In her profile of progressive social activist Lillian Wald (1867–1940), Feld (history, Babson Coll.) sets out to reexamine the identity of her subject. Wald, a second-generation German Jewish immigrant, founder of Henry Street Settlement and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, emerges as a strong woman whose perceptions and questions about the significance of her own identity as a Jewish woman shaped her ideals of universalism. Working in a chaotic urban environment filled with assimilating immigrants and others at a time when the white American majority had not yet been clearly defined, Wald sought to play a leading role in the establishment of a civic culture that looked beyond race, religion, and ethnicity and toward social justice and equality. According to the author, Wald's impressive accomplishments have not received as much attention as those of her close friend and fellow settlement activist Jane Addams; her story has been told only in the framework of a larger narrative addressing the history of New York's Jewish community. Feld explores why, within the context of American memory, the assignment of identities persists and particularly why, contrary to Wald's deeply held belief in transcending such labels, it was primarily Wald's Jewish identity that has been memorialized thus far. For academic libraries.—Theresa Kintz, Wilkes Univ., Wilkes-Barre, PA

Mme de Staël—writer, salonnière, feminist, and sometimes revolutionary—led an astounding life, as Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Gray (Them: A Memoir of Parents; At Home with the Marquis de Sade) skillfully depicts. Gray covers de Staël's entire life, from childhood to her death at 51, accurately portraying her social and political milieus. Like her mother before her, de Staël hosted salons in both Paris and Switzerland that many people prominent in French history frequented. Gray describes de Staël's numerous lovers, including Benjamin Constant and the excommunicated bishop Talleyrand, while also detailing her political beliefs, boldness, and idealism. She even criticized Napoleon Bonaparte, who frequently exiled her and also labeled her "an ugly whore." A supporter of the Enlightenment and romanticism, de Staël made a significant contribution to the literary movements of the 19th century with such works as Corinne. Gray's absorbing work joins only a handful of biographies dedicated to the life of this remarkable woman. Highly recommended for all libraries that support French history and literature collections.—Erica Swenson Danowitz, Delaware Cty. Community Coll. Lib., Media, PA

During his childhood, Sudanese hip-hop artist Jal was among the many young soldiers conscripted to fight for the Sudan People's Liberation Army in a series of civil wars that wracked his homeland starting in the mid-1980s. Jal presents a disturbing and visceral memoir of his tragic lost childhood, overflowing with nightmarish images of death, cruelty, horror, and violence. Jal survived attacks on his village, a long forced march to Ethiopia, a brutal indoctrination into soldierhood, close-combat battles, and a famine-plagued trek across a desert that few of his fellow travelers survived. Jal tells his story in spare, direct, and searing prose that leaves nothing to the imagination and offers a close-up view of the damage done to the psyches of children turned into warriors. Focused firmly on his own personal experiences, he spends little time explaining the complex root causes of the conflicts in which he fought; readers seeking greater historical and political background may prefer Daoud Hari's The Translator. Similar in subject to Ishmael Beah's best-selling A Long Way Gone, Jal's moving memoir is recommended for all larger public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/08.]—Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

The diary of a young Sorbonne graduate who died at Bergen-Belsen, this important new addition to the literature on the Holocaust and the French Occupation is sure to be welcomed by general readers and scholars alike. Already a publishing sensation in France, it survived in obscurity as a family heirloom until relatively recently, when the original was first displayed at the Memorial of the Shoah in Paris. The diary recounts the experiences and private thoughts of the 21-year-old daughter of a prominent Jewish family as she and those she loved suffered the indignities of life under the Occupation prior to their arrest and ultimate deportation and death. A student of English literature with a decidedly intellectual bent, Berr sought respite in reading, writing, and music to escape the tragedy unraveling around her. While surprisingly devoid of straightforward political commentary, the diary reveals that the "sinister meaning of it all" was not immediately apparent to Berr and those around her, itself a significant commentary on the mood and insecurities of the time. Translated by Bellos (French & comparative literature, Princeton Univ.; Georges Perec: A Life in Words), the volume includes useful annotations as well as a postscript that places the plight of French Jewry within historical context. Highly recommended.—Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., NJ

In the course of their research on personal memory and how it shapes shared memories of the past, Milner and O'Connor (both history, Arkansas State Univ.; coeditors, The Oxford History of the American West) came upon Forty Years on the Frontier, the two-volume memoirs of Granville Stuart (1834–1918), published posthumously in 1925, and the extensive collection of personal papers upon which the memoirs were based. They quickly realized that Stuart had told only the part of the story that his early 20th-century audience wanted to read, and they decided to relate his life in all its complexity and contradictions. For example, although Stuart was a prominent figure in the Montana gold fields and politics, he was also always in debt. He married a Shoshone woman and fathered a brood of mixed-race children, whom he disowned after marrying his second wife—and did not mention in his memoirs. Nor did he mention that as a ranch manager he led a group of vigilantes responsible for several hangings. He ended his memoirs years before being appointed minister to Uruguay and Paraguay, a position he attained in part because he had taught himself Spanish (and French and Shoshone) while on the frontier. In fully revealing Stuart's fascinating and complex life, Milner and O'Connor illuminate the conflicting realities of the frontier. This well-written biography is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette

Michelle Obama has generated plenty of blog commentary, TV interviews, and magazine covers this year, much but not all of it positive. Using interviews with her subject's family and friends, as well as the periodical record, Washington Post reporter Mundy (Everything Conceivable) presents this comprehensive look at Michelle Obama and her relationship with Barack Obama. Believing that Ms. Obama has become a role model not only for African American women but for all women trying to balance family and careers, Mundy provides insight into Ms. Obama's experiences during her youth in a tight-knit neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. She also reflects on how Ms. Obama's education at Princeton and Harvard Law during the early years of their integration affected her outlook on U.S. race relations. The author offers a balanced appraisal of her subject's accomplishments and personality, including an examination of the apparent conflict posed by her being critical of the U.S. health-care system while working as a public relations officer at the University of Chicago Hospitals, and she shows that Ms. Obama is often uncomfortable in the political arena. Mundy also offers delightful stories about the Obamas' family life. Readers who want reassurance that Michelle Obama is up to the job of First Lady and those who just want to know more about her won't be disappointed. Recommended for public libraries.—Jill Ortner, SUNY at Buffalo Libs.

