No comments about Napoleon Bonaparte (Large Print).

5 comments about George Washington: The American Presidents.

1. This is one more work in The American Presidents series. The stage is set by one quotation from the Introduction by the series editor, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. (Page xvii): "The greatest presidents in the scholars' rankings, Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, were leaders who confronted and overcame the republic's greatest crises."
   
   One fact that sets this book apart from others is co-author James MacGregor Burns, eminent political scientist and a leading authority on leadership. He examines George Washington, in part, from the perspective of leadership. To begin, Burns and co-author Susan Dunn lay out the obvious--but profound--point (Page 3): "His presidency. . .would be his ultimate achievement, for it would undergird every future president who would seek to offer strong and determined leadership." In a sense, Washington made up the presidency as he went along, painfully aware that he was setting precedent for future occupants of that office.
   
   One of Burns' accomplishments was development of the concepts of transactional leadership versus transformational leadership. The authors apply both to Washington, noting, first, that he was an exemplar of transactional leadership--(Page 64) "managing, supervising, delegating, compromising, mastering the centrifugal forces in the government." In short, marshalling resources at his disposal and "getting things done" efficiently and effectively. In addition, it is argued, he was a transformational leader--(Page 64) "giving strong institutional shape to an enhanced philosophy of executive leadership as well as inspiring and cementing citizens' commitment to the federal government. Many examples are adduced throughout the volume to bolster the contention that Washington was effective at both aspects of leadership.
   
   The book itself provides a reasonable background to Washington's life, including his checkered military career before the Revolution. He is also described as having towering ambition, which he strove to control and channel throughout his life. Then, his key role during the Revolutionary War and serving the country in a variety of ways after the ending of the war, including his simple presence at the Constitutional Convention, bringing credibility to that event.
   
   Then, Washington's first term is described. One major strength of this was, overall, a terrific leadership team, including Alexander Hamilton at the Treasury Department, Thomas Jefferson at the State Department, Henry Knox (not so successful) at the War Department, and Edmund Randolph as Attorney General. He also, at this point, had a very good relationship with now Congressional leader James Madison. He used his cabinet to good effect, creating a form of collective leadership, in which he received advice from his Cabinet, discussed with them, and then withdrew to reflect and make his own decision. It is worth noting that John Adams, his Vice President, was NOT a part of the leadership team. Within a handful of years, differences began to emerge among political leaders (including a schism within his own Cabinet), presaging the rise of political party. This puzzled Washington who felt that through reason we could all come to agreement. It also began the challenges to Washington's authority by those who disagreed with him.
   
   The second term featured the development of even greater partisan divisiveness (in Washington's eyes, anyhow). Policy battles became fiercer, wearying Washington, Nonetheless, if one look at the accomplishments during his two terms, one can only be impressed by what he and his team did.
   
   The conclusion is a nuanced essay by the authors on Washington's moral leadership, his strengths and weaknesses on that dimensions. While there is much to admire, there are also some questions raised, such as his desire for land and wealth and his tacit support for slavery (even though he increasingly became ill disposed toward the "peculiar institution"). Nonetheless, the last line of the book says much (Page 157): "Transcending all this was the legacy for all Americans of Washington the man--the revolutionary hero, the founding president, and the First Citizen of the republic."
   
   If you wish a more detailed work on Washington, one might examine Joseph Ellis' book "His Excellency: George Washington." However, for those who wish to learn more about our first president without going into lengthier expositions on him, this slender volume will prove rewarding.



2. George Washington has a deservedly iconic, larger than life, stature among Americans; and yet his own reserve and aloofness, combined with the 18th Century world in which he lived, make him difficult for most Americans today to understand. With President's Day approaching and our country in the midst of a presidential election, I wanted to revisit Washington. This biography by James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn, part of the "American Presidents" series, tells a great deal in short compass about Washington and why he remains important. The study avoids the tendency to place Washington upon a pedestal, and it also avoids the more modern, and much more regrettable, tendency to deflate.
   
