Most certainly, one will want to read Paul Fregosi’s Jihad In The West ($29.95, Prometheus Books) in which this distinguished historian reviews the jihad or holy war that has been in effect against Christians and others for 1.300 years, dating back to bloody conquests in Europe to the modern era in which Israel, the West’s outpost in the Middle East, has been under constant attack since its inception in 1948. The book is an engrossing, factual account of the Islamic invasions of Europe that have been stifled by political and literary authorities who have feared reprisals from Moslems. It is a bloody legacy that lasted six times longer than the events of the Crusades. Highly readable, this book, published originally in 1998, should be considered "must" reading for anyone who wants to fully understand the events of September 11, 2001.

Published in 1996, God Has Ninety-Nine Names: Reporting from a Militant Middle East ($30, Simon and Schuster), Judith Miller, a journalist who had spent much of her life in the Middle East, reported on the events and trends in Middle Eastern nations that led to the attack on New York and Washington, DC. This book is one of the best for its thorough look at the various militant Islamic movements in ten Middle Eastern nations. Miller’s book combines history with close, personal observation of the personalities and nations involved in the first war of the 2lst century. It is, however, a war that began in the early 1980's and it can be argued that few Americans were paying attention. This book, too, qualifies for "must" reading.

The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama bin Laden and the Future of Terrorism by Steve Reeve (Northeastern University Press, Boston, MA) was published in 1999. If you want to understand and get into the mind of an Arab terrorist, this book is the key that unlocks the door. "Yousef did not start his bombing campaign becauise of simple Muslim zealotry," the author notes. He is a new, different kind of terrorist "with no clear or definable political goals." Instead this psychopath simply took up the mantle of religious and political goals as his motivation. He would have been happy to blow up anything for any reason.

The attack and destruction of the Twin Towers in New York and that rendered to the Pentagon has awakened a sleeping America to what many have known a long time. There has been and is an Islamic war—a jihad—being waged against America and its ally in the Middle East, Israel. It’s not like we have not had sufficient evidence or warnings. In the Shadow of the Ayatollah: A CIA Hostage in Iran by William J. Daugherty ($29.95, Naval Institute Press) has just been published this month. Dougherty survived 444 days as a hostage in 1979-80 when the Iranians, against all laws and codes of diplomacy, took our diplomats hostage. They were released the same day Ronald Reagan was first sworn into office as President. Drawing on recently declassified information this book provides a chilling look at the face of the enemy America faces for a long time to come. It also provides a wealth of information about America’s relationship with Iran over past decades.

Previously recommended in Bookviews.Com, there’s James Bamford’s remarkable history and report, Body of Secrets: Anatomy of the Ultra-Secret National Security Agency ($44.95, Doubleday). Many Americans want to know more about our nation’s intelligence gathering capabilities and this book provides as full a picture as one could want. Moreover, it is, like all books about spying, utterly fascinating. Only this is the real thing, not fiction.

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For all former and current US Marines, as well as those who love military history, there’s The US Marine Corps: An Illustrated History by Merrill L. Bartlett and Jack Sweetman ($45, Naval Institute Press, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402). "The proud and the few" come to life in the words and images of this new history of the Corps. Written by a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and a well-known scholar, both accomplished authors and former history professors at the US Naval Academy, this book is a tribute to the Corps, the men and the battles that have made it justly famed. What is there to like about this book? Everything!

I felt the same way about First World Flight: The Odyssey of Billy Mitchell by Spencer Lane ($27.90, U.S. Press, 1803 Lindbergh Lane, Daytona Beach, FL 32128) which is a fitting tribute to the man who saw the power of military aircraft before just about anyone else. To save the US Air Service from destruction by politicians in the 1920’s, he came up with the idea of a world flight which President Coolidge and the Secretary of War authorized because of public pressure. This was an era most nations didn’t even have airfields! Most felt that the crew led by Gen. Mitchell was doomed. Instead, he changed history and, for that, every American since owes him their deepest respect. Lane has written a first class piece of history and one that will be read with a mixture of retrospective astonishment and awe. This is also a cautionary story for those who today will not give full support to a strong military. For more information on this excellent book, click here.