Without a monarchy, Americans rely on presidents to serve as surrogate media fodder. An entire generation grew up watching Franklin D. Roosevelt through the Great Depression and World War II. FDR's oldest grandson, Curtis Roosevelt, and Curtis's sister became the nation's First Grandchildren—and objects of media attention. He spent many of his years from age three to 15 with his grandparents at the White House and Hyde Park. His mother, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, married three times, a characteristic of the photogenic Hyde Park brood, and he lived up to that tradition by marrying four times himself. The product of his mother's first marriage, Roosevelt writes of being torn between his natural father and his stepfathers while internalizing the conflict by becoming an obedient child with a fantasy life. He clearly saw his grandfather as the primary paternal image in his life. The photos he includes are a valuable addition to the book—one shows the First Lady posing as Whistler's Mother. This readable memoir by someone who has spent a lifetime coming to grips with an unusual background belongs in every FDR collection.—William D. Pederson, Louisiana State Univ., Shreveport

Saada was a trusted assistant to Yasir Arafat in the late 1960s, soon after Fatah was established. His remarkable story is one of youthful violence and frustration; then he moved to the United States at age 23 to study engineering. He married an American woman, had a successful career in the restaurant business, and, in 1993, underwent a conversion to evangelical Christianity. He has written a moving personal story that will especially satisfy readers who believe in the transformative possibilities of America and the power of faith to alter lives. Saada's experience depicts well the unfortunate situation of the Palestinian diaspora in Arab countries and the circumstances culminating in the Jordanian-Palestinian violence of "Black September" 1970. Clearly, Saada intends to focus on the many circumstances that transformed his attitudes and activity after experiencing a miraculous religious conversion, culminating in his work in the West Bank and Gaza and his creation of "Hope Kindergarten" in the Gaza Strip. Perhaps the best part of his account is his reconciliation with Israelis and his role as a peacemaker. One's reaction to his proposals will likely depend on how one reacts to his life experiences as a whole. Recommended for large public libraries.—Zachary T. Irwin, Pennsylvania State Univ., Erie

It may not be uncommon for a girl to be given the diary of her grandmother. But such a diary! In its pages, as the author relates, her grandmother, Princess Sophy Dolgorouky (1907–94), revealed her flamboyant life, exuberantly promiscuous and hedonist, as she moved about Europe after leaving Russia in 1919. Born in St. Petersburg, she was assured by her family status a place in the company of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, with whom she became a favorite. Having fled to the Crimea after their assassination, the young princess escaped almost certain death by getting to London with her grandmother on a warship sent to rescue the tsar's mother. Zinovieff writes with the confidence of knowing that she has a first-rate story whose central character might have been created by a savvy screenwriter contemplating an epic on the scale of Gone with the Wind, with which parallels are readily apparent. She would have succeeded with such colorful characters and settings alone, but her choice to enrich the story through contextual research gives it additional substance and perspective, which results in a book that delivers even more than just a good tale. Recommended for public libraries.—Harold Cordry, Tecumseh, KS

Crook (editor, Wall Street Journal Sunday; The Wall Street Journal Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook) offers an up-to-the-minute guide for home owners and home buyers concerning "the decades, the lifetimes even, that we spend living in our biggest financial assets without understanding how to manage them." The real estate market has changed dramatically in the last few years, and Crook's aim is to question widely held beliefs about the investment benefits of home ownership and guide home buyers to think smarter about home buying in any market, especially our current one. Chapters are arranged to cover the home-buying cycle, from the first-time buyer through free and clear home ownership, and can be read individually for a look at each point in the cycle or all the way through for a complete picture of the financial issues facing home buyers. Recommended for public libraries.—Elizabeth Nelson, UOP Lib., Des Plaines, IL

In a world where nearly every computer, camera, and cell phone is equipped with video capabilities, the desire to create and share videos has grown at an unprecedented rate. As the top video hosting web site, YouTube offers a compelling, low-cost advertising alternative for companies looking to leverage this trend. Miller's book provides marketing strategies designed to attract the massive YouTube audience without turning off its grassroots users. In five easy-to-read sections, Miller addresses the marketing and technical aspects of successful YouTube promotion of virtually any product or service. Business profiles in the form of brief case studies are dispersed throughout the book; pictures and illustrations guide the reader through the features and functionality of the YouTube interface, with advice provided for creating a marketing plan; purchasing camcorders; shooting and editing videos on an amateur, a semipro, and a professional level; promoting and networking within the YouTube community; and creating popular videos poised to "go viral." This book makes no assumptions regarding marketing or computing ability and will be most appreciated by novice marketers and videographers. Although seasoned professionals may skip a few pages, they still should be able to gain valuable tips and insights. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Judy Brink-Drescher, Dowling Coll. Lib., Oakdale, NY

