Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 24th 2007, 11:46am By queenseyes

When I operated Thunder Bay on Elmwood Avenue I sold a lot of Buffalo related gifts. Many of those gifts were books, and if you've visited more dedicated shops like the one within the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, then you know just how many selections are out there. We've covered a bunch of those books here on BRO, but we still have not even touched on the diversity of subjects that the books cover. Unfortunately, some of the titles, such as Steve Powell's Rushing the Growler, are not currently available, but as the interest continues to grow regarding our region we will hopefully see select books come out of retirement.

Then there are books like Bodyslams in Buffalo, Buffalo Bicycles, Church Tales, Crystal Beach, Don't Bother Knockin'... This Town's A Rockin', A Ghosthunter's Journal, John D. Larkin: A Business Pioneer, Snow Trails, Through The Mayors' Eyes, and Uncrowned Queens... books that may be a bit more obscure than Classic Buffalo, but make a huge impact when relaying historical instances and memories pertaining to respective subject matter. There are books for climbers, skiers, gardeners, historians... and they are all available from a company called Buffalo Books (Western New York Wares). I have listed most of the books below, with short descriptions, but in order to see full descriptions and photos, along with order forms, just click on this link.

The A-to-Z Bus Tour of Buffalo (and Beyond) Christin Ratzel was only seven years old when she co-authored this first-of-a-kind coloring book which showcases the Niagara Frontier. Working with co-author Brian Meyer and artist Anna Finkel, Christin has fashioned a 36-page coloring book that takes youngsters through their ABC's. $3.50

Around Chautauqua Lake In the 50 years from 1875 to 1925, Chautauqua Lake had grown from an isolated wilderness to a fashionable resort, and playground for the rich and pampered. Paul Leone and Mary Poshka with assistance from Victor Norton Jr. have assembled evocative photographs from that era, and provided the historical detail to bring this glorious era to life. $17.95

Beautiful Buffalo Buffalo, New York has been called one of the most beautifully-planned cities in the nation, with works by some of America's greatest architects, including Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Stanford White, with a park-and-parkway system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The late Linda Levine, in collaboration with Maria Scrivani, explores the preservation movement in the city. Features archival and contemporary photographs. $19.95

Big Hands, Big Heart ... Ilio DiPaolo Western New York's gentle giant came to America from Italy with little more than his dedication to physical fitness and humble determination to succeed. This retrospective on the rich, full life of Ilio DiPaolo tells the story of the polio-stricken boy who grew to be a physically-imposing man, an immigrant laborer who became a beloved pro wrestling champion, and a gregarious fun-loving man who combined his love of food and family into a hugely successful Italian restaurant. $12.99

Birding in Central and Western New York Where, when and how to find birds in the region. Complete with 32 maps, and tips on photography, audio and video recording. $16.95

Bodyslams in Buffalo Dan Murphy has written the comprehensive history of Western New York's pro wrestling legacy. From Msgr. Kelliher's exploits as the Masked Marvel in 1928 to Ilio DiPaolo's stunning victory over Gorgeous George in the Aud; from the Honky Tonk Man's incredible upset of Ricky Steamboat to Rob Van Dam's ECW TV title victory over Bam Bam Bigelow, Bodyslams in Buffalo tells the complete history of Buffalo's wrestling tradition. $9.95

Bruce Trail A unique adventure along the Niagara Escarpment. Follow the ups and downs of a five-week, 465-mile hike from Niagara Falls up to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula on Georgian Bay. $16.95

Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture A riveting narrative, vintage photographs and period maps showcase Buffalo's proud history and architectural heritage. Author Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus takes readers on an enlightening journey that begins when the area was home to Native American tribes, and ends with recent efforts to revitalize Buffalo's economy. Part of Arcadia's The Making of America series. $24.99

Buffalo Chips: The Book The late Tom Stratton penned more than 100 rib-tickling cartoons. But that's not all. The 144-page book also includes humorous essays which showcase Stratton's unique brand of humor. $4.95

Buffalo Memories The collected newspaper columns of George Kunz, spun from his detailed remembrance of life in Western New York over the 20th Century. His vivid stories recall the days when ice came in blocks, milk came in bottles, and everyone looked forward to visiting 998 Broadway and the ice cream parlor. $15.00