   Washington (1732 --1799) was born to the landed aristocracy of Virginia. He served in the French and Indian Wars (1754 -- 1758), as a delegate to the first Continental Congress, as the Commander in Chief during the American Revolution (1775- -- 1781) and as the president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (1787), among other accomplishments, before becoming the first President of the United States (1789 --1796). In the early chapters of this book, Burns and Dunn trace the character traits of Washington that fitted him for leadership, together with some of his flaws. They paint a portrait of a Washington driven by ambition and concern for his reputation, but also a person of character, intelligence, and sound judgment. More than once in his life, Washington professed himself reluctant, notwithstanding his ambition, to assume or to expand upon powers he readily could have assumed. Washington did indeed temper his ambition and drive with restraint.
   
   The central theme of this book is how Washington proceeded to set the tone of the American Presidency. The authors draw a number of valuable distinctions. The first is between the ceremonial function of the American President -- as representative of the American people and above the political fray -- and the President's political function. As a result of the respect in which he was held, Washington unified the United States under his leadership and, as the authors state, enhanced the position of the Presidency by his occupation of it rather than, as with his successors, having his own reputation enhanced by virtue of becoming the President. This was an invaluable accomplishment to perform for the new nation.
   
   The authors further distinguish between Washington as a transactional and as a transformational leader. As a transactional leader, Washington acted as an administrator in supervising the complex business of government, including the relationship of the Executive Branch with Congress and with foreign countries. As a transformational leader, Washington acted to create a strong presidency, within the limits established by the constitution, "as well as inspiring and cementing citizens' commitment to the federal government." (p. 64)
   
   The authors also two main commitments underlying Washington's presidency: a commitment to reason, compromise, and judgment, as developed in the philosophy of the Enlightement, and a commitment to happiness as the end of government. Washington did not view happiness as synonymous with pleasure but rather as involving a well-ordered republic with laws that applied fairly and equally to everyone and which allowed everyone the opportunity to improve themselves and to flourish.
   
   The book examines Washington's relationships with his brilliant colleagues, Hamilton, Jefferson, and James Madison and how, at his best, he listened to their frequently divergent views before deciding himself on a wise course of action. Washington's toleration and slowness to judgment receive deserved praise in this study. The authors also examine some of the less fortunate aspects of the Washington presidency, including its elitism, lack of understanding of those other than the rich and powerful, and its obsession with order and discipline. These factors, among others, would lead even in Washington's lifetime to the development of the party system that Washington had hoped to avoid. The authors also are critical of Washington's failure to publically address the issue of slavery and to his all to frequently demonstrated acquisitiveness and tendency to drive sharp bargains in his private life.
   
   In our complicated, difficult political world, this book will remind the reader of the origins of our system of government. It will encourage reflection on the nature of leadership, both when brilliantly executed and when it fails, as exemplified in the Presidency of George Washington.
   
   Robin Friedman



3. This book is part of the American Presidents series. As with all of these books, they are well wriiten and very informative about every stage of their lives not just the political. They also inlcude detail that I rarely see in other biographical books concerning the political machinations of their time.



4. This book is cowritten by one of my favorite authors from my college days, decades ago. James MacGregor Burns wrote a classic about presidential and congressional politics entitled "The Deadlock of Democracy." That book was about the interaction between presidential and congressional parties and how they act as checks on one another. In this book, we see the formation of our political system. Beyond what the Constitution set forth, the nature of our federal system is, in great part, defined by what Washington made of the presidency. As the first chief executive and a highly popular figure, he was in position to define the presidency for the future administrations. He could have asserted much greater power than he did and he would have been (at least initially) largely unopposed. He was in position to sieze almost monarchal power but in significant ways, he did not. For example, he set the two term custom which held until FDR was elected to a third term. Also, he often deferred to Congress.
   