Moundville was the site of a large Mississippian community situated along the Black Warrior River in present-day Alabama from approximately 1000 to 1550 C.E. Today, its remaining 29 mounds are situated on 320 acres managed by the University of Alabama. It is one of the premiere Mississippian archaeological sites in the United States. Blitz (anthropology, Univ. of Alabama; director, Moundville Archaeological Project; coauthor, with Karl G. Lorenz, The Chattahoochee Chiefdoms) engagingly describes for lay readers the history of archaeological excavations at the site, including descriptions of artifacts found therein. His depiction of Mississippian culture not only illuminates everyday life at Moundville but is also valuable for anyone interested in the Mississippian peoples who resided in other places, such as Etowah, Ocmulgee, and Cahokia. This beautifully illustrated guidebook is recommended for public and undergraduate libraries. Academic libraries should also consider Gregory D. Wilson's The Archaeology of Everyday Life at Early Moundville.—John Burch, Campbellsville Univ. Lib., KY

At its height, the British Empire covered nearly a quarter of the world's land and ruled over 400 million people. Yet as illustrated in this well-researched book by Brendon (Fellow of Churchill Coll., Cambridge; The Dark Valley), throughout much of its existence this powerful entity was suffering a slow process of decay. Tracing the history of the empire from its loss of the American Colonies to the handover of Hong Kong, he examines the contradictory nature of its principles and actions. Founded on the ideas of caretaking and eventual liberty for those colonized, the empire was all too willing to expand beyond its means and stifle attempts at independence in order to retain its own global superiority—a process that only hastened its inevitable downfall. While the scope of the subject is vast, Brendon handles the material with skill and provides a sharp and grim contrast to more positive studies of the topic. The narrative is enhanced by the inclusion of fascinating anecdotes—sometimes amusing, sometimes appalling—about the worlds of the colonies and the lives of those who ruled them. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. (Illustrations not seen.) [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/08.]—Kathleen McCallister, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Brent, Yale University Press's executive editor and founder of the celebrated but grim "Annals of Communism" series, muses on his many visits to post-Cold War Russia dating back to 1992. The Russia he experiences is only superficially democratic; former officials of the Soviet regime control their legacies and remain mysteriously committed to institutional secrecy. Paradoxically, historians simultaneously encounter an eager unlocking of the archives of the Leninist-Stalinist era. Brent and his colleagues marvel at the sheer quantity of documents the apparatchiks preserved; even Stalin's personal library, each serious tome heavily annotated in his hand, is given over for their inspection. But the darkness of Putin's Russia is the ultimate prevailing tone: workaday scarcity, naked anti-Semitism, the conspicuous superrich, a universal suspicion (not merely paranoiac in Brent's opinion) that everything is bugged—this is the stuff Brent witnesses at every turn. The result is powerful reading. Recommended for public libraries and required for contemporary politics and Cold War history collections.—Scott H. Silverman, Bryn Mawr Coll.

Well-known Egyptologists Brier (senior research fellow, Long Island Univ., C.W. Post campus; The Encyclopedia of Mummies) and Houdin (Khufu), a professional architect, here provide an up-to-date scientific exposition on the most relevant theory and understanding of construction techniques of the pyramid of Khufu. They apply 3-D modeling to illustrate graphically such internal architectural features as burial chambers, passageways, and the Grand Gallery. The same techniques are employed to illustrate the theory that the Great Pyramid was constructed essentially from the inside via a specially constructed ramp that corkscrewed up the interior of the pyramid. Internal construction features such as wall-bonding patterns are used to elucidate the authors' findings. Comparisons with other Egyptian pyramids and temples and to Egyptian cultural chronology provide a regional perspective to their theory, soundly and logically conveyed. A welcome addition to Egyptology and monumental architecture scholarship; suitable for all public libraries, academic libraries, and specialized research collections.—John E. Dockall, Staff Archaeologist, Prewitt & Associates, Inc., Austin, TX

Recent scholarship has lauded Alexander Hamilton as one of the most important and influential of the Founding Fathers. DiLorenzo (economics, Loyola Coll.; Lincoln Unmasked) sets out to challenge this assumption in a revisionist examination of Hamilton's political and economic ideas. Writing from the perspective of a Jeffersonian, DiLorenzo makes the case that Hamiltonian concepts have been directly responsible for such perceived ills as a big, corrupt, unwieldy federal government; the boom-bust economic cycle; overtaxation; national debt; American hegemony; and an incestuous relationship between big business and big government. Specifically, he blames the Hamiltonian philosophies of a strong central government, a state-run bank, protectionist trade policies, government-subsidized industries, and centralized economic planning. DiLorenzo argues that these policies are in direct opposition to the intent of the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution, which sought to limit the control of a central government in favor of personal liberties and states' rights. Controversial and provocative; recommended to public and undergraduate libraries for its alternative view of Hamilton from the image in popular biographies such as Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton.—Robert Flatley, Kutztown Univ., PA

In Drazin (film studies, Univ. of London), long-neglected Frenchman Nicholas Foucquet (1615-80) has finally found a sympathetic chronicler of his fascinating and influential life. Foucquet was born into the noblesse de robe and thanks to his father's wealth and connections obtained a key position with the Parlement of Paris when he was only 20 years old. By the time Cardinal Jules Mazarin gained ministerial control of the French monarchy, Foucquet had already shown himself to be an astute practitioner of the intricate methods of generating wealth for the Crown, for Mazarin, and for himself. His financial skills led to his appointment in 1653 as superintendent of finances, but his extravagant lifestyle proved to be his downfall. Foucquet's opulence enraged an ascending Sun King (Louis XIV), and he was thrown into prison, where he died a lonely death. Drazin portrays Foucquet as a complex character whose grasping ambition was tempered by a devotion to the arts and the pursuit of knowledge; much of his wealth went to paintings and manuscripts that contributed to the European cultural awakening. Drazin's characterization of Foucquet's fate provides graphic insight into Louis XIV's concerted and successful effort to gain administrative control of his monarchy. Although written by a nonspecialist and with the general reader in mind, this biography should be considered by any library with a strong 17th-century French history collection.—Jim Doyle, Rome, GA

