This book was absolutely thrilling, heartbreaking and enlightening. I actually read it with a pencil to underline passages, foreign expressions and historical references to conduct further research---and I've never before done that. Although fiction, this book entices the reader to learn more about the era in which it took place. As a student of German, French, and Arabic, I was especially appreciative of the way Mr. Nebenzal included the spice of foreign words and references. (Showing respect for the intelligence of his readers.) This is rarely seen in books today. As for the story itself, the characters are rich and moving---the descriptions are vivid. The story is mesmerizing. This is a must read---But make sure you're not busy--you won't be able to put this book down!

I read this book in a matter of days because I just could not put it down. I recommended it to a friend who said that he was reading it on an airplane that slid off the runway and he didn't even notice! (True story)

Candles is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished it. It is thought-provoking and brings up a lot of issues regarding faith, identity, fitting in, and history. There are numerous twists and turns in the plot, and the ending is something I never would have expected. Although the story focuses on the Jewish background of the main character, the issues that Kositsky writes about are universal.

This was an excellent book. I started to read it, and once I started, could not put it down. It's about a girl who enters into her grandmother's life as a girl her age (or so she believes). An outcast because she is Jewish, the person she is 'visiting' faces many hardships, including leaving her family to try and find a better life somewhere else, and being rejected by her best friend because of her religion. The surprise ending turns an otherwise somewhat predicatable book (though with interesting twists and turns) into, basically, one big surprise. It's one of those endings where you read it and then say to yourself " Wow!" It's definately not one of those surprise endings you can predict, and it livens the whole book up. Another great thing about it was that, at times, I felt like I was the main character. I felt how she felt, and I could almost see the world through her eyes. I would definately reccommend this book to anyone, but in particular children ages eight to 12.

This book was amazing! At first, it took a little getting used to the writing style - it was written in 1908 - but it was a great book. Kaspar's (German's prefer it spelled with a K) story is true, and very sad, and I think the author does an incredible job of putting the reader into Kaspar's head and transfering his emotions. If ever a book needing to be reprinted, this is it!

Caspar Hauser, [or Kaspar - the Germans prefer to use the K] was a sort of 'Anastasia' of the 19th century. A mystery of a boy who came from nowhere, and who only lived for 5 years. This book tells his sad tale in fictional form, but readers will get a strong idea of the case from this book, which offers the facts in an easily understood form, in much the same way that Hans Nogly's novel about Anastasia contains the essential truths of her story.

Well worth a re-print please!

I think this "We Both Read" series is great. Whatever mood my boy is in when bedtime rolls around - whether he's working with me or against me - this concept works. I read the (difficult) left page in each two page spread, and the child reads the (easy) right. Teamwork. And even though these make no mention of Power Rangers or Batman Beyond, these are my boy's favorites. Along with some math books from Singapore(sgbox.com), and a learn-to-read series called "Now I'm Reading" by Nora Gaydos, these books are a great experience for your child. After your child has finished reading and they climb in bed, give your child something to strive for... turn on your booklight, turn off the room lights, and read your child a chapter or two from a more advanced book. Treasure Island, Harry Potter, anything by Roald Dahl... That's what works for my boys and I.

This series of readers really works. I've been running through them at bedtime with my six-year-old, who adores taking it in turns with me to read her page after I've read mine. It turns reading into a collaborative game, with plenty of play-acting (doing the different voices of the characters) thrown in. At my daughter's stage of reading, a short book can be a long haul, when she has to do it all by herself. The "We Both Read" books break up the text into manageable segments, and give her time-out while I do my share of the work. I'd like to see more and more titles quickly added to the series. I am baffled as to why Amazon should inflict a $1.35 surcharge on the publisher's recommended price--it seems to run entirely counter to the Amazon way of doing things. But the books themselves are splendid.

