1 comments about Great Houses of New England.

1. My wife received it as a gift and is enormously happy. What more can I say?

3 comments about Salem-Village Witchcraft: A Documentary Record of Local Conflict in Colonial New England.

1. This book is a collection of trial transcripts, maps, and other documents and information regarding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The most famous of witch trials, the hysteria is recaptured here for you to sort through yourself. This book is NOT a "story", but a valuable tool for doing your own research on the matter. Fabulous reading, wonderous facts, mysterious information, and education abound. Buy this book today!



2. the story is marvelous and i really did like i



3. Why did the sober New England residents of Salem suddenly find witches in their midst? And why Salem and not, say, Williamsburg? Historians answer questions like these by going to the original documents, and that's exactly what you have here: the original documents, edited into modern English.
   
   Along the way you'll discover conflicts between Salem and Salem Village, a congregation that wasn't allowed to have a church, personal conflicts and jealousy and revenge, and even a hint of a land grab.
   
   But you have to figure out the answers for yourself. All the clues are in your hands. All you have to do is put them together and make sense of them. Later on, you can read Salem Possessed by the same authors and see what professional historians can tease from this data. That was a humbling experience, but I wouldn't have missed doing my own detective work for the world.

2 comments about The Lobster Gangs of Maine.

1. I live here in the midst of the coast of Maine, and this book is factual, absorbing, entertaining (to me, anyway), and historically significant. The world of the independent lobsterman is rapidly changing, but these guys are competent, tough, and they have their own code of discipline. If you want to understand better this unique part of America, this book is for you.



2. I was looking for a book that broadly covered lobstering. This book is very much into the people who do lobstering and how they relate to each other and to strangers and newbies.
   
   It's obviously a very detailed study if that is what you're looking for. I found it somewhat boring.
   
   I found this book much more interesting: "The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean"
   Trevor Corson

1 comments about Maine's Most Scenic Roads (Traveler's Guides).

1. Unspoiled Maine is criss-crossed with pretty roads that traverse some of the handsomest scenery in the Northeast. This book directs the traveler to the best routes with full descriptions along the way. Nothing quite like it, and you'll never wind up on some congested superhighway! Recommended for those who like to explore off the beaten track.

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.

5 comments about Austenland: A Novel.

1. What a waste of time. This story has no real romance, and there is no connection or even flirtation with the main character (Jane) and her D'Arcy. What I'm sure sounded like a clever concept for the publishers does not translate for good storytelling.



2. I am a big fan of Pride and Prejudice and have had a secret crush on Colin Firth since he, in my eyes, became the perfect Mr. Darcy (as does Shannon Hale!!!). I have read several fanficition books, and this one is very good. It is an interesting version and has a bit of a twist. It is in a modern setting and it is truly easy to feel with the narrator and envision the settings. It is a fun and quick read!



3. Short but good book. Exciting plot twists. Loveable characters. Wish it had been longer but liked it anyway. This book will be re-read again many times. Glad I bought it.



4. I work for a school and try to read some young adult and children's literature so that I'll be able to use and recommend good contemporary books to the students. Often, this reading is amusing for me, but it typically feels like it's just a professional duty. I rarely find myself really hooked by the books.
   
   The exception, though, is anything written by Shannon Hale. She's a tremendous writer. She can take seemingly tired plot patterns
   (such as princess training in the wonderful Princess Academy) and make it feel like you've never seen anything like it before. She, too, is just the sort of writer who'd be fun to read even if the plot was terrible. It's great prose, with precise and surprising images and with humorous observations. I would, and do, recommend those novels to anyone--including adults.
   
   So anyway, I was very excited to see that Austenland, a novel targeted for an adult audience (especially one knowledgeable of Jane
   Austen's oeuvre), was coming out. Upon reading it, I'd say that Austenland definitely doesn't reach the level of Hale's young adult novels, but it was also not a disappointment.
   
   I love the premise. Jane, a thirty-three-year-old graphic designer, is still single and has become obsessed with Colin Firth's Darcy
   from Pride and Prejudice. She wonders if her dreams have hindered her ability to fall in love with a "real" man. Jane's aunt (somewhat
   implausibly--one of the flaws in the novel, I thought) intuits her Pride and Prejudice obsession and bequeaths her with a three-week
   stay at a sort of resort in which Austen's England and Austen-like plots are enacted. Jane sees this as a chance to finally confront
   and reject the unrealistic images that have been holding her back, and she decides to take the trip.
   
