3 comments about Creatures of Empire: How Domestic Animals Transformed Early America.

1. This book is interesting, yet sometimes abit to general. While Anderson stays down the middle and doesnt blame one side or the other, she often generalizes. She did a wonderful job in making a distinction between N.E. and Chesapeake Bay, but does not clearly define which tribes she is talking about and gives the reader the assumption that all tribes reacted in similar ways. As a graduate student of history I believe this book has its purpose, but over generalizing is often dangerous. Overall it is a good book, well writte, and if you are curious as to what sorts of changes livestock had on America--this book is for you.
   
   
   I have one suggestion.
   
   Becareful not to take the idea to literally that livestock caused wars. Anderson fails to show how numerous things resulted in Indian resistance. Another book that complements this one is "Changes in the Land" Cronon. This book gives an ecological argument to support the livestock problem. Also, Facing East by D. Richter illustrates some economic, political, and military problems in the new world. However, if you read Richter, read it carefully--much is based on imagination not sources. With that said, Richters discussion on politics, military, and economics is very good. These three books give a good backdrop for native resistance.



2. The nature of the colonial relationships between the European settlers and the Native Americans has been readjusted to include livestock in a central rather than marginal role in the shaping of American history.
   
   Virginia DeJohn Anderson's Creatures of Empire culminates around the way in which the colonial settlers and natives viewed the very nature of animals and therefore the way in which their relative reactions affected their relationships with each other. Anderson seems to say that if Native Americans and settlers were opposing teams in the championship game, then the livestock were as pivotal as the field on which the game was played.
   Through her research, Anderson is able to reconstruct accurate tales of interaction between the natives, settlers and their imported livestock, which eventually lead to conflict and European expansion. There are three main purposes of Creatures of Empire that serve to further illuminate colonial history. The first purpose is deducing how natives and settlers view fauna independently of one another. Second, by analyzing the clear difference in point of views, Anderson is able to realize how conflicts arose and were potentially solved between the two parties, because of their interaction with various animals and finally, she is able to reason how these conflicts or resolutions shaped Colonial America and its future.
   Virginia DeJohn Anderson received her Ph.D. in History from Harvard University and is currently a Professor of History at the University of Colorado at Boulder as a Colonial and Revolutionary historian. Her previous publications include New England's Generation and co-author of the textbook The American Journey: A History of the United States ([...]).
   
   In Creatures of Empire, Anderson works in the guise of folktales in order to convey her central theme of the importance of livestock in the shaping of native-settler relations, primarily in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. Each folktale is explained in a well-written and well-documented light, which makes this book both accessible to Anderson's colleagues and to persons who have no background in either Colonial America or animal husbandry. The retail value of $[...] is a reasonable asking price for this book, particularly since there are only a few, minor illustrations and the bulk of the book is text. Although it is mostly text, Anderson paints a marvelously clear picture of events with her words. This book is a gem that should be examined by those investigating the middle ground between Native Americans and European settlers, or just those who enjoy a fascinating, yet authentic read.
   
   The author makes heavy use of letters and original journals from settlers in the colonial period, such as The Complete Works of Captain John Smith (1580-1631) and The Pynchon Papers, a collection of correspondence between John Pynchon and John Winthrop, Jr., dated mid to late 1600s. With the aid of historical commentary and supplementary scholarship, such as multiple references to Richard White's renowned Middle Ground, as well as data gathered through other channels for example, archaeological, dietary, mortuary, etc., Anderson is able to make well-informed ethnohistorical commentary on the colonial culture, beliefs and values of the natives and settlers. It is through this commentary that she is able to deduce the how and why of the relationships between the two cultures.
   
