This book is amazing; it's written wonderfully, and it's about math, but great math knowledge is by no means required to understand and enjoy the novel. It's simply great fun and makes one think about what we take for granted in regards to our perception, and the great enormity of possibilities that we are simply unable to comprehend because of our total lack of experience with them. Flatland is a quick, fun read, that leaves the reader trying to figure out how higher dimensions actually work, with (at least in my case), rather limited success.
This is a wonderful, hearth-wrenching book describing ordinary lives in Stalin-era Russia (1920's - Stalin's death). Much of the description is based on interviews with survivors or victim's families, and some diaries. It describes how ordinary people (and I use the word ordinary again because that is an important point - these were not particularly politically-active or necessarily wealthy people - they were mostly just ordinary people) can be made to behave terribly by terrifying them. How these ordinary people can be led to turn against their neighbors, their friends, and even their families in an effort to save themselves.
Figes has done a remarkable job of making this material accessible to a general readership. Beautifully written, based on careful scholarship, it is a must for anyone who wants to understand this era and its impact on ordinary people.
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Wow - this book came as a real pleasant surprise. I am a very experienced knitter, who does not spin at all. I received it as a gift and expected the ho-hum. I kept thinking - poo, not another book I'll never use since I mostly design my own patterns. I figured it would contain a bunch of tiny projects - boring scarfs and hats because few people have sufficient quantities of handspun to make larger projects.
Instead the book contains a number of lovely sweaters, many intricately cabled, each one knit in both a commercially spun yarn and a handspun. And the author provides a careful description to help you notice the differences in texture, etc between the two.
I actually loved many of the patterns, and really enjoyed learning something new. I had very little experience with handspun yarn, and now I have a far better understanding of what makes it so special in terms of the garments you can produce.
This might be my all-time favorite book. Although it is an historical novel, which is not my favorite genre, it is so compellingly written, it is difficult to put down.
It is the story of Henry VIII's court through the eyes of Anne Boleyn's sister and provides a picture of the ambition and manipulativeness of families close to the court. It is a fascinating take on history.
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(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Vivian Hoxbro creates absolutely amazing knitwear. Her designs are simply masterpieces, and this book carefully describes the technique of shadow knitting and presents a number of incredible patterns. The jackets are so gorgeous and unlike anything else you are likely to see.
Elaine has commented on (33) products.
Flatland (Illustrated Edition) by Edwin A. Abbot
Elaine, August 28, 2008
This book is amazing; it's written wonderfully, and it's about math, but great math knowledge is by no means required to understand and enjoy the novel. It's simply great fun and makes one think about what we take for granted in regards to our perception, and the great enormity of possibilities that we are simply unable to comprehend because of our total lack of experience with them. Flatland is a quick, fun read, that leaves the reader trying to figure out how higher dimensions actually work, with (at least in my case), rather limited success.The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia by Orlando Figes
Elaine, August 24, 2008
This is a wonderful, hearth-wrenching book describing ordinary lives in Stalin-era Russia (1920's - Stalin's death). Much of the description is based on interviews with survivors or victim's families, and some diaries. It describes how ordinary people (and I use the word ordinary again because that is an important point - these were not particularly politically-active or necessarily wealthy people - they were mostly just ordinary people) can be made to behave terribly by terrifying them. How these ordinary people can be led to turn against their neighbors, their friends, and even their families in an effort to save themselves.Figes has done a remarkable job of making this material accessible to a general readership. Beautifully written, based on careful scholarship, it is a must for anyone who wants to understand this era and its impact on ordinary people.
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
A Fine Fleece: Knitting with Handspun Yarns by Lisa Lloyd
Elaine, June 12, 2008
Wow - this book came as a real pleasant surprise. I am a very experienced knitter, who does not spin at all. I received it as a gift and expected the ho-hum. I kept thinking - poo, not another book I'll never use since I mostly design my own patterns. I figured it would contain a bunch of tiny projects - boring scarfs and hats because few people have sufficient quantities of handspun to make larger projects.Instead the book contains a number of lovely sweaters, many intricately cabled, each one knit in both a commercially spun yarn and a handspun. And the author provides a careful description to help you notice the differences in texture, etc between the two.
I actually loved many of the patterns, and really enjoyed learning something new. I had very little experience with handspun yarn, and now I have a far better understanding of what makes it so special in terms of the garments you can produce.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Elaine, March 16, 2008
This might be my all-time favorite book. Although it is an historical novel, which is not my favorite genre, it is so compellingly written, it is difficult to put down.It is the story of Henry VIII's court through the eyes of Anne Boleyn's sister and provides a picture of the ambition and manipulativeness of families close to the court. It is a fascinating take on history.
(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Shadow Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro
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1-5 of 33 nextElaine, February 7, 2008
Vivian Hoxbro creates absolutely amazing knitwear. Her designs are simply masterpieces, and this book carefully describes the technique of shadow knitting and presents a number of incredible patterns. The jackets are so gorgeous and unlike anything else you are likely to see.This is a wonderful book.