A brilliant achievement and a worthy tribute
582886
Even though this has a five-star rating with more than 280 reviews in, I think it's worth restating what a gem this DVD really is.

The quality of the performances is top-notch, from the brilliant Indian pieces music and the Python segment right through to the efforts of Clapton, McCartney, Petty et al.  The artists were chosen perfectly with all having had real connections to George (there were none of the usual artists who pile on at tribute time).  Clapton gets a free pass through the Pearly Gates for the way he put together the musical components of the show.

The real reason I want to comment on this, though, is the quality of the production.  It's a visual delight.

In an age where rapid-fire editing is absolutely ruining a lot of (most?) concert DVDs, this film gets it right.  The camera work is by no means static, but there's no ADD-induced jumping around either.  Shots are held long enough and there are plenty of perspective shots of the ensemble.  The cameras acknowledge the audience but don't keep coming back to it.  Which means the viewer can savour the concert - musically AND visually - without being distracted by superficial editing nonsense.

In short, it's perfect.  Or it would have been had George made the gig!
4026935
Once again, Katy Endruschat Goebel has produced a veritable masterpiece with another absolutely phenomenal and praiseworthy effort showcasing a very obscure but significant piece of military history--the evolution/role of the of the WAAC in the annals of US Army history along with the official attire thereof. This is an utterly stellar and scholarly body of work containing a plethora of detailed information pertaining to not only the vast array of WAAC uniforms, accessories and accoutrements covered, but a detailed historical account of the formation and progression of the WAAC and their impact on womens equality in the US military. As an air museum curator, author and researcher of military artifacts this book has proven to be a tremendous aid in a subject matter area that is literally piecemeal, fragmented and incomplete with respect to available reference sources. It has also served as a valuable resource in terms of improving our professional edification, museum signage and public presentations, already permitting our staff to accurately identify various items in a WAAC/WAC/WAF footlocker recently donated to the museum.  The subject matter is extremely thorough, well organized and highly educational, featuring even the rarest of the already finite area of WAAC apparel. Mrs. Goebel devoted the first part of the book to the history of the WAAC and their difficult plight/challenges to establish themselves as a viable and effective force along with applicable validating period photos, articles, recruiting ads, etc. The predominant part of the book is dedicated to the multiplicity of the WAAC uniform/accessory compliment (some designs of which withstood the test of time for decades) with descriptive captions and photos of the highest quality.  The book also covers combat issue gear, wear rules, behavioral guidelines, non-military but related WAAC items, etc.  The depth of research, content, details, specificity and presentation achieved is simply unparalleled in comparison with comparable military uniforms/gear reference books making this an essential reference book for almost any military museum, historian, collector veteran or any interested party.
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.
2825127
If one thing defines Frank Zappa it's that he strove for perfection with such single-minded purpose. And, if there's one thing that the life of Frank Zappa highlights it's that perfection is unobtainable. This conclusion in no way negates his achievements, which were phenomenal, but humans make mistakes and these are celebrated in the performance of his music just as much as any other human characteristic. These comments are the first that came into my head when I sat down to write a review of Neil Slavens' admirable effort. There has been some criticism about various inaccuracies in his book and I spotted a few, but for me, this in no way marred the experience and is a very human portrayal of a very remarkable human being.

The best feature of this book, regardless of how you personally may find the style, is that Slaven maintains it consistently throughout. It is comprehensive and well connected and not just hacked together. Since I've finished reading it I've used it many times as a reference and it is particularly useful for locating the timing of certain significant events, such as album releases. Biographers in general make subjective comments about their subjects and here you will find no exception, but Slaven has kept these to a respectable minimum and the book is much more a life story than a critique and leaves readers room to make their own judgements.

Until I read this book, my knowledge of Frank Zappa's life was somewhat fragmented, but after reading it I felt I finally had closure. Electric Don Quixote by Neil Slaven is an unputdownable read and continues to be a useful member of your library after you've finished. Whatever your level of interest in Frank Zappa you should get this book.
852722
Walker Evans' famous gift as a photographer is said to be his ability to erase himself as the creator of the images he captured, but he was there, of course, and made the necessary artistic judgments that distinguish his work.  John T. Hill's masterful book, "Walker Evans:  Lyric Documentary" is, in every way, an apt tribute to Evans' artistry.

