Eisenhower and the Art of Warfare: A Critical Appraisal

Book Description

On August 14, 1942, Chief of Staff George C. Marshall appointed General Dwight D. Eisenhower Commander of the European theater of operations for North Africa. Eisenhower had no prior training or experience in warfare and no experience commanding an army. Frequently, he was subjected to unjustifiable interference from Marshall (who was 3,000 miles away from the fighting). This book explores the idea that both Eisenhower and Marshall made too many decisions which were based not on sound military principles, but rather on nationalism and well-intended generosity. Beginning with his appointment and the planning of the invasion of North Africa (codename "TORCH"), this work suggests that Eisenhower's involvement in political situations weakened his effectiveness on the battlefield. One chapter focuses on the poorly organized Allied air command in Algeria and discussing Eisenhower's reluctance to be part of a unified air command. Another records his appointment to the position of Supreme Allied Commander North African Theater of Operations, and also explores Eisenhower's inconsistencies and indecisiveness during the planning of the invasion of Sicily. Chapter Seven covers the much-disputed "DRAGOON" operation—the invasion of Southern France to the detriment of the Italian campaign—and Eisenhower's insistence on "broad front" warfare and resistance to the idea of indirect attack. Much of the book provides detailed insight into the rationale—both sound and questionable—that was behind many of the strategic decisions made by Eisenhower during World War II and suggests that with more experienced leadership, the conclusion could have come much sooner and with fewer casualties.

Customer Reviews:

Certainly a Critical Appraisal, but not fair or accurate.......2005-06-15

Normally I write quite in-depth and detailed reviews of books I read but in a case like the present book I don't feel compelled to give it much of my efforts. Yet I believe it is important to say a few things, damning as they are:

D.J. Haycock's book, Eisenhower and the Art of War, simply drips with loathing for the American Armed forces of the Second World War, from front-line GI all the way to Ike. Haycock spares no one on the American side. If one believes Haycock's prose, essentially all American efforts were misplaced (unless directed by Montgomery) or ineffectual without the British. One should not read into my comments as Anglo-phobia; clearly the British soldiery played a significant role (and for much longer) in the defeat of the Axis powers, but it is patently unfair to paint with broad strokes of contempt for all the American soldier did in WWII. Somehow Haycock manages to put the Americans at one end of the spectrum and the British at the other (the poor Canadians sit in between and the French aren't even given token respect) - a picture that suggests British dominance in areas of military savoy, soldiering capabilities, and shear ingenousness. Haycock gives America credit for mass production but little else. Very few credible historians would argue that Montgomery was one of the best field commanders of the Second World War, and that Ike was not in the same league as a field commander. Yet, even Montgomery acknowledged that Eisenhower was exactly the right man for the job of Supreme Commander - the man who could and did hold the Allies together to defeat the Axis. Hitler always believed he could split the American-British (I include here Empire and Commonwealth partners)-Soviet alliance, and alliance of convienance rather than common idiology or common historical bonds. Yet the Allies stuck it out, for better or worse. One can not escape the results of the alliance - the Cold War was a direct consequence - yet now that we've made it through that period of history it is fair to say that the defeat of Nazi Germany at the price of the Cold War was a fair, if not on balance positive, trade. My point is that Eisenhower had his faults as a military leader - field savy he was not - but he managed a difficult team with difficult personalities (included Haycock's favored Monty) to victory, and simple unsupported, or fantastic, attacks on the American soldier with Ike as it's leader does not negate these facts.

Save your time and money, Eisenhower and the Art of War is Ameri-phobia at its worse and even worse historical writing. More than that, Haycock is not a coherent writer and the book is just difficult to read (even if one could get past the clear lack of objectivity - which Haycock claims is missing in all other books one the subject!). To lump Eisenhower, Bradley and Patton together as poor, unimaginative and often destructive (to the Allied battle cause) leaders is ludicrous. America had it's share of bad leaders (Fredendall as Haycock points out was truly bad) but the British didn't corner the market on great leadership. Mr. Haycock should also recognize that the Western Front was not the end-all - let's not forget the Allied parner in the East. The Soviets lost more men in the war than anyone else and in all likelihood could have defeated the Germans without their Western allies. The British played a role certainly, one that can never be allowed to be forgotten, but please don't oversell it - it diminishes their heroic efforts!

