Serious students of the Bolshevik Revolution know that its leader, Lenin, had an older brother who was executed for his involvement in a failed plot to assassinate Russia's Tsar Alexander III. Lenin's brother is something of a phantom presence in the life of Lenin and of revolutionary Russia. How did a brilliant biology student at St. Petersburg University become the leader of a terrorist conspiracy, and to what extent was he responsible for Lenin's becoming the most important revolutionary of the 20th century? With this richly contextualized and highly readable biography, Pomper (history, Wesleyan Univ.; The Russian Revolutionary Intelligentsia) makes it difficult to forget the name of Alexander (Sasha) Ulyanov and argues that the October Revolution can be traced to his death at the hands of the state. Although only a handful of Alexander's letters and writings are extant, Pomper manages to take the measure of the man and his times by an expert use of sources, knowledge of Russian intellectual history, and probing of the psychological undercurrents of Alexander's family and the psychodynamics of groups such as the terrorist faction of the People's Will. VERDICT This work deserves a wide readership, from serious students and scholars of revolutionary Russia to enthusiasts of biography or psychohistory.—Sean Pollock, Wright State Univ., Dayton, OH

There is no dispute that Peter the Great (1672–1725) changed Russia from an Eastern-oriented, politically backward, economically and socially isolated country into a feared, dynamic, military powerhouse that, at least outwardly, had a more Western approach. Wilson (Charlemagne) provides a somewhat abbreviated biography, at least compared with Lindsey Hughes's 2002 Peter the Great: A Biography, which is a more academic treatise. While Wilson does not break any new ground, he does capture in detail the complexities of Peter's character and the monumental quality of his political achievements, showing that his reign did indeed change the course not only of Russian but of European history. Peter's vision was so vast that not all his reforms were in place before he died. VERDICT Wilson's detailed writing can be a bit stiff, but lay readers will learn a lot about one of Russia's most gifted leaders. Though not intended as an academic text, this book might also offer students of Russian history a useful review of the time period.—Harry Willems, Central Kansas Lib. Syst., Great Bend

Media analyst and former managing editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Doctor offers his take on 12 trends currently shaping the dissemination of news by the mass media. In detail-packed chapters (with one trend per chapter), the author discusses the endlessly available news content, how the "digital dozen" media behemoths are pairing global reach with an increased focus on local news, the importance of niche publishing and advertising, the differences between amateur blogging reporters and professional reporter bloggers, and more. Each chapter also includes sidebars about various aspects of the old and new journalism models and Q&As with an impressive cross section of new media players. Although the story of how content is produced and consumed has been covered before (think Chris Anderson's Free and David Weinberger's Everything Is Miscellaneous), Doctor manages to strike a new tone that's well balanced between nostalgia for the old world and acceptance of (as well as optimism for) the new. VERDICT Doctor's analysis might be a bit detailed for the recreational reader, but it's essential reading for journalism students and those interested in media culture.—Sarah Statz Cords, The Reader's Advisor Online

Can news broadcasts about a war be packaged as if promoting and marketing an event, much as a movie is marketed? In this in-depth analysis of CNN's and Fox News Channel's coverage of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Jaramillo (film & television, Boston Univ.) argues that these two networks approached the invasion in just that way. She explains that a high-concept film can be reduced to a single-sentence summary that clearly differentiates it from other films; then it is aggressively marketed to specific target audiences. Using this technique, Jaramillo maintains, CNN and Fox News scripted coverage of the invasion, reducing the substance of the conflict to stylized and "cleaned-up" images that would engage viewers and not offend or shock them. Jaramillo concludes that the "high-concept" formula succeeded; surveys show that when people obtained most of their information about the invasion from either of these two news networks, their opinions regarding the presence of weapons of mass destruction, for instance, closely matched the messages promoted on those networks. VERDICT The author's thorough documentation and careful analysis will be most appreciated by students of journalism or communications, as an understanding of communications theory is helpful, but readers seriously following current events may be interested as well.—Jill Ortner, SUNY at Buffalo Libs.

Here, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Maraniss (associate editor, Washington Post) collects 32 columns he has written for the Post and other publications over the last 30 years. After the author's introduction, the essays are divided into four sections. The first section, which covers a number of news topics, includes a piece on 9/11 and another Maraniss wrote as part of the Post's award-winning coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007. The second section features stories about political figures, among them individuals from the Clinton administration, as well as coverage of Barack Obama's inauguration. The third section is devoted to sports stories, including some on people like Vince Lombardi and Roberto Clemente whom Maraniss has covered at book length, and the final section contains articles related to Maraniss's personal experiences. Overall, these pieces are still engaging, and Maraniss includes short follow-ups with some of the pieces that set them in larger context. VERDICT Of interest to those who enjoy popular journalism relating to current events, sports, or memoir. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Joel W. Tscherne, Cleveland, OH

Trying to get organized in the more fast-paced world of the new technologies can often lead to stress and a subsequent decrease in productivity. Merrill (former chief information officer, Google) and technology blogger Martin here offer a practical guide on the subject. Part 1 focuses on the individual's perspective and constraints, while Part 2 discusses the need for "a radically new 21st-century definition of organization" and a new tool set for the world today. Part 3 focuses on avoiding brain strain and integrating work and life, among other topics. Throughout, the authors address many issues, e.g., effectively using search engines, and present regular summaries of their key ideas. Also of great value is a "Stuff We Love" chapter that discusses and rates search engines, desktop search tools, email, and other communication tools (e.g., Twitter); online backup storage and file syncing; to-do list managers and productivity tools; web browsers and plug-ins; RSS readers; laptops; and more. VERDICT Highly recommended to anyone who needs to get organized at work or at home and to students and business men and women.—Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY

Mitroff (emeritus, Marshal Sch. of Business, Univ. of Southern California; Crisis Leadership) and Silvers (formerly, statistics, Baylor Coll. of Medicine) have put together a guide to what they refer to as Type Three and Type Four decision errors, that is, respectively unknowingly and knowingly "solving the wrong problems." There's the germ of an idea here, as the authors approach these methodological errors in the realms of American health care, national security, media, academia, and religion, identifying instances in which the various fields solve "the wrong problems precisely." Unfortunately, the tone is high-minded and inaccessible, and the writing makes only intermittent contact with the subtitle's promise to reveal how our decision making goes wrong. VERDICT This is a difficult, frustrating read. Note also that, although the authors claim bipartisan treatment, a strong liberal tone runs throughout, particularly regarding national security and religion. Those looking for a fresh approach to problem solving should instead consider Malcolm Gladwell's Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. All but the most complete specialized collections should pass.—Brian Walton, Tampa-Hillsborough P.L., FL

For companies looking to increase exposure and revenues in today's online environment, leveraging social technologies is serious business. Any project or venture using social technologies requires a strategy, an oversight structure, and mechanisms to measure the outcome. Shah (social software enablement, IBM Software Group) here documents these best practices and identifies patterns and metrics as well. Do not let the slim size of this text fool you; this is quite a dense read and is extremely granular in nature. Furthermore, the book has a strong emphasis on IBM solutions, which might make it more difficult for smaller businesses to embrace the advice. VERDICT While the advice offered here on macro- and micro-level activities is technically applicable to any social project or initiative, readers may not always be able to relate to the content or the examples. In the end, this is a scholarly text appropriate for only the most serious-minded and is potentially an excellent resource for MBA programs.—Judy Brink-Drescher, Molloy Coll. Lib., Rockville Centre, NY

Communicating with and teaching individuals with autism is a much-in-demand topic on which numerous titles are published every year. Ashcroft (education, Christian Brothers Univ.) and coauthors Sue Argio and Joyce Keohane all have professional experience working with children with autism. They are proponents of the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) as a basis of instructional programs for these children. In addition to providing an overview of autism spectrum disorder, its general characteristics, and the state of current research on intervention, the book outlines the principles of ABA and provides detailed strategies for the application of those principles in support of the individualized education program created for each child. The book is well organized, with a good balance of research discussion and practical application. Photographs and sample classroom materials are included showing real-world use of the strategies. VERDICT A strong entry in a crowded genre, this book is recommended for practitioners in special needs and inclusive settings as well as for libraries serving teachers and teacher education programs.—Sara Holder, McGill Univ., Montreal

Many current books on higher education emphasize the problems and urge transformation. Sociologist Cole (former provost & currently John Mason Mitchell Professor of the University, Columbia Univ.) has a different goal. He believes that the American research university is the best in the world and in need of renewed support to maintain its extensive contributions to a strong and prosperous society. Cole effectively conveys a three-part argument, starting with a history of U.S. higher education and noting the factors that led to the rise of numerous excellent institutions after World War II. His central section summarizes the vast range of discoveries emerging from research universities to enrich American life, from science to medicine, electronics, and food production, and the insights we gain from the humanities and social sciences. Last, he describes the threats to this vital American resource, including invidious public and governmental threats to academic freedom and serious underfunding, and he calls for the reactivation of the partnership among universities, government, and industry. VERDICT Cole has amassed extensive information to make a convincing case. Highly recommended, particularly for those interested in American history, social institutions, and public policy, as well as those working in higher education.—Elizabeth R. Hayford, emerita, Associated Coll. of the Midwest, Evanston, IL

Who wins in court cases when it's God vs. Darwin? So far, Darwin has been the victor. Physicist Singham (The Achievement Gap in U.S. Education) explains why antievolutionists encounter obstacles when attempting to have creationism and/or intelligent design taught alongside evolution in public schools. Singham begins with the 1925 Scopes trial (actually staged by city leaders for publicity and tourism), then relates the history of education in America, from pre-Constitution days to the present. Although the original purpose of education in the Western world was to teach religious doctrine, our country's founders were aware of the problems associated with a government linking itself with a particular set of beliefs; they legislated separation between government and religion. The establishment clause of the First Amendment and the "Lemon test" (from the 1971 decision in Lemon v. Kurtzman) continue to ensure that no single religious ideology is favored above others in public schools. VERDICT Those who read this with an open mind, from either side of the controversy, should better understand the value of separation of church and state. Readers unaccustomed to legalese may have difficulty wading through some of the court cases discussed.—Terry Christner, Hutchinson P.L., KS

