Product Description
In his book, Iberia, Michener describes his detailed exploration of Spain as it was in the mid 1960's. He talks about the Moorish occupation, Islam, Catholicism, Francisco Franco and other controversial subjects. He also writes about the celebrated Spain of bullfights, kings, artists, cathedrals, and the orchards. It is written in the style of a novel, but is really travel non-fiction. What helps make this book spectacular, are the haunting black and white photographs by Robert Vavra and the full color endpaper maps and table of the rulers of Spain. All this comes together to enhance an informal portrait of Spanish life and culture as related in Michener's personal observations and vivid recollections ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Travels through Spain with masterfull insight
James Michener has written very in depth novels about Hawaii, South Africa and the US which I have enjoyed but it seems that Spain is one of his favorite destinations.He had visited Spain repeatedly over the years and although this was published in 1968 it is timeless in reading of the ancient cites, villages, art, and culture of the country.He writes of Iberia in the old sense as referred to by the Romans not as the Iberian Peninsula which includes Portugal.This book is entirely about Spain.

An additional valuable aspect of this book perhaps compared to latter versions and more recent guidebooks to Spain is Michener's rich descriptions of the sites he visits.The book is sparsely illustrated (as many older books are probably due to costs) but maps at the start of the chapters are helpful and black and white photographs of Robert Vavra are set throughout the book as beautiful portraits of the people and places of Spain.Michener fills in the details of the artistry of the cathedrals and plazas with descriptive illustration that gives context to each site in a way that often is not available in recent publications.Each statue, painting, building detail is given it's due in historical context and artistic interpretation.

This is a long read, over 800 pages, and is well worth the time you spend on it.I have learned so much about the country and have enjoyed it as it has been more like hearing conversation from a knowledgeable friend than studying a text on Spanish history and culture.I would highly recommend reading this before making a decision on what part of Spain you should visit.It is all here from bullfights (perhaps a little too much on bullfights) to the Gaudi cathedrals in Barcelona, the trek to Santiago de Compostela, the Costa del Sol, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba and much more.

Lovely reflection of Spain
Published in 1968, 'Iberia' is James Michener's tribute to Spain, drawn from his travels there beginning in the 1930s through the late 60s.Not only does he describe the different regions of Spain, but as he does in his novels, he delves into Spain's culture, politics and history and even its ecology (there is a beautiful chapter written about Las Marismas, a large swampland in the south).This is a wonderfully written and fascinating book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about or travel to Spain.

Spain and family
In the summer of 1976 I read this book shortly after Franco died and before I arrived for a years's study in Madrid. I found it a terrific read. I arrived in Spain with more knowledge than most of my American friends.
I have just finished re-reading it. My 17 year old daughter is going to summer school this year in Tarragona for a month, to work on her Spanish skills. I hope she enjoys this as much as I did.
My wife and I have returned to Spain on numerous occasions, to vacation, to visit friends, to just visit. We are never bored. This book was and is a large part of that.

Iberia prepared me for a memorable visit to Spain
I read (and looked at) Iberia while preparing tovisit Spain in 1969. I had already read Hawaii andCaravans by Michener, which are 2 great stories,but this photo essay about Spain astounded me. Although Ithought I was prepared, I knew how tospeak Spanish, I had lived in Perufor about 3years, I had seen bullfights, I knew aboutgeography, etc,Michener's short but in depthreflections about places in Spain made mehungryfor a trip there, to try to experience some ofwhat he wroteabout.The photos are an integralpart of this book, I can't remember thename ofthe photographer.

This book should still be in print!I'lllook ina library now. ... Read more

Product Description
Young and innocent, they came to a place they had barely heard of, prepared for war. They were American fighter pilots, trained but frightened, facing an an enemy they couldn't understand, and waging a war they had to win....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Heroism
This is a well-written short story centered around a fictional U.S. Navy pilot and set during the Korean War. A very engaging story about love and sacrifice. A good reminder that freedom isn't free.