Adolf Hitler and the editors of Time-Life Books deliver yet another masterful performance. This book is not a couple of inches thick as other Hitler books are but, you feel you miss out on nothing because what other books have in information, and verboseness this one more than makes up with sharp, concise, professional writing. This one really takes you deep withing the inner circle of concentric power of the infamous Third Reich emanating from will of the Fuhrer. No other title has succeeded in providing such an intimate view of the secluded everyday happenings in the lives of the supreme masters, that you actually have the feeling of being a first person witness. The insiders view is intense, as much of the action revolves around the magnetic personality of Adolf, it is not only a historically accurate document but an really intriguing personal biography. The photographs are of first rate, and is instrumental in the overall feel of splendor of this title. Reading it is guaranteed to be a tremendous affair

Center of the Web, (im assuming its from the Time Life Third Reich series) is an absolute must for any Hilter, and Third Reich student. This title is from the masterful Time Life Third Reich series, assuring a competent work, and delivering a masterpiece. This book in laced with breathtaking pictures and illustrations. The writing is superb, and the captions are marvels by themselves. The atention to detail in the production of the cover, the design, and layout of the book is outstanding. While other books are content to throw facts and information at you, this book is in a rare categorie of books that totally immerse you into the storie. The book takes you deep into the highest sector of Nazi Germany. into the daily life of Adolf Hitler. Pure reading enjoyment.

This revised edition of Clara Schumann's biography by Nancy Reich is a gem. Not only is the scholarship impeccable and thorough, but the talented writing engages and fascinates the reader at every turn.

Features of this wonderful new edition include the use of new medical reports that have come to light regarding Robert Schumann's illness; reference to recently discovered letters and diaries that further elucidate Clara's friendships with people like Emilie List, Frederic Chopin, and the Mendelssohns; and the expansion of the Catalogue of Works.

The revised Catalogue alone makes this new edition compulsory for anyone-lay or professional-interested in Clara Schumann and her prodigious work and impact. The Catalogue records every known piece by Clara Schumann, reviews of her compositions, her own performances of her works, the location of autograph copies, and much more.

The 1985 edition of Dr. Reich's outstandingly researched biography clearly had a major impact on Schumann studies. It was followed by a continuing, worldwide outpouring of performances and recordings of Clara Schumann's works, articles about Clara, and studies of her music.

The biography is based on original research in German archives and first-hand consultation of letters, music autographs, diaries, and other primary sources. To this meticulous scholarship, Dr. Reich adds intelligent, compassionate analysis of Clara Schumann's life and music, the influences that shaped her, her inspirational marriage to Robert Schumann, and Clara's breathtaking, at times unbelievable strength and ongoing artistry amidst the sometimes horrific adversities in her life.

Rarely is such a magnificent feat of scholarship accompanied by such gripping and graceful writing.

This book is a must for anyone who professes interest in Schumann studies, nineteenth century music, and gender studies, or who wants to experience a true story of passionate, devoted love and the mutual pursuit of art that Clara and Robert Schumann inspired in each other.

This is a unique biography that, while absolutely holding its own as an important scholarly work, remains lively and engaging enough to satisfy any reader. A brilliant performer (one of the first to play from memory), mother of seven, teacher, and devoted wife of a(nother) musical genius, Clara Schumann maintained an amazing sense of focus and personal identity throughout her life: navigating with aplomb her relationship with her overbearing father, and holding her own in a man's field. Ms. Reich brilliantly captures all of this in this book. Both her husband and Johannes Brahms claimed Clara as inspiration for some of their greatest works. And Ms. Reich devotes a thoughtful chapter to Clara's enigmatic relationship with Brahms. The insights offered in the last chapter on Clara's (and her father's) techniques as a performer and teacher would be invaluable for any piano student.

If reading any book on Robert Schumann or Brahms, get this book as well because it will complete the pictures of those composers lives. While reading this book one quickly becomes aware that Clara deserves much more than to be a footnote in her husband's life as she has often been designated. In fact, this work should be required reading in Women's Studies Programs for an interesting (albeit minor) point seems to have been overlooked: Clara Schumann was a contemporary of the great suffragettes Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) and Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906). And Clara, in her more private way, also lived a life filled with integrity and passion. She rightfully deserves a place in that same pantheon on trailblazers. This is a wonderful book about an incredible woman.

This book follows the action of the Napoleonic wars, where Clausewitz spent most of his life and his energy. Parkinson motivates Clausewitz's famous, later work, 'On War', by telling us of a man obsessed with fighting for the Fatherland against the French. As the pages turn, the reader empathizes with the Prussian Junker, who has trouble talking to women and even more hardship trying to reform the Prussian army. The final chapter concerns itself with 'On War' and its misinterpretation in the many wars following its publication. Parkison has a fluid writing style which makes the reading fast.