I have long thought of politics as America’s favorite blood sport. That’s why, when you get a book that provides a lively and entertaining story of a successful political campaign, it is a special kind of pleasure. That’s how I felt about The Big Enchilada by Stuart Stevens ($25, The Free Press). The author, a top political media consultant was the only non-Texan recruited to join the team that got George W. Bush elected. As he tells it, "I found myself rediscovering the peculiar pleasure of working with people who not only respected and admired their candidate, but actually liked him. So did I." Stevens is a witty observer of those around him, so I guarantee you a delightful reading experience that will tell you just why Bush did, indeed, win the election fair and square.

By contrast, there’s Benjamin R. Barber’s The Truth of Power: Intellectual Affairs in the Clinton White House ($26.95, W.W. Norton) is a book in which the author unwittingly reveals himself as a pendant and pedagogue, "seduced" by Clinton. Though aware of his flawed character and failures, Barber is unable to persuade himself of anything other than the "tragedy" of Clinton’s wasted eight years as President. A Professor of Civil Society at the University of Maryland and author of books on political issues and trends, Barber is so in the thrall of the former President that merely having been in his presence still clouds his judgment. The pomposity of this political memoir is beyond description.

The former president finds yet another apologia for his eight years in office, in a book entitled The Joy of Sax: America During the Bill Clinton Era by Walt Brasch ($17.95, Lighthouse Press, Deerfield Beach, FL). This book will please those who think William Jefferson Clinton was responsible for the prosperity that occurred on his watch, that he did not sell out this nation’s top security secrets, that he should be forgiven for diddling around with a White House intern the same age as his daughter, and for trying to steal its furniture as he left. I personally found it nauseating. It is more than likely, when the facts are fully known, Americans will regard this former president with the same affection we hold for Herbert Hoover who did nothing to head off the Great Depression and Jimmy Carter who told us to wear sweaters during the OPEC oil embargo.

The art of Greg and Tim Hildebrant brought the classic, "Lord of the Rings" alive in their 1970’s calendars based on the book. Now Watson-Guptill has brought together those fabulous illustrations in Greg and Tim Hildebrant: The Tolkien Years ($24.95) with the full story of those 1976, 1977, and 1978 calendars, telling how these identical twins showed up unannounced at a New York publisher’s office. Their work enthralled Ian Summers, the art director, and their legend began. This book contains all the paintings, including original sketches, for the best-selling calendars of all time. Written through the memory of Greg’s son, it is a wonderful behind the scenes look at these two premier fantasy artists. As a special bonus, the book includes a pullout poster. This is an instant collector’s item and a feast for the eye.

You will find hours of great listening in Audio Editions Great Classical Composers: Appreciating Their Lives and Music ($34.95) offering six hours of fifty excerpts from Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Johann Strauss the Younger, and Tchaikovsky, all accompanied with spoken word essays that provide insights into their lives and times. This would be an ideal gift for some special person who loves classical music.

From Blackstone Audiobooks, the latest releases include the complete, unabridged texts of Double Victory: A Multicultural History of American in World War II that demonstrated how Americans of all backgrounds pulled together to defeat the Axis. There’s business advice in How to Grow a Backbone: 10 Strategies for Gaining Power and Influence at Work and Julia Barrett’s completion of Jane Austin’s last novel, Charlotte.

All the world’s great religions have texts that are central to their faith. For Hindus, it is The Bhagavad Gita ($22, Self-Realization Fellowship, 3880 San Rafael Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065-3298) so I am pleased to report that an excellent translation and commentary, God Talks with Arjuna: Royal Science of God Realization by Paramahansa Yognanda is now available, slipcased, in a two volumes. In accessible language, Yogananda explores the science of yoga meditation encrypted in the Gita. Large numbers of Americans currently practice yoga and the author reveals the spiritual and psychological truths of the Gita and how they relate to modern-day concerns such as friendship, success, and inner calmness. The author (1893-1952) is widely regarded as the first great yoga master to have lived and taught in the West.