English (politics, Queens Univ., Belfast) here broadens his scope after Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA to cover the entire history of Ireland. He offers a detailed look at the messy historical experience of a divided but fiercely proud community struggling against an occupying power finally to achieve victory. He primarily reviews the political issues and violent events after the Act of Union 1800, when there was more activity and certainly more documentation. English introduces the theories of nationalism and how it relates to power, struggle, and community—a complicated, emotional relationship that is necessary to understand, as nationalism came to be the dominant element of Irish society and politics. After its initial publication in the United Kingdom, this title won the 2007 Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize, given for works that promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland. Suitable for all public and academic libraries, where it can be shelved near Hugh Kearney's Ireland: Contested Ideas of Nationalism and History.—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL

With global financial markets experiencing severe turbulence, Harvard historian Ferguson (The Pity of War) presents a timely history of money and finance from the advent of coins to J.P Morgan Chase's takeover of Bear Stearns earlier this year. He describes humanity's major financial innovations such as banks, bonds, joint stock companies, insurance, and property ownership as well as the pitfalls of inflation, recessions, and asset bubbles. Ferguson finishes by discussing the various iterations of globalization over the past 100 years and one of the newest and currently most notorious financial developments: hedge funds. He keeps his story interesting with humor and unexpected twists such as how a fund to provide for the widows of Scottish clergymen laid the foundations for modern insurance theory. Commenting on the safety normally ascribed to investing in property, he observes ironically that the only real security entailed is for lenders who in the event of loan defaults can seize properties. Though not comprehensive in scope, Ferguson's lighthearted but thoughtful stroll through financial history is a welcome and recommended addition for public libraries and undergraduate collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/08.]—Lawrence Maxted, Gannon Univ., Erie, PA

McGeorge Bundy was the embodiment of what David Halberstam called "the best and the brightest." Until Bundy's death in 1996, Goldstein, an international affairs scholar, interviewed him extensively about the Vietnam War and his role in it as special assistant for national security affairs (now called national security advisor) for Kennedy and Johnson from 1961 to 1966. What results is an impressive investigation of the importance of presidential leadership in determining war-making policies. Bundy remained a strong hawk throughout his tenure, even though he did not believe escalation would ensure victory. Like most cabinet members, he accepted the Cold War consensus, which stressed a loss of credibility if the United States were to leave Vietnam. JFK never bought into this, Goldstein says; judging from Kennedy's diplomatic solutions to Laos, the Bay of Pigs, and, most important, the Cuban Missile Crisis, he would have removed the American presence during his second term. But LBJ, unlike Kennedy, Americanized and politicized the war to ensure his election in 1964. In his later years, Bundy came to understand how his views helped lead to the Vietnam tragedy and, according to the author, learned the heavy price the United States pays when a President fails to learn that intervention cannot be defended as inevitable. Strongly recommended for larger public and all academic libraries.—Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA

Goodwin (visiting research fellow, University Coll., London) presents the fascinating history of Esteban, an African slave who, along with three Spanish explorers, including his owner, struggled to survive as they traveled from what is now Florida to Texas and eventually on to Mexico between 1528 and 1536, becoming the only known survivors of a disastrous 1527–28 expedition to explore Florida. Goodwin examines and critiques the primary sources on the journey, focusing on accounts by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, himself one of the four survivors, and Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Váldes, the Spanish court-appointed chronicler for the Americas at that time. Goodwin tends to favor the veracity of Oviedo's account, which is similar to that of Cabeza de Vaca but contains fewer sensationalist elements, and focuses on Andrés Dorantes, Esteban's owner. Goodwin searched diligently for clues about Esteban and his role in the journey west, seeking to present him as a leader, a shaman, and the expedition member with the greatest cultural understanding of the various Native American groups encountered. While Goodwin is an engaging storyteller who has done a great deal of research, known facts about Esteban's life remain relatively few, making this account highly speculative. An optional purchase for academic and large public libraries; for a more scholarly look at this amazing survival story, Andres Resendez's A Land So Strange: The Epic Journey of Cabeza de Vaca is preferable. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 5/15/08.]—Elizabeth Salt, Otterbein Coll. Lib., Westerville, OH

Jampoler (Sailors in the Holy Land) provides an engrossing account of the life and adventures of John Harrison Surratt, alleged Confederate agent and the youngest son of Mary Surratt, who was convicted and hanged as part of the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. John Surratt, however, was the only alleged member of the Lincoln conspiracy who ultimately escaped the hangman's noose. The author traces how the wily Surratt eluded authorities for almost two years across three continents, masterfully uncovering details about his escape—to Canada, England, Vatican City, Italy, and Egypt, where he was captured in 1866. Jampoler situates Surratt's criminal trial in 1867 in a larger perspective by placing it in the context of domestic politics, international law, diplomacy, and papal authority. Surratt was tried for kidnapping, which ended in a mistrial and his release. Thereafter, he lived in Baltimore, married into the family of Francis Scott Key, and died at the age of 72. Jampoler's research is meticulous, and this account is written in a style that immediately engages the reader, making it a welcome addition to academic libraries and all collections of Lincoln assassination literature.—Gayla Koerting, Nebraska State History Soc., Lincoln

