Book Description

Joey Keithley, aka Joey Shithead, founded legendary punk pioneers D.O.A. in 1978. Punk kings who spread counterculture around the world, they've been cited as influences by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Rancid and The Offspring; have toured with The Clash, The Ramones, The Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Nirvana, PiL, Minor Threat and others; and are the subject of two tribute albums. They are the band that introduced the term "hardcore" into punk lexicon and may have turned Nirvana's lead singer Kurt Cobain onto a career in music.

But punk is more than a style of music: it's a political act, and D.O.A. have always had a social conscience, having performed in support of Greenpeace, women's rape/crisis centres, prisoner's rights, and antinuke and antiglobalization organizations. Twenty-five years later D.O.A. can claim sales of hundreds of thousands of copies of their 11 albums and tours in 30 different countries, and they are still going strong.

I, Shithead is Joey's personal, no-bullshit recollections of a life in punk, starting with the burgeoning punk movement and traversing a generation disillusioned with the status quo, who believed they could change the world: stories of riots, drinking, travelling, playing and conquering all manner of obstacles through sheer determination.

Praise for D.O.A.:

"They rock out. They blow the roof off. Some of the best shows I've seen in my life were D.O.A. gigs. I've never seen D.O.A. not be amazing."-Henry Rollins (Black Flag, Rollins Band)

"The proper medicine growing young minds needed."-Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys)

"Joey Shithead casts a long shadow."-John Doe (X)

"They've changed a lot of people's lives."-Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)

Joey "Shithead" Keithley has long been an activist, including as a candidate for the Green Party, and is the founder of Sudden Death Records (www.suddendeath.com). He lives in Vancouver with his wife and their three children.

Reviews (4)

Almost as good as being there
Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, who is interested in the west coast punk scene needs to read this book.Keithley gives a fantastic first hand account of how he formed his band and all of the tests they endured going from relative nobodies to one of the biggest and best known punk bands in North America.

The book is also a mini how-to manual for anyone interested in starting up their own punk band.Keithley talks about the business side of the music industry, what it's like to play gigs to crowds of different sizes and interests, and above all, he gives a great first hand account of just what it takes to make it in the music business.

Finally, Keithley's writing style is very easy to digest.The book is written like the lyrics to many of his songs; straight ahead without and BS!What's more, the book contains many pictures and personal anecdotes about Vancouver and places beyond.In reading the book it easy to see yourself sitting at a bar with Keithley as he tells a couple tales over a couple of beers.

If you're a punk, or even think about calling yourself a punk, then you owe it to yourself to give this book a read.

A God-father of punk speaks to you.
Sit down at a kitchen table with Joe Keithley. Open a few beers, and hand him one, or two... Ask him to give you a crash course on himself and his legendary punk band, D.O.A., making sure not to gloss over the interesting bits.

If you can't arrange to do this with Joe, picking up a copy of this book would be your only alternative. It's 200+ pages of compelling reading, written by a man who helped define punk music both in and out of Canada, and who certainly put Canada at the roots of the punk historical tree.

Unlike a lot of books about punk bands, this is first-person stuff of the first order.

A wild trip
As a big fan of DOA since the late seventies, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Joe gives you a great amount of background about one of the hardest working bands ever.
If you love punk music and the DIY attitude, this book is must read.

Essential punk rock history
I will start by claiming 100% bias as I've known the author for well over 20 years and have greatly enjoyed his contributions to punk rock for over 25 years.DOA taught a lot of us how to go out and get it done, with "it" being spreading the music and message to the less than masses spread out among the world.Joe's book is simple, straightforward blast of history that will interest anyone into the punk rock way of existence.Essential reading, so get it and enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

Pierre Berton-Canada's most celebrated historian-has earned more than thirty literary awards for his distinguished body of work, and in Prisoners of the North he offers the reader a multitude of magnificent exploits and dazzling personalities. Witness John Hornby risks death as if for amusement as he pursues his obsessive quest for adventure in the Barren Grounds. Watch the poet Robert Service earn the fortune he so craves-and the fame he so reviles. Judge the veracity of Vilhjalmur Stefansson's claim to discover a tribe of "Blond Eskimos"-and see the international controversy that ensues. Meet Joe Boyle, the wealthy gold prospector whose military valor in the Great War earned him the admiration of Trotsky-and the love of the Romanian queen. Join Lady Jane Franklin on her transcontinental journey in search of her lost husband, the famed explorer Sir John, who never traveled so widely, or so bravely, as his indefatigable wife. These are Pierre Berton's prisoners, whose compelling and unusual stories he weaves together with unparalleled skill. Evocative, thrilling, and deeply original, Prisoners of the North is as daring and uncommon as its exceptional title characters. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantastic journals of a tough breed,lifestyle and adventure
I own originals of Hobson's three books and re-read them every few years. His ability to vividly portray the life that he and The Top Hand and later Mrs. Hobson had in the interior of British Columbia is to have been there. It is hard in today's comfortable way of life to envision the situations and dangers that were simply a part of how it was back then. Having grown up in the mountains of the U.S. West, I can only marvel at the abilities of these adventuresome pioneers in the cattle country of B.C. To have met Rich Hobson was of great interest to me... I simply waited too long and he had passed away. The travels and travails through Hobson's life would make an awsome story for a movie. Note: Make sure you read the three books in sequence... and enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

