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Editor's picks

• 

  Charleston

  Book (Signet)
  

  Rating (51 reviews):

  (3.5/5)

  

  Uneven

  I have enjoyed some of John Jakes' other historical novels in the past and was delighted that he selceted Charleston as the venue of his latest. Unfortunately, I found the book disapointing.It is basically divided into 3 eras starting with the American Revolution to "young America" in the early 1800s to the Civil War. What usually makes Jakes so talented is his ability to link generations for seamless story telling. I really didn't find that here. It was more like 3 loosely connected stories that did not relate the way they should have. The novel was also missing a likable hero. None of the family members were that pleasant and I found myself not really caring about them. The book would have been much improved by having likable people!The section dealing with the era preceeding the Civil War is well written and captures a divisive time. As usual with Jakes, figures from US history walk across the pages (Frederick Douglass, the Grimke sisters). I almost hope... 2/5 Samantha W. Mckevitt "longislandgirl" (Dix Hills, NY United States) - See all my reviews, August 18, 2002

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  You can learn A LOT from the genre of historical fiction...

  ...and John Jakes is one of its master craftsmen. This volume is the multigenerational saga of the fictitious Bell family of Charleston, South Carolina. Its timeline runs from 1720 to 1866 and thus covers a host of tumultuous times in the Low Country community. _Charleston_ is divided into three "books." Book One sees Edward Bell fighting on the side of the American Revolution, both before and after Charleston's surrender to the British. Those of us with northern upbringing and education tend to equate the Revolution with Massachusetts in April 1775, not South Carolina in 1781. Either we never learned that Charleston fell to the British in that war, or we had no idea what that meant. Of course, the battle of the colonists versus the loyalists divides the Bell family as well, and the rift seems to widen as the decades pass. Book Two follows Alexandra Bell, her brother Hampton, and their cousins Ouida and Gibbes as they react to slavery issues and take sides in the... 4/5 Corinne H. Smith (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews, August 25, 2002

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  Too much history, not enough novel

  Jakes is the master of the historical fiction genre. The North & South trilogy and the Bicentennial series were outstanding. I had high hopes for Charleston but was left a bit disappointed. If one is looking for a book that is primarily a history of Charleston, then this book is for you. If on the other hand, you are looking for a great story that that just happens to be set in Charleston from the colonial period through the civil war (as I was), then this work by Jakes falls short. The book covers many, many decades with a clear emphasis on historical fact rather than spinning a compelling tale. It is far from a complete washout, but at the same time it is definitely not up there with his best works. 3/5 Timothy J. Kindler (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews, October 16, 2002

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  List Price: $8.99
  

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  Frommer's Portable Charleston

  Book (Frommers)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  I was able to make the most of my time

  I found everything I was looking for and more in this small, easy-to carry guide. Not only did I find exact prices for hotels and restaurants, I also learned about low country cooking, the architecture in Charleston, and a brief history. All of this was in this little guide that I could fit in my purse! 5/5 James Hughes (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews, August 20, 2003

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  You need this for a first trip to Charleston.

  I just returned from Charleston and used this book. It was a joy to use. Best little travel guide I've seen. It covers the major information for planning a trip and then it becomes a highly portable reference book while there. Highly recommend this book and "The Best Little Map Of Charleston". You need little else 5/5 kallison "Mutti" (Gainesville, GA, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Frommer's Portable Charleston (Paperback) This small book fits easily into your purse so you can carry it around with you. Better information can be obtained for free from SC tourism web sites. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 13, 2005

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  Good to carry around with you

  This small book fits easily into your purse so you can carry it around with you. Better information can be obtained for free from SC tourism web sites. 3/5 0, May 12, 2007

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  List Price: $12.99
  

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• 

  The Charleston

  Digital Music Track (Put It On AS Disk)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Well worth it.

