- Table View
- List View
John Kass's Odyssey
by John KassJohn Kass's Odyssey is a nine-article Chicago Tribune series from April 2012 that relates the economic and political transformations of Greece and Turkey from the always-honest perspective of an award-winning columnist. As a first-generation American born to Greek immigrants, Kass explores his family's history and his personal connections to these neighboring nations whose own relationship is often tumultuous.While ancient Greece's traditions are at the heart of our American democracy, modern Greece has become notorious for making headlines as an economic harbinger of doom. Kass finds a desperate situation in Greece: the citizens are frustrated and in despair, due to government corruption and the inevitable fiscal disaster that follows (a situation not unfamiliar to the ready hypocrisies and injustices of Chicago that Kass regularly unearths in his daily column). In the same balanced style that has won him respect from readers and peers alike, Kass sojourns from Athens to his ancestral village of Rizes, finding moments of hope that are uplifting and poignant as well as interpersonal stories that are eminently memorable. From Greece, Kass crosses the Aegean sea to neighboring Turkey-a country that may be Greece's inverse when it comes to both economics (Turkish GDP growth has boomed over the past decade) and democracy. Turkey is painted as a place of burgeoning democracy driven by Islamist reformers, which is a far cry from the republic's founding and unique status as a secular Islamist state. Traveling from Istanbul to Ankara, and then to the ancient city of Izmir with its rich shared Turkish-Greek history, Kass discovers not only the intimate intertwining of Greece and Turkey, but also his own deep, personal connections to the two lands. Kass brilliantly highlights the surprising circumstances these two countries share, not only with each other but with his hometown of Chicago and with Illinois and the United States as a whole. John Kass's Odyssey is a unique mixture of personal travel story and up-to-the-minute political journalism. The up-close humanity evoked through Kass's journalistic voice creates stories that are relatable, near, and more urgent than any front-page headline could ever hope to be. For Chicagoans, who by and large live in ethnically diverse communities and identify their city as a hub of Greek culture, these stories take on even broader meanings. When Kass concludes his journey at Easter Mass in a Greek Orthodox church in the heart of Istanbul, readers will feel that this could be anywhere-taking place as much on South Halsted Street as it could be in the Hagia Sophia. It will surely appeal to those interested in international affairs, history, religion, and travel writing, in addition to the many readers who are consistently rapt by the writing of one of Chicago's finest journalists.
John Keats: Poetry, Life & Landscapes
by Suzie Grogan“This is a celebratory meld of memoir, biography and travelogue, intensely personal and all the better for it.” —Eleanor Fitzsimons, author of Wilde’s WomenJohn Keats is one of Britain’s best-known and most-loved poets. Despite dying in Rome in 1821, at the age of just twenty-five, his poems continue to inspire generations who reinterpret and reinvent the ways in which we consume his work.Apart from his long association with Hampstead, North London, he has not previously been known as a poet of ‘place’ in the way we associate Wordsworth with the Lake District, for example, and for many years readers considered Keats’s work remote from political and social context. Yet Keats was acutely aware of and influenced by his surroundings: Hampstead; Guy’s Hospital in London where he trained as a doctor; Teignmouth where he nursed his brother Tom; a walking tour of the Lake District and Scotland; the Isle of Wight; the area around Chichester and in Winchester, where his last great ode, “To Autumn,” was composed.Suzie Grogan takes the reader on a journey through Keats’s life and landscapes, introducing us to his best and most influential work. Utilizing primary sources such as Keats’s letters to friends and family and the very latest biographical and academic work, it offers an accessible way to see Keats through the lens of the places he visited and aims to spark a lasting interest in the real Keats—the poet and the man.“Warm and worthwhile observations on how places as varied as the Lake District and the Isle of Wight shaped Keats’s verse.” —Camden New Journal
John Muir Trail
by Elizabeth WenkLizzy Wenk's authoritative guide John Muir Trail describes the 212-mile trail, running from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney. It provides all necessary planning information, including up-to-date details on wilderness and permit regulations, food resupplies, trailhead amenities, and travel from nearby cities. Useful essentials are updated GPS coordinates and maps for prominent campsites (along with an updated list of sites along the trail), trail junctions, bear boxes, and other points of interest. The trail descriptions also include natural and human history to provide a workout for both body and mind -- a must-have for any Muir Trail enthusiast. Note that the text includes the southbound trail description, while the full guide with the northbound description is available as a separate ebook product.