Buffalo Niagara's Best Restaurants Produced by the Buffalo News, this guide offers profiles of the region's top restaurants, complete with recommended highlights from the menu. $6.95

Buffalo Soul Lifters This book by Frank Thomas Croisdale showcases people in our community who have achieved stunning accomplishments by believing in themselves and in others. Some tales might be classified as miracles, while others may be viewed merely as good deeds. But all will touch your heart and raise your spirits. From Hunter Kelly and Father Baker, to the young boy who survived a plunge over Niagara Falls, and the Amherst plastic surgeon who treks to impoverished countries to help disfigured kids, all the folks in this book all here to remind us that hope is our lifeblood. $12.95

Buffalo Treasures Planning to spend an afternoon in The City of Good Neighbors? This informative book guides you on a walking tour of 25 major Buffalo buildings, plus a new driving tour of Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Authored and photographed by historian Jan Sheridan, Buffalo Treasures is your guide to landmark buildings and details about their history and architecture. $6.95

Buffalo's Bicycles In the formative years of the bicycle, Western New York was a hotbed of not just enthusiasts, but bicycle manufacturing and racing. Author Carl F. Burgwardt, who created the Pedaling History Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park, has distilled the highlights into this colorful and extensively researched book. $29.95 (hardcover) / $17.95 (softcover)

Buffalo's Brush With the Arts: from Huck Finn to Murphy Brown Joe Marren takes readers on a riveting armchair tour behind the manuscripts and million dollar book deals, highlighting Buffalo's connection to creative stars, including famous novelists, songwriters, playwrights and Hollywood producers. $7.95

Buffalo's Waterfront: A Guidebook For a century and a half, Buffalo's waterfront has been a magnet for adventurers and tourists, and now, here's your passport to the most intriguing neighborhood on the Niagara Frontier. Edited by Tim Tielman, this 71-page guide is chock full of illustrations, maps, and self-guided tours. Published by the Preservation Coalition of Erie County. $5.95

Buffalo's Waterfront: Scenes of America The images depict the period of this city's major economic strength from the immediate post-Civil War period through the 1950s. Thomas E. Leary and Elizabeth C. Sholes have created a nostalgic journey into Buffalo's days of yesteryear that will delight residents and visitors alike. $9.99

Church Tales of the Niagara Frontier: Legends, History & Architecture Architectural historian Austin Fox has compiled memorable stories of more than 60 sacred sites across Western New York and Southern Ontario, from magnificent urban cathedrals to quaint village churches. Church Tales includes 125 vivid photographs and renderings. The detailed pen-and-ink drawings were created by respected Buffalo artist Lawrence McIntyre. $14.95

Chautauqua Cooks Your mouth will be watering after paging through this 314-page collection of delectable recipes. The culinary creations are organized in about a dozen user-friendly sections that include appetizers, breads, soups, entrees and desserts. A comprehensive alphabetical index of all 400 easy-to-follow recipes make this book an invaluable addition to any kitchen. $17.95

Chautauqua Ghosts The effects of passion remain after the passion is gone. The forests, hills, Victorian villages and isolated farms of Chautauqua County are convincing backdrops for the ghosts that return to keep the memory of that passion alive. Paul Leone's eight riveting stories draw heavily on local history, a history that is as compelling as the dramatic settings and righteous folk who remain long after the passion has played out. $8.95

Chautauqua Institution: 1874-1974 Founded in 1874 as a summer camp for Methodist Sunday school teachers, the Chautauqua Institution is synonymous with the ideas of spiritual growth, educational study and intellectual stimulation. About 200 nostalgic photographs, postcards and maps create an insightful guide for armchair travelers and seasoned Chautauquans alike. $18.99

Chicken Wing Wisdom Western New York Stories of Family, Life and Food Shared Around the Table. Author Christina M. Abt has penned a collection of stories about 14 Western New York women and their wisdom as it relates to food and nourishment. Learn life and kitchen secrets from 14 amazing women, including the creator of Buffalo's Original Chicken Wings, the originator of the Subway low-fat brownie, the Broadway Market's Butter Lamb Lady, a food research and development scientist and a certified nutritional counselor. $12.95