   On the other hand, in both foreign affairs and financial affairs Washington utilized power when it was unclear from the Constitution, whether such power was intended. The authors point out such example as the taking of an official position of neutralitry in the conflict between Great Britain and France. The Constitution makes it clear that congress issues a declaratrion of war. However, does this also mean that a position neutrality must be declared by congress? Washington's actions made this a presidential power. Also, Washington appointed a cabinet of very able men and they, paticularly Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, consolidated significant power in the executive branch. Indeed, there is nothing in the Constitution regarding a cabinet so, Washington's creation this institution set a significant precedent.
   
   In Washington's second term, an opposition party was taking form and this greatly disappointed him since he believed in consensus and felt that parties were harmful. The formation of parties was probably inevitable but Washington almost took it personally, as he hoped his leadership would lead to consensus and he saw the formation of parties as sort of a rejection. In fact, he was a great success since the actions that Washngton took set the precedents for future presidents. As the authors point out so well, "[w]hile future presidents would be respected because of the office they held, in Washington's case, the office would become respected because of the man." For that reason, Washington was a great president.



5. This book, along with the others in the series, is a short biography of George Washington. There are plenty of other book about him that deal much more in depth, but this book makes for a good beginning.
   
   He was a man of tremendous ambition that was concerned with climbing the social ladder. Indeed, he was one of the richest men in Virginia at the time. But the fact remains that after the end of the Revolutionary War he resigned his commison and went back to his Mount Vernon farm. Instead of taking advantage of his tremendous popularity at a time when he could have easily grabbed a lot of power from the young nation, he wished nothing more than to become a country farmer. That fact tells volumes about his character. How many men would have not taken advantage of the situation?
   
   Not to put him on a pedestal, or portray him as a saint, this book tells of his ambition, his concern with climbing further into the social strata, and also tells of his love for the new-founded country. He was a great man, and totally human.
   
   A good short introduction to George Washgington, and another great volume in the series!

5 comments about Dancing With the Witchdoctor: One Woman's Stories of Mystery and Adventure in Africa.

1. this book is so entertaining. it makes me envious of the adventures.
   I couldn't put it down, often waking up to read a few more pages...



2. I was prepared not to like this book; usually I am not a fan of short stories. After I read the first page, I could not put it down. Each story is a unique tale about the strength and power of women. The writer's straightforward and realistic writing style was refreshing. My husband loved the book - amazing adventure stories for all.



3. This book is a thoroughly good read. If you've been to Africa, or dream of going there, by all means have a look. However, I'm also intrigued by the negative review below by the English literature professor who "found this book in the bargain isle ..." Exactly where is the Bargain Isle and can I book a cruise there? Sounds like a shopper's dream.



4. Avoid the nit-picking reviews over whether it really happened to her or not;it is labeled "fiction".I savored her stories like the finest chocolates;I wanted to read them all at once but rationed myself to one a night.Anybody criticizing her either cant write or is destined to fish discount books out of the clearance bin while stomping their feet that they teach literature.
   You want a book filled with travel,mysticism,endurance and the overall goodness of people,then by all means buy it.I wish she would write another book!



5. I've lived and worked in Africa and these stories did not ring true with me...great adventures, based on some experiences, maybe...but biography??...I just don't know. Would love to know and would be happy to eat my words.

No comments about Relative Strangers.

5 comments about Ten Minutes From Normal.

1. I highly recommend this book.
   The negative reviews here are obviously from those
   who have a different political position than the author.
   
   How sad some can't look past partisan politics to enjoy
   a book. FYI: There are talented people in BOTH parties
   & I find it inspiring to read about those who choose
   to use their considerable talents in service to their
   country and what they believe is best for it.



2. I really enjoyed this book. It gives a good insight into a busy life of a politician..
   
   BEAWERE, Karen Hughes is a friend and a supporter of President Bush, so if you lack respect for the president you won't rate this book very high!



3. I really enjoyed reading this book! It is like having an inside look into the life of our president and some of the people who work closely with him. It is easy reading and very interesting. It is also very inspiring.
   
   Happy Reading!!!



