Social Sciences

In the second major biography in little over a year of Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth U.S. president, Allgor (Univ. of California, Riverside; Parlor Politics) not only gives us Madison’s life but also identifies her influence in creating a uniquely American political style. She emphasizes how Dolley consciously used the social sphere to influence politics and advance her husband’s career. Under Dolley’s hand, the Madisons’ weekly socials, by requiring civility and minimizing conflict, encouraged interaction and dialog among those in government in an era of often violent political disagreement. As a result, contends Allgor, Dolley inadvertently helped forge a distinctly American brand of politics that fused ideals of disinterested public service and elite leadership with the notion of broader participation in government. Richard Côté’s recent Strength and Honor: The Life of Dolley Madison is equally strong but somewhat more straightforward. Recommended for history and biography collections in academic and public libraries, though smaller public libraries that already have Côté’s book can get by without Allgor’s. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/05.]—Linda V. Carlisle, Southern Illinois Univ., Edwardsville

Brynner can truly be described as a Renaissance man accomplished in many fields, from street clown and actor to band manager, pilot, historian, professor, and writer, most recently of Dark Remedy: The Impact of Thalidomide and Its Revival as a Vital Medicine with Trent Stephens. In this personal yet meticulous work, he chronicles the lives of four generations of his own family, beginning with his great-grandfather, Jules Bryner, a Swiss who eventually settled in Vladivostok, where he was greatly responsible for establishing its importance in the Russian Far East. Next, he covers Jules’s son Boris, a major industrialist, and then Boris’s son, the author’s father, actor Yul Brynner. He concludes, full circle, with his own odyssey to Vladivostok in 2003. Brynner expertly paints each era in the context of the family history, showing how each man made his own mark upon his generation, whether through direct involvement in the Russo-Japanese War or as an exemplar of Hollywood glamour. Brynner refers to many well-known celebrities, and he isn’t shy about revealing previously unknown stories involving Sammy Davis Jr., Marlene Dietrich, and Sam Giancana. Illustrated with over 150 photographs, this book can stand by itself as a fascinating tale of a fascinating family. Recommended for all libraries.—Maria C. Bagshaw, Lake Erie Coll., Painesville, OH

Cohen, Rich. Sweet and Low: A Family Story. Farrar. Apr. 2006. c.288p. photogs. ISBN 0-374-27229-8. $25. AUTOBIOG

The history of the artificial sweetener giant—its humble beginnings, its rise to prominence, and the high-profile criminal doings that got into the mix—would be interesting enough. When the saga is written by the (disinherited) grandson of the inventor, who combines the product’s history with his personal quest for the truth and his considerable skills at crafting compelling tableaux, you have one sweet read. Cohen (contributing editor, Rolling Stone; Tough Jews) doesn’t just rely on family anecdotes; he digs through court records, interviews relatives (some won’t talk with him), and peruses library microfilm to reveal various layers of truth. Everything from the origins of the name Sweet and Low and its packet design to his family’s involvement in organized crime is up for investigation. Cohen also offers good servings of history on related topics—the sugar trade, the diet craze, the migration of Jews to New York—much of which provides a helpful backdrop to the story. At the heart of this tale is his family, a cast of characters who, owing to Cohen’s gifts as a writer, are neither lionized nor demonized. Cohen is one talented storyteller, and Sweet and Low is a great read. Recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/05.]—Jennifer Zarr, NYPL

The question of what constitutes gender has been long debated. For attorney Khosla, the debate began in early childhood, when he first realized that although born with female anatomy, his gender was male. Here he chronicles his journey from one gender to the other, beginning with his July 1997 decision to pursue sexual reassignment. We are with Khosla as he consults therapists, surgeons, and support groups, seeks the understanding of family, friends, and coworkers, copes with the successes and setbacks of his many surgeries, and takes both issue with and comfort from gendered language. The story ends in the present, with Khosla at peace with himself and accepting the possibilities of love and lasting happiness. At once an intensely personal account of a life-altering decision and an informative look at the world of gender diversity, this is a worthy companion to such memoirs as Jamison Green’s Becoming a Visible Man, Jennifer Finney Boylan’s She’s Not There, Aleshia Brevard’s The Woman I Was Not Born To Be, Deirdre McCloskey’s Crossing: A Memoir, and, of course, Renee Richard’s Second Serve. For its wealth of detail, as well as its compelling and inspiring narrative, this work belongs on the shelves of both public and academic libraries.—M.C. Duhig, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh

Perri Klass, both a pediatrician and a writer (Love and Modern Medicine: Stories), and her mother, author Sheila Solomon Klass (In a Cold Open Field), team up on a prose conversation cum memoir covering a gamut of topics, including food, careers, children, and public transportation. The use of what is essentially a family-journal format means that readers may feel that they are intruding on a private discussion of topics that are obviously longstanding issues for the authors, who bring up family memories, jokes, and debates by turn. The two writers’ very different voices and styles can be disconcerting, but they come together well when they are reminiscing about their beloved late husband and father. It is especially touching to have the perspectives of both the wife and the daughter and witness the profound effect that he had on their relationship. Overall, the dual memoir is most engaging when the women recount two epic trips they took to Trinidad and India; the road-trip momentum brings out the verve and humor in their mother/daughter relationship. Recommended for large public libraries.—Elizabeth Morris, Illinois Fire Svc. Inst. Lib., Champaign

In a time when women found their education and legal rights severely limited, Elizabeth “Bess” Hardwick rose from her position as the fifth daughter of landed, though not especially moneyed, minor gentry to become the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England. Lovell (The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family) traces not only Bess’s remarkable success, which paralleled progressively advantageous marriages, but the resentment it inspired in some of her contemporaries, resentment that Lovell feels has unfairly tarnished Bess’s reputation. She also sheds new light on the earlier, less well known periods of Bess’s life and succeeds in bringing great humanity to a woman who has sometimes been wrongly portrayed as avaricious and conniving. Especially welcome are the care with which Lovell differentiates between similarly named or titled people in her story and her help with the idiosyncrasies of Tudor spelling. For those caught up in the story’s supporting cast, Lovell has also graciously provided a brief overview of the fates of some of Bess’s descendants. A meticulously researched and riveting tale, this title is recommended for all libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/05.]—Tessa L.H. Minchew, Georgia Perimeter Coll., Clarkston

