No comments about JUDGE HARLEY AND HIS BOYS.

2 comments about Historia Viva (Living History).

1. Aunque ella ha perdido la elecccion de 2008 todavia es buena historia de su vida, especialmente 1992 - 2000 con su esposo, el presidente Bill Clinton.



2. De Hillary solo tenía las ideas preconcebidas que habilmente la prensa ha dejado filtrar; una mujer inteligente, pero fría y calculadora. Con esta autobiografía he podido comprobar que ella es mucho más que eso, es incluso una persona que ha realizado en su vida lo que varias. A pesar de ser una persona eminentemente política, es en el buen sentido de la palabra, el de trabajar para los demás, de tener metas y lograr cambios. Me enorgullece pertener a su mismo género.

5 comments about Churchill: Wanted Dead or Alive.

1. The author, Celia Sandys, is the subject's granddaughter. As such, she had access to papers, people, and places that few individuals have. She presents a view of the early Churchill (age 20-25) that gives one an objective glimpse of his early life, ambitions, and personality. She has done much field research by access to original papers, actual locations, and descendants of those who knew Churchill in his early 20s. Much of her research is centered in South Africa where the young Churchill had a yen for being where the action was in the Boer War, and having an inordinate amount of luck escaping death and danger. Additionally, she gives detailed maps of his movements, and tries to bridle some of his self-sustaining writings that could not be independently verified. This work should give any reader an understanding that Churchill's early years were a prelude to his more famous leadership role during the dark days of World War II. An excellent read.



2. This is the first book that I have ever read about Churchill, so I was very surprised to read example after example of his arrogance and his "at all times" sense of entitlement. His granddaughter (an obviously biased author) recited many of Churchill's actions during the Boer War as examples of his bravery and courage. I, however, interpreted these actions in quite a different manner. One example of Churchill's "bravery" was when his train was ambushed by Boer troops. The author described his behavior as brave and heroic, whereas I viewed his actions as a very calculated tactic for self-advacement. In fact, it was Churchill's fault that the train went so far into Boer territory in the first place--he wanted more information for his newspaper, and his subsequent actions only put the British troops in more danger. The book was also not well written or organized; it reminded me of reading a high school book report.



3. This time last year, appropriately enough, I was reading this book of Churchill's epic escape from the States Model School in Pretoria, an event that had happened 100 years earlier to the very day.The 12 December 1999 was also a day in which I lost a friend in a road accident, thus, the centennial anniversary date becomes etched with the personal. Churchill was clearly a larger-than-life figure all of his life as his grandaughter and author Celia Sandys clearly shows in this historical work in which she followed in his footsteps, visiting campsites, battlefields etc and speaking to descendants of friends and foes alike. Contrary to the assertions of some other reviewers it is a well written and enjoyable book. Some of the interesting vignettes include the detective work the author did on tracking down the gold watches that Churchill had sent to various people for their assistance in his escape from the Boers (or Afrikaners as they are known today). At the time of publication Mrs Sandys had located 6 of the 8 watches. Mrs Sandys is not afraid to challenge Churchill's assertions that he was captured by Gen. Louis Botha himself (later the Union's first Prime Minister, 1910-19)and she rightly dismisses talk that there was ever a romantic entanglement with Helen Botha , the General's daughter. The author is partly correct when she records that Churchill's "huge political ambitions demanded a wife who would be a political asset..." However, that would cut both ways, something Helen Botha alluded to 60 years later when she said it was unlikely that she could fall for him as she was "a Transvaaler." Her father and Churchill may have "got along famously" but it is the author who is disingenous, not Helen Botha, in considering that a personal political rapport could see the leader of the Afrikaner volk, or a member of his family, contemplate such a marriage -particularly after the deaths of some 26,000 Boer women and children in the world's first concentration camps - British concentration camps. Nevertheless, this is a good read about a remarkable soldier-stateman in his younger days. Enjoy.



4. This book presents several interesting vignettes relating to Churchill's life and activities during the South African "Boer" war, but overall I was disappointed, and finished wanting more. Overall, I thought this was rather superficial, and I didn't feel as tho I had gained any substantial insight into the life of one of the giants of the late 19th/early 20th century.



5. I am a great admirer of Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, and so being I read nearly every book that is published. As I write this Mr. Churchill was on the cover of one of our National Magazines last week, and the title was "The Last Hero". A man who is completing another biography of Mr. Churchill's life wrote the story inside.