Our Forgotton Warriors
I didn't look this up but I'd be willing to bet that this was Michener's shortest novel.It is in my readings of this Author that this short novel was indeed his best work.Michener always was the master of the historical fiction genre much in the same way Leon Uris was.To me these Masters represent a dying breed which has been hard to duplicate.
This book is set on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War on the Sea of Japan.The story revolves around a Naval Reserve World War II veteran pilot Lt. Brubaker who was called to active duty to serve in the Korean Conflict.Brubaker is a family man with children.He is given a critical and dangerous mission which entails the destruction of the key bridges at Toko-Ri in North Korea.The essence of Brubaker's dilemma is his duty to his young family and also to his duty to his country at war.Also in this mix is Rear Admiral George Tarrant who has lost 2 sons in combat and whose wife as a result has become an alcoholic.
Brubaker's situation during this War was actually echoing thousands of similar scenarios during these times of this "forgotten war".In fact this fictional scenario actually reminds me of a "real actual" Korean fighter pilot who also made the sacrifice of civilian life to fight in this conflict, that being Ted Williams.Michener pulls no punches in this nerve racking tale which leaves everyone on the edge of their seats until the final words.
Michener brings forth a real story that needs to be told.These actions take place early in the "Cold War" and the concept of limited war was new and mysterious.The tragedy as Michener shows us the war, unlike the all out effort of World War II, affected only those who fought it and their families.This story is tragic but in reality all so true.Excellent read!Five Stars!!

A Must Read for All Boys
This book is a definite page-turner and can easily be finished in one sitting.That being said, it is a fine reflection of emotional conflict that comes with being in a war.More than that, it is a book about loyalty and friendship that I think any young boy can benefit from reading.A classic.

Exciting
This book was fast paced and well written. The authors descriptive powers were excellent. You saw what he described in your mind. The story brought to life the Korean war and what it was like to land a plane on a aircraft carrier. It was way to short and could have been longer.

Pulp Fiction, basically
As usual with Michener, the prose is agile and well-planned, so this short novel is a page-turner.All characters, though, are cardboard clichés without one single shadow of psychological interest or point.Pulp-fiction characters, totally, and thoroughly sentimentalized.

The novella's main thesis, "what a shame that the noble military sacrifice so much while the American people don't really care", fails to explain why average Americans who are not military contractors or otherwise parasites of the "defense" milk-cow should concern themselves about an undeclared war for very far-away imperial turf. The notion entertained by the old admiral that this is simply one further battle in the endless Manichæan struggle between the Forces of Light (America) and the Forces of Darkness (The Rest of the Universe) is still very much with us, but is made neither more respectable nor more understandable by this little book. ... Read more

Product Description
JAMES MICHENER was "a Renaissance man, adventurous, inquisitive, energetic, unpretentious and unassuming, with an encyclopedic mind and a generous heart."*  Now, one of America's most beloved novelists gives us the story of his own remarkable life . . . .
(*The New York Times Book Review)


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

One of my favorite authors tells his own story
"Memoir" describes this book nicely. Its first seven chapters comprise the author's autobiography, and its last seven chapters are his thoughts about writing and his reminiscences about his career. He avoids some parts of his life entirely - for instance, don't think you will find out all about his divorces - but he gives the reader plenty of insight into his creative process and its wellsprings as best he himself understands them.

Michener's life story has to be unique, even among as varied a lot as writers. What fascinated me as I read this book by one of my favorites was his awareness of where publishing as an industry and writing as a business was heading, as he continued working in what turned out to be his life's final decade. Although he insisted on keeping his manual typewriter, and depended on secretaries to cope with word processing, he foresaw the shift from paper to digital submissions at a time when most authors and most publishers were either not thinking about this at all or refusing to consider that such a sea change might happen. I wonder how he would react to Kindles, and to reading eBooks on smart phones and PDAs?

--Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of "Love, Jimmy: A Maine Veteran's Longest Battle"

A real rags to riches fairytale
From a beginning that was awful Michener very matter of factly found his way to what he calls 'luck'.I loved his tale of epiphany at forty, and beginning his writing career in an empty warehouse with another soldier providing encouragement.He imparts a great deal of good advice for the aspiring writer, and provides a good story at the same time.

I would keep this on my bookshelf for inspiration alone.

Michener sets high standards in writing and life
I have read and loved many books by James Michener and I was happy to run across this book (on audio cassette from the library). It was interesting to learn about his life and to learn from his example. For example, even though he faced deprivations as a child, he made a choice to be a sunny, optimistic person all his life. He made a choice not to harbor grievances or dwell on negative thinking. Also, he was a great student all his life. He loved art, opera, literature and for anyone who has ever read his books, you know he had an insatiable curiosity about nearly everything. The nice thing is that when he learned new things, he shared that knew knowledge with the world and everyone was enriched.

Also, he was a high-principled (moral) and generous man and his generosity began long before he became a famous author.

He didn't become a writer until he was forty. Many of his great works were completed well after that. He wrote into his eighties! All writers and aspiring writers would enjoy this work as well as the general public.

great read
Everything you ever wanted to know about Michener? Probably not! He wont step into the gutter about his personal failures but a terrific book.

Mr. Ambassador
When the extraterrestials finally touch down and exit their spaceship I hope we have a man like James Michener, an "average" brilliant man of great wisdom and wonderful humanity, to represent our species. He would no doubt climb aboard, ingratiate himself with his new found friends, and write a highly entertaining epic of our galaxy.
Michener has always been my personal favorite. His humanity shines through in this memoir. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

books
I bought this for my husband because James Michener is one of his favorite authors.Prompt delivery and excellent seller.

I re-read this one about every 2 years!
Centennial is one of my two favorite Michner novels (Chesapeake is the other), and have enjoyed reading it multiple times since it was published, also enjoyed the mini-series which came out on DVD I think about a year ago.This novel is more meaningful to me especially, since I attended college in Colorado around the time it was published, and had the oppty to visit some of places in Colorado so aptly described in the book.I just wish more of Michner's books had that same good, turn the page quickly feel like Centennial.I love the way he meshes in the historical story, with a modern sub-plot......and how real some of his western character's feel. I have only one complaint:When will they publish the Kindle edition so i can buy it?

The best James A Michener novel is also the best western ever
The best James A Michener novel is also the best western ever except maybe Texas by Michener. If you like westerns you will love this one. This is the story of Centennial, CO and all the people who ever lived there from the beginning to the present.

Can't Put Down
For me, other than The Source (see my review), this is Michener's other standout work.It presents a history of the settlement of western America in a context that we rarely appreciate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Drifters
Great story.The condition of this book was listed as Excellent.It was poor, stained pages and faded cover.It was disappointing to receive the book in such poor condition. ... Read more

Product Description
Following his novel Hawaii, James A. Michener "achieves a new landmark in modern fiction, bringing to life all the wild, barbaric glory of Afghanistan in a thundering novel of strange passion, headlong adventure and sudden death." (from the back cover) ... Read more

Product Description
All of James A. Michener's storytelling and reportorial skills are brought to the fore in this stunning and heartbreaking examination of the events that led to the 1970 shootings at Kent State, which shook the country to the roots and had a profound impact on the anti-war movement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Kent State
I first read this book in 1972, only two years after the shootings.I had been a previous fan of James Michener for his careful research and descriptive prose.I remember reading this book in the front yard of my rented house and weeping.Very powerful, very emotional.It is recommended especially for any younger people who would like to have a better idea what it was like to live in these turbulent times.