  An excellent rendition of the tune that gave its name to the dance. It does change a little in the middle which takes some listening to, to keep in step with the Chrleston dance. Still fully recomended for all you Charleston fans out there. 4/5 Jef Savage (Mercersburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Charleston (MP3 Music) An excellent rendition of the tune that gave its name to the dance. It does change a little in the middle which takes some listening to, to keep in step with the Chrleston dance. Still fully recomended for all you Charleston fans out there. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 25, 2013

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  Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm

  Book (Algonquin Books)
  

  Rating (36 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  Charleston Lite

  Charleston is one of the most charming cities in the US, and it is fitting that Diana Hollingsworth Gessler has written a delightfully charming book about the Holy City. "Very Charleston" is a small book, but big on snippets of Charleston. It is also wonderfully illustrated by Gessler with watercolors. This 159 page book is packed with a myriad of entertaining tidbits. It includes historical facts, famous festivals, Charleston vocabulary, places of interest, interesting characters (past and present), famous restaurants, some traditional recipes and LOTS of trivia. It also touches on such diverse topics as The Civil War, The Citadel, Slavery, making indigo, architectural details and places to shop.Very Charleston is the perfect book for a new visitor to Charleston. There are a few minor inaccuracies (for example, there are more than 3 zones for carriage tours). But these do not detract from the book. However, a visitor seeking a more in-depth look at the Holy City... 4/5 Cynthia K. Robertson (beverly, new jersey USA) - See all my reviews, January 28, 2004

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  WONDERFUL BOOK!!!!

  My mother-in-law gave us this book before our move to Charleston, SC. My own family came to visit and while driving around downtown with the book it felt like a tour of our very own. The next day we did in fact go on a real Charleston tour and they restated many of the interesting facts of Charleston found within the book! The book is not only a wealth of information, but also a beautifully illustrated book!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! :) I recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about Charleston! 5/5 MOM2HKH "MOM2HKH" (Hershey, PA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm (Hardcover) My mother-in-law gave us this book before our move to Charleston, SC. My own family came to visit and while driving around downtown with the book it felt like a tour of our very own. The next day we did in fact go on a real Charleston tour and they restated many of the interesting facts of Charleston found within the book! The book is not only a wealth of information, but also a beautifully illustrated book!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! :) I recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about Charleston! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 8, 2005

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  Very Charleston

  Very interesting little book with great illustrations. Gives insight to many of the things we South Carolians have always heard about Charleston like the derivation of Charleston Green paint, why the pineapple is a welcome sign, etc., etc. 5/5 Roy Mclain - See all my reviews, August 8, 2005

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  List Price: $15.95
  

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  Charleston

  Book (Grand Central Publishing)
  

  Rating (18 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Charleston

  Charleston is yet another one of Alexandra Ripley's historical fiction novels. The book begins during the middle of the Civil War and continues on towards 1898. The story surrounds on the Charlestonians, all whom are related to each other somehow or the other. The Tradds, the family that it is focused on, is made up of Mary Tradd, a brainless beauty as the mother; Pinckney Tradd, the new head of the family since the father died during the war, he's worried about how he can bring money in for the family; Stuart Tradd, a young boy not even in his teens during the war, but decides that he's going to defeat the Yankees no matter what; and Lizzie Tradd, the youngest, who isn't quite like any other girl after the war.This book describes the lives of the Tradd family, and the struggles of their attempts to earn enough the support the family. The animosity towards the Yankees and other "New People" are expressed with the Charlestonian's way of "politing them to death."Although the... 4/5 "lmarmarmar" - See all my reviews This review is from: Charleston (Mass Market Paperback) Boy, was this book ever hard to track down! Seems that most people who read it want to keep it for their own collection - and I just became one of them! Besides the fact that Ripley is one of my favorite authors, Charleston is one of my favorite cities, and historical fiction is my favorite genre of literature, this book caught my attention from the first page and kept it all the way until the last.This heartwarming, often heartbreaking novel reveals the triumphs and tragedies that were 19th century southern America. From sending young men off to fight their brothers,to facing the adversity of Reconstruction, to the struggle between between races and classes, Ripley absolutely captures the latter part of a tumultuous century.Leading us on this journey is the novel's heroine, Elizabeth Tradd, raised in wealth and finery until the Civil War leaves her family bordering on poverty. "Lizzie", despite the set-backs, however, manages to use her tenacious spirit and her... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 11, 2002

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  Another Ripley Winner!