Archer (history, emeritus, Whittier Coll., Fissures in the Rock: New England in the Seventeenth Century) utilizes a wealth of primary sources, from diaries to depositions, to provide an edifying account of the 17-month British occupation of Boston from October 1768 to the winter of 1770. Archer states that his purpose is to examine "what decisions and events led to the military occupation of Boston, what transpired while British troops were there, and what the consequences were." Beginning with British attempts to consolidate the empire and gain revenue from the Colonies in the form of innovative taxes and concluding with a perceptive analysis of the Boston Massacre, Archer astutely delves into the milieu of a Colonial city alive with mobs, patriots, and the omnipresent British army. The uniqueness of Archer's superbly crafted tale lies in his discussion of how the politics of nonimportation polarized the elite of Boston society on the eve of revolution. VERDICT Combining engaging prose and a wealth of interesting characters, Archer has provided students and general enthusiasts alike with a concise, appealing work of first-rate scholarship.—Brian Odom, Pelham P.L., AL

The act of moving has added dimension to African American life, argues Berlin (history, Univ. of Maryland; Generations of Captivity). The experience began with the more than ten million shipped from Africa in the transatlantic slave trade. It continued with passage from Atlantic coastal communities to what became the Deep South. Next came the so-called Great Migration from South to North, which included movement from countryside to city. And now a global passage, explains Berlin, is reshaping a firmly entrenched urban African American population, with an influx of blacks from the Caribbean and Africa since the late 1960s. Migrations continue to remake black life, as they continue to remake American life; they create new histories and new realities, Berlin suggests. Others, notably historian Colin A. Palmer, have pursued similar themes of black passages but not so comprehensively in the broad sweep of place and space. VERDICT Berlin's neat synthesis offers the sharp insights and provocative commentary of one of the foremost historians of black America. Essential for library collections, general readers, and scholars of African American history. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Thomas J. Davis, Arizona State Univ., Tempe

While Brandt's title refers to Sir John Franklin's fateful expedition in search of the Northwest Passage (Franklin indeed ate his boots), this book is not a biography. Instead, Brandt examines Britain's numerous 19th-century attempts to explore the Canadian Arctic and discover the Northwest Passage. He introduces many of the main characters: Sir John Barrow, second secretary of the Admiralty and chief promoter of the search for the Northwest Passage; Sir William Edward Parry, a four-time explorer of the Arctic without much success; and Franklin himself. The 19th century was the age of "conjectural geography" in which "what we wish to be true, we readily believe," e.g., the "Open Polar Sea," a madcap geographic idea supported by Barrow, among others, who insisted that the Arctic Ocean "never remains frozen over." Brandt focuses not only on what the officers and men on the expeditions had to say but on the public responses and the waxing and waning of interest in the Arctic. VERDICT Often witty in his approach, Brandt makes the absurdity of Arctic exploration and the quest for the Northwest Passage entertaining for the general reader. Highly recommended for fans of British or Arctic exploration history. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09.]—Margaret Atwater-Singer, Univ. of Evansville Libs., IN

In this richly illustrated volume, Brown (Flaubert: A Biography), a prize-winning scholar of French literature, seeks to recount the mood and mindset of fin de siècle France by examining a series of key events, incidents, and episodes that reveal and reflect the ideological rifts that gripped the nation in the last three decades of the 19th century. Brown identifies the culture wars as contests between secularism and religiosity, science and superstition, enlightenment and salvation, modernism and tradition, cosmopolitanism and nationalism. He demonstrates how the battle lines were drawn, how particular events exacerbated them, and how certain individuals and groups exploited them. Using examples both well known (the coopting of the legend of Joan of Arc) and not so well known (the story of the Charity Bazaar martyrs of 1897), he brilliantly explains how the cultural divides that culminated in the Dreyfus affair had deep roots. For decades prior to the 1890s, conservatives and antirepublicans, he argues, had come to believe that the true France was under siege from alien forces—Jews foremost among them. VERDICT An important work of cultural and intellectual history, recommended for all informed readers in French history.—Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., N.J.

A remarkably well-documented conspiracy led up to the assassination of Roman dictator Gaius Julius Caesar at a meeting of the Senate in Pompey's Theater in Rome on March 15, 44 B.C.E. Starting his narrative in January and setting the stages of conspiracy in the context of the seasonal religious festivals of the Roman calendar, Roman military historian Dando-Collins (Blood of the Caesars: How the Murder of Germanicus Led to the Fall of Rome) combs the historical record to narrate day by day the development of the plot to kill the dictator and restore republican government under the leadership of Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. Instead of returning Rome to republican government, the bloody stabbing unleashed a bitter civil war in which sometime allies Mark Antony and Augustus Caesar eventually overwhelmed the conspirators, permanently ending democratic government in Rome. VERDICT Dando-Collins's day-by-day approach suits the events leading up to Caesar's death but works less well in detailing the unhappy aftermath of the conspirators over the course of many years and into farflung regions. Despite a flagging second half, this work is recommended for all readers seeking a lively introduction to a turning point in Roman history.—Stewart Desmond, New York

Historian Gardner (Wagons for the Santa Fe Trade) succeeds in writing an accessible double biography of the iconic western outlaw Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Maintaining an objective perspective on both men in a narrative closely tied to historic source materials, Gardner's quick-moving story follows events of the civil war in Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory in 1877–78, and the Kid's death-by-shooting at the hands of Garrett in 1881. This famous shot in the dark, however, became problematic for Garrett, who for the rest of his life had to fight the image of himself as the romantic outlaw's killer. VERDICT The final chapters describing Garrett as an old-style lawman in a postfrontier society, with interactions with President Theodore Roosevelt, serve to distinguish this book from other recent Kid biographies, such as Michael Wallis's Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride. Highly recommended both for readers of popular history and for scholars. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/09.]—Nathan E. Bender, Univ, of Idaho, Moscow

