Editorial Review

The same sharp intelligence and self-deprecating wit that made MichaelJ. Fox a star in the Read more

Reviews (187)

Here is a book to relate to
Michael's book is a fantastic account of his life leading up to and including his struggle with dealing with Parkinson's. As a person with a Parkinsonism who was diagnosed after Michael exposed his disease, I can say he truly made it easier for others to deal with this devastating blow. His hiding of the his disease is common of so many people who are diagnosed with PD at crucial points in their lives. An extremely good book about life rocky road, and for those with PD or any illness for that matter who are trying to create a somewhat normal existance for themselves and their families.
Great book, great story, very good read.
A friend gave this book to me. It was such a good read. I had no idea Michael was so sick, and had such a difficult life. While I did not respect ways he wasted his body by alcohol, drugs, and stupid habits before he found out, at a still very young age of mid-20s, about his Parkinson's disease, his remarkable change to a new man was a very good story. The anectodes from this book will stay with me, and it has a great message for everyone.

Surprising
I've been a fan of Michael J. Fox for many years and was sad to learn of his Parkinson's disease.I expected this book to be largely about the disease and Fox's coping with it.However, I was pleasantly surprised to read an honest account of all of the ways he had messed up his life before coming to terms with himself as well as with his disease.Although I don't like to read sad stories of drinking spinning out of control, Fox's matter-of-fact tone and willingness to take full responsibility for his actions was refreshing.I felt privileged to be allowed this glimpse into his life and his psyche, and I ended up liking him better after finishing the book than when I started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Actors    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Canada    8. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    10. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    11. Fox, Michael J.,    12. Parkinson's disease    13. Patients    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Specific Groups - Special Needs    16. United States    17. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

A biography of Meriwether Lewis that relies heavily on the journals of both Lewis and Clark, this book is also backed up by the author's personal travels along Lewis and Clark's route to the Pacific. Ambrose is not content to simply chronicle the events of the "Corps of Discovery" as the explorers called their ventures. He often pauses to assess the military leadership of Lewis and Clark, how they negotiated with various native peoples and what they reported to Jefferson. Though the expedition failed to find Jefferson's hoped for water route to the Pacific, it fired interest among fur traders and other Americans, changing the face of the West forever. ... Read more

Reviews (318)

Vivid and entertaining
When I read this book it helped me get ahead in history amazingly. I may just be one of those odd people, but to me, the 200 year old mistakes and goof-ups were hilarious. Although he is descriptive, Ambrose does not mince words.
great book
i loved this book. i knew i would before picking it up, and i wonder if that had anything to do with the 5 star approval on my part. ambrose can tell history like no other. i tried a few other lewis and clark books, but i like a good story rather than history books, and this one is both.

Absolutely Wonderful Reading
Stephen Ambrose takes history and turns it into a fascinating, easy read. It was exciting to learn so much while at the same time enjoying every turn. History has never been this much fun! The author writes in such a way that you feel as if you are actually watching the events take place before your very eyes. This is a definate, must read!
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Subjects:  1. (1804-1806)    2. 1774-1809    3. Biography    4. Explorers    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History - U.S.    8. History: World    9. Lewis and Clark Expedition    10. Lewis, Meriwether,    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - 19th Century/Old West    14. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    15. Geographical discovery & exploration    16. History / United States / General    17. USA   

Editorial Review

One would not anticipate a conventional memoir from Bob Dylan--indeed, one would not have foreseen an autobiography at all from the pen of the notoriously private legend. What Read more

Reviews (230)