Classic Buffalo Striking full-color images of Buffalo's rich architectural history, as told through the text of Robert O. Reisem and the photography of Andy Olenick. America's greatest architects plied their trade in the boom town years of Buffalo, and there are still structures that bear the stamp of Henry Hobson Richardson, Louis Sullivan, Richard Upjohn, Stanford White, and Frank Lloyd Wright. $39.95

Cobblestone Quest Learn why, during a mere 35-year span in the middle of the 19th century, approximately 700 cobblestone structures were erected within a 65-mile radius of Rochester, New York, and no where else. Rich & Sue Freeman have organized the book into 17 self-guided tours of these beautiful cobblestone structures for car, motorcycle -- or bicycle. $19.95

Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days The American dream came true on the pristine beaches of Canada, says author Erno Rossi. It came to life in a magical place called Crystal Beach. Relive the glory days of the lakeside amusement park that captured the imaginations of generations of Western New Yorkers. $24.95

Daring Niagara What is it about Niagara Falls that inspires the brave and foolhardy? Foremost Falls historian Paul Gromosiak chronicles the many ways in which man and woman have tempted fate, and gambled their lives in the rushing waters of the mighty Niagara. Learn about Annie Taylor, the first to go over the Falls in a barrel, but certainly not the last. $6.95

The Deacon's Son If there ever was a modern day Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, it would most certainly be Bill and Hairyless. Author Phoebe Hall introduces a cast of memorable characters which shed light on what it was like to be a Western New York teenager back in the 1950's. 152 pages. $9.95

Don't Bother Knockin' ... This Town's A Rockin' This book chronicles the events that led to the development of the Buffalo style of traditional rhythm and blues. Seen through the eyes of musicians and writers Patti Meyer Lee and Gary Lee, this is the story of how "The Buffalo Sound" originated. $19.95

The Erie Canal: The Ditch that Opened a Nation Author Dan Murphy guides the reader through the struggles to carve the canal out of a stubborn landscape. Learn how one of the technological marvels of its age was built without the assistance of a single professional engineer, and how its impact shaped the Niagara Frontier. $8.95

An Explorer's Guide: Western New York This 655-page book is perhaps the most comprehensive guide ever published to the region's vast cultural, historic and natural attractions. Author Christine A. Smyczynski includes evaluations of inns, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and eating establishments. $19.95

Exploring Niagara: The Complete Guide to Niagara Falls and Vicinity Illustrated with 77 spectacular color photographs, this comprehensive guide treats readers to an up-close and personal view of more than 50 fascinating sites on both sides of the border. Authors Hans and Allyson Tammemagi suggest tours within a half hour's drive from Niagara Falls. $14.25

The First Book of Attorney Abuse and Bench Bashing Buffalo attorney Howard L. Meyer has penned dozens of irreverent essays, collected here in a biting and funny volume. Illustrated by David Mahoney. $9.95

Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House: Rescue of a Landmark After being out of print for years, the book is back in an updated second edition. This is the story of the rise and fall, and eventual re-birth of a national treasure. As told by art historian Marjorie Quinlan, read how a glowing example of a Wright home was abandoned and allowed to fall into decay, only to be rescued by the patient and determined efforts of the Tauriellos. $13.95

Frederick Law Olmsted's Point Chautauqua Olmsted already was America's foremost designer of landscapes, when he was asked to design a planned community meant for a religious group. His planned community is largely still intact. $15.00

Game Night in Buffalo Sal Maiorana brings back to life the events that have shaped local fandom and defined the parameters of barroom rants for generations to come. This journey includes: Scott Norwood and Wide Right, Brett Hull and the No Goal controversy, St. Bonaventure's run to the 1970 Final Four, and the return of baseball to Buffalo in 1979. $12.95

GardenWalk Buffalo Memories of Buffalo's Garden Walk event will be with you all year long in this visually stunning book and DVD combo. The large-format softcover book highlights more than 260 local gardens. The book also includes behind-the-scenes stories shared by gardeners and sidebars that focus on the city's architecture and history. book $30.00 / DVD $15.00 / book-DVD combo $40.00