With No Man's River, Farley Mowat has penned his best Arctic tale in years. This book chronicles his life among Metis trappers and native people as they struggle to eke out a living in a brutal environment. In the spring of 1947, putting the death and devastation of WWII behind him, Mowat joined a scientific expedition. In the remote reaches of Manitoba, he witnessed an Eskimo population ravaged by starvation and disease brought about by the white man. In his efforts to provide the natives with some of the assistance that the government failed to provide, Mowat set out on an arduous journey that collided with one of nature's most arresting phenomena-the migration of the Arctic's caribou herds. Mowat was based at Windy Post with a Metis trapper and two Ihalmiut children. A young girl, known as Rita, is painted with special vividness-checking the trap lines with the men, riding atop a sled, smoking a tiny pipe. Farley returns to the North two decades later and discovers the tragic fate that befell her. Combining his exquisite portraits with awe-inspiring passages on the power of nature, No Man's River is another riveting memoir from one of North America's most beloved writers. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Awesome
A really good book. Very informative. LCol Bashow is one of my profs here at The Royal Military College of Canada so I can voich for his credibility. His book covers Canadian involvement in the Air Force from the beginning of the war until the end, with interesting anecdotes and sidenotes included, such as a section on Billy Bishop and his famous raid. Perfect for research or just for fun reading. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Gut Wrenching Account of
This is one of the most important sports books ever written. Through his exhaustive work, Russ Conway exposes the greed, corruption and financial swindling that plagued the NHL throughout Alan Eagelson's reign of terror and the financial and emotional price that so many players faced. Most importantly, Conway's work served as the catalyst for Mr. Eagleson's downfall and proving many player's assertions of corruption. Put simply, this is an important piece of journalism that every fan of sports should read, whether you are a hockey fan or not.

Wonderful investigative piece
Russ Conway has written a wonderful investigative piece about a man who is truly a disgraceful figure in the history of Canadian hockey. Russ brings forth, with his own agressive style, the wicked ways of a man who calling a crook is an understatement. First, he never backed down to get his answers and his writing is first-rate. Anyone who follows hockey should read about a man who almost destroyed it.

A must-read book
All hockey fans owe Russ Conway a debt of gratitude for helping rid hockey of the parasite Alan Eagleson. He documents Eagleson's criminal and disgusting behaviour in great detail, helping fans to better understand what hockey players faced in the past, the necessary background information for many of the issues facing pro hockey today. I haven't read such a gripping book since "Net Worth". Eagleson will be back in the courts again before long, no doubt willing to lie about the charges being brought forward by a number of retired hockey players. Read this book and you'll see that the players have justice on their team.

Exhaustive investigation of corruption in the NHL.
In "Game Misconduct" reporter/author Russ Conway has exposed the scourge of the National Hockey League personified by Alan Eagelson. Initiated by his relationship with the Boston Bruins of the early '70s, including Bobby Orr, Conway became aware of inequities in pension payments to such NHL greats as Brad Park, Gordie Howe and Orr. But perhaps more frightening and vile were the actions taken by Eagelson in disability claims by former players. Innumerable examples of players filing for permanent disability due to injury are chronicled in this book. The tragedy is the way Eagelson manipulated the NHL Players Association, the NHL and the players to gain profit off the backs of the injured. Eagelson "charged" the diability insurance for representing the players. A significant percentage of insurance claims lined Eagelson's pockets before the injured/retired player saw a dime. In addition, such players as Brad Park, whose child suffers from a chronic illness, were stonewalled on insurance and pension claims to support their family.

Conway methodically documents the path Eagelson traveled in his rise from virtual unknown to head of the NHLPA and major sports agent. How one man can succeed in an environment of obvious conflicts of interest is testimony to the ruthlessness of major sports team ownership and the naivete of the young professional athlete. Conway brings the reader to 1996 and the Eagelson indictments in US Feredal Courts in Boston but unfortunately is unable to report on the successful extradition of Eagelson to the US from Canadan proving money has its benefits.

