Product Description
Second in the series, The Boyle Chronicles, picks up where The Boyle Chronicles: Book One: James & Sarah, left off. Follows life on the upper Susquehanna in the early 1800's. Historically accurate depiction of life on the New York frontier. ... Read more

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"Drive[s] a four-horse chariot through the nineteenth century....I have enjoyed this book more than I can say."—John Julius Norwich

The Macdonald sisters—Alice, Georgiana, Agnes and Louisa-started life in the teeming ranks of the lower-middle classes, denied the advantages of education and the expectation of social advancement. Yet as wives and mothers they would connect a famous painter, a president of the Royal Academy, a prime minister, and the uncrowned poet laureate of the Empire. Georgiana and Agnes married, respectively, the pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones and the arts administrator Edward Poynter; Louisa gave birth to future prime minister Stanley Baldwin, and Alice was mother to Rudyard Kipling. A Circle of Sisters brings to life four women living at a privileged moment in history. Their progress from obscurity to imperial grandeur indicates the vitality of 19th-century Britain: a society abundant with possibility. From their homes in India and England, the sisters formed a network that, through the triumphs and tragedies of their families and the Empire, uniquely endured. 16 pages of illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

the sister chronicles
very well written, deeply researched, the author inserts her own judgements of the sisters' behavior as we follow the timeline. not only do we see them grow up and older, but their lives mirror english society in the 19th century and they fortell our own 'aristocrats' of talent and celebrity.i like some sisters more than others, and the rudyard kipling portion especially was fascinating.

Circle of Sisters
I enjoy bios tremendously this one was very thorough but I did have to "work" at it at times. But I was glad to learn what I did and I ultimately enjoyed it altho in truth it did not always "flow." I can appreciate all the work involved in researching all these lives so I am glad I could ultimately enjoy it.

The four MacDonald sisters
I read Ms. Flanders' previous work, "Inside the Victorian Home",(loved it) and therefore I was familiar with Ms. Flanders' writing style. Knowing the author's style helped me to enjoy CIRCLE OF SISTERS much more than if I had not first read Ms. Flanders previous book.

I guess what I'm eluding to is: Ms. Flander's "interesting" writing style. Her style is almost Edwardian,for lack of a better word. Her style can get rather dull in some parts of this book, but luckily, the various intertwining life-stories help the reader to pick up the pace.

If you want to read an intersting book about what life must have been like during the Victorian Era, and especially for four rather "unusual" sisters (ie: unusual for their time), then a reader may find this book quite fascinating, as I did.

The book starts off with a Geneology Tree showing where each sister, and how their respected mates and relatives, fit into the picture.

Then the book takes you back to grandfather MacDonald's life and how he and his wife rose to the challenges they encountered (eg: loneliness of a minister's wife, low pay, many moves).

Soon, the reader is taken to a description of each of the sisters. By the way, there were actually FIVE MacDonald sisters, but Edith, the youngest, never married and therefore she was only slightly talked about. The main plot actually evolves around the four older sisters,(Georgie, Agnes, Alice and Louisa) because these four "main" sisters ended-up marrying famous men (such as Rudyard Kipling's father) and had more exciting lives than poor Edith , who ended-up being the parents' caretaker and stayed home most of the time.

Each chapter of this book describes a "stage" in the sisters' lives (eg: meeting their mates, marriage, their children, infirmary, strange health issues, old age, death, etc.).

The author does a very nice job with even the slightest details of each sisters` life....Example, from what they wore and ate the day one sister met her future husband (eg: Alice was biting into an onion when first approached by John Lockwood Kipling in KIPLING PARK), to when another sister had to deal with infidelity (ie: Georgie's husband's affair).

The other interesting part of this book is that it describes, in detail, how each of the sisters' children felt and how each turned-out, in the long run! For instance, I think that readers will be quite surprised to learn, how Trix and Rudyard Kipling grew-up and how their personalities changed because of their environments and upbringing.

I don't want to say much more, because that might ruin the story, but I must say that after reading this book I knew more about the MacDonald sisters, the Victorian Era, and the sisters' relatives, than I had ever imagined.

A good book for a somewhat specialized audience
This isn't something that I would recommend to every reader. The title sounds a lot more warm and fuzzy than the sisters were.If you are expecting a heart-warming tale of the days when all families were close and unfailingly took care of one another, this isn't it.One recommendation I would make is to look up the Rudyard Kipling, Stanley Baldwin, Edward Burne-Jones and Edward Poynter in an encyclopedia, the Dictionary of National Biography or on the internet if they are not familiar.I say this not by way of faulting the book, there are too many characters to give each a full treatment, but it helps to have some idea of who these people were.