Sir Roger Mortimer was pivotal to one of the most outrageous plots in British history, in which King Edward II lost his throne and—most historians tell us—his life. Edward gave enormous power to his unpopular favorites and turned ruthless and vengeful after they were killed. Mortimer, who had become the lover of Edward’s wife, Isabella, oversaw Edward’s kidnapping and his supposed murder in 1327. Edward’s teenage son was declared Edward III, with Mortimer effectively the monarch from 1327 to 1330, when Edward III seized him and had him executed as a traitor. The author (no relation to his subject) presents the case that Edward II was almost certainly alive in captivity when his son was made king and possibly lived on in Europe for several years. He is clear about the dearth of primary sources from this treacherous period and carefully explains how he arrived at his conclusions, which many may dispute. This fascinating book, which includes extensive notes and supporting charts, is the first real biography of an important figure and, along with Alison Weir’s recent new assessment, Queen Isabella, is recommended for all large British history holdings.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY

In 1999—notably, before 9/11 or the current Iraq war—Hess (media & public affairs, Brookings Inst. scholar and George Washington Univ.; Media and the War on Terrorism, coedited with Marvin Kalb) conducted a survey and subsequently undertook select interviews of foreign correspondents working in the United States. He reached out to journalists from a full spectrum of countries and media (radio, television, newspaper, and magazine). The number of usable responses (439) makes this survey the largest undertaken on the subject. Hess gives a glimpse of the challenges facing foreign reporters, noting such common trends as pressure from editors to report on stories that reinforce negative stereotypes about America, e.g., news stories on crime, and such practical challenges as long work hours and language barriers. With ample tables and quotes, Hess brings the facts directly to the reader. At times, however, his book, the sixth in his “Newswork” series, reads like a dry academic study, with sections that don’t flow together as well as they might. Suitable for academic libraries.—Leigh Mihlrad, Albert Einstein Coll. of Medicine of Yeshiva Univ., Bronx, NY

How much does advice go for nowadays? For about 28 cents per chapter, if you purchase this collection, in which an outstanding group of published (though not necessarily well-known) fiction writers and poets (despite the title) share the secrets that help them work productively. That’s quite a bargain considering the number of personal anecdotes and words of wisdom compiled by Martone (director, MFA Program in Creative Writing, Univ. of Alabama; Unconventions: Attempting the Art of Craft and the Craft of Art) and Neville (creative writing, Butler Univ., Indianapolis; Fabrication: Essays on Making Things and Making Meaning). This is not a book on how to make money at writing but on how to perfect one’s craft and find the inspiration to forge ahead. Liberally dotted with Victorian-era clip art that doesn’t particularly enhance the prose, the book nevertheless gives novice writers numerous reasons to consult it again and again. Obviously, every author has his or her trick, technique, or routine for keeping pen to paper, but the resounding theme here is “Just do it.” A worthwhile purchase for creative writing collections.—Ann Schade, Edgewood Coll., Madison, WI

When, in the early pages of her book, Emmy Award–winning journalist Salinas reveals that she discovered after her father’s death that he was once a Catholic priest, a reader may infer that this family secret will be the book’s foundation. Instead, it is one of several strands running through the text. Somewhat clumsily, Salinas intertwines her father’s mysterious history with her own professional rise in journalism from reporter for a local Los Angeles station to that of well-known anchor for the Spanish-language television station Univision. She relates her painful personal quest to achieve motherhood along with career highlights that include profiling or interviewing Latin American politicians ranging from Manuel Noriega to Alberto Fujimori. Her passion to keep the Spanish-speaking community abreast of current affairs and her efforts to ensure that immigration issues are fairly represented in the media are duly noted. Although lacking the smooth transitions found in books like Mike Wallace’s Between You and Me, this book does provide a credible introduction to Spanish-language broadcast journalism and may serve as an inspirational story as well. Recommended for public libraries.—Regina M. Beard, Economics Librarian, Kansas State Libs.

Here is an eye-opening history of the Internet describing how cyberspace, which we think of as a borderless community, is in fact nothing of the sort. Goldman (Harvard Law Sch.; The Limits of International Law) and Wu (Columbia Law Sch.) show how different nation-states and international organizations have shaped a local Internet experience based on their own prevailing societal values. Multinational corporations trying to sell online, such as Yahoo!, Ebay, and Dow Jones, have discovered quickly and painfully that they must abide by local standards. Otherwise, their online operations will be halted by governments and competitors using a variety of often far-reaching legal maneuvers and/or high-level technology filters. China, for instance, has a countrywide firewall, and many countries and regions employ geo-ID technologies that not only enable Internet companies to personalize content for local users but also assist in targeting and blocking unwanted content emanating from specific geographic areas. Perhaps the Internet will not connect the world as quickly as Thomas L. Friedman proposes in The World Is Flat. As controversial as Friedman’s, this thought-provoking work is recommended for international law and e-commerce collections in colleges as well as public libraries.—Caroline Geck, Kean Univ., Union, NJ

Economist Levinson (The Economist Guide to Financial Markets) shows in this history of the shipping container how its invention helped form our modern global economy by bringing down the cost of transporting goods. He explains how the advent of the shipping container in the mid-1950s—the book is published on the 50th anniversary of the first container voyage—was a radical break from the labor-intensive loading and transport of loose cargo by trucks, railroads, and break-bulk ships. Levinson demonstrates how, despite strong opposition from longshoremen, transportation companies, and government regulators, the economic advantages of containerization won out in the end and how, as a result, the shipping industry, port cities, and whole national economies have been transformed. Levinson presents a clear, comprehensive history of the now-ubiquitous shipping container while highlighting its crucial economic role in global interconnectivity. Highly recommended for transportation and economics collections in academic and larger public libraries.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ., Erie, PA.