Eisenhower and the Art of Warfare: A Critical Appraisal

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Eisenhower and the Art of Warfare: A Critical Appraisal
D. J. Haycock
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MUE48W

Book Description

Michael Clanchy introduces the reader to medieval life through the experience of Peter Abelard, the master of the Paris schools whose career included seducing Heloise (his student), being castrated, accused of treason, condemned as a heretic (twice) as well as writing his memoirs - his story of calamities. Because Abelard touched so many aspects of life, this book is structured naturally around the roles he played. The author describes in vivid and concrete terms what it meant in the twelfth century to be a famous scientist (the master of Latin, logic and philosophy), then a dedicated monk and pioneer of the discipline of theology - and yet one who was at various times a wandering scholar, courtier and jester. The author's many new findings include the discovery that it was Heloise who inspired many of Abelard's most profound ideas. She educated him: up to now historians have assumed it to be the other way round. This, the first biography of Abelard for over 30 years, combines the most recent international research with a re-reading of the sources line by line.

Customer Reviews:

What Did Heloise Know and When Did She Tell Abelard?.......2002-06-02

M. T. Clanchy has written what will surely be regarded as the definitive biography of Abelard in years to come. Clanchy presents us with a portrait of a philosopher/theologian who made enemies with the same ease that he applied to the problems of God and man. Instead of a sterilt, academic look at the man's thought we are instead treated to a panorama of medieval politics and their impact upon both the man and his thought, which was responsible for getting Abelard in hot water on many an occasion, coming as he did under the jaundiced eye of the Inquisition. Along the way Abelard picks up his own personal Inquisitor in the person of St. Bernard, who finds himself at odds with Abelard's writings and Ableard's frequent public defense of his thought.

As if this weren't enough, what separates this work from the rest is its speculation on the role of Heloise in the thought of Abelard. The standard portrait of Heloise through they years has been one of a young woman was was taught, then seduced by her teacher, Peter Abelard. They married, the marriage was annuled by her family and Abelard paid the price by being castrated. Heloise escaped to a monastery where she became a nun and later superior. But history also tells us that Heloise was very respected for her sagacity and intelligence. Clanchy makes the obvious speculation that as their relationship as lovers grew over the years, so did their intellectual partnership. He points to several instances where the thought of Abelard undergoes changes after the relationship with Heloise was well underway. Given the times and the historical portrait of both lovers, this argument comnes across as a refreshing revision in the intellectual development of one of Europe's leading thinkers.

For those interested in the development of medieval philosophy and those interested in a good solid biography, this volume fills both needs without insulting its reader.

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Personal History; Abelard & Heloise

Enduring tale told through the eyes of a third party

Intellect, Romance, Betrayal and Insight in One Beautifully Crafted and Compelling Story...

Couldn't Put It Down

Two lovers caught up in history

La Paraclete: The Story of Abelard and Heloise
Rod Randall
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Biblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Letters of Abelard and Heloise (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: 1420810804

Book Description

The story of Abelard and Héloïse is set in Medieval France almost 1000 years ago, however its themes are as relevant today as they were then. Their lives tell a compelling story of unbridled romance fraught with pain and suffering at the hands of others who could not accept or understand their perplexing mix of sensualism and intellectualism. But more than that, their story portrays the ultimate triumph of love, friendship, and being true to oneself over the formidable forces of death, betrayal, and life's controlling influences. Ironically, the main character, Alberic, from whose point of view the story revolves, lives in the throws of an epoch of great enlightenment and events, but seems to miss the meaning of it all - the fate of so many of us today who vicariously live other people's lives, but forget to live our own.

Customer Reviews:

Personal History; Abelard & Heloise.......2006-11-07

With and openess and clarity, Randall writes this historical story, drawing the reader in to the nuances and feeling of medieval France.
I was delighted to walk the streets of Paris and the convent cloister while I worried about the characters and the intimacy of their lives.
Thank you Mr. Randall for this superb book. I only wish that it had been 200 pages longer. You truly captured the ambiance of the time and the moods and import of the setting. Wonderful!

