History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Smithsonian Handbooks: Reptiles and Amphibians (Smithsonian Handbooks)

Average customer rating:

a useful book
One great book.

Smithsonian Handbooks: Reptiles and Amphibians (Smithsonian Handbooks)
Tim Halliday , and Mark O'Shea
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0789493934

Book Description

The most accessible recognition guides. A systematic approach, authoritative text, and clear photographs make the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians the most comprehensive and easy--to--use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily. Expertly written, each entry combines a precise description with fully annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key. Each entry in the Smithsonian Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians is accompanied by a map showing the geographical distribution of the species while the text and color--coded bands give the internationally accepted scientific name and provide at--a--glance information on size, diet, habitat, reproduction, and population status. A concise glossary explains all technical and scientific terms used in the book.

Customer Reviews:

a useful book.......2002-06-13

I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived.
A good book to bring for travelling.

One great book........2001-01-21

Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures. From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection. There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world.

Average customer rating:

Fun to read
For Those Who Love Books Inside and Out...
A bookworm's delight
Just How Special Books Were

The Smithsonian Book of Books
Michael Olmert
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Industry | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Publishing & Books | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0517147254
Release Date: 1995-08-07

Book Description

A feast for book lovers. (Publishers Weekly)

Customer Reviews:

Fun to read.......2007-09-06

I had been assigned this book for a college course on (duh) the history of books. Before the semester had started, I had actually read the entire book, really geeky yes, but it was a wonderful book! It was engaging and full of images. It made me forget that I was actually learning something! I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

For Those Who Love Books Inside and Out..........2007-01-22

This book is indispensible for any book lover who not only enjoys the contents of books but also gets a charge from simply being in the company of books.

Though, at times, the author's opinion shines through and the topic matter can be somewhat dry (the history of fonts - yawn), it is generally an excellent, interesting and informative discussion of the life of the book.

The reader is led on a journey that begins in a time documented on material plucked from mother earth and ends with a dicussion of the modern book business. Along the way the reader is treated to hundreds of tidbits about the materials, fonts, type, inks, presses, people, processes and works that were instrumental in the evolution of the book into it's modern form.

In addition, the real payoff is the inclusion of hundreds of beautiful and informative pictures and illustrations supporting the topic matter. The reader is richly rewarded with pictures of important books and people as well as many representations of covers, pages and detail from important books past and present.

Will the average book reader be interested in reading this book? Doubtful. Most will likely just thumb through the pages and look at the grapics. Will the average book lover be interested in reading this book? Absolutely - It's an excellent resource for anyone who loves books as much for what's inside as well as what's outside.

A bookworm's delight.......2004-04-09

Gorgeously illustrated with pictures from library collections all over the world, "The Smithsonian Book of Books" is a bibliophile's paradise. As Michael Olmert shows us, books became one of the world's most powerful means of disseminating information and entertainment. Can anybody imagine life without books?

We learn how books developed from the papyrus and parchment rolls of the Egyptians and Greeks to the Roman codex, which transformed the book into the shape we know today, and how "people of the Book" -- Christians, Jews and Muslims, produced glorious volumes meant to teach the word of God. But these masterpieces were made by hand, every word and every stitch; they weren't for the the great unwashed masses. The Middle Ages, with their gloriously illuminated religious tomes sandwiched between jeweled covers that were worth a prince's ransom, turned out books that were museum pieces; some more famous examples of illumination were the "Tres Riches Heures of Jean Duc of Berry", and the Irish "Book of Kells". The spread of handwritten books for keeping accounts made possible the development and spread of commerce during the Renaissance. But the Gutenberg revolution, the development of movable type, brought books down from the rarefied atmosphere of prized possessions for the rich alone, and made books and the dissemination of knowledge and information available to everyone.

Olmert relates in detail how books were made, the development of different typefaces, and writes two fascinating chapters on the crafts of bookmaking and bookbinding. There are also chapters on the role of illustration in books by etching and engraving as well as drawing and painting, and how illustrations in texts were used to teach as well as embellish. There's a nice chapter on children's books and how picture books progressed from the woodcuts of the 17th century to "Where the Wild Things Are" in our own time. And a whole chapter is devoted to what Olmert considers the most important book ever written, and no, it's not the Bible -- it's the dictionary.

