2 comments about Kidding Around Boston: What to Do, Where to Go, and How to Have Fun in Boston (Kidding Around Boston).

1. I was really pleased to come across this book. Living near Boston, I sometimes need ideas for showing visiting family or friends around the city. Kidding Around Boston is full of great ideas and information about Boston's history and lore. The style is clear and engaging, and the young people I've shown it to have enjoyed it. It's terrific for visitors, but I think it might be equally useful in classrooms as an ancillary book for independent reading.



2. This is a wonderful resource for planning excursions in Boston and the environs with children. The entries on sites of interest are full of great information, and the prose is clear and accessible to young readers. The format, including photos and activities, encourages children to help with planning trips and teaches them a thing or two about the city in the bargain. Besides using this book to guide kids around the city, I have given it to visiting relatives and local children (and to some folks who have moved away and wanted their kids to know what they were missing.) All have loved it. Enthusiastically recommended!

No comments about New England Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press).

1 comments about New England and the Bavarian Illuminati.

1. _New England and the Bavarian Illuminati_, first published in 1918 and republished here by The Invisible College Press, by Vernon Stauffer is the classic historical examination which covers the period in New England from 1798 to 1799 when a widespread fear of the Bavarian Illuminati developed. V. Stauffer born in 1875 was a scholar of some repute who was active in the Christian ministry before becoming a professor. This book represents his doctoral dissertation for a degree in the Faculty of Political Science at Columbia University. This work was praised highly by _The American Historical Review_ and has been subsequently used as a useful source of information by various researchers. The Illuminati scare arose in New England during a period of believed decline in morality and religion and a relaxation of puritan values, when various Federalist clergymen revived the notion of the Illuminati which had proliferated on the European continent and made allegations against the Democratic party of Thomas Jefferson. Various factors played into this, including a growing fear of the revolution in France, the excitement over the X.Y.Z. Affair, and the alleged relations between the Illuminati and the freemasons. These allegations were chiefly the work of Reverend Jedidiah Morse, a clergyman of the Calvinist faith and the father of the inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, whose picture appears near the front of this book. Reverend Morse revived the theories of the Abbe Barruel and John Robison concerning an Illuminati conspiracy at work through the masonic lodges behind the French revolution and plotting the overthrow of all thrones and altars. Thus, began the Illuminati scare in New England in 1798 which was to continue in the writings and sermons of several important clergymen. This book is expertly footnoted and includes a wide variety of information and sources detailing the history of the Bavarian Illuminati of Adam Weishaupt and its role in the New England scare. While the author is certainly opinionated on this matter, he nevertheless offers much material of value to the modern reader, particularly in light of the times in which we live.
   