Enduring tale told through the eyes of a third party.......2005-11-16

Fascinated by the story of Abelard and Heloise for years, I purchased this book on a whim and it did not disappoint. Alberic, a colleague of Abelard, tells the story of the two lovers to a fourth person, who the reader does not know the identity of until the end. Alberic watches their lives unfold, from the safety of his vantage point without having to commit to their ideals or to the ideals of the Catholic church at the time, although he claims to have been Abelard's friend and Heloise's self-appointed "protector."

The only thing I did not like about this book was that it was somewhat difficult to tell who was speaking from time to time. The whole book is written in first person, as Alberic, but the reader does not find this out for quite awhile, so it was hard for me to get right into the story. Occasionally, the author used words like "scampered" to describe the action of the serious university students, and that word was out of place for the time period. Also, Heloise "piped up" instead of "said" or "interrupted" or whatever. Those dialogue tags became disconcerting when reading. Nothing wrong with a good old "said."

Intellect, Romance, Betrayal and Insight in One Beautifully Crafted and Compelling Story..........2005-10-19

You can always learn from the past, which is apparent in the way the author utilizes the social and religious issues of the days of Abelard and Heloise as a means of addressing those similar issues which have represented themselves in today's world. Rod Randall pushes the boundaries of blasphemy/logic in this story of two lovers who are both drawn to each other with a passion that is so adamantly forbidden by the beliefs and biases of their peers. Not only is it an interesting and compelling love story, but it is also an emotionally spellbinding tale imbued with countless thought-provoking concepts that are represented by the author's own artistically crafted words. Desire, betrayal, uncertainty, compassion, and forgiveness are some of the many characteristics of this book that will keep you reading Rod Randall's version of one of the most amazing romances in history.

Couldn't Put It Down.......2005-05-24

Rod Randall has accomplished what most authors can't do for me. He has written a masterpiece that I simply could not put down. This story of Abelard and Heloise is an extremely well written, suspenseful, romantic, and easy to read historical novel. I highly recommend this wonderful book and have already used quotes to inspire some of my closest friends. Congratulations Rod!

Two lovers caught up in history.......2005-05-21

I had the great pleasure to read Rod Randall's "La Paraclete" and didn't want the book to end. He infuses the book with insightful spiritual issues, incendiary at the times, and still pertinent to the world today. As each chapter moves the story towards its inevitable conclusion, we are faced with the lives and emotions that the characters experienced. The events are captured in stark and often iambic prose. Whether you're a newcomer to the tale, or a buff of the Abelard and Heloise legend, this book will completely engage you in their lives. If you're looking for an excellent starting point to their story, a nice summer romance, or an incisive examination of religious manias, look no further. Five out of five stars.

The School of Peter Abeld (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: New Series)

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The School of Peter Abeld (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: New Series)
Luscombe
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Abelard: A Medieval Life.(Review) : An article from: Canadian Journal of History

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Abelard: A Medieval Life.(Review) : An article from: Canadian Journal of History
Andrew A. Chibi
Manufacturer: University of Saskatchewan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canadian Journal of History, published by University of Saskatchewan on April 1, 1999. The length of the article is 767 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: Abelard: A Medieval Life.(Review)
Author: Andrew A. Chibi
Publication: Canadian Journal of History (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 1999
Publisher: University of Saskatchewan
Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Page: 88

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

ABELARD: A MEDIEVAL LIFE.(Review) : An article from: Theological Studies

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ABELARD: A MEDIEVAL LIFE.(Review) : An article from: Theological Studies
Carlos M. N. Eire
Manufacturer: Theological Studies, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Theological Studies, published by Theological Studies, Inc. on June 1, 1999. The length of the article is 790 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: ABELARD: A MEDIEVAL LIFE.(Review)
Author: Carlos M. N. Eire
Publication: Theological Studies (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 1999
Publisher: Theological Studies, Inc.
Volume: 60 Issue: 2 Page: 358

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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If You're Struggling and Need Help...