From the delightful series, "Judaism in a Nutshell", there’s Shimon Apisdorf’s purposefully slim volume entitled God ($9.95, Leviathon Press, distributed by Judaica Press.) In clear language, the author explains the centrality of God to the Jewish faith. This series includes "The Bible for the Clueless" "Survival Kits" for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Purim and Chanukah "for people who are long on curiosity, but short on time." Not just fun to read, but informative. For Jews who have not fully explored their faith and heritage, this series is a good place to begin.

Bookviews does not normally receive highly technical books, but one arrived that was so good I cannot resist telling you about it. Natural Gas Industry Analysis: For Gas Year 2000-2001 edited by Robert E. Willett. ($139.95, Financial Communications Company, 7887 San Felipe, Suite 122. Houston, TX 77063) It is the first of an annual series that examines this essential element of the nation’s energy requirement discussing every aspect of it. From brownouts in California to rising prices for power nationwide, this is the kind of information needed to make the decision that will affect the future.

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It has been awhile since we looked at new cookbooks, so let’s do it now.

Pickled, Potted, and Canned: How the Art and Science of Food Preserving Changed the World ($26.00, Simon & Schuster) by Sue Shephard tells how food preserving changed the course of civilization and allowed people to travel, explore, and survive. Napoleon said an army travels on its stomach and this has been true for all armies throughout time, but Napoleon created a prize for the man who could best preserve food safely for his troops and, voila, canned meat and vegetables! Everyone told Clarence Birdseye he was a nut to think he could quick-freeze food and sell it to the mass public. There are dozens of stories drawn from history that make this a wonderfully readable and informative book.

I love maple syrup and who doesn’t? That’s why I was delighted to receive the Maple Syrup Cookbook $10.95, Storey Books) by Ken Haedrich. He has compiled more than a hundred recipes that involve using maple syrup in everything from sweet potato breakfast pancakes to chocolate chip cookies. As tasty as it is, maple syrup is rich in calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. Here you will find recipes for orange maple chicken, scones, maple pecan pie, cheesecake, and many other mouthwatering ways to enhance any dish. Vermont, of course, is famous as the source of maple syrup, but one restaurant has gained a reputation well beyond its borders. River Run Cookbook is subtitled "Southern Comfort from Vermont" ($35.00, Harper Collins) and it offers recipes from the restaurant of the same name located in Plainfield. Opened in 1991 by Maya and Jimmy Kennedy, it quickly gained the patronage of the many musicians, artists and farmers in the area. Specializing in breakfast dishes, this book is devoted to traditional southern recipes, good for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a bit of Dixie in Yankee country.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will want to add In the Sweet Kitchen: The Definitive Baker’s Companion to your library. Written by Regan Daley ($35.00, Artisan), this book won the IACP Cookbook of the Year Award when first published in Canada. This is a real A-to-Z cookbook with more than 150 recipes from cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, bars, custards, puddings, mousses, breads and much more in the way of tasty things to bake and eat. This book really lives up to its title as it provides all the information one needs in its 700-plus pages.

Giving this book some competition, though, is Fearless Baking by Elinor Klivans ($30.00, Simon & Schuster), a renowned pastry chef. She offers step-by-step instructions that will turn anyone in a terrific baker, including a glossary of baking terms and methods. Offering more than a hundred recipes, everyone will be gathered around the table to taste Toasted Hazelnut Peach Crisps, Strawberry Vanilla Cheesecake, and dozens more treats. Also from Simon & Schuster, there’s The Cheese Lover’s Cookbook & Guide ($35.00) that debuted late last year. Written by Paula Lambert, a famed American cheese maker, based in Dallas, she has poured her passion for cheese into a book with more than 150 recipes featuring the world’s great cheeses, compiling lots of interesting information on how to buy, store, cut and serve many different kinds.

