No comments about Hidden History of New Hampshire.

3 comments about Best of the Best from New Mexico Cookbook: Selected Recipes from New Mexico's Favorite Cookbooks (Best of the Best Cookbook).

1. Part of the simply outstanding "Best of the Best" state related cookbook series from Quail Ridge Press, Best Of The Best From New Mexico Cookbook is a compilation of recipes drawn from a variety different cookbooks showcasing New Mexico's culinary traditions and treasures of this southwestern state. From Gazpacho (Cooking at the Natural Cafe in Santa Fe); Zuni Succotash (Southwest Indian Cookbook); Burgundy Venison Steak Tips (Sassy Southwest Cooking); and Chicken Tacos with Avocado (Beyond Loaves and Fishes); to Ruidoso Winner (Savoring the Southwest); Bavarian Apple Torte (Recipes from the Cotton Patch); Applesauce Cake (Billy the Kid Cook Book); and Berry-Pecan Flan (The Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook), each easy-to-prepare recipes has a complete list of readily acquired ingredients and step-by-step preparatory instructions. A kind of "sampler" cookbook, one of the best features is the section devoted to listing each cookbook represented in this culinary collection, including their respective publisher's contact information for obtaining the originating cookbook for any particular recipe that has proven to be an especial family favorite. Indeed, all dedicated kitchen cooks and fans of regional cuisines should visit the Qual Ridge Press website for a complete state-by-state listing of their "Best of" cookbooks.



2. I actually own ALL of this pair's terrific 'best of' series (or, me and the bank anyway)....and they are great at culling out the really local flavor from zillions of local cookbooks, to truly include THE BEST in each of their books. Well done ladies - wish I had thought of it myself!! I hope you don't have to BUY the hundreds of cookbooks from each state- what a great job to have them SENT to you....but everything I really wanted in the New Mexico book- a near neighbor to me, and one I have visited a few times- but not often enough!



3. I had high hopes for this Southwestern/Meican recipe book when I bought it. What could go wrong when you get recipes of the best supposedly from all over in this case New Mexico? Lots. The book looks nice but its what's inside that counts. I have not found one that has "wowwed" me yet. I just made a cheese tuna mexican casserole recipe (where I added black beans). It came out hot, bubbly and bland. The recipe did not specify the type of green chiles and while I tried some Smoked Jalapeno sauce on it to make it better and it was , I was still disappointed. My wife, whom I did not think would like it all, liked it though. However a recipe that I never would make again never rates a 9/10 or higher and in this case it was 8.5/10.I might try more. Wish the authors could have broken these recipes to hot, spicy, texmex, etc.

4 comments about Drawn from New England: Tasha Tudor.

1. I read this portrait of Tasha Tudor by her daughter Bethany with hunger and joy! I shall add it to my list of favorite books that I reread yearly at Christmas as a gift to myself. This intimate portait of one of this century's most unique women adds to a storehouse of wisdom not often found in the modern world. I feel drawn by this book to my own quest for that which inspires me. Bethany Tudor has written a memoir which will serve as inspiration for generations of creative women. The pictures are also exquisite and draw one into the peace and serenity which are Tasha's gifts to us.



2. What a WONDERFUL book! I've always enjoyed Tasha Tudor, and bring out her books when I need to "escape" and have a pick-me-up. I happened upon this beautiful history written by her daughter, and have since shared it with others....Tasha Tudor is truly a blessing to us all, and to have this insightful, introspective piece shared by her daughter is beyond words. I HIGHLY recommend it to all who are so enamored with what Tasha has done with her life, and for those, such as myself, who wish they knew her personally--this book gives you a wonderful glimpse into this special woman's life, as well as her special family! Enjoy!



3. If you are a fan of Tasha Tudor and can only buy one book about her---THIS is the one to buy. It is a fascinating biography accompanied by wonderful photographs. I've owned it for years---and treasure it. You will not be disappointed.



4. I just received "Drawn from New England" in the mail today. I couldnt wait to sit down, brew a pot of tea and start to read the book--absolutely fabulous. This is a MUST HAVE if you are a fan of Tasha Tudor. The book transports you to Tasha Tudor Land--a great place to be in these stressful times. Thank you Bethany Tudor (& Tasha Tudor) for giving us all this precious gift!!! Cindy R

2 comments about Captain John Smith: Writings with Other Narratives of Roanoke, Jamestown, and the First English Settlement of America.

