A Glowing Tribute to a Mighty Nation
356225
"We live in a land of shining cities and natural splendors, a beautiful land made more beautiful still by our commitment to freedom. I wrote this book because I want my grandchildren to...know they are part of a nation whose citizens enjoy liberty and opportunity such as have never been known before." So says Lynne Cheney in America: A Patriotic Primer.

America is an enormously complex topic to cover, but Cheney does an admirable job. Using an alphabet format ("E is for Equality), the author manages to cover a lot of ground and do it well. Children will read about concepts such as tolerance and freedom; about leaders, from Native Americans, Founders Fathers and suffragettes to presidents and Martin Luther King; and about important places, such as Ellis Island and Yorktown. The "Concluding Notes" provide more in-depth information about the people and events mentioned, and even the Bill of Rights. Mrs. Cheney hopes not only that children will enjoy it themselves, but also "that it will most often be read and discussed by parents and children together."

Robin Preiss Glasser's illustrations and border drawings are a treat. Fascinating in themselves, they keep discrete pieces of information clearly separate, yet bring a cohesiveness to the book.

[...]
3064344
"The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" is a magnificent film!

Fully restored in its Technicolor glory, this movie by Powell and Pressburger (who also brought us "Black Narcissus' and "The Red Shoes") portrays forty years in the life of a British officer, Clive Wynne-Candy (Roger Livesey), who in the enthusiasm of youth rushes off to Berlin (against orders) to save the reputation of Britain, which is being maligned by a dastardly double agent. During the adventure, which lands Wynne-Candy in the midst of what promises to be an international incident, he meets a lovely governess (Deborah Kerr in one of three roles in the film). He also meets Theodore Kretschmar-Schuldorff (The magnetic Anton Walbrook--who played the sinister ballet impresario, Lermontoff, in "The Red Shoes") over sabers at dawn. After drawing blood, the two adversaries become friends for life, despite two wars.

Criterion Collection has knocked itself out to produce this beautifully restored DVD. The colors are crisp and clean. The production team has also provided English subtitles for those for whom the accents might prove difficult to understand (although the diction of the actors is splendid). The film comes with a commentary by director Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese, as well as a really informative documentary with Stephen Fry that is more than the self-promoting puffery that accompanies so many DVDs nowadays. The extras present fascinating facts about how Winston Churchill tried to ban the film from being shown in Britain and from being exported. There is also a feature depicting David Low's "Colonel Blimp Cartoons" that usually begin with the walrus-mustached Colonel pontificating: "Gad! Squiffy Harbottle [or some such notable] is right! We have to bring peace to the inhabitants of Lower Waq-Waq Land, even if we have to wipe out every last one of the blighters to get it!"

On one level, the movie is about the inability of some of the twentieth-century British military establishment to abandon the gentlemanly Public School rules of fair play in an era in which the Nazis had not only made up their own rules which they kept changing, but had also thrown away the rule book.

The performances are simply top-drawer, but for my money, Anton Walbrook runs away with the film. Walbrook is such a master of his craft that he can sit motionless in his chair and evoke powerful feelings in the viewer by only a subtle modulation of his voice. Walbrook's performance is both powerful and effortless.

And if "Colonel Blimp" seems a bit old fashioned, well it is! They simply don't make fine movies like this any more.
759804
Great reproduction of true events. It is a shame that my generation hasn't any appreciation of what our forefathers went through so that we could experience the freedom that we have now. God Bless America and God Bless the MEN that endured the hard and sorrowful road that has lead us to our luxuries that we have today!!! Psalm 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Thank you for making this movie. It has helped me to appreciate the smaller things just a little bit more. Next I think I will buy the book. Then watch the movie once again!!!
  God Bless Americas Brave and Loyal Soldiers

