The Salt House: A Summer on the Dunes of Cape Cod

Book Description

The Salt House is a beautifully observed and written memoir of a long summer's stay on the back shore of Cape Cod. Each chapter is like a prose poem, shedding increasing light on the challenge of finding "home" without the illusion of permanence, a quest based not on ownership but on affinity and familiarity with an area and its people. Cynthia Huntington expands her theme through images of the landscape, the shack, the new marriage.

The shack, named "Euphoria," is built as a house set on stilts above the sand, to take the wind under it. Only a partial shelter, it is inhabited for only one season a year, yet it endures. The outer cape has the feel of a place for migrants and drifters -- for birds and other wildlife, and for people such as artists, fishermen, and coast guardsmen. A place where "year-round" often means several addresses. Similarly, her narrative describes improvised, fragile beginnings: a new marriage, learning to be at home in the world, becoming intimate with the natural world, without the necessity of settling down. The Salt House shares a world that is less natural history or memoir than it is neighborhood exploration -- the process of learning a place and becoming native to it.

Customer Reviews:

Tangy and Alive.......2005-09-19

After meeting Cynthia at a writers' program, and finding her to be a lovely person, I decided to read her account of a summer on Cape Cod. I've always longed for such an escapade myself, so this was a vicarious experience of sorts.

"The Sand House" is a joyous and often times humorous telling of the author's days in a small cottage near the Atlantic shoreline. The book focuses on the beauty of her surroundings--the plants, the wildlife, the birds--and on the realities of life in a constricted space with a loved one. The book's title is evocative, tangy and alive, romantic yet earthy. It suits Cynthia's writing perfectly. She is a poet of prose. Her words linger and dance, like cool breezes over the surf. She conjures wonderful images and ideas. She is abstract in her thinking, yet she grabs intangible concepts and wraps them in the sweaty language which humans understand.

If you're looking for quick reading and plot-driven stories, look elsewhere. If, however, you long for tales of lazy summer days told in lyrical language, "The Salt House" is not to be missed.

This is a classic........2002-09-13

This book is destined to become a classic not only in the rich field of Cape Cod writing but in nature and memoir in general. Huntington's prose is simple and pure, evoking not only the outer landscape, but the inner landscape of a woman's mind. What a pleasure it is to be in a mind so generous, open, and curious about the world! This is a book I will read over and over.

Too perfumy........2001-12-01

You can tell that the author is also a poet because this book is very, very perfumy. Very, very detailed. A whole chapter almost on the trails that a sea gull makes. Beautifully written but very little context. Should have instead been made into a 5 page short story. Would love to meet this person and be friends with her though. She would make a great next door neighbor it seems! :) If you like Barbara Kingsolver style writing you will probably love this book but if you prefer the Memoir style writing of Joan Anderson of A Year by the Sea (also taking place on Cape Cod) this isn't the book for you.

I was inspired!.......2001-02-25

This is one of the best books I have read in a while. I have been on a nonfiction kick for a few months. As a college student I don't often have much time to devote to "reading for pleasure" but since I'm on vacation I've had a little time. Reading this book in February brought me right back to June and July. It's descriptions were wonderful and reminded me why I love the beach. The author's reflections on her relationships seem to echo my own feelings that I can't express. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the beach and enjoys being there by themself or with a loved one!

Breathtaking. Profound........2001-02-18

I cannot believe how wonderful this book is. I've read it twice, and it's even more amazing the second time around. This is one of those books you'll want to revisit again and again. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Huntington's work.

THE SALT HOUSE: A SUMMER ON THE DUNES OF CAPE COD

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THE SALT HOUSE: A SUMMER ON THE DUNES OF CAPE COD

Manufacturer: University Press of New England Hanover, NH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IA6NIK

Book Description

Somatic embryogenesis, the initiation of embryos from previously differentiated somatic cells, is a unique process in plants. This volume expands our view of a subject that is important for plant biotechnology, genetics, cell biology, development, and agricultural applications. All chapters present the latest research progress, including functional genomic, genetic, and proteomic approaches. A special focus is placed on the effects of stress, environment, and plant growth regulators on embryogenesis. The role of genes such as Leafy Cotyledons and Baby Boom in defining and maintaining cell competence is discussed.

Protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants (Forestry Sciences)

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Protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants (Forestry Sciences)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402029845

Book Description

Earlier, we edited a well received series on "Somatic embryogenesis in woody trees", volumes 1 to 6. These volumes provided readers detailed extensive reviews on somatic embryogenesis of important angiosperm and gymnosperm tree species; an excellent source of information for newcomers or those already engaged in research. However, these book volumes did not cover stepwise "detailed protocols" for inducing somatic embryogenesis. This book contains 46 chapters, divided into 4 sections : A) 12 chapters on conifers, B) 14 chapters on fruits, C) 14 chapters on angiosperms, and D) 6 chapters on histology, bioencapsulation, protoplasts, cryopreservation, double staining and thin cell layer sectioning. The book provides stepwise protocols for somatic embryogenesis of a range of selected woody plants in order to assist researchers to initiate somatic embryogenic cultures without too much alteration in protocols. Each chapter provides information on initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures; somatic embryo development, maturation, and germination; acclimatization and field transfer of somatic seedlings. Some chapters include applications of somatic embryogenic cultures, e.g. protoplasts, encapsulation, cryopreservation, genetic transformation, genetic fidelity with molecular markers, and bioreactor.

Somatic Embryogenesis and Synthetic Seed (Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry , No 2)

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Somatic Embryogenesis and Synthetic Seed (Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry , No 2)

Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This book covers various basic and applied aspects of somatic embryogenesis and the technology of synthetic seed. It contains thirty-one chapters and is divided into the following three sections: I: Cell's Commitment to Embryogenesis; Early Events and Anatomy; Molecular Basis and Gene Expression; Role of Polyamines; Machine Vision Analysis of Somatic Embryos. II: Applications of Somatic Embryos; Synthetic Seed; Fluid Drilling; Micropropagation; Genetic Transformation Through Somatic Embryos; Cryopreservation. III: Somatic Embryogenesis in Tree Species of Aesculus, Betula, Carica, Citrus, Cocos, Corylus, Elaeis, Hevea, Juglans, Larix, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Olea, Picea, Populus, and Theobroma.

Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants (Forestry Sciences)

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Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants (Forestry Sciences)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

These books provide an update to progress on somatic embryogenesis in woody plants including both angiosperm and gymnosperm trees. In the past, most of the information on this subject was scattered in proceedings volumes, journals, biotechnology books, etc. It has been difficult for the researchers and students to obtain comprehensive information on this rapidly growing subject from a single source. These books enable readers to get a clear view of this subject on historical, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects, and applications including protoplasts, cryopreservation, manufactured seed (artificial seed), genetic transformation, bioreactors, mutations, and future uses in forest plantations. Each selected woody plant mentioned in the book is briefly introduced first, covering botany and genetics, importance and geographical distribution, breeding problems, and in vitro propagation and problems of each selected woody plant and then is followed by the description on the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures, embryo development and germination, and field trials (if any) of these plants.
These books are meant for graduate students and researchers in forestry and horticulture as well as biotechnologists.

Primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis in leaf sections and cell suspensions of Coffea arabica cv. Catimor.(REPORTS): An article from: Interciencia

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Primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis in leaf sections and cell suspensions of Coffea arabica cv. Catimor.(REPORTS): An article from: Interciencia
Rafael Fernez-Da Silva , Luis Hermoso-Gallardo , and Menez-YuffAndrea
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000PLWJCQ
Release Date: 2007-04-19

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Interciencia, published by Thomson Gale on November 1, 2005. The length of the article is 4509 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: Primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis in leaf sections and cell suspensions of Coffea arabica cv. Catimor.(REPORTS)
Author: Rafael Fern

Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry 31: Somatic Embryogenesis and Synthetic Seed II

