Amazon.com
In a time of near Jane Austen-mania, what better heroine to solve a mystery than Jane herself? Only two things are required: a satisfying, well-structured whodunit plot and a knack for rendering Austen's style at picking up the most delicate nuances in social behavior. Stephanie Barron succeeds on both counts. When the squire of a country manor in Hertfordshire is found lifeless in his bed, foul play is suspected and Jane is called upon to unravel the mystery. Along the way, Barron employs Jane as the first-person narrator and adeptly re-creates Austen's voice and delightfully subtle humor.
Book Description
For everyone who loves Jane Austen...a marvelously entertaining new series that turns the incomparable author into an extraordinary sleuth!
On a visit to the estate of her friend, the young and beautiful Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave, Jane bears witness to a tragedy. Isobel's husband—a gentleman of mature years--is felled by a mysterious and agonizing ailment. The Earl's death seems a cruel blow of fate for the newly married Isobel. Yet the bereaved widow soon finds that it's only the beginning of her misfortune...as she receives a sinister missive accusing her and the Earl's nephew of adultery—and murder. Desperately afraid that the letter will expose her to the worst sort of scandal, Isobel begs Jane for help. And Jane finds herself embroiled in a perilous investigation that will soon have her following a trail of clues that leads all the way to Newgate Prison and the House of Lords—a trail that may well place Jane's own person in the gravest jeopardy.
Customer Reviews:
Jane the investigator..........2007-09-03
The Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor is the first in a series of novels that purports to be based on "long lost" Austen journals -- journals where, shockingly enough, Jane is revealed to have an aptitude for solving crimes. Perhaps even more shocking is how well the concept works in Barron's execution of the story. Through novels like Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Austen revealed herself possess a masterful understanding of human nature and all its foibles, and this skill lends itself well to casting Austen as an unconventional investigator with a flair for understanding the criminal mind.
Since relatively little is known of Austen's life, there's plenty of opportunity for an Barron's imagination to fill in the gaps. She grounds her stories in what little is known of Austen's life. In the case of Scargrave Manor, the fact that Austen had once received and refused a proposal from a Harris Bigg-Wither serves as the impetus that allows Barron to send Jane to the home of a beloved -- but entirely fictitious -- friend in order to recover. Soon after her arrival, Jane finds herself embroiled in not one, but two cases of murder most foul, with her beloved friend Isobel standing accused of murdering her husband. Isobel begs Jane to employ her acute powers of observation in order to discover the truth of the matter, and so the chase is on for Jane to discover the truth before Isobel is brought to trial before the House of Lords.
Barron's first novel featuring Jane Austen in the role of sleuth succeeds on all fronts -- it's an incredibly engaging, fast-paced read, rich with historical detail (supplemented by select footnotes which aid in giving credence to the assertion that the story is an edited "journal"). Most enjoyable of all is the experience of seeing inside Jane Austen's head, albeit a fictitious Austen. The story's prose is rich with the language and customs of the early nineteenth century, and it's an enjoyable escape to read a novel that pretends to flesh out the character of one of the most beloved, but mysterious, novelists of all time. All in all it's a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.
Enjoyed it thoroughly.......2007-07-26
I had already read one of the later books in the series, and decided that I liked it enough to start at the beginning of the series.
This book was good. It was written in the form of letters to her sister, Cassandra, and journal entries. The text kept you in suspense, and although I guessed a portion of the plot, it was twisted in such a way that even when you know what's coming, it's still fun to get there.
My only disappointment is Jane's lack of self-respect when it comes to her looks. She seems to be bent on making herself into the worst, when it comes to her looks. But isn't it the truth that we are sometimes harder on ourselves than anyone else is. However, I think she truly could have been happy on several occasions throughout her life, had she just relaxed a bit.
If you enjoy Jane Austen's style of writing, and mystery writing in general, then you should find this an enchanting novel.