Many restaurateurs are sharing their secrets these days. For five years running, the Union Square Café has been voted the most popular restaurant in the Zagat Survey of New York City and you will discover why when you purchase Second Helpings from Union Square Café by Danny Meyer and Michael Romano, the co-owners ($35.00, Harper Collins Publishers) that is just published this month. Between its covers there are more than 140 favorites from this acclaimed restaurant that has won twelve James Beard Awards, plus a three-star rating from The New York Times. It is filled with recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, and main courses of every description.

Another New York State restaurant that has gained renown can be enjoyed in The Café Pongo Cookbook by Valerie Nehez ($27.00, Simon & Schuster) featuring more than 230 recipes from the Hudson Valley. Back in the 1980’s the author passed through Tivoli, New York, and was so taken with the turn-of-the-century town she decided to open up a restaurant there. It became a success with local residents and word soon spread. This is her story plus some of the most mouth-watering recipes you have ever seen such as smoked salmon eggs benedict with garlic sautéed spinach and others that draw their inspiration from the Hudson Valley’s homegrown foods.

With a President who was the former Governor of Texas, we would be remiss if we didn’t take note and recommend The Texas Cookbook by Mary Faulk Koock ($19.95, University of North Texas Press, PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336). This is a terrific collection of recipes by a woman known as "the Grande Dame of Austin restaurants." From barbecue to banquets, this is entertaining the Texas way. Originally published in 1965, this is a journey through the Lone Star State that reflects the many influences that have made its cuisine distinctive and delicious.

I am not personally a fan of the vegetarian lifestyle, but Heaven’s Banquet by Miriam Kasin Hospodar ($18.00, Plume, a division of Penguin Putnam) is a fat softcover compendium of more than 700 international recipes that include just about every vegetable you ever heard of and some that may be new to you. Based on "Ayuveda", a 5,000-year-old Indian science of the mind, body and spirit, it is attracting a lot of people seeking a healthy way of life. This is an impressive collection of dishes from all over the world, useful to both the novice to the experienced cook. A master baker, the author offers egg-free recipes for breaks, cakes, custards and other dishes.

Thinking about opening your own restaurant? Then pick up a copy of The Complete Restaurateur by Elizabeth Lawrence ($14.00, Plume softcover) that is out in a newly revised and updated edition. This is an excellent introduction to everything you need to know to turn your restaurant into a winner. It is filled with checklists, shopping lists, guidelines and advice from successful restaurateurs to provide a real blueprint for success.

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There is literally a torrent of children’s books and books for younger readers hitting the bookstores this fall in anticipation of the Christmas season. So sit back, buckle up, and let’s take a look at some of them.

The highest award you can win for children’s and young adult literature is the Newbery and that honor already belongs to Paul Fleischman. Now, happily, he has returned with a novel, Seek ($16.95, Cricket Books), in which Rob, a high-school senior, assigned to write an autobiography as a term project. He has grown up with a single parent because his father, a radio DJ, abandoned him and his mother when he quite young. His only link to him is a single tape with his father’s voice hosting a call-in show and a sound-effects record. Rob’s quest to understand and maybe even reunite with this man has turned into an obsession with broadcasting and the book is a radio script with voices—no narrative—that takes the reader along on his effort to cope with the abandonment and his ultimate recovery. This is a wonderful new addition to young adult literature, filled with humor, mystery, and emotion that emerges through 52 distinct characters.

From Waldman House Press (525 N. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55401) comes new additions to their excellent backlist. Brave as a Bunny Can Be by Alison Julian ($15.95, ages 4-8) tells a story of how being brave is part of growing up with the lush illustrations that distinguish Waldman titles. Hooray for You! by Marianne Richmond ($15.95, 4-8) is about each person’s uniqueness and Peef and his Best Friend written by Tom Hegg and illustrated by Warren Hanson is the third in a series about a special teddy bear. Told in rhyme, it is about being true to oneself and one’s friends. Waldman sells a line of "Peef" plush bears that makes this reading experience come alive for youngsters. Their Christmas titles include A Cup of Christmas Tea and A Memory of Christmas Tea, both by Tom Hegg. Suffice it to say Waldman’s books are intended to be inspirational.