Jewish pirates? According to the author, these pirates were Jewish merchants and adventurers who had escaped the Spanish Inquisition at the dawn of the age of exploration in the 1500s and 1600s. In the New World, they could assume many new identities. They soon became aligned with the Dutch and other enemies of the Spanish in the Caribbean and lived off plunder. One of the more famous Jewish pirates was the Moroccan-born Rabbi Samuel Palache; another eventually founded the first openly Jewish settlement in the New World. Kritzler, a historian and former USA Today reporter who lives in Jamaica, has produced a breezy historical tale. Inevitably, it's partly based on speculation, as a written record of these pirates' swashbuckling exploits does not exist. Still, he has a journalist's eye for detail, and his entertaining book will circulate well in most popular collections. Recommended for public libraries.—Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., IL

Schwartz (sociology, emeritus, Univ. of Georgia) continues his investigation of Lincoln's place in American memory and meaning with this second volume in his projected three-volume study. Here he studies Lincoln's image roughly from the 1920s to the present, with an emphasis on survey research from the post-World War II era. Schwartz argues that over the past 75 years, Lincoln's image in Americans' collective memory has contracted from savior of the Union, reconciler of sections, emancipator, and advocate of equality and justice to being principally emancipator, with even that role contested as to the extent and purpose of Lincoln's push toward freedom. Schwartz attributes this shrinking of Lincoln's stature to such factors as Americans' collective self-doubt, distrust of "great men," cynicism, fading nationalism, and self-absorption, in the midst of a growing collective emphasis on multiculturalism, postmodern relativism, and declining belief in human "greatness." If Schwartz overstates his case for the supposed weakening of faith in greatness by ignoring new heroes of collective memory such as Martin Luther King, Jr., he makes many important points about the contingency of public respect for its past and its heroes. In the end, Lincoln still stands tallest, but a diverse people don't look up to him alone as exemplar of all they hold dear. Provocative and disturbing; recommended for university and large public libraries.—Randall M. Miller, Saint Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia

The commonplace focus on the Civil Rights Movement as a morality play set in the 1950s and 1960s South neglects the North as a crucial battleground in the struggle for racial equality, argues Bancroft Prize-winning University of Pennsylvania historian Sugrue (The Origins of the Urban Crisis). In his three-part, 14-chapter narrative, he shows that black exclusion, poverty, and racial violence permeated America on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Focusing on an array of individual activists and grassroots organizations that collectively advanced equality in the states having the largest black populations outside the South from the 1920s through the Great Migration and on, Sugrue produces a political history with strong socioeconomic themes, weaving together local, national, and international developments. And he carries his analysis into the so-called post-civil rights era since the 1980s. Diagramming the dimensions of the continuing black crisis, he plumbs fragile gains and deepening racial divides. This splendid read brims with insights broadening and deepening understanding of the black-white mold of modern America. Highly recommended and essential for collections on U.S. history, social movements, race relations, or civil rights.—Thomas J. Davis, Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ

Suvorov, a former Soviet army officer who defected to the UK in 1978, writes in his acknowledgments, "It quickly became apparent that the Western academic community was reluctant as the Communist propaganda apparatus to accept my new interpretation of the cause of World War II." Historians know that the victors write history, but they also know that interpretations of events change over time. Suvorov's thesis is that Soviet Russia bankrolled Hitler's rise to power as a catalyst for European war, strife, and dislocation, intended as a precursor to a Communist revolution throughout Europe. He spends 350 pages offering circumstantial evidence, rewriting prevailing thought about the causes of World War II. For example, he addresses the Soviet massing of troops on its western border: if it were defensive, they would have dug foxholes and spread out defensively, yet reconnaissance photos from German archives show the Soviet troops in marching order. Stalin was about to invade Germany when Hitler surprised him and attacked Russia. According to Suvorov, that sealed the warrant for the demise of the Soviet Union nearly 50 years later, because communism would simply implode without expansion. This is a thought-provoking read that would be best understood by historians and academics.—Harry Willems, Park City P.L., Park City, KS

At its height, the investigation into the fate of the insurance policies owned by victims of the Holocaust and held by Swiss banks involved the U.S. President, several U.S. senators, and numerous Jewish organizations. For a brief period the investigation even took a turn to the melodramatic as a Swiss bank guard saved financial records from the shredder, only to flee to the United States, becoming perhaps the only political refugee from Switzerland to be granted U.S. political asylum. Voice of America correspondent Weiss not only chronicles the effort to locate these assets but provides a concise history of the relationship between Jews and the German, Austrian, and Swiss insurance industries. By placing the post-1949 West German government's effort to compensate German Jews for their suffering in this context of Holocaust compensation, he adroitly challenges our understanding of the unresolved issues that seem to lie at the heart of the insurance claims In the end, Weiss argues that while the number of insurance policies were fewer than popular perception imagined, the number of survivors aided by the restitution claims remains an impressive achievement. Recommended for specialized collections.—Frederic Krome, Univ. of Cincinnati Clermont Coll.

This collection is a strong contribution to the history of the Anglo-American abolitionist movement, the book's distinctive flavor emerging from its origins in a reunion of descendants of William Lloyd Garrison (1805–79), editor of the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator, and cofounder of the American Anti-Slavery Society. The family listened to scholarly presentations on their ancestor by David W. Blight and Lois A. Brown, both of whose pieces are among the six essays here, covering several aspects of Garrison's beliefs and actions, from his steadfast commitment to controversial means of ending slavery to his tireless work toward the equality of women and African Americans. The key to understanding the book is in the essay by editor Stewart (history, emeritus, Macalester Coll.; Abolitionist Politics and the Coming of the Civil War), which helps the reader understand what motivated Garrison and his followers, what influence they had in their own day, and how their actions compare to social action from today's "would-be heirs of abolition." Every library should have a good biography of Garrison, e.g., Henry Mayer's All on Fire: William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolition of Slavery, to which this collection is an excellent supplement. Recommended for academic libraries and large public libraries.—Michael Farrell, Reformed Theological Seminary Lib., Oviedo, FL