   A book by his Granddaughter Celia Sandys could be easily dismissed as a biased treatment, a work lacking objectivity. I believe The Authoress did a remarkable job of adding to the Historical Record without being a revisionist in her Grandfather's favor or to his detriment.

   I have read Churchill's own accounts of the adventures contained in this book, and many other books written about this amazing story and I still would recommend it be added to any existing collection of Churchill books.

   Mrs. Sandys manages to bring to light new bits of information that at times reinforce the contemporary accounts, and at other moments confirm what might have been an Historical Embellishment passed down through the years. She portrays her Grandfather with candor, and shares the information she collected while reconstructing herself the trip that her Grandfather made so many years ago.

   Sir Winston Spencer Churchill M.P. has already taken his place in History. He was a man who seemed to know what destiny held for him, and also what History would say. He once said, "I know how History will remember me, as I shall write it." He once described the human race in the following terms, "We are all worms, but I believe I am a glow worm."

   A well written, balanced account of a small part of a life that was full of momentous moments. Mr. Churchill is unique as he is not just part of our History, he is History. That he is still quoted almost daily, new books continue to be written, and a College is to be built confirm this is true.

   When confronted with "if you were my Husband I would put poison in your soup", the retort, "if you were my wife I would eat it." Oh to be at that dinner.

   Thank you Mrs. Sandys.

1 comments about Patriots and Tyrants.

1. The authors take ten Asian leaders from five countries (China, Indonesia, India, Cambodia and Vietnam)and studies their lives and their leadership qualities. After a wonderful introduction of each country the authors attempt to answer such questions as: What motivates people? Is their an "Asian" way to lead? What makes a leader good or bad? Often in each country they take leaders of opposite viewpoints such as Diem and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. Diem was the Anti-Communist leader of South Vietnam and Minh was the communist leader of North Vietnam. The book also looks into why people follow certain brutal leaders such as Mao and Pol Pot. It looks at the establishing of personality cults and how the leader used that to his advantage.

No comments about Buckeye Presidents: Ohioans in the White House.

No comments about Lincoln, Master Of Men: A Study In Character.

4 comments about Che for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book.).

1. This is an excellent summary of Che Guevarra's life, but this book is "NOT AVAILABLE." "Chomsky for Beginners" another book about a controversial man is also "NOT AVAILABLE. This is my experience that AMAZON.COM has been starting to stop distributing many books that are too much to the Left on the spectrum of "American Politics." Maybe it's the time for me to start supporting the independent book stores and stop buying at AMAZON.COM



2. This book is okay for its size; It inspired me to check out a copy of _Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life_ by John Anderson from my local library. There are several good "Che" bios out there, I think...I'd like to learn more about which biographies are considered the best among historical scholars; I appreciated the other reviewer who pointed out innaccuracies, etc...I also noticed the aforementioned date error of Che's debacle in Bolivia and knew it had to be the 6os not the 50s, etc. I would like to learn more about this flamboyant Argentenian (and Cuban hero)...I am a leftist but only really discovered Guevara when I started learning the Spanish language.



3. Although "Che for Beginners" is published in a comic book format, that shouldn't relegate its content to fiction and historical inaccuaracies. In a positive light, the book does provide a (very) basic grounding in the story of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, which may be a good starting point for the uninitiated. As line drawings go, the artwork is great for helping the reader to visualize the story. However, I think a little more research and attention to detail could have been applied to make this book more accurate and informative. To cite a couple of examples: Page 9 gives the date of Che's capture in Bolivia as October 8, 1957 (actual date 1967), and page 19 provides his birthdate as June 14, 1928. Now as his birth certificate does indeed indicate June 14 as his date of birth, he was actually born on May 14, but in order to remove any stigma attached to the fact that his mother was pregnant before she and his father were married, the birth certificate! was falsified. These are the types of historical inaccuracies that indicate a lack of research and attention to detail that greatly detract from this book's ability to inform the reader. There are other inaccuracies as well. In summary, I would recommend this book as a starting point for a young person but would definitely not recommend it for the serious student or knowledgable reader.



4. This is a great place to start if you want to know more about Guevara, Cuban politics, or Communism in Latin America. This book gives insight into Guevara's life with respect to changes in world politics during his lifetime.

No comments about John Clarke (1609-1676).

No comments about From Father to Son: A Private Life in the Public Eye.

