I was taught by professors who had done their schooling in the 1930s. Most of them were scornful of, even hated, big business.

My first book was the book that changed my life.

To have some parts flowing free again . . . with deer grazing on its banks . . . ducks and geese raising their young in the backwaters . . . eddies and twists and turns for canoeists . . . and fishing opportunities such as Lewis and Clark enjoyed . . . would be the finest possible tribute to the men of the Expedition, and a priceless gift for our children.

The great wars of the 20th Century made it into the worst Century ever.

In one of his last newsletters, Mike Ranney wrote: "In thinking back on the days of Easy Company, I'm treasuring my remark to a grandson who asked, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' No,'" I answered, 'but I served in a company of heroes.

Jefferson owned slaves. He did not believe that all were created equal. He was a racist.

There are many more want-to-be writers out there than good editors.