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Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry 31: Somatic Embryogenesis and Synthetic Seed II
Y. P. S. Bajaj
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUR8QC

Direct somatic embryogenesis on fregments [sic] of Arabusta coffee tree leaves =: Embryogenese somatique directe sur fragments de feuilles de cafeier arabusta

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Direct somatic embryogenesis on fregments [sic] of Arabusta coffee tree leaves =: Embryogenese somatique directe sur fragments de feuilles de cafeier arabusta
P Dublin
Manufacturer: Saad Publications, Translations Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007B7SYI

Production of Coffea canephora plantlets by somatic embryogenesis obtained by in vitro culture of ovules =: Production de plantules de C. Canephora par ... a partir de culture in vitro d'ovules

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Production of Coffea canephora plantlets by somatic embryogenesis obtained by in vitro culture of ovules =: Production de plantules de C. Canephora par ... a partir de culture in vitro d'ovules
C Lanaud
Manufacturer: Saad Publications, Translations Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007B7K3W

Protocol for somatic embryogenesis in woody plants

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Protocol for somatic embryogenesis in woody plants
S. Mohan Jain
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MHE8GI

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Protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants
S. Mohan (EDT)/ Gupta, Pramod K. (EDT) Jain
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6EY1C

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Laser micro-spectrochemical analysis
Horst Moenke
Manufacturer: Crane, Russak
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0844800600

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Laser Micro-Spectrochemical Analysis.

Manufacturer: 0
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IBI8MS

Book Description

This handbook provides a detailed, down-to-earth introduction to regression diagnostic analysis, a technique of growing importance for work in applied statistics. Heavily illustrated, with numerous examples to illuminate the discussion, this timely volume outlines methods for regression
models, stressing detection of outliers and inadequate models; describes the transformation of variables in an equation, particularly the response; and considers such advanced topics as generalized linear models. A useful guide that combines lucid explanations with up-to-date research
findings.

Book Description

Enormously powerful, intensely ambitious, the very personifications of their respective regions--Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun represented the foremost statemen of their age. In the decades preceding the Civil War, they dominated American congressional politics as no other figures have. Now Merrill D. Peterson, one of our most gifted historians, brilliantly re-creates the lives and times of these great men in this monumental collective biography. Arriving on the national scene at the onset of the War of 1812 and departing political life during the ordeal of the Union in 1850-52, Webster, Clay, and Calhoun opened--and closed--a new era in American politics. In outlook and style, they represented startling contrasts: Webster, the Federalist and staunch New England defender of the Union; Clay, the "war hawk" and National Rebublican leader from the West; Calhoun, the youthful nationalist who became the foremost spokesman of the South and slavery. They came together in the Senate for the first time in 1832, united in their opposition of Andrew Jackson, and thus gave birth to the idea of the "Great Triumvirate." Entering the history books, this idea survived the test of time because these men divided so much of American politics between them for so long. Peterson brings to life the great events in which the Triumvirate figured so prominently, including the debates on Clay's American System, the Missouri Compromise, the Webster-Hayne debate, the Bank War, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, the annexation of Texas, and the Compromise of 1850. At once a sweeping narrative and a penetrating study of non-presidential leadership, this book offers an indelible picture of this conservative era in which statesmen viewed the preservation of the legacy of free government inherited from the Founding Fathers as their principal mission. In fascinating detail, Peterson demonstrates how precisely Webster, Clay, and Calhoun exemplify three facets of this national mind.

Customer Reviews:

Calhoun, Clay and Webster: The Triumvirate Standing Athwart Jackson.......2007-08-21

~The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun~ is a powerful biography, of not one but three prominent U.S. Senators. Henry Clay (1777-1852) of Kentucky, John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) of South Carolina who was also the 7th Vice President, and Daniel Webster (1782-1852) of Massachusetts. As a result of their mutual antagonisms, they became known to historians as the Great Triumvirate. Clay, a consummate "warhawk," stood out for his achievements at spearheading legislation, assembling sponsors, and garnering compromises. Calhoun once a youthful nationalist, stood out for his steadfast stance in favor of states' rights and his acute logical sense. Webster was renowned as the vivacious orator who spoke stirring speeches of nationalist sentiment.

