NEW HAMPSHIRE BOOKS COLUMN
by Eleanor O'Donnell
N.H. State Library

Christie, Robert W. FATE'S FINGER. Xlibris Corporation. 2002. $13.99 ISBN 1-4010-2914-0
The Lancaster, N.H. author joined a medium tank division in Europe during World War II. This novel is based on his experiences in tank warfare.

Coffin, Rosemary. THE GARLAND OF PHILIPPA. Publishing Works, Exeter, N.H. 2001. $18.00 ISBN 1-880158-44-2
In this fictional account of life in a boy's dormitory at a New Hampshire preparatory school, Philippa Knowles, wife of a classics teacher, strives to raise her family and create a home amidst the chaos of school life. The author spent seventeen years in dormitory housing at Phillips-Exeter Academy.

Gillmore, Robert. BEAUTY ALL AROUND YOU: HOW TO CREATE LARGE PRIVATE LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDENS, EVEN ON SMALL LOTS AND SMALL BUDGETS. Sant Bani Press, Tilton, N.H. 2000. $13.95 ISBN 0-9701682-8-4
Using the techniques in this book, you'll not only have more privacy and larger gardens, but you'll spend less time maintaining them. Landscape gardening expert Gillmore lives in Goffstown.

IMAGES FROM RUIN: POEMS AND ART INSPIRED BY THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001. Published by the Poetry Society of New Hampshire. 2002. Order from Patricia Frisella, Treasurer, 282 Meaderboro Road, Farmington, N.H. 03835. ISBN 0-9724167-0-6
Anthology of poems and artwork inspired by the September 11th tragedy.

Jordan, Donna. NEW HAMPSHIRE'S CONNECTICUT LAKES REGION. Arcadia (Images of America). 2003. $19.99 ISBN 0-7385-1103-5
The Connecticut Lakes region includes Pittsburg, the most sizable township in the country. From 1832-1836 Pittsburg was known as Indian Stream Republic, maintaining independence from both the U.S. and Canada. Images include rich logging lands, a mecca for sportsmen for more than a hundred years, and waterfront camps, cabins, and lodges.

Landphair, Ted, and Carol M. Highsmith. THE MOUNT WASHINGTON: A CENTURY OF GRANDEUR. 2003. Order from the Mount Washington Hotel & Resort, tele. 1-800-258-0330, or www.mtwashington.com. 2003. $39.95, plus S&H.
Published to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the hotel, this book tells of the vision of Joseph Stickney who, with the architect, Charles Alling Gifford, and a team of Italian workers, created this elegant hotel with spectacular views of the Presidential Range. Illustrated with fascinating historic and contemporary color photographs

Mallace, M. AS FOR IRELAND. Sakinnet Press. 2001. $29.95 ISBN 0-9709333-0-4
For those traveling to Ireland, this work is an extremely readable simplified reference handbook. It provides an inventory of important historical sites, and a sketch of the history, culture, art, literature, and government. Now living in Providence, R.I., the author lived and taught school in Wolfeboro for several years.

Martel, Carol. THE HISTORY OF EAST ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND BEAR BROOK STATE PARK (a remembrance of the past, the vision in the present, a contemplation of the future). Catamount Publishing, LLC, 24 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, N.H. 03275. Online orders catamountpub@aol.com. 2003. $25.95, plus $3.00 S&H. ISBN 0-9746220-0-1
The history travels through time from the first land grants in East Allenstown to the present day. Explores the circumstances leading to the building of Bear Brook State Park including Roosevelt's New Deal and Civilian Conservation Corp occupation and contribution. Photographs depict the step-by-step building of the park.

Morris, Zhana, and Trevor F. Bartlett. THE MUSIC HALL, PORTSMOUTH. Arcadia (Images of America). 2003. $19.99 ISBN 0-7385-1249-4
Built in 1877, the Music Hall today stands as New Hampshire's oldest operating theater, on whose stage such entertainment as Sousa and Mark Twain appeared. Original photographs, playbills, posters, and other theater memorabilia provide a pictorial history of this Portsmouth landmark.

Older, Julia, and Steve Sherman. NATURE WALKS ALONG THE SEACOAST: MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND MAINE. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. 2003. $15.95 ISBN 1-929173-12-1
The authors lead nature lovers of all ages on more than 50 walks along the northern Atlantic coast. This guide reveals the remarkable variety of ecosystems that make up this coastline. Detailed descriptions of flora and fauna, as well as geographical highlights, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's unique natural history. Includes trail maps, directions, photos, and level of difficulty of each walk.

Peters, Stephanie True. HOW TO DRAW NEW HAMPSHIRE SIGHTS AND SYMBOLS. Powerkids Press. 2002. $25.25 ISBN 0-8239-6085-4
This volume in A Kid's Guide to Drawing America series provides a comprehensive introduction to key sights and symbols of New Hampshire. Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations are given so young readers can draw some of them.

Starbuck, David R. NEITHER PLAIN NOR SIMPLE: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE CANTERBURY SHAKERS. University Press of New England. 2004. $29.95 ISBN 1-58465-210-1
For twenty years the author has been conducting archeological research at Canterbury Shaker Village, documenting the built and natural environment of the community. The artifacts excavated at the village include a surprising array of consumer artifacts such as wine bottles, pharmaceutical bottles and pipes for smoking, acquired from the "World's People." Such items contradict the popular image of the Shakers as plain, simple, and otherworldy.

Tomaszewski, Suzanne Lynn. Illustrated by Nina Dionne. SAMUEL'S EXETER WALKABOUT. Gold Charm Publishing, P.O. Box 161, Nottingham, N.H. 03290. Website: www.goldcharmpublishing.com. Produced by Publishing Works. 2003. $14.95 ISBN 0-9744855-0-0
Samuel, the cat, wanders around Exeter, discovering many local historic sites. He explores the mill buildings, the bandstand, the tavern, the railroad depot, and other sites, imagining what life was like in bygone days. The author and illustrator, both second grade teachers, say this is the first in a series of Samuel's historic walkabouts around New England towns.

Weatherby, Elliott. HEY PAL, SAVE YOUR MONEY! Publishing Works, Exeter, N.H. 2004. $12.95 ISBN 0-9744803-2-0
Everyone wants to be able to save for a rainy day. The author has some ideas to hook your saving to spending, and how to develop simple saving rituals in your daily activities. He demonstrates how to make saving money fun, interesting, and rewarding. His simple but practical techniques are set forth with humor. The author is a former professor of psychology and therapist who makes his home in Exeter.

Correction: The Publisher was inadvertently omitted from this review in the last issue.

Older, Julia, and Steve Sherman. GRAND MONADNOCK: EXPLORING THE MOST POPULAR MOUNTAIN IN AMERICA. Appledore Books, 2nd edition. 2003. $20.00 ISBN 0-9741488-0-6
Known as the most climbed mountain in the world, Grand Monadnock's summit provides spectacular panoramic views of the six New England states on a clear day. This book describes its trails, its geological formation, the taverns and inns in the area, its effect on literature and arts, its flora and fauna, and efforts to protect the mountain. The authors have hiked it in every season. The beautiful color photographs in the book attest to their love for this magnificent peak and the surrounding area.