Goldfarb (Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace) has written a compelling history of one of the most important social and cultural phenomena of modern times: the emancipation of the Jews from the ghettos of Europe and their subsequent rise to influence in a variety of contexts, including commerce, banking, industry, government, the arts—and the art of revolution. Stating that his book is an act of familial piety as well as a history, he argues that the Jewish emancipation following the French Revolution released a burst of energy and creative tension that helped impel Europe toward modernity. Goldfarb narrates the odyssey of the signal figures in this critical progression from 1789 to roughly 1920, organizing his text around a series of Jews from the precursor philosopher Spinoza to such prophets of modernity as Marx, Freud, Bergson, and Proust, whose mother was a Jew. He writes well, and his judgments are on the mark throughout. VERDICT Good, popular history, this timely look at an important topic should appeal to the lay reader who is interested in how we got where we are today.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

The wilderness of northern New York and New England hosted significant actions of the American Revolution throughout 1777. Logusz (Galicia Division: The Waffen-SS 14th Grenadier Division, 1943–1945), a former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, seeks to describe the encounters that formed a turning point in the Revolution. Following an introduction that establishes strategic conditions prior to 1777, he provides chronologically dated chapters recounting actions throughout the year. Logusz has a flair for vivid detail, whether describing the terror Colonists felt during Indian raids on their settlements or the chaos of battles in the unfamiliar wilderness. He mentions that it was the stories of people who experienced the war that motivated him to embark on this project. VERDICT Able storyteller though Logusz is, his book lacks analysis, and the story has been told before. Richard M. Ketchum's Saratoga: Turning Point of America's Revolutionary War covers largely the same events in a popular, accessible format and with appropriate analysis. Those seeking details regarding the American Revolution in 1777 may consider Logusz's work but should bear Ketchum's in mind.—Matthew J. Wayman, Penn State Lib., Schuylkill

The Levant Company, originally chartered by Queen Elizabeth, monopolized trade with the Ottoman Empire until 1825. Under its governance, individual trading ventures were pursued, with all the risk and gain thereof. The English merchants, referred to as "pashas" (an honorific that the Turks used) were inherently conservative merchants on the make. They were not imperialists; their interest was in making money, not waves. As the balance shifted toward the West, the company remained conservative, unlike the younger, more aggressive East India Company. For 250 years, pashas rubbed shoulders with Muslims and negotiated with Ottoman officials, and their perceptions of this heathen world, and even of Islam itself, softened. Mather's study paints a picture of East-West relations at the dawn of modernity quite different from what we have heard. He comments trenchantly on Mediterranean trade patterns and the evolving of Western commercial and military dominance over the Fertile Crescent. VERDICT Painstakingly researched and eminently readable, this rich book describes an important episode in our past—and one of some current interest. Lay readers who love history will like this, and it will be indispensable to scholars of the period.—David Keymer. Modesto CA

Using personal profiles, historical perspective, and their own strong opinions, the authors, both of whom served in the U.S. military and have written two other books on U.S. nurses in World War II, have compiled a comprehensive, unflinching look at the women in the military, from World War I on. Their crisp, almost military style of writing is often flavored with their own distinct point of view. They take on and refute U.S. policy toward women in each military branch, challenge misconceptions held in the 1930s and 1940s about women's "place," and spend nine pages specifically refuting an article written by Sen. James Webb of Virginia about why women have no place in combat. VERDICT Quite apart from the personal viewpoints and editorial comments throughout, this is also simply a compelling history, made stronger by the profiles of many strong, patriotic women who put up with hardship and harassment to do what they saw as their duty to their country. Students of women's history and the U.S. military will find this compelling reading. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/09.]—Jane Marino, Great Neck Lib., NY

Does Moore (Liberty: The Lives and Times of Six Women in Revolutionary France) want to be the next Christopher Hibbert? Hibbert, who died in 2008, wrote seemingly effortless studies of all manner of people, places, and eras—all elegantly accessible, meticulously researched books. Readers used to his high standards for popular history—and anyone who knows anything about the 1920s—will be disappointed by Moore's book. It amounts to a portrait of the era, chiefly in America, as it could have been written decades ago: there's F. Scott Fitzgerald and the ex-pat Murphys, Al Capone, the Algonquin Roundtable, Sacco and Vanzetti, a one-dimensional Warren Harding, the Scopes trial, and a Hollywood rife with scandal and apparently oblivious to any struggle over the use of sound in film. You'll hope in vain for Moore to demonstrate some special expertise, but 1920s MGM icon John Gilbert's one unindexed presence as "Jack Gilbert" with no apparent awareness by Moore of whom she's speaking is emblematic of her shallow knowledge. Any of these topics, plus the many that Moore excludes, get better treatment elsewhere. VERDICT Perhaps middle or high school students or general readers first embarking on the era will appreciate this. Others should pass.—Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal

While the story of Prohibition (1919–33) is not suspenseful, since we know how this social experiment turned out, Okrent (former public editor, New York Times) helpfully fills in details, explanations, and lessons to be learned while supplementing the familiar story of how legislated temperance did not succeed. He mines archival and published sources and adds memories acquired through interviews and reference to previously unavailable private papers. Okrent emphasizes that the 18th Amendment was a long time coming, passed by the efforts of progressives, populists, nativists, and other morally motivated reformers. Temporarily ending the fifth-largest industry in America, Prohibition transformed the alcoholic beverage business as well as American culture generally. Okrent admits that, although Prohibition promoted criminality and hypocrisy, it did cut the rate of alcohol consumption. He book-ends his work with historical explications of Prohibition's enactment and its eventual demise owing to lack of both sufficient political will and enforcement funds. VERDICT While there are other Prohibition narratives, e.g., Michael Lerner's ably done Dry Manhattan, acknowledged by Okrent, this sprightly written and thoroughly annotated work is recommended for both the general reader, to whom it is directed, and the scholar.—Frederick J. Augustyn Jr., Library of Congress

Turning the question, "What does it mean to be black?" on its head, historian Painter (American history, emerita, Princeton Univ.; Creating Black Americans) asks, "What does it mean to be white?" and, "Where did the idea of whiteness come from?" Digging down deep into source material dating from 400 B.C.E. to the present, Painter locates the etymology of terms like Caucasian and Anglo-Saxon and reveals surprising facts—for instance, that ancient literature does not classify peoples based on skin color, that living in slavery is not a unique experience to those of African descent, and that early Irish American immigrants were not automatically considered white. Although Painter's comprehensive style makes this a hefty tome that can, at times, read like an attempt to out racist thinkers from history, the narrative is ultimately intriguing and well researched. VERDICT This is an important addition to the nascent academic field of whiteness studies, which examines the social construction of whiteness with particular attention to the American experience. It should be read by all historians and anyone with an interest in cultural studies. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09.]—April Younglove, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, NY

The statistics are astounding: between June 1948, when Stalin shut down all ground access to West Berlin, to May 1949, when he reluctantly lifted his blockade, the Western air forces of the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand airlifted more than 2.3 million tons of supplies to the beleaguered city. For weeks a plane landed at or took off from the Tempelhof airport every 45 seconds. When confronted with Stalin's audacious decision, Truman never blinked but simply ordered that the United States and its allies figure out how to supply the starving citizens of Berlin in any way they could. Reeves (President Nixon: Alone in the White House) tells his newest tale well, providing insights into how civilian and military leaders charged with momentous tasks were able to carry out their orders. VERDICT Although a number of books have appeared on this topic over the years, including Helena Schrader's The Blockade Breakers: The Berlin Airlift and Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell's The Berlin Airlift: The Salvation of a City, Reeves is a master storyteller and his account is one readers will appreciate. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Ed Goedeken, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames

Our most direct access to history is through the grand public gestures—the speeches, battles, and photo opportunities. But just as frequently, history is truly made in the backroom deals. Here Stanton, who has served as an elections monitor in the Balkans and several former Soviet republics, gives us a solid primer on some of the most important haggling sessions of the modern world. This lucid and evenhanded overview reveals much about the sometimes excruciating push and pull that shaped the international politics of today, from how Benjamin Franklin's clever subterfuge ensured an alliance with the French and victory in the Revolutionary War to how competing interests and a poor planning sunk Woodrow Wilson's dream for the League of Nations and how, in the most nail-biting chapter, Kennedy and Khrushchev raced to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis and stave off what could have become a global nuclear holocaust. VERDICT A thought-provoking, informative book, highly recommended for all readers interested in international affairs.—Ned Resnikoff, Library Journal

Vietnamization, the process of disengaging the United States from the Vietnam War, was well in progress by spring 1972. The North made a sustained effort to settle the war by force of arms while stalling for time at the Paris peace talks. Fierce battles raged across the country, in which South Vietnamese troops, aided by American advisers and air power, fought a determined, well-equipped foe. An Loc was a crisis point that stood between two North Vietnam divisions and Saigon, and the battle there devolved into a vicious urban siege. General Thi (The Twenty-Five Year Century: A South Vietnamese General Remembers the Indochina War to the Fall of Saigon) presents the Vietnamese perspective, drawing upon his own experience, as well as the works of American authors and the unpublished memoirs of several Vietnamese generals. VERDICT This book brings a new and needed outlook to the battle of An Loc and the political surround. While not the only book on the subject, it's a welcome companion to Andrew Wiest's Vietnam's Forgotten Army, Dale Andrade's America's Last Vietnam Battle, and James H. Willbanks's The Battle of An Loc.—Edwin B. Burgess, U.S. Army Combined Arms Research Lib., Fort Leavenworth, KS

Strip away the whiz bangs here—comic-strip sequences, chapters in which the author and friends meet in cafés to talk over their obsession with the past, time-sequence photographs of a flintlock firing—and this is first-rate history, just of a different kind. The flashy stuff works here, with an effect similar to that of Michael Lesy's groundbreaking 1973 Wisconsin Death Trip, where Lesy's pictorial editing forced the reader to look at events a second time, catching nuances that might otherwise have been missed. Walker (research fellow, Univ. of Sydney) describes an incident of spying in 1622 Venice. A master spy, Gerolamo Vano, presents evidence that leads to a Venetian nobleman's hanging on charges of espionage. Five months later, Vano himself is executed for falsifying evidence, and the nobleman is absolved posthumously. But this book isn't just about Vano, about whose machinations the evidence is spotty. It's as much or more a reflection on how one approaches the historical record: how to exhume a coherent narrative from uneven, desultory, and usually self-serving reports. VERDICT This book will infuriate as many scholars as it excites, but it is original, well written, and good. It should intrigue anyone who likes reading history.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