   Of course, not much is going to turn out as she expects. There's quite a cast of characters to deal with, including an absurd and out-of-place Southern woman (Mrs. Charming), a rival, a drunk, a Darcy, and a handsome gardener. She's come to Austenland to reject her fantasies so that she can finally live and find love in the real world, but when she meets these characters, what's reality and what's fantasy become pretty intertwined. She's got a lot more challenges to overcome than she ever thought.
   
   Some of those characters were a bit overdone (especially in the audio version), and some of the jokes fall flat, but overall, it certainly manages to entertain. Once you accept the first premise of the book, everything else plays out logically, surprisingly, and in satisfying ways. There are a number of comical situations, and there is actual character growth, and there is quite a romance (or two) that develops.
   
   So, if you like light romance, if you like Jane Austen, or Shannon Hale, I think you'll find this a really fun little novel.



5. There's no better way to experience Shannon Hale's delicious Austenland than listening to Katherine Kellgren's exuberant narration. The story is of a thirtyish American singleton who is bequeathed a vacation at Pembroke Park, a meticulous evocation of regency England. The heroine is christened Miss Jane Erstwhile and embarks on an adventure that contains far more twists and turns than imaginable. Kellgren's narration not only catpure's Jane's breathless abandonment to Austenland but also the wide range of supporting players with accents ranging from the Deep South American style to the haut ton of Jane Austen's era. Note: Austenland is best enjoyed with Earl Grey tea and scones, clotted cream optional.

5 comments about The Dog Lover's Companion to New England: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (Dog Lover's Companion Guides).

1. Like most people we love new england and especially the berkshires (lenox,stockbridge,ect)or a gettaway up to maine. I was always jealous of people that I meet with their dogs, and always yearn to go on vacation with our pets instead of worrying how they are doing at home with a petsitter or in a kennel somewhere. now, thanks to this book I never realized how many hotels and b&b's allowed pets! this book makes travels with your fido so much easier and they wont just be sitting in the hotel room bored, either. There are so many places for them to go to that are mentioned in this guide book, they can enjoy themselves as well. (after all, they are on vacation too, right)?
   My dogs and I thank would like to thank the authors of this book from the bottom of our hearts! thank you, thank you!!cant wait to buy your new edition about New York!



2. As a resident of Connecticut, I found it a daunting task to find places where my dog was accepted. This book took all the guess work out of who allows them and makes life a LOT easier! I was also surprised to find a few eateries in my own town which allow patio eating with my furry friend, which is a welcome surprise. Definitely, any dog owner who lives in New England or is planning on a visit here needs this book. It is much more extensive than most other dog travel guides, including a ranking system and descriptions of all places included, as well as some cute anecdotes of the authors' own experiences with their pooches at these places.



3. Reading these positive reviews I almost hesitated to post a rather negative review; however, I feel it important to point out some problems with this particular volume.
   
   My work keeps me on the road for much of the year and my dog often accompanies me on these trips. Locating dog friendly properties is sometimes a challenge so I was pleased when a friend gave me this book as a gift. Unfortunately, I found the book rife with errors, misinformation and glaring omissions. As the authors correctly point out, it is vital to verify the rules for an individual property prior to leaving home in order to avoid disappointment and inconvenience. Properties change hands; situations alter and rules change without warning. While reading through the book I kept returning to verify the publication date since so many entries were very out of date. This particular issue was published in 2004. In a number of places throughout the book recommendations for lodging and food include properties that closed as much as seven or eight years prior to the publication date. In New England there are several Inns that cater to dog owners offering special programs and amenities for dog owners and their pets. The properties that I am aware of have all been in operation for at least eight to ten years. Yet no mention is made of them. Odd.
   
   I think the bottom line of this book and on any similar books is that the dog owner who chooses to travel with his/her pet, must do their own research prior to hitting the road and must verify all information listed on any web site or in any book. Perhaps it is simply impossible to write a book such as this and hope that any of the information will remain current upon publication.



