November Publication

From Quaker rule to the devastating decline of the steel industry, Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth chronicles political, cultural and economic developments that have shaped the Keystone State. Edited by Saint Joseph's University history professor Randall M. Miller and William Pencak, a historian at Pennsylvania State University, this lucid and comprehensive history includes contributions from archivists, historians and other academics on such subjects as the state's role in the Underground Railroad and the folklore of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The first part of the handsomely illustrated volume is a straightforward chronological history, while the second is divided into thematic chapters on such subjects as the geography, archeology and literature of the state. (Penn State Univ., $49.95 640p ISBN 0-271-02213-2; paper $29.95 -02214-0)

Perhaps because it features the vibrant artwork of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Julie Taymor's Frida: Bringing Frida Kahlo's Life and Art to Film is one of the most aesthetically pleasing film companion books in years. The book's publication coincides with the long awaited release of the film, which stars Salma Hayek as the artist. In her introduction, Taymor, who directed Frida, explains how she condensed 30 years of Kahlo's life into a two-hour film, showed the artist at work, shot the film on location in Mexico and other eye-opening bits about the film. Salma Hayek then offers a brief introduction, which is followed by the illustrated screenplay, with sidebars interspersed that shed light on the characters—notably Kahlo's husband, Diego Rivera—and specific scenes. The book admirably juxtaposes film stills and reproductions of Kahlo's paintings, making this at once a tribute to the film and the life of the great artist. (Newmarket, $35 128p ISBN 1-55704-540-2)

October Publications

For those who can't find enough time in a day to worry about all of life's possible dangers, there's a new book to help them prioritize. Risk: A Practical Guide for Deciding What's Really Safe and What's Really Dangerous in the World Around You is a fascinating assessment of the level of threat posed by various illnesses, accidents, environmental pollutants and other factors. David Ropeik, director of risk communication at the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, and his colleague George Gray, a toxicologist, evaluate such real or perceived menaces as cell phones, biological weapons, pesticides, mad cow disease and medical errors. For each entry, they analyze the potential hazards and offer tips for reducing risk. They also include a "Risk Meter"—a chart that shows likelihood of exposure and severity of consequences at a glance. 25 b&w illus. (Houghton Mifflin, $16 paper 480p ISBN 0-618-14372-6)

NRA membership has roughly quadrupled over the last 25 years, boasts NRA: An American Legend, an illustrated history of the organization that celebrates its leaders, political activities and advertising campaigns since the organization was chartered in 1871. Author and columnist Jeffrey L. Rodengen (The Legend of Halliburton) covers such subjects as the evolution of rifle and pistol design; the role of NRA's magazine, American Rifleman, in reporting on WWII; and the birth of gun control legislation under Lyndon Johnson ("NRA's darkest days"). The book is filled with photographs and sidebars that spotlight various eminent riflemen such as sharpshooter Elizabeth Servaty Topperwein, the first female NRA member. Foreword by Tom Clancy. (Write Stuff [1-800-990-BOOK], $39.95 304p ISBN 0-945903-81-2)

"Men since the beginning of time have sought peace... all in turn have failed, leaving the only path to be by way of the crucible of war.... If we do not now devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door," warned General Douglas MacArthur in his legendary 1945 radio address after the surrender of Japan. His and other great speeches of the past century by the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Princess Diana and others are reprinted (with some abridgment) in Words That Shook the World: 100 Years of Unforgettable Speeches and Events. Editor Richard Greene, a speech analyst and consultant, offers blow-by-blow analysis next to each paragraph of the speeches, explaining what it is about the rhythm and diction of the sentences that makes them so effective. Two accompanying audio CDs offer original sound clips. (Prentice Hall Press, $50 192p ISBN 0-7352-0296-6)

Corrections: Our review of Sara Moulton Cooks at Home (Forecasts, Sept. 16) erroneously stated that there were no photos of food; the book does include 16 color photos.

Our review of The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy (Forecasts, Sept. 30) misstated the number of pages in the book. The correct page count is 672.