1. Captain John Smith did an amazing amount of living in the fifty-one years he lived on Earth. His life's journey began in 1580 at Willoughy, England. He left home at 16 after his father's death to become a soldier fighting in France for Dutch Independence from Spain. In other words, he was a mercenary. He went to work in the Mediterranean Sea on a merchant ship in 1598. In 1600 he went to the Austrians to fight in Hungary against the Turks and fought so valiantly that he was promoted to Captain. Fighting in Transylvania in 1602, he was wounded, captured, and sold as a slave to a Turk. He was then given to a girl who sent him to her brother to get training for Imperial service. Being very ill treated by this Pasha, Smith killed him and escaped. He fled through Russia and then Poland, was released from service, received a large reward and spent time traveling throughout Europe. During the winter of 1604-05 he returned to England. All this before the events we know him for began in Virginia and New England!
   
   His restless nature somehow got him involved with the plans to colonize the Virginia territory for profit. King James I granted the charter and the expedition set sail on December 20, 1606. While this is more than a century after Columbus, it was still a huge and costly undertaking to what was almost unknown territory. The three tiny ships were the Discovery (20 tons), Susan Constant (120 tons), and Godspeed (40 tons). They did not land in Virginia until April 1607 after a voyage of more than four months. Smith was on the list of seven council members that was designated to govern the colony. The winter was harsh, fresh water was hard to come by, sickness ravaged the colonists, and the local Indians, ruled by Powhatan (Wahunsonacock), were antagonistic to the newcomers. Smith became the leader and led the fight against the Indian raids and negotiating with them for food enough to supplement their meager stores.
   
   In December of 1607, the famous incident of Smith being taken to Powhatan and being saved by Pocahontas occurred. Like much in Smith's writings, it is hard to separate the braggadocio from the fact. Apparently there was some kind of ceremony that involved a ritual death and renewal of life whereby Smith became some kind of subordinate chief member of the tribe. Smith may not have understood the ceremony well and indeed may well have believed that the 11 year old princess saved his life.
   
   Life was very hard at Jamestown and dissent grew. Smith was elected President in September 1608 and has the fort reinforced and emphasizes military training among the colonists. During the winter, Powhatan refused to provide food because he believes that the colonists are not there to trade but to take Indian lands. After difficult negotiations they trade swords and guns for food. Things continue to be difficult and now the resentment focuses on Smith. He is badly burned when his powder keg caught fire. A group leading colonists deposes Smith and he sails back to England part in resentment and part for treatment of his injuries in October.
   
   He is active in promoting colonization of the new territories and heads back in 1614, but he cannot go to Virginia. He focuses on the area north that he called New England. Smith traveled to many areas there and in 1615 founded a colony in Maine. He is captured by a French privateer and is unable to return to England until December. In 1622, Indians kill more than 300 colonists. Smith's offer to lead the military fight against the natives is rejected.
   
   During these years in England, Smith published some works to provide him some much needed income. He finds the right stories to tell and several of his writings sold quite well. He died in 1631 at 51 years old and was buried at St. Sepulchres in the City of London.
   
   This summary of his life is there merest outline of events. There is much much more covered in this treasure trove of a book.
   
   The wonderful Library of America provides us with Smith's "A True Relation", "The Proceedings of the English Colony in Virginia" (parts written by a variety of folks), "A Description of New England", "New Englands Trials" [sic], "The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles", "The True Travels", and his "Advertisements for the Unexperienced Planters of New-England". The words in these titles such as "trials" and "advertisements" had a much different meaning four hundred years ago. The point was that by 1620 thousands of people were risking their lives to try to settle in Virginia and New England and they wanted information. Smith gave them good information about what they were going to face. Oh, he certainly boasted and gave himself credit for things that others did, but his descriptions of what it takes to survive there are quite good.
   
   This volume does not contain Smith's two books on sea travel. However, it does contain an additional four hundred pages of writings by others about the settling of Virginia. One covers the settlement of Roanoke before the Jamestown voyage. Others are written independently of Smith, at least one was written in response to his "Generall Historie" that upset some who felt he took to himself their deeds. They are all fascinating.
   
   There are also pages of black and white plates showing aspects of Smith's life and other aspects of the early settlement including etchings of Smith and even of Pocahontas (Lady Rebecca) in her English finery during her one, fatal, year in England. There is another set of plates that are in color and show Indian life at the time of the events of this book. We get many useful maps, and index, notes on the text, notes on the plates, and a chronology of Smith's life.
   