A Ghosthunter's Journal Tales of the Supernatural and the Strange in Upstate New York. It stands to reason that if your stock in trade is the unexplained, occasionally you find something that you simply can't explain. Mason Winfield found that while doing the research for Shadows of the Western Door, he came across tales that needed to be told. Caution: be careful what you hunt for. $12.95

Goat Island: Niagara's Scenic Retreat Learn the remarkable history of the piece of land that separates the American and Canadian Falls. Author Paul Gromosiak researches the wild and untamed beauty of an island that stands bravely in the middle of the world's most famous torrent of cascading water. $9.95

Great Lake Effects: Buffalo Beyond Winter and Wings This 176-page hardcover book is brimming with taste-tempting recipes compiled by the Junior League of Buffalo. The 145 recipes are divided into four user-friendly chapters: Bountiful Beginnings, Sweet and Savory Sides, Eclectic Entrees and Delectable Desserts. This cookbook is illustrated with beautiful watercolors by nationally recognized artist Margaret M. Martin, AWS. $19.95

Hamburg 1910-1970 A revealing look at how a community evolved during two world wars, and as the popularity of the automobile altered lifestyles. Using more than 200 archival photographs, author John R. Edson has penned a work that includes memorable stories from the past, lively tales that have shaped Hamburg's character. $19.99

Haunted Places of Western New York A haunted history tour of the region's mansions, inns, churches, battlefields, and more. Make a vision quest of your own to ancient holy places, with your guide, Mason Winfield, the founder of the Buffalo and East Aurora ghost walks. $13.95

A History of Railroads in Western New York A meticulously researched 345-page book detailing the rise of the region's railways. An engaging text by author Edward T. Dunn is supported by dozens of photographs and maps. Price reduced. $25.00

Hometown Heroes: Western New Yorkers in Desert Storm More than one hundred people were interviewed, and their experiences were woven together into one region's story during Desert Storm. Co-authors Brian Meyer and Tom Connolly tell a story, not about war, but about the people whose lives were changed by it. $5.95

Hometown Tales: Beyond The Awning Hometown Tales Beyond the Awning is a delightful jaunt down memory lane. Ed Vidler's pithy anecdotes recall times when East Aurora's snow-clogged sidewalks were cleared by horsedrawn plows. $9.95

The Horse Fiddle The nine stories by historian Paul Leone contained in this quality hard-cover book draw on local historical records to describe the peculiar ambience of Chautauqua County, as it emerged from a frightening wilderness to a beloved landscape of trees and farms whose Spirit and spirits forever touch those who walk its paths. $18.00

If Nothing Happens... The Courtship Letters of Norman Wilson Ingerson and Stella May Murdock (1892-1896) -- A treasure of period history is captured through 162 letters written over four years during a long-distance courtship. They vividly capture life in Western New York and Pennsylvania during the Gay Nineties. They also reveal in intimate and unaffected detail the conflict between emerging love and a deceptive, not so gentle society. $12.95

Joe's Story One of Western New York's most shocking murder cases is re-told, in a celebration of the life of Father Joe Bissonette, an advocate for non-violence who died violently, at the hands of two men who robbed the rectory. Ray Bissonette recounts his brother's life, the famous murder of two inner-city priests, and his attempt at understanding the savage crime -- by meeting with the killers. $15.95

John D. Larkin: A Business Pioneer The story of a teen who went from selling soap door-to-door, to creating one of the largest mail order companies in the United States. Grandson Dan Larkin uses his unparalleled access to tell the history of the Larkin Company, rich with stories of brilliant foresight and fortunate timing. The headquarters designed for them by Frank Lloyd Wright was considered the forerunner of the modern office building. $19.95

Lewiston The Niagara County town of Lewiston holds a wealth of history and legends. It echoes the excitement of trade and traffic along the portage and the whispers from cellars of the Underground Railroad. Stunning images from several archives are woven together in great detail by Suzanne Simon Dietz, who grew up in the village in the 1950's. $19.99