Delightful and agreeable mystery..........2007-04-20
Stephanie Barron has written a delightful mystery in the style of Jane Austen, with Jane Austen as the main character. As such, the author stayed true to the times, and to the character that I perceived fitting for Jane. It was surprisingly well written, with a mystery that kept me intrigued. It wasn't tied up all nice at the end, but seemed somewhat more realistic. I recommend this first in the series to Austen lovers or mystery lovers, and look forward to the next for my own pleasure.
Austen-ish mystery.......2007-02-21
Initially hesitant to read this book, I found myself enjoying the story. It is indeed written in a way reminiscent of her style, and with enough references and notations relevant to the times and the actual novels she has written to keep up interest. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Lots of fun!.......2006-10-31
My local library has the whole Stephanie Barron Jane Austen Mystery series. At first, I was a little put off by the language, and like a couple of other reviewers, thought the language more than a little affected. Yet Ms. Barron is trying to capture the style of Jane Austen, and that is no easy feat. Once I got over my initial reservation about the (overly prim and proper) writing style, I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Barron has obviously done her research and integrates many true accounts of Jane's life into these mysteries (I'm now on the second book, Jane and the Man of the Cloth). For example, Jane had recently recanted her promise to marry a Mr. Bigg-Wither, and the First Jane Austen Mystery takes place shortly after Jane's refusal and fictionalizes how Jane sought solace by visiting a newly married friend, the Countess of Scargrave (who will soon be framed for murder).
I'm not such a purist that I take deep, personal offense at Stephanie Barron's decision to interpolate quotes from Jane Austen's novels into these books, as though Jane was thinking them up at the moment or recording them in her letters and diary. (Some other reviewers thought this "borrowing" an unpardonable breach of copyright, if not moral probity). And you more than get the idea that our famous Darcy was based upon Lord Fitzroy Payne, the (unconsummated) love interest of the Countess of Scargrave. (Though he never was so tactless as to insult Isobel Scargrave's appearance.)
Jane isn't quite the infallibe Miss Marple--she puts many pieces of the puzzle together, but doesn't quite get it right til the very end, when the would-be murderer saves her life.
I really wish that PBS Mystery would produce this series. If it was well done, what a following it would have! And what young British actress wouldn't want to play a 27-year old Jane? (Of course, please don't cast Keira Knightley b/c she's too pretty to play Jane! I made the very same complaint for her having been cast as Elizabeth in P&P.)
All in all, lots of fun, though addictive. I have tons of things on my "to-do list," yet I often neglect what I should be doing in order to sneak in a few chapters.
Book Description
This overview of Peter Beagle's extraordinary career as a fantasist contains seven short stories and three essays as well as a new preface by the author. It also features the original whimsical Chesley Award-winning cover illustration by talented Bay Area artist Michael Dashow. The Last Unicorn, Beagle's most beloved novel, was an underground bestseller in the late 1960s and 1970s. This collection includes two of Beagle's popular unicorn stories, "Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros" and "Julie's Unicorn," as well as "Lila the Werewolf," which is anthologized in the Oxford Book of Fantasy, and a tribute to J. R. R. Tolkien, "The Naga."
Customer Reviews:
The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche.......2007-04-03
This is a collection of short stories that proves yet again that Peter Beagle is a master of the form. Unlike the last collection, Giant Bones, this book collects stories spanning decades of his career, including Come Lady Death (my first encounter with Beagle's work) the story of an elderly socialite so bored with her opulent parties she invites Death to her next soiree to liven the scene up a bit.
In the titular story an educated Rhino shares living space with a professor who politely (if somewhat confusedly) debates philosophy and drinks tea with his unexpected guest. Fans of the exceptional Folk Of The Air will delight in both a prequel and sequel short story featuring the same characters. In Lila The Werewolf (written before Folk Of The Air) we meet Joe Farrell for the first time, dating a girl who has an emotionally smothering mother and a tendency to become a giant wolf at the full moon. In Julie's Unicorn Farrell and Julie find themselves tending to a tiny unicorn Julie has freed from a tapestry.
There are also three stories from the 1950s, giving readers a chance to revel in glimpses of Beagle's college writing (and offering a window into his impressions of his time in Pittsburgh, PA) and a section of essays. For all the brilliance of Beagle's fiction writing his essays still surprised me with their inviting, chatty tone and the penetrating observations he makes about what he sees around him in the world.
This is an essential collection for any Beagle fans, and an excellent introduction to all the facets of Beagle's writing for the new reader.
And Now, Live From New York, It's Pliny The Elder..........2007-01-08
This is an odd little collection of sundry works spanning a long period in Peter S. Beagle's career. I read on average two fiction books a year (I read mostly technical nonfiction), but was so intrigued by the title of this book, that I purchased it for some light reading. On the whole I enjoyed it quite a bit, though the final section of elderly magazine columns were a bit past their prime.
I was extremely pleased at an introductory concept Beagle explained in the preface: he had conceived of a mock-newscast featuring Pliny the Elder reporting on news about mythical beings. From this concept, "The Naga" is the only representative story available. I liked "The Naga" but must say that my favorite in the book was the book from whence the title came, "Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros," a truly amusing and charming story about friendship, featuring a rhino that thinks it's a unicorn. (Or is it?) I was also very entertained by "Julie's Unicorn." I was not enthralled with the title, but found the cavorting around art galleries and in a VW microbus named "Madame Schumann-Heink" to be much better than I had expected. On the down side, I did not really care for the darkness in "Lila the Werewolf," and also found it drag a bit, though Beagle demonstrated his exceptional grasp of character development in the characters of Lila and her mother.
The nonfiction magazine efforts were uninspiring to me, and I especially tired of the lengthy piece "The Poor People's Campaign" about a misdirected, misguided, crime-infused post-Martin Luther King civil rights action in Washington. Although Beagle was clearly sympathetic to the movement, I think he was extremely balanced in his coverage, and made no effort to hide the unattractive underbelly of the campaign. I actually thought the piece was well written (although I don't even pretend to agree with him on LBJ's motivations) but was in need of editing: it comes in at 17 pages, and would have been much more powerful at 10 or 12.
Overall, this is a charming collection of Beagle works from a variety of publications and formats, across a long period of time. I recommend the book without reservation.
What a wonderful little book...........2005-02-05
I've read this three times now, and each time the collection just gets better. As an introduction to Peter S. Beagle, it's a good starting point, especially if you find the whimsicality of The Last Unicorn to your liking. Even the cover art by Mike Dashow introduces you to the unique worlds created by Peter Beagle. The title story alone is worth the price of the book, and, ah, if only we could all have a visitor like that to our library! I do recommend this - as well as all of Peter's titles - and this one is easily found through the publisher, Tachyon, as well. Kudos to them for printing such a delightful book.
An average Beagle read.......2004-07-16
I am a huge Peter S. Beagle fan and so was a bit disappointed after reading this book. The stories are a variety of very early fiction and non fiction works and then pieces from his later years; however, I was not impressed with his non fiction pieces. Don't fret though. These stories are still told in that familar and wonderful Beagle style, and there are some stories that are truly touching ("My Daughter's Name Is Sarah" comes to mind). If you are new to the works of Peter S. Beagle and want something truly indicative of his style, I don't recommend starting with this book. It's good, but it's not great.
Book Description
Fibromyalgia is indicated by a group of symptoms including chronic generalized muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and irritable bowel. But the medicalcommunity is only now putting the pieces together to discover what might cause it-and what will or won't help the millions who suffer from it. This book separates fact from fiction, and addresses causes, symptoms, medication, and natural remedies, using a patient case history to help illustrate each subject.
Customer Reviews:
NOT what I expected.......2002-11-12
In 1996, fibromyalgia researcher, I. Jon Russell and Jenny A. Fransen put together the Fibromyalgia Help Book. Their book ex-plained--as much as possible--an illness that has no known cause and therefore no known treatment.
Dr. Russell is one of the handfull of researchers who are looking for the answers. Accordingly, his book began by explaining in simple terms what seems to be happening within the fibromyalgia patient's body.
He talked about the antidepressants that seem to lessen the pain of fibromyalgia. And then he went on. He told us about all the interconnecting systems in the body that work differently in a fibromyalgia patient's body. He talked about the exciting neurological, hormonal, enzymatic, cycles that just don't work the same old way in a fibro patient's body.
Russell acknowledged that the tricyclic andidepressants and selective seritonin reuptake inhibitators that are standard first treatments may not relieve all symptoms all of the time. Accordingly, he mentioned some of the other drugs that practicioners have found help with individual symptoms.
Finally, Russell showed us the way new research is bringing us more and more information about fibromyalgia, and suggest treatment and management options for the future.
I expected THIS book, written by a similarly-credentialed doctor who is right in there treating fibromyalgia patients and studying them would pick up where the Russell/Fransen book left off. I expeced a short description of what fibromyalgia is and is not. I expected to see tender-point diagrams. I expected a human touch, since Dr. Goldenberg's wife has fibromyalgia.
Most importantly, I expected to have the continuation of the research information last heard of in 1996 in the Russell/Fransen book. Why is there more Substance P in patients' spinal cords--but not in their brains? Can we neutralize the Substance P and remove pain?
The book I just read would be a good start for a newly diagnosed person with fibromyalgia. It is warm, human, and factual. From the viewpoint of someone who has lived with this disease for 30 years, Dr. Goldenberg's introduction smells of sugar coating and looks like rose-colored glasses. I expected more meat and less froth from one of fibromyalgia's principal researchers.
It has been six years since the Russell book was published. Isn't it time to pick up the thread and explain what has been found since then. Wasn't Dr. Goldenberg the person to write it?
Very good information, I have this illness,great book!.......2002-07-21
I wrote the book -beyond the dark cloud,road to recovery from chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction.I know how much work it takes to write a book,I do feel that DR. Goldenberg,went beyond just writing this book, he also feels for any one who has this devastating illnes and really wants to help others.By reading this fine book,I did feel I know DR. Goldenberg,because he also puts his heart into it.Thank you DR. Goldenberg for writing this wonderful book.Thea Schlosser,author,founder of chronic fatigue,and immune dysfunction media awarness,board member of the anty aging network,staffwriter for the ,international councel for freedom of health.
A "must read" resource on Fibromyalgia.......2002-07-03
Fibromyalgia, the most recent book by the author Dr. Don Goldenberg, an internationally renowned medical expert and researcher in the field, is an absolute "must read" for patient, families, and friends of people with fibromyalgia. Equally important, it is a valuable resource for physicians who work in this field as well as family doctors, primary care physicians and specialists who will all be educated by this sophisticated guide to understanding, and caring for people with fibromyalgia. I found it balanced, well referenced, personally touching, informative, and realistically hopeful. Dr. Goldenberg's sections on "Myths and Truths" at the end of each chapter highlight the most important information in a succinct and relevant format. The clinical vignettes allow the reader, patient and physician to gain insight into the many manifestations of fibromyalgia and related syndromes. Overall, I would give the book the highest rating of ***** (5 stars).
Insightful Advise.......2002-06-25
Dr. Goldenberg uses personal experience and patient case studies to illuminate the path to integrating chronic disease into a full and productive life. This book allows the layman to come to a deeper understanding of the whole mind/body concept of illness, pain and depression. It is very upbeat and sincere account of a life spent helping others and himself. Dr. Goldberg has just the right balance of expertise and compassion. An easy and enjoyable read with lots of helpful information and resources.
Fibromyalgia by Don Goldenberg.......2002-06-22
The book is clearly written and very helpful to the lay person. It combines academic and experiential teachings in a superb way. The fact and fiction section at the end of each chapter is very helpful. This is amust read for anyone who has, or is close to someone who has fibrmyalgia, CFS or any other chronic pain syndrome. It is also a must if you have chronic pain, feel fatigued and have not found a doctor who has helped you.
Average customer rating:
- great recipes, lousy binding
- One of the real go-to books
- Not the only book you'll ever need, but one of the best.