   This is a rich text that provides important history of early American settlement that everyone interested in the founding and history of our nation will want to read and know. The early events with the Indians are fascinating as are the descriptions of the trade and battles. Even the variety of spellings are fascinating. Yes, orthography was not standardized, but it is interesting how the same words are spelled differently even within the same writing let alone between authors.
   
   A must have for all who appreciate American history.



2. Reviewer Craig Matteson has written a fantastic review of this thick old book that will make it shine as it should. I wasn't quite as entranced as Matteson, but it's plain that he's a history buff and I just picked up the book trying to learn a bit more about John Smith after watching the movie about him, THE NEW WORLD. which came out last year. The Library of America always picks up on trends wherever they can find them, small signs that the public is still interested in literature. Thus they have the complete Elizabeth Bishop coming out, and even a book of ecological material that Al Gore wrote a preface for! Here the editor, James Horne, works overtime trying to bring cohesion into a group of Smith's writings that sometimes contradict each other. We get a sense of 17th century writing as being highly contingent, its practictioners unmotivated by Greek notions of truth, just trying to get their own out and to make themselves look admirable. Horne hit on the idea of adding material by many, many other men of the period, people commenting on Smith's vanity and delusions, and sometimes this approach works, giving us an extra dimension by broadcasting opposite points of view, the way a democracy is supposed to work.
   
   Sometimes it doesn't and it just makes a tedious book even dryer and more confusing. I found plenty of meat in Smith's description of the last days of Lady Rebecca, the girl he had once known as Powhatan's daughter Pocahontas. In the movie it seems that she was told Smith had died, and then that gave her the space she needed emotionally to go and marry Christian Bale. Here you don't get all that melodrama. Basically Pocahontas becomes more cryptic than ever before. Could she really have abandoned her people so casually, all for the chance of wearing English finery and getting to meet "vertuous Queen Anne"?
   
   But one bit of authentic description did seem like it was coming from the heart in the fourth book of the "Generall Historie" when Smith recalls a meeting with the now married Lady Rebecca. "After a modest salutation, eithout any word, she turned about, obscured her face, as not seeming well contented, and in that humour her husband , with divers others, we all left her two or three houres, repenting my selfe to have write she could speake English. Nut not long after, she began to talke, and remembered mee well what courtesies shee hhad done, saying, You did promise Powhatan what was yours should be his, and he the like to you; you called him father being in his land a stranger, and by the same reason so must I doe you; which though I would have excused, I durst not allow of that title, because she was a Kings daughter; with a well set countenance she said, Were you not afraid to come into my fathers Countrie, and caused feare in him and all his people (but mee) and feare you here I should call you father; I tell you then I will, and you shall call mee childe, and so I will bee for ever and ever your Countrieman." They didn't have many apostrophes back than, and they had more of the letter "e" attached to words than we do, but I hope you get the idea (page 442).

4 comments about Haunted Happenings: With New Photos of Old Ghosts (New England's Collectible Classics).

1. Robert Ellis Cahill would seem to be the perfect person to write a book about New England's ghosts. As all good ghost aficionados know, Giles Corey placed a curse on Salem and it's sheriff as he was crushed to death during the witch hysteria in 1692. It is also well known that since that time every sheriff of Essex County Massachusetts has either died of or had to retire early due to a heart condition or a blood disease and it just so happens that Cahill was once the sheriff of Essex County. Like his predecessors he had to take an early retirement because of a rare blood disease, a stroke, and a heart attack. So it isn't a surprise that this man seems to know his ghosts.

   Cahill travels around with his photographer friend Brian the Monk searching for ghosts. Brian has taken some really eerie photographs that are in themselves worth the price of the book. The stories to be found include an almost Bell Witch like entity in New Brunswick, a haunted restaurant in Kittery, Maine, a rather evil entity on Baker's Island, and the well known haunting at John Stone's Inn. Of course there are also some Salem tales, that being the author's hometown.

   Robert Cahill I think missed his true calling while he was in politics for he is an excellent author. His writing style is wonderful and he weaves his stories in a highly believable manner. There are both humor and chills to be found in this book and it is hard to put it down once you start. I really wish I had known about this book before I toured New England a few years ago because I had to drive right by a place or two that Cahill investigated. The only drawback is that the book is too short. Hopefully there are other books by this author that I haven't found yet. I am certainly going to be on the lookout.