Lockport: Historic Jewel of the Erie Canal A first-of-a-kind look at a community that played a vital role in U.S. history. Here, the Erie Canal climbed the Niagara Falls escarpment and opened up the Great Lakes to East Coast commerce. More than 250 vintage photos, nostalgic ads and other images help to tell the tale of a city that was at the forefront of technological innovation. $19.99

Lockport Boy ... a memoir of a magical time and place. Frank Bredell looks back on a childhood growing up in Lockport, New York, in the 1930's and 40's. $12.00

The Magic of Niagara The story of Niagara is 12,000 years old, and author George Bailey skillfully captures the historical highlights in a book that contains a riveting text and more than 100 photographs. $15.99

The Motto Book Painstakingly reprinted from the original 1909 catalog of great epigrams and mottoes. The legacy of the Roycrofters is carried on through their words and deeds, even to this day. Of all the original Roycroft books, the one most requested. This volume includes many favorite sayings of Elbert Hubbard (Fra Elbertus), offering a glimpse of a simpler, more enlightened way of life. Cover by original Roycroft artist Dard Hunter. $9.95

The Mysteries of Father Baker Is Father Nelson Baker an American saint? Historian John Koerner meticulously researches the miracles ascribed to this iconic figure, who transformed a Western New York parish into a magnet for the diseased and despairing, in hopes they would be touched by Father Baker's spiritual strength. $12.95

National Landmarks of Western New York Author Jan Booth Sheridan takes you on a guided tour of Western and Central New York's rich history. Dozens of photographs showcase a selection of the region's most storied locations. $9.95

Nature's Niagara: A Walk on the Wild Side A look at the untamed natural and geological history of one of the world's true wonders. Paul Gromosiak, the foremost historian of this awe-inspiring attraction, takes a close look at the remarkable features of the Falls. Learn why the falls have moved seven miles since the last Ice Age, or what causes the weird foam that accumulates at the base of the falls. $8.95

The New York Central System Brought back to life are the fading steam whistle, the ticking of the station clock, the click of the conductor's ticket punch, and the bellowing of the line's mammoth locomotives. Using more than 200 rare images, author and historian Michael Leavy takes readers on an unforgettable journey beginning in the 1850s to the railroad's undignified end in the 1970s. $19.99

New York State Lighthouses New York boasts a lighthouse legacy that stretches from the Great Lakes to the tip of Long Island. Expert and enthusiast Robert G. M/oller has compiled a beautiful collection of these lighthouses, even some no longer in existence, which were photographed for use on early postcards. $19.99

The Niagara Book: Facts, Figures, and The Famous George Bailey mixes facts about the history of the Niagara Falls region with anecdotes and color photographs. $7.95

Niagara Falls One of the world's most spectacular natural wonders springs to life in a book that contains more than 150 color photographs. $9.99

Niagara Falls: Images of America More than 200 vintage images and an information-packed text trace the history of Niagara Falls from the 1860s through the mid 1960s. In an attractive 128-page book that takes on the feel of a meticulously researched scrapbook, Author Daniel M. Dumych looks at how industry, tourism and noted people shaped Niagara Falls' vibrant past. $19.99

Niagara Falls Q & A: Answers to the 100 Most Common Questions About Niagara Falls Now in its seventh printing, this book has been a guide to tourists from around the world. Author Paul Gromosiak surveyed 40,000 tourists, logging every question they asked about the falls. Now, you can answer questions such as "How did they turn off the falls in 1969?" $4.95

Orchard Park Attracted by fertile soil, lush forests and abundant water, the first pioneer arrived in the Orchard Park region in 1803, making this one of Western New York's earliest settlements. Suzanne S. Kulp and Joseph F. Bieron have written a book that depicts the history of the community through its citizens, their homes and their businesses. $19.99

Owahonton: Maid of the Mist The timeless legend of the "Maid of the Mist" -- part of American Indian lore -- comes to life in this re-telling by Paul Gromosiak, complete with illustrations by Joan Elizabeth Johnson. Perfect for young readers. $10.00

Peak Experiences Find and climb the highest points of all of New York's counties. Follow Gary Fallesen through his often amusing observations on the way to 62 summits. $16.95