Absolutely Insightful

A friend to the isolated

The Secrets Exposed

Not The Best

The Secret Language of Eating Disorders: How You Can Understand and Work to Cure Anorexia and Bulimia
Peggy Claude-Pierre
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Eating Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Drug Dependency | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Eating Disorders | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Diabetes | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Dying to Be Thin: Understanding and Defeating Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia--A Practical, Lifesaving Guide

The Eating Disorder Sourcebook : A Comprehensive Guide to the Causes, Treatments, and Prevention of Eating Disorders

Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too

Surviving an Eating Disorder

When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: A Step-By-Step Workbook for Parents and Other Caregivers

ASIN: 0375750185
Release Date: 1998-12-29

Amazon.com

What makes Claude-Pierre's treatment of anorexia and bulimia revolutionary? Perhaps it's that the astonishingly high success rate of even the most chronic cases at Claude-Pierre's Montreux Clinic (only sufferers near death who have not been helped by doctors and hospitals are admitted) defies the common misconception that eating disorders are incurable. Claude-Pierre has made a personal commitment to dispel this damaging myth. Having cured her own two daughters of anorexia, you might say hers was a vested interest. The Secret Language of Eating Disorders reveals the details of Claude-Pierre's unique program.

Myths and misconceptions have shaped conventional treatment of anorexia and bulimia, leading to a cycle of hopelessness for those who suffer. Claude-Pierre's work reveals that victims share a common feeling of self-contempt. Further, she asserts that these overwhelming feelings of worthlessness are established at birth and slowly erode the healthy self. The revolutionary aspect of Claude-Pierre's program stems from her conviction that this negative mindset can be completely reversed.

The book describes the five stages of recovery, discusses the challenges peculiar to working with them at home, and presents a plan for working with health professionals. Also offered are stories of former Montreux patients, adding insight and depth to understanding these disorders. The book and the program have already saved many lives and will continue to do so.

Book Description

Self-Help/Women's Health

Acclaim for Peggy Claude-Pierre's
The Secret Language of Eating Disorders

"Peggy Claude-Pierre has gone beyond the surface of eating disorders to discover their true causes and then present a valid and healing path. In this extremely constructive book, she offers incredible insights into the mind of the sufferer and the myths of eating disorders." --Keith J. Karren, Ph.D.,
Department Chair, Health Sciences,
Brigham Young University

"Peggy Claude-Pierre is a warrior--ferocious and relentless--whose work has rescued a decade of sufferers." --Edward Feller, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine,
Brown University School of Medicine

"Peggy Claude-Pierre has created a paradigm shift in the way we view and treat anorexia. Peggy has shifted the focus of care from that of controlling the symptoms of disordered eating to healing the negativity that would otherwise plague the individual for the rest of his or her life. I have developed the utmost respect for her, for I realize that she has translated the secret language of anorexia. Now it is up to us to use the knowledge she has revealed."
--Daniel J. Smith, M.D.

"Peggy Claude-Pierre's work begins where attachment to the limiting obstacles of theory end. She has brought back from the dead many young lives the world deemed hopeless. . . . There are many who possess the title of 'doctor' who have never come close to her incredible example of the selfless healer."
--Craig T. Pratt, M.D.,
Chief, Division of Addiction Medicine,
Grant-Riverside Methodist Hospital

Customer Reviews:

If You're Struggling and Need Help..........2007-08-22

Are you seeking an answer?

Though this Book isn't a "cure all", it does answer some questions you may have. Questions such as:

"Why do I/my daughter/my son/my wife hate herself?"
"What can I do to help myself (or him/her)?"
"What have others done that may apply to me (or him/her)?"
"What methods/actions should I take to help my/their future?"
etc etc...

This book is pretty big (not huge) but it's pact full of useful information. Peggy even shares information of the many rehabilitation center's she has set up in and around the country and shares success stories of her own patients (without disclosing their names).

Having gone through this struggle myself in High School (when I bought the book), and even re-reading this book to date - it still sits on my shelf where it will remain because it IS useful. It does give life-changing information that WILL help you.

If you have a question about eating disorders, it has the answer. :)

Absolutely Insightful.......2007-05-29

Working on recovery of my own, I found this book wonderfully validating and insightful. I never knew that others had the same thoughts that consumed my mind and not only did this book show me that others were out there, it showed me there were people in this world who not only understood those girls but who even loved those girls unconditionally.