This is a well researched book on the corruption of major sports in Norht America. Conway deserves praise for exposing the cold and calculating Eagelson who profited from the agony and injury of players he represented as agent and NHLPA head. Anyone interested in major sports off the field will be amazed by this book

Absolutely jaw dropping, from page to page.
Most sports fans realize that pro sports is a big business. Game Misconduct by Russ Conway, shows once again that it is more of a business, than anyone realizes. Jaw dropping page after jaw dropping page, Conway describes the biggest con game in sports history. From stealing pension funds to insurance scams, Conway shows what kind of deceit a person can get away with when they are unchecked. This book is a must read for any sports fan, whether they like hockey or not. It will leave you speechless ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great book
This book is surprising gem of exploration and biography. Johnson makes excellent use of a vast colection of maps, something sorely lacking in many similar books. His grasp of history and the ocean make this a particularly good and informative read.

An excellent biography of Henry Hudson
Not much is known about Henry Hudson, and records are few, but Johnson manages to piece together all of the main elements into one easily-readable book. Johnson also brings his own experience as a sailor to the book, giving it a new facet for readers. Based mostly on Hudson's own journals, this is a concise picture of Hudson's known voyages, with a lot of interesting and informative asides. I recommend this book ... Read more

Book Description

In the summer of 1942, twenty-five thousand feet above Malta, RAFSpitfires fought combat after bitter combat with clouds of German and Italian bombersand fighters. One of those Spitfire pilots was the Canadian George Beurling who, infourteen flying days, destroyed twenty-seven Axis aircraft, damaged eight others, andprobably destroyed three more. Malta Spitfire tells Beurling's remarkable story and thatof the outnumbered but dogged Spitfires which, day after day, climbed into the skies todefend the most bombed patch of land in the world. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Only Opal
This story is about the life of a little girl named Opal who loves nature. Her mother and father died and went to Heaven. Just by looking at the pictures you can tell that she has a sad life. Her new mama is not very nice. Opal has a favorite tree that she loves. The tree is called Michael Raphael. He has an understanding soul. She also has a sweet dog named Brave Horatius. My favorite part is when Opal writes about her feelings. Kids who like to relax will like this book because it has soothing words. It has really great illustrations, too! This is a terrific story!

every edition is worthwhile
The "point" of the picture book edition of Opal's diary is to make it accessible to younger readers. I would not hand a young child Boulton's longer edition or _The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow_, whereas any Barbara Cooney book can be recommended to young children without reservations.

That said, this edition is satisfying in itself. The book is touching and beautifully illustrated and unique. I recommend it highly, along with the other editions of the diary and everything else illustrated by Barbara Cooney.

Read the unabridged version -- it's much better
Opal Whitely's story is an utterly amazing thing in every respect. Her life as a child, her exquisite sensitivity, and her way of expressing herself -- it's all just amazing.

That said, I don't understand this version! Compared to Jane Boulton's original adaptation (if that's what you'd call it), "Opal, Journal of an Understanding Heart," this seems gutted and meaningless. Maybe it's meant to be less sad for young children, I don't know. Read the original version.

One of the best books I've ever read!!
This book is extrtemely touching and sweet. I highly reccomend this to everyone I will ever meet. I've read countless numbers of books in my life, but none stuck in my head as well as this. READ IT READ IT READ IT!!

One of the best books I've ever rera!
This book is extrtemely touching and sweet. I highly reccomend this to everyone I will ever meet. I've read countless numbers of books in my life, but none stuck in my head as well as this. READ IT READ IT READ IT!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

For years, William Shatner's attitude toward Star Trek conventions was strictly professional: he'd typically fly in the day of his appearance, go straight from the airport to the stage, and then leave as quickly as possible. But when he went on an extensive tour to promote Generations, he became "Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas morning." Soon he was talking to fellow cast members, convention organizers, and the fans themselves, discovering how love of a science fiction show had helped create a tight-knit community.