John Muir Trail: South to North edition
by Elizabeth WenkThis is a complete, digital-only South-to-North edition of the best-selling John Muir Trail Lizzy Wenk's authoritative guide describes the 212-mile John Muir Trail, running from the summit of Mt. Whitney to Yosemite Valley. It provides all the necessary planning information, including up-to-date details on wilderness and permit regulations, food resupplies, trailhead amenities, and travel from nearby cities. Useful essentials are updated GPS coordinates and maps for prominent campsites (along with an updated list of sites along the trail), trail junctions, bear boxes, and other points of interest. The trail descriptions also include natural and human history to provide a workout for both body and mind - a must-have for any Muir Trail enthusiast.
John Muir Trail Data Book
by Elizabeth WenkA derivative of the comprehensive John Muir Trail by Sierra expert Elizabeth Wenk, this data book is perfect for the weight-conscious hiker. A brief introductory section provides planning data, including information on permits, trailhead transport, and food resupplies. This is followed by on-the-trail information, including custom-made topo maps, elevation profiles, data tables, and labeled panoramas from prominent passes. There are tables for trail junctions, nearly 300 campsites, ranger stations, food-storage lockers, and lateral trails accessing the JMT. For detailed information on planning for your trip, considerations for hiking in the Sierra Nevada, or a trail description, those are only available in the comprehensive John Muir Trail book.
John Wesley Powell: Grand Canyon Explorer
by Jerry MillerJohn Wesley Powell was known for his explorations of the canyon land area of southern Utah and northern Arizona, still "unknown" in the 1860s.
Johnson City (Images of America)
by Sonya A. HaskinsThe Johnson City area was originally settled in 1777 by pioneers from North Carolina with land grants. Dissatisfied with their representation in North Carolina, local citizens held a convention and formed the state of Franklin in 1784. This state was never recognized by Congress. It fizzled out in 1788, and Tennessee was formed in 1796. More settlers came to the new state, but the area was destined to grow into a city when a combination of railroad connections in the area sparked growth during the late 19th century. In 1903, the creation of the National Soldiers Home brought disabledveterans of the Spanish-American War and the Civil War to Johnson City. Readers of this book will enjoy viewing photographs and reading about early residents, prominent homes, and historic buildings such as the East Tennessee Normal School, which opened in 1911. Many of the more than 200 photographs in this volume have never beforebeen published.
Johnsonburg (Images of America)
by Dennis McgeehanJohnsonburg, the "Paper City," is situated at the juncture of the east and west branches of the Clarion River in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. Its prime location guaranteed that this vibrant community in Elk County would flourish. Surrounded by trees, Johnsonburg made a living from wood. Sawmills, tanneries, and a large paper mill have dominated the lives of the Italian immigrants and other groups that settled in town. River transportation gave way to railroads, and Johnsonburg became a hub of rail carriers moving freight and passengers. Its riverside location also had disadvantages, and the history of the community is measured in flood years. Johnsonburg was frequently flooded, but the people never gave in to hard times. Today Johnsonburg is still mostly surrounded by trees, and the forests have made the area a sporting paradise. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are an important part of the modern economy.
Johnston County Revisited
by K. Todd Johnson Windy ThompsonCreated in 1746, Johnston County is located along the fall line between North Carolina's Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. Smithfield, on the Neuse River, has been the county seat since 1771. In 1856, Johnston County became part of the Fertile Crescent along the east-west North Carolina Railroad, which spawned the thriving towns of Princeton, Pine Level, Selma, and Clayton. In the 1880s, a north-south rail line, eventually known as the Atlantic Coastline, brought Kenly, Micro, Four Oaks, and Benson into existence. Johnston County boasts film legend Ava Gardner, bootleg kingpin Percy Flowers, Vicks VapoRub, and other local claims to fame. It is still a farming county, although recent growth from the Research Triangle region has brought marked changes to the rural landscape. In recent years, Wilson's Mills and Archer Lodge have gained corporate status. These historical images tell a story not only of the extraordinary people who have called Johnston County home but also of the ordinary, everyday individuals who have left their mark.
Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
by Ajiri AkiEmbrace the joy of Paris wherever you live with American expat Ajiri Aki, founder of the French lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison.&“More than being a terrific guide to the city, it&’s a thoroughly comprehensive guide to better living.&”—Chioma Nnadi, editor of VogueThe French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy être—just being.In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she&’s learned about living in Paris—from hosting the perfect apéro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a flâneur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you&’ll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.
Join the Revolution, Comrade
by Charles ForanIn this collection of essays, Foran visits places in Vietnam that have been 'colonized' by western war films, talks to Shanghai residents about their colossal city, and commiserates with the people of Bali about the effects of terrorist bombs on their island. He also 'encounters' Miguel de Cervantes, the Buddha of Compassion, and the pumped-up American Tom Wolfe.