Although unable to finish the book since I am unable to deem myself somehow worthy of ridding myself of this ED, I have shared it with those closest with me to try to help them understand where I am coming from and what I am struggling with.

I know others bash this author for not having formal training - but no matter what I say she has absolutly amazing insight into the Eating Didsordered mind.

A friend to the isolated.......2006-11-20

I found this book a light in the dark. Claude-Pierre writes with extreme sensitivity and empathy on a killer disease which in fact kills because its victims are so sensitive. She manages to articulate on what others seem to miss i.e. that anorexia is not merely about feeling fat, or having a distorted body image but correctly identifies the 'other voice' as being the real poison within the sufferer. This book gave me the strength to get well and I know that other sufferers will find in it a source of real help and comfort. Words alone cannot praise this book enough. Suffers and non-sufferers alike must read it.

The Secrets Exposed.......2006-03-17

Author Claude-Pierre explains in layman's terms the mechanics of eating disorders. This greatly helped me to understand the mindset of the sufferer and seriousness of these types of disorders. The book offers a through explanation of symptoms, who is at risk, treatment, advice and support to family and friends of sufferers. In addition, there are some excellent references for reading materials and websites for help and support.

Not The Best.......2006-02-08

This book misrepresents eating disorders and makes eating disorder sufferers almost seem psychotic. The author is very inexperienced with eating disorders and only has her word to back up her statements. She puts down eating disorder facts that have proven to be true for many of us that have suffered with eating disorders. The one good thing about the book is how she encourages treating victims of eating disorders with love and compassion and her methods may work with some individuals, yet I have talked to those that have said that working with her was a terrible experience. I think her kindness is what drew her clients. She states that her way is the only way to help anorexics which ignores the fact that people are individuals. And she ignores the fact that other therapists besides her have had a high success rate and she puts down therapies that have helped me and many others. Some of her theories almost seem mystical. Almost like those with eating disorders are saints or psychics of some sort. It is good to note that her clinic was closed down for operating without a license.

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I love this cookbook!

If you can adapt recipes, this this book can work for you.

Disappointment

The Jury is Out

Creativity for the Crock Pot

America's Best Slow Cooker Recipes
Donna-Marie Pye
Manufacturer: Robert Rose
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Soups & Stews | Meals | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Special Appliances | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Betty Crocker's Slow Cooker Cookbook

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Slow Cooker Ready & Waiting: 160 Sumptuous Meals That Cook Themselves

ASIN: 0778800229

Book Description

Imagine coming home from a long, tiring work day only to find a delicious aromatic stew waiting for you. Or enjoying a day on the slopes and arriving to find mulled red wine already prepared and simply waiting to be poured and savored. By using a timesaving slow cooker, you can have a hot meal or warm drink ready and waiting when you are, without any fuss.

In the last five years, slow cookers have enjoyed a huge increase in popularity. By simmering food at a constant low temperature, slow cookers create food that enjoys a flavor and texture not normally found in stovetop or oven cooking. Ingredients need only be prepared in advance, then tossed into a slow cooker and the results are an easily prepared but satisfying meal.

America's Best Slow Cooker Recipes features over 125 newly developed and tested recipes. Banish the winter blahs by making 'Beef Goulash Soup with Red Wine' or 'Comfy Maple Baked Beans.' Busy families will enjoy the 'Chicken and Broccoli Casserole' or 'All Day Mac & Cheese.' When entertaining dazzle your guests with a 'Hot Crab, Artichoke & Jalapeno Dip' followed by a tantalizing 'Pork Roast with Peach Chutney.' Sensational recipes for desserts such as 'Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cake' and 'Caramel Peaches' can also be created in a slow cooker. These are recipes for today's tastes and today's homes.

As well as including fabulous recipes, America's Best Slow Cooker Recipes contains useful information on the type of slow cookers available, food safety, tips for success, adapting favorite recipes, and leftover hints. Recipes for accompanying delicious side dishes are also included.

Customer Reviews:

I love this cookbook!.......2005-10-31

I've been using this cookbook for year's and love it. I haven't found the difficulties other readers indicated. Some recipes I like more than others, but overall it is hands-down my favorite slow cooker cookbook.