In the course of this book, Shatner gives us a short history of Trek fandom, reveals the thinking behind Paramount's decision to kill off James T. Kirk, briefly explains the origins of the infamous Saturday Night Live sketch that gives the book its title, holds a seminar with the three other starship captains, and even takes lessons on the proper way to imitate Kirk from the master, Kevin Pollak, an actor/comedian. (Among the insights gained: those dramatic pauses in Kirk's speeches were the result of Shatner trying to remember his next line.) And there are plenty of jokes at the expense of Leonard Nimoy, as well as a few skewering Shatner. (The "elephant story" is a classic in itself. Once, when Shatner was on a photo safari in Africa, an elephant did number two on his head. He tells the story at cons, and the fans seem to love it, for some reason.) But the most touching segments of Get a Life! are Shatner's interviews with the fans, particularly those to whom the show and the fan community have given a social and emotional lifeline. Once you've read the conversations with the shy veterinary student who made friends by dressing his cats in Star Trek uniforms, or with a young woman whose severe emotional and sexual trauma had led to the development of multiple personalities that included three healing presences in the form of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, you will never be able to make a Trekkie joke quite so readily again. --Ron Hogan ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Interesting inside look at Shatner's world...
Like the two other volumes before it ("Star Trek Memories" and "Star Trek Movie Memories"), the third installment in the Shatner Chronicles is informing, intriguing, and funny.

Shatner and co-author Chris Kreski have painted a picture that may or may not truly reflect Shatner's views or life events, but is entertaining nevertheless. However, I did think it interesting that Shatner seemed open to teasing himself about his ego, his hamminess, his lack of technical abilities, and his reported stubborn arrogance.

The history of Trek conventions is very well told, and is an insightful look into the early days of Trek fandom, and what motivated fans to go to a convention in the days before corporate marketeering took control of such fan gatherings. Also recounted is the true, behind-the-scenes tale of the famous letter-writing campaign that saved Trek from cancellation after its second season, as well as the story behind the infamous skit on "Saturday Night Live" from which the book takes its title.

Shatner tells several funny tales that (suppossedly) really happened in his life, that remind one of a humorous disaster in which Kirk deadpans a "Why me?" through the hilariaous moment before the commercial break (such as being buried in tribbles). In one such story, Shatner tells the tale of being on a Greek isle, miles away from civilization, and seeing a Trek slogan scratched on a ruined Greek edifice: "Star Trek Lives!" True or not, the humor is fun.

Shatner comes off as a good guy and a straight shooter, which is no big surprise (it is, after all, his book, written from his point of view). Still, one telling moment has to be when Shatner discusses how fans are being duped by unscrupulous dealers who trade in fake autographs. Shatner and his interviewees rail against the practice, and rightfully so. However, I felt there was more than altuism behind the actor's outrage. Little mentioned is the fact that Shatner takes a cut from the "official" autograph salesmen.

I also had to wonder why De Kelley was not interviewed for the book, or even mentioned all that much. Nimoy, Takei, and even the actors on other Treks have a say here about conventions or just fans in general, but not Kelley. He passed about the time the book was released, and even so, his perspective as the third corner of the "triad" of Kirk, Spock and McCoy was sorely missed. If he could not give a direct interview, surely Shatner could have at least recounted a tale of Kelley's reaction to a Trek convention or the fans. Reportedly, Kelley spoke with Nimoy on the phone a while before his death, and the topic of Trek's popularity was something they discussed (De summed it up as, "Y'know? We were good!"). Yet, Kelley is not featured in the book at all.

In any case, the book is a fun read for the history aspect alone, and some of the interviews are interesting as well. Trek fans will appreciate the effort, and hearing about some of the most common questions fans have, why they dress up as Trek characters and aliens, and other revelations about Shatner's encounters with Trek fandom on the convention circuit.

No trekkie should miss this!
This book summarizes what William Shatner thinks about the Star Trek phenomena. It's really a very sweet and sentimental book. Mr. Shatner tells the readers about the history of Star Trek, Star Trek fans, Star Trek conventions (what happens there?), Star Trek anecdotes and more. He also tells some stories about himself. But more than everything else in the book, he tries to analyze what makes Star Trek such a huge success, and why some fans love this series so much that they are acting crazy (for example, he tells about a guy who likes to come to Star Trek conventions with his cats. The punch line? the cats are dressed in Starfleet uniforms!!). Mr. Shatner also interviews several cast members, asking for their take on the Star Trek phenomena. (Jeri Ryan, Leonard Nimoy, and more) As a big Star Trek fan I must say I really loved this book. William Shatner is actually a talented writer, and the book is very fun to read! However, I felt as if there was too little material.. I had hoped for more personal anecdotes from Mr. Shatner's experience. Either way, this is a book no trekkie should miss, and even people who aren't very big Star Trek fans will probably like it. One last thing - I think everybody who has liked this book should also look at the "semi" documentary film "Trekkies" which is wonderful, and reminded me a lot of this book.