Clausewitz: A Biography by biographer Roger Parkinson relates the life and work of German officer and military theorist Carl Phillip Gottleib von Clausewitz (1780-1831) who is perhaps best known for his historic contribution to military studies titled "On War." Scrutinizing Clausewitz's life and ideas in the keenest detail, Clausewitz: A Biography is a classic and highly scholarly study of military theory, as well as a straightforward and very strongly recommended presentation of a great leader's life.

When I saw this book at the local library years ago, the title made me reach out; and I've been glad that I did ever since. Saloon owner 'Mac' McCorkle runs a popular bar in Bonn, Germany. And becomes the cloak and good friend of a very suave, multi lingual, and lethal dagger named Mike Padillo. Late of the OSS, Padillo is the man they send out on the little 'jobs' that never make the papers. His assignment in the 'Swap', is to bring back two defectors from the NSA (No Such Agency, at the time) through Checkpoint Charlie. Unfortunately, anything that could go wrong does, and McCorkle is soon on his way to help Padillo through assorted mayhem, kidnapping, murder, and the odd double and triple cross. The plot is exquisite, the dialogue, believeable, and the travelouge, tension, and sense of surroundings, superb. You may want to look for a character named Cook Baker, who's a dead ringer for Dr. Hunter Thompson. And probably the finest description of a favorite watering hole, bar, or saloon, in print: Comprising only three sentences! Ross Thomas had a splendid talent for words. With Hammett's brief, juicy, four course descriptions and Chandler's eye for noir and mysterious mood and humor. 'The Cold War Swap' was his first offing into literatue, and very likely his best. If you see a title from Ross Thomas, pick it up. I guarentee you won't be sorry. But don't blame me if you begin to seek high and low for his 24 later novels. Four of them under the pseudonym Oliver Bleeck.

McCorkle, Bonn Saloon-keeper, meets the mysterious Padilla, and becomes a reluctant spy. Chase back and forth across the Berlin Wall. Good guys win. One of the first Ross Thomas novels. Sets the standard. Fast paced. Witty dialog.

This book pulls no punches in explaining the rise of Nazism, exploring German history in a compelling way. This author has no axes to grind. This is must reading for anyone who wants to understand the way Adolf Hitler and National Socialism came to power. You know the old saying -- about those who don't understand history being doomed to repeat it.

Dr. Thompson, one of my former Professors at the Uni of SC (GO GAMECOCKS!) has taken an incredibly complex subject and explained it in an entertaining and insightful manner. Exactly like his classes! The question many ponder is answered in these pages, how did an group of people, the German intelligencia, fall for Hitler? By tracking the political history from before the First World War, we can see how these people desperately needed a powerful and charismatic leader, who could restore Germany's pride in themselves. No rumor mongering here, just plain facts!

Engels was the engine behind Karl Marx, one that gave him all the support he could, so to permit Marx to dedicate himself almost completely to the completion of his works. Judging himself many degrees bellow Marx in terms of intelect, Engels nonetheless is capable of writting a book such as this which describes all the impoverishment of the working class in the beginning of the industrialization in England, being helped by some well porputed factories labor fiscalization agents who allowed Engels to flip trough their reports. Strong terms like "the dark satanic mills" describe fully what were the working conditions of the time in a so rich country as England. An historical document lest no one forget what can happen again if the free hand of capitalism is allowed to run free of any barriers.

In this book, Karl Marx's friend and collaborator Friedrich Engels describes the lives of England's laboring classes in the worst days of the industrial revolution. This includes dangerous working conditions, meager pay, child labor and explotation. Being the son of the owner of a textile factory, Engels knew of these conditions first hand. In these days it was said that the fastest way out of Manchester was a bottle of gin. This book contains images that are pathetic in the true sense of word, one catches glimpes of life so wretched that they are scarely belivable. Writings such as this one eventually exposed the misery of the working classes and had a profound influence on socialists and labor movement leaders. The book is a tour-de-force and truly speaks for it's self.