A compact and affordable text for beginners as well as practising Masons. The explanatory notes at the end of the book are helpful in providing token insight not only into the mysteries, but also into the mechanics of the Masonic Lodge.

Whether you already know how to do ribbon embroidery or not, this book is for you. The books starts with the basics from choosing fabrics to setting up your sewing machine to do ribbon embroidery. This is followed by step-by-step, easily understandable instructions on how to do the various stiches. From there, you are shown how to join those stiches to make everything from flowers to bugs and birds and monograms. It finishes with a number of projects that showcase the techniques shown in the book. Best yet, there are brilliant colored photographs throughout the book to show you how ribbon embroidery can be used in any number of ways. They even feature a section on using ribbon embroidery to embellish crazy quilts. I found this book not only helpful, but very inspiring.

I have recently been doing some research on ethnographics, trying to better understand how the operating culture of nuclear power plants evolved. I was directed toward biographies of Admiral H.G. Rickover, and I found Duncan's work to be one of the most enjoyable readings on Rickover. Duncan gives an inside view to the Admiral and the history that led to the success of the Nuclear Navy through a historical account. The author's relationship with the Admiral, which was probably closer than many other biographers, shows Rickover a hard-driven centrist leader who stressed technical competence and sought excellence and integrity, as well as a respect and dedication for the high-risk technology. My only criticism would be that other biographies of Rickover dealve more into the Admiral's idiosincracies and somewhat odd expectations -- traits that leave the reader wondering if Rickover was crazy or a genius. I look forward to reading Duncan's new book "Rickover: A Struggle for Excellence" when it is released November 2001.

This is an outstanding account both of Robert Duncan's role in the San Francisco "renaissance" of the 1950s, which intersects with (but is not limited to nor primarily of) the Beatnik movement in San Francisco and the rise of the gay subculture, and of Rumaker's personal odyssey as a gay man in a city still dominated by Irish cops and forces explicitly hostile to an implicit gay city.

One shakes with Rumaker's account of being accosted and arrested for walking down Polk Street, an incident which commonly results in publication of one's name in the newspaper and typical ouster from one's employ.

In a city transformed by art and gay rights since those times, it's invaluable to note and fix in one's mind the personal heroism that made San Francisco the most obvious of gay meccas.

Of course, those familiar with Robert Duncan also know that he is one of America's greatest poets and the author of the best gay love poem ever, "Passages 18: The Torso," among many other notable works.

Delightfully written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Rosie's Roses is an enjoyable alliterative picture book, which especially celebrates the letter "R". Rosie Racoon and her big brother Robert set out to deliver four roses tied with a rainbow ribbon to Aunt Ruth for her birthday. Delightful color illustrations by Henry Cole enhance and support the charming narration marking this lighthearted and recommended picture book for young readers.

"What would you do if a mule knocked on your door one day and said "I've come for lunch"? So begins Pamela Duncan Edwards' charming picture book about manners. Mule isn't always the most considerate or polite guest. He's demanding and never says please or thank you. He brays and stamps his hooves when he doesn't get his way, makes rude noises through his nose, and sticks out his big red mule tongue. But our young narrator is very calm, patient, and always firm. Without good manners there will be no fun, and soon he wins over his belligerent guest..... Ms Edwards' gentle and engaging text is complemented by Barbara Nascimbeni's bold, bright, and expressive illustrations, filled with lots of humorous detail. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Rude Mule is a fun-filled, interactive story that is sure to teach little ones the value of good manners in a clever and captivating way.

In this dense, highly informative study Peter Duncan succinctly presents one of the most
important recurring features in Russian nationalist thought: the idea of a special mission of the
Russian people for Europe, Eurasia, or even the whole world. He starts with a short
comparative overview of the international varieties of messianism, and then proceeds to the
origins of Russian messianism in the late fourteenth century when "the monasteries developed
the ideological claim that Muscovy and her Grand Dukes were chosen to represent the climax
of Christian history" (p.11). A more elaborate version of this idea became later known under the
heading of Moscow as the "Third Rome".

In his survey, Duncan succeeds in comparing all the different permutations of, and in providing
a useful taxonomic scheme for, Russian messianism. For example, he distinguishes between
a state-oriented messianism inspired by the idea of Moscow's domination of other peoples (a
messianism he classifies as "nationalist"), and a people-oriented messianism linked with the
idea of the Russian people as being a model for other nations to follow (which he categorizes
as "universalist messianism"; p.3). His appraisal is especially helpful in differentiating between
19th-century Russian revolutionary and Leninist messianism, on the one side, and Stalinist
messianism, on the other.

Duncan's study is to be singled out as a major contribution to the field of comparative
nationalism studies, and a unique addition to the study of Russian intellectual and political
history. Moreover, it provides perhaps the most extensive bibliography on Russian nationalism
assembled so far. It will thus be of great value to students and advanced researchers alike.

A noble companion edition to any Norse Myth Saga and Edda volume of traditional textual poetry and retellings. It gives the reader a strong feeling for the people and religion of the Viking era. It makes one feel the majesty of these people and also has many entries of the Wagnerian inspired Germanic sagas. An excellent additive source of perhaps more factual cultural data with powerful, in color, illustrations.

Salma Hayek's life shows us that persistence and integrity CAN co-exist with Hollywood's glamor and excitement. What an excellent example!

Duncan Bruce has done it again! I really enjoyed his first book, The Mark Of The Scots. It appears that Bruce is establishing himself as a leading authority in Scottish achievements. This new book consists of an elegantly written and remarkably well researched collection of essays. The Scottish 100 is definitely a must have for history buffs and Scottish enthusiasts alike!