Recommended, but With Several Reservations
I have always been a huge fan of Bob Dylan's music, and am now probably a bigger fan than ever. As I listen to his older music, some of it for the first time, and compare it to the tripe from other acts that record companies "manufacture" these days, Dylan's music is a true treasure.
Tangled up ...
I had always wondered about the gal on the cover of Dylan's second album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan." I had read elsewhere that she was Dylan's girlfriend soon after arriving in NYC. Reading "Chronicles I," you getDylan's take on Suze Rotolo, the girl on the cover, and her role in his life. Dylan gives you a small sense of her as a love interest, a muse, a girl of the sixties. More importantly, Chronicles offers a jumbled, messy, non-chronological, but insightful view of Dylan's life, the trappings of fame, and his attempts to recoil from expectations by the adoring fans. The chapters detailing his earlier periods seem more interesting probably because of our greater familiarity with the music he released then. I found it useful to have a listen to the album Oh Mercy!while reading the chapter devoted to putting the album together in New Orleans with Daniel Lanois.
Can't wait for Bob Dylan's next book (hurry Bob!)
Not many books hold my attention.They sit around my house half unread. Add to that my short attention span and that I don't want to bother reading any fictional words from an unknown somebody's book.I'm old enough to be Bob Dylan's daughter and have never owned one of his albums.Of course I know his music classics that other people have covered over the years...many I didn't know Bob had written until reading this book. I came to this book with an open mind, not a 4 decades follower of Bob Dylan like many of the other reviewers.With that background info in mind......I started Bob Dylan's book Chronicles Volume 1 and could not put it down.It opened a door into the sixties and Folk music era that took place when I was a wee toddler but have always been very curious about. It provides real, personal moments as Bob talks and you sense his enthusiasm or other emotions all intertwined.His words and phrasing bounced my mind around on the page and into different years and descriptions in each sentence.I learned about the music world then, his contacts, friends, desires, wishes, ups/downs, a life event here and there, and I was spellbound by the the visual imagery he succinctly provided thru a few words when telling of places, events, people, his journey and personal moments in his life - one after another.I thought many of his ways/wordings were very salt-of-the-earth "Midwestern" that someone not raised in the Midwest wouldn't recognize or be able to smile about while reading...I should know since I'm from Missouri. I laughed several times. He's funny as well. Bob, please write your next book soon.I'm waiting for it impatiently.Until then, I purchased my first Bob Dylan album and listened last night (Modern Times).Songs 4 and 7 made me cry. The words & images in both his songs and book are intriguing, beautiful, real, unexpected. The tunes can grip the mind. Thanks to Bob Dylan for opening up the door to his life after all these years.He didn't have to and could've just faded away like so many others. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Composers & Musicians - General    7. Composers & Musicians - Rock    8. Dylan, Bob,    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Popular Music    11. Singers    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (30)

The most brilliant mind in today's mediocre world
Although this author once bashed a book I had written, I refused to turn away from this writer and miss out on the writings of the most brilliant mind and greatest wordsmith since Winston Churchill.I never tire of seeing him on talk shows where his brillance simply overpowers everyone attempting to put him down.I buy and read every book written by this author, and his output is unbelievable -- obviously thoughts flow from his mind straight onto the page.Reading one of this author's books remind me of being thrust into the midst of a mind feast.Like your mother's best Sunday dinner, it's just impossible to push back.I'm now reading his latest, THOMAS JEFFERSON, and I recommend it, as I highly recommend all of Hitchen's books to you.Jean Sasson, author of Mayada, Daughter of Iraq

HItch is so brilliant, I sometimes think that I must be stupid
However, Reading his books, make me feel like I get a chance to understand what it must be like to be brilliant. I loved this book on Jefferson, an easier read than most of his books, becasue I love what Jefferson understood. In spite of the new revisionist history that is being taught today in American schools ( Jefforson came to America for his own financial benfits, he was a slave owner, he raped women, etc. etcl.etc.)I found this book to be refreshing, as it tells of one of the most important founders of this democracy that allows teachers to teach drivel to my child, which I must un-do when he returns home. If I could only get the teachers to read this book, perhaps saying the Pledge of Alligence would not be "nerdy" and would be stated wth pride, as I fear that we are losing our country, to political correctness, lack of values, loss of religion (I know Hitchens hates religion, but we have to agree to disagree)and values of democracy being bitten away by Islam and the desire to resetablish a Caliphate here in America. Read this book, and be proud to live in the best country in the world.

Here'sJeffersonrewrittenas aneocon
This amusing exercise in literary invention and clever psycho-babble portrays Jefferson as the original neocon who had the wisdom and foresight to establish useful precedents for today's neoconservatives.
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Subjects:  1. 1743-1826    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Jefferson, Thomas,    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. United States    11. United States - 19th Century    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents   

Reviews (17)

Genuinely worthy of five stars
I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while, and finally got around to reading it after watching a documentary on Columbus on the Discivery Channel. I got inspired to overcome my intellectual laziness, and how pleased I am I did! This book really deserves its reputation as a timeless classic, and the author, a giant of maritime history, did such a fine job that I now want to read his well known biography of John Paul Jones. The text is gripping and the author's insights abound. This is a fine book.