The Power Trail Niagara Falls was the Silicon Valley of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the great scientific and financial minds of that time descended upon Niagara Falls, where they battled nature for possession of Niagara's power. This is the story of the birth of hydroelectricity, an epic that created a great industrialized nation. $9.95

Quotable Cuomo: The Mario Years Hundreds of memorable quotes from one of America's most captivating public speakers have been compiled by journalists Brian Meyer and Mary Murray. Both a delightful read and an essential volume for researchers, this 120-page book features photographs by Joe Traver. $5.95

The Rainbow City The book revisits the 1901 Pan-American Exposition held in thriving Buffalo, then the eighth largest city in the U.S., to reveal the ambitious color and architectural scheme that symbolically depicted and celebrated the progress of civilization. Authored by Kerry S. Grant. Price reduced. $15.00

Roast Beef in April Author Robert Higgins grew up in New York State's Southern Tier. His lively book takes readers on a leisurely stroll down memory lane. $9.95

Shadows of the Western Door Western New York mystified its first White settlers more than any other region in North America. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the area was famous as a source of psychic energy that flowered cults, communities, two major modern religions, and many supernatural displays. Guided by the insights of modern research, each of Mason Winfield's vivid, wry articles is another step on this supernatural safari across Western New York.$14.95

Scatter My Ashes Over Havana Born in Havana to Cuban and American parents, a young girl makes her way in America, becomes a poet and professor in Buffalo, and then makes her way back to Cuba. A poetic, powerful memoir of exile and the search for home, this is a book of special interest for women, Hispanics, history buffs and all admirers of fine writing. $17.95

Seeing Niagara: The 10 Best Ways to Experience the Falls How is Niagara Falls best explored by visitors? Few people know the answer better than local historian Paul Gromosiak, who offers a guided tour of the best locations to visit, to best capture the Niagara Falls experience. $8.95

Sing a Song of Six-Packs (book and cassette combo) Humorist Jerry Kent has penned a batch of musical parodies that make Buffalo politics spring to life. Most of the songs focus on the feisty former four-term mayor Jimmy Griffin, making it a collector's item for his many fans and foes. $11.95

Sketches in the History of the Underground Railroad For nearly a quarter century, Eber Pettit operated an Underground Railroad station in Cattaraugus County. He funneled fugitives to Black Rock and the Niagara River for passage to Canada. This 155-page book is a collection of his reminiscences, commissioned by the editors of the Fredonia Censor in 1868. The book also includes period photographs, illustrations and maps. $12.95

Snow Trails A winter weather guide to the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails in the region. Find your favorites among 78 locations and 80+ maps. $16.95

Spirits of the Great Hill As soon as his first book, Shadows of the Western Door, was published, even more people began telling Mason Winfield even more stories they've heard about haunted sites around Western New York. And Mason already had so many stories that didn't make it into the first book, that this follow-up was inevitable. $13.95

Symbol & Show: The Pan-American Exposition of 1901 After being out of print for several years. it's being re-released to commemorate the Pan-Am's centennial. The book offers a riveting look at perhaps the greatest event in Buffalo's history, as Austin Fox brings to light many half-forgotten facts. The major buildings, and many of the lesser-known structures, are beautifully illustrated by Lawrence McIntyre. $15.95

Take A Hike A great way to enjoy the outdoors in Western New York. Rich & Sue Freeman have catalogued the best places to take your family for walk in the natural world. The guidebooks are packed with maps and details. Available for both the Rochester area, and the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley region. $16.95

Take Your Bike A guidebook for the best places to take your bike in the Rochester area. The guidebook is packed with maps and details for 42 bicycling trails, the very best places to ride in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Cayuga, Ontario and Seneca Counties. 45 maps, 38 pictures. Also available in a Finger Lakes edition. $18.95

Tale of the Tape The one locker room constant through the first 38 years of the Buffalo Bills was their trainer, Eddie Abramoski. Now, the man that hundreds of Bills players knew as "Abe" tells the stories of what really went on behind the scenes. $10.95

This Is Niagara Falls More than 50 vibrant color photographs capture the power and majesty of the Mighty Niagara. $7.98