The book focuses on the daughters of a Methodist minister.Four either married men who became famous or had sons who became famous.Unfortunately, these are generally not terribly charming personalities, so it is no great delight getting to know them unless one is interested in the period or these particular people.But for those with a special interest, I think it will probably be quite interesting.There were also two brothers, one who was rather unsuccessful and one who was quite successful as a Methodist clergyman, but they take a back seat to their sisters both in the book and in the sisters' lives.

The one thing that I would have liked to have seen developed better is successful relations within the extended family. Georgiana Burne-Jones was very close to her nephew Rudyard, but I'm not really certain why. This may be a problem with a lack of sources on this particular point - Flanders can infer from guest books which relatives saw little of each other but more positive information would be necessary for this.

The MacDonald sisters: Alice, Georgiana, Agnes, Louisa and Edith, came from a modest, barely middle-class background. It is quite interesting that three of them married men from equally undistinguished roots, one a man who was perhaps upper middle-class. Despite these seemingly unpromising beginnings, two of the initally undistinguished husbands, Edward Burne-Jones and Edward Poynter (married to Georgiana and Agnes, respectively) became very successful and famous in the field of art.The third husband, Lockwood Kipling, married to Alice, was successful in his field, and their son, Rudyard, would become an international literary success and quite wealthy. The fourth, husband, Alfred Baldwin, married to Louisa, was a model as an industrialist, noted for public service, who went into politics. Their son, Stanley Baldwin, was three time Prime Minister.Many of the less famous members of the family pursued successful careers as writiers, sometimes quite well known in their time.A few were failures as life: either suffering psychological problems, perhaps due to a frustration of their creative potential, or too comfortable as the children of the famous.Judith Flanders attempts to discover how nurture, i.e., being related to the MacDonalds, may have lead to the surprising achievements. I don't think that she really succeeds, not that I believe that we necessarily can ferret out these influences, but she does draw a probing picture of an interesting family.She considers not only the facts, but draws reasonable inferences about the human beings they refer to.She is quite clear about when she is speculating.

Flanders has done an enormous amount of research.There are many notes, a 12-page "Select Bibliography" and an index. There are eight pages of plates, with 45-50 well-selected pictures of the extended family. I particularly want to commend how the notes and index were done.The notes have both the chapter number and chapter running title, making it much easier to match them with the notes in the text.The index has brief explanatory notes in parentheses after the names of less important characters, e.g. (niece of so-and-so), which is often all that is needed, as well as cross-reference to variant names.

Probably not for everybody, but a excellent work for its subjects.

Nowhere near as good as Inside the Victorian Home
Ms. Flanders' previous work, Inside the Victorian Home, was as delightful as it was informative. That's why A Circle of Sisters is such a letdown- its informative alright, if you care about a group of self-absorbed cold-natured odd ducks. (In 30 years, brother Harry received two visits from his loved ones. Sister Edie was disparaged as a failure for remaining unmarried, even as they all expected her to play nurse and nanny as their situations saw fit.)The subjects, including Rudyard Kipling, never quite come alive on the page. This may not be entirely Ms. Flanders' fault--there seems to have been an awful lot of letter burning in this family. (Plus its hard to feel empathy for people who kept their emotional lives so tightly buttoned down.) The writing, addtionally, is not as crisp as Inside the Victorian Home. You'll forget these women soon enough, and be glad you did.


That said, her book Inside the Victorian Home is excellent. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
"Essential Home" helps you make well-informed decisions about what to put into your home. Interiors expert Judith Wilson looks at each room in turn, suggesting practical essentials and luxury items that will last for years yet still give you the flexibility to experiment with fashionable or unusual pieces.- Illuminationg photographs by Jan Baldwin.- More than 57,000 copies sold in hardcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspiring Book
I really like this book. The photographs are beautiful, and the information quite useful. Although the author has various lists of essential items to have in your home, the descriptions tie in nicely with the clean and colorful images. This book is more about important staples for your home, but shown with a modern chic flair.

