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The Original Green Machines: Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County

by Debbie G.

In the 1890s, electric mass transportation flourished in Washtenaw County, yet suddenly became extinct after only a few decades. What made this mode of transportation so popular and why did it die so quickly? Find out when authors H. Mark Hildebrandt and Martha Churchill join us to discuss their new book, 'Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County' on Wed. Dec. 2nd, 7 p.m., at the Downtown Library. This event will include a book signing and books will be on sale courtesy of Nicola's Books.

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The Rape of Europa

by celesteh

Amidst the destruction of World War II was the further devastating loss of much of Europe’s great art and architecture. The fascinating 2007 film, The Rape of Europa, tells this story based on the book of the same title by author Lynn Nicholas. Nicholas spent ten years in Belgium researching what would become a best-selling book in 1994, and the film examines the newest issues and later research since its publication.

The German Nazi party is now believed to have stolen one-fifth of Europe’s treasures during WWII. Although much was recovered by the Allies, a large amount remains missing, damaged beyond repair, or in need of restoration work that is still continuing today. Pillage and looting during war was certainly not something new before WWII, but it seems to be the systematic methods involved during WWII that made the crimes so horrific. It was a highly organized operation that not only allowed Hitler's Germany to amass a wealth of art by theft, but also involved the complete destruction of historic landmarks - such as the Royal Castle of Warsaw - to further dehumanize other cultures. The Rape of Europa is a worthwhile documentary about a subject I knew little of beforehand and was glad I took the time to watch. I highly recommend.

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The Red Book of Carl Gustav Jung

by ballybeg

One literary masterpiece which is presently creating a stir is known simply as the Red Book. Unveiled recently, after being hidden in a bank vault in Switzerland for 25 years, it is the very revealing and brave self-analysis of Carl Jung, containing the exploration of his own psyche, his visions and dreams, in both narrative text and glowing art work. Read this article to learn the history of the red leather diary, which was carefully guarded, until now, by Jung’s heirs for fear that their venerable grandfather would be considered, well...crazy.

Currently on display at the Rubin Museum in New York City, a page is turned every day and shown online at this website. Resembling an illuminated manuscript, with carefully hand-lettered text and finely detailed, pulsating color paintings of mandalas, winged serpents and mythic characters, it reveals the inner life of one of the world’s experts on inner life. It will soon be published and, though fascinating, it might not be recommended for bedtime reading!

In our collection, there is a wealth of information about Carl Jung, including his classic autobiography Memories, Dreams, Reflections, the popular The Tao of Jung and the DVD The World Within.

"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being". Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, 1962

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Hidden Gems: Books Unjustly Dusty #6

by cecile

Christina Dodwell is a remarkable adventurer/traveler who also happens to be a very good writer. Her adventurous lifestyle began by chance in 1975 when she and a friend on holiday in North Africa were left abandoned and on foot by their fellow travelers. Instead of making it to the nearest airport they went on a voyage of 1,000 miles on rivers in equatorial Africa in a dugout canoe.

After her African adventure, Dodwell decided to go solo through the highlands, jungles and along the Sepik River of Papua New Guinea. Part of her journey (only 1,000 miles or so!) was on horseback where she encountered Stone-Age tribes, crocodile hunters, tribal wars and swamp-forests. In Papua New Guinea is her book about this incredible trek.

Her next adventure, detailed in A Traveller in China, began in Kashgar, an ancient hub on the Silk Road in northwestern China. She canoed in Lake Karakol, followed Marco Polo’s route to Beijing, canoed the Yellow River and was one of the first westerners to witness the Dragon Boat Race on Lake Erhai.

If that hasn’t whet your appetite for armchair adventure, check your pulse and two other books authored by Dodwell: A Traveller on Horseback and Travels with Pegasus: a Microlight Journey across West Africa

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Pioneer Theater Guild stages classic musical Oklahoma!

by annevm

Pioneer High Theater Guild is busy rehearsing Oklahoma! for performances Nov. 7-15. I see on their blog that last month historian Nancy Bryk gave the cast some historical perspective. Ticket info for this fabulous sounding musical is here. All together now: "O-o-o-o-k-lahoma where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain . . ."

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Off with her head!

by Maxine

On October 16, 1793, Marie Antoinette, Queen of France under Louis XIV, was beheaded by the French citizenry who were angered by her extravagance. The statement: "Let them eat cake" was credited to her. As the French Revolution raged, she was taken to prison where after several failed escape attempts, was led to the guillotine.

The novel, Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund describes her rise and fall in rich, evocative language. "The French Revolution Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, A New Republic Is Born is an excellent film that includes quite a bit on the tragic queen.

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Hidden Gems: Books Unjustly Dusty #5

by cecile

Readers of mysteries know that a good mystery writer is a rare find. Even though we’ll put up with mid-grade “who done its” to find out what happened in the end; the feeling left is similar to drinking flat ginger ale.

Philip Kerr a well known author of chidren’s books has also written a series of novels based in Berlin during the 1920's and 30's with a character named Bernard Gunther. Bernie is a former homicide inspector turned private detective trying to survive while the Nazis are taking over. Kerr is a master at intertwining a good story it into this fascinating, grim period. Try solving a crime when the biggest crime in world history is happening all around you.

The library has the Berlin Noir Trilogy: the first of which, March Violets published in 1989, won the Prix du Roman d'Aventures, The Pale Criminal published in 1990 and A German Requiem published in 1993.

Philip Kerr returned to writing more Bernie Gunther mysteries in the past few years but they are not Unjustly Dusty so you have to find out about them on your own!

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The World in Ancient Times

by ErinDurrett

Recently, the library has acquired a collection of youth non-fiction books entitled "The World in Ancient Times," which delves into the history of past cultures using archaeology: material culture, skeletal remains, as well as ancient legends and myth, and archaic texts. We have books on ancient Egyptian, South Asian, African and Middle Eastern, American, and even more cultures. These books are filled with vivid pictures and maps of past civilizations and contain some great information for homework/papers or just for fun!

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Books and Libraries in Antiquity

by MariaK

What did the ancient books of the Greeks and Romans look like? What were the bestsellers of the ancient world, and who read them?

These questions, and more, will be answered on Wednesday, September 30, when UM Associate Professor Arthur Verhoogt will discuss Books And Libraries In Antiquity, a fascinating presentation which introduces the books of the Greeks and Romans .

The presentation -- which will take place from 7-8:30 in the multi-purpose room of the downtown library -- will also provide information on the book trade, book collectors, exciting new book discoveries, and some famous libraries from antiquity.

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At Home With the British Royal Family

by ballybeg

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world - its footprint takes up 13 acres and the floor space equals 484,000 square feet. But it is kept immaculate for the Britsh Royal Family, who reside there for most of the year, and an adoring British public, who flock to the castle in droves to enjoy its beauty and history and the many events which mark the turn of the royal year. The castle is almost a thousand years old, steeped in tradition and ritual, and houses art treasures and memorabilia from the reigns of 40 British monarchs. Adjoining the castle is the Home Park - a 655 acre tract of forests, waterways, two working farms, the stables for the royal horses (known as the Windsor Greys), the Ascot racetrack, polo fields, a sanctuary of red deer, a local farmer’s and artisan’s market, and assorted estates and cottages for castle employees.

How in the world does one keep up appearances on a property that large and important? With a devoted staff of over 300 people, which includes chamber maids, liveried footmen, flagmen, fendersmiths, stablemen, chefs and cooks, librarians (!), furniture craftsmen, clocksmiths, rangers, farmers, art restorers and event-planners, who keep the castle ticking away in perfect order and precision. In 2005, a film crew was allowed special permission to record the happenings at the castle for an entire year, following the Queen and her family as they preside over state dinners, horse races and processions, and the castle staff on the rounds of maintaining and showing off the castle through every season. The result is this most engaging dvd Windsor Castle: A Royal Year.