   Due to this thorough examination of evidence, the conclusions that Anderson draws in this work are highly plausible, especially as she lays the foundation for these conclusions through many points of view. For example, Anderson undoubtedly concludes that native and settlers did not view animals from the same perspective (p. 6). This is widely understood throughout American studies, however Anderson reaches further to deduct why this is true: on the side of the Native Americans, animals had a manitou or guardian spirit and "deserved respect from humans, and could enact revenge if treated inappropriately"(p. 41). Anderson contrasts the European settlers understanding of animals, in order to root causes of conflict: according to "Christian tenets...[which] denied animals any independent spiritual status, and sanctioned human domain over the natural world...animals could be made into private property"(p. 70). Through these facts, Anderson deduces the nature of these conflicts and is able to delve into the psyche of each party.
   
   Though Anderson mentions in the prologue, historian and geographer Alfred Crosby's 1972 work The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492, the topic of animals shaping the American society as a whole, is extremely unique and hard to find. This, of course could be due to the fact that, even though Anderson indicates that animals, namely livestock, is mentioned far and wide in colonial records and that animals were a pivotal part of American life. However, Americans have a notion that the masters make the decisions, not the chattel; therefore America favors the accomplishments of great men, rather than their vulnerability in the face of nature. Anderson points out in Creatures of Empire that this is simply not the case. Many conflicts were created due to the fact that colonists could not keep their livestock in check (p. 176 & 189). In comparison to Crosby's work, Anderson, delves more fully into the importance on the imported livestock and its effects on in interpersonal relationships of the colonial populations. Anderson only touches on the seemingly domesticated dogs visible in native villages (p. 34, 35 & 36), however, Jon T. Colman's 2004 book, Vicious: Wolves and Men in America examines this subject more extensively.
   
   Through her work, Anderson has shifted the view of the experience of colonial America away from the quintessential tails of great men and seemingly miraculous battles in order to help the reader see the importance of the rather mundane aspects of colonial life that in essence were the very foundations of American expansion. The true uniqueness and value of Creatures of Empire is that Anderson uses the interaction between settlers and livestock, natives and both fauna and livestock and native and settlers over livestock as a method through which she could delve into the psyche of both native and settlers and explain the motives of both.
   
   Teresa Pangle
   September 2006



3. The underlying premise that Virginia Dejohn Anderson's terrific book makes is that animals have been key driving forces in human history; that argument has been used in other books such as Jeffrey Lockwood's LOCUST: THE DEVASTATING RISE AND MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF THE INSECT THAT SHAPED THE AMERICAN FRONTIER and GRASSHOPPER DREAMING. Ms. Anderson provides an intriguing and entertaining case that farm animals (cattle, pigs, and sheep) are as critical to American History as apple pie, Pilgrims, and Founding Fathers. CREATURES OF THE EMPIRE argues using historical references and interesting anecdotal examples that livestock changed the landscape especially the relationships between people. She concentrates on Colonial America as she makes the point that domestic farm animals in New England and Virginia were key segments of shaping society and led to conflict over land ownership between the settlers and the Indians. Besides making a strong case in support of her theory, Ms. Anderson's book is a well written easy to pick up and put down thought provoking volume that history buffs will appraise and then argue the fascinating premise over the water cooler.
   
   Harriet Klausner

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Yorkshire Terriers (JG Dog).

1. This is a great book. I learned alot about yorkies that I did not know before.



2. This book is invaluable for the new Yorkie owner as well as a great reference for old timers. It is well organized and includes many wonderful photos.