Olmert ends with the observation of the timeless of books. There is no "sell-by" date on any book, he tell us, because every book can tell future generations something about us. In a way, we are the sum of what we read.

Books are so much a part of life now that they are available to everyone everywhere, from rare book sellers to the online supermarket to the corner newspaper store, and at every price from zillions of dollars for museum masterpieces to a few dollars for throwaway paperbacks. Only one kind of book is missing from this excellent volume and that is the development of the e-book. Olmert may not have seen it coming, as his book was published in 1992, but it's hard to see how scrolling through e-books will ever replace the fun of turning pages. How, on a rainy day, does one curl up with an e-book?

Just How Special Books Were.......2000-09-21

The contemporary books we buy today fill many categories, and while they may be special for a variety of reasons, their mass production that condemns them to a comparatively brief life, also is the cause of how visually dismal they are.

There are some small private presses that still produce books as artisans, some even completely by hand, but the product is often well beyond the budgets of all but affluent collectors. Reading a work by Dickens is undeniably a thrill, but even Dickens believed his books were enhanced with imagery, so artists were part of his books, fellow craftsmen he chose to compliment his tales.

This book by Michael Olmert is for people who love books for not just what they contain, but the manner in which they were presented. Mr. Olmert also provides a very readable history of books from long before Guttenberg printed his Bible, from a time when a book was done by hand, every letter, every stitch.

This book presents some of the greatest rarities that have been preserved, so while you may covet a Book Of Hours, A Book Of Kells, or an illuminated page that rivals the art placed on canvas, your savings are safe. This is "The Smithsonian Book Of Books" so nobody can take any of these treasures home.

Book Description

When Leonard Fisher claims that the Smithsonian and all its museums belong to him, Washington D.C. goes into an uproar. KC Corcoran and her best friend Marshall have a feeling that there is something fishy about Fisher. But if they are wrong, the United States may lose the Smithsonian forever!

Customer Reviews:

You should read this book!.......2007-07-30

The Skeleton in the Smithsonian is an exciting book to read because KC and Marshall have to solve lots of clues to save the Smithsonian. I like it when the kids figure out Leonard Fisher's real job because it leads them to the real skeleton. This book has a lot of action!

Great book.....great series.......2007-05-05

My two daughters ages 9 and 7 absolutely love the Capital Mysteries series including this book. We were surprised that we weren't able to find them in the shelves in any bookstore along side their other favorites like A to Z Mysteries,

Best Capital Mystery yet!!!.......2003-11-10

This book is the third in the Capital Mysteries series. K.C. and her friend Marshal go to dinner with the president and find out that someone claims to be in heir to James Smithson. (The person that built the smithsonion institution.) When Marshal sugests they compare DNA to see if the person is related to James Smithson, The Heir Smiles, what is he up to??? Is he really an heir to James Smithson?? Or is he a fake?? Find out in Skeleton in the Smithsonion!! I reccomend this book to kids 5 and up.

Raccoon at Clear Creek Road (Smithsonian's Backyard; Miniature Edition)

Average customer rating:

Tiny but charming

Raccoon at Clear Creek Road (Smithsonian's Backyard; Miniature Edition)
Carolyn Otto
Manufacturer: Soundprints
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1568991762

Customer Reviews:

Tiny but charming.......2000-04-14

This is a pochet size hardcover book. The pictures in it are very delicate, and it's about the life of a mother raccoon. So as you can imagine, there's no surprising plot, but only protecting the baby raccoons, and searching for food,...etc. I think it's a good source for education, but not entertainment.

Children's Encyclopedia of American History (Smithsonian) (Smithsonian Institution)

Average customer rating:

Where are the Black contributions to American History?
A Great Resource for Young Learners!
Well balanced presentation, beautiful pictures
From big news stories to struggles for peace
Almost an Encyclopedia

Children's Encyclopedia of American History (Smithsonian) (Smithsonian Institution)
David C. King , and David C. King
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Encyclopedias | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Children's | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0789483300

Book Description

With its up to the moment content and engaging style, this major reference book is an essential resource that helps children relate today's news to the events of the past. Focusing on the who, what, when, where, and how, DK's Children's Encyclopedia of American History is published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution to present a completely unique survey of the story of America. Featuring more than 1,000 stunning photographs, plus maps, charts, and profiles of famous Americans, this book has been painstakingly designed with a cutting edge visual style to pull in even the most reluctant readers.