Through The Mayors' Eyes The history of Buffalo, as seen through the personal biographies of the first 54 men to lead her. A compendium of information that illustrates how each man responded to the needs of his time. Includes official portraits. $29.95

Toronto and Niagara Falls Two world-renowned destinations are showcased in one book, packed with more than 240 full-color photographs, a detailed street map, informative text and user-friendly index. $15.99

200 Waterfalls in Central and Western New York A guidebook to a wide range of waterfalls in the region, from the famed Niagara to hidden treasures. Know before you go when is the best season for viewing, and whether the falls can be spotted right from your car, or a hike is called for. $18.95

Uncrowned Queens African American Women Community Builders of Western New York. Shining a light on one hundred extraordinary women, Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram and Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold have written and edited this collection of diverse profiles. $11.95

Uncrowned Queens II The second volume filled with profiles of extraordinary women, compiled by Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram and Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold. $13.95

Victorian Buffalo Images from the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. A remarkable collection of lithographs, woodcuts and steel engravings from the years before photography was more than a novelty, and when Buffalo, New York, was a boom town. Cynthia Van Ness has compiled and authored an extraordinary look back at a different age. $13.95

A View Through the Lens of Robert L. Smith - The Buffalo Bills: Photos 1960-1995 The official photographer of the Buffalo Bills from their humble beginnings in the American Football League, Robert L. Smith has captured 35 years of triumph and travail right through their streak of four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl. Smith has selected 444 photos (with 16 pages in full color) that chronicle the ups and downs of famous Bills from Jack Kemp to O.J. Simpson, from Jim Kelly's grit to Scott Norwood's fateful kick in Super Bowl XXV. $26.95 (available only through buffalobooks.com)

Village Ghosts of Western New York Book One: Actors in the Half-Light. The definitive study of Western New York's ghosts in the words of "supernatural historian" Mason Winfield. Guided by the insights of parapsychology and folklore and filtered through Mason's years of experience, it is a tribute to the hidden spiritual history of Western New York. $13.95

Water Over the Falls: 101 of the Most Memorable Events at Niagara Falls Daredevils who defied the Mighty Niagara in rubber balls and kayaks. Tragic rock slides, bridge collapses and heroic rescues. Stunning engineering feats, including the "dewatering" of the falls in 1969. These true-to-life tales are recounted by local historian Paul Gromosiak. $8.95

The Western New York Weather Guide Veteran Buffalo weatherman Tom Jolls worked with award-winning journalist Brian Meyer and researcher Joe VanMeer to craft a unique almanac crammed with humorous, dramatic and educational slices-of-life, all of which focus on the four seasons. Read about the famous Blizzard of '77, or The Year There Was No Summer.$7.95

Where To Find Birds In Cattaraugus County: 27 Sites From Allegany State Park To Zoar Valley. A thoroughly detailed guide for the birding enthusiast. Detailied directions to 27 sites, with ratings for when the viewing is good and when it's best, plus a seasonal abundance chart, listing over than 250 species that can be spotted in the Southwestern New York county. Jeffrey M. Reed has created an indispensible guide. $9.95

White Death: Blizzard of '77 Re-printed Millennium Edition. It was one of the worst blizzards in North American history. On January 28, 1977, a hurricane-like force with a frigid twist buried people in their cars and homes, killing thirty and injuring hundreds of others. Close to twenty-three years later, Erno Rossi's riveting book is still as gripping as the blizzard itself. The book includes 50 photographs that chronicle one of the region's most dramatic historical events. $16.95

The World According to Griffin: The End of an Era The controversial 16-year reign of Buffalo mayor Jimmy Griffin is captured in a book of quotations compiled by veteran journalist Brian Meyer. This 117-page book includes hundreds of long-forgotten barbs, put-downs and words of wisdom from one of the most quotable figures in local history. $5.95

Zany Niagara: The Funny Things People Say About Niagara Falls This hilarious book is your passport for an amusing armchair tour that showcases the offbeat side of a world-renowned tourist attraction. From Mark Twain's first glimpse of the falls in 1869, to tourists of the 1990's, author Paul Gromosiak recounts unusual historical facts, bizarre incidents and myths. $4.95