1 comments about Grant.

1. Grant: The Man Who Won The Civil War by British military historian Robin Neillands is the true story of Ulysses S. Grant, an undistinguished Army officer who earned his place in history by becoming commander-in-chief of the Union Armies and bringing the Civil War to an end with the Confederacy's defeat. Examining the qualities that enabled Grant to succeed where so many before him had failed - such as picking skilled and loyal subordinates and standing by them, and focusing resolutely upon the right aim or object - Grant: The Man Who Won The Civil War is a resounding, well-researched narrative history, distinguished by its insight into the external and internal forces that motivated a true leader. A welcome addition to library Civil War collections.

No comments about Baltimore and the Nineteenth of April, 1861: A Study of the War.

No comments about Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency.

5 comments about Why Sinatra Matters.

1. Many of the basic,well known aspects of FS's life are mentioned here, starting with the Genoan and Sicilian branches of his family history, his quiet father and brash, Democratic Ward Leader mother. The segment on Bing Crosby's huge influence on 1930's popular culture, especially in the new radio-centered family (like TV today) is great, and perhaps not known too much today. FS as an icon for immigrant Italians, along with LaGuardia and DiMaggio, is also a high point. The days with James and Dorsey are also well done, if rehashes, like much of this otherwise excellent book. And much is written about FS's legendary "Fall" and 2nd Rise, the Fall being among the most overdone of FS's incredible life.(Many would love to fall from such Olympian heights!). Mr. Hamill says that the music is what matters. Obviously, he's right! Only Frank could sing so well about the depths of anguish and despair, as well as the thrill of triumph! The author also gives a nice summation of the great work of FS with Nelson Riddle. Unfortunately, short shrift is given to Billy May, and a short paragraph mocks the "sugary" work of Gordon Jenkins. Oddly, the most famous pairing of Jenkins and FS, "September of My Years" is listed in the appendix as among Mr. Hamill's favorite albums! It would have been nice if a CD was included,since this book does not really mine the golden depths of FS's best recordings. Still, all in all, a fine and succinct presentation of The Man and His Music.



2. I like this book because it isn't like all the other Sinatra biographies out there. In fact, it isn't really appropriate to call "Why Sinatra Matters" a biography at all. Author Pete Hamill was an acquaintance of Sinatra's and much of the book is built around conversations that the two men had together, which is very interesting. This book gives a general overview of Sinatra's upbringing and rise to stardom. Hamill explains how Sinatra's childhood and Italian American background contributed to the development of his music. Sinatra's "fall from grace" is also examined, but Hamill is quick to point out that the only thing that really matters is that Sinatra was able to overcome his obstacles and make an incredible comeback. There has never been another singer like Frank Sinatra and there never will be again. Sinatra continues to represent so many things to so many people, which is why his music will live on forever.



3. Ironic that Pete Hamill should write this book. To my ears and eyes, Pete Hamill has never written a sincere or honest word in his life.
   
   The irony is that when Sinatra was asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said he would want people to think of him as an honest singer.
   
   The book is good, but read it with a grain of salt due to the author.



4. This is a small book. Short and sweet. Mr. Hamill gets right to the point . There isnt a lot of fluff in this book. A few pictures and so anecdotes to start some of the chapters. It written well and the layout is succint. This is a must read for any Sinatra fan.



5. Another masterpiece by Hamill. This work reveals the humanity of Sinatra. It is short, but oh soooooo good! If you are interested in Sinatra, read this book. It is sophisicated and loaded with the nuances of the man who did it his way, faults, bruises, and all.

3 comments about Skookum: An Oregon Pioneer Family's History And Lore (Northwest Reprints).

1. Well, the first part of the book was too lengthy and disjointed as it built up to the family disaster. I would have appreciated just a straight tale. The later profiles of people were a lot easier to follow and very entertaining. The information included on the local Native Americans was great and thus the 4 star rating. As a local Oregonian, the farming and political information was also intriguing. I also feel the author missed out by not detailing her own life but maybe this could be a subject for another book.



2. Shannon Applegate spent seventeen years researching the copious and rich family documents that provide the basis for this extraordinary history. It is clear that she not only combed the documents with a scholar's eye but also lived them with a family member's passion. The very public history of the pioneering Applegate men--Jesse, Charles, and Lindsay--is balanced by intimate portraits of the private--and sometimes even secret--lives of the Applegate women. The blend of epic drama, domestic detail, and quiet pathos is irresistible.