Ross, Andrew. Fast Boat to China: Corporate Flight and the Consequences of Free Trade; Lessons from Shanghai. Pantheon. Apr. 2006. c.336p. illus. index. ISBN 0-375-42363-X. $27.50. ECON

The prolific Ross (director, American studies, NYU; No-Collar: The Humane Workplace and Its Hidden Costs) here writes ostensibly about U.S.-China trade relations, but, more important, he takes a look at the “offshoring” that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of American jobs being lost to countries overseas, many to China. Is China to blame? Not according to Ross, who shows how the enterprising Chinese have become convenient scapegoats while American corporations play “global labor arbitrage,” looking for the cheapest labor. Ross argues further that China’s 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization not only legitimized its trading status but also lowered its own trade tariffs, thus encouraging more imports from other countries. China’s recent willingness to acquire U.S. companies shows its determination to be a real player in the global mergers and acquisition arena. In the final analysis, Ross advises us to rethink our trading relationship with China in a positive light, arguing that we clearly have much to gain and everything to lose depending on how we confront this economic superpower. Chock-full of valuable insights and telling asides, many based on his extensive interviews in China, this is essential reading for anyone concerned with globalization issues. Highly recommended for academic libraries and all international economic collections.—Richard Drezen, Washington Post/NYC Bureau

Friedman (president, Inst. for Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Education, or EDIE) and his coauthors attempt to provide a resource for developing, implementing, and evaluating effective instructional programs based on strong empirical evidence of success. They provide overviews of 21 instructional strategies that have proven effective by 50 or more scientific studies, indicating how to implement them and which student groups would benefit. They also alert readers to promising strategies that need further exploration and to questionable strategies, i.e., those that are popular but not supported by research. Their text has two major flaws: first, it appears to be intended as a “cookbook” that will work in any situation, regardless of external factors like the school’s physical condition, the students’ environments, etc., which are acknowledged by experts as major factors in the learning experience. The second is that while the authors are well credentialed, the book is being published by Friedman’s own institute, making it hard to ascertain whether any peer review took place or how fair their assessment was of other approaches. These factors, along with the lack of readability and high price, lead away from a recommendation except for academic libraries with large budgets and a need for comprehensive coverage.—Mark Bay, Univ. of the Cumberlands Lib., Williamsburg, KY

Despite a long career in higher education, Keohane (visiting professor, Woodrow Wilson Sch. & Univ. Ctr. for Human Values, Princeton Univ.) retains the enthusiasm of a first-year student when talking about the excitement of life on college campuses. Here are some of her articles and speeches about the role of today’s university from her years as president of Wellesley College (1981–93) and Duke University (1993–2004). She rails passionately about the need to help university students think about ethics and also the need to focus on the good of the majority (e.g., better undergraduate education vs. narrow advanced-research grants). The best piece is one of the shortest—a meditation on when university presidents should speak out on controversial issues. Keohane’s approach is a refreshing blend of vision and practicality, as when she argues that universities need to reward good teaching more and then considers how that might be accomplished. While much of her work here is grounded in theory, it is clearly written and peppered with personal anecdotes and down-to-earth references that make for accessible reading. The only weaknesses are an overlong introduction and some repetition, which is inevitable in such a collection. Recommended for academic libraries.—Evelyn Beck, Piedmont Technical Coll., Greenwood, SC

Who could be a more suitable author of a book on types of execution than a former yeoman warder of the Tower of London? Abbott (The Executioner Always Chops Twice), a recognized authority on the history of torture and execution, presents an informative and well-organized history of methods, focusing on the Western World. Entries are listed in alphabetical order, with descriptions varying from one paragraph, as under “Nail Through the Ear,” to almost 30 pages, as under “Hanging.” Entries describe both the particular process and its evolution, with extensive quotes from historical sources (but no source notes) that provide specific anecdotes and data. One of the book’s strengths is its coverage of the more obscure forms of execution, such as being “Sewn in an Animal’s Belly.” Abbott’s tone makes this work engaging and entertaining without diminishing its expertise. Both history buffs and those who enjoy morbid topics will find this work fascinating. Recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Gena Moore, Central Piedmont Community Coll., Charlotte, NC

Varying in length from about 50 to 100 pages, these new titles in four of Osprey’s military history series are aimed at a popular audience. A common feature of all Osprey titles is abundant illustration, and the present items do not disappoint. In addition, two titles—Field’s Bronze Age War Chariots and Chun’s The Doolittle Raid 1942—stand out for their insightful analyses.

In Bronze Age War Chariots, Fields (ancient history & archaeology, Univ. of Edinburgh; Troy c.1700–1250 B.C.) discusses the development and use of chariots from roughly 3100 to 1200 B.C.E., with emphasis on those used by Egyptians, Hittites, and Mycenaeans. His thoughtful and well-organized text also discusses the types of horses these cultures employed, as well as the strategies adopted for chariot use on the battlefield. Fields’s Ancient Greek Fortifications, 500–300 B.C. begins with a discussion of the political situation in ancient Greece and proceeds to describe the fortifications the Greeks constructed. Quarrying processes and the types of materials used to build the works are detailed, and the book concludes with tales of sieges that took place at the sites considered and a brief section on the sites today.

Shpakovsky (history, Penza Univ., Russia; Kalka River 1223: Genghiz Khan’s Mongols Invade Russia, coauthored with Nicolle) and Nicolle (Medieval Warfare Source Book) have collaborated on Armies of Ivan the Terrible, which, in fact, covers not only that ruler’s forces—Ivan IV created Russia’s first paid regular army—but also those of his predecessors and immediate successors. The different types of troops and their equipment are vividly described. The text abounds with Russian terms, most of which are translated or explained, though a glossary would have been helpful. Although this title fulfills Osprey’s aim of producing a descriptive popular source, it ends without any sort of conclusion.