4. This is a very well written and absorbing insight into the lives and goings-on of our government. I could hardly put it down.



5. No one should let this book escape perusal, especially at this reasonable price! You've heard that Karl Rove is "Bush's brain?" Well, Ms. Hughes is "Bush's brain on drugs (with a side of bacon)!"
   
   To read her describe Dubya's mind as "laser-like" leaves no doubt in my own mind that when she worked for Reagan, she was a conduit for Dubya on the "Star Wars - Strategic Defense Initiative" project. I don't remember if that was his pre-cocaine or post-cocaine years, but it all makes so much sense now.
   
   I'm happy that after a lifetime of one political success after another, she took time off from her busy schedule for a sabbatical to bake brownies for her young, hungry son. I wonder if perchance, she has a recipe for a cake with a file in it?
   
   Now that she's back on the team with her traveling road-show thumping America's generosity and love for the rest of the world, I suppose her son will go hungry, but at least America will be safe from those naughty terrorists! Praise da lard!

1 comments about Letter To A Great Grandson: A Message of Love, Advice, and Hopes For The Future.

1. Imagine coming "to the realization that the more you learn, the more you expand the periphery of your ignorance" . . . that happens when you're 18, according to Hugh Downs in his moving LETTER TO A GREAT GRANDSON.
   
   Downs, who coanchored ABS's 20/20 and who hosted NBC's TODAY show for nine years, originally wrote this book as a letter to his great grandson . . . he meant it to be read at various stages of the boy's life.
   
   It made me realize how much we can learn from our family and made me want to know more about my dad's life (hint-hint to him, if he's reading).
   
   Downs discusses the joys, possibilities and challenges of infancy, young adulthood, middle age, old age, and everything in between . . . I particularly liked the fact that he helped me see that getting old is what we make of it, as evidenced by his own remarkable life . . . for instance, he went through the NASA space training that John Glenn did when both were 77.
   
   There were many insightful passages; among them:
   I tend to be a denier. This is not all bad. I tried to avoid the word "painful." I said my knee condition was "annoying." I did not want to believe the condition was (a) irreversible, (b) painful, (c) something that could diminish the quality of my life. The result was that, toward the last, if I walked six blocks in Manhattan, I found it "annoying" enough that I was ready to sit on the curb and wait for a cab.
   
   The only strong feelings I have that might be linked to a religious outlook are of overwhelming gratitude at being favored with such a good life. If people who have been dealt a bad hand--people who suffer, physically or mentally, or are the victims of great tragedy--can manifest real faith, it would be pathetic if I couldn't feel something long that line, considering my fortunate
   circumstances.
   
   About ten years before you were born I interviewed a number of centenarians who participated in a University of Georgia study. They were the cream of the crop, because the study was not about disease and impairment so much as trying to find out what changes there were in healthy people that old. These people, men and women, ranged in age from 102 to 106, and like any other age group, varied widely among themselves. But they had a couple of things in common: not one of them was bitter, or hate-filled, or complaining. I wondered if that had something to do with their longevity. And while they were mentally agile, and in some cases quite sharp, none of them was
   physically robust. You do not reach one hundred (or for that matter, eighty) and embark on a career as a star athlete.

5 comments about Giving Up The Ghost: A Memoir.

1. I love the way Hilary Mantel writes. Her imagery and descriptions are so true, so evocative, sometimes I need to put on a sweater or snuggle deeper into the duvet just to cope. She strings me out and keeps me roped in. I have no other way of expressing just how fine her writing feels to me. When I'm reading her work, I feel that she has tapped into the great reservoir--the man-made basin brimming with pain and suffering, dreams and devils. This book is haunting and grim--yet one identifies so strongly with the author, risk and all.



2. The cover on the hardback edition and the cover on the paperback caught my attention..but you can't judge this book by its cover. I complete dud!!