   The book begins with an Introduction in which the author explains the role of the churches in New England and their role in promulgating the Illuminati scare. Following this, the first chapter is entitled "The Undermining of Puritan Standards and Institutions". Here, the author explains how the strict and fierce standards of puritanism came to be eroded after the Revolutionary War and the growing fear that developed among some of the clergy that this heralded in a coming age of irreligion. Added to this fear was a newfound dread of the events that had taken place in France during the revolution and the rise in America of the Democratic-Republicans who were opposed by the conservative Federalist clergy. This chapter examines such things as the "Rapid Disintegration of Puritanism After the Revolution", "Ominous Discontent With the Standing Order" (discussing the situation as it was in Massachusetts and Connecticut and ending with a Summary), "Alarms Due to the Spread of Religious Radicalism and Skepticism" (discussing for example the works of Thomas Paine and others, mentioning the horror felt by many of the clergy at the atheistical French revolution). The second chapter is entitled "Political Entanglements and Hysteria". Here, the author explains the complicated relationship between the fledgling United States and England and France, noting the important distinction of loyalties amongst the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans regarding England and France. The author notes the rise of the Democratic Clubs in France and the role of the X.Y.Z. Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts under the presidency of the Federalist John Adams. This chapter examines such things as "The Situation Prior to 1798" (explaining the role of the Democratic Clubs in France and the relationship with England and George III) and "The Situation from 1798 to 1800" (explaining how France fell out of favor with the Federalists following the diabolical French revolution). The third chapter is entitled "The European Order of the Illuminati". This chapter traces the role and development of the Bavarian Illuminati created by Adam Weishaupt in 1776 out of a milieu of Enlightenment philosophy marked by anti-clericalism. This chapter includes sections discussing "The Rise and the Disappearance of the Order" (explaining the creation of this order by Weishaupt, the role of this order in Bavaria, and its alleged suppression in 1787; the author explains the complicated relationship between this order and the Catholic church as well as the Jesuits and the Freemasons, mentioning such figures as the Baron von Knigge, Zwack, and others, and ending with a bibliographical segment devoted to the study of the order) and "The Legend of the Order and Its Literary Communication to New England" (mentioning the works of the Abbe Barruel and John Robison concerning this order and its conspiracy against the churches and all earthly governments and the dissemination of these works and their eventual arrival in New England). The fourth chapter is entitled "The Illuminati Agitation in New England". Here, the author explains the role of the Illuminati scare in New England as precipitated by Morse and taken up by other clergymen including Seth Payson and eventually the leveling of the charge in turn by the Democrats against the Federalists. This chapter also includes a discussion of the complicated role of the Freemasons and the attempts by various clergymen to condemn the Illuminati but distance themselves from outright condemnations of the freemasonic lodges. This chapter includes the following parts "Morse Precipitates the Controversy" (explaining how drawing from the work of Robison, Morse began the Illuminati scare), "Inconclusive Developments of Morse's Second Formal Deliverance", "Morse Submits His Inept Documentary Evidence" (explaining how Morse was called to explain himself and how his evidence for the conspiracy was found to be faulty), "Freemasonry's Embarrassment and Protest" (explaining how many freemasons took the charges made against them by Robison personally and how Morse tried to deflect some of the animosity directed against the freemasons), and "Attempts of Democrats to Fix the Countercharge of Illuminism Upon the Federalists" (explaining how eventually the Democrats came to level the same charge against the Federalists as had been leveled against them). The book ends with a thorough Bibliography including material from a wide variety of sources and a Vita.
   
   This book offers a fascinating study of a disturbing period in American history. It remains one of the unique sources on these events and offers much material for those interested in the history of secret societies. Into modern times, similar scares have continued to plague the United States and this book shows the origin and growth of one of their important precursors.

5 comments about The Girls of Lighthouse Lane #1: Katherine's Story (Girls of Lighthouse Lane).

1. Very poor writing and not appropriate for the age level.
   Suggestive and depressing. I returned this book.



2. I got the book from the libray and didnt want to read it but then i read it an d couldnt put it down.lol



3. I found Kat's Story to be a very interesting story. She lives in a beautiful setting, where it seems to be a comfortable place to live. Her cousin and her two best friends did a lot together, and showed how much of best friends they are. I love books that are based on the old times. Kat is a determined young girl to be an artist. She went through many disappointments, but didn't let them stop her. Her determation to be an artist, took her through a loophole which woke her parents up, and made them realize how serious she was. I don't understand the one who gave it a one star rating. It's a good book for young girls starting at age 9 to 15. I'd love to get a hold to the other three books by Erika Tamar & Thomas Kinkade



4. Join Kat on her adventure as a stowaway on a boat only to find the water rising around her feet. Katherine's Story by Erika Tamer is from the series The Girls of Lighthouse Lane. The main characters are Kat who is adventerous,and friends Rose,Lizabeth,and Amanda who are encouaging to Kat. Kat lives in the New-England town of Cape Light and the story is set in the fall of 1905. Kat wants to be a famous artist but she was told that most famous artists are men. She needs to earn [...] to go to an art school. Her father said he would pay [...] if Kat paid the other half.
   