In contrast, Chun’s book on the Doolittle Raid stands out as an excellent example of an insightful popular source in military history. Chun (distance education, U.S. Army War Coll.; U.S. Army in the Plains Indian Wars, 1865–1891) begins by explaining the political, diplomatic, and military situation leading up to the raid. The planning processes are detailed, all of the major officers on each side discussed, and charts showing chains of command included. Maps show the paths individual bombers took. The final chapters analyze the raid’s aftermath and mention modern-day sites tied to the operation. All four of these titles are suitable for public libraries.—Matthew J. Wayman, Pennsylvania State Univ. Lib., Abington

Davis, Natalie Zemon. Trickster Travels: A Sixteenth-Century Muslim Between Worlds. Hill & Wang: Farrar. Mar. 2006. c.448p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8090-9434-7. $27.50. HIST

With her latest book, Davis (history, emerita, Princeton Univ.; The Return of Martin Guerre) sustains her reputation as one of the most exciting historians of the early modern period. Here, she explores the life of an enigmatic North African traveler-diplomat, al-Hasan al-Wazzan, referred to in the West as Leo Africanus, who was captured by Christian pirates and handed over to the pope. Converting to Christianity, al-Wazzan took the name Giovanni Leone and wrote the first geography of Africa published in Europe (1550). Because the gaps in the historical record of his life are huge, much that Davis writes is inspired guess, though her text is backed by scrupulous and exhaustive scholarship, exploring such details as the status of women in Islam and Christendom and the ramifications of differences in skin color at that time. In this brilliant study, she uses her fine-tuned sense of historical possibilities to illuminate one of the more interesting dark corners of 16th-century cultural interchange and accommodation. The questions she asks are as intriguing as the answers in this fascinating tale of a man forced, like the trickster bird of the title, to live between incompatible worlds. Highly recommended.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

“It was fish, not spices, that led to the discovery of North America,” argues Fagan (anthropology, emeritus, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara; The Little Ice Age) as he recounts the relentless search for fish to feed Europe’s Christians. The Church forbade believers to eat meat on fast days, which by the 13th century took up more than half the year. When local supplies of freshwater fish were exhausted, medieval fishermen ventured farther away into the ocean. Fagan argues that the discovery of North America was “not a brief moment of iconic discovery but a thousand year journey fueled by Christian doctrine” and that Columbus’s and Cabot’s voyages likely benefited from the experience passed down among fishermen and merchants but not preserved in the written record. Drawing on written and archaeological evidence, Fagan presents an abundance of research on a spectrum of related topics, from monastic life and ecclesiastical history to diet, fishing and fish preservation, shipbuilding, and climate and population growth. He also offers fish recipes, ancient and modern, a bit of whimsy that gives readers a break from digesting the rigorous life he describes. This engaging take on history should appeal to students and general readers alike.—Joan W. Gartland, Detroit P.L.

British historian and biographer Gilmour (fellow, Royal Soc. of Literature), who has written other works dealing with 19th-century India, here examines British imperial activities during the reign of Queen Victoria in the area that now includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Burma. Between 1837 and 1901, the small Indian Civil Service (ICS) administered this region of 300 million people. Gilmour explains how a mere 1000 officers were able to accomplish this task. He gives a brief overview of the period, touching on the various political and social issues related to the area, and talks about how members of the ICS were recruited and trained and what their daily family life was like. The majority of this book, which includes 20 pages of notes and an extensive bibliography, reviews the various sections of the service and addresses how the officers achieved their goals. One chapter, for example, is devoted to the administration of law, while another discusses the role of the district officer. Gilmour very successfully elucidates this period in history. Highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries.—Joel W. Tscherne, formerly with Cleveland P.L.

Hoffer (history, Univ. of Georgia; Sensory Worlds in Early America) provides a gripping narrative of seven transforming urban conflagrations that affect the social, economic, and political structure of the United States to this day. His work is enhanced not only by the requisite and expected use of archival sources and the consultation of fellow historians but by information provided by current fire fighters on the distinct sights and smells of various combusted materials. The fires that Hoffer includes are the pre–Revolutionary War Boston fire of 1760; the preindustrial Pittsburgh fire of 1845; the iconic Chicago fire of 1871; the Baltimore fire of 1904; the Detroit race riot fire of 1967; the Oakland Hills, CA, fire of 1991; and the 9/11 fire in New York City. Although one may wonder why the famed 1906 San Francisco earthquake fire was not included while the more obscure though more recent California blaze was, Hoffer offers a distinct and valuable comparative history of these tragedies and of the individuals who endured these disasters and rebuilt their cities. His book belongs in specialist and general collections with other social analyses of catastrophes, such as floods and hurricanes—a recently popular genre.—Frederick J. Augustyn Jr., Library of Congress

For a long time in both China and the outside world, the Great Wall was the symbol of isolation, self-sufficiency, and arrogant tradition. But now that China has opened itself to the world (or “re-opened” itself, as it were), that stereotype no longer fits. A new understanding of China is needed, and historians have flocked to rethink historic foreign relations. With wide experience in contemporary China, Lovell (Chinese history & literature, Cambridge; trans., A Dictionary of Maqiao) tells the story of the wall as she shows how China was shaped over the course of 2000 years by interactions with Central Asia and the peoples of the steppe (she calls them barbarians, a term smacking of those old stereotypes). The opening chapter on the 18th- and 19th-century encounters with Britain does not reflect recent scholarly debates, but the terrific concluding chapter, “Great Wall, the Great Mall, and the Great Firewall,” contains insightful personal observations on China’s relations with the world today. Larger public libraries would do well to acquire this lively survey for curious readers with some knowledge of China.—Charles W. Hayford, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL

Although there were probably more than 50 plots to kill Hitler, Moorhouse focuses on eight specific case studies. Each chapter covers either an individual, such as Maurice Bavaud, who was apparently motivated by religious zeal, or a group, such as the conspiracy generated within German military intelligence (the Abwehr). The failure of each plot (although the July 20, 1944, bomb came close) helped reinforce Hitler’s sense that he led a charmed life—indeed, that he was a man of destiny. Describing the workings of Hitler’s own personal security apparatus, Moorhouse presents a picture that agrees with contemporary historiography, revealing a chaotic Nazi bureaucracy beset by overlapping lines of authority. In some cases, Hitler’s security managed to protect him through sheer luck, while in other instances he was saved by the plotters’ incompetence. Drawing on archival evidence from German, Russian, and British sources, Moorhouse reminds the reader that Nazi Germany was not a monolithic entity; opposition existed, motivated by diverse ideas ranging from religious principle to political opportunism. Recommended for public libraries and specialized collections.—Frederic Krome, Jacob Rader Marcus Ctr. of the American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati

This short book features three provocative essays based on the author’s 2004 Nathan Huggins Lectures at Harvard. In characteristic style, Nash (history, emeritus, UCLA; The Unknown American Revolution) challenges historical assumptions about African Americans during the revolutionary period. His first essay examines the erroneous assumption that African Americans either supported the war or remained neutral. Instead, evidence shows that the Revolutionary War represented the first great slave revolt, wherein thousands of slaves fought for the British, who offered them freedom. The second essay argues that the period immediately following the war was the opportune time to abolish slavery. Nash convincingly shows that the arguments against abolition were flawed and that blame for the failure to abolish slavery rests squarely on poor leadership by Northern leaders. The final essay looks at the issue of race and citizenship in early America. Here Nash pays particular attention to the movement in the North to deny full citizenship rights to free blacks and the efforts of the American Colonization Society to remove them to Africa. Well researched, engaging, and thought-provoking, this book is recommended for larger public and academic libraries.—Robert Flatley, Kutztown Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

In 1862, Nathaniel Gordon, the only American citizen ever tried and convicted of slave trading, was hanged in New York City. In historian and independent writer Soodalter’s first book, many forces and personalities are shown to have merged as the slaver’s fate unfolded, among them the new Republican prosecutor who worked tirelessly to make an example of “Lucky Nat”; the federal judge determined to enforce the 1820 law after 42 years of prosecutorial neglect; the growing number of abolitionists and Free-Soil Republicans who despised the “peculiar institution” of slavery; and the recently elected President Abraham Lincoln, mindful of the real possibility of destroying the slave trade with Gordon’s execution. Soodalter effectively portrays the awful shipboard mechanics of slaving, the ingenious devices and ploys used by slavers to avoid detection and arrest, Gordon’s two trials, and more. Sometimes he mutes the story by referencing analogous cases and making personal asides, and Gordon himself fails to emerge as a fully developed personality, possibly owing to a dearth of documentation. Nonetheless, this is a landmark book. Recommended for all Civil War and African American collections at both public and academic libraries.—John Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Cleveland

Taylor, Alan. The Divided Ground: Indians, Settlers, and the Northern Borderland of the American Revolution. Knopf. Mar. 2006. c.624p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-679-45471-3. $35. HIST

From the late 1600s to the 1760s, the Iroquois Confederacy had deftly used its diplomatic skills and military prowess to maintain its political independence as European powers fought for control of the continent. Following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, members of the Iroquois Confederacy forged close ties with the British. Pulitzer and Bancroft prize winner Taylor (history, Univ. of California at Davis; William Cooper’s Town: Power and Persuasion on the Frontier of the Early American Republic) brilliantly explores how the Iroquois used their political and military alliance with the British to maintain their sovereignty, a strategy that worked well until the outbreak of the American Revolution. The conclusion of the war found the Iroquois Confederacy splintered. The remnants of the Iroquois attempted to rely on their diplomatic skills in the hopes of maintaining their traditional lands, but the effort was doomed because their sovereignty was not respected by their British or American neighbors; British Canada and the United States of America created a border that ultimately served to destroy Iroquoia. This magnificent scholarly monograph is extremely well written and should be acquired by all libraries.—John Burch, Campbellsville Univ. Lib., KY

This book picks up the story of Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford where Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s The Final Days left off: Friday, August 9, 1974, the day Nixon resigned. Devoting a chapter to each day thereafter, Werth (The Scarlet Professor: Newton Arvin, A Literary Life Shattered by Scandal) continues through September 8, the day Ford pardoned Nixon. Werth works chiefly from published sources, supplemented by interviews, though these were not with Ford or other of the most important surviving players. And while Ford administration staff such as Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld remain significantly on the scene today, Werth makes no effort to connect then to now, thus making the subtitle appear tacked on to give the story currency. Nevertheless, this book is effective in showing Ford and his staff struggling to halt the cancer of Nixon’s presidency from metastasizing into Ford’s and how Ford, in doing what he thought right, squandered the goodwill he won by not being Nixon. A readable account, it is suitable for all libraries, especially for collections in American history and politics.—Michael O. Eshleman, Kings Mills, OH

Presenting a series of essays he has published previously and heavily revised here, Pulitzer Prize winner Wood focuses on the Founding Fathers, whose achievements he notes are still so highly ranked by Americans today. Wood is at his best when writing about George Washington and Aaron Burr, noting with regard to the former that his character was perfectly suited to his time: his backing of the proposed federal Constitution was crucial, and he governed with “no precedents to follow.” Wood crystallizes his own opinion of Burr by defining him as “a self-assured aristocrat using his public office in every way he could to make money.” This book also includes essays on Jefferson, Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, and, in perhaps the book’s one flaw, John Adams. Wood makes much of John Adams’s pessimism about the future of the country while glossing over his real contributions to the independence movement and his writing of the Massachusetts Constitution, which is still in use today. All in all, this is a very readable book; recommended for all public libraries.—Karen Sutherland, Bartlett P.L., IL

Imagine Herodotus announcing a murder verdict reached by jurors Jane Austen, Plato, William Faulkner, and other classic and modern writers and thinkers who have marked our civilization. Such a jury, posits Thompson (assoc. director, Whitney Humanities Ctr., Yale), would ensure that no unreasonable doubt marred the deliberations and that transparent and universal standards of logic and reasoning applied, the opposite of what she experienced in the actual case in New Haven, CT, referred to in the subtitle. (For that trial, Thompson was the jury foreperson.) She feels that, in examining circumstantial evidence, the bedrock evidence for nearly all serious prosecutions, a jury guided by reason—as influenced by the great writings of our collective civilization—would be moved to reach verdicts that decide and do not evade difficult issues of fact, credibility, and reliability. True-crime fans will enjoy the insights into the behind-the-scenes work of a murder jury, and general readers will marvel at the wisdom of literature applied to decision making. Recommended for popular reading and for advanced study of classics and literature.—Gilles Renaud, Ontario Court of Justice, Cornwall, Ont.