Giving us a comprehensive presentation of the best work from Evans' most creative period is valuable enough.  Yet Hill has provided something equally wonderful and useful, by illustrating what Evans called his "aesthetic autobiography."  Using an unpublished lecture at Yale, in which Evans identified works of art, architecture and science he viewed as inspirations for his work, Hill furnishes compelling examples from these artists as visual annotations to Evans' work.

The result is exactly what one would hope for--not a laborious reinterpretation or egotistical "appreciation" of these great photographs, but a vivid presentation of the images themselves in a fashion that invites interest in the background material as an additional reward for the viewer.  "Walker Evans:  Lyric Documentary" is John T. Hill's fifth book on Evans and provides new insights into the work of the legendary photographer, considered by many to be the greatest artist of our time.  This book is a great achievement by Hill, although fittingly, the reader will scarcely notice the skilled editorial hand shaping and ordering these powerful photographs that need little adornment.

Randall Roden
2382527
I have the great honor of counting Larry and his violinist wife Pam as friends. I know them both to be people of tremendous artistic skill and integrity, guided by intellectual curiosity, a rigorous work ethic, and(most of all) a wonderful generosity and warmth of spirit. The Soul of Vietnam is a testament to these qualities, and every page bears witness to Larry's respect for the richness and complexity of a remarkable country, culture, and people. Highly recommended!
4029359
It was with much anticipation that I read the Walking George book. I am among many whose life was touched by this brilliant scholar and leader.

I was always encourage by Dr. Beto to "stay the course" in my efforts to get a Texas Prison Museum started.  He said , "Don't give up. You will get your reward in Heaven."  To which I replied, "Maybe, but how do you know I'll ever get there?"  This book is well written and structurally ( chronological) sound.  What those life-long TDC ( Texas Department of Corrections ) employees get from this book is the political clout Dr. Beto wielded with finesse in accomplishing so much in such a short time. What the regular biography reader will get is a clear tribute to a major force in American penology.  My only fault with this finebook, and it is a minor one, is the section on "Betoisms"-- his great aphoristic jabs- is relegated to a footnote. Be that as it may, this book is a fine tribute to a great man. It should be required reading for all those studying politics and American corrections. With our criminal justice "system" is such chaos, we could use another like him today. Thank you David Horton and George Nielsen for this fine book.
2554971
I  have had the honor of knowing the DeVita family for many years, and have been waiting for the release of The Death of Cancer. It was worth the wait. The joining of the lives and talents of both DeVita authors, bringing to print a life's history of monumental accomplishments,stories, insights
and a teaching bed side manner that has always been part of the DNA of my friend Vincent T. DeVita, Jr., M.D.
Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn, author of The Empty Room (another must read), has brought her wealth of talent to this important project as she has to
everything she has done.

Marc Cherry
4435445
Dr. Ruoff's history of the 26th centennial of the Emperor Jemmu is a triumph of intricate research, fascinating subject matter, and typically brilliant prose. A treat to read, and an important historical work.
3215423
I witnessed Nathanial dedicate four years of his professional life to creating this amazing and important project.  He is to be applauded for amassing such an unbelievably thorough historical accounting of the Bible.  I strongly suggest that Bible Studies Classes all over the world incorporate The Laymans Gospel Harmony in their teachings.  Nathanial offers not only the book, but a fastidiously detailed graphic to hang on a classroom wall that spans over 12 feet or so, which makes a spectacular companion piece for the book.  It takes a special individual to dedicate himself to such an important academic and theological journey, see it through, and to have created this masterpiece.  -p
2415705
Adding one more voice of praise to Suskind's writing and bravery in opening their family's 'private' life to the world, I want to rave about this book. The journey with their youngest son's autism is a remarkable one full of heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. What the Suskind family has shared is the strength it takes, the non-stop dedication required, and the combination of intelligence and observance with innovation and creativity that was required to help reach their child. They have also shared some touching, one horrendous and a few quite humorous events along their journey.