A colorful narrative, rich in detail.
This book is the definitive work on Columbus.Morison is famous for making the same journey that Columbus made with largely the same equipment in order to prepare for writing this book.His experience shines through in the detail thatMorison lavishes on his subject.
Misleading entities...
While Morison does admit to the genocide of the Indians lead by Columbus and his henchmen, it idolizes him for the duration of the book. A brief admittance of guilt, for Morison, is a surefire way of allowing a much more bias, idealistic portrayal of a man with "questionable" character traits. Bartolome De Las Casas, a European minister who lived in the same time as Colombus, gives a much more realistcally bleek look at the Spanish invasion of the Americas. Because Morison's focus shifts so rapidly from the bad to the good, it loses major points for realism. The book reads more like a 3rd grade textbook; Morison would have us believe Santa Claus and the toothfairy exists along side a saintly Christopher Columbus. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. America    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Columbus, Christopher    7. Expeditions & Discoveries    8. Explorers    9. Historical - General    10. Spain    11. Biography: historical    12. Geographical discovery & exploration    13. History / General    14. North America    15. South America    16. World history: c 1750 to c 1900    17. c 1500 to c 1600   

Reviews (122)

A book about two topics: pardon and donation.
I listened to the audio version of this book. While most of the things said in this book may be true, it appears a bit biased. In addition to facts, the author uses some adjectives which show her personal dislike of the famous couple.
FAILING TO CROSSOVER
"The much talked about Marc Rich pardon has become an appropriate symbol of the entire eight years, but Mrs. Olson does a commendable service by clearly detailing the effrontery of his (Rich's) misdeeds, and an even more skillful demonstration of the President's specious and insulting attempt to justify this shocking act. To add fuel to her raging fire, she quotes former President Jimmy Carter who openly stated "I don't think there is any doubt that some of the factors in his pardon were attributable to his large gifts. In my opinion that was disgraceful."
Excellent and bloody right!
All of you Clinton lovers should actually learn to not turn the blind eye on many of these things Clinton did during his presidency. The last few minutes before he was impeached.
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Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Clinton, Bill,    5. Clinton, Hillary Rodham    6. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    7. Ethics    8. Government - U.S. Government    9. History    10. History & Theory - General    11. Political History    12. Political Process - Leadership    13. Political Science    14. Political corruption    15. Politics / Current Events    16. Politics/International Relations    17. Presidents    18. Presidents' spouses    19. U.S. Political History    20. U.S. President    21. United States    22. Clinton, Bill    23. Political Science / Reference   

Editorial Review

As coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967, Vince Lombardi turned perennial losers into a juggernaut, winning back-to-back NFL titles in 1961 and 1962, and Superbowls I and II in 1966 and 1967. Stern, severe, sentimental, and paternal, he stood revered, reviled, respected, and mocked--a touchstone for the '60s all in one person. Which adds up to the myth we've been left with. But who was the man? That's the question Pulitzer Prize-winner David Maraniss tackles. It begins with Lombardi's looming father, a man as colorful as his son would be conservative. Still, from his father Vince Lombardi learned a sense of presence and authority that could impress itself with just a look. If a moment can sum up and embrace a man's life--and capture the breadth of Maraniss's thoroughness--it is one that takes place off the field when the Packers organization decides to redecorate their offices in advance of the new head coach's arrival: "During an earlier visit," Maraniss reports, "he had examined the quarters--peeling walls, creaky floor, old leather chairs with holes in them, discarded newspapers and magazines piled on chairs and in the corners--and pronounced the setting unworthy of a National Football League club. 'This is a disgrace!' he had remarked." In one moment, one comment, Lombardi announced his intentions, made his vision and professionalism clear, and began to shake up a stale organization. It reveals far more about the man than wins and losses, and is the kind of moment Maraniss uses again and again in this superb resurrection of a figure who so symbolized a sporting era and sensibility. Read more

Reviews (132)

Thorough book about a fascinating life
I picked up this book by accident without really beliving I would read the whole thing.Once I got started, I could not put it down.There is much detail on the early life of Vince Lombardi and his family's background.Lombardi's education is well documented as well as how he basically accidentally ended up as a High School teacher and sports coach, which eventually would lead to his college and professional football coaching career. It gives you a good picture of a man who accomplished so much in such a short time as an NFL head coach, and became an American Icon along the way.Plus there is much detail about Lombardi's spiritual life.Along the way, you get a picture (slightly) of American race relations in the 1920's-60's as far as Lombardi was concerned.I enjoyed this read and it lead me to seek out other books about Lombard, however the only other one I have since gotten my hands on does not come close to this one.

