2 comments about When the Prisoners Ran Walpole: A True Story in the Movement for Prison Abolition.

1. America: less than 1/6 of the world's population - more than 25% of the world's prison population.
   
   The 1971 Attica massacre shocked the world into awareness of the pervasive violence perpetrated by state authorities in our prisons. In Massachusetts, voters pledged to prevent such slaughter from ever happening there, and the governor agreed. The reform initiative that resulted led to the prisoners at Walpole's Massachusetts Correctional Institute winning control of its day-to-day operations.
   The prisoners, working with 1530 civilian volunteers, won control of the operation of a maximum-security prison. The book, authored by a prison abolitionist, reveals what can happen when there is public will for change and trust that the incarcerated can achieve it. In the months before they took over running the maximum-security facility in 1973, prisoners and outside advocates created programs that sent more prisoners home for good, reducing recidivism 23 percent and decreasing Walpole's population by 15 percent.
   When guards protested the changes they saw as choking their livelihoods, finally refusing to run the prison, the prisoners stepped ably into the void--and all-out peace ensued. They shrank the prison murder rate from the highest in the country to zero. Even more significantly, they worked hard to bury racial antagonism and longstanding feuds so even "lifers" with no hope of going home could find ways to live together, learn, and grow--to regain, finally, the humanity that the system intended to squash.
   Critical to the work of prison abolitionists and transitional reformists alike, this groundbreaking history offers a real-life example of a prison solution many see only as theoretical. It not only reminds us why people seek to make prisons obsolete, but also recalls a time when we were much closer to these abolitionist goals.
   
   The history of Walpole, at its grittiest, shows that we do not need a police state to 'help' us live our lives, and that, in the final analysis, we'd be better of without the so-called 'security' measures provided by the state and the entities of enforcement which under the pretense of 'justice' enforce the inequities resulting from the disregard of human value which must be overcome if we are ever, ever to live peacefully in this world. A history and an argument which could not be more timely and appropo. Rather than trusting in the almighty dollar, or the strength of institutions, recognition of our fellow humanity seems like the best place to begin.



2. Is the current prison system in desperate need of reform? "When the Prisoners Ran Walpole: A True Story in the Movement For Prison Abolition" is a look at the concept of prisons and how a group of prisoners in 1973 managed to set forth change successfully, by keeping the peace within their ranks as their guards went on strike. An optimistic yet critical to both sides of the debate, "When the Prisoners Ran Walpole: A True Story in the Movement For Prison Abolition" is highly recommended for community library social issues collections and for any prison administrator.

3 comments about Indian Tribes of the New England Frontier (Men-at-Arms).

1. Michael Johnson has through Osprey produced a series on the amerindian tribes.
   
   For these interested in brief sketch histories of the tribes of the regions they are quite good.
   
   This one on the tribes of New England pretty much serves that purpose.
   
   For those interested in period information there isn't that much.
   
   The illustrations by Jonathan Smith are quite good though figure A6's hands are too big and too mature for a child's.



2. Very nice short history, and a great painting guide. Highly recommended.



3. This is a great visual guide to the costume and material culture of the Indian tribes of New England and the surrounding regions, spanning the whole range of their history from BC times to the modern day (though the text naturally focuses on their wars with the Americans and Europeans in the 18th and 19th Centuries). I think that Jonathan Smith is pretty much for Osprey's Native American titles what Angus McBride is for the ancient and medieval ones; the man's talent revealed in the eight color plates is breathtaking. Overall this is probably the best book on the `Indians' Osprey has published so far, and gets a little more in depth than some of the others.

1 comments about A Guide to Historic New Haven Connecticut (History & Guides).

1. But don't let the size put you off.
   
   The first thing you will notice upon browsing this book, beyond its small size, is that there is a whole lot more to New Haven than Yale University. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to buildings at Yale, this is not the book. While Yale has its proper inclusion, so do all of New Haven's other fascinating neighborhoods. New Haven's history includes a significant period of industrialization, so most of its colonial core is gone. Though there are a few remaining examples, colonial and federal structures made way for mid to late 19th century romantic styles. Lovers of Victorian architecture have to consider New Haven a treasure.
   
   Since the guide is small and the building stock in New Haven is rich, the entries are exceptionally short. Most simply include an address, building name, date of construction and a brief description. There are a few black & white photographs scattered about, but the author hasn't attempted to add one for each entry. There are few really good photographs, but there are still a few.
   
   Since the book is arranged around walking tours (and a few driving tours), there are nice maps for each chapter that exactly pinpoint the building locations. You're going to do a lot of walking to cover all this material, that's for sure. There are no historical essays to introduce the city or the architecture, rather, the author chooses to get us right to the architecture itself. And there are no architect biographies.
   
   I know I seem to be talking a lot about what this book isn't, but perhaps I should mention what it is; a surprisingly complete and effective catalog of historic New Haven meant for the curious traveler and casual architecture enthusiast.
   