Shatner is sci-fi god.
This book is not a vendeta against fans or fellow cast members, so if you expect him trashing star trek actors or us fans, this is not the book for you, youll want to read George Takei's book.
This is a look at the convention, its fan base and a few personal stories of no particular relevence to Star Trek added for fun. I really enjoyed Shatners honesty and how early on in his career he never interacted with his fans, and as he grew older, he started to appreciate his position and absorb the love and what star trek means to a lot of the fans. There is an example of Shatners interest to interact in the convention, when he wears a mask as a disguise and walks around talking to stall owners, fans, and no one being the wiser that its him. There are some good interviews with some die hard fans, and with Leonard Nimoy, and Takai.
It was nice to read the closeness that Shatner and Nimoy have and the practical joke they play on each other.
This is a great read, and Shatner does not put down anyone and manages to come across as a warm, gentle person, who has mellowed out as he gets older and wiser. There have been comments that Shatner was somewhat rude to his fans when interviewed by Howard Stern, but if you actually listen to it youll find him constantly sticking up to the fans by the constant onslaught from Stern. Funny interview though. Check out Howard Stern interviewing George Takei, its gold.

Olive branch to Trek fans becomes a love letter
"Trust me, I know exactly how lucky I am... there's not a day that goes by where I don't look up into the heavens and say, 'Thank you.'"

Are these the words of an egomaniac? Not quite: it's a quote from William Shatner's mea culpa, "Get a Life!" In the past, Shatner was undoubtedly an arrogant S.O.B., hogging screen time from his costars and telling Trekkers to "get a life" in a "Saturday Night Live" skit (hence the title). But in the last few years, Shatner has realized the parody of himself he's become, and decided he was the one who needed to "get a life." This book chronicles Shatner's efforts to learn more about Trek fans (and himself), often with riotous results.

"Get a Life!" makes great casual reading, due to its segmented formatting and conversational tone. After a fairly lengthy history of Star Trek conventions (undoubtedly written by co-author Chris Kreski, but skillfully integrated with Shatner's first-person narrative), the book segues into a series of anecdotes, interviews, and sidebars. It's alternately fun (Shatner's encounters with an elephant and a skunk will make you laugh out loud), informative (the section on autograph forgery should be required reading not only for Trekkers, but any autograph collector), and even moving (particularly the interviews with the "Cat Man" and the anonymous fan with multiple personalities). Shatner even tackles the topic of his own idiosyncratic acting style, interrogating actor Kevin Pollak on how to perform the perfect Kirk impersonation.

"Get a Life!" completes the process of self-discovery begun in Shatner and Kreski's previous collaborations ("Star Trek Memories" and "Star Trek Movie Memories"). This one tops them both in terms of candor and entertainment value, and should win over all but the most recalcitrant Kirk-haters.

CAPTAIN KIRK WINS AGAIN
THIS IS ABOUT THE WORLD OF STAR TREK CONVENTIONS. BILL SHATNER DOES A FINE JOB DESCRIBING WHAT GOES IN THE WORLD OF STAR TREK AND IT'S FOLLOWERS. I REALLY ENJOYED THE MANY STORIES ABOUT THE FANS, BEHIND THE SCENES, QUESTIONS ASKED, AND WHAT IT IS REALLY LIKE TO BE ON THE STAGE SPEAKING TO THE TREKKIES AT A CONVENTION. BILL SHATNER IS CERTAINLY AM EGO TRIP, BUT IS HUMBLE IN THIS TELLING. USING HUMOR, INSIGHT, EXPERIENCE, AND OPINIONS HE DOES A VERY GOOD JOB KEEPING THIS BOOK BOTH LIGHT AND SERIOUS. HIS TELLING OF THE STORY OF JANE AND HER THERAPIST IS TRULY FASCINATING AND WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK BY ITSELF.
STAR TREK AND GET ANOTHER LIFE RULES. FOR ALL TREKKIES. ... Read more

Book Description

Popular historian D’Arcy Jenish recreates the adventure and sacrifice of mapmaker David Thompson’s fascinating life in the wilderness of North America.

Epic Wanderer, the first full-length biography of David Thompson, is set in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries against a broad canvas of dramatic rivalries -- between the United States and British North America, between the Hudson’s Bay Company and its Montreal-based rival, the North West Co., and between the various First Nations thrown into disarray by the advent of guns, horses and alcohol.

Less celebrated than his contemporaries Lewis and Clark, Thompson spent nearly three decades (1784-1812) surveying and mapping over 1.2 million square miles of largely uncharted Indian territory. Travelling across the prairies, over the Rockies and on to the Pacific, Thompson transformed the raw data of his explorations into a map of the Canadian West. Measuring ten feet by seven feet, and laid out with astonishing accuracy, the map became essential to the politicians and diplomats who would decide upon the future of the rich and promising lands of the West. Yet its creator worked without personal glory and died in penniless obscurity.

Drawing extensively on David Thompson’s personal journals, illustrated with his detailed sketches, intricate notebook pages and the map itself, Epic Wanderer charts the life of a man who risked everything in the name of scientific advancement and exploration. ... Read more

Book Description

In this fascinating and thorough account, Gena K. Gorrell movingly describes the history of the Underground Railroad, from the origins of slavery through the Civil War and beyond. She depicts the passage from Africa on desperately crowded slave ships, the station-by-station development of the powerful Railroad routes to the northern United States and Canada, and the immense challenges runaways faced once they reached freedom. Throughout the narrative, Gorrell highlights the pivotal roles played by various people of the era: those who became famous and those who remain too little known. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The American Underground Railroad from the Promised Land
"North Star to Freedom" is a matter of fact Canadian view of the American Underground Railroad and the historical periods it existed written for children.Considering that Canaan and the Promised Land were used as code words for Canada inspirituals used in the Underground Railroad it is an intriguing viewpoint. People weren't happy as slaves but being a fugitive slave in another state or country was a tough situation.People risked recapture, started out poor, and struggled against racial prejudice.The Underground railroad is portrayed as varying from kind people acting on impulse to help a runaway to highly organized conductors and stations. Slavery is honestly shown as existing throughout Canada and the United States in different degrees.Occasional freedom from slavery through manumission and self-purchase through savings are mentioned.The only problem I have with the book is that it covers freedom earned by slaves fighting for the Loyalist Cause and emigrating to Canada but not the Patriotic slaves earning their freedomon the American side in regiments such the First Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War.The result was a stable population of free African -Americans in Canada and New England sometimes assisting others to freedom and often camouflaging them. The 1793, Canada legislated the eventual freeing of all its slaves and declared any American slaves crossing the border were free.In contrast, The United States of America passed the first Fugitive Slave Law in 1793 to give slave catchers the right of search and seizure in any state.The Underground Railroad became organizedaround that time.Some slaves went all the way to Canada but many disappeared into the communities of free African-Americans in the North.Some became active in the Underground Railroad to help others escape, some became well-known abolitionists, some struggled to create a new life for themselves.The Second Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 put all fugitive slaves and some free African-Americans at risk of being captured and sent into slavery on the word of a slave hunter and any white person claiming to be their owner.Active abolitionistswho had escaped slavery years previously were especially at risk. Roughly forty thousand fugitive slaves went to Canada.Some returned to fight for the North in the Civil War.After the American Civil War,about two thirds of the fugitive slaves returned to the United States. "North Star to Freedom"describes succinctly how and why the Underground Railroad existed.I would recommend itas a reference book for elementary and middle schools that could also be read for pleasure.The historical treatment of slavery and the Underground Railroad is excellent for the age group.The period illustrations create a parallelstory to capture readers. ... Read more

Book Description

From dominance of the Canadian airline industry to insolvency – in four short years

No Canadian company today holds a higher profile than Air Canada; few CEOs possess the recognition factor of its chief, Robert Milton. But in 2003, their notoriety is for all the wrong reasons: in less than four years under Milton’s command, Air Canada has gone from unrivalled industry giant to a wounded behemoth seeking bankruptcy protection. Was it mismanagement, government interference, a radically changed global environment, or just plain bad luck that brought down Canada’s national flag carrier?

Air Monopoly answers the question with a penetrating examination of a glamorous, high-risk business that attracts more than its share of dreamers and egotists. Milton, a life-long aviation enthusiast, took the controls at Air Canada at age thirty-nine in 1999. Within weeks he was battling a hostile takeover bid by investor Gerry Schwartz who intended to merge Air Canada with its chief competitor, Canadian Airlines. After a legal, political, and public-relations free-for-all, it was Milton who took over Canadian, then merged the two into a cumbersome monopoly that left cabinet ministers uneasy, consumers fuming, and ambitious small competitors eager to challenge Air Canada’s supremacy.

Four scrappy upstarts would disappear in the attempt to wrest market share from a dominant carrier prepared to engage in cutthroat tactics against any competition. When a fifth – WestJet – started to make real gains, Milton diversified his brand in an attempt to be all things to all travellers.Then came a global economic downturn, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, events that altered the aviation industry forever. Milton managed Air Canada through its most serious operational crisis ever, but since then questionable decisions, bad timing, and hubris have sent Air Canada into a tailspin, threatening its very existence.

Insightful analysis, eye-opening revelations, and provocative prescriptions for the future of air travel in Canada: here is the business book of the year. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent historical perspective
I bought this book the first day out and read through it in about 3 days. I found it quite exceptional for its historical perspective, but not particularly insightful. The author spends the entire book trying very hard not to put any editorial spin on anything which doesn't really make it very readable, but becomes a great reference material down the line.

