Baltimore

Baltimore,: Or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire
$25.00
This is a horror story set in Europe during the early to mid 1900's (not told) and obviously is influenced by the Hans Christian Anderson tale "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", and this book even includes that story at the end of the novel (at least in the special edition). This book started a little rough, but then it kicked in and was a smooth ride. It seems to be a type of folklore and mythological tale - not only is the tale of Lord Baltimore like this, but all the side stories told within are like their own folklore tales. This was a very enjoyable read, even with the rough start, it barely affected the enjoyment of this original tale. It is obviously illustrated throughout by Mike Magnolia and it adds beautiful dark atmosphere to the story. I easily recommend this book.

The story itself starts off with Lord Baltimore in battle with the Hessians, and his army gets ambushed and slaughtered, somehow he survives and when the bats come in to feed off the dead soldiers one bat tries to feast on Baltimore, but Baltimore slices the bat across the face, and it flees, but before it does it blows on the wounded leg of Lord Baltimore. Baltimore looses his leg and finds himself looking for vengeance, because this was not a bat but a terrible evil, a vampire. Soon after this encounter a plague sweeps across Europe and destroys the war as all flee the plague, which is called the Red Death. But only Lord Baltimore knows what this plague is and how it started.

Most of the story is told by three men requested by Lord Baltimore to meet him in a plague ridden city somewhere in Europe; all have come across Lord Baltimore in some form or another, and while they pass the time waiting to see if Baltimore shows is tell the tales of how they came to know Lord Baltimore and each tells a story of how they came across some form of the supernatural. These stories are told because it is these stories that make them believe Lord Baltimore, and each is a little horror/fairy tale in itself. The puppet town was very atmospheric and a great fun to read. Also the history of Lord Baltimore is told in these tales and we find out that the vampire has been destroying everything that Baltimore loves while Baltimore hunts the man with the scar across his face. And while the three men wait the night gets longer and they try to answer questions about Lord Baltimore, the plague, and what their roles are in it? the ending was a little anti-climatic, but it did not run this great story!

Baltimore Then and Now
$18.95
I bought this as I use to live in and Baltimore but so did my Great Grandmother. I love Baltimore and thought this book would be a great addition.

Baltimore Ravens Kitchen Towel Combo
$9.99
This two towel set will be a great addition to any kitchen. These velour towels are embellished with your Team Logo.

Insiders' Guide to Baltimore, 5th (Insiders' Guide Series)
$18.95
I'm doing a series of long weekends this summer rather than one long vacation. I kind of like this variation on summer vacationing! This past weekend? Baltimore. To prepare, I bought this book, and it proved to be a nice investment.

I have the good fortune to live in central Pennsylvania (in Hershey), and lots of cool places are within driving range--from New York City to Virginia on the coast, and to many places inland.

This volume is recent enough so that it outlines restaurants that are still in operation, the usual sites to see, and so on.

The book opens with some general background, including a brief history of the area.

Then, the usual components--where to stay (including a nice section on beds and breakfasts), where to eat, nightlife, shopping, antiques, events, the arts, and so on.

For instance, where to dine. The area is broken down by geography and then some suggested venues noted for each. I was at the Inner Harbor, so "Downtown" is what I focused on. The selection was very helpful. Indeed, there are more good places than I could possible try out! So, on our next visit to Baltimore, I have outlined a set of neat places to dine, necessitating selecting a hotel in a somewhat different area of the city.

In the end, this is a useful volume if you are interested in some time in Baltimore.