   Note the title: There's no modernism here, but there's a drop-dead beautiful church on every corner (and every page).

No comments about Strangers in a Strange Land: Humans in a Urbanizing World (Contemporary Societies).

2 comments about Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York.

1. This book was truly an unexpected pleasure. Its not a how-to book but rather a history of the stone wall. Surprisingly, that history takes the reader into a wide range of topics: geology, botany, architecture, colonial american history, among others. Because stone walls were so commonplace, their builders left very little discussion of their motives and means. Allport acts almost like a detective, piecing the story together. Additionally, because she clearly loves stone walls (and writes well), she is able to capture the mystery and the beauty of her subject. This is a great read for a wide audience: from the historically curious to anyone who wishes to build a wall of stone.



2. If you think that a book on the stone walls of New England might be "dry," you are wrong. This brilliantly written and researched book is as riveting as any thriller. You will gain a new appreciation for the countless anonymous generations that went before us and left their mark-- those beautiful, enduring stone walls. An absolutely fascinating book!

No comments about Frommer's Boston 2009 (Frommer's Complete).

5 comments about In the Hands of A Chef: Cooking with Jody Adams of Rialto Restaurant.

1. I've now tried six of the recipes in this book--including my personal Last Meal Request, Jody Adams' soupe de poisson--and they've all turned out wonderfully. I mean they're among the very best things I've ever cooked.
   Adams' culinary gifts are channeled through Rivard's witty, clear and thoroughly entertaining writing and the results manage to be highly intelligent without being fussy, condescending or dry. To the contrary, the book is marked by an unusual warmth of spirit.
   The photographs are of real, excellent food, dishes that--unlike those in some cookbooks--won't be mistaken for baroque Easter bonnets or Post-Minimal artwork.
   Be aware: this isn't streamlined cooking for weeknight family dinners. You'll be spending a few hours in the kitchen, but if you genuinely enjoy food and cooking your time will be richly rewarded.
   A truly fabulous cookbook.



2. It's been a long time since I have gotten excited about a cook book but I am finally excited again. I have tried 3 recipes from this book and have deemed them all "company dishes" even though they were easy and economical to prepare. Very brilliant combinations of ingredients and I can't wait to work my way through this wonderful book



3. I bought this after reading the NYT book reviewer's
   praise for it, and I've made several of the recipes.
   The hands down winner is the Wild Mushroom Fricassee,
   which is that rare combo, exotic seeming but easy
   to make.

   My only criticism so far would be the production
   values -- it's not a visually appealing book.
   Otherwise, go for it.

   2002 12 31 Update: this continues to be a high favorite among my cook books. After dining at Rialto, my opinion of Adams has only risen. Really, buy it.




4. There are some real gems in this colleciton of recipes. They are unique, not that hard to duplicate and are outstanding.

   So far, one is truly a standout in my collection: Fresh Tomato Soup with Seared Eggplant Sandwiches. Other recipes that have caught my attention and palate are: Fingerling Potato, Fig and Tarragon Salad, Winter Vegetable Gratin wiht Cranberries and Chestnuts, Fazzoletti with Lemon Cream, Pistachios, Spinach, and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, Seared Quail Stuffed with Mascarpone and Green Peppercorns, and Sweet and Sour Braised Rabbit with Chocolate.

   The instructions are thorough and easy to follow. As well, helpful sidebar discussions are provided on certain ingredients and preparation techniques.

   All in all, a unique, classy, flavorful cookbook to use and enjoy.




5. I've been a fan of this cookbook since I bought it 2 years ago. I've made several recipes and always enjoyed them. I got in a pinch this New Year's Eve when a low-key dinner with my husband turned into a dinner party for 6.

   I could only grab one cookbook on the way out the door for work on the 31st and I chose this one, as the recipes are straight forward, but still elegant. I chose to make:
   * Socca Crepes with Spinach and Herb Filling
   * Fazzoletti -- "Handkerchiefs" with Lemon Cream, Pistachios, Spinach, and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
   * Tuscan-Style Sirloin with Parmesan, Lemon, and Truffle Oil
   * Grilled Pineapple with Rum, Lime-Ginger Syrup and Ice Cream

   They all got RAVES. And I could make them together "quickly" (for a gourmet dinner) after getting home after 6p with only a few modifications to shorten timelines, like a quick "slow-roast" for the tomatoes, skipping the spinach for the crepes as it needed to be cooked, etc. We had appetizers at 9p, then dinner at 10p, with dessert rounding out just at midnight. PERFECT... this meant we were all actually awake at midnight!

   To decrease trips to the store, I also grabbed the groceries for Oliver's Chicken Stew and Nidimi -- "Little Nests" Stuffed with Prosciutto, Fontina, and Spinach. My husband and I enjoyed both of these on New Year's Day and the day after.

   YAY, Jody!

1 comments about The Lost Towns of Quabbin Valley (MA) (Images of America).