2. This selection from the "New England Collectible Classics Series" by Bob Cahill, former Sheriff of Essex County, Massachusetts, is one of my absolute favorite ghost story books. I just loved reading about so many towns that are right around me, but there's plenty of interest here for those not from the area, as well. Don't let this slim volume fool you - there are ghost stories aplenty in this concise but comprehensive volume!
   
   The description, "with new photos of old ghosts," is true to its name. Packed with extensive, well-researched and documented history, as well as contemporary first-hand accounts of true ghost encounters and hauntings, actual photography of spirits captured on infrared film is included. The pictures are amazing, and will send chills down your spine!
   
   You will laugh with Bob Cahill and shiver as well, as he writes with such an engaging sense of humor about his and his compatriots' adventures. His partner for most of the book, Brian-the-monk, a Franciscan lay-monk and spirit photographer, accompanies Bob on his sojourns into many a haunted place, with exceptional results. Brian aims his infrared camera at every nook and cranny, and the results are astonishing. There is one picture of John Stone that is especially amazing.
   
   I am so happy this little book is available again. This humorous but very serious look into historical and contemporary hauntings is a bone-chilling addition to any ghost library. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the subject!



3. I love true ghost stories, but this wasn't one of my favorites. The writing style is clunky, with too much information unrelated to ghosts and hauntings included. There are a few good stories, but they're lost in the clutter. Many of the "haunted happenings" are just uneasy feelings about a place, which doesn't make for compelling reading.
   
   As for the photos...one of them is quite striking. The rest are just routine photos of places and buildings, or supposed "ghost" photos in which I can't see anything unusual.



4. * Entertaining stories with interesting illustrations and photos,
   * A few stories do not appear to be historically accurate.
   * Ideal for anyone planning a vacation in New England, or looking for some well-known ghosts to investigate.
   
   This book includes some great stories of New England (USA) ghosts.
   
   If you're looking for interesting folklore and some quirky personal investigations, this book is better than the average. The stories can be chilling, and they're well told with interesting historical details and trivia.
   
   Many of these tales were meticulously researched, with documents and photos to support them. They're told in a conversational style, and the naturalness of that makes the stories even more eerie and disturbing.
   
   However, other stories -- or aspects of them -- may be more folklore than fact. That said, most of these stories have at least some foundation in truth, and they can be fascinating for ghost enthusiasts.
   
   The author is well-known as a superb storyteller, and this book is among his best. It's great book for a 'good scare' around Halloween.
   
   In addition, if you're a ghost hunter (as I am), Cahill interviews people with powerful stories. These are some excellent starting points if you'd like to research New England's classic ghost stories.

1 comments about Woburn: Hidden Tales of a Tannery Town (American Chronicles (History Press)).

1. Marie presents an enchanting, whimsical and historical perspective of stories passed down through family lines and town lore in Woburn, Massachusetts. Tales relayed from the past have been carefully researched and described in humorous, easy to read stories.
   
   The past is brought into the present with stories such as "If Walls Could Talk"" and ""Woburn's Witches"". Likewise, in the story "The Grave Group Regroups", 21st century Woburnites gather on a mission to catalogue headstones in the two ancient burial grounds located in the center of the City. "The Grave Group Regroups" uncovers and catalogues curious names and clever epitaphs and ensures that no group of people could ever have this much fun in a cemetery.
   
   Aged buildings and ancient faces are captured for perpetuity in photos lovingly salvaged and generously shared for all readers to enjoy.
   
   If you live in Woburn, grew up in Woburn, visited Woburn or know someone from Woburn, this book captures the essence of what makes the citizens of Woburn so special, from its founding in 1642 to the present.

4 comments about The Voyage of the Beetle.

1. This is an engaging story of the incredible voyage of Charles Darwin that is both adventure story and a fresh look at the world around us. At first blush it is a humorous account of a wise beetle leading the enthusiastic Darwin from discovery to discovery, describing key encounters in his 5-year voyage. But it also leads the reader to consider one of the great scientific theories of our time - how things come to be through natural selection. The clever use of Rosie keeps the pace light and accessible to many age levels without sacrificing intellectual integrity. Lawrence's lush illustrations are beautiful and Weaver's affectionate presentation of Darwin reveal the human side of Charles with a rich factual background. A very engaging read!