3. This is a book to be read and re-read; Hilary Mantel's prose is so spare and sharp that at first glance it conceals the depths that unlie her descriptions of events and people throughout her life. The "ghost" takes many forms; her reactions to them become her life. Although she has led a life of hardships and pain, she tells of times of pleasure and inserts wry and very amusing lines as counterpoints to dark and dramatic moments. Women in particular will understand much of what Mantel has been through both physically and emotionally as she wrestles with disease and doctors. I recommend this highly to anyone who has read and enjoyed Mantel's novels.



4. Only one review for this????
   This is the first of hers I've read, but she's wonderful! Small (no denigration there), but wonderful. The details, the juxtapositions, the starkness, the pain, the wonder...



5. This is a hard book to comment on, as it is both excellent and incomplete. As all memoirs- to an extent- probably feel somewhat unfinished, "Giving Up the Ghost," is particularly hard to reflect on with any sense of conclusion. Whether this adds to or detracts from the book's strength changes from day to day after reading it, but the work, and its content, does keep you thinking for a long time afterwards.
   
   It seems that, with the exception of "A Place of Greater Safety," this is a quality shared by her earlier fictional works and, here, her non-fiction. In a few cases, as in "An Experiment in Love," the ending feels abrupt rather than simply inconclusive. This is preceded by a good 200-odd pages of bulldozer honesty, however, and the force of the revelations are only never quite relieved. Her shorter books read most of the way through as if you are being pushed blindly towards a cliff, and are only pushed off in the last few pages. The final paragraphs, then, which seam up an ending, feel like the thoughts you are having on the way down. In theory, the novel would be incomplete, but while they don't feel settled, you never exactly complain that you haven't reached the bottom yet.
   
   "Ghost" is more gradual, even measured. Her insights are both condemning and self-questioning, and the most beautiful writing finds itself where she returns to previous conclusions and reevaluates them. I am probably stupidly young to be applying a critical view to the majority of the book's described experience, but Mantel creates a familiarity with her characters, and herself, that is at once both painful and comforting in its imperfection. Any perceived fault in her writing is never in character development or settling you into their place, but in adhering to the arc defined as "fiction making sense". She seems to stick to a disarming incoherence, which follows and develops with each novel. If her shorter works feel incomplete in themselves, there is continuity between them as a whole. There are great truths, but nothing didactic upon which to hang an definitely instructive ending. This is true in "Ghost," where she gives an honest experience that cannot be constructed into a moral, so there is none made of it. What we do want at the end, though, is a connection between the experiences she presents us with. In "A Place of Greater Safety," the length allowed for a thorough examination of the incongruities within and between characters, which gives a shape to the irresolution. I recommend buying "Ghost", simply because it is a great book, but I found myself here again wishing Mantel's work had been longer.

No comments about In War and Peace (Reminiscence).

2 comments about Pacific War Diary, 1942-1945: The Secret Diary of an American Sailor.

1. I, too, have a copy of the 1963 Avon paperback that I have been lugging all over the country for the past 30+ years. I read this in a high school history class in the early seventies, and immediately realized it was one of the best true war stories I had ever read. I have read my very tattered copy several more times since then, and have enjoyed it more with each reading.
   
   The book is the diary of a young seaman aboard the USS Montpelier during action in the Pacific from 1942 through 1945. He kept the diary a secret because it was against Navy regulations to keep such a document and it was only printed years after the war ended.
   
   Written in the language of a sailor, it is gritty and real. It does, at times become repetitive, but then again, life aboard a ship during the war was just that....days of sheer terror followed by weeks on endless boredom.
   
   Read this book if you want to get a great perspective of the war from a sailors point of view. And, just read it if you want a fantastic read!



2. I was given a beat-up Avon paperback from 1963 and became thoroughly engrossed. Often repetitive but never dull, this day-by-day account by a Seaman First Class of three years of action on a light cruiser in the Pacific afforded me a new appreciation of what my father endured in the same places at the same time. Highly recommended to any American.

No comments about The Widow Down by the Brook (Isis Large Print Nonfiction).