What a difference four decades make...
What strikes me most about this book is the vast, almost unimaginable, difference between the public reaction to the Kent State shootings and reaction to contemporary campus tragedies such as Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University.
Even allowing for the difference in the nature of these incidents (students being shot by National Guardsmenvs. students being shot by lone psycho gunmen) it still boggles my mind to think that, as Michener asserts, the dead students and the survivors received almost ZERO public sympathy or support...regardless of whether or not they participated in the demonstrations... even if they were indeed just innocent bystanders. Many surviving students were repeatedly told "you all deserved to be shot." There was little if any concern about their emotional well-being or even the logistics of helping students finish the academic year (some professors seem to have gone quite a few extra miles in this regard, without benefit of e-mail or the internet as we have today)
Most of the students who survived this incident would now be in their late 50s -- more than old enough to be parents of today's victims of a very different kind of campus violence. It would be interesting to find out their take on what's happening today. I would recommend reading this book right now simply to get an idea of how far we have come in dealing with the aftermath of such tragedies.

Typical Michener Fiction
James A. Michener built a writing career on impeccable research of a subject and writing as if he did not have a clue about editing. It seemed as if Michener attempted to outdo himself in the number of words he produced for each subsequent book.

It appears as if Michener could not pull himself away from his novelized form of history while penning this work on the Kent State shootings. There is one main character that is pure fiction, the "drifter." That character - as stated by Michener when he got caught in his web of make-believe after the book was published - is an alleged composite figure.

In actuality, he may be based on a real-life male who was a government informant, hired to infiltrate organizations and then trumping up "facts" to prove they were prepared to unleash violent acts against individuals and institutions.

But people as real as Homer Simpson and scenes that may have been built better in the back lot of a movie studio did not prevent Michener from defending the book. But a writer does not report news by penning a great lie.

Michener refused to let facts get in the way of his storytelling. If nothing else, this book is a great example on how myth becomes reality & how an author can get onto the fast track for a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

A balanced account, wriiten at the time.
I just finished this book, and I don't know what book some of the other reviewers on this page were reading, but Michener certainly doesn't exonerate the National Guard, as Ohio law did, nor does he make a case for or against the war in Vietnam, other than to quote those who do (or don't). His negative stance on the radical SDS is based on the actions of the organization itself, which at its best was irresponsible, at its worst was criminal.
This book was fascinating. How Michener and his staff managed to do such detailed and intricate research, and compose and have published a 500-page book barely a year after the event, is nothing short of incredible. It's only drawback, as others have mentioned, is that it was written so close to the incident that there is no real "distance" perspective, and it made me want to read more current books on the subject.
I was six years old when the Kent State incident occured. I always knew of it, of course, but knew only the barest details. I'm a conservative guy, and I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the brave men and women in the military, especially those in harm's way defending OUR freedoms. But after reading this book, even I was saying, "why did these guys open fire?" There certainly didn't seem to be any need to. Some students were throwing rocks and tear-gas cannisters back at the Guard, but most evidence shows that they weren't any closer than 40 or 50 yards away at the most. I concluded (as does Michener) that those who fired into the crowd were mostly scared, poorly trained kids, most that had never seen any kind of combat, and that thought they were in more danger than they actually were. Some Guardsmen in the book are quoted as saying that they were firing at a particular student who was about to throw something at them, and Michener leaves the decision about whether to believe them up to the reader. In any event, this was an absolutely tragic mistake, and four people died because of it, and this should never have happened.
Of course, there are factions in this country that will disparage and dismiss any article, book, or similar publication that concludes anything but that the Ohio National Guard were cold-blooded killers, or that the students on the campus that day were anything but flower-toting, non-violent, peace-loving angels. If you are intelligent enough to see past these easy generalizations, then read this book. It will not disappoint.