2. Traveling the globe with Charles Darwin and his beetle companion Rosie, the reader joins them in an adventure that evokes wonder and curiosity. The friendly narrative and vibrant illustrations guide us along a rich educational experience. As we become detectives and join Darwin in his search for clues we also learn about geography, the animal world, history, and finally the theory of natural selection. This refreshing book is a must for all young people and adults curious about the mysteries of life!



3. We received this book around Thanksgiving and cannot stop reading it! My son's interest in science has only increased since reading this book and we both adore the illustrations. I hope for more young adult literature from this author!



4. I began reading this wonderful book the day I brought it home and was so excited by it that I finished it the very next day. I love it, and in so many dimensions. I think it is wonderfully evocative of Darwin's close attention to the wide range of natural phenomenon which he encountered and his willingness to put it all together in such an innovative way - but only when nature thrust itself into his vision (thus, the ingenious use of clues from Rosie, Darwin's imaginary beetle friend). In my passion for all things Galapagos (I have been there more than once), I read the Voyage of the Beagle a couple of years ago, and this book reminded me vividly of some of the most fascinating and memorable parts of his voyage. I also love the book because I have an interest in writing for children, and appreciate how this rich and scientifically sound text makes the concepts of evolution so very approachable and inviting to this audience.
   
   I think there is a paucity of books for children related to the Galapagos and Darwin and, given the increasing number of tourists with children going to the islands, I think this book should be recommended reading for families headed for Ecuador.

5 comments about Fenway! The Ultimate Fan's Guide to the Nation's Ballpark.

1. If you are a Red Sox fan, and visit Fenway alot. You need this book!!
   
   I never again am sad when I get to the park to see my view at home plate is a pole!!!
   
   Dont buy the bad tixs!!! Save them for the uninformed!!!



2. If you are a huge baseball fan like I am, a visit to Fenway is absolutely a must even if you just go once in your lifetime.
   
   Just obtaining a ticket to a Red Sox home game can be a daunting task due to the extremely high demand, so before spending your hard earned dollars READ THIS BOOK. It tells ALL the intricate details of the mind boggling choice of seats and how to avoid the dreaded "pole obstructions". The book also has a wealth of many other tips on how to make the trip to The Church Of Baseball a truly memorable experience.
   A 5 Star job was done by this author and wow, thanks to him for this wealth of information!



3. In the interest of full disclosure, I know Tim Shea. He even wrote a testimonial on the back of my book Green Monster University: Creating Die-Hahd Fans Since 1901.
   But that aside, you must believe me when I say this book leaves nothing to chance in guiding you in and around the most historic ballpark in the country.
   Things have changed since I was a kid and had season tickets. For one, you could GET season tickets. But now, with added seats, and exorbitant parking rates, and a concourse containing an expanded array of foods, it's become a science to plot your day at the park.
   This book is to Fenway Park as the "Let's Go" series is to travel abroad. For anyone that is about to experience Fenway for the first time, GET THIS BOOK!



4. This book is one of the best guides I have ever purchased. I have used it to purchase 4 sets of grandstand seats and have had a perfect view of the field using this guide. This guide was sent from the Fenway gods.



5. Fenway Park is amazing, and so is Tim Shea's Fenway Pole Finder Guide. The guide points out some of Fenway's inherent design flaws which can make the viewing experience a little less enjoyable. In fact, prior to owning this guide, I was reluctant to purchase any GS seat, fearing that I would have an unadvertised obstructed view of the game. This is not the case now - I can easily reference the section, row and seat in the guide before committing to a purchase.
   
   In addition to the valuable obstructed seat diagrams, there is a wealth of Fenway general information included in this guide. I would point out to potential purchasers that the seating prices have gone up since the book was published - but other than that the book is spot on.
   
   Tim Shea's Fenway Pole Finder is one of the best, if not the best guide to help determine if your view will be obstructed. It is a must for any fan looking to take in a game at Fenway - regardless of where you sit!

1 comments about In Public Houses: Drink and the Revolution of Authority in Colonial Massachusetts.

1. OK, so I knew this is an academic treatise when I picked up HOWEVER... How an author can take such an interesting topic and completely kill it is inexcusable. This poor book suffers from information overload. The presentation is at best disjointed and repetitious. Comparative maps at the local and regional scale would be helpful, as would a chronology of significant events. The annotations and list of references are outstanding. The author has oviously dug deep into the historical archives and found some fascinating stuff. This book should shine. Instead it disappoints. Some stern stiff editing could still save this work. My recommendation: Skip the first edition and wait for revisions.

No comments about A Little Princess (A Stepping Stone Book).