3. Thank you, Shannon. Homey feeling for a book that works through the ins and outs of one of Southwest Oregon best known pioneer families. As the Applegates were all strong supporters of the Oregon Republican League,.. we couldn't be prouder than to give this work two thumbs up. A nonpartisan text, for a populist nation, from a fiercely independent time in our regions history.

No comments about Ohio Volunteer: Childhood & Civil War Memoirs Of Capt. John Calvin.

No comments about American Presidents Eminent Lives Boxed Set: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant.

3 comments about Cushing of Gettysburg: The Story of a Union Artillery Commander.

1. Before I read this book I had no idea who Lt. Alonzo Cushing was or what he did. This very enjoyable book provided a detailed insight into the life of Cushing as a cadet and through the Civil War until he met his death beside his cannons at Gettysburg. The author provides vivid descriptions of the life of a Union soldier during the war and the terrible battles that they fought. A very engrossing and enjoyable book. Recommended for anyone who likes a good read about mans courage during difficult times.



2. If you visit the Gettysburg battlefield, pause at The Angle and spend a moment beside the monument to Cushing and his men. You will be standing on the very spot described in Brown's gripping account of the battle. Cushing was a distant relative of mine, which makes this book special to me.



3. Mr. Brown is not an historian, only a story teller/
   
   The historical quality of his book is dubious.
   
   His illustration of Frederick Fuger, First Sergeant of Cushing's Battery is in reality a picture of Fuger's son, Frederick W. Fuger, an infantry officer who served in the Spanish American War.
   
   Anyone with a passing knowledge of US Army history would recognize the insignia on the figure's helmet as that of an officer in the 13th Infantry, not the 4th Artillery with which Fuger served all his military career.
   
   Anyone can compile and copy reports. It takes a practiced hand to analyze and present history.
   
   James B. Ronan II

No comments about In Struggle Against Jim Crow: Lulu B. White and the Naacp, 1900-1957 (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas a & M University).

5 comments about Remembering Walt.

1. The pictures were nice. I'm a big Dinsey fan so I pretty much enjoyed this book. It told what people who worked with him thought about him. I gave the book four stars because there were some bad words.



2. This is definately a winner! Great little gems from Walt Disney's family, closest friends and colleagues. The pictures are equally wonderful. Great candid shots and personal family photos. This man had more character than Mickey Mouse himself!



3. This lavishly illustrated tribute --- first published in 1999 and now released as an oversized trade paperback --- is a must for diehard Disneyites. (Dig the vintage, time-worn color
   cover photo of Uncle Walt, with Cousin Oscar clearly in view.) Amy Boothe Green and Howard Green's text is nothing more than quote after quote from Walt's pals, peers, co-stars, family and friends, all of whom (surprise!) praise The Man Who Would Be King. But it's the vast array of black-and-white and color photographs --- many rare and many never-before-seen, all of which are stuffed into the pages --- that make this a winner. Walt as a young boy. Walt as a young man. Walt at play. Walt at work. Walt with family. Walt with friends. Walt with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Walt with Hayley Mills. Walt with Shirley Temple. Walt with Annette Funicello, who provides the book's most poignant quote: "When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis ... I thought,. "If Mr. Disney were here, I could ask him what I should do. He would know." And, of course, Walt with the Mouse and the Mouseketeers. Noting goofy here. Except Goofy.



4. This book is exactly as one would expect by reading the title. It's just quote after quote from people who knew Walt Disney best. I liked that many of his former employees were interviewed. Since I was familiar with some of the animators, imagineers, and actors it made it a more personal thing for me when reading this book. There are also many pictures that show Walt during all the different periods of his life, though the majority of them are during his successful years heading the Disney corporation. I share the sympathy of another reviewer who said that after reading this book they wished they had known Walt Disney. I think a person who really admires the Disney empire will share the same sentiments about the man who dared to dream.



5. I was very happy while reading this book. I found all the things Walt's aquaintances had to say about him very interesting and credible. Very little seemed sugar coated (as Disney personel seem to be sometimes). I would make the assumption that Walt's personality was portrayed correctly by the many people that knew him. Throughout the course of reading this book I kept thinking about the quote that one amazon reviewer said that made me buy this book in the first place, "makes me wish I knew that man."