few restaurants (under $20) and fewer accommodations (under $80).
   
   This guide starts out with Boston, the jewel of New England's cities. There is an ample seventy plus pages to get you around this great city. As the guide states, "bring your walking shoes," for much of Boston exists to be explored by foot. Throughout Fodor's when you see a "Fodor's Choice" next to a restaurant, hotel or site, do yourself a favor and take time to imbibe. I found Fodor's recommendations in New Hampshire and Maine to be "right on" and the writing was as informative as it was engaging.
   
   Where this guide falters is with its maps (or lack of). There are no city maps for many of the most important cities. In fact outside of the four cities of Boston, Concord, Providence, Newport and Portland, there are no other city maps. This means you are on your own, and most of the time it is not easy find where the restaurants, hotels and sites are. It baffles me why would a quality guide skimp on something as important as maps? Duh.
   
   Wait, the worse blunder is the total absence of anything that can help you understand the culture, customs, the people and politics of New England. AND, there is NO mention of history! I mean, New England does have a serious history, right Fodor's? I mean, does the birthplace of the nation ring a bell?
   
   Wow this could have been a five star guide if they (editors/writer) coulda/woulda done it right. But, even with these significant shortcomings Fodor's still is a useful and reliable guide. Strongly recommended



2. FODOR'S NEW ENGLAND, 28TH EDITION is a great guide to all of the New England states. From the shoreline of Southern Connecticut to the northernmost tip of Maine, this book has it all, including recreation, dining, nightlife, and shopping. Sure, it manages to miss some great independent music stores, and includes nothing on each area's radio stations, but overall, it's a wonderful book that complements various INSIDERS' GUIDES perfectly.

3 comments about The Soiling of Old Glory: The Story of a Photograph That Shocked America.

1. Anyone who was living in Boston in 1976 and had any interest in the news will remember this photograph all too well. It certainly shocked the City of Boston, and had reverberations around the world. Although the author states he cannot remember where he was when he first saw the photo, I can recall clearly where I was and what I was doing.
   
   The author does a wonderful job of looking at all aspects of the photo, as well as what led up to the incident where the photo was taken. Included is analysis of what happened during the incident, who the players in the photo were, how they came to be where they were when the incident occurred, and probably most importantly, the back story of school bussing in Boston at that time. In addition, the author looks at how a city that is considered as progressive could be so racist in it's attitudes towards various ethnic groups.
   
   Finally, after dissecting the photograph and the various players, the author looks at the reverberations caused by the picture and where the City is now on the issue. That, in many ways, was the most important aspect of the book.
   
   The book is well written and contains all of the pertinent information needed to understand the issue of bussing and what caused these young men to be in City Hall Plaza at the time of the incident. It will certainly be a book of interest to historians and those with an interest in Boston's politics.



2. Louis Masur does an excellent job taking a single act of racism and hatred captured in one of the most shameful photographs in American history and shaping it into the proper context and providing the background which not only lead to the actual event, but was responsible for the deep feelings that the terrible action had not only on the American people but on people around the world. Mr. Masur gives a great background on the meaning of the flag in the American psyche but does a wonderful job of how very succinctly using other resources to explain the impact that busing had in Boston and how due to political mismanagement was the ultimate cause of this terrible racist act.
   
   I also think Mr. Masur deserves credit for not beating up on the individual who committed this terrible act while at the same time not forgiving him for his act of racism caught forever. Mr. Masur does a great job of painting the picture of the news photographers whom he does not let off the hook very easily. All in all this is a well rounded and complete book much deeper then one might expect.



3. Thorough and balanced analysis of a controversial topic. Highpoints include an evaluation of the photograph itself and follow up on the persons involved.

5 comments about Journey Around Boston From A to Z (Journey Series).

1. It seems a bit strange to use an alphabet book format for middle schoolers, but the idea is well-executed in this nicely illustrated guide to Boston. The book begins with an undetailed map of the Boston vicinity, continues with a paragraph of introduction, and then moves on to the alphabet. Each letter gets a full page and has an alliterative title with a few explanatory sentences and some related factoids. For example, "M" is entitled "Minutemen made ready at a moment's notice"; text describes the events in Lexington and Concord on April 18, 1775; watercolor pictures show the Minuteman statue in Lexington and the Old North Bridge in Concord; factoids tell us that British soldiers were called "regulars" and that the midnight riders (Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott) called out "The regulars are out! The regulars are out!" as they rode through the night. End pages depict an alphabet of objects other than those seen in the book, such as Magnolia for "M".

   With nice art and layout, this book imparts quite a few interesting facts about Boston, though one thinks it might have benefitted from an overarching coherence with which to motivate the more sophisticated young readers at which it is purportedly aimed.




2. JOURNEY AROUND BOSTON is another title in the series created by author, artist and one time teacher Martha Zschock. Zschock was a third grade teacher at the time she wrote the book. As a teacher she has the respects both the natural curiosity and intelligence of children. A mallard, a duck often associated with the city thanks to Robert McCloskey's immortal MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, leads visitors on a tour of Boston and the vicinity. Her book includes the familiar tourist attractions as well as lesser known and perhaps even ignored places in Boston. It serves as a wonderful introduction to Boston and its illustrious history.

   This book is a must for any family with young visitors coming to the city of Boston. It will also be of interest to the children of Boston who wish to learn a bit about the city and its history.




3. I discovered this book while doing a search for travel guides
   to Boston. I was surprised when this book popped up 2nd in the
   list, but since I collect children's illustrated books, I had to
   take a look, and found it to be absolutely wonderful. I do have
   to admit that it certainly would be for the very top end of the
   picture book gang, not those just learning their ABC's. But so
   what. It is wonderfully informative with beautiful illustrations.
   
   Whenever I run into an ABC book, I first look to the X's to see
   how the author handles that. I am pleased that this author
   did not feel compelled to use X's in the beginning of the words.
   Her X's became "Extraordinary Exhibits excite viewers." That is
   so much better than yet another xylophone.
   
   Perhaps my favorite page was "Y": Yarns have been spun at Ye Olde Union Oyster House for Years". The page was so compelling, I made special effort to get to the Oyster House though it wasn't
   on my original agenda.
   
   Besides a very attractive architectural illustration of the Oyster House, there is an insert that shows some of regional foods such as Boston Baked Beans and Boston Cream Pie. Below the
   pictures is a short paragraph about the pictures. In this case
   there is information about baked beans and why they were so popular with the Pilgrims. Below that is a wavy line (as there is on each page) with another bit of information, this time about
   lobster which is usually available in the waters close by.
   
   In September I am going to Cape Code and her A to Z book on
   Cape Cod will be part of my planning. I hope she keeps this
   wonderful series going, and if she branches out into Europe -
   so much the better! If you are reading this, Martha, I am going
   to London in the Spring next year and Venice in the fall, just
   in case you are looking for your next subject.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. A wonderful book to see Boston and find out about Boston. I would recommend this to anyone (adults and children) about to visit Boston. I am looking forward to buying more books by this author and illustrator.



5. I love Boston. I really do. This beautiful, progressive city known for being an academic, cultural and historical mecca is brilliantly presented in this delightful book.
   
   This book will take readers alphabetically through the city that has long established itself as the Cradle of Amerian History. The alphabet format is good and effective as readers will more easily remember the sites in and around Boston. The map of the Boston area is also a good idea and an excellent added touch.
   
   Using alliterative sentences is another good mnemonic device; readers will readily make associations with the places they are reading about in this delightful book about Boston. Readers also get text with chronicled detailed history about the places and historical events that took place in the Boston area. The lovely illustrations and rich history will delight readers of all ages. I highly recommend this one.