  Boy, was this book ever hard to track down! Seems that most people who read it want to keep it for their own collection - and I just became one of them! Besides the fact that Ripley is one of my favorite authors, Charleston is one of my favorite cities, and historical fiction is my favorite genre of literature, this book caught my attention from the first page and kept it all the way until the last.This heartwarming, often heartbreaking novel reveals the triumphs and tragedies that were 19th century southern America. From sending young men off to fight their brothers,to facing the adversity of Reconstruction, to the struggle between between races and classes, Ripley absolutely captures the latter part of a tumultuous century.Leading us on this journey is the novel's heroine, Elizabeth Tradd, raised in wealth and finery until the Civil War leaves her family bordering on poverty. "Lizzie", despite the set-backs, however, manages to use her tenacious spirit and her... 5/5 Amber Nichole (Indiana) - See all my reviews This review is from: Charleston (Mass Market Paperback) I have read every historical romance set in the Old South that I have gotten my hands on and this one is by far the best!!!!! I have been a HUGE Gone with the Wind fan since I was a teenager, but to compare these two books is unfair, I think. They both take place in the South around the time of Civil War, but the simliarities stop there. Scarlett, the heroine of GWTW, is selfish, greedy and manipulative (dont get me wrong, I love her for it, even try to emulate her at times) but facts are facts. Scarlett had to "lie, steal, cheat or kill" to survive after the war, and we celebrate her for that. Elizabeth Tradd, Margaret Tradd, Julia Ashley and Lucy Anson, the main "ladies" in this book are everything we love about true heroines. Julia Ashley, unmarried spenster who is truely the head of the family, is strong, smart, calculating and at times, hard. She amazingly saves the Ashley Plantation from certain ruin, even as the Yankees are at her front door. Margaret Tradd, she is the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 21, 2003

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!

  I have read every historical romance set in the Old South that I have gotten my hands on and this one is by far the best!!!!! I have been a HUGE Gone with the Wind fan since I was a teenager, but to compare these two books is unfair, I think. They both take place in the South around the time of Civil War, but the simliarities stop there. Scarlett, the heroine of GWTW, is selfish, greedy and manipulative (dont get me wrong, I love her for it, even try to emulate her at times) but facts are facts. Scarlett had to "lie, steal, cheat or kill" to survive after the war, and we celebrate her for that. Elizabeth Tradd, Margaret Tradd, Julia Ashley and Lucy Anson, the main "ladies" in this book are everything we love about true heroines. Julia Ashley, unmarried spenster who is truely the head of the family, is strong, smart, calculating and at times, hard. She amazingly saves the Ashley Plantation from certain ruin, even as the Yankees are at her front door. Margaret Tradd, she is the... 5/5 0, September 27, 2005

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  List Price: $6.50
  

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• 

  Charleston

  eBooks (Signet)
  

  Rating (51 reviews):

  (3.5/5)

  

  Uneven

  I have enjoyed some of John Jakes' other historical novels in the past and was delighted that he selceted Charleston as the venue of his latest. Unfortunately, I found the book disapointing.It is basically divided into 3 eras starting with the American Revolution to "young America" in the early 1800s to the Civil War. What usually makes Jakes so talented is his ability to link generations for seamless story telling. I really didn't find that here. It was more like 3 loosely connected stories that did not relate the way they should have. The novel was also missing a likable hero. None of the family members were that pleasant and I found myself not really caring about them. The book would have been much improved by having likable people!The section dealing with the era preceeding the Civil War is well written and captures a divisive time. As usual with Jakes, figures from US history walk across the pages (Frederick Douglass, the Grimke sisters). I almost hope... 2/5 Samantha W. Mckevitt "longislandgirl" (Dix Hills, NY United States) - See all my reviews, August 18, 2002

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  You can learn A LOT from the genre of historical fiction...