  Sincerely, Emily From Texas
47713
Viva Mr. Mandela by Jomarie Dick: A celebration in words and pictures
I learned so much in this excellent biography, modern history book. The eye-catching layout of each page helps readers, young and old, to grasp facts quickly and remember easily. With many photos of the historical people and places the text tells about, I grasped a pretty complete understanding of the South African country before, during, and after Aparteid and the major role Nelson Mandela played in leading South Africa to a much better equality for all races, sexes, and religions. Like any country which has gone through drastic changes in the past century, the struggles are never completed, but the unity of the nation Mr. Mandela's persistence and fearlessness and brave leadership helped to mold are a lasting tribute to this incredible Nobel Prize winner and first democratically elected President of South Africa.
1179795
Lovely graphics. Depicts a tumultuous time in history in a way that will inform a child without overwhelming them. A beautiful tribute to one of the true heroes of history.
3454547
This copy is an excellent example of what this magazine puts out all the time.  I miss my subscription but had to give up for fiscal reasons.  The pictures and articles are excellent and a wonderful souvenir of this historic event.  Even the ads are helpful to order souvenirs of all types and prices.
2389869
This is indeed a visual journey as described. Any Patriotic American will enjoy this coffee table book. Any WWII Vet will cherish it and these pictures might get them to share their own experiences. I'm in awe of these Hero's and the people who made this day possible for them from water cannon salutes to meeting schoolchildren at airports it's emotional and wonderful!  It's awesone that sales of this book benefits such a worthy cause.
3700203
This is not another A-to-Z biography---but such details are  seamlessly woven into the story of this charming woman as she steps with calm yet determined certainty through her debutante years to her job as a newspaper photographer and from there to a Senator's and President's wife.  She carried everywhere she moved her literary and artistic poise and charm, and her life-long thirst for knowledge, all of which influenced this nation and indeed the entire world.

The Hellers present a portrait of an unabashadely independant woman intent on supporting the country and the man she loved, and in doing so leaving her impression everywhere.  And even in the darkest days of her young life, her dignified restraint and absolute self-assurance sustained others even as they sought to comfort her.

This book is important, though, because of WHEN it was originally written---just as Kennedy entered the White House.  It expresses all the hopes and dreams of a new First Lady, and chronicles her successful attempts to bring art, culture and music to the executive mansion, to restore it to glory and to bring its vision closer to the American people. It takes us to all of the interesting places and peoples she visited on behalf of the United States and witnesses with her their wild and excited reactions to her sense of style, fashion and beauty.

This book was published almost immediately after JFK's death to include brief details of his assassination and Oswald's murder, and to reflect on the quiet dignity of his widow in facing challenges few if any of us can even begin to imagine.

A warm and touching tribute to a wonderful woman.
137582
This book was filled with rich details of the trials and achievements for newly formed United States. Of America.  It is a tribute to the brave men whom gave their entire lives in service to their country.
4034681
Truly a loving memorial to a spectacular human being.  Such devotion by a spouse and children is the stuff of legends, and reading this book is a tribute to the power of love! Through the tears, there is still joy in knowing that the relationships natured by Harry will endure.  I strongly recommend "Unwashed Radishes" if you are looking for a book that will inspire you to work on the relationships that mean the most to you, and to vicariously feel the power of a beautiful love story.
2837598
Anyone who loves the knowledge of Almighty God's Providence in establishing and nurturing a Sanctified People can appreciate that Russian history has included many who pleased our Creator and Father and King. The fall of Tsarist Russia can be understood clearly by many of the behaviors chronicled in Tolstoy's classic story; debauchery and dysfunctional irreligiosity in the intelligentsia was a favorite theme of 19th century Russian literature. But there is something far more important than the tails side of the coin . . . on the upside a few of us are moved so deeply by the beauty of a society where an ecclesiastical knowledge of God is a dominant force among millions of people. The distinctive of Russian heritage is so profoundly revealed by characters in War and Peace whose maturation, dignity and sense of nobility is illustrated in a beauty that leaves one awestruck. This film starring Poesy and Boni and Beyer is a collage of thousands of beautiful, beautiful portraits with music of the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, with much of the presentation filmed on location in Russia. This 2007 presentation is a glimpse of the splendor of a future that will be the way of life for Russia's resurrected and restored saints (Revelation 7:9), and for so many others who will join them. This is a MUST SEE film for all who understand the Monarchy of God as King of this Universe, and for all who empathize deeply with a planet tormented by the failings of weak and sinful people. AMEN.
1924489
A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA AND A FREE TRIP TO OTHER COUNTRIES. UTTERLY CHARMING
AND HEART-WARMING. AND ILLUMINATING. ALL HISTORY TEACHERS SHOULD SHOW THIS
TO THEIR CLASSES!
2707632
I did NOT purchase this from Amazon because a low priced edition is available in my country.

Sudha Shah, If you are reading this, I want you to know that you should be very proud of your work.

Until I read this book, I was of the opinion that only Bill Darlymple was capable of presenting history the way it was meant to be presented. Sudha Shah has joined this league now.