3. Back in February of this year we lost Binki,a Lhasa Apso cross Poodle after 17 wonderful years.Prior to that we had a Dachshund,Max, who spent 14 years with us as our 3 children grew up.So,as we are now seniors,our children are all married,and now that we have 8 Grandchildren;we faced the facts and felt our dog owning days were probably behind us.
   That is what we thought,we found Bailey,she has now joined the two of us and getting a new puppy was one of the best decisions we've ever made.She is a Yorkshire Terrier cross Teacup Poodle.She will be small,about 7 pounds,doesn't shed and has all the features of what we could want in a dog.She is 12 weeks old,we've had her over a month,and I believe she finds us acceptable.By this point, you can see Bailey is a pet,a member of the family is more like it,and we have no intrest in breeding or showing.Maybe I should qualify that bit about showing.We do a great amount of showing as a matter of fact,everyone in the neighbourhood has fallen in love with her and we can't complete a 10 minute walk in less than a half hour while showing her off and making friends with every person and dog we meet.
   We,as the case of a lot of people who have dogs,tended to operate by trial and error in raising them,heck,didn't it work with the kids? Anyway ,I saw this book and thought maybe I could learn something.You've heard the old saying "You can't teach old dogs new tricks"There is simply no truth to that.I am learning lots and there is much more to be gleaned fom this book.
   The book is only 160 pages and covers everything you could or should want to know about Yorkies.It will also be kept nearby for reference in the years ahead.
   The book discusses how intelligent this breed is,and we have already seen signs of that.If there is anything that I might fault the book for,it is this.I am a very avid reader,but very disappointed that Janet has given absolutely no attention at all on helping me with teaching Bailey to read.I have already been reading to her,she obviously comprehends,nods at the right time,and even dozes off if the story gets too dull.I am convinced she could easily be taught to read,but for that,I guess I'm on my own.
   Like I've already mentioned,and so have a couple of the other reiewers,the book covers a lot about breeding and showing in competitions,but that should not deter you from getting it.All the same principles apply,and your little friend is just as important to you and those around you as a Best of Show is to its owner and the show Judges.
   Bailey is a great addition to our family and we intend to give her a lot of happiness and I know she will return any love many times over and that doesn't even take into account the companionship we'll all enjoy.
   Oh yeah, one other thing,Carol touches on the cost one takes on with getting a dog;but remember this;
   "All it takes is money to buy a fine dog,but it takes love
   to make it wag it's tail."



4. Being a new owner, I wanted a more practical book on the breed.
   I found the author to be focused on the competitive aspect and
   "quality" breeding lines. For someone who was looking at entering dog shows, this would be a useful book. For me, who
   was looking for some insight at the pet level, it lacked practical applications.



5. This is a good book for anyone who love littles cuty monster,YorkShire Terrier. U will gain more understanding about this cute little one and it will help u to make a decision if u r fit with this little one or not. This book has many useful things u need to know about yorky. I LOVE THIS BOOK :)

1 comments about Clicker Training: Colt Starting the Natural Horse.

1. Perhaps it is unusual to be thrilled about a book at the age of 80, but this book which combines Positive Reinforcement [clicker] & Negative [Natural Horsemanship] Reinforcement is the most up to date book of its kind for horses. It is filled with great one liners and specific step by steps: "how to do it". And the steps are in order. I thought I was inventing this but she does it better than I do. I train my horses from scratch and ride into the high back-counry alone. You have to trust each other up there.
   
   Every thing I could find in the book works and makes the relationship better at the same time.
   
   She defines dominance [in the round pen chapter] and I use something from Rashid I use called Accepted Horse Leader: Those are the same terms only because of the way she does it. Being dominate in a forceful way is not there, but what I call being an Accepted Leader is there. She explains why being safe is important and how to achieve that safety for both of you in the best way possible for both of you.
   
   The stories are all so meaningful and encouraging, stories that come only from a long and very creative experience.
   
   If you have been doing this work on your own, you don't have to be alone anymore. This is a great book.
   
   She also fades out the clicker: A "how to" that is often neglected.
   
   The only objection I have is there is no Index. Dr. Phil didn't have one in his 1st book either so she is in good company. Drat: No index.
   
   Don't forget to read the Closing on p 306.
   
   Thrilling, Yes, Thrilling,
   
   David

1 comments about Longeing and Long Lining, The English and Western Horse: A Total Program (Howell Reference Books).

1. This was an extremly helpful book.

5 comments about How to Build Everything You Need For Your Birds: From Aviaries . . . To Nestboxes.

1. This is not for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to build a cage for his small parrot in the living room. It is for folks who want to build the equivalent of chicken coops in their back yards. I learned more about parrot toys searching the Inet.