A Main Selection of Children's BookoftheMonth Club

Customer Reviews:

Where are the Black contributions to American History?.......2006-03-11

I am a homeschooling mother, and this is my first year teaching my sons American History. As an immigrant, this has been a learning experience for me as well. I bought the Children's Encyclopedia of American History as a pictorial supplement to the excellent curriculum we are using. It took just a few minutes of glancing through this book to become very disappointed with my purchase. There is little or no reference to key African-American figures in American History. The discussion of the Spanish exploration of the South and West mentions every member of the party except Estebanico, the Moorish slave who actually led the expedition to what is now California. We are currently learning about George Washington Carver, and were surprised to find not even one sentence dedicated to this man's great contributions. Booker T. Washington is mentioned in one sentence, and shares a brief paragraph with W.E.B. DuBois. The entire Civil Rights movement is summed up in one paragraph. Surprisingly, a significant amount of space is dedicated to a picture of Bill Clinton hugging Monica Lewinsky, and a discussion of their relationship. The book is packed and ready to be shipped back to Amazon.

A Great Resource for Young Learners!.......2005-08-28

An excellent resource for elementary-aged kids who are interested in history. Lots of photos, illustration, and color keep my daughter interested. Written very well. Divided into decades. One of the best resources I have found for my daughter!

Well balanced presentation, beautiful pictures.......2005-03-05

I am a conservative Christian looking for the right history book to homeschool my kids. I read this DK Children's Encyclopedia from beginning to end, and I find it acceptable over all in content presentation. Another reviewer here says the book is too liberal, but I disagree; I think Mr. King clearly strives to present an unbiased view of American History. Now everybody has his own view of history, and a history book is bound to reveal somewhat of the author's bias. However, it is obvious that Mr. King kept his own opinions well under control, making this book excellent read for people of every view point.

For example, in presenting the Reagan administration, Mr. King mentioned the tax cuts, shrinking government, and the prosperity ensued. He mentioned that "The number of homeless people grew at an alarming rate" (p.239) without saying what that rate is, but over all, he did say that Reagan was so popular that even some Democrats voted for him (Reagan Democrats), and many middle class Americans consider the Reagan era the best of times.

In contrast, in describing President Clinton, Mr. King said most of his proposals didn't make it through the legislature, but Clinton remained popular because of the economic boom. Then he described Clinton's scandals in detail, leaving me the impression Clinton didn't do much else. A liberal might consider this presentation not giving Clinton enough credit.

In selecting a children's history book, one must consider what is available out there, and this one is the most balanced I find so far. If you want to see something really liberal, check out The Making Of America by Robert D Johnston. It is published by the National Geographic Society, with a forward by first lady Laura Bush; sounds good, doesn't it? It states that "Columbus, along with many settlers over the three centuries that followed his arrival, committed genocide." (p.14)

I stopped breathing when I read that sentence. I can honestly say that Mr. King never made me stop breathing.

I am a fan of DK; it seems that they strive at excellence in every book they publish, and this history book is no exception. The pictures are exquisite, the explanation concise and to the point, and the overall layout is a work of art. I do have one complaint, though: I disagree with the approach of slapping text right on top of pictures. Consider, for example, pages 74 and 75, where they have the words sitting on top of round white cotton puffs in a dark background. It makes my eyes water trying to read it. The editor actually took the trouble to justify this approach, saying that "The images don't play a bit part to the text's starring role in this book, ... the words and images have been considered together to bring this wealth to the page - and to the eye of the reader." (p.11)

I think this approach is commendable but for the eye's difficulty in discerning text from the image underneath. But overall, I highly recommend this book for grade school history studies. I don't think there is a better one anywhere.

From big news stories to struggles for peace.......2003-08-11

Beautiful photos compliment lively text to present a comprehensive guide and reference to the events and ideas which have shaped the US. From big news stories to struggles for peace over the decades, the Children's Encyclopedia Of American History packs in illustrations and complimentary text to make for a revealing, attractive reference for all ages.