This large-format book gives us a fascinating angle on U.S. history and culture by homing in on the wondrous little worlds conveyed in commemorative U.S. postage stamps. Over 4000 commemoratives since 1847 have documented U.S. history, and over 300 of them are shown here. Stamp enthusiasts Michael Worek (Nobel: A Century of Prize Winners) and Jordan Worek have organized their book by themes—Heritage and Values, Discovery and Exploration, Neighbor Against Neighbor, Manifest Destiny, Transportation and Communication, and The Greatest Generation—that show the milestones of U.S. history celebrated by the U.S. post office. The text is rounded out by a section called "The Art of the Stamp." The stamps and their stories range from Columbus to Elvis and include numerous American places and even endangered species. With the stamps here rendered in wonderful detail, readers are treated to the equivalent of a close-up tour of a miniature art gallery. An interesting feature throughout is "The Story Behind the Stamp," which balances out the details of each commemoration. The book provides a general index; a stamp index in order of page number, identifying the stamps on each page; and a stamp index by name (e.g., "Maine Statehood"). This book will be catnip for stamp collectors and a delight for students and history buffs. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.—Suzanne Lay, Perry H. S., GA

In October 2007, young wife and mother Stacy Peterson disappeared from her suburban Chicago home without a trace. Her husband, retired cop Drew Peterson, insisted that his fourth wife had simply run away with a lover, but as foul play became more likely, suspicion fell on him. In the unforgiving light of the police investigation, the seemingly accidental death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, took on a darker hue. A second autopsy on Savio was performed in February 2008, and this time the ruling was homicide. Chicago Herald News reporter Hosey, who has followed the story from the beginning, here traces the sad, complicated, and occasionally violent lives of Drew, Stacy, and Kathleen and covers the case all the way up to June 2008. The somewhat thin content is expanded with information about the town and county, where several wives have gone missing. Hosey does a fine job of covering the case; however, because Stacy's and Kathleen's cases are far from closed, the definitive book on Drew Peterson has yet to be written. For public libraries.—Deirdre Bray Root, Middletown P.L., OH

Schwartz here recalls 27 years of working in California's prison system as a legal aide to the inmates and her creation of the San Francisco Sheriff's Department Resolve To Stop the Violence Project (RSVP). Schwartz's upbringing in a dysfunctional family on Chicago's South Side and her general abhorrence for school gave her much in common with people she met in the "Monster Factory" (her name for a prison). Using her own experience of earning a law degree and dealing with the demons around her, she worked with those behind bars, feeling certain that many of them could be redeemed. After a bouncy prolog, Schwartz continues with uneven writing; some incidents are effectively told, while others do not come across clearly. The value of the book, however, is that it offers many suggestions to people who work with a similar population. Other readers who do not know what prisons are like will certainly find Schwartz's experiences eye-opening. Although not an essential purchase, this would be a good addition to a crime collection in any library. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/08.]—Frances Sandiford, formerly with Green Haven Correctional Facility Lib., Stormville, NY

As both a frontline caregiver and past president of Doctors Without Borders, Orbinski has led humanitarian efforts to aid and treat victims of some of the most harrowing events of the last few decades. Here he recounts his time as a doctor in famine-stricken Somalia and the seemingly futile medical aid attempts during the Rwandan genocide. Rounding out these accounts of humanitarianism in the face of insurmountable suffering are stories of his work in Peru, Afghanistan, and Russia and of his efforts to bring humanitarian concerns to the global political scene. On its surface, Orbinski's personal narrative is a chronicle of humanitarian efforts at the turn of the 21st century. Yet in retelling his life's work, Orbinski asks two much larger questions: "How am I to be?" and "How are we to be in relation to the suffering of others?" It is an underlying but persistent call to action that makes this work more than just a memoir. Orbinski seamlessly blends the personal with the political, offering his own experiences within the context of the more powerful global forces at work. In this revealing personal narrative, he has taken humanitarianism from its apolitical, reactive sphere to one in which it is an active enterprise where individuals and organizations shape the world we live in. Recommended for public and academic libraries and essential reading for anyone who considers him- or herself a global citizen.—Veronica Arellano, Univ. of Houston Libs.

Muammar Qaddafi, Libya's mercurial leader, has been in the forefront of political developments in the Middle East and North Africa for almost 40 years. Under King Muhammad Idris al-Mahdi al-Sanusi, Libya's first post-independence ruler, the country had established a close relationship with the United States. The Wheelus Air Force Base near Tripoli served as an important strategic facility for the United States in its containment policy toward the Soviet Union in the early years of the Cold War. The rise of pan-Arab sentiment in neighboring Egypt had galvanized millions in the Arab world to challenge Western domination of the Arab world. Qaddafi, who had fancied himself as the heir to the Egyptian president Gamal Abdul Nasser's charismatic leadership in the Arab world, succeeded in staging a military coup and overthrowing the Libyan monarchy in September 1969. In this well-researched book, Israeli scholar Ronen traces the changes in Libya's foreign policy during Qaddafi's reign. The author analyzes international and regional factors that have contributed to major shifts in Qaddafi's foreign policy posture, his abandonment of pan-Arabism, his embracing of the United States in the post-9/11 era, and his elusive quest for leadership in Africa. This comprehensive book is a timely and welcome addition to the literature on Libyan politics. Highly recommended for academic libraries.—Nader Entessar, Univ. of South Alabama, Mobile