2. I waited a long time to get this book and it was worth every moment. The designs are well thought out and easy for even the mechanically challenged to understand. The author has devised an aviary/cage system that can be increased or decreased at will, by adding or subtracting carefully yet simply designed panels. Each panel fulfills a particular function of the whole to form the basic unit and you can add unlimited units to form your ideal facility. This information is timeless and I am very pleased.



3. This book lays out a good set of plans for starting small and working your way up to as large a breeding operation as you like. I am adept at building small animal pens, and I've been doing so for several decades, on a hobby basis. I was still impressed with the simple brilliance of this book.



4. Potential purchasers of this booklet should be aware that the author is very serious about his birds. What he considers a "quite small" aviary, "for the aviculturist who has only restricted land area for his hobby", measures 11 by 16 feet. A "fairly large" one is 38 by 24 feet, complete with concrete foundation, plumbing, heating, electric lights, and 12 foot ceilings.
   If, like me, you are looking for ideas for a small backyard aviary for a few canaries, you should look elsewhere. This publication contains plans for only 6 aviaries. Four are far too large for the average suburban lot, unless you are willing to knock down your house first, and the other two are so rudimentary that plans are hardly necessary.



5. I needed a means by which to build aviaries for my birds. I have built one out of the book, and it is great. I'm most impressed with the bird "hospital" cage.. It works exactly as described. My first impression when I received the book was not that great. The drawings were clear, directions clear, but I guess on some level I expected something more than what looked like a college study packet from Kinko's. The designs in this book and the subsequent modifications I've made to them to fit my needs have been outstanding. One needs only a modicum of building expertise, a knucklehead can put the designes together. Highly recommended... again, this is coming from someone who has actually built items off the plans in the book. It's not a glitzy book, but doggon functional.

5 comments about Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches (New Edition).

1. This book came in very handy. Was easy to read and understand. I have just had my first litter of pups and your book was spot on out of all the other books I have purchased.



2. I have just started raising my English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs and was worried this book would lean more towards the little dogs like most books. It was great! I had it right next to me when the time came for the puppies to come!



3. A great book for breeders. Book is what it says... focuses on the care of your girl.



4. This book is a bible for many serious dog breeders out there. When someone recently asked a group of people at a national dog show for recommendations on whelping books - we ALL had and suggested this one. With that being said, this is NOT a book about pregnancy and whelping ( although that is covered of course). This book is about the owning a bitch and all the things that go with it from purchasing the dog to medical problems to placing puppies. It is complete and detailed. I pull it off my shelf for any bitch concern for reference and it (and the kit that they suggest) has sat beside me with every litter I have ever whelped.



5. Excellent reading; a must-have for beginners and useful to breeders too

3 comments about American Eskimo Dogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. One of the better books on breeds I've seen in a while - covers personality, quirks, training. I've found it very helpful in understanding my own half-Eskie puppy.



2. This book is fun to read and has great information. The author is obviously an expert on the breed.



3. Well written - easy to read and understand. This book has become my grandson's favorite since his new puppy came to live with him two months ago.

4 comments about How to Train Your Shetland Sheepdog (How To...(T.F.H. Publications)).

1. I was disappointed in this book. It was a "read between the lines" kind of book. Was not helpful in training my dog at all.



2. Agree with with other reviewer that this is a great resource for sheltie owners, or propsective owners. She's correct in providing the background to why Shelties aren't the breed for everyone, as they demand attention.

   She provides needed tips on how to keep the Shelties in your life happy and you in turn happy with them! They do need to work and she provides training tips on doing just that.

   Info is provided on selection, stages of development, early puppy training, basic obedience, formal training, problem prevention and solutions, and advanced sports and activities.

   We have our two Shelties through obedience and now into agility and can vouch how much fun this breed truly is. This book will aid your enjoyment of this intelligent and loyal breed.