Joining the California Gold Rush: A This or That Debate (This or That?: History Edition)
by Jessica RusickAfter gold was discovered in California in 1848, thousands of people rushed there to strike it rich. They faced tough choices at every turn. Now the choices are yours. Would you rather use the slower method of panning for gold or use a more dangerous method of hydraulic mining? Would you rather run a store or a hotel in a California boomtown? It's your turn to pick this or that!
Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Images of Modern America)
by Mark A. ChambersJoint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) has served for over 100 years as a cornerstone of American military aviation. The base has served as a flight test center for US Navy seaplanes and observation/spotter aircraft, as well as the ill-fated Roma airship. Additionally, JBLE was one of the first US Air Force (USAF) bases to operate the advanced Lockheed F-22 Raptor. In 1921, Langley Field served as the launching point for Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell’s US Army Air Service efforts in historic battleship bombing flight experiments. Prior to World War II, Langley Field became the first US Army Air Corps base to operate the Boeing YB-17, prototype of the famous B-17 Flying Fortress. During the latter half of the 20th century, Langley Air Force Base served as the headquarters for the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and the Air Combat Command (ACC). JBLE still serves as ACC headquarters.
Joliet (Images of America)
by Marianne WolfJoliet once was a lush prairie bordered with scenic bluffs along the Des Plaines River. In the late 19th century, settlers and a large influx of Eastern European immigrants arrived, transforming the area into a bustling industrial community of steel, limestone, manufacturing, and transportation. In the 20th century, Joliet transformed itself from an industrial hub to a destination of entertainment and tourism. Tourism thrives as people visit the National Hot Rod Association drag strip, NASCAR track, two casinos, the JackHammers minor-league baseball team and baseball stadium, a water park, the historical museum, and library. Joliet depicts the rich cultural heritage impressed on the city and shows how the people lived and worked together, earning Joliet the title of All-American City in 1955 by the National Municipal League and Look magazine.
Jolliet and Marquette: A New History of the 1673 Expedition
by Mark WalczynskiOften viewed in isolation, the Jolliet and Marquette expedition in fact took place against a sprawling backdrop that encompassed everything from ancient Native American cities to French colonial machinations. Mark Walczynski draws on a wealth of original research to place the explorers and their journey within seventeenth-century North America. His account takes readers among the region’s diverse Native American peoples and into a vanished natural world of treacherous waterways and native flora and fauna. Walczynski also charts the little-known exploits of the French-Canadian officials, explorers, traders, soldiers, and missionaries who created the political and religious environment that formed Jolliet and Marquette and shaped European colonization of the heartland. A multifaceted voyage into the past, Jolliet and Marquette expands and updates the oft-told story of a pivotal event in American history.
The Jolly Roger Social Club: A True Story of a Killer in Paradise
by Nick FosterThe true story of a series of bold killings which took place in a shadowy American ex-pat community in Panama--a tale of greed, political history, and murderIn the remote Bocas del Toro, Panama, William Dathan Holbert, aka "Wild Bill," is awaiting trial for the murder of five fellow American ex-patriots. Holbert's first victims were the Brown family, who lived on a remote island in the area's Darklands. There, Holbert turned their home into the "Jolly Roger Social Club," using drink- and drug-fueled parties to get to know other ex-pats. The club's tagline was: "Over 90% of our members survive." Those odds were not in his victims' favor. The Jolly Roger Social Club is not just a book about what Holbert did and the complex financial and real estate motives behind the killings; it is about why Bocas del Toro turned out to be his perfect hunting ground, and why the community tolerated-even accepted-him for a time. Told through the fascinating history of the country of Panama, a paradise with sinister ties to the political and economic interests of the United States, journalist Nick Foster brings this uniquely bizarre place to life; shedding light on a community where many live under assumed names, desperate to leave their old lives behind-and sometimes people just disappear.
Jones Beach (Postcard History Series)
by Constantine E. Theodosiou George Gorman Jr.Envisioning a noble beachfront park so ordinary people could enjoy a slice of the good life, master builder Robert Moses set out to transform a little-known barrier island off Long Island's South Shore into the civic masterpiece now known as Jones Beach State Park. All vacationers and day-trippers had to do was simply follow its beloved mascot, the Jones Beach seahorse, for an unforgettable day of sand and surf, or for a swim in the saltwater pool at the West Bathhouse, a stroll along the boardwalk, or a friendly match of shuffleboard, pitch-putt golf, or archery. The Indian Village also awaited, as well as fine dining at the Boardwalk Restaurant, a musical at the Marine Theatre, or a night of dancing to the songs of Guy Lombardo.