My initial thought when I finished reading it was that this book may become the Canadian equivalent of "Hard Landing", the book by Thomas Petzinger which has become the de-facto mass market textbook on the impact of US airline deregulation.

This book is definitely a must-have for industry professionals and hardcore airline affectionados, but a casual reader is probably better served to wait for the paperback or deep discount. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Masterpiece on Man and Nature
Beautifully -- in places lyrically -- written, this small volume makes a compelling case for preservation of the natural beauty that once prevailed throughout North America, and which now has become all too rare. Never straying far from her main theme (the life of Grey Owl), Jane Billinghurst draws us into the passion and dedication of her subject, leading us reflect on environmental questions not as dry policy issues, but as ones that can relate to an almost spiritual connection between the individual and his natural surroundings. Must reading for historians, environmentalists, and those with an interest in Canada, this insightful book is thoroughly rewarding for the general reader as well. Very highly recommended.

A Well Written Account of an Incredible Life
This is a wonderful book. Well researched and balanced. Jane Billinghurst tells the story of Archie B. and I could not put it down. Other's have borrowed it and have praised it also. I am off to check out what else Billinghurst has written!

Two books in one. Beautifully illustrated.
It has been said, "one cannot judge a book by it's cover", however, we must also keep in mind that there are no absolutes as this book is a story which is depicted, in large measure, by the cover. Sensitive, warm, and poetic presentation of the life and contributions of Grey Owl. The photos exceptional in quality, and accurate as to life and times of the era. These are real people, places, and times that were a part of North American history. The manner in which sayings and aspects of Grey Owl are available as the story unfolds are done in such a manner I think you get two books for the price of one. I read the book from cover to cover the first time then re-read the white pages only, and then followed by reading the tan colored pages. Either way it is easy, fast, and enjoyable. I think the author did an excellent job in demonstrating the efforts of Grey Owl. He was an interesting fellow who had a vision and purpose in life which is so unique that a major moving picture has been make about him as well as four documantaries. Jane Billinghurst has created a work which makes possible an interpretation of the content, by the reader, as it is a factual and well documented treatise. There have been several books published about Grey Owl, in my opinion this is, like the Land of Shadows (Don Smith), is a must read for a deeper appreciation of this most remarkable fellow, Grey Owl. ... Read more

Book Description

The extraordinary rise and fall of Vivendi Universal's flamboyant CEO, Jean-Marie Messier.

Jean-Marie Messier has been called the most ambitious French empire builder since Napoleon. He started as a bureaucrat at a sleepy French water utility, but he dreamed of being a global media mogul like Rupert Murdoch. And like Napoleon, he shocked the world with his accomplishments-until his inevitable downfall.

In just six years, through guile, luck, and clever accounting, Messier managed to gobble up media assets as diverse as MCA Records, Universal Studios, USA Networks, and various publishers, theme parks, videogame producers, and Internet companies on both sides of the Atlantic. He turned Vivendi Universal into a serious challenger to AOL Time Warner, News Corp., Viacom, and Disney. And in the process, he became a poster boy for the new economy, and one of the few European CEOs to act like a swaggering American.

But in 2002, everything fell apart. In The Man Who Tried to Buy the World, Jo Johnson and Martine Orange-the reporters who blew the lid off the story and often clashed with Messier-offer a page-turning narrative of the arrogant CEO's demise. The book details Messier's incredible hubris, which led him to buy more assets than he could possibly manage, while drowning his company in debt. It describes the dramatic boardroom coup that forced Messier out and explores Messier's fascinating relationships with two prominent Americans who became his partners-Edgar Bronfman, Jr., andBarry Diller. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