Before the advent of the Confederacy's notorious Andersonville Prison for Union POWs in March 1864, many captured Yankees were held near Richmond, VA. Those who were officers were held at Libby Prison, a former tobacco warehouse, while enlisted men were held in great squalor on Belle Isle in the James River. The 1200 officers in Libby Prison lacked adequate sanitation, bedding, and food. Crowding at Libby had escalated in 1863 when the Union halted prisoner exchanges that sent their well-fed Southern prisoners back to the battlefront in return for sickly and undernourished Yankees. Former AP reporter Wheelan (Mr. Adams' Last Crusade) tells us what happened next. Frustrated at the North's inability to free them, determined Libby prisoners spent months tunneling from a rat-infested cellar. On February 9, 1864, 109 men escaped, 59 safely reaching the Union lines about 100 miles away. It's not exactly The Great Escape, but once Whelan manages to get his story moving he provides a detailed description of the digging of the tunnel and the escape from the prison. VERDICT Civil War buffs especially will want to read about this mass prison break that riveted North and South in the late winter of 1864.—Stewart Desmond, New York

Lyon (DePaul Univ. Coll. of Law) recounts in stunning detail her career as a Chicago public defender, culminating in her heading up the Homicide Task Force. Named "The Angel of Death Row" in 1995 by the Chicago Tribune, she takes us through her memorable cases in 12 fast-paced chapters. Raised in a liberal household and trained at a public-interest law school, she undertook the challenge of representing poor defendants charged with heinous crimes. More than a recitation of her successes, the book contains much truth, addressing the degree of prejudice and prosecutorial misconduct in the criminal justice system, the role of plea bargaining, and the short attention spans of juries. Lyon also details the hard work involved in investigating a case, such as finding witnesses, uncovering withheld evidence, and dealing with difficult clients. In particular, she confronts clients who were death penalty "volunteers" and the ethics of representing such clients. Written in a blunt, conversational style, this book will challenge those who think that they understand the criminal justice system. VERDICT A well-written, provocative book, featuring colorful characters and a love of humanity; highly recommended for all readers interested in society today.—Harry Charles, Attorney at Law, St. Louis

Exploring the level to which a maturing framework for social change manifests itself within an evolving legal system, Mezey (political science, Loyola Univ.; Queers in Court) explores the relationship between public policy and the law as it pertains to LGBT issues, presenting in great detail how judges in various states have analyzed, dissected, and parsed opposing arguments. The common legal trends that cross state lines are noted, as the author explains the challenges facing plaintiffs who pursue untested notions. Mezey concludes that the concept of a constitutional guarantee of the right to same-sex marriage is doomed to failure as long as the judiciary refuses to embrace a theory of social change that incorporates a framework for marriage that includes both procreation and the social well-being of children within a society permitting marriage between members of the same sex. VERDICT Mezey's work is an excellent primer on high-profile gay rights issues such as same-sex marriage and freedom of association. Superbly indexed by subject heading as well as case law, with an invaluable bibliography, and aimed at a scholarly audience, this is recommended mainly for academic and law libraries.—Philip Y. Blue, NY State Supreme Court Criminal Branch Law Lib., First Judicial District

Attorney and diamond expert Selby and journalist Campbell (Blood Diamonds: Tracing the Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones) have meticulously pieced together the planning and execution of the heist of the 21st century. In February 2003, a group of Italian thieves made off with somewhere between $108 and 432 million worth in diamonds, other gems, and cash, managing to bypass the security, including video cameras, an iron and steel vault door, magnetic locks, and motion, light, and heat sensors of the heavily patrolled and watched Antwerp (Belgium) Diamond Center. Spoiler alert: the crime was solved quickly thanks to the vigilance of the caretaker of a nearby preserved forest, who discovered trash dumped by the thieves the very next morning. By the time alleged ringleader Leonardo Notarbartolo returned to the center a week later to swipe in and out of the office he had rented there to throw off suspicion, he was already the prime suspect and was quickly arrested. He and three others were caught and convicted—but most of the loot was never recovered. VERDICT Fans of true crime (especially those who appreciate less violence and no gore) and of crime caper movies will especially enjoy this fun romp.—Karen Sandlin Silverman, Ctr. for Applied Research, Philadelphia

Glad (political science, emerita, Univ. of South Carolina; Jimmy Carter: In Search of the Great White House) bases her study of President Carter's foreign policy on extensive primary research as well as interviews with principals including Zbigniew Brzezinski, Hamilton Jordan, and Carter himself, among many others. She is as concerned with how Carter arrived at decisions as with the consequences, closely examining his record on relations with the USSR, the Middle East, East Africa, China, and Latin America. Glad concludes that as an "outsider" Carter was forced against his early wishes to rely (not always wisely) on more experienced "insiders," notably Brzezinski, and that while a moralistic bent hindered his ambitions in arms control with the Soviets, his fervor gave him the tenacity to achieve successes such as the Camp David Accord. VERDICT General readers interested in this important topic may think of Carter's campaign motto, "Why not the best?" and put the book down in favor of one with an accessible narrative. Glad's focus on scholarly findings may interest some specialists, but they are likely to prefer Robert A. Strong's Working in the World: Jimmy Carter and the Making of American Foreign Policy and Scott Kaufman's Plans Unraveled: The Foreign Policy of the Carter Administration.—Bob Nardini, Nashville