The staggering increase in the prevalence of autism and Asperger syndrome is also shared leaving the reader to wonder if this may be just one of many 'user generated content' resources that need to arise to help the ever-increasing number of families. If so, this one - written by such a talented writer who benefitted from the record-keeping and support of his child and family - is sure to make it a benchmark.
672773
Finally, the ultimate Diana Ross book has been published. Kudos to UK author Ian Phillips for this wonderful tribute to the artistry of Diana Ross. Far more than a mere coffee-table book of photographs (although some of the photos in this book are truly stunning), this hard cover oversize book presents a well-researched and well-written discography that really does justice to its subject. Well worth a place on the shelf of any serious Motown collector and fan -- and who doesn't fit that category? Highly recommended.  I had the honor of being the publicist for the Supremes at Motown, and I give this book my full and complete endorsement.
1725399
The Landmark series has set a very high standard for excellence in the area of editions of ancient authors. In my opinion, this volume of Caesar's work edited by noted ancient historian Kurt Raaflaub raises an already very high bar.  The volume is worth the (relatively modest) price simply for the introductory essay and the superb maps, but what readers get in addition is a veritable cultural history of the late Roman Republic through the copious and judicious notes, photographs, and explanatory material after the texts.  The amount of detail on individuals alone is simply stunning.  And let's not forget the text itself.  Raaflaub's translations are clear and compelling, and the decision to include all of Caesar's commentaries as well as those frequently published or grouped with them (but not by Caesar himself) was excellent.  The book taken as a whole--even leaving aside the superb essays by numerous, eminent scholars of Roman history available at the related website--may very well mark a new era (and a renaissance) in the study of Caesar.  Through this volume, students and scholars alike may very well come to realize that Caesar's life, works, and the socio-political world he inhabited form one of the most interesting and valuable periods in European history. I feel some pity for any ancient historian who plans to tackle a Landmark volume after Raaflaub.
1753268
Gould's final magnum opus stands as a great tribute to a great man. Not his most readable book, but as an academic book it stands head and shoulders above most such works (including his own Ontogeny and Phylogeny). Yes, not everything he says is right, but he states his opinions clearly and forcefully, demonstrating yet again the breadth of his knowlledge and understanding. The world is a poorer place without Steve Gould
157826
All the superlatives heaped on this book--"monumental," "brilliant, masterpiece", "engrossing," "extraordinary"--are certainly well deserved. Written by the Canadian author, anthropologist and photographer, Wade Davis, this work chronicles the British expeditions of 1921, '22 and '24 to conquer Mount Everest. The tale centers on George Mallory, the greatest UK mountaineer of his time and the only climber involved in all three expeditions, who fell to his death during the last attempt. But the book is much more than a climbing story. Along with fascinating biographies of the major figures involved in these expeditions, Davis explores in vivid detail the effects of World War I on the soul of these men and their nation in general. Most members of the climbing parties were survivors of horrific trench warfare. Davis shows how the effort to scale the world's highest mountain was partly an effort to heal England's war wounds. If anything, however, the story's inherent drama suffers from being too comprehensive. The climbing efforts were truly like complex military actions and at certain points it is easy for the reader to become lost in the many names and probes and features of landscape. Davis's research was thorough and he obviously didn't want to waste any of it. This will not be the last book written on Everest and Mallory, but it will remain a classic. It ends poignantly with the 1999 discovery of Mallory's body and the enduring enigma of whether he actually reached the top.
3432457
A monumental achievement in meticulous research, writing, and story telling.....and about so much more than an epic feat in engineering.
641099
In this remarkable tour de force, Dr. Zuroff unfolds the efforts of Orthodox Jewry in the United States to save elements of Eastern European Jewry during the dark years of the Holocaust. With skill, precision and not a small amount of empathy tempered by criticism and keen historical judgement, the author examines the successes and failures of the 'Vaad Hatzalah.'  Zuroff's achievement is daunting on several counts. First, the integration of written, archival and oral testimony into a critically valid narrative is a singular achievement, per se, and one not sufficiently noted in the publicity surrounding the book at the time of its publication.  Second, Zuroff's palpable  commitment to truth and his passionate connection to the Holocaust and its victims lead him to approach his subject (ironically) with the dispassion of the historian. The result is that despite his being an Orthodox Jew himself, he does not allow sentiment to blind his judgement and portrays both the achievements and failures, selfless sacrifice and selfish short-sightedness which characterized the Vaad Hatzalah at various times. This unique vantage point is a refreshing break from the politicized hagiography of the Holocaust which is regnant in the Orthodox Jewish community.  Finally, Zuroff's account is touching in that it makes it patently clear what type of impossible situation the leaders of American (and World) Jewry were, during the Dark years of World War II.  Zuroff's book is a MUST read for anyone wishing to obtain a unique insight into a period impenetrable in its difficulty.