5 comments about Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life (History & Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln).

1. Book is true of facts and shows the true Abraham Lincoln. One of the best books on honest Abe. Takes you back to a time long passed and puts you in the mind of one of the true patriots of America.



2. I had long wanted to own a hardcover edition of Herndon's famous book on Abraham Lincoln and the purchase of this one by Digital Scanning, Inc. fulfilled my desire perfectly.
   
   Everyone with a serious interest in Mr. Lincoln's life should read this book. Originally published in 1888, it is one of the main starting points for all subsequent works devoted to understanding this complex man. It remains a great book for reading after all of these years.



3. With a certain group of American historians, largely those concerned with preserving images of America's founders and luminaries as saintly figures in white plaster togas, this book remains controversial.
   
   In fact, it is perhaps the greatest biography of an American historical figure ever written. It is recommended highly to all lovers of good biography. It is indispensible to serious students of American history.
   
   The official defenders of America's Civic Religion dislike this book because it captures some raw and awkward aspects of Lincoln, but Lincoln was rather raw and awkward and self-taught. It is the rise of such a man to such heights, plus his great natural eloquence, that make Lincoln remarkable.
   
   Such historians love to cite this or that relatively insignificant error (in a 500-page book replete with details) to discredit Herndon, but Herndon's own detail and sense of honesty make him the best argument against such foolishness.
   
   No one was better qualified than Herndon to record the life of Lincoln, having been his friend and business partner for many years. Herndon also conscientiously compiled a large archive of letters and memorials after Lincoln's death.
   
   Herndon focuses on the personal Lincoln, and it is especially his observations about Lincoln's religious skepticism and family life that so disturb those who would have Lincoln embalmed like Lenin. Herndon gives us a vivid Lincoln, and if you like good biography, you will be impressed. The book was clearly a labor of love, and that fact still comes through more than a century after it was written.



4. You know its funny to be writing a review about a book that was written so long ago, but I think this review may help encourage others who haven't already been acquainted with this wonderful book to take a look at it. It offers a very human view of Lincoln before he became the president of the United States. I agree with the fact that it doesn't reveal a lot about the civil war, but you know what, that was the authors intention. William Herndon, Lincoln's Law partner for about 20 years, knew that other people were going to focus on the war years far better than he could (Like John Hay and John Nicolay who worked for Lincoln in the White House) therefore, his focus is to reveal Lincoln as he was as a young man, but mostly during his years living in springfield, illinois. Its really quite entertaining, and at times comical to read how quirky he was back in those days. Sure, Herndon has been criticized about his biography over the past 100 plus years its been out in circulation, particularly his whole take on the Ann Rutledge affair and attitude on Mary Todd Lincoln. Regardless of that, I think he honestly attempts to provide an accurate portrayal of Lincoln without holding back any details. He wants to reveal Lincoln the way he viewed the man through his own eyes--as an ordinary man who had faults like anybody else--who went through tough, turbulent, and dark times--had a sense of humor--had insecurities--but in the end remained an honest to goodness human being who struggled to make his mark in this world. Trust me folks, this is a fascinating read. You will have a difficult time trying to stop reading.



5. There are, it is said, more books about Lincoln than there are about anybody but Jesus. Every man setting out to write about Lincoln has an idea of him, a shadow to look for Lincoln in and the huge weight of tradition and history on his back while writing. Even Nicolay and Hay, his secretaries, and authors of the voluminous collected papers which are probably the best source on the Presidency, only knew the man in office, once he had enfolded himself, if you will, inside his great ambition. Herndon knew the man. He shared his office with him, a law practise which consisted of Lincoln throwing the case notes and money into his hat before putting it on to his head, and splitting all the money down the middle. Herndon also went around talking to everyone who knew Lincoln while he was alive before they died.

   There are flaws to this book. Herndon drank, so Lincoln didn't take him to Washington with him. This book tells you nothing about the war, about Lincoln's policies, or even a great deal about Lincoln's debates with Douglas, say. But. And it is a great but. This is the only book that gives you a smell of the goofy, tall, funny, awkward, galumphing and generally likeable oddball that emerged as the greatest leader this country ever had. This is the only book I would advise an actor to read if he was going to undertake to play Abe Lincoln. All the other books describe a monument. This one describes a man who went on dates, told dirty jokes and had a funny way of laying his legs across the desk and reading upside down. The rest is second hand.