  ...and John Jakes is one of its master craftsmen. This volume is the multigenerational saga of the fictitious Bell family of Charleston, South Carolina. Its timeline runs from 1720 to 1866 and thus covers a host of tumultuous times in the Low Country community. _Charleston_ is divided into three "books." Book One sees Edward Bell fighting on the side of the American Revolution, both before and after Charleston's surrender to the British. Those of us with northern upbringing and education tend to equate the Revolution with Massachusetts in April 1775, not South Carolina in 1781. Either we never learned that Charleston fell to the British in that war, or we had no idea what that meant. Of course, the battle of the colonists versus the loyalists divides the Bell family as well, and the rift seems to widen as the decades pass. Book Two follows Alexandra Bell, her brother Hampton, and their cousins Ouida and Gibbes as they react to slavery issues and take sides in the... 4/5 Corinne H. Smith (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews, August 25, 2002

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  Too much history, not enough novel

  Jakes is the master of the historical fiction genre. The North & South trilogy and the Bicentennial series were outstanding. I had high hopes for Charleston but was left a bit disappointed. If one is looking for a book that is primarily a history of Charleston, then this book is for you. If on the other hand, you are looking for a great story that that just happens to be set in Charleston from the colonial period through the civil war (as I was), then this work by Jakes falls short. The book covers many, many decades with a clear emphasis on historical fact rather than spinning a compelling tale. It is far from a complete washout, but at the same time it is definitely not up there with his best works. 3/5 Timothy J. Kindler (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews, October 16, 2002

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  List Price: $8.99
  

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  Moon Charleston & Savannah (Moon Handbooks)

  Book (Avalon Travel Publishing)
  

  Rating (23 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Don't go to Savannah without it!

  Travel is about 2 things...seeing the sights and having memorable experiences. The first is easy, the second is THE REASON to buy this book. Jim Morekis' local knowledge makes this book a huge assett to finding yourself in those wonderful situations that you can't wait to tell to friends once you're back home. All travel books should be like this! 5/5 SurferNova "Scott S" (Sydney) - See all my reviews This review is from: Moon Charleston and Savannah (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback) Travel is about 2 things...seeing the sights and having memorable experiences. The first is easy, the second is THE REASON to buy this book. Jim Morekis' local knowledge makes this book a huge assett to finding yourself in those wonderful situations that you can't wait to tell to friends once you're back home. All travel books should be like this! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 29, 2009

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  great for locals and tourists

  I've lived in Savannah for ten years, and I have learned so much from this book. The entries are witty, informative, and fun to read. The history sections make the past come alive. The author is the editor of the local alternative entertainment magazine, Connect Savannah, so you really get a insiders look at Savannah, but his Charleston section really comes alive as well. 5/5 S. Simmons (Savannah) - See all my reviews, January 8, 2009

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  Excellent guide

  An excellent guide to Savannah, where I visited for 3 days. (I can't judge the Charleston part, since I was there for less than a day, but I assume it was equally good.) This guide has good information on the sights, restaurants, etc. plus it gives a good feeling for the culture and atmosphere of Savannah. It is easy to use. It provided information that I wouldn't have known otherwise -- about the free bus that goes around the historic district.I loved Savannah and this guidebook helped me to enjoy it. 5/5 Eleanor H. (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Moon Charleston and Savannah (Moon Handbooks) (Paperback) An excellent guide to Savannah, where I visited for 3 days. (I can't judge the Charleston part, since I was there for less than a day, but I assume it was equally good.) This guide has good information on the sights, restaurants, etc. plus it gives a good feeling for the culture and atmosphere of Savannah. It is easy to use. It provided information that I wouldn't have known otherwise -- about the free bus that goes around the historic district.I loved Savannah and this guidebook helped me to enjoy it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 7, 2009