Severly Long and Intricate
If you are in search of knowing every nook, crook, and cranny of Coach Lombardi's life from childhood on, then you have the right book.It is full of good things, but becomes rather monotonous and slow as it is a little too many intricacies about his life. The book turned into a very long read for me even though I am glad I read it.

Cluttered with pointless detail
There is a good book here. Unfortunately, it lies buried under layers of pointless detail. Do we really need to know the recipes for Lombardi's mother's meat pies? Do we really need to know the names and geographical backgrounds of all of Lombardi's fellow freshman recruits at Fordham? Or the complete lyrics of the school song the Lombardi-coached high school team sang to the nuns following a victory? Mannerisms, personality quirks, and pointless anecdotes of peripheral characters? Thorough research is a good thing, but a writer should choose the most telling details to use rather than simply dumping them all out for the reader to wade through. Still an interesting read, but the book could have used a good editor with a sharp red pencil. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Coaching    6. Football    7. Football - Professional    8. Football coaches    9. Lombardi, Vince    10. Sports - Football    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: sport   

Reviews (29)

The Rating Depends on Your Point of View
Did my opinion of the president change after reading this book? Not really. I read the book with a somewhat-open mind, in that the book is written from the personal perspective of someone who was there.Fleischer wrote from his perspective; gave his testimoy; in that respect, the books is very well written. We're also talking about someone who trusts the President implicitly, so he's going to defend him. So I can't consider this a totally "objective" account of what was going on in the White House during the time the war was being debated.
Like some people still watch TV: what do they know?
The author, Ari Fleischer, of TAKING HEAT / THE PRESIDENT, THE PRESS, AND MY YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, having been close to events that may yet produce an indictment of presidential adviser Karl Rove, has a point of view which is in need of a form of analysis made possible in modern society by a heady mix of Freud's books on Thomas Woodrow Wilson and WIT AND ITS RELATION TO THE UNCONSCIOUS.People who appreciate this book are likely to be applying the synthesis at the center of the latter, on "The Pleasure Mechanism and the Psychogenesis of Wit" and "The Motives of Wit and Wit as a Social Process."A little old lady named Helen Thomas is so good at filling the role which clowns reserve for representatives of virtue that Chapter 13 (pages 246-258) gives her a platform capable of illustrating section 64 of Nietzsche's THE GAY SCIENCE on "Sceptics. -- I am afraid that old women in their most secret heart of hearts are more sceptical than all men:" only to have her observations about "turmoil in the Arab world, obviously, from all the things we've been doing" answered at the end of the chapter by:
disappointing
I'm guessing that at least one-half of this book's nearly 400 pages are transcripts -- either of excerpts from the President's remarks or speeches and of the give-and-take at Ari's press briefings.Since Fleischer maintains that his job was never to make news, the transcripts typically illustrate his ability calmly to provide platitudinous non-answers to nearly every question. There are so many of these illustrations that it becomes as tedious and aggravating to the reader as it must have been for the news-hungry journalists.The many excerpts from GWB's remarks serve to reconfirm that -- whatever his other strengths -- it is undeniable (even by his strong supporters) that Bush's rhetorical skills are weak. On the other hand, Fleisher does ably document the naked pro-liberal, anti-conservative bias by so many reporters from the mainstream media; he also demonstrates very convincingly an overwhelming press agenda to create news by finding or exaggerating conflicts between government officials where none exist, i.e. to sensationalize at all costs rather than to inform readers of the real facts.He does a good job, too, of compiling many examples of blatant factual errors by major media, reminding us that, unlike newspapers, broadcast news never troubles to issue corrections. Although my impression of Fleischer from his TV appearances is that he is an interesting, witty, engaging personality, his book is very dry, revealing very little of his personal side and virtually none of the President in whose company he spent so much time. The book contains very few memorable behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and adds astonishingly little to the below-the-surface portrait of Bush (or Fleischer) as a person. The book could have been shortened by half and we would have learned no less about W or Ari.
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Subjects:  1. (George Walker),    2. 1946-    3. American Journalism    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Bush, George W    9. Bush, George W.    10. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    11. Friends and associates    12. Government - Executive Branch    13. Government - U.S. Government    14. Political    15. Press secretaries    16. Relations with journalists    17. U.S. President    18. United States    19. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (83)

Right Wing Propaganda and Spin
Jimmy Carter was the only creative President who took bold steps to correct America's foreign policy. This book is nothing but silly propaganda.