Jungian analyst Hollis (Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life) wants us to see that we often lose sight of destiny's plan by trying to live up to others' expectations. However, our psyche does not forget and will send out a call for us to change—a call that may come in the form of suffering, depression, illness, or boredom. The author encourages us to work through the suffering, even entering therapy if necessary, to begin the work of going home. For Hollis, however, home is not a building or place but rather a return to the self. With references to prose, drama, poetry, and popular culture as well as examples from his private practice, Hollis shows us how we can look deeper into our soul, or psyche, and do the work we must do to become the person we were meant to be. Hollis's message will resonate with many readers, though the somewhat mystical tone, with references to "the gods," may not work for everyone. For large public libraries.—Phyllis Goodman, West Chester P.L., OH

With one out of every six children currently being diagnosed with Alphabet Disorders—interconnected neurobiological, developmental, and genetic illnesses often known by their abbreviations—more and more families need information so that parents can understand and advocate for their children. Best-selling author/journalist Woliver (Creation; Hoot!) organizes his text both alphabetically and thematically, moving from well-known to little-known conditions, that is, from ADD (attention deficit disorder) to ZS (Zellweger syndrome, a rare congenital disorder affecting infants). The wide-ranging topics include autism, binge eating, childhood depression, dyslexia, learning disability, mental retardation, seasonal affective disorder, and Tourette syndrome. The treatment of each topic generally begins with a profile of a child with this disorder ("Sounds familiar"), followed by a general overview ("Did you know?"), "How it is manifested," "Signs and symptoms," "Cause," "Diagnosis," "Treatment," "Prognosis," and "Sources and Resources." As clearly indicated in the introduction, this is not a medical text. Instead, it is a user-friendly comprehensive guide for parents that will be a welcome addition to the parenting collections in public libraries.—Elizabeth Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA

Ayres (War Reporting for Cowards) fancies himself the consummate outsider as a British journalist now living in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, what is supposed to be his witty and self-deprecating look at his life in LA is instead a chore to get through, offering outdated cultural insights (people post sex ads on Craigslist), obvious political observations (the Chinese government owns American bonds), and tired Los Angeles stereotypes (everyone eats alfalfa sprouts). Ayres does not live in the leisure economy, as implied. Instead, he maxes out his credit cards, leases a car he cannot afford, and buys an overpriced home with an overwhelming sense of guilt rather than enjoyment. Instead of a window on life in the leisure economy, Ayres shows us what it's like to be debt-ridden in Los Angeles during the housing bubble and subsequent crash. Ayres wants us to see him as funny and tragic, but he just comes across as tragic. Not recommended.—Manya Shorr, Omaha P.L., NB

This wonderfully intriguing book examines the relationship between women and cars from the late 1880s through the years following World War I. Clarsen (history & politics, Univ. of Wollongong, Australia) uses what she calls a "transnational" approach, bringing the stories of women from the United States, Britain, Australia, and colonial Africa to bear as she talks about the often ironic fact that, despite their embrace of cars in everyday life (and, notably, the important role women and cars played in times of extremis like war) and their skills as knowledgeable mechanics able to repair their own vehicles, the "very term woman motorist indicated that they were supplementary to the main game." The history of feminism, technology, class, and consumerism all figure in this nicely illustrated book, which includes a fine "Essay on Sources" that reflects Clarsen's scholarship. Some readers may find her language slightly old-fashioned, but most will probably find her discussions of misperceptions about "wealthy motor girls," "social frippery," and "female automobility" colorful and descriptive. Highly recommended for academic and special libraries.—Ellen Gilbert, Princeton, NJ

Lessig (law, Stanford Univ. Law Sch.; Free Culture: The Nature and Future of Creativity) assesses America's copyright laws in the context of online content, e.g., the Read Only (R/O) and Read/Write (R/W) transmission and production of artistic and cultural content. Read Only characterized the passive transmission of culture through the 1900s, while Read/Write has characterized the production of culture in the 19th century—and, now, the late 20th and early 21st centuries—allowing for active and collective making and remaking of content. Jumping into the copyright morass, Lessig promulgates a hybrid model, set within the context of both a sharing economy and a commercial economy, whereby sharing communities can be augmented with commercial designs. In the end, he argues for a future in which all three models exist. Similar treatment of sharing economies can be found in Dan Tapscott and Anthony Williams's Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything. Recommended for academic libraries; some larger public libraries may wish to acquire as well.—Jim Hahn, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana, IL

Like seminal works such as Robert D. Putnam's Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, David Riesman's The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character, and Philip Slater's The Pursuit of Loneliness, this recent addition to the sociological and psychological literature on loneliness is a substantive contribution. Coauthors Olds and her husband, Schwartz (both associate clinical professors of psychiatry, Harvard Medical Sch.), reaffirm Putnam's thesis that a sense of community is vanishing from America and that we suffer from our increasing isolation from one another. Olds and Schwartz argue that our culture fosters a pervasive belief that we must be constantly busy, yet this very "busyness" isolates us as we work harder and longer, seeking comfort through empty productivity. Exhaustion and depression set in, and we retreat from others, creating a vicious circle of loneliness. The authors capture the essence of our depressed and disjointed culture, especially now that the economy is failing and workaholism is no longer a viable refuge for many. They offer no foolproof solutions, but they do successfully generate awareness of the problem and encourage the ubiquitous lonely Americans to seek attachment and commitment as they pursue happiness. Highly recommended for all public and university libraries.—Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Univ. Sch. of Law, PA