All of these men greatly influenced their era. The author Merill Peterson brings to life the great contests and debates of their time. The Triumvirate figured prominently in those debates whether it was the feud over the American system, the nature of the Union, or the Missouri Compromise dealing with slavery, their influence could be seen and heard. All of their tense contests in the U.S. Senate were in the backdrop of the Jacksonian era, which was a time of bombastic oratory in Congress and tense passion for democracy and the common man felt in the American heartland. All of these men in the Triumvirate fancied themselves as champions of the people no doubt.

The great controversies of the time were animated by the respective positions of Calhoun, Clay and Webster. Issues over internal improvements, tariffs, slavery, and the destiny of the burgeoning American empire figured prominently in the political discourse of the triumvirate. All of these men saw themselves as great statesmen and men of principle. Both Clay and Webster were in the hip-pocket of the Second Bank of the United States, which was sorely detested by Andrew Jackson who decried it as a "monster." Clay was once a Jeffersonian states' rights champion, but frequently oscillated back and forth as a National Republican in favor of federally-sponsored internal improvements. Webster's hypocrisy is manifest in his days before the Hartford Convention and his 1850 Capon Springs speech, where he essentially affirmed that the adherents of the compact view of the Union were right.

Jackson stampeded Clay's legislative agenda. Subsequently, Clay's feuding with Jackson compelled him to advocate abolition of the Presidential veto power. Calhoun's solicitude for the Constitution compelled him to defend the veto power all the same. Both Clay and Calhoun were detested by Jackson, and the mutual antagonisms seethed beneath the surface amidst the battles over tariff policy and nullification.

Calhoun was said by Randolph to speak in "axioms" when the logic of his thought was much admired and praised. Calhoun spent his twilight years in the wake of the nullification controversy writing what he hoped would be his most enduring contribution to American political science, the Disquisition and the Discourse, which was the definitive defense of the Jeffersonian states' rights interpretation of the Constitution.

All things considered, this is a masterful look at antebellum America during the height of the Jacksonian era. Merrill Peterson has put together a wonderful book. Another great author on the antebellum era is a scholar from the University of Virginia Michael Holt. The Jacksonian era was a time of great controversy in America, and marked the rise of the machine-ridden politics following Van Buren's ascendancy. It was arguably more democratic, but prone to more demagoguery, so there were certainly trade-offs. In the good old days, prominent U.S. Senators keyed more prominently in the history of the Republic than did some Presidents. Of the Great Triumvirate -- Calhoun, Clay and Webster -- their names were heard on the lips of school teachers by children throughout the land.

Great Scholarship and a wonderful story.......2007-06-04

The Great Triumvirate paints a rich picture of the political life in the early 1800's. The lives of Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster would shape the course of politics during the first half of the 1800's. These men would pick up where the founding fathers left off and define what it would mean to be American. They represented their sections of the countries but each would bow to the political realties of the time. In the end they were so good at representing their sections that their efforts to achieve the presidency would be met with failure. Henry Clay "the great compromiser" was a tyrant of the Senate and his political domination was impressive in preventing an outbreak of the civil war. While from the South Calhoun was an astute political observer who worked to preserve the institution of slavery. Daniel Webster as the fiery orator from the North was the consummate constitutionalist who the abolitionists hoped to have on their side. These three would "rule" the United States through their congressional domination like the triumvirates of Rome. The interaction between the three was not as great as I expected and more often than not they were working at cross purposes. The political pandering that grows out of this time period (especially with regard to Calhoun) sets the stage for the political discourse that we see emerging in the United States today. The election of 1848 painted here bears remarkable parallels to the 2008 presidential election that is shaping up. For those who want an understanding of our political history this is an essential book to read. These three men defined the next evolution in American government and this is the best book to show how they worked against and with each other to achieve the union.