   In the beginning of the story on a stormy night Kat was on duty at the lighthouse. She saw a boat trying to follow the light to shore when the guide light went out. Kat had to grab a lantern and go to the shore and guide the boat to shore. In the middle of the story the couple Kat saved gave her a chance to go to art school in Boston. Now she earns half of the money, but her father doesn't have the other half. To find out what happens read the book.
   
   The theme of this book is follow your dreams but still listen to your parents. This book reminded me of when I toured the St. Michael's Lighthouse. It looked cozy and I thought it would be fun to live in it. Girls in 4th-6th grade who enjoy figuring out how to earn money and enjoy adventure would love this book.
   
   B.V. in Annapolis



5. The year is 1905. Twelve-year-old Katherine "Kat" Williams leads a content life in Cape Light, along with her family, tending the town's lighthouse. But Kat's true passion is art. She eats, sleeps, dreams, and breathes art, and would do anything to have the opportunity to earn enough money to buy even more art supplies to fuel her hobby. But after a life-changing decision, Kat may just be able to do more than purchase art supplies.
   
   Weather is unpredictable in Cape Light, which is why Kat and her friends Lizabeth and Amanda take advantage of every spring breeze, autumn pile of leaves, and ice-covered lake. Unfortunately, since the girls are nearing thirteen, it is unladylike of them to indulge in such childish behaviors. Luckily, Kat has a separate hobby. One that is proper, and keeps her imagination flowing - art. It is while she is creating her latest masterpiece, during her lighthouse watch, that a storm hits Cape Light, and Kat is left on her own, trying to direct a boat safely to shore. As traumatic and harrowing as the experience is, Kat is gifted with the opportunity of a lifetime - to attend art school in Boston. The only problem is that it costs fifty dollars to attend, and her family certainly can't afford such an exorbitant fee. So Kat comes up with a compromise. If she can pay half of the money, her father will pay the other half, and she'll be on her way. But earning twenty-five dollars isn't as simple as it sounds - even when you have your best friends helping you along the way. And when her father breaks his promise, and doesn't hand over his share of the money, Kat is furious. She refuses to accept the fact that she can't attend the school of her dreams, and does the unthinkable - she runs away. Now, it's only her faith in God that will lead her back home, safe and sound.
   
   I have been a huge fan of Thomas Kinkade's paintings ever since I saw them for the first time many years ago; so I was absolutely thrilled to learn that he had teamed up with Erika Tamar to create a historical book series that featured his art, paired with Tamar's wonderful writing. KATHERINE'S STORY is very reminiscent of Lois Gladys Leppard's MANDIE book series. The tragedies Kat must overcome as she attempts to follow her dreams are quite original; while, overall, she is a very resourceful character, determined to find any way to earn the money that she needs. I found Kat to be quite enjoyable; however, at times she displayed such selfishness, that I found myself taken aback, and fed up with her attitude. Tamar's descriptions of Cape Light, and the faith undertones were wonderful. And the cover illustration by Kinkade was absolutely beautiful to look at; though it would have been nice to, perhaps, see some sketches by him throughout the story. Even so, KATHERINE'S STORY was still fairly fun. A satisfying start to a delightful new series!
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer

1 comments about The New England League: A Baseball History 1855-1949.

1. Author Charlie Bevis, a member of the Society for American Baseball Research, presents The New England League: A Baseball History, 1885-1949, an amazing tour of the history of the New England League during the early decades of minor league baseball. Chapters explore the ties baseball had to the regional economy and the textile industry, as well as the groundbreaking first examples of playoffs, night baseball and integration. Chapters are arranged in more or less chronological order, surveying the changes that circulated through the sport every five to ten years, in this absorbing and one-of-a-kind study of baseball's origins, written for lay readers and sport historians alike.

2 comments about Where the Mountain Stands Alone: Stories of Place in the Monadnock Region.