Seven hundred years after the great Venetian traveler Marco Polo and his uncles returned to Venice from their journey to Kublai Khan's court in China in 1295, photographer Belliveau and artist O'Donnell decided to follow in Marco Polo's footsteps—all 33,000 miles of them. (They claim no one else has ever traveled Polo's route in its entirety.) Their journey took two years. This companion to a PBS film documents their adventures. At times, their lives were at risk, e.g., in a shooting war in Afghanistan and crossing the Himalayas, where they almost crashed and froze. They discovered incredible beauty in the most hidden spots; everywhere they went, people they'd never met before helped them on their way. Marco Polo, in his own writings, may have exaggerated occasionally—Westerners reading of Polo's travels thought he lied because what he described seemed too extraordinary to be true—but these two men conclude that he was most often an exceptionally acute observer. The stunning photographs in this elegant book should please even the most casual reader, while the authors' unpretentious observations will satisfy those who want to know more about a still alien world. A travel/adventure book rather than a study of Marco Polo the man or a history of his travels, this volume deserves many readers. Warmly recommended.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

For those enamored of good food at great prices, this luscious guide may prompt a spur-of-the-moment flight to London. Louie, a New York Times contributor and recipient of a James Beard Journalism Award, credits her many friends and contacts in the design world for recommendations for the 52 featured restaurants. She conveniently organizes the book by north, central, south, east, and west London locations. At the end, one finds a list of Louie's favorites and a section of "best for" restaurants from breakfasts to small plates. Some listings are expected—Harvey Nichols's Fifth Floor Café, the Tate Modern Café, and Ladurée at Harrods. There are numerous pubs, now known as gastropubs, that serve better-than-average fare. Ethnic fare features prominently, with food from Turkey, Spain, Germany, France, and the Far East. A few of the restaurants are quirky, especially Maison Bertaux, a French patisserie that operates without a menu and on the honor system for payment. Nicholls's (Classic Cafes) photography greatly enhances the text; this small book looks good enough to eat. Librarians shouldn't expect it to stay on the shelf long or for it to return—the only negative to its purchase.—Janet Ross, formerly with Sparks Branch Lib., NV

This first effort from Australian Nielsen chronicles her quest to purchase an apartment in Paris during the course of her family's two-week vacation in the city. Naturally, much like Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence and other expat tales that this resembles, the story is actually about the journey and not the destination. As Ellie struggles with the French language and Parisian real estate protocol, we come to appreciate Paris, its residents, and its culture as we understand why she strives to find her place (literally) in the city that she loves. Surprisingly, considering how her efforts to communicate in French make up such a considerable part of the story line, lengthy sections of dialog are presented only in French, with no translation or context given, making this a difficult read—except for those wishing to brush up on their French or reading this with a French-English dictionary at hand. The occasional Australian idioms dropped into the text with no hint at the corresponding American expressions further tax the reader. Ellie's tale is sweet; ultimately, however, the language issues make this an optional purchase for most public libraries.—Rita Simmons, Sterling Heights P.L., MI

"Pudlo" is Gilles Pudlowski, a well-known French food critic. Last year, the 17th edition of Pudlo Paris became the first to be translated into English. This year, Pudlo France is available, offering the translated contents of the 2007 original. Covering the entire country, this hefty book is organized alphabetically by town/city and includes brief descriptions of 2000 hotels and 3000 restaurants located throughout France, with special attention paid to Paris. Colorful regional maps add to the work's usefulness. Typical entries include ratings, address, phone/fax numbers, web site (as available), and a succinct statement about ambience, decor, price ranges, number of rooms, and other information, as applicable. Hotel ratings range from one (simple) to five (very luxurious). Restaurant ratings range from one (very good) to three (grand), with additional information about meal service and notable dishes. Various symbols denote good value, relative peacefulness, historical significance, whether the listing is new to the guide, and other elements. A lengthy index lists establishments by name. Frequent and knowledgeable travelers to France may find the breadth of this work to be helpful, but others will expect more detailed advice about both food and accommodations. Recommended for libraries catering to experienced French travelers.—Elizabeth Connor, The Citadel, Military Coll. of South Carolina, Lib., Charleston

Reading this massive guidebook to Walt Disney World may take as long as actually visiting the theme park. "Your book reads like the operations plan for an amphibious landing," wrote one quoted reader. The highlights of this tome are the touring plans, which are developed by a computer program calculating average waiting times, ride duration, and time of day, among other factors. These plans help to avoid the "joy" of lengthy lines and crowds during the hottest part of the day. There is extremely detailed information on accommodations, including which rooms to avoid. Restaurant reviews include typical menu items and prices and most crowded times. Wondering whether a small child will be frightened by Snow White's Scary Adventures? Will Expedition Everest make Dad wish he had passed on the chili dog? Don't worry; each attraction is analyzed for fright factor and motion sickness potential. "Unofficial" means that the authors can offer critical assessments of ticket plans and attractions and can also include hotels and restaurants outside of Disney property. Sea World and Universal Studios nearby are also reviewed here thoroughly. Recommended for all public libraries.—Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI

In this newest addition to the popular Rough Guides, Witt (contributing author, Make the Most of Your Time on Earth: A Rough Guide to the World), a global adventure traveler and guide with over 40 years' experience, chronicles over 150 adventures from around the world. Visually appealing, with colorful photographs and illustrations throughout, the guide is an enticing read for adventurers, would-be adventurers, and arm-chair travelers. Adventures are organized by regions and provide a two- to three-page overview and very brief essentials on when to go, getting there, and suggested reading. A rating system ("Is this for me?") gives travelers information on physical, psychological, skill, and wow factors, while a "best of the best" section categorizes adventures by feats of a lifetime, family-friendly, photo-ops, energy and endurance, and mental toughness. This guide is a fine addition in the niche area of adventure travel, but travelers will have to seek other resources for detailed travel and accommodation specifics and practicalities. Recommended for all travel collections.—Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins