Down in the Zero

Book Description

Vachss has reinvented detective fiction and, in the person of Burke, his haunted, hell-ridden P.I., has given readers a new kind of hero. Investigating an epidemic of apparent suicides among the teenagers of a wealthy suburb, Burke discovers a sinister connection between the anguish of the young and the activities of an elite sadomasochistic underground.

Customer Reviews:

"Down In The Zero" is only slightly Above Average.......2006-07-01

"Down In The Zero" is Andrew Vachss' seventh novel featuring Burke, the hard-boiled, in-your-face, ex-con detective, who still isn't sure on which side of the law he prefers to operate. Abandoned at birth, father and mother unknown, Burke has no real first name. "Baby boy" is the name on his birth certificate. He is a survivor. He's also a standup guy. The novel is set in early 1990s NYC, just after Mayor Guiliani came to office with the intent to clean up the City's mean streets.

I have read the six previous Burke books and have became so fascinated with this complex character, and with the strange folks who people his world, that I will probably go on to read the entire series. I am addicted. If you are a Vachss/Burke fan, or have the potential to become one, I would suggest that you try to read the books in order. Of course, every novel stands on its own, independent of the others, but the growth and development of the characters are continual. There are also references to past events, and for a richer reading experience it is helpful to know the history. If you're just looking for a good read, and not interested in becoming a Burke maven, then by all means, read at random.

Throughout this book Burke mourns the horribly violent death of a little boy for which he feels responsible, (these events took place in a previous novel). He finds himself in a black place - the Zero, he calls it - "a deep black hole you dive into," and he is unable to climb out. It is not death, but this abyss may be worse than death because one still feels the intense pain of the living.

Then he receives a phone call from a troubled teen who fears for his life. The boy, a rich kid from the Connecticut suburbs is the son of a woman from Burke's past - a ghost from long ago who once saved his skin. He feels like he owes her a favor and so takes a trip to the burbs and the world of the super wealthy. Here he discovers a string of inexplicable teen suicides all linked to a common experience at a psychiatric clinic.

Burke also becomes involved with a woman, Fancy, a friend of his friend and a member of an elite private sex club. She is definitely not a "vanilla sex" lady. Fancy introduces Burke to the world of S&M, D&S, and encourages him to participate. She is even willing to switch for him and play the submissive. This kinkiness all eventually links-up to the suicides in an extremely convoluted way.

P. I. Burke, as always, is the narrator. And the narrative, at times, goes off on a tangent, like Burke's thought processes. This occasional stream of consciousness has always been extremely effective and enhances the detective's persona. However, here Vachss wanders a bit too much and his usual tight writing style suffers for it. While "Down in the Zero" is strong on character development, the storyline is not the best. However, I am into these novels because of my man Burke and the characters who form his "real family." In this area Vachss does not disappoint.

So...if you are a Vachss/Burke fan, don't miss this, although your patience may be tried at times. If you are just looking for a good read, check-out one of the author's earlier books.
JANA

Revised Opinion.......2004-02-24

Ages ago I wrote a review of this book complaining that the violent sex seemed gratuitous. However, recently I was browsing through Andrew Vachss' website and I learned a thing or two about how he 'uses' sex in his novels. Apparently, when the lives of the characters revolve around sex, then sex in the plot is called for; when sex is not a driving force to the characters, then you won't find much of it in the plot. I'm probably not conveying it correctly, but it made sense to me when I read it! Anyhow, check out his website. It's really an eye-opener.

Andrew H. Vachss, Esq. - Master of the Dark Side.......2000-09-20

By "Dark Side," I don't mean the occult. Real-life attorney Vachss has an intimate grasp on all that that is offensive to the majority of us who live quiet, (semi-)organized lives. We gasp and recoil at the real-life occurrence of a brutal act by one human against another. The world of Vachss is the opposite. Therein we are non-plussed by an act of kindness. His world is real; it is simply a world that most of us chose to deny the existence of. ( <-Dangling participle - sorry!) Vachss' fictional characters and situations are damn close to reality. And it's often tough to take.

In this latest outing, Vachss takes his main character, Burke, to the upper class suburbs to fulfill a longstanding "debt." Burke, an abandoned and abused former ward of the state, (both in childhood and occasionally in adulthood) is a urban survivalist, con artist and city animal. He is also presently mourning his "accidental" killing of a small child. (I told you it was tough stuff to take!) But he adapts to this new, ritzy environment as only a true survivor can. (Vachss' fans will recall that he pulled this off before, in exurban Indiana, in "Blossom.") And, as always, he solves the underlying crisis through a combination of detective work, technological assistance, sheer bravado and unrelenting violence.

The common theme to all Burke novels is moral outrage. Once Vachss has overwhelmed us with the horror of the situation (and it always involves the sexual and physical abuse of children), we applaud his character as a vengeful angel. Burke consciously believes that he does what he does for the money. Nonsense. He's driven by the demons of his own abusive upbringing. And I wouldn't want him "cured' for the world...

Keep writing 'em, Andrew. I'll keep reading them and recommending them.

A good start..........2000-08-22

Despite its laid back approach to a mystery, I liked its down-to-earth descriptions of how the rich think and feel. I would have liked it better if they had spent a little more time on Burke, but I'm sure I'll get that in other books. All in all an enjoyable adventure.

Burke in the 'burbs.......2000-05-16

I have read all of the Burke novels, and this is not one of the better ones. I guess after the absolute horror at the end of the previous book, "Sacrifice," it is understandable that Burke had to back off a bit. But his adventure in suburban Connecticut just isn't terribly compelling and leads to perhaps the least satisfying climax of the whole series. Who would have thought that Burke's legendary "Zero" is situated among the strip malls and housing developments! Burke beginners should start elsewhere (I recommend "Flood" or "Blue Belle"). This one's for hard core fans only.

6 Book Set By Andrew Vachss; Blue Belle; Blossom; Hardcandy; Born Bad; Shella; Down in the Zero

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6 Book Set By Andrew Vachss; Blue Belle; Blossom; Hardcandy; Born Bad; Shella; Down in the Zero
Andrew Vachss
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WU88A2

Product Description

6 Book Set By Andrew Vachss; Blue Belle; Blossom; Hardcandy; Born Bad; Shella; Down in the Zero.

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Down In The Zero
Andrew Vachss
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUNJIM

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FOR ALL FIREFIGHTERS
Damn good book!!
FireHouse Down
Realism
Vivid, honest and gripping account

Firehouse Down: Life After Ground Zero
Jonathan E. Wright
Manufacturer: Sands Publishing Llc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1590259017

Book Description

Facing potential death while working inside the Ground Zero pile in September 2001, Jonathan Wright experienced life-altering trauma. FIREHOUSE DOWN is a compelling journey of his life as a volunteer firefighter. Hailing from a long line of volunteer firefighters, Wright recalls happy moments growing up in the firehouse, as well as adverse times with other firefighters who share the same calling-to save others.

Customer Reviews:

FOR ALL FIREFIGHTERS.......2004-07-18

THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC, A MUST READ FOR ALL FIREFIGHTERS WHO WANT TO KNOW THE REAL STORY. I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN ONCE I STARTED. I AM A PROUD FREEPORTER AND THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK. TELL EVERYONE!

Damn good book!!.......2004-05-28

I am now more aware of what the men and women had to endure at ground zero. It was a well written account of the events that have shaped their lives as well as ours. This gives you a scary account of what really went on during hours and days after the attack. Being from a fireman's family, it is reassuring to know how that no matter what happens, you will be returned to your family. No one is left behind. Thank you Jon for writting such a wonderful inspiring book!

FireHouse Down.......2004-05-28

A compelling story of the experiences of a volunteer firefighter and the many thoughts that occurred during the worst tradegy of our time. The author's story brings a realistic and personal depiction of what occurs through the trials and tribulations of persuing what an individual is called to, Helping Save others lives and lying down his life each and everytime he responds to a call for help. For those who are blasphemous and antagonistic when reviewing this book; look within yourself and make sure your not jeolous or trying to hurt another by spreading untruths!
I am fully aware of this motivation because I too was at "Ground Zero"!

Realism.......2003-12-12

Firehouse Down is a blend of stark realism mixed with pure emotion. Anyone who wants to know what really happened during the Ground Zero rescue operations from a real firefighter should read this book. It is emotion filled along with some rather funny episodes that show what the volunteer fire service is really about. Some of the vivid details are frightening, as are the descriptive overtures about the fire service. I came away crying happy tears knowing there are people like Jonathan Wright putting their lives on the line to protect us all. A wonderful, elaborate book.

Vivid, honest and gripping account.......2003-12-08

I've read many books about 9/11, and I found Firehouse Down by Jonathon Wright to be one of the most honest and vivid depictions of life during and after that horrendous day for the rescue workers who followed the call of duty.

The author comes from a long line of firefighters, which is true for many firefighters on the East Coast. If you want to know what life is truly like for the firefighters who responded to the tragedy at the World Trade Center, and what the surviving rescue workers are dealing with today, you will not want to miss this book.

The author has an affecting and vivid style of writing, and he tells a powerful story. He presents the experiences of volunteer firefighters with honesty and humility, and he represents his fellow firefighters well. His style of blending stories about his past into accounts of present experiences is compelling, and makes for a fast and interesting read.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Weekly Standard, published by Thomson Gale on September 15, 2006. The length of the article is 820 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Deep Blue Sia; Zero Seven's singer takes you down, then up.
Author: David Skinner
Publication: The Weekly Standard (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 15, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: NA

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Federal Housing Administration: Managing Risks from a New Zero Down Payment Product. : An article from: General Accounting Office Reports & Testimony

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Federal Housing Administration: Managing Risks from a New Zero Down Payment Product. : An article from: General Accounting Office Reports & Testimony

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from General Accounting Office Reports & Testimony, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2005. The length of the article is 411 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Federal Housing Administration: Managing Risks from a New Zero Down Payment Product.
Publication: General Accounting Office Reports & Testimony (Newsletter)
Date: August 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 2005 Issue: 8 Page: NA

Distributed by Thomson Gale

LifeSource whittles down 483 items from 35 to zero.(inspection by Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article): An article from: Inspection Monitor

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LifeSource whittles down 483 items from 35 to zero.(inspection by Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article): An article from: Inspection Monitor

Manufacturer: Washington Information Source
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00096XOZI
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Inspection Monitor, published by Washington Information Source on August 1, 1996. The length of the article is 625 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: LifeSource whittles down 483 items from 35 to zero.(inspection by Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article)
Publication: Inspection Monitor (Newsletter)
Date: August 1, 1996
Publisher: Washington Information Source
Volume: 1 Issue: 8 Page: NA

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Mortgages becoming easy money; Longer amortization, zero down rife with pitfalls.(Homes - Resale): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press

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Mortgages becoming easy money; Longer amortization, zero down rife with pitfalls.(Homes - Resale): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press
Gale Reference Team
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000UVBRY2
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Winnipeg Free Press, published by Thomson Gale on August 5, 2007. The length of the article is 1210 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Mortgages becoming easy money; Longer amortization, zero down rife with pitfalls.(Homes - Resale)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Winnipeg Free Press (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 5, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: f1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Troubled thrift: zero profit from mortgage lending drags down Washington Mutual's earnings. Will the giant bounce back?(Market Watch): An article from: Builder

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Troubled thrift: zero profit from mortgage lending drags down Washington Mutual's earnings. Will the giant bounce back?(Market Watch): An article from: Builder
Michele Mariani
Manufacturer: Hanley-Wood, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0009GLQ0I
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

Of the original population that colonized the planet Xilan five centuries before, a mere handful of descendants remain, including Gareth. Despite disease, starvation, and hardship, they survived. Much, including their technology, was lost as they learned to adapt to Xilan's primitive conditions. When a new expedition from Earth lands with bold plans to re-colonize Xilan, however, a clash between the "primitives" and their "rescuers" becomes inevitable.Gareth must make a decision: accept the new ways and risk losing their identity, or cling to the past....and risk extinction.

Customer Reviews:

What would it be like to live somewhere else other than earth?.......2007-03-28

Hoover has written another fascinating juvenile science fiction novel which leads the reader to wonder along with earth explorers how these beings survive.

Not quite heaven, but close enough.......2003-02-22

"Another Heaven, Another Earth" is not quite as good as "Orvis" (the first H.M. Hoover novel republished by Starscape Books), but it's quite a nice piece of work. In fact, it's a bit misleading to classify it just as children's lit, because this book has more brains than most adult space operas.

The planet of Xilan was colonized by humans centuries ago, but their descendents remember nothing of Earth, and have no technology except an inactive ship that they don't recognize. They live in a primitive village, where lives are short and mortality rates are high, and their bodies have changed to adapt to the planet. But despite the hostility of the place, they've survived.

Then a new wave of colonists come to Xilan -- people from Earth who didn't know the Xilans were there. The Xilans are suddenly exposed to amazing technology and the promise of a future elsewhere, but they want to stay where they are -- even though the alien planet may ultimately wipe them out.

I confess that I liked this book less than "Orvis," because Orvis was simply a story, whereas this has the slightly meandering feeling of "a week in the life of a space colonist." There's a definite beginning and end, but it all goes at a pretty even pace with no highs or lows. Despite this, it's a good story and raises some intelligent questions: Should people be helped even if they don't want it? Should they be helped if they don't have the full picture? Who was right or wrong in this conflict, or was no one really in the wrong?

Hoover does a good job with the characters, though at times the colonists seem a bit too bullheaded and the primitives a little too stubborn. (Oh come on -- at least a few curious people would want to leave!) But the two lead characters are counterparts from two different civilizations, and so we get some focus on them. Lee and Gareth are actually very similar, stubborn and with the perspective of her group, yet able to see some of the viewpoint of the other side.

Hoover's writing is pretty spare and solid, not too many details. But the vision of the future seems pretty plausible, and Hoover doesn't get too caught up in trying to make it TOO futuristic. There isn't any violence, though there are some alarming images of sickness and insanity, not much profanity and no smut.

"Another Heaven, Another Earth" is a pretty good SF read in a genre (real SF for juveniles) that is one of the smallest out there. Good for kids and adults alike, as are Hoover's other books.

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FANTASTIC STORIES - Volume 23, number 2 - January Jan 1974: The Earth of Nenkunal; And Another World Above; Alien; She Bear; The Interview; Network; Heartburn in Heaven
Ted (editor) (David R. Bunch; Janet Fox; J. J. Russ; Barry N. Malzberg; Susan Doenim; Howard L. Meyers) White
Manufacturer: Ultimate Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L36BAY

Average customer rating:
Another Heaven, Another Earth
H.M. Hooever
Manufacturer: Viking
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZU0LG

Average customer rating:

A pearl

Overly Explanatory with Examples by an Annoying Patient Recounted Throughout

Hopeless

No new Info.

Book reviewer correction

New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder: Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementar y Solutions, Including: Proper ... Depression & Manic-Depressive ... (New Hope)
Jan Fawcett , Bernard Golden , Nancy Rosenfeld , and Frederick K. Goodwin
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Depression | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Manic Depression | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Mood Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Healing | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychiatry | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know

Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness

An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness

The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder (The Healthy Mind Guides)

Accessories:

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device

Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

ASIN: 0761530088
Release Date: 2000-09-14

Book Description

Discover Exciting New Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
Now you can maintain control of your bipolar disorder and begin enjoying life again—today! This book dispels the myths and fears surrounding bipolar disorder. It offers compassionate, practical, and immediate guidance for anyone affected by this disorder. Inside, world-renowned experts present important, life-altering advances, including:
·The causes, symptoms, and patterns of bipolar disorder
·New medications
·The latest psychiatric findings
·Cutting-edge treatment models
·Complementary therapies that work
·Effective and practical tools for parenting your bipolar child
·And much more!
"This easy-to-read book demystifies the illness and teaches without scaring. A real addition to mental health literature!" —Alan F. Schatzberg, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University
"This creative, authoritative, state-of-the-art book is an enormously valuable tool in dealing with depression. Written from three unique perspectives, it is certain to profoundly impact the lives of patients and their families." —Martin Keller, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University

Customer Reviews:

A pearl.......2007-01-16

I am bipolar & highly recommend this book. It's one of the few that actually offer some hope. While reading the reviews, I've noticed most of the 4-5 star reviews are by people such as myself, who are also bipolar. Others who give it low ratings seem to use anonymous names & refer to the bipolar co-author as "loopy" and "illogical." These terms strike me as common, but ignorant, stereotypes. The pharmaceutical companies are obviously going to be unhappy with this book.
This is one of the few books I won't give away. However, I will buy it for friends & give it as a gift.

Overly Explanatory with Examples by an Annoying Patient Recounted Throughout.......2006-03-29

This book includes basic information on mood disorders, including major depression, mania, and hypomania, all components of what used to be called manic-depression and is now known as bipolar disorder.

I found other books more helpful as far as scientific knowledge and explication. I found Kay Redfield Jamison's books insightful, inspiring, as well as incredibly knowledgeable. I found this book annoying, and it relied too heavily on the double whammy of an explanation or point made by one of the medical authors with a lay person follow-up by Nancy, a patient with bipolar disorder whose experiences and anecdotes are leaned on heavily throughout the book. In trying to warm up what they perhaps feared might be an overly objective, medical reference book, which it is far, far from being anyway, the authors used Nancy as a device to humanize the condition.

I got very tired of Nancy and her loopy examples. When not preening over the authors' attention as the pet subject of the book, she was just illogical and somewhat strident or annoying. She had a very definite "voice," which to me was loud and probably possessing a strong New York accent. I feel for Nancy and her experiences with this disorder, but her examples had no resonance for me and detracted from any actual information.

Go for Jamison definitely and browse through some other newer sources. Skip this one.

Hopeless.......2004-08-04

Unless you are a layperson and very new to bipolar disorder, this book is just a regurgitation of very old techniques. What's more, the regurgitation is often wrong. Anyone who has dealt with this illness for more than a year will know more than this book can teach them.

I would recommend almost any book over this one. Dr. Fieve's book Moodswing is particularly good, as is anything by Kay Jamison.

If all you want is a feel-good, fast read, not particularly enlightening book, this might be for you. Otherwise, keep looking. Anyone you know with bipolar, or you, if you are afflicted, will be thankful for it.

No new Info........2004-07-10

Nothing new here and almost nothing about mania, hypomania and its various forms. Heavy focus on depression which is generally well understood. I felt nothing for the woman who supposedly has bipolar and cowrote the book--could not identify one bit. Nothing about the newer drugs which have been recommended to me and which led me to buy the book since it was about "new hope". Bunch of psychodrivel about taking charge of your life which might as well have been written by Tony Robbins. I don't want some motivational book. I was loooking for a more serious discussion.Save your money.

Book reviewer correction.......2004-05-27

A very helpful source for information on this book and depressive disorders was noted by a reader from Bethesda. However the organization name is "DRADA" not "DRAGA". Depression and related affective disorders association.

Average customer rating:

A bit of everything, but some things missing

Authentic Polish Cooking!..........

A truly unique look at fabulous Polish food

HAVE SOME HISTORY WITH YOUR COOKING

Old Polish Traditions in the Kitchen and at the Table (Hippocrene International Cookbook Series)
Maria Lemnis , and Henryk Vitry
Manufacturer: Hippocrene Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Polish | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Polish Cookery : Poland's Bestselling Cookbook Adapted for American Kitchens

Polish Customs, Traditions and Folklore

The Best of Polish Cooking

A Treasury of Polish Cuisine: Traditional Recipes in Polish and English (Hippocrene Bilingual Cookbooks)

Pleasing Polish Recipes

ASIN: 0781804884

Customer Reviews:

A bit of everything, but some things missing.......2004-01-30

This is a great cookbook for people who hate cooking but love history or for those that love cooking and know it by heart.
The history secsions of the book are wounderfull and insightfull on how is was back then, and from all that I have read about it, there are a few flaws here and there (not the best historical research or translations of it).

For the cooking, very good for those that acutally do eat lots of fat. If you are trying to cut down on fats in your diet, this book is not for you. At times reciepes them selves were confusing, and not much variation of things that you can add with a dish (one example pierogi). A great deal of dishes from the Easter and Christmass sections that are missing, and that are also traditions.
Also not a book for those who do not eat pork or drink alcohol, althou there are substitues for both, if you dont know of them then the book is useless.
Knowing some of the cooking from experience, this is pretty good overview of BASICS of Polish traditions and cooking.

Authentic Polish Cooking!.................2002-07-01

This cookbook is a true tribute to Polish cooking, presenting the culinary history of Poland, Polish cooking-related legends and a variety of tasty recipes. There are literally dozens of recipes celebrating the diversity of cabbage, kasha and mushrooms in Polish cooking. The cookbook also has recipes organized around the holidays, with chapters entitled "Christmas" and "Easter". Each is filled with delectable dishes ranging from appetizers to main courses to desserts.

Hubby and I had a party making pierogi..........every variety presented in this cookbook: potato, sauerkraut, cheese, meat, kasha, and even fruit! Also delicious was the Cabbage with Mushrooms and Nut Croquettes. Great for dessert is the Old Polish Royal Mazurek. In short, this cookbook is really helping me get in touch with my Polish roots!

I do have a few criticisms though. For one, I have found errors in some recipes. Secondly, ingredients required for a given dish are not clearly laid out before each recipe, making it inconvenient because one must read through the whole recipe when making a shopping list. Also, sometimes instructions are vague. I've made one recipe that instructed cooks to "bake in a hot oven until done". Thus, beginners might have a tough time with this cookbook.

Overall, I recommend this cookbook to seasoned cooks who are eager to learn about Polish cooking. Newcomers to the kitchen should probably use a different cookbook.

A truly unique look at fabulous Polish food.......2000-05-17

Not many people realize how *fine* is Polish cooking - and how sophisticated are traditional Polish dishes. This book dispels many myths - for example, it is NOT the kielbasa, cabbage rolls and pierogi what is the best and most celebrated food in Poland.

This is more than a cookbook - it is a wonderful history book filled with an amazing mix of culinary facts written in very entertaining style. Authors Maria Lemnis and Henry Vitry are very well known Polish food columnists (as celebrated as Julia Child is in the US). They are brilliant writers who understand Polish food better than any other cook book writer.

It is a pure delight. Definitely the best book on Polish food in English language. Written for people who can appreciate a good story, fine writing and good food. It has not as many recipes as other cookbooks mentioned here, perhaps 50 recipes or so. But it is the quality of recipes that counts.

This book should be staple in every household aspiring to cook a Polish dish now and then - it is carefully edited and illustrated and makes also a PERFECT gift!

HAVE SOME HISTORY WITH YOUR COOKING.......1998-10-17

I rather liked this book for two reasons. 1) The way it is organized and 2) the fact that it is not a rehash of how to cook kielbasy and pirogi. (In fact there is only one kielbasy recipe lsited.) - The author(s) describe a period in Polish history, all of which is very informative, and then give you recipes for the foods that were prominent at that time. As a result, you don't get the standard list of Polish recipes, but rather a unique package of traditional food, going way back. A very nice arrangement and very nice recipes. Easy to read (very interesting) and printed very nicely, and it makes you hungry just reading it. Also note: since it goes back in history, it does ALSO contain those special Lithuanian dishes.

Old Polish Traditions in the Kitchen and at the Table

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Old Polish Traditions in the Kitchen and at the Table

Manufacturer: Interpress Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000II9DD4

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