HIGHLY UNINSPIRING
This is one of the very few books I have on interior decorating that I really regret buying without a readers review.It reads like a shopping list with extremely bland,uninspring pictures.Everything is white and everything is slipcovered.
As amere shopping list this book is true to its name,however dont expect anything more than that.If you need someone to tell you to buy bowls and saucers for your kitchen, or classic pieces rather than fad pieces,quality pieces rather than cheap knockoffs,then buy this book.If not please give it a pass.Ridiculously priced for what it offers.
... Read more

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A comprehensive survey of the dynamics of American urbanization from the sixteenth century to the present.   The authors blend historical perspectives on society, economics, politics, and policy, while focusing on the ways in which diverse peoples have inhabited and interacted in cities. The book tackles ethnic and racial minority issues, offers multiple perspectives on women, and highlights urbanization's constantly shifting nature.

Customer Reviews (4)

Evolution of American Urban Society
Of what I have read of Chudacoff's book has been informative and detailed.It is a information packed book that often times jumps from one point to another.Some times the facts and dates get in the way of the point he is trying to get across but it is relatively an easy read if you do not let that bother you.The pictures are great and really share a look at life was like across America in the early stages of its development.

More use than expected
There was more notes and excessive highlighting in this book than the ad led on to.

Informative, but lacking in style and usefulness.
Prof. Chudacoff and Smith's book is concise in its discussion of events and personalities.In this sense it is an ideal _textbook_--but even though it is in its fifth edition it could use some editing!There areproblems with textual flow and art, and in useful conclusions: saloonsprovided an outlet for "the musical expression of the blacksoul."Or how about the oft-mentioned but never defined or measured"rugged individualism" of Americans?

A dynamic account of American Urban History
Howard Chudacoff should be considered one of America's premier UrbanHistorians. Evolution of Urban Society provides an in-depth yet readableaccount of everyday life in Urban America. Organized by era, the conceptsand problems of urban life are clearly presented. ... Read more

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Inspired by The Miracles Course. Author has a gift for translating spiritual wisdom into practical useful tools for enriching daily life. For twenty five years the author has studied, practiced and taught universal spiritual principles. ... Read more

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All There Is Is Love: Now, break through the barriers and distortions which are clouding your relationships by following the Ten Exercises presented in this extraordinary book and audio tape set. Based on the Baldwins' popular seminar, From My Heart To Yours, you will learn the keys to unlocking the transformative power of love in relationships ... Read more

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Creating words on paper has always been a joy for me. For many years, I have shared my poetry through greeting cards and books, each filled with simple lines of love and faith. I worked with the public during most of my career, and, as they touched my life, I trust, I may have touched theirs. Words of encouragement endure even when the day is past and gone, and they continue to provide comfort and hope to those who are blessed to receive them. We as people need to be inspired, and my desire has been to provide words, “spoken in due season,” to family, friends, and strangers alike. I do not want to be so absorbed in my own life that I fail to take a moment to make someone else feel special and loved. God did not make us a “people” alone, but people as a “whole.” ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a great book
this is a wonderful book. i just tells you so much about the lord and everything. i am not just saying this because the author is my grandmother but because i have read it for myself. it is tereffic on of the best books i have ever read and thats the truth ... Read more

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This best selling book contains the SOCIAL IQ TEST andshows how we can use our address books to rev up EVERY relationship inour lives!Authored by personal communications expert and FlexAPeelinventor Judith Moncrieff Baldwin. ... Read more

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Beyond Preservation was first published in 1993. Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible, and are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions. Addressing current ecological issues, from the philosophical to the practical, Frederick Turner and William R. Jordan III here offer a new paradigm for understanding the relationship between the humans and nature. Challenging the idea that preserving nature is the only solution to environmental problems, they advocate going beyond preservation to restoration and actual construction of our landscape. Fifteen respondents reflect on the implications and consequences of Turner's and Jordan's bold proposals. "Ecological restoration is the most helpful and provocative contribution to our thinking about nature to come along in many years, and Beyond Preservation is without a doubt the best book on the subject to date". Michael Polan, Harper's Contributors include Gary W. Barrett, Ann Cline, David L. Gorchov, William Jordan III, G. Stanley Kane, Jack Temple Kirby, Dora G. Lodwick, Orie L. Loucks, Kimberly E. Medley, Constance Pierce, Ellen Price, Frederick Turner, John E. Wierwille, and Gene E. Willeke. ... Read more