Masterful history through the lives of 3 great men.......2005-04-18

Peterson tells the history of early American politics through the intertwined lives of Clay, Webster, and Calhoun. He highlights several major trends in the country, illustrated by these politicians--the increasing opportunity for non-elites to rise to prominence in national politics, the change of the burning issue of the day from the tariff to slavery, and the increasing discipline and organization of political parties.

The story is compelling as he tells the lives of these men and their continued interactions in crisp prose that is guaranteed to improve your vocabulary. His descriptions of the personalities, portraiture, and oratorical styles of the men are fascinating.

One question looms over the tale--if these were the three of the four most powerful politicians between Jefferson and Lincoln (Jackson would be the fourth), why did none of them get elected president? Peterson answers the question by referring to their individual characters and to their public perceptions. His last chapter and epilogue also contain an insightful discussion of the impact of each of the men on the looming Civil War and history's vindication or indictment of each for their roles (or lack thereof) in contributing to it.

This book is not an easy read, which is why I would have given this book a 4 1/2, if possible (yes, I'm stingy with 5's). Another possible drawback is the limited discussion of the formation of the Whig party, in which all three played at least something of a role.

The big three in antebellum America.......2004-09-29

In the first half of the 19th century, American politics was dominated by the Congress, with only one really strong president (Andrew Jackson) in the era between Jefferson and Lincoln. Perhaps the largest figures in this period were the so-called "Great Triumvirate" of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John Calhoun. Serving in both houses of Congress, various presidential cabinets and (in Calhoun's case), the Vice Presidency, these three were the architects of the era. Only the Presidency itself would elude their ambitions.

All three were born at roughly the same time, entered Congress around the same time and died within a couple years of each other. They represented the three regions of antebellum America: Webster was in the North, Clay the West and Calhoun the South. They were often at odds with each other, even when they were in agreement on a subject.

Webster was probably the least significant of the three. Known for his oratory and intellect, he led primarily by example. His constant financial problems put him in some ethically dubious situations. Calhoun was renowned for his integrity but - although he never lived to see it - provided a lot of the theoretical basis for the secession movement that eventually resulted in the Civil War. Clay was probably the most blatantly ambitious of the three, but also the best deal-maker. Among his many accomplishments (often shared with others) were the Treaty of Ghent, the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. Some of these may have be problematic to modern eyes, but these Compromises helped delay the Civil War. Although this may have not been Clay's design, the delay allowed the North to develop enough resources to win the war, which may have not been possible a decade earlier.

This book actually serves as three parallel biographies that occasionally intertwine. While generally interesting and informative, it is also a somewhat ponderous read. In addition, while the book does a good job at looking at the three as individuals, it is sometimes lacking in describing them as a trio. For better works about this era and its participants, I recommend Robert Remini, who has written biographies of Clay and Webster along with Andrew Jackson. Despite the flaws in this work, it is still at least a solid four stars for the information it does present, so you can't go too wrong reading it if the subject matter interests you.

Great is Great.......2004-03-29

Peterson has to be the top historian in Early American Republic history and this book proves it. You would not think that one book on these three giants could do them justice, but this one does it magnificently. Peterson incorporates the lives and careers of these three men to illustrate the plights and problems of Early America, issues that were facing the nation, the factionalism which shaped the way the issues were tackle, and the manner in which disputes in policy matters had to be resolved. During this time span in American history, you could read the biographies of four individuals and have a good understanding of what happened during that time span and these are three of them, with John Quincy Adams being the 4th.

Noah Webster's Value of the Bible and Excellence of the Christian Religion for the Use of Families and Schools

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Noah Webster's Value of the Bible and Excellence of the Christian Religion for the Use of Families and Schools

Manufacturer: Fdtn for American Christian Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

The Great Triumvirate - Webster, Clay, And Calhoun

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The Great Triumvirate - Webster, Clay, And Calhoun
Merrill D. Peterson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZY0VQ

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The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay and Calhoun
Merrill D. Peterson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKBGMW

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