A great read
A wonderful book without the radical liberal slant!The Kent State incident was one of the turning points for the public perception of the war and of and for those who opposed it.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Outstanding historical fiction
The Source is essentially the story of Jewish history from about 10,000 BCE.
Michener is well known for making "place" the focal point of his stories, and in this book the "place" is an archeological dig in the Middle East near the Sea of Galilee.The earliest section of the book introduces the dig and the principle characters (the archaeologists) who begin excavating the tell (the mound that is the dig site) and unearthing artifacts.Each chapter then recounts the story behind each artifact they find and how it got there.The order is chronological, beginning about 12,000 years ago and ending in the mid-twentieth century.
It is essentially a very entertaining history lesson disguised as a historical novel.It is easily digestible, or "history light", but a great introduction for those not wanting to read what some refer to as the "dry history" of traditional history texts.
The archaeologists make brief appearances throughout the various stories and do a lot of philosophizing about the relations between the Jews, Christians, and Moslems and the various moral dilemmas each group has faced at various times throughout history.I found it interesting, though some may find it a bit forced.
Overall, if you do like historical fiction, this is one of the best!

Can't Put Down
Not all Michener is created equal.This is his very best.It tells the story of the formation of the three great western religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam using the metaphor of an archeological dig in Israel.As each layer is uncovered, heart-rendering stories of delightful lives, misery and tragedy are presented.This book helps anyone better understand and appreciate the benefits of religious and cultural tolerance.

Best book I've ever read.
This should be required reading in every school. Even though fiction, as usual, Michener does much research which gives you so much history. Increased my interest in ancient history by clearing up my understanding ofa subject which baffled me in school. ... Read more

Product Description
"DRAMATIC...ENTHRALLING...EXPERTLY CRAFTED...Michener treats each of these creatures with fundamental respect, and in many cases, admiration and awe, if not outright love."
--The Virginian-Pilot & The Ledger-Star
In these sixteen wonderful stories, bestselling author James A. Michener lights up nature's most awesome and beguiling handiwork--from the sublime shaping and reshaping of earth's land and seas to the ridiculous armadillo whose assault on a bit of Texas real estate paid off handsomely. Chosen from Michener's most popular books--including one story never before published in paperback--these mini-masterpieces take us deep into the secret lives of animals and the hidden world of nature. In them we hear the music of the spheres and feel the heartbeat of creation.
"Contain[s] the dramatic elements of a life--the wonder of birth, rites of passage, lots of conflict, much of it physical and bloody, and death...As characters in a Michener novel, a beaver can know loneliness, a buffalo can bide his time, a salmon can feel encouraged, and a woolly mammoth can 'luxuriate' in the ecological rewards of a plains fire."
--Boston Sunday Herald
"Delightful...Nature writing at its most fluid and involving."
--Booklist


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
If you know James Michener solely for his entertaining,exhaustively researched epic novels, the short essays in Creaturesof the Kingdom may come as a surprise, though all but one areexcerpted from five of his most popular works. Mostly tales of animallife told in a strong narrative voice from the animal'santhropomorphized point of view, these 16 pieces evince a clearaffection for their subjects and are told with an essential goodwillthat is reminiscent of JamesHerriot. Good tales on their own (each piece stands alone and isnot hampered by being taken out of context), the stories selected forthis anthology also serve to showcase the gentle humor that infusesMichener's body of work, but which is generally overshadowed by thesheer weight of information and ideas in cumbrous books that couldeasily double as doorstops. By contrast, Creatures of theKingdom clocks in at a digestible 281 pages and will appeal toanyone who enjoys reading about natural history or zoology.It isalso likely to be a favorite with adolescent readers who favor animalstories but are getting too advanced for reading material aimed attheir own age group--or who have depleted the available youth titlesand are ready to move on. --Brenda Pittsley ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Michener at his best
You really feel like you are natue in this book. as he describes an animal you cant help but think it could be you!!A truly great read.

A must for nature and animal lovers.
This was my first introduction to the works of James A Michener.If you are an impatient reader, you may have trouble with other Michener works.But if you like an attention to detail Michener is the man for you.Sincereading "Stories," I have read many other Michener novels and hehas become a favorite.Readers who dislike his books often complain aboutthe length.These are the same people who might cut you off in traffic andare always in a hurry.If you think getting there is half the fun,however, you will love a Michener novel."Stories" is a book foreveryone, however.It does not have the usual length of a full Michenernovel and the subject matter shifts just enough to keep your attention.Ifyou are impatient and still want to be well versed on your great authors,this is a great Michner book to read since you get an idea of his style andyou also get exerpts from several of his books.If you like animals andnature, there is even more reason to love this book.