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This engaging catalog features the photographic portraiture of the nineteenth-century Parisian Nadar and the twentieth-century New Yorker Andy Warhol. The two photographers have more in common than one might suppose, particularly as adroit manipulators who simultaneously promoted their own reputations and those of their subjects. Both men emerged from the Bohemia of their day to become photographers after following earlier artistic pursuits: Nadar as a writer and caricaturist, Warhol as a commercial graphic artist, then painter and filmmaker.
While celebrating their individual achievements, Nadar/Warhol: Paris/New York also illuminates the role of the visual artist in the conscious creation of celebrity and the changing nature of fame. Among the many portraits in this exhibition catalog are Nadar's photographs of such luminaries as George Sand, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Jean-François Millet, and Sarah Bernhardt; and Warhols images of celebrities including Mick Jagger, Truman Capote, Jane Fonda, Robert Rauschenberg, Debbie Harry, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Liza Minnelli. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Portraits.
The book brilliantly discusses and displays photographs by Nadar and Warhol. It focuses briefly on the artist's biography and more on their collection of the photography (which are all portraits). A great buy for that photography lover or to be used for that photography history paper. ... Read more

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In Harmonious Home, bestselling author and interiors expert Judith Wilson takes you to the heart of fuss-free living. Imagine a home that is easy to move through and visually connected, one with light switches in just the right places, and seamless storage that works day in, day out. Living quarters with a color palette that functions as well in the kitchen as in the bedroom, with rooms that are configured to match your lifestyle. Imagine a home that works as a whole, from top to bottom, front to back, a space conceived with one strong and simple vision. Harmonious Home is a guide to creating that streamlined home. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, the book points the way to evaluating and maximizing its potential. Part 1, Thoughts and Plans, is devoted to initial ideas, from setting a budget to examining the architectural bones you already have. Part 2, Bare Essentials, helps sort the practicalities, from perfectly sited heating and lighting, to visually cohesive materials ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Making Your Space Special
The book's aim seems to be to make the most of an old English country house or a quirky city apartment. It doesn't look like it would apply as well to a freshly built house. Most of the discussion seems to be aimed at remodeling existing spaces.
Strengths: Lots of well-captioned and clear photos & thought provoking checklists sprinkled throughout
Drawbacks: some rooms used multiple times (different angles)in the photos

Good for a Browse
The book's aim seems to be to make the most of an old English country house or a quirky city apartment.It doesn't look like it would apply as well to a freshly built house.Most of the discussion seems to be aimed at remodeling existing spaces.
Strengths: Lots of well-captioned and clear photos & thought provoking checklists sprinkled throughout
Drawbacks: some rooms used multiple times (different angles)in the photos ... Read more

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Judith Wilson takes you to the heart of fuss-free living. Imagine a home that works as a whole, from top to bottom, a space conceived with one strong and simple vision. Harmonious Home is a guide to creating a streamlined home, whether you live in a flat or a house. Learn everything from setting a budget to examining the architectural bones you already have; from perfectly sited heating and lighting, to visually cohesive materials and colors. There are also case studies to show how the harmonious home works, visually and practically.• 70,000 copies sold in hardcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

harmonious ho-hum
Though much touted in decor magazines, this book is a dud: repetitive, badly laid out. This could have been a magazine article of a few pages, not a book. In fact, the format is like a magazine with call-outs in large print just above sections with the exact phrasing. Dull! Ideas & images repeatedly presented in almost the same format. Save your cash for the (many) better advice and image books available. ... Read more

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Introduction by Judith Goldman,32 pages, clothbound with jacket,11 color plates,12-1/4 x 9-3/4 inches, ... Read more

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Describes the different types of dinosaurs that once roamed the earth and presents theories for their inexplicable disappearance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

amazing world of dinosaurs
This book is a very educational book for kids my age.I suggest that you read this book and learn how te dinosaurs survived and how they protected themsevles and what they ate.Very good pictures in this book.

Amazing World of Dinosaurs
This book is not very exciting but very educational for kids our age. The book talks about how the dinosaurs survived back then and what they ate and how they protected theirsevles from other predators.The pictures in the book are very good and show wha the dinosaurs looked like.Read this book.

Science to go with Entertainment
My 4 year old son is a serious dinosaur kid and had read most everything we can find.This book is one of his favorites which pleases his parents greatly.The factual approach and excellent illustrations keep things moving while preserving a sense of education to go with the entertainment.I was hoping the author had covered some other topics but can not find any as of yet.If your kid is really into dinosaurs, this is a must add to any collection. ... Read more