Talking about inspirational books, Amazing Graces: Prayers and Poems for Children, compiled by June Cotner and illustrated by Jan Palmer ($12.95, Harper Collins) comes with an endorsement by Leeza Gibbons, the television talk show host, who found it "a wonderful way to teach children that talking to God doesn’t have to be formal and fancy." This is a beautiful gift for any younger reader. Every Christmas, a certain ballet is a popular event and it is the subject of Rachel Nickerson Luna’s book, Darinka’s Nutcracker Ballet ($18.95, Emma Howard Books, PO Box 385 Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024-0385). It is the illustrated story of a young deer that decides to stage the ballet in the forest and fills the stage with different animals performing. If you have a little girl who wants to be a ballerina, this book will inspire and delight her.

From Mondo Publishing (980 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018) come three books that will delight children aged 3 to 8. Wake Up, Ginger by Ant Parker ($3) will please the 3 to 6 year old with its tale of a mouse who wants a family cat to chase him. The Monster Countdown by Pamela Jane ($14.95) turns "monsters" into companions for tiny people aged 3 to 7. Lastly, there’s You Don’t Look Like Your Mother by Aileen Fisher and illustrated by Lilith Jones ($15.95, ages 4 to 8) uses a robin to explore a theme of other animals that, newly born, have a distinctive look from adults. All of the Mondo titles are distinctive for their artwork.

Moon Mountain Publishing has a distinguished line of children’s books that seems to get better with every passing year. Among their new books for the fall are Louie Larkey and the Bad Dream Patrol by Linda Kay Weber and illustrated by Nora Hilb ($15.95, ages 2 to 6) that addresses the common children’s problem of being afraid of bedtime and the dreams that come. I recommend a visit to their Internet site to learn about Moon Mountain’s other excellent books including Stardusters by Ann Garrett and Gene-Michael Higney, illustrated by Pattima Singhalaka, ($15.95, ages 4 to 8) about two mischievous angels who manage to spill a lot of stardust and create a lot of fun for young readers in the process. Carrot in My Pocket by Kitson Flynn and illustrated by Denise Ortakales ($15.95, ages 2 to 5) tales the reader on a day filled with chores as a dozen animals are tempted to eat that carrot.

Another publisher, Peel Productions (PO Box 546, Columbus, NC 28722) has some interesting books for younger readers. I was particularly impressed by ABC Science Riddles ($13.95, ages 6 to 8) by Barbara Saffer, illustrated by Jennifer Johnson Haywood. It is filled with clever rhymes for each letter of the alphabet. The illustrations provide clues to the riddle’s answer. Any beginning reader will benefit from this combination of alphabet and science education. To help the child who is afraid of going to bed for fear of dreams, there’s Dare to Dream Ambrosia written and illustrated by Ingrid M.E. Hicks ($12.95, NuVisions & Associates, 4540 Virginia Ave., Oakland, CA 94619). It is a delightful bedtime story that will help both parent and child. If you want to teach your child the elements of Christian meditation, there’s My Happy Heart by Gregory Ryan ($12.95, Medio Media, 15930 N. Oracle Road, Suite 196, Catalina, AZ 85736). Designed for the very young child, ages 4-8, it tells how to find a quiet place and repeat a single prayer to gain spiritual peace. Need it be said this technique works for any religion?