Almost an Encyclopedia.......2003-06-18

If you are an environmentalist or a liberal of any strain, this book is for your kids. It is not, however, for mine. I was excited to read it because at first glance, it presents an attractive and manageable timeline of American history, complete with helpful appendices including all of the important documents that are no longer priorities in the schools. As Mr. King gets closer to current events his bias becomes more evident and more difficult to stomach. Listing all of the examples here would be impossible, but he neatly boils the Reagan era down to homelessness, the national debt and the failed War on Drugs. President George W. Bush is simply defined by the Florida recount, the "disappearing surplus," and withdrawal from Kyoto. (The War on Terror is mentioned in the "Terrorism" section and President Bush is criticized for creating additional Arab opposition by calling Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, "the Axis of Evil.") I had hoped for a fair and balanced look at American history, and this fell far short of my expectations.

The New Smithsonian Book of Comic Book Stories: From Crumb to Clowes

Average customer rating:

Great for collectors and newbies alike
Great examples, Poor Execution
Silly mistakes and lack of colour mar this book
Missing page(s)

The New Smithsonian Book of Comic Book Stories: From Crumb to Clowes
Callahan B
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1588341836

Book Description

The definitive collection by the most celebrated (and notorious) comic book artists of our time.

A panorama of some of the most creative and subversive art of our times, this one-of-a-kind anthology celebrates the artistry and insight of comic book art, graphic novels, and graphic journalism from the 1960s to the present. Classics such as R. Crumb's I Remember the Sixties, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's Spider-Man saga "The Final Chapter" (from Spider-Man #33), and Dan Clowes's Caricature are featured, plus new sequences of work by Chris Ware and Ben Katchor created exclusively for this volume.

Other sections include work by Gilbert Shelton and Paul Mavrides ("The Death of Fat Freddy"), Harvey Pekar and R. Crumb ("Jack the Bellboy and Mr. Boats"), Carol Tyler ("Labor"), Stan Lee and Jim Steranko ("The Strange Death of Captain America"), Stan Lee and Jack Kirby ("The Hate Monger"), Bob Kanigher and Joe Kubert ("Enemy Ace"), Will Eisner ("Izzy the Cockroach and the Meaning of Life"), Rick Geary ("Farewell to Charlie Chaplin"), Kaz ("Dream of the Pork Rinds Fiend"), Charles Burns ("Robot Love"), Gary Panter ("Jimbo"), Art Spigelman ("The Honeymoon" from Maus), Frank Miller with Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley ("Born Again" from Daredevil), Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons ("Dr. Manhattan" from Watchmen), Neil Gaiman with Charles Vess and Malcolm Jones III ("A Midsummer Night's Dream" from The Sandman), Joe Sacco ("Hebron"), Jaime Hernandez ("Locos"), Gilbert Hernandez ("Pipo"), Dori Seda ("The Do-Nothing Decade"), Eddie Campbell ("Nobody Left at the Café Guerbois"), and more. The book is divided into four main galleries: Underground Comics, Silver Age Super Heroes, A Raw Generation, and Dark Fiction and Deep Fantasy, and includes a special supplement of four-color work by Lynda Barry and others as well. In his lively introduction Bob Callahan celebrates the achievements of American comic book art from the late 1930s to the present. An indispensible collection. 100 color, 300 b/w illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Great for collectors and newbies alike.......2007-08-29

An expertly assembled collection of stories, covering everything from superheroes, to feminist comics, to historical fare. The only complaint that I have is that sometimes the splash pages (especially 2-page spreads) were arranged in such a way as just to make them fit, and not necessarily with the flow of the story. Other times the print was just too small to be reasonably called legible. But overall, a good variety for the money, and a fabulous primer for anyone who is wondering what comics are all about.

Great examples, Poor Execution.......2006-07-17

I agree with the other reviewers the editing is shoddy in production, but the initial selection of the materials is quite excellent. No one could argue that all of the comics included are indeed some of the best work from the later half of the 20th century. for that reason I am willing to give the book a little more respect and hope that a paperback edition corrects some of the more glaring faults.