Few Latin American politicians—only Fidel comes to mind—have polarized opinion as much as Venezuela’s president Hugo Chavez. Combining a far-reaching economic and social reform program with a strong stance against American influence, Chavez has created a diplomatic nightmare for the Bush administration much as Castro has done for U.S. presidents for decades. The authors, a North American freelance journalist, a Venezuelan journalist, and a Venezuelan advisor to Chavez, all resident in Venezuela, offer this slim book, which, though thought-provoking and insightful, does not offer a middle ground for American and Venezuelan interests. Arranged thematically are a series of briefly stated questions and longer answers aimed at increasing support for Chavez’s so-called Bolivarian Revolution. Many of the answers show insufficient understanding of American interests. That Boudin is the son of two former members of the Weather Underground Organization of the 1970s may provide insight into his anti-American views. But these authors all have academic and/or professional credentials that make their work not so easily dismissed, especially considering that the United States imports 12 percent of its oil from Venezuela. Recommended for larger academic collections for representation of these viewpoints.—Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., Alabama

Gerges, Fawaza A.  Journey of the Jihadist: Inside Muslim Militancy. Harcourt. May 2006. c.320p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-15-101213-X. $25. INT AFFAIRS

In this fascinating and highly informative account of the development of militant Islamist praxis and ideology in the contemporary Middle East, Gerges (Middle Eastern studies, Sarah Lawrence Coll.; The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global) explains what the jihadists are about and what they intend to accomplish. In addition to relying on a number of primary Arabic sources, the author has interviewed several jihadists, most importantly Kamal al-Said Habib, who founded the Jihadist Movement. Gerges, born and raised a Christian in Lebanon, demonstrates remarkable objectivity in explaining the world as seen from the vantage point of Muslim militants. He is especially revealing when analyzing the pivotal role of Sayyid Qutb, the mid-20th-century Egyptian Islamic writer and educator, in the thinking of the contemporary jihadists. The author’s ability to explain complex issues in a jargon-free and easy-flowing narrative makes this book one of the best, most useful, and most timely volumes for nonspecialist readers. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 1/06.]—Nader Entessar, Spring Hill Coll., Mobile, AL

Many books about the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict are angry, polemical, or abusive in tone. This little (4” x 6”) volume, however, is lucid, rational, and constructive. Two essays and an extended interview on contemporary issues allow Oz (Elsewhere, Perhaps), the successful Israeli novelist and peace activist, to outline steps for peace. He proposes to abandon the view that the conflict is a struggle between good and evil or simply a clash of cultures and persuasively argues that it is instead a struggle for land between two peoples who love and feel connected to the same small country. Only compromise, he writes, can convince the two peoples to divide the land that both desire. A two-state solution must be the goal, and the greatest obstacle to a pragmatic settlement is the fanaticism that has caused so much bloodshed in the Middle East and throughout the world. This small book embodies so much realism and optimism that it would make a welcome addition to all libraries, general and scholarly.—Elizabeth R. Hayford, Associated Coll. of the Midwest, Chicago

The story of the Mashininis of Soweto, South Africa, told here by American journalist Schuster, is one of politics, bravery, and sorrow. Of father Joseph and mother Nomkhith’s 13 children, five became freedom fighters. The parents were against the nighttime meetings, nonviolent marches, and protests in which their children participated, but what could they do? The June 16, 1976, student uprising in Soweto, organized by oldest son Tsietsi, was a more uniting event than any other in the struggle against apartheid. Arrests, beatings, and torture followed, and eventually all five brothers became exiles. Only Tsietsi did not witness the rewards of their work, for he died under mysterious circumstances in 1990 and was returned to South Africa to a hero’s burial. By the time Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994, the remaining brothers had returned home. In an informative and admiring style laced with interviews, Schuster writes a riveting family history of an infamous time that still has ramifications. Required for all African collections and highly recommended for all public libraries.—James Thorsen, Central North Carolina Regional Lib. Syst., Burlington

With the ongoing war in Iraq, we see no shortage of books about U.S. foreign policy and the problems the United States is encountering abroad. Here, Zinni (former commander in chief, U.S. Central Command) and Koltz (coauthor with Zinni and Tom Clancy, Battle Ready) offer Zinni’s informed appraisal of the current failings of American policy, followed by his blueprint for change. Drawing heavily from his experiences as a commander and peacekeeper in Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan, Zinni argues that the world has changed significantly since the end of the Cold War and that America’s foreign policy has not adjusted to meet the new realities. Zinni favors regional coalitions and increased cooperation among various government and nongovernmental organizations (e.g., the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders) to stabilize America’s foreign policy in action. He provides a clear analysis and plan for the future of America that challenges all—policy wonks, soldiers, and citizens alike—to rethink how we use our power to influence the global community. Recommended for public libraries and all foreign policy collections. (Foreword by Tom Clancy not seen.)—Michael C. Miller, Dallas P.L.