Jonesboro and Arkansas's Historic Northeast Corner (Images of America)
by Ray Hanley Diane HanleyWhen Union soldiers returned North after the Civil War, they brought home stories of a sparsely populated area with bountiful timber and potential for homes and farms. Over the next 50 years, first by wagon train and then by railroads, settlers came to build not only homes and farms but also thriving communities in the Clay, Greene, and Craighead counties of northeastern Arkansas. Today, visitors and residents of the area see the bustle of Jonesboro and the thriving Arkansas State University. Readers of Jonesboro and Arkansas' Historic Northeast Corner will discover Jonesboro as it lived a century ago, a promising town of 7,000 citizens. As the 20th Century opened, modern and attractive towns such as Corning, Piggott, Rector, and Paragould began to thrive. The evolution of these historic areas-from slow-paced villages with dirt roads and horse-drawn wagons to the bustling towns of the late 20th century-is chronicled in this Images of America edition.
Jonesborough (Images of America)
by Sonya A. HaskinsOriginally established in 1779 as the seat of Washington County, North Carolina, Jonesborough is the oldest incorporated town in Tennessee. Early pioneers were given land grants to settle west of the mountains, but by 1784, they no longer trusted their political leaders in North Carolina. They created their own local government and established the state of Franklin, naming Jonesborough the original capital of the "lost" 14th state. Never recognized by Congress, Franklin eventually fizzled out and Tennessee was formed. Although Tennessee was a slave-holding state prior to the Civil War, Jonesborough produced the earliest regularly published periodical devoted to abolishing slavery. Today, Jonesborough is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with many buildings fully restored. In this volume, readers will see the Christopher Taylor House, which was built about 1778, and the Chester Inn, which hosted many famous guests in its original days, including Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk.
Jordan Lake
by Heather Leigh WallaceIn 1945, Hurricane 9 rocked the Carolinas, severely flooding and incapacitating the New Hope Valley area. As a result, Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study water resource needs in the area. Originally named the New Hope Project, it received funding in 1963, and construction began in 1967. In 1974, after lake supporter Sen. B. Everett Jordan passed away, the lake and dam were renamed in his honor. The senator never saw the lake finished, as it was not filled until 1982. Jordan Lake encompasses 46,768 acres of which 13,900 acres are flooded to form a reservoir at 216 feet above mean sea level. The lake provides recreation, wildlife conservation, and water supply to surrounding cities. Jordan Lake also attracts one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the southeast. With photographs from the flood of 1945 to a group baptism in 2007, these stories and more will make you want to spend an afternoon at Jordan Lake.
Jordan Marsh: New England’s Largest Store (Landmarks)
by Anthony M. SammarcoJordan Marsh opened its first store in 1851 on Milk Street in Boston selling assorted dry goods. Following the Civil War, the store moved to Winthrop Square and later to Washington Street between Summer and Avon Streets. The new five-story building, designed by Winslow & Wetherell, unveiled the novel concept of department shopping under one roof. It attracted shoppers by offering personal service with the adage that the customer is always right, easy credit, art exhibitions and musical performances. By the 1970s, it had become a regional New England icon and the largest department store chain in the nation. Author and historian Anthony Sammarco reveals the fascinating history of Boston’s beloved Jordan Marsh.
Josephine County (Images of America)
by Margaret LaplanteThe beautiful Rogue River has been beckoning people to its banks for thousands of years. The Takelma Indians called this area home long before the first pioneers arrived. Take a step back in time while enjoying these historic images of early Josephine County. Today, many of the mining towns are just a name on an old map, but there was a time when they were bustling towns filled with miners and loggers. The pioneers endured great hardships to reach Oregon, but once they arrived, they worked diligently to make Josephine County the place that residents and visitors enjoy today.
Joshua Tree: Joshua Tree National Park
by James KaiserLocated just two hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is a desert getaway that boasts some of California's most dramatic scenery. From hiking to Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide features in-depth information on the park's attractions, plus Fascinating chapters on history, geology, ecology and wildlife bring the park to life. Detailed maps showcase over 20 of the park's best hikes. An indispensable guide for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers on a budget, Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide puts the best of Joshua Tree at your fingertips.
Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales: Scientific Travellers 1790-1877 Volume 1
by John WhiteThere have always been more or less scientific travellers, but a new epoch began with the voyages of Captain James Cook. His first, on board the converted Whitby Collier HMS Endeavour, was the result of cooperation between the Admiralty and the Royal Society. This series only skims the surface of the rich collections of scientific travel books in the library of the Natural History Museum. From this volume we learn much about the voyage of the first fleet, the first desperate years of the colony in Sydney, and the exploration of its neighbourhood.
The Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce: A PIlgrim boy, Plymouth, 1620 (My Name is America)
by Ann RinaldiThis book is historical fiction. Many of the characters did exist. The story is of a 14 year old boy Jasper Jonathan Pierce and his voyage on the Mayflower. After arriving at Plymouth, Jasper has many adventures. The book is well done, and accurate in most details.