The Whitewater investigation, led by independent counsel Kenneth Starr, investigated the scandals that tarnished the Clinton administration—scandals that, says Gormley (law, Duquesne Univ.; Archibald Cox: Conscience of a Nation), diminished respect for the office of the President. The author interviewed many major players, including Bill Clinton himself, who would not discuss the Lewinsky affair. The result is an illuminating account that could overwhelm the general reader with oceans of detail. Starr is presented as a highly respected attorney and not a religious fanatic determined to destroy Clinton. His weakness was his lack of experience as a prosecutor; he later acknowledged that he should not have expanded the Whitewater investigation to include the Lewinsky affair. Starr resigned in 1999, and the Office of Independent Counsel's final report, issued by his successor, Robert Ray, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Clinton. VERDICT This is the most complete and likely the most impartial account available of the Clinton scandals. It will appeal to readers of such recent serious works as Richard Sale's Clinton's Secret Wars: The Evolution of a Commander in Chief and Taylor Branch's The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President.—Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA

Journalist Sixsmith (The Litvinenko File) vividly describes the struggle between former Russian president (and current prime minister) Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former owner of the Yukos Oil company and one of the wealthiest men in Russia. With the skill of a novelist (he has written two works of political fiction), Sixsmith recalls how Khodorkovsky transformed himself from a businessman, who may have committed ruthless criminal actions to get ahead, into a philanthropist who stood for Western-style above-board corporate accounting and political freedom for Russians. However, after provoking the prickly Putin with accusations of shady political and financial dealing and hypocrisy, Khodorkovsky was sentenced to jail for tax evasion on questionable evidence. Often dramatic and compelling, this work unfortunately becomes tedious when it details Yukos's financial affairs. The book lacks citations, and the author appears to depend solely on interviews and his own reporting as his sources. VERDICT This is a good overview for general readers who follow international current events, but Sixsmith should have focused less on Yukos's statistics and more on the big picture implications of Putin's actions.—Rob Langenderfer, Brown Mackie Coll. Lib., Ft. Mitchell, KY

Izrael, billed as an award-winning reporter and culture critic, suggests that women are looking for a type of man that doesn't exist in real life, a mythical Mr. Perfect or Prince Charming or Sir Lancelot. These women are firmly caught up in what he calls The Dizzle, the dream of an ideal man, a sort of watered-down Denzel Washington who is long on charm and short on manliness. The idea that a fantasy man—not too tough, not nerdy, but just right—really does exist out there somewhere causes black women to set their standards so high that they are left disaffected, disappointed, or deceived. As for Izrael, he has no illusions of being perfect, describing himself as just a regular good guy with some honest, no-nonsense advice for black women, such as "Ways Women Can Break Hold of the Dizzle," "Ways To Attract Mr. Right," and "Ten Reasons To Love Ordinary Black Men." VERDICT All in all, Izrael discusses a serious topic with a frank, in-your-face manner and peppers his text with laugh-out-loud humor and a bit of irreverence. The results are worth considering for the self-help crowd.—Eboni A. Francis, Oberlin Coll. Lib., OH

Blind mountain bikers who use batlike echolocation. A restaurant where diners eat in total darkness. People who can follow a scent trail across a lawn. Psychologist Rosenblum (Univ. of California, Riverside) describes in language accessible to lay readers a quirky collection of sensory wonders, which he then explains scientifically and also describes how to duplicate easily. His main neurological points are that the brain can adjust to new conditions throughout life via the concept of neuroplasticity and that the senses work together. VERDICT Fans of Steven Pinker's How the Mind Works will find a cousin in this science book for nonscientists. Followers with an interest in parapsychology and/or human potential movement ideas may also want to try out the you-can-do-these-at-home experiments. Bright teens might also get hooked—hint, hint, teachers and parents! [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09.]—Mary Ann Hughes, Shelton, WA

When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents often lose themselves in the overwhelming task of caring for their child to the detriment of themselves, their marriage, and their other children. The parent of three boys (one of whom who has ASD), Senator knows about these pitfalls firsthand and here encourages other parents to strike a healthy balance in their lives. She addresses topics such as feelings of despair and hopelessness when dealing with ASD, nurturing and sustaining one's marriage, accepting the child with ASD while remaining open to new treatments, adolescence and ASD, and looking forward to the child's adulthood. VERDICT Senator's message of a balanced life is valid and empowering at any point in a family's journey with ASD. A great read.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

Following the tradition of oral historian Studs Terkel, Bowe (editor, Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs) assembles interviews with a wide range of Americans—this time with a focus on romantic love. Having been asked, "Tell me about the person whom you have loved the most," each respondent provides an honest and deeply personal view into the passions and foibles of love. With the interviewer's voice deleted, the work reads like a compilation of short stories. The book as a whole is a bit tedious to read cover to cover, but the brevity of each monolog encourages the reader to dip in here and there. Organized according to the length of time since the subject has realized that he or she is in love, not necessarily by the length of the relationship, the work describes the full range of experiences and emotions, from infatuation to heartbreak. Providing little context other than the preface, Bowe allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the complexity of love in America. VERDICT A fun and interesting read, this work is worth considering for readers interested in popular sociology and psychology.—Kate Wells, Lane Lib., GA