Alter, Robert Mark. It’s (Mostly) His Fault: For Women Who Are Fed Up and the Men Who Love Them. Warner. Mar. 2006. c.359p. ISBN 0-446-57777-4. $22.95. PSYCH

“When a man is mature enough to accept fault where fault is due and is willing to change where change is needed, it will create change all around him.” Thus declares psychotherapist Alter, who figured out after 30 some years of being married and counseling married men that males are (mostly) at the root of their relationship problems. Despite this amusing premise, his book is written for both men and women who want to improve their partnerships. Men will learn how to have more sex and stop being nagged, while women will gain happier, less angry husbands to whom they can really talk. Candid and written in a refreshing, man-to-man, tell-it-like-it-is style, Alter’s how-to manual presents the opportunity for men and women to work together to create mutually deep, intimate, and fulfilling connections. The trick will be getting men to read it! Highly recommended.—Wendy Wendt, Marshall-Lyon Cty. Lib., MN

Foa, Edna B. & Linda Wasmer Andrews. If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents. Oxford Univ. Mar. 2006. c.160p. illus. index. ISBN 0-19-518151-4. pap. $9.95. PSYCH

Noted clinical psychologist Foa (Univ. of Pennsylvania; director, Ctr. for the Study and Treatment of Anxiety) and freelance science writer Andrews have coauthored one in a series of texts sponsored by the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative that focuses on mental health issues in adolescents (other volumes address eating disorders, depression, and schizophrenia). This text covers seven different conditions—social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias—emphasizing the first four. Chapters 1–6 provide a general overview of anxiety disorders, Chapter 7 deals with treatment and recovery, and Chapter 8 pertains to adolescent empowerment. Each disorder is accompanied by a definition, contributing factors, treatment information, and case studies. Quotes, helpful tips from parents, and sidebars appear throughout the text. This in-depth, logically arranged book also contains an expanded table of contents, a useful appendix, a glossary, and a list of resources. An essential addition to public, middle, and high school libraries. (Index not seen.)—Melody Ballard, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, NV

Journalist Robb tells the story of a group of women who have helped foster profound changes in the theory and practice of psychology. She explains that the dominant psychological theories of the past have posited the attainment of an autonomous sense of self as the pinnacle of maturity while downplaying the importance of the ability to sustain healthy relationships. Yet unhealthy relationships based on the unjust wielding of power appear to constitute a major cause of mental illnesses in many women. The psychiatric profession had long denied the existence of one of the most shockingly common of such relationships—the sexual abuse of girls by male relatives. Robb presents the complex story of how and why the denial of female suffering and the devaluing of what are traditionally understood as female virtues limited psychology and how psychologists and psychiatrists like Carol Gilligan and Lisa Hirschman have transformed the profession by bringing these realities to light. While the book at times risks hagiography, Robb succeeds in presenting a wealth of detail concerning (generally male) psychologists’ past treatment of women and in providing compelling insights into the role of gender in the history of psychology. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Susan Pease, Univ. of Massachusetts Lib., Amherst

Published to coincide with International Women’s Day (March 8), this attractive anthology is part of an ambitious project sponsored by the International Museum of Women (www.imow.org) called the Imagining Ourselves Project. It samples an outpouring of essays, photographs, paintings, and other visual and textual artwork submitted by women in their twenties and thirties from around the world in response to the question, “What defines your generation of women?” A few women answer directly, but the majority code their responses in images, lyrics or poems, autobiographies, or photo essays. Accomplished and active, the contributors are often locally or internationally famous (e.g., Zadie Smith, Ani DiFranco, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan) or from prominent families. Several items are excerpted from previously published works. This project also comprises an interactive, multilingual online exhibit to which readers may contribute their own perspective. Celebrating the relative material success, cosmopolitanism, and self-determination of today’s young women, who have greater (and growing) access to education, technology, and work opportunities and greater freedom of physical and intellectual movement than their forebears, this anthology is recommended for public and academic libraries.—Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Worthington Libs., OH

Freelance journalist Nerz, who serves as a part-time announcer for the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE), the governing body for sanctioned eating contests, explores the history and culture of this “sport.” Among the many events described is the famous Nathan’s hot dog eating contest (where contestants compete for the “mustard yellow belt”), a promotion that dates back to July 4, 1916. Nerz goes on to detail a variety of competitions and the colorful characters involved, who sometimes put on acts similar to professional wrestling displays. Those unfamiliar with this phenomenon may believe that the most successful competitors are “fat guys,” but instead, the leading eaters include the petite Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas and Takeru Kobayashi, the undersized world competitive eating champion. Competitive eating has become so popular that the annual Nathan’s event is broadcast live by ESPN. Although Nerz has not convinced this reviewer that it’s a real sport populated by real athletes, his bookwill be an eyeopener to those unaware of the competitive eating circuit. For large libraries.—Tim Delaney, SUNY at Oswego

This book offers an insider’s glimpse of life in the NFL from a unique perspective: that of the players’ and coaches’ wives. Notwithstanding their depiction by the media as pampered Barbie dolls, these women are smart and tough. In a world of constant uncertainty, they provide a stable foundation for their families—often serving as the breadwinners early in their husbands’ careers. Such important issues as social isolation, domestic violence, physical injuries, financial planning, living in the media spotlight, and dealing with the emotional trauma of a career that often ends before the individual is ready to retire are all documented through the stories of well-known players’ and coaches’ wives, as well as some understandably anonymous voices. Because sociologist O’Toole is herself the wife of an ex-NFL player and coach, she is able to provide both a pragmatic and an intellectual view of NFL culture in her well-organized and accessible text. Although she does not provide access to her raw data or survey instruments, she briefly explains her research methodology. Useful for inspiring student projects, this book is recommended for large sport collections in both academic and public libraries.—Kimberley Robles-Smith, California State Univ., Fresno

This volume presents 26 commissioned essays from women on both sides of the “Mommy Wars”—the bitter divide between mothers who work and those who stay at home. It offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the suspicion (or worse) with which members of each faction regard the other, the sacrifices mothers make to fashion happy lives for their families and themselves, and the relative degrees of success women have in making peace with their childcare decisions. Edited by Steiner (general manager, Washington Post magazine), a mother of three, the book offers the voices of younger and older women alike. Notable contributions include Molly Jong-Fast’s wry look at stay-at-home motherhood for a new generation of feminists, Dawn Drzal’s revealing account of her painful postpartum depression, and Susan Cheever’s personal experience of this war. The one disappointment is the homogeneity of the contributors: almost without exception, they are upper-middle-class women whose primary occupation (part-time, full-time, or prechild) is writing. Still, this is worthwhile reading for those curious about exploring the choices mothers must make regarding work and family. Recommended for public and larger academic collections.—Elizabeth L. Winter, Georgia State Univ., Atlanta