Silly mistakes and lack of colour mar this book.......2005-06-03

Since another reviewer on this page has pointed out the Fat Freddys Cat mistake, I thought I'd draw readers attention to the other problems with this book. The Captain America story, which features 2 of Sterenko's most well known double-page spreads also features a strange right-hand page that does not appear in the original comic. This page (which precedes the spreads) features a reproduction of a later page and appears to have been dropped in randomly. This page unfortunatly creates a knock-on effect that means the 2 spreads are now right and left pages! For a book that claims to celebrate the best comics created this is a poor oversight. Also, the Dan Clowes story features 2 pages out of order. Lastly, why on earth is 95% of the book in black and white? For stories like The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen - where the colour really helps add tone and mood - this seems like a strange decision.

Missing page(s).......2004-11-22

This book looks great and my initial expectations were high. However, imagine my disappointment when I discovered the last page of the Fat Freddy's Cat adventure (page 30) was a duplicate of an earlier one (page 26)! I expected better proofreading from a Smithsonian publication.

MOVIE CENSORSHIP PB (Smithsonian Studies in the History of Film & Television)

Average customer rating:

MOVIE CENSORSHIP PB (Smithsonian Studies in the History of Film & Television)
COUVARES FG
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Banning | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1560986697

Book Description

From the earliest days of public outrage over "indecent" nickelodeon shows, Americans have worried about the power of the movies. The eleven essays in this book examine nearly a century of struggle over cinematic representations of sex, crime, violence, religion, race, and ethnicity, revealing that the effort to regulate the screen has reflected deep social and cultural schisms. In addition to the editor, contributors include Daniel Czitrom, Marybeth Hamilton, Garth Jowett, Charles Lyons, Richard Maltby, Charles Musser, Alison M. Parker, Charlene Regester, Ruth Vasey, and Stephen Vaughn. Together they make it clear that censoring the movies is more than just a reflex against "indecency," however defined. Whether censorship protects the vulnerable or suppresses the creative, it is part of a broader culture war that breaks out recurrently as Americans try to come to terms with the market, the state, and the plural society in which they live.

MAKING IMAGES MOVE (Smithsonian Studies in the History of Film & Television)

Average customer rating:

MAKING IMAGES MOVE (Smithsonian Studies in the History of Film & Television)
HORAK JC
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cinematography | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Genre Films | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1560987448

The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies: Their Lives, Times, and Issues

Average customer rating:

Disappointing

The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies: Their Lives, Times, and Issues

Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Teens | Subjects | Books

Women | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0805017518

Amazon.com

Dolley Madison is Hillary Rodham Clinton's favorite first lady. "She cared about the welfare of children," Ms. Clinton writes in the introduction, "spoke her mind about things, and in her infinite wisdom saved priceless documents and art treasures from the onslaught of British troops who destroyed the White House during the War of 1812." Young readers will learn about Madison's life and the lives of 42 other remarkable women, through easy-to-read text and many illustrations and photographs. They will also learn the answers to some important questions about women in American history: Did the American Revolution change things for women? Why isn't there more information about women's lives? What was "woman suffrage"? Why was it hard (until the 20th century) for women to get an education? The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies shows that these women are a lot more than just the wives to the presidents.

Book Description

America's first ladies are forty-three remarkable women whose individual stories and causes reflect the history of all American women.This is the first comprehensive biography of the first ladies for young readers. Edited by Edith P. Mayo, curator of the First Ladies exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, this essential volume not only documents the lives of the presidents' wives (or official hostesses), it explores the achievements of these significant women in the White House and beyond.Young readrs will be especially drawn by the book's eleven highlighted entries about issues important to American women, and by one hundred twenty-seven pieces of art and their captions, which tell a visual history of their own.The Smithsonian Book of the First Ladies draws heavily on original source material. It includes images from the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and a host of other diverse collections; four general introductions give an overview of the major events of each historical period.Part women's history, social history, and American history, this accessible reference book is important reading not just for young women, but for anyone interested in the story of our country.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-03-27

I expected more from The Smithsonian. This book contains a total of three paragraphs about Martha Wayles, Thomas Jefferson's wife; four paragraphs about Anna Symmes, William Henry Harrison's wife; five paragraphs about Rachel Donelson, Andrew Jackson's wife; eight paragraphs about Letitia Christian, John Tyler's wife; and only three sentences on Hannah Hoes, Martin Van Buren's wife. A high school research paper based on such a half-hearted attempt would have received a "D".

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