Science is well served by books from Kingfisher (80 Maiden lane, #904, New York, NY 10038), among which is the handsomely illustrated book, The Complete Book of the Night ($18.95, ages 11 to 13) by Sally Tagholm. It explores many things that occur at night in nature, the workplace, and even in outer space. Filled with lots of fascinating information, it will, pardon the pun, awaken younger readers to what goes on while they’re asleep. Two other titles, The Kingfisher Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia ($24.95) is very impressive for the information it contains and its excellent illustrations. The Kingfisher Children’s Bible ($24.95) offers a Christian interpretation with excerpts from the Old and New Testaments. Kingfisher has many excellent books that include concise encyclopedias, a "Question Time" series that includes books about space, weather, and other topics. Its classics include "Black Beauty" and "Treasure Island." Kingfisher titles are all produced with great attention to their physical beauty as well as their excellent content. A visit to this publisher’s Internet site will reveal an extraordinary array of books for young readers of all ages.

A feast for the eye can be had in Antelope, Bison, Cougar: A National Park Wildlife Alphabet Book by Steven P. Medley, illustrated by Daniel San Souci ($14.95, Yosemite Association, PO Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318, ages 3 to 10) which, to my mind, would be a wonderful way for any child to learn their ABC’s. Featuring wonderful watercolor paintings and pencil drawings of various animals and parks, this book is quite extraordinary. In addition, there is extensive information about each national park and resources for learning more about wildlife and parks. Its beauty is mesmerizing.

A powerhouse of publishing for young readers is the Pleasant Company, best known for its American Girl® imprint that includes historical fiction, activity books, Angelina Ballerina picture books, Amelia’s notebooks, History Mysteries™ Wild at Heart™, and AG Fiction™ novels. More than 74 million American Girl books have been sold since 1986. Among its new titles for the youngest readers is Guido Van Genechten’s Ha Ha! This book is for pre-schoolers and filled with fanciful pictures of animals. For those who have begun to read, there’s Angelina’s Ballet Class that will encourage some exercising. Among the American Girl Library titles are A Smart Girl’s Guide to Boys that addresses issues like surviving crushes, staying true to oneself, et cetera. There’s also Salt Dough, an activity book that demonstrates how to make just about anything with salt dough, molding it into any shape and then coloring it. Oh Boy, Amelia! In this book a ten-year-old Amelia watches her older sister change when she gets her first boyfriend and when Amelia take a class in "life skills" and tries to make up her mind between shop class and home economics. There’s a series of books set in the 1930’s that includes Kit Saves The Day and Happy Birthday, Kit! Created by Valerie Tripp, Kit is a clever, resourceful nine-year-old girl growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the new stories her family must cope with the Great Depression and sees a birth of new hope when Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected. History is well served, too, in Enemy In the Fort by Sarah Masters Buckey, set in New Hampshire in 1754.

For the pre-teen and teenaged reader, there are a number of interesting books. Emma and the Civil Warrior by Candy Dahl ($6.96, Carolina Moon Publishing Company, PO Box 99622, Raleigh, NC 27624) is about a 12-year-old living in Raleigh, North Carolina, a Confederate State toward the end of the Civil War, knowing that the North’s General Sherman is coming. Emma Graham has to make her own peace when the city is occupied and is helped toward reconciliation by a young, Union lieutenant. This is history with a Southern perspective that lends balance to that great conflict. There’s adventure, too, in White Water, book three of the Wakara of Eagle Lodge series by Linda Shands ($$5.99, Revell division of Baker Book House). It’s a story of self-discovery linked to the past.

on the Internet! Lunchbox also publishes "Completely Clueless", a series filled with tips for those not quite teens, but not children anymore, on topics with an emphasis on self-esteem, body image, and healthy relationships.

Moving into the season of religious holidays, McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing has a number of books to answer young people’s curiosity and questions about different faiths. Its World of Beliefs Series has books about Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, ($16.95) each written by an expert and lavishly illustrated with both color photos and illustrations. Each book is devoted to the origins, founding ideas, and followers of the different faiths, as well as discussing the state of the religion today. This publisher has tons of other books for young readers, all distinguished by their scholarship, craftsmanship, and fun!

That’s it for October!