I bought it originally for the Chicken and Dumplings, as I was searching for a great recipe. I used a mortar and pestle to grind the rosemary to put in the dumplings and other than that, really didn't modify it.

Our favorites that are repeated often:
Thai Chicken thighs - if I'm out of cilantro, I use coriander and add parsley. I also use only natural peanut butter so it's more nutty.

Chicken and Rosemary Dumplings

Honey Glazed Country Ribs

Potato Leek soup with Stilton

Hot Buttered Rum

Pecan Wild Rice

Cheesy Meatloaf

Plum Good Chicken

I recommend this book to all my friends with slow cookers.

If you can adapt recipes, this this book can work for you........2005-02-10

I love using my crockpot, but have had a difficult time finding good recipes that don't call for a can of creamed soup or other highly processed ingredients. I like this book pretty well for reasonably healthy and varied meals, but I have definitely had mixed results. With a little bit of adaptation, I have been able to make most of what I tried work.

A couple of the most successful ones have been the Cheesy Tortellini Bake, the Rich Vegetable Broth w/Meatballs (though why it is called "vegetable broth" I do not know, because the recipe calls for beef stock!), and the Bargain Beef Stroganoff. They are delicious and I've made them several times each. I had high hopes for the salmon loaf but the only word I can use for that recipe is...vile. The crockpot does not treat canned salmon kindly. It was pale, wet and way too fishy. The "Thai Chicken Thighs" were also seriously underseasoned, but I was able to correct that. Last week I made the "Basic Spaghetti Sauce Italiano" which called for 2 pounds of ground meat to one 28 ounce can of tomatoes. Once I got it assembled, it clearly needed another can of tomatoes - without it, it would have been a sludgy mass of ground meat. Adding another can of tomatoes meant I had to adjust the seasonings. Once I did all that, it was delicious. Today I made "Fia's Pasta Sauce" which has the opposite problem - it calls for four 28 ounce cans of tomatoes AND a cup of red wine. I put three cans of tomatoes in my crockpot and saw that I would not have room for another, and the cup of wine. I just wonder if someone tested these recipes before this book was published?

In short, experienced cooks and people comfortable with substitutions and adaptations can use this book as a jumping-off point for crockpot recipes. A novice cook who needs to follow a recipe exactly and have a good result will want to look elsewhere.

Disappointment.......2004-11-29

The recipes sound great, but I tried two and they were both awful. The blend of flavors and consistency were both lacking. Word of advice: try the recipes before using them for guests.

The Jury is Out.......2003-12-05

I recently got this book because it seemed like an excellent starting point for my new slow cooker. While the intro gave me some spot-on advice about the art of slow-cooking, I find the recipes seem to have been a bit neglected by the author. I made the Burgundy Beef with Wild Mushrooms, and although it turned out reasonably well, it was only because I altered the ingredient quantities when the stated amounts were obviously wrong. It was painfully apparent that this recipe had NOT been tested prior to publication. I think this book could be useful to the seasoned cook who will be able to see when the recipe is noticeably unbalanced, but it might cause some heartache for the less experienced cook who will surely end up make some very unappetizing dishes through no fault of their own. I'll try a few more recipes, and update this review accordingly.

Creativity for the Crock Pot.......2002-12-14

I love a good slow cooker, and this book has some interesting recipes to take full advantage of it. It's a cut above the typical canned-soup-and-frozen-vegetables recipes, which is great. My only criticism is that some of the recipes strike me as a bit too ambitious for this appliance: by the time you go through all of the effort, you might as well just make it in a regular dutch oven. But that's quibbling - it's an excellent book and I haven't gone wrong on a recipe yet.

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America's Best Brand Name Recipes: Quick & Easy Weeknight Favorites

Manufacturer: Publications International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0848727835

Product Description

Now you can enjoy best-of-the-best comfort food with your favorite, easy-to-find brand-name ingredients. With this collection of more than 250 quick and easy dishes, slow-cooker favorites, and one-dish wonders, you'll have dinner on the table in a snap! Get ready for all the yummy goodness you and your family crave, along with the ease and convenience you deserve.

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