Puts you in the mind and eyes of the animals
I'm a high school senior and I don't read much, but I enjoyed this book. My teacher thinks James Michener is the greatest, so he had me read this to make up a biology credit. It was really interesting and made me think aboutanimals in new ways and from their perspective. I recommend this book toanybody. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Interesting read for the Japanese prints aficionado
I enjoy reading this book. Feels like befriending Mitchener on a topic we both seemed to have been fascinated with.

Another hit
This is the definitive study of the ukiyo-e masters and the Japanese prints of the Edo era, it makes you wonder how one man can know so much about so many different things. Michener is a leader in the field of everything!!

Floating Prose
As is typical with Michener, not only does he manage to tell a great story, but somehow he squeezes in the whole universe:all the people, their thoughts, actions, backgrounds, lives, and histories of their country, art, styles, artists, etc., involved in this tale of the art world all the way from the dawn til he lifted his pen from the page.

This is the definitive study of the ukiyo-e masters and the Japanese prints of the Edo era.It details things print by print, artist by artist.An amazing work.No wonder, as Howard Link mentions in his forward, that people were so impressed with Michener's command of this subject that he was literally given entire collections of fantastic ancient Japanese artwork.This chronicles why Michener became the world's premiere collector and savior of the ukiyo-e masterpieces.It also makes abundantly clear why Michener is a master of prose much like the artists he loved were masters of this unique block and ink medium.

Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

excellent
michener was a very intelligent man and a great writer. this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the dark side of america's obsession with professional sports. it is well-researched and chock-full of useful and fascinating ideas and information. michener was a visionary and so much of what he wrote in 1976 is still very relevant today. it took me a couple of weeks to read the book but i thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to read more of his work.

very good read
im using this book for a current issues in sports class at college, at first i thought it wouldnt be at all like what todays issues are about but i was surprised. some of this issues that go on in the book still go on today (ex: playoff system in college football, recruiting violations, and the alumnis influence on the school and athletics) it is also a very interesting book to read, i would recommend it

Good book
This is a very nice book which again shows Micheners diversity of knowledge, the man knows everything about everything.

An Overview on Sports You Won't Find in the Media
This book is well worth reading by everyone: players, viewers, or to know more about the subject.James Michener loved sports: they made the difference between life and death.As a youth he drifted into a bad crowd, but was saved by athletics.His skill in basketball led to a scholarship to college, rather than prison.Later in life he suffered a heart attack, and was delayed in getting to a hospital.He survived because his robust exercise helped his heart to develop alternate feed lines (p.8).

Chapter IX discusses "The Inescapable Problem" of aging and the decline in physical ability.Walking, swimming, and tennis are doable from ages 5 to 85 (pp.274-5).Most other sports peak at ages 24 to 32;forty is the usual limit. The author notes that athletes are provably in better shape than the general public; but their life expectancy is worse.Could this be a side effect from the fame and glory?

He discusses the case of those who get a sports scholarship.They spend their college time in sports, play professionally for a few years, then disappear.He shows that those who study in college (like accounting) can earn far more onver a lifetime than those who quickly burn out.

An excellent insight to the sports scene at all levels
This book came on the scene in the middle seventies and Michener coversthe gamut of the problems and excitement of sports dealing with beginnersto the pros. Most of what is written can still be adhered to today as theideas and concerns seem to occur now just as they did a few years ago. Thisbook should be must reading for all sports minded people and applying thesuggestions to today's market. A great book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the source
great item;note, however, that no dust cover was sent. perhaps i should have known but it wasn't a big deal to me as all i wanted to do was read the book.... ... Read more

Product Description
1st printing November 1975. ... Read more