GRIPPING READING!
BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. JOSEPH SPRINGER GIVES US A GRIPPING, CRAFTSMANLIKE JOB OF PIERCING TOGETHER THE INCREDIBLE EXPLOITS OF THE MEN OF THE 1ST SPEICAL SERVICE FORCE INTO A COLLECTIVE ORAL HISTORY. RECRUITED FROM US AND CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR A SUICIDE MISSION BEHIND THE ENEMY LINES IN NORWAY, THE BOOK COVERS THE UNITS 1942 CONCEPTION TO THEIR 1944 DISBANDMENT IN SOUTHERN FRANCE. THE FORCE WERE THE ELITE OF THE ALLIED FORCED DESPITE THEIR CONTINUED ANONYMITY. TASKED FOR IMPOSSIBLE SPECIAL FORCE MISSIONS, SUCH AS THE NIGHT ASSAULT ON A HUGE MOUNTAIN TOP IN ITALY (ALA THE MOVIE 'THE DEVILS BRIGADE'), THEY STRUCK SHEER TERROR INTO THE VERY HEART OF THEIR ENEMIES, KILLING WELL OVER 12,000 GERMANS, AND ACHIEVING INCREDIBLE RESULTS IN ITALY AND SOUTHERN FRANCE WITH AN EQUALLY INCREDIBLE 600% LOSS RATE. HUMOR, FEAR, HUNGER, COLD, HEAT, AND THE GRATUITOUS HORRORS OF COMBAT ARE RECORDED ON EVERY PAGE. THE FORCEMEN VEIW COMBAT (AND DEATH) IN A VERY UNCOMPLICATED, ABRUPT, AND VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD MANNER. THEIR UNUSUAL ATTITUE IS QUITE PREVELANT FROM COVER TO COVER. THE FORCEMEN SEEM OVERTLY MODEST AT TIMES, ALMOST AS IF THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CAPABILITES WERE THE DAY TO DAY NORM FOR OTHER COMBAT UNITS. THE BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE CAPTURES THE BROTHERHOOD AND HUMAN SPIRIT IN THE ACT OF BRUTAL COMBAT. AND SADLY, YOU WILL LEARN THE PERSONAL AND MOVING DETAILS OF THEIR HORRNEDOUS LOSSES. ULTIMATELY, SPRINGER'S BLACK DEVIL BRIGADE COMES ACROSS AS A REMARKABLE RECORD OF SMALL UNIT ACTION IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

A WWII MASTERPIECE!
The Black Devil Brigade is the compelling account of the 1st Special Service Force as seen through the eyes of the men who were the pioneers of our modern day Special Force units. Simmering first-hand accounts bring the humorous day to day activities of the unit coupled with their terrible and tragic episodes of the war at a very personal level. The book is written is such a style that I found myself emotional attached to the men as most of the stories are powerful and moving. I felt as if I were there and personally knew these men. It's quite simply a passionate masterpiece of Second World War oral history and should be required reading for all infantry ranks.

Excellence Continued
Mr. Springer may have been initially motivated by the desire to honor his uncle (killed serving with the First Special Service Force) but his work honors all who served in that unit. One seldom sees an oral history which tells the story of a unit so well. All the contributions by unit members tell the story without the distractions often found in other compilations. Always engaging, you just don't want to put the book down. Not only does one learn about the unit and individuals who made up that unit but one also learns about the equipment used, how it was acquired, and the soldiers' opinions of its performance. An amazing amount of information presented in a way that also entertains and honors the men who served.

A true tribute
Hats off to Joe Springer....! He did the men of 5-2 and the FSSF an honor. My father was a Lieutenant in 5-2 FSSF and one of the main characters of the book, and Joe's Uncle was one of my father's NCO's who was KIA on Anzio. The personal accounts in the book may sound far fetched and exaggerated. However, this is far from the truth. The exploits of the men of the FSSF are a matter of record. Every man who served in the FSSF is a very unique individual. I got to know many of these gentlemen over the years by attending the annual FSSF reunions. And yes, what an honor and a privilege to just meet and speak with them about WWII and life in general. Every man in the FSSF willingly, and knowingly volunteered to join a unit where the odds of being accepted in the unit is less than 20%, and your chances for survival were even less. Thank You Joe for getting my father to open up regarding his experiences during WWII for your book. It also meant so much to him to honor the men in his command who were taken, that were not only soldiers/warriors, but true friends forever.

YOU CAN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN
TAKE ABOUT FIFTY AMERICAN AND CANADIAN WORLD WAR TWO COMBAT VETERANS THAT WILLINGLY VOLUNTEER FOR A WINTER SUICIDE MISSION BEHIND GERMAN LINES. THEY ALL HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF EXPLOSIVES, THEY ARE SKIERS, PARATROOPERS, AND ARE EXPERT SHOOTERS. THEY BECOME THE BEST TRAINED AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND FIERCEST SOLDIERS THAT THERE GENERATION AND NATIONS PRODUCED. SEND THEM TO CENTRAL ITALY, ANZIOBEACH, AND SOUTHERN FRANCE WHERE THEY SLAUGHTER FIFTEEN TO TWENTY THOUSAND GERMANS. MORE THAN SIXTY YEARS PASS BY AND THEN THESE SAME FIFTY COMMANDOS INVITE YOU INTO THERE HOMES AND TELL YOU ABOUT THE FUNNY, SAD, AND ASTOUNDING THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO THEM IN COMBAT. THAT IS WHAT THIS BOOK IS ALL ABOUT. ... Read more