Theoretically biased, but nevertheless accurate
This book was obviously meant to be anti-Carter, based on the subtitle and the short length (at less than 250 pages before the index, I was disappointed), but it seems to be accurate. Having been born in 1980, I am fascinated by the 1970s, and I find Jimmy Carter more interesting than Bill Clinton, whose presidency I grew up in. Carter appears to be a sincere Christian, and more principled than Bill Clinton--it's just that he has different faults. Instead of being a weak man of appetites, Carter is principled, but is also arrogant and self-righteous, to the point of interfering in the diplomatic affairs of presidents Reagan, Clinton and W. Bush; but his being principled obviously didn't help him conduct an effective presidency (for crying out loud, the author relates in this book that Carter had a bunch of average people flown to Camp David so he could ask them what to do); and the author claims that despite being Christian, Carter is generally a malicious person, and eternally bitter about losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Overall a terrific biography on the ex-president
Not too difficult to understand yet sophisticated, this biography effectively highlights the major events of Carter's political life as well as the important steps leading up the it.This book's first two hundred pages are an extended timeline of Jimmy Carter's life from college and his military naval career to his days as a peanut farmer and most importantly as a politician.If you want a thorough outline of Carter's life, this book is for you.
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Subjects:  1. 1924-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Carter, Jimmy,    7. Political    8. Political and social views    9. Presidents    10. Presidents & Heads of State    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political    14. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    15. USA    16. World history: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (16)

GREAT BOOK
I read it in like three days, would have read it cover to cover in a day but work, wife and three kids prevented that from happeneing.
Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong friendship with Elvis Presley
I think this is one of the best books I have read.I am an Elvis fan through and through.It told about a young boy meeting a very famous person and how their friendship grew.It made me laugh and it made me cry.It let you see inside Elvis the person, not the superstar or the legend.It wasn't degrading or accusing. It was very thoughtfully written. You got to see another side of Elvis through this friend's eyes.

Jerry Loved Elvis Like A Brother - End of Story
It's a fairly good book about Elvis and a lot of good stuff written about Jerry.I did not think there was enough in-depth information about Elvis in the book - especially about all the women that Elvis was involved with.I'm sure Jerry knew them all, but said nothing much about them because of Priscilla and wanting to keep his friendship with her and Lisa Marie.Jerry must have known Gladys and Vernon and could have said more about all of that part of Elvis's life too, but didn't.This is a pretty good book and it is well-written, but I was looking for a little more insight into Elvis's life.I know that Jerry knows a ton of stuff that he will never reveal, but that is his choice.I am a die-hard Elvis fan and read all the books I can about Elvis.This book is more about Jerry and less about Elvis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1935-1977    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Individual Actors And Actresses    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Popular Music    10. Presley, Elvis,    11. Rock musicians    12. Schilling, Jerry    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    15. Rock & pop   

Reviews (56)

fascinating history
Well written and revealing early history of Teddy Roosevelt.A very inspiring story showing how one can overcome perceived weaknesses to achieve greatness.

Another classic from a great historian
The glowing reviews have it right so I will add a couple of notes.First, McCullough was able to place the individuals and events in such amazing historical context that I understood the facts and details as much as if I had lived in that period. He just has an amazing gift to bring history "alive."
Liked it, but not on par with Truman and Adams....
McCullough is a great writer, but this book got too detailed on things I didn't really care about.....I love the history, and believe you should read this if the topic interests you, but Truman and Adams are 2 of the greatest and this one just doesn't measure up to those.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1858-1919    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Childhood and youth    7. General    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Roosevelt, Theodore    11. Roosevelt, Theodore,    12. United States    13. United States - 19th Century/Turn of the Century    14. Biography & Autobiography / General    15. Biography: general    16. USA   

Reviews (114)

Shipment early, packing condition
Book arrived on earliest date listed.Packing was simply a tight bubble wrap envelope that (I am sure) resulted in bent corners of book.Otherwise, book in great condition.