Sudha Shah's treatise gives a vivid account of Burmeese history spanning from late 19th century through mid 20th century with focus on final years of Thibaw as a ruler and years in exile. English wanted him to live comfortably albeit obscurely. Sudha also covers in this book the lives of Thibaw's daughters. The eldest died in penury in India while the others either relocated to Burma a few years after the king's death or chose to settle down in eastern India. In any case, their glorious past before the exile remained a distant memory and they were never able to recaptutre the glory and prestige that was rightfully theirs.

Thibaw's life is a chilling reminder of impermanence nature of life and our delusioned view of our accomplishments and possessions. It is as poignant as the life and times of Bahadur Shah Zafar, last Mogul emperor of undivided India.

Incidentally, British banished Zafar to Burma after Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 while Thibaw was banished to India in 1885.
1614509
Clevelands Finest does a masterful job of illuminating the prized heroes of Clevelands past-  both through the illustrious and difficult times. While the city has endured its share of hardships, McKees work reminds readers not to forget the immense talent that his precious hometown has produced and even more paramount- the undying loyalty of the Cleveland fans. McKee takes us through the journeys of all the teams a Cleveland die-hard could ask for, ranging from the Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers to even the Crunch and Freeze. He thoroughly explains how their experiences were made richer by the support of the ardent fan base. Replete with exclusive and candid interviews, I couldn't keep my eyes off the chapter discussing the Tribe squads of the mid 90s that featured two hall of famers and five others that could make a legitimate case for Cooperstown. Readers gain an in depth look into this dizzying compilation of stars and how they were able to re-capture the magic they had developed in their 100-44 strike-shortened 95 season all over again in 1997. All in all, McKee creates a literary work that will not only resonate with its hometown readers but will also provide sports fans from other areas of the country with a deeper appreciation of this rich citys colorful sports past. While its been nearly seven decades since Cleveland was affectionately deemed the City of Champions, their perpetually optimistic fans could care less. As celebrated Cleveland sports radio host Aaron Goldhammer poignantly says in the book, Every year on the first day of spring training, we have people talking World Series.
467866
I got this book from Amazon (and was thrilled to get a copy as high up as number 216!) because I wanted my kids to have a way of remembering one of mankind's greatest accomplishments. Its hard to believe that it is now over 40 years since we went to the moon, and have yet to go any further. It is also hard to imagine us doing anything like that today, which makes it all the more important to remember what this country was once capable of. This book is a magnificent tribute to the entire Apollo program. The book is immense in size and weight and extremely well made. The photos are outstanding and particularly well printed, the paper is very heavy stock and the book is superbly bound with needle and thread. The plastic box that the book is placed in may be a bit of a gimmick, but it does make it stand out. The icing on the cake is the accompanying framed photo, one of the most famous of all time. It is so well reproduced that it seems to glow, and having it signed by Buzz Aldrin makes it something special. It is great to be able to tell my kids that the person standing on the moon in the photo is the same person who signed the picture on the back "just for them". Given that this edition is limited to just 1957 copies and that Amazon discounts it by 20%, this is a remarkable bargain. I highly, highly recommend it. Grab it while it is still available.
2835735
Susan Moss Jenkins has written and illustrated a remarkable tribute to her great-grandmother, Lottie Jones, with
the creation of The Mountain Queen A Journey to the Great King.  The book is exquisite in artistic expression
interwoven with elegant passages that will tug at your heartstrings.  What a wonderful way to honor Lottie and
continue her legacy to the present generation.  Well done, Susan!  I have also had the privilege of enjoying a CD
sung by Lottie's granddaughter, Sylvia Jones Taylor, which reflects on Lottie Jones' wonderful and influential life.  The
name of the CD is Pass it Along and it is magnificent.  Thirdly, one of Lottie Jones' grandsons, Cleveland Jones
has written a bestselling novel, The Firescalds Road to the Sky which clearly demonstrates the significant and
far-reaching impact that Lottie had on the entire family.  You won't be able to put The Firescalds down until you
have read to the very last page. Congratulations to Susan, Sylvia and Cleveland for their creative efforts in
celebrating and perpetuating the marvelous life of Lottie Jones.
2064054
I would rate it in my top ten books to read its like reading your family history it will only mean something to you or a person who is connected to the legendary 69th. I as an Irishman living in Ireland feel so proud of this unit and there proud history, I go to work in the Irish parliament and stand within feet of battle honours presented by JFK to a new nation in 1963 and I think as a country that didn't win them in battle but were given to Ireland in recognition of the Irish who fought for another country and never lay claim to that country bar only to live in it . I feel very honoured we might have not had our freedom but these men would a great sacrifice was given for which I feel very proud. I could write more but read enjoy be proud New York the Irish fighting fires fighting and fighting wars are here.sleep easy