For most Americans, North Korea, one of the last Communist dictatorships, is a totalitarian menace but socially a great blank space. Demick, a Los Angeles Times reporter based first in Seoul and now in Beijing, fills this void with well-rounded life stories based on seven years of interviews with individuals who escaped to South Korea or China. Mi-ran, for instance, as the daughter of a political outcast, could meet with her young man only after dark, when they would take advantage of the complete absence of electric lights to walk for miles and miles unobserved—without, however, going even so far as to hold hands. She could not let him know of her plans to leave for fear that the authorities would hold him responsible or that he would need to inform on her to protect his family. This and other life stories form a welcome portrait of "ordinary" lives in an extraordinary society. VERDICT Recommended for readers interested in North Korea who want to supplement their political studies or simply enjoy the personal approach.—Charles W. Hayford, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL

Novelist Neate (City of Tiny Lights; Where You're At: Notes from the Frontline of a Hip-Hop Planet) and Platt, who has worked with such social justice organizations as Amnesty International and Grupo Cultural AfroReggae in Brazil, survey the nongovernmental organization AfroReggae, a band producing a type of music akin to hip-hop to combat the crushing poverty and violent atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro's notorious favelas (shantytowns). Amid drug wars and unemployment, they offer music sessions, lessons, and safe environments for at-risk youth in the poorest parts of Rio. Spotlighting and using quotations from individuals who are in the group or live in the favelas, the authors tell gritty stories about the bravery of the musicians and activists and their encounters with the police and crime. VERDICT Though the authors write that this is not an academic book, it will probably be used most by sociology students studying current Brazilian culture, activists, and others interested in the milieu. A fascinating study.—Bill Walker, Stockton-San Joaquin Cty. P.L., Manteca, CA

Kevin Salwen (former reporter and editor, Wall Street Journal) and his family had been living the best that America could offer; a two-million-dollar home, the finest possessions, and vacations were all on their full plate. So what was the problem? Idealistic daughter Hannah Salwen had seen the other side, and through ensuing discussions the family decided to downscale, selling the historic family home and giving half the proceeds to a nonprofit group. This is the story of a likable family that began to question the current "normal" of America that bigger, better, and newer is the way to go. The book follows the debates that led up to their extraordinary decision, as they struggle with the question, "How much is enough and how can I make an impact in the world?" Hannah Salwen inserts her tips on how to give "half" of your time and effort and infuses the book with teenage optimism. VERDICT A readable, interesting, but syrupy sweet take on philanthropy that will either inspire or irritate readers, depending on their frame of mind. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/09.]—Nancy Richey, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green

Unable to grieve the death of her father but unwilling to admit depression, photographer Shannon spent her time numbly watching television. Then an episode of Oprah changed her life. A report on "the worst place on Earth to be a woman"—the Congo—awakened her from emotional sleep. She writes here of taking action, forming the Run for Congo Women foundation, which began as a one-woman effort yet eventually grew into a national organization, with races taking place across the United States. Shannon left behind her comfortable life in Portland, OR, to visit the Congo and the sponsored women whom she calls her "sisters." She is admirably honest about her travels there, a place consumed by instability and violence, with an overwhelming need for assistance. The sponsored women all ask for more money, the children are often jaded after hearing so many promises of help from outsiders, and the personal testimonies of violence are so abundant that they seem to run together. Yet Shannon is able to see the good that has been done by Run for Congo Women and encourages others to support their own Congolese "sisters." VERDICT A worthwhile read for those with a nagging feeling that there is something more that they can do for those in need.—Veronica Arellano, Lexington Park, MD

Here Lipman (partner, the Creative Shop), a longtime U.S. resident and commercial writer, packs up his wife and baby daughter for a series of visits to his elderly, quarrelsome parents, who still live in the tiny home in East London where he grew up. Lipman set out to explore the England he never saw as a child, with his bemused parents in tow. He peppers his book with amusing stories, e.g., being tossed out of Harrod's department store for wearing cut-off jeans, and chronicles the family's trips throughout the southeast of England, including Windsor, Canterbury, and Rye. But the story is as much about the journey the author makes to reclaim his relationship with his father as it is about the places they visit. VERDICT While not as overtly funny as Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island, this book shares some of the same good-natured disgruntlement about the English way of life and is recommended for those who love everything English, good and bad, with a family story that will affect many readers.—Linda M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams

Mayes adds yet another book to the growing body of expatriate travel memoir, a genre she helped launch with Under the Tuscan Sun. This time her prose feels more like a pastiche of journal entries than a coherent narrative. Mayes has lived a life of privilege; few of us can afford a second home anywhere, let alone in Italy, and few of us enjoy frequent restaurant meals, abundant leisure time, and opportunity for lavish entertaining. That Mayes can, and does, doesn't diminish the quality of her writing. Her passion for the Renaissance painter Luca Signorelli results in a chapter devoted to seeking out his works, thus providing an excellent traveler's micro-guide. She frequently ends chapters with recipes, many of which are easily duplicated, and there's an abundance of introspection to balance accounts of feasts with friends. This book is most easily read in bits and pieces, and Tuscan life comes off well. So it may surprise some that the place Mayes considers home isn't Italy but North Carolina. VERDICT Many fans of Mayes will want to complete her trio of Tuscan musings, while others may prefer to save their book dollars for a less overdone destination. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09.]—Janet Ross, Sparks Branch Lib., Nevada