Why the Change?
This review is somewhat belated.I read the book shortly after its original release. The copy I have has a scarlet letter "A" in the title, which I thought represented perfectly the legacy of this brilliant, but terribly flawed man.It's too bad the title was retooled.
A well-documented and biased book
Richard Lowry delivers a well-documented, but highly lopsided view of the Clintons. This is definitely not a book for the critical thinker, or for anyone who wishes to learn more about a brilliant, but unstable president who lacked confidence in his own convictions. Lowry does bring up a few interesting topics, such as Clinton's obsession with his legacy, along with his inability to truly face shaky foreign relations. However, it is too unfortunate when a good writer loses himself in the fissured psychodrama of American politics, which Lowry exhibits in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. 1993-2001    3. Biography    4. Clinton, Bill,    5. Government - Executive Branch    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. History & Theory - General    8. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    9. Political Process - Leadership    10. Political Science    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics and government    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Presidents    15. U.S. Political History    16. U.S. President    17. United States    18. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    19. Central government    20. Political leaders & leadership    21. Political science & theory    22. USA   

Editorial Review

Augustine's Read more

Reviews (105)

Essential classic of world literature
This is a good translation of St Augustine's 'Confessions', one of the most important works of Christian and also world religious and philosophical thought.
Great Masterpiece
Augustine's _Confessions_ have really had no parallel in the history of biographical writing. This account of his life stands as one of the most beautifully written Latin texts ever. Augustine was a master of prose writing and even in translations his work comes very powerfully forth.
Best book ever.
This is the greatest book in Christendom other then the Bible.Period.This translation (from the Latin) is quite good.It is translated in the contemporary idiom but also keeps the beauty of Augustine's language.EVERYONE should read this book more then once in their life.Experience Augustine's "sober intoxication" with God's "sovereign joy"! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Augustine    2. Christianity - General    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Religious    7. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    8. Early Church    9. Other prose: classical, early & medieval    10. Religion & Theology | Philosophy of Religion    11. Saints & hagiography   

Editorial Review

Even to those without Marxist sympathies, Che Guevara (1928-67) was a dashing, charismatic figure: the asthmatic son of an aristocratic Argentine family whose sympathy for the world's oppressed turned him into a socialist revolutionary, the valued comrade-in-arms of Cuba's Fidel Castro and a leader of guerilla warfare in Latin America and Africa. Journalist Jon Lee Anderson's lengthy and absorbing portrait captures the complexities of international politics (revolutionary and counter); his painstaking research has unearthed a remarkable amount of new material, including information about Guevara's death at the hands of the Bolivian military. ... Read more

Reviews (119)

Interesting, but maybe not for everyone.
If you want an in-depth study of Che Guevara from birth to death, this is the book for you.This book is scrupulously researched and detailed (almost to a fault).I wouldn't purchase this book if you want a shortened, glamourized version of his life that continues to propogate "the cult of Che".I think some reviewers have confused liking the subject (Che) with liking the actual book.Che was not a likable character.He was selfish, sexist, misguided, arrogant, and an absent parent.None of this is the fault of the author.Che was was also a passionate, idealistic and dedicated visionary on a mission to revolutionize social injustice. In my opinion, the author presents an unbiased and even-handed account of one of the most enigmatic figures in recent history.However, the story is a bit rambling and in all honesty once you've read the entire work, you will find yourself wondering if this was a man worthy an 800 page biography delivered by such a diligent biographer.One thing I can guarantee you is that after reading this you'll get a good chuckle every time you see someone wearing a Che t-shirt.

The complete bio of El Che
Aha, here you go, the full bio of El Che
Total Che
I don't think you will find a more thorough account of Che Guevara anywhere.The author exhausts all sources of information and goes above a beyond the expected subject matter to give the reader ample information about the communist/socialist revolution that occured during the 50's and 60's in Central and South America.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-1967    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Guerrillas    7. Guevara, Ernesto,    8. Historical - General    9. Latin America    10. Political    11. Biography: general    12. Political leaders & leadership   

Reviews (4)

A 69-year-old mystery is one step closer to being solved
Everyone knows that Amelia Earhart did not finish her around-the-world flight in 1937 - and that is about the ONLY thing that anyone interested in finding out what happened next can agree on. Did she and navigator Fred Noonan crash at sea? Were they executed by the Japanese after a secret spy mission? Did Amelia somehow survive and end up living in the US under an assumed name? Was that Star Trek: Voyager episode the true solution?
A Fact-Based Theory About Amelia's Last Flight
Unsolved mysteries are a surefire way to get published and possibly turn a fast dollar or two.All it takes is a theory about what happened, bolstered by assertions presented as facts and some talent for writing the story.That's why the market is saturated with books that promise the reader "the True Story".
You Gotta Read This Book!!!!
I have been obsessed with finding out what really happened to Amelia Earhart for a number of years, and have read at least 20 -30 books written about her disappearance.