1. The destruction of the Swift River towns and villages is a true tragedy. This book gives excellent insight into the lives that were dismissed by Boston and its uncaring politicians. The Swift River community was a vital and active area, and Lost Towns gives an understanding of the sadness which is still felt today by those who remember the life that was taken away.

2 comments about Republic of Shade: New England and the American Elm.

1. When I first saw this book I was intrigued by the title and could not wait to read it. The introduction almost made me cry. This book is truely a wonderful and entertaining read. Everyone, from botanist to a person who couldn't tell an elm from an oak should read this book. It ties horticulture, American history, and botany together in a fascinating way. I could not stop reading this once I started. Campanella brings his reader from the colonial and early American love affair with the elm to modern disease breeding. I honestly recomend this book to any one wanting to learn about a fascinating and untold story. Fantastic!!



2. An outstanding work. This book deeply aquaints the reader with this quintessentially American tree and answers any question as to why the love of Elm persists despite the tragedy of DED. Prior to reading this book, I was unaware just how great a role this tree has played in our American history, from the period before the first settlers to modern day. Excellent photographs and a great read, connecting the Elm of our past with those of our present and beyond -- long live the Elm!

5 comments about A Dab of Dickens & A Touch of Twain: Literary Lives from Shakespeare's Old England to Frost's New England.

1. If you've ever heard one of Dr. Engel's lectures, you know what a captivating storyteller he is. Now, for the first time, the content of his lectures has been put into book form. You can almost hear his voice as you read through the pages of this book.

   As other reviewers have already stated, A Dab of Dickens is a collection of short biographical sketches of over a dozen of the greatest authors of all time. What is unique about these sketches is that, although they are short, they are filled with fascinating tales about the lives of our most beloved authors - tales that I am sure most of us did not ever know. For instance, I was fascinated to find that when he was only 3 years old, Edgar Allan Poe was forced to sit on the front row of the theatre and watch his mother, who played Juliet, stab herself and "die" - eight times a week. No wonder he wrote the kind of macabre stories that he did!

   The great thing about Dr. Engel's new book is that it gives you just enough to keep your interest, it doesn't overwhelm you, and it makes you want to know more. You want to keep reading the chapter on Poe because you just cannot believe that even more horrible things could have possibly happened to one person. You may be bored by Ernest Hemmingway (for instance), but you don't mind reading his entire chapter because it's not information overload. And at the end of this wonderful book you have a list of authors whose major works you now cannot wait to read.

   If you love literature and are fascinated by the authors who have brought us so many priceless works of art, this book is for you. If you don't know much about literature at all but are curious to find out more, this book is for you as well. But this book is also perfect for the person who hated English class in high school, avoided literature like the plague in college, and has been glad to forget it completely ever since. I promise that even you will find something fascinating and inspiring among the pages of this book.




2. I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up. A friend heard the author lecture on Shakespeare and bought a copy for our daughter, a Ph.D. candidate in English (Shakespeare). She sent it to us to deliver, since she didn't have our daughter's address. My wife and I both read a little bit, and then decided we had to read it all. Our daughter will have to write a thank-you for a used book.
   Engel belongs to the school of biographical literary criticism, and thinks that authors' works are influenced strongly by their lives and the times in which they live them. The brief, and partial sketches of these nineteen literary greats are based on his classroom lectures. All I can say is that I wish he had been one of my teachers. These lectures in writing are cleverly written, with a very pleasing dry wit, and are informative while being interesting. Do you know the origin of the term "box office" and the actors' wish to "break a leg"? You will after you read Engel's snapshot of Shakespeare. And no one ever told me before that Chaucer was satire. Finding this book was a fortuitous accident. I hope my daughter enjoys it as much as I did.



3. I started reading this book while recovering from surgery and finished it in two days. When I'd finish reading about one author, I couldn't wait to read the next. A wonderful book that I can't wait to pass on to all my friends.



4. It has been my great privilege to hear Dr. Elliott Engel in
   a wonderful lecture on Margaret Mitchell. Elliott has produced
   countless audio/video CD's and cassettes for those interested in
   a general knowledge of the great writers of Western Literature.
   This is a wonderful book! If more people read it there would
   be rejoicing in this old English Literature major's literary
   heart!
   Engel writes in a light, lively and easy to understand. Enjoy
   learning about the greats from Shakespeare to Dickens, the Brontes, Twain and others. Enjoy!



5. In 2006 our county was challenged to read "Captains Courageous" in preparation for the "Tall Ships" event that summer. I have to admit I seldom read fiction. I like to learn something when I read. If I want to be entertained, I'll watch TV or go to a movie. The local Library arranged for Dr. Engel to be the guest speaker and give his take on Kipling. It was the nost enthralling talk I have ever been priviledged to hear! Our "county read" this year was "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitsgerald. Dr. Engel was our guest speaker again. I was able to tell him personally how much I have enjoyed his book and CDs! The CDs are great for travelling time listening. His essays on famous authors cannot be topped!