1. The sense and importance of "place" so present in all Howard Mansfield's work goes a step further in Where the Mountain Stands Alone. A compilation of stories, essays, historical documents, illustration and accounts by locals, this book allows the reader to embark on a journey not only through the history of Mount Monadnock, but through the hearts and souls of the people whose lives in the shadow of the mountain are as important as the mountain itself. Much like the mountain, the people are often mysterious, hard on the surface yet soft in nature, inspired and misunderstood. In this wonderful compilation the reader is invited to dive in and experience the Monadnock region as never before. From its history, through numerous failed economical enterprises, all the way to the present times, the mountain has remained the same. So are the people, towns and villages spread around its base. Unchanged, yet evolving, never giving up and always trying to swim up the stream. From quarries and stone walls, to barns, mills and farms, the region is rich in history and human perseverance, inspiring many great writers and artist, both past and present and Mr. Mansfield did an amazing job to capture it all in this exceptionally well made book.



2. This is a very important book. It is very well organized and shows the entire spectrum of this treasured corner of NH. From geologic history through the Paleo Indians, and up to Fort Number 4, we learn the background of this region. When it gets to Thoreau climbing and staying around the summit for a while, we are camping out with him. Later visitors show us all aspects of this important mountain and lead us through the eras that follow. The mill period with its inherent waterpower and young girls coming from the farms into these buildings is an important cultural aspect of NH's development. When the group that put this book together features the North Country's background and authentic aura in its next edition, I want my brother Tom Eastman and his expertise on the skiing history of the White Mountains included as well as they constructed and edited this book. I made sure I bought it for him as a Christmas present.

No comments about Run of the Mill: A Pictorial Narrative of the Expansion, Dominion, and Enduring Impact of the New England Textile Industry.

2 comments about Knights (All Aboard Reading).

1. Great book that explains with simple but accurate words the life of a little boy destined to become a knight. The children will identify easily with the main character and have a pretty complete picture of life during the Middle Ages. Good ilustrations that go well with the texts. Great for children 3 to 8.



2. Bargain priced at a mere $[...] U.S. dollars (read- worth trillions in third world currency), this is the best book I've yet read on knights and knighthood, as the illustrated pictures give you an idea of what it was like going to the quest to become a knight withoutb the library style ones from the 80a to today with expensive full plate armor getting in the way that knights are somehow macho. You start out as a young page and when you're a teenager you become a squire until you're at least 26 years old you can enter early knighthood and be part of the royal family. That knights were somehow macho is a bit mishappen- this has full details of a young page who becomes a cocky squire to the sexist cheesey full plate armor required of tournament knights to joust and duel. They were just as let's say homo (and homoerotic) as the Greek and Roman phalanx soldiers. That's where the gay bashing comes in for the most part- can't you just do your job and not worry about sex? Why not just find a woman, sir, and raise him to be a squire. I use the word him because women are seldom allowed to be knights. On rare instances when knights have children, if it was a girl they would usually kill it and if it was a boy it would be a squire who become a knight himself eventually. Women knights are called mademoissles on the rare instances they are allowed to be confirmed a true knight. Women can become holy knights instead without caution. This condensed book has the works for your personal knight- a coat of arms, weapons, armor, castle. With this book you have a blunt weapon. I have King Arthur's historic Excalibur dagger,l and it is now a blunt weapon. So is my scourge. If you want to save some money, this children's style book is an excellent choice to declaring your knighthood, no questions asked. DON'T GET THE FIFTY DOLLAR ONE ON KNIGHTHOOD THEY OFFER YOU- KEEP YOUR FIRST KNIGHT BOOK UNDER FIVE! And I bless you, and it's totally grown up. The cheesey armor, there's a big childlike hanging over it- it's not bullet proof, it's not tank proof, it's not everything proof and it doesn't help either, neither do weapons. The knight is an obsolete mode of thinking, it's just a career option I had inherited from European ancestors in the Middle Ages. And I bless you and hope your knight is not a cop!

No comments about Sturbridge a Pictorial History.

No comments about Abandoned New England.