3. This book had great information about the Sheltie. I felt it was quite helpful to me. It also had great pictures!!



4. This is quite easily the most useful sheltie book that I own. Most books about shelties are slim volumes that talk about grooming, the breed history, and a little about temperment. This book dives right in to telling you how to housebreak your sheltie, how to train them to sit, heel, come and stay, and more. It covers a little about competing with shelties in obedience, agility, and herding, and has tons of wonderful pictures. It's full of great, practical, advice. If you're a new dog owner, you should really pick up this book and read it.

5 comments about The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider.

1. This is a good little reference book for owners of Red Eared Slider turtles. I adopted one of these turtles and was clueless about how to care for it until I read this book. Although it's a small book, it is very comprehensive. I would advise anyone who is thinking of getting a Red Eared Slider to read it.



2. I'm the classic "how much is that puppy in the window?" case. I was in New York city walking in China town when I happened upon a bowl full of baby red ears. I just had to 'save' one of these squirming babies. Then I was worry about how to feed, house, and generally take care of my turtle, who was looking up at me with those moist, cat-like eyes while we sat on the subway. I had no idea how big it would get, or what to keep it in, or what to feed it besides the turtle pellets I got ripped off on.

   I tried websites about sliders, while my baby sat in his styrofoam enclosure with his bowl of water and pellets sprinkled around him. Then I found this book on amazon.com. Right away I ordered it.

   It has helped me alot. I bought a tank and food for my turtle, Mr. Dude. I learned how big he would get and where he came from. I also learned that it is illegall to sell baby red-eared sliders!!!

   If you have a red-eared slider, or are looking into getting one, this book is a must-have.

   (Good Luck!)




3. This book adequately covers the essentials of owning a turtle: housing, feeding, breeding, and diseases. The section on breeding is a little more extensive than in other intro books. A plus is that most of the pictures are in color. One thing missing from this book and others is a discussion of turtle behavior and sensory capability. Do they hear, see, smell, taste well? Do they like to hide? How long do they or can they stay submerged? Apparently and incorrectly, it is assumed this is all common knowledge. While this book will give one a start, owning a turtle is definitely a work in progress.



4. This was a very good book. It taught me a lot more than I used to know. I usually just look at the pictures but now that I've read this book I know a lot more. This book taught me how to take care of them and all of the diseases. If your looking for a good book to teach you every thing you need to know this is the one.



5. This was a very good book. It taught me a lot more than I used to know. I usually just look at the pictures but now that I've read this book I know a lot more. This book taught me how to take care of them and all of the diseases. If your looking for a good book to teach you every thing you need to know this is the one.

3 comments about 50 Games to Play With Your Cat.

1. We gave this to my 10yo daughter for Christmas. It kept her very busy over break coming up with new and creative ways to entertain our kitty.



2. I've always said that cats are more likely to play with the box it came in rather than the toy inside. Therefore, when I was asked to write the forward for this book, I was interested and excited. As the text and photos came to me, it became apparent that this book was going to be all I'd hoped for. It's a fun read, and I encourage readers to put their imaginations to work and add their own embellishments to the projects. In closing, I'd like to say that in fairness to Jackie Strachan, my name should not appear anywhere on Amazon as "co-author" of this book. It's Jackie's through and through and she deserves full credit. All I am is an admirer and forward-writer of the book.



3. My boss--er, cat--would give this book two thumbs up . . . if he could!
   
   The ideas are divided into sections, beginning with simple toys (such as a crumpled up piece of paper), and going into more elaborate toys made from cardboard.
   
   The book would get five stars *if* some of the toys weren't store-bought, such as: a toy glove, a ball that drops a treat when played with, circle ball track, a cloth tube/tunnel, scratching post, cat tree . . . you get the idea! These are toys/games you can find out about just by looking at the pet store, and some are pricey.
   
   However, overall, the book should provide inspiration and mostly (with some exceptions) low-cost, homemade ideas. Both cat and owner will mutually benefit from playing these games together. It's about time someone realized cats aren't aloof and do really want to interact with us . . . thank you, t.f.h!