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  List Price: $17.99
  

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  Vintage Charleston

  Music (Delta)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Very entertaining collection of 20's best

  This issue captures the sounds of the 20's craze about as well as anything. Great titles especially by Whiteman, and the throw-in of "I'd Rather Charleston" by Fred and Adele Astaire with George Gershwin accompanying (Gershwin wrote it for the London production of "Lady Be Good" to capitalize on the American craze for the British audience). My favorite number is "South Wind", by Roger Wolfe Kahn's Orchestra, a great arrangement and spirited playing which is only one of the highlights. A disappointment was the inclusion of Morton's "The Chant" which is a bit out of place here and included in too many collections. Other than that, a well remastered collection of hard-to-find recordings. 5/5 Bruce Duguid (Maryville, TN) - See all my reviews, June 23, 2012

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  FASCINATING CHARLESTON

  Of all the various dances from the Roaring Twenties, it's the Charleston which has come to epitomise the era. It was played at a fast pace, in a syncopated 4/4 time, and danced solo on the spot with exaggerated arm and leg movements. This compilation favours American recordings (one of which is Black Bottom, which was a different dance) and largely avoids duplication with other similar-based reissues. I'm not convinced that everything comes within the ambit of the title, but no matter, there are some splendid numbers here, from some of the top bands of the period. As regards the British dance bands, a couple of them are rarities, namely Chili Bom Bom by Nat Star, and My Cutie's Due at Two-to-Two Today by Don Parker. Remastering is excellent and there's an informative liner note by Peter Dempsey. 5/5 Barry McCanna (Normandy, France) - See all my reviews, March 11, 2012

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  List Price: $9.99
  

  Catalog#: BYD77072

  Year Of Release: 2012

  Record Label: Delta

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• 

  Streetwise Charleston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Charleston, South Carolina - Folding pocket size travel map

  Book (Streetwise Maps)
  

  Rating (10 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Historic Charleston

  I couldn't disagree with Mr. Hughes' review more. My family does a lot of traveling, especially to cities with historic value. We thought the map was great and loved the historic insert and points of interest. My middle school children had no problem using it either. I am thrilled with all the Streetwise products, they are also easy to store and last forever! 5/5 Mrs. D (Florida) - See all my reviews This review is from: Streetwise Charleston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Charleston, South Carolina - Folding pocket size travel map (Map) I couldn't disagree with Mr. Hughes' review more. My family does a lot of traveling, especially to cities with historic value. We thought the map was great and loved the historic insert and points of interest. My middle school children had no problem using it either. I am thrilled with all the Streetwise products, they are also easy to store and last forever! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 17, 2009

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  Map review

  This is must-have for visitors! This is the one item that I carried everywhere. It was small enough to carry, yet detailed enough to get you where you wanted to go. There were at least 6 different maps on this one item. I loved that points-of-interest items were printed on the map so you didn't have to keep referencing back to a book for an address. 5/5 mjr - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Streetwise Charleston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Charleston, South Carolina - Folding pocket size travel map (Map) This is must-have for visitors! This is the one item that I carried everywhere. It was small enough to carry, yet detailed enough to get you where you wanted to go. There were at least 6 different maps on this one item. I loved that points-of-interest items were printed on the map so you didn't have to keep referencing back to a book for an address. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 10, 2011

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  charleston city map

  Get one for the price. You can't beat having a glossy map to carry around the city. 5/5 AK "AK" (Cbus, OH) - See all my reviews This review is from: Streetwise Charleston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Charleston, South Carolina - Folding pocket size travel map (Map) Get one for the price. You can't beat having a glossy map to carry around the city. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 9, 2009

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  List Price: $5.95
  

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  Charleston

  Digital Music Track (The Gift of Music)
  

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