Szalavitz, Maia. Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids. Riverhead: Putnam. Mar. 2006. 320p. ISBN 1-59448-910-6. $25.95. SOC SCI

Szalavitz (senior fellow, stats.org; coauthor, Recovery Options: The Complete Guide) has conducted the first in-depth investigation of the multibillion–dollar teen rehabilitation industry, and her conclusions are chilling. Over the last 40 years, thousands of unruly, disobedient teens have been enrolled (many against their will) in programs promising behavior reform. Often these are wilderness-style boot camps with punishments banned even by the Geneva Conventions—e.g., beatings, food deprivation, and extended isolation. But because the federal government does not regulate these centers and states have little or no oversight, teens’ stories of abuse and maltreatment cannot legally be investigated. Szalavitz focuses on four programs or types: Straight Inc., a Reagan-initiated antidrug program; wilderness programs generally; the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs; and a copycat of Straight called KIDS. Relying in part on first-person accounts from teens enrolled in these programs, the author argues that there is no evidence that any of them work and warns that they are dangerous and deceptive. For parents, she includes chapters on better alternatives to tough-love programs. This book is excellent owing to its whistle-blowing approach: it exposes an unregulated industry and alerts adults to the severe harm inflicted by these “schools.” Highly recommended for public libraries.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA

Baxter (A Pound of Paper: Confessions of a Book Addict), a film historian, biographer, and journalist living as an expatriate in Paris, wends his way between autobiographical insights of life abroad and the gossipy goings-on of a Paris that never was and always will be, blending together fact and fiction to reveal the interesting stories that have crisscrossed the French capital over the years. The entertainment factor reaches its high as the author digs up dirt on Paris’s seedier side. He produces long lists of historical whorehouses (les maisons closes), partouze clubs, bondage shows, and gay bars to create a romantic ideal of a city that dared to be different. Whether revealing the surrealist movement’s penchant for porn, His Majesty Edward VII’s champagne fetishes, or the clandestine chapels dedicated to repentant pimps and prostitutes, Baxter’s insights keep the pages turning. The book’s only weakness is its lack of continuity. As he spins his yarns, Baxter fails to weave together this clever collection of decadent details with his own personal experiences, so that a book of fantastic parts does not in the end form a satisfying whole. For more extensive travel collections.—Matthew Loving, Texas A&M International Univ. Lib., Laredo

Toward the end of the 19th century, journalist Field traveled by boat and buggy around Louisiana, writing columns under the name of Catharine Cole for the New Orleans Daily Picayune. Her work spread to other papers, and she was read widely throughout the South. This collection details her journeys around the state in the 1890s. With evocative and adjective-filled prose, she describes the beauty as well as the practical aspects of Louisiana life, including shrimp drying, levee building, and the cost of land. Field conjures up vivid images of the places she visits, such as the town that “lifts its comb of roof and gray gable and soft-colored adobe chimneys from out the clumps and clouds of the chinaberry tree.” The editors, both retired professors of English at Clemson University, add brief introductions to each piece. Although Field’s travel adventures depict a time without modern convenience, when women were not expected to journey alone, her enjoyment of travel for its own sake resonates with readers today. Recommended for Louisiana libraries and for academic libraries with a Southern history collection.—Janet Clapp, Athens-Clarke Cty. Lib., Athens, GA

Take a road trip, combine it with the dynamics of three generations of a family living in close quarters, and the results can be worth sharing. Leonard, NBC’s Today Show correspondent, leads the adventure by taking his retired parents and three adult children on a month-long trip from Phoenix to Chicago to be present for the birth of his first grandchild. Along the way, this extended family stops at places like the Alamo and Leonard’s parents’ alma maters and visits acquaintances from Leonard’s previous reporting. Each stop offers further insight into this quirky family and sparks humorous and touching reminiscences of family history. Whether recounting his happy childhood or unearthing new discoveries about his parents’ lives, Leonard delivers his engaging account with the same offbeat storytelling style that is the hallmark of his television reporting. His is a story of taking the time to learn about your family and appreciating the sometimes odd people you find in its ranks. Recommended for public libraries (DVD not seen).—Sheila Kasperek, MansfieldUniv. Lib., PA

Told by a fortune-teller that she should buy a boat, Welsh poet Lewis and her husband found themselves planning a yacht voyage from Wales to Brazil. But neither Lewis nor her husband had sailed before, and from the start the voyage was plagued by problems: a malfunctioning autohelm, blinding fog, Lewis’s debilitating seasickness and depression, and her husband’s growing rage. The couple crept down the coast of France and Portugal, spending months in filthy harbors while their engine was expensively and incompetently repaired. After nearly a year, they arrived in Ceuta, Morocco, with an Atlantic crossing out of the question after Lewis’s husband was diagnosed with cancer. In this affecting memoir, Lewis questions many of her assumptions and reflects on the struggle at sea, both with her marriage and with the voyage, but also records her satisfaction in learning to scuba-dive, handling the boat and its navigation, and gleaning knowledge from other sailors. A painful journey; one hopes that Lewis has found a new fortune-teller. Recommended.—Melissa Stearns, Franklin Pierce Coll. Lib., Rindge, NH

Parents, take heart as you travel down I-75 from Detroit to Orlando. The Westfields, parents who use that route frequently with their young children, have come to your rescue. Their fun-to-use guide plans almost the entire trip, covering stops in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Chapter 1 presents an overview of attractions like sports, history, and children’s museums. Chapters 2–7 are divided by state and give specific information for each stop, listing destination name, exit number, driving time, appropriate ages, how long to visit, address, directions, cost, hours, phone, web address, and comments. Other helpful hints include car games and fast-food stops, noting outdoor and indoor play areas. Trivia about each state adds fun—for example, Ohio is the “Mother of Presidents” (seven were born there). Money-saving hints for driving near major cities round out this parent- and child-friendly book, with a small I-75 map for each state but few pictures. Essential for all public libraries and travel collections.—Susan G. Baird, Chicago