4. I was expecting more. I was hoping for more places to stay overnight with a large dog. I have a golden retriever and wanted to include him in more of our activities, but this listed stuff that was out of our way or less quality than places I already know. Some new places to try, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this book. It is a nice idea, but nothing new.



5. The Dog Lover's Companion is a great book to enjoy leafing through in the winter when you're starting to think about places to go when the weather warms up. The information about natural attractions, for example is very accurate; I don't blame the authors for not always having dog lodging policies up to date; I know places change ownership frequently. This is a great first starting point, but you have to go on the internet to make sure the places you're interested in going to are still "pet friendly."
   Overall, though, I've found several great places to stay in the book, as well as some nice hikes I would have been unaware of, and I can't give this book less than five stars.

5 comments about New England's Covered Bridges: A Complete Guide.

1. I found this book to be very helpful so far... I only visited a couple of the waterfalls in the book so far and the directions seemed to be right on. If you are seeking waterfalls in NE then this may be the book you are looking for.



2. This book was well worth the money. There was only 1 mistake in directions(p.136, Bement Br.,NH, should be west on NH103). We used it for bridges in Mass.,Me.,NH, and VT.



3. This is another book I bought as a Christmas present for my grandson when I learned of his interest in covered bridges. This is a good history of covered bridges in New England. I enjoyed this because of the excellent pictures and know my grandson will enjoy it too.



4. This book is very professionally done and is a great bargain at this price. It's a compact size which makes it convienent to carry with you on trips. Another thing I like is the GPS coordinates that they have recorded for each bridge. Anyone who enjoys seeking out old covered bridges should have this book. I highly recommend it! 5 STARS!
   
   Brian McKee, Editor of "The Bridge-Covered Quarterly"



5. This book has been like a bible to me as I set out to photograph covered bridges in New Hampshire and Vermont.
   
   I've used the book in conjunction with my laptop based GPS system to plan my trips and prioritize which bridges to look at. The book is very clearly written, gives interesting historical and structural information, and most importantly, directions for finding the bridges.
   
   The color photos are high quality, so you get a good idea what to expect when you get there. If you're into touring the covered bridges of New England, New England's Covered Bridges: A Complete Guide is a worthwhile investment.

5 comments about Cape Light: Color Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz.

1. Ansel Adams said that this book was his favorite book of color photographs (the reason I bought it, long ago). Meyerowitz's use of little contrast, incomparible colors, and unusual subject matter makes this a must MEMORIZE book for all serious photographers. If you don't go nuts over his photographs, you don't like photography as much as you thought you did.......

   john in texas




2. I first saw this book while i was looking through the photography section at the University of Guelph library. This book probably influenced my photography more than any other. Unfortunately, it also made me start doing shots with my nikon that are better suited for a large format system. The introductory interview with the photographer is possibly the most interesting discussion on the topic of light and photography. If you plan to become anything more than an amature photographer, PLEASE get this book NOW.



3. I love the pictures of my old haunt. Ptown has some of the worlds most beautiful light.



4. Having been to Cape Cod a lot of times, I'm intrigued by the nature. I read the reviews and thought the book would be special, with a focus on nature of Cap Cod. This was not the case. Most of the pictures could have been taken anywhere in the world... I'm not a professional photographer, but have to say that the compositions was not very exciting, quite boring actually.



5. I don't know what reviewer "K Raustol" (a couple reviews down)has been smoking, but this work, along with Ansel's body of B&W work is to my mind the finest large-format photography ever produced. This book is ALL about composition and capturing the subtle naunces of the changing light, and this book represents that concept better than any other published color work that I've ever seen. As another reviewer mentioned, if you're serious about photography, this book in an absolute MUST.

1 comments about Writing on Stone: Scenes from a Maine Island Life Photographs by Peter Ralston With a Foreword by Philip W. Conkling.

1. This book is beautifully written and describes parts of island life from a summer resident's point of view, in addition to the deep feelings caused by the loss of a son who is now buried on the island and has, thus, become part of the island's history. Amazingly, there is nothing sentimental about this book; just heartfelt. Highly recommended to anyone who shares an interest in Maine's island heritage, or summer residents' place in it, or how one family has coped with their personal loss and incorporated it into Maine island culture. Thank you for sharing these very personal feelings and stories with a larger audience.