- Great for Regional Basics
- Cooking up a storm...
|
The Dean and DeLuca Cookbook
David Rosengarten ,
Joel Dean , and
Giorgio Deluca
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0679770038
Release Date: 1996-10-08 |
Amazon.com
Any food fan visiting the culinary emporium Dean & DeLuca for the first time can't help but be overwhelmed by the possibilities--rows upon rows of the high quality ingredients that almost make you wish you were in the catering business so you could spend your days, and your clients' money, stocking up at the store. Now Dean & DeLuca has sponsored a cookbook that is as chock full of eye-popping food as the store itself. The Dean & DeLuca Cookbook is bulging with 400 recipes, many inspired by the pan-International trend in cuisine that is America's contribution to the world of cooking. David Rosengarten, the book's writer, is a television cook who brings a distinctive voice to the proceedings.
Book Description
With multimillion-dollar shops in New York and Washington and coffee bars everywhere, Dean & DeLuca has dominated the movement to upgrade the American palate and is now a household name for top-notch ingredients and culinary style. Dean & DeLuca's 400 recipes draw upon the world's greatest cuisines to provide a cookbook for quality and health-conscious cooks. Line drawings.
Customer Reviews:
great recipes, lousy binding.......2006-06-16
I hate to judge a book by its binding, but with a cookbook, even a paperback...you expect it to hold together for more than two uses. The recipes here are caloric, innovative, challenging and delicious. But the book falls to pieces quickly and it's all downhill from there. Maybe a spiral next time? Anything would help.
great content.
One of the real go-to books.......2006-01-09
I have dozens upon dozens of great cookbooks, but I find that I consistently begin with only a handful of them when looking for a good recipe: Joy of Cooking, Bittman's How to Cook Everything, and this great Rosengarten offering. Try making the beef carbonnade - he suggests adding prunes, which works incredibly well.
Not the only book you'll ever need, but one of the best........2003-11-02
This is a very useful "contemporary American" cookbook- It's well-written, informative, and full of great recipes. It's pretty ecclectic, and I find myself disappointed sometimes when I try to look something up in the index and it isn't there. It's kind of like asking your braniac friend a question and they don't have the answer- you kind ofassume that they do. This book is so good at what it does you assume it's good at everything. The biggest problem with this book is that it doesn't have all the answers. The greatest thing is that all the answers it has are correct. This isn't one of those utility cookbooks you use like "Joy of Cooking" or "Fanny Farmer." You might not find a gravy recipe, but if you want to serve a dynamite meal to guests without looking like you were trying to get all fancy, this is a great book. And let me reiterate that there's a lot more than recipes in this book- it's also very informative. The continuous use of the third-person plural (The "Royal WE") is a bit annoying, but it's clear that this is David Rosengarten having to prentend that two guys named "Dean" and "Delucca" actually wrote it. Not terribly friendly to dieters, this book is nevertheless not all about fat and carbs. Just lots of good food. Really, really good food.
Great for Regional Basics.......2003-07-15
This is the best cookbook I own. Granted I'm in a phase of cooking where I can make a slew of pasta dishes, but now I want to branch out a little. This book provides clear and concise recipes for all my favorite "basic" dishes, from quesadillas and matzo balls to thai curries and falafels. The authors also give tips on seemingly simple things such as making fluffy rice, buying fish smoking meat, as well as in depth descriptions of grains, seafood, veggies etc. in their many varieties.
What I love most about this book is that it allows the reader to master the basic recipe before it provides another trussed up version. If I want french onion soup, I don't want someone else's fancified take. I want one that tastes damn good and takes me back to France in the winter. (And it does too!)
This book is for the seasoned and novices alike who love good unadulterated regional basics with the occasional fancy versions thrown in too.
Cooking up a storm..........2003-04-08
David Rosengarten not only explains each category of food, but the recipes throughout have resulted in culinary delicacies I never thought I could produce!
Amazon.com
When they opened their first store in 1977, Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca's mission was to spread the gospel of good eating. Today the very name Dean & DeLuca conjures up visions of the holy land for seekers of fine cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh-baked artisan breads. In Dean & DeLuca: The Food and Wine Cookbook, D&D wine director Jeff Morgan celebrates the sublime marriage of D&D's original old-world concept--offering top-quality international culinary selections--and the influence of California's diverse wines. Beginning with a veritable "California Wine 101" course, Morgan details a concise history of California winemaking from pre-gold rush days through the dry gulch of Prohibition and onward to glory in the 1980s. Also included are primers on the chief varietals and the basics of pairing wine with food. The recipes, which range from uncomplicated to fairly ambitious, and from economical to downright indulgent, are both inventive and inviting. Simple dishes like Chilled Yellow Tomato Soup with Guacamole, and Fish Soup with Artichoke Hearts and Artichoke Aioli highlight the best of California's bounty, while Lobster, Cabernet, and Shitake Soup, or Caviar Soufflé provide opportunities to revel in the elegant. Clever twists on more usual dishes are also well represented: Chile-Pecan Chicken Breasts with Honey Mustard Glaze, Garlic Pork Chops with Sauvignon Beurre Blanc, and Saffron Chardonnay Risotto offer welcome variety. Not all of the recipes include wine as an ingredient, but each includes helpful wine-pairing suggestions. All in all, this book provides a handy recipe for embracing the good life by celebrating the best of food and wine. --Robin Donovan
Book Description
In the alphabet of gourmets, D stands for Dean & DeLuca, long considered one of the finest food emporiums in the world. Now they bring their vast culinary expertise to this stunning new cookbook with over 80 inspired recipes, each complemented by carefully chosen wines. Chapters take us from aperitifs and appetizers, salads, and entrees, right through to desserts and melt-in-the-mouth friandises to enjoy with coffee or after-dinner drinks. Balsamic-Glazed Mushrooms whet the appetite, accompanied by a glass of Zinfandel. Duck Breasts with Caramelized Pears delight the palate with a tangy Riesling. Chocolate Truffle Tartlets satisfy the sweet tooth when daringly paired with Cabernet port. But this is more than a delectable cookbook. It includes a primer on wine (with particular advice on California wines and why certain varietals bring out the flavors of various dishes), a handy food and wine matching chart, and a glossary of unusual terms and ingredients. Rich color photography highlights both the painterly landscapes of fertile vineyards and a host of exquisite dishes. A glorious celebration of the many pleasures of the table.
Customer Reviews:
White Chocolate Trouble and Sodium Surprise.......2002-08-26
We had a go at the White Chocolate Truffle and Raspberry tart.
We followed all the steps verbatim, and truth be told- it looked outstanding. Lucky for us it was ours alone to enjoy- or so we thought. Turns out we were lucky there was nobody else there to curse us for serving it to them.
It met its demise on the pavement by the dumpster outside our house. We thought we had seen the last of it, but when we awoke the next morning, it greeted us with open arms and a note reading "Thanks a lot a**hole we'd rather eat rats". We're pretty sure we weren't too discriminating. A complete disaster.
The crust was terrible- who thought this recipe up? The white chocolate truffle filling somehow managed to taste like salted lard (and we used unsalted butter as the recipe indicated).
A public apology should be in order. Nasty stuff, Dean & Deluca!
Color photos pack an equally colorful discussion.......2002-07-12
Dean & DeLuca is a food emporium now entering the cookbook market with Dean & Deluca: Food And Wine Cookbook, showcasing a blend of recipes and experimental urgings blending wines with food. Color photos pack an equally colorful discussion of stars, favored recipes, original dishes spiced by the chefs at Dean & DeLuca, and dishes that sound flashy but are easily put together. Recommended for experienced cooks seeking innovative new ideas.
Books:
- Judas Child
- Kiss Her Goodbye
- Knowland Retribution, The: The Locator
- Kookaburra Gambit: A Kylie Kendall Mystery (Kylie Kendall Mysteries)
- Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Murder: A Revolutionary War Mystery
- Loving Evangeline
- Mask Market: A Burke Novel (Burke Novels)
- May the Best Man Die (Carnegie Kincaid, Book 3)
- Murder in a Mill Town
- Murder Plays House (Mommy-Track Mysteries)
Books Index
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