Y De Repente Un Angel

Customer Reviews:

Para algunos, para otros no........2007-01-03

Si uno quire reir, y sobre todo no tener que usar la materia gris, puede leer este libro. Creo que la obra de Bayly es fiel testimonio literario de la decadencia cultural que vive el Peru. La verdad ningun lector serio podria tomar en serio esta novela.Es en si, literatura light. Recomiendo este libro para algunos para otros no!

Easy, funny and well written.......2006-11-17

I got Bayly fatigue after La Noche es Virgen, which seemed redundant in the context of his previous three novels. However, having rediscovered him with Y de Repente un Angel, admittedly after learning of the Planeta Prize controversy, I can see he is branching out thematically, even if the novel's theme, the emotionally nurturing relationship between an immature man/boy and his noble female servant, and the title seem to come from Yo amo a mi mami's first chapter (see pg. 12, "...y de pronto aparecia...").

As a TV talkshow host in Peru, Bayly's irreverent Letterman-inspired TV persona became iconic to my generation. His writing, based on the aforementioned novels, has the potential to turn him into an iconic Latin American writer. I know of no other young writer who has been able to capture the Peruvian vernacular so faithfully--and hilariously--while exploring the complexity of Peruvian society through characters that are authentically Peruvian but genuinely and universally human.

On Y de repente, Bayly at times makes your belly-ache from laughter and maintains a fairly good dramatic balance in his portrait of his characters' precarious reality. The relationship between Julian and Mercedes, his housekeeper, sometimes reminded me of Huckleberry's relationship with Jim, as his cynicism is dismantled by her innocence. Like Twain, Bayly seems undaunted by his reality's demons, which are in a way the common fears and prejudices of Latin America. Irreverently confronting them with refreshing and skillful use of clear and simple language, he shows us his characters' universal humanity.

The novel's journal-entry chapter format and Bayly's knack for effective dialogue make for concise, entertaining and easy reading. Bayly seems at the very least clever about the form he chooses to best fit each of his novels' narrative. My only criticisms are that in the first half of the novel he conspicuously repeats words and phrases to frame perspective--resonance, which is what I think he was aiming for, is a bit more subtle form of repetition; Julian's narrative voice sometimes seems too young (like Jimmy's in Yo quiero a mi mami), and, while it may be justified by his supposed immaturity, it sometimes undermines Julian's credibility as a middle-aged writer with several novels under his belt; and, lastly, the ending is also a bit weird, though still funny. Petronila is an unconventional character, wonderfully adept at making the reader laugh hard, but her conduct at the end seems more like that of a convenient caricature, betraying, perhaps, Bayly's overall peripheral knowledge of his Andean characters' culture. However, there is enough good stuff in this novel to make me look forward to his next effort and hope that he confronts many more demons with ever-more powerful key strokes.

No será su mejor, pero vale la pena.......2006-09-29

¿Es ésta la gran novela que los asiduos lectores de Jaime Bayly esperan? No lo creo. ¿Vale la pena leerse? Absolutamente.

Y es que "Y de repente, un ángel", del escritor y presentador de televisión peruano, representa una salida de los temas de su anterior etapa de producción literaria. De largas narraciones en las que exprimió y recicló los tópicos de su orientación sexual que desde el comienzo le dio a conocer, pasó a explorar temas más abarcadores.

Esta finalista del Premio Planeta 2005, es una obra liviana, literariamente hablando, que presenta las relaciones familiares y humanas con la sencillez, honestidad y el gran sentido del humor que ha caracterizado otras obras del autor que le han ganado fama y lectores en el mundo hispano.

Los muchos diálogos, melodramáticos en su mayoría, aceleran la lectura. La prosa descriptiva e introspectiva que el autor le brinda al narrador, nos ofrece justo los cambios de velocidad necesarios, para permitirnos leerla de un tirón.

La novela integra tres historias sobre las relaciones del escritor / narrador Julián Beltrán: con sus padres, su mucama, y su amante.

La historia de la sirvienta tiene su peso en la primera parte y, cumplida ya su función, se va diluyendo para darle paso a la de los padres del narrador. La mucama reaparece al final, para cerrar con el humor que la caracteriza.

Mercedes, quien nunca ha conocido el amor y no sabe leer ni escribir, es empleada por el protagonista. Ella, una imitación caricaturesca de un personaje rural en un ambiente urbano, termina enseñándonos lecciones humanas e inolvidables sobre el perdón y la reconciliación.

La historia de Andrea, su novia, aparece y desaparece. Al final queda inconclusa en la mente del lector. Sin embargo, es aquí que Bayly da muestras de narrativa concisa, con flashbacks de relatos cortos y divertidos que parecen bastarse a sí mismos, como si incluyera una colección de narrativa corta en una larga. La relación entre estos dos personajes es la que inicia la novela, mas no la que define el final.

La relación del escritor / narrador con su familia, tan acomodada como disfuncional, es la que añade drama y melodrama a esta novela, llegando a dominar casi por completo la segunda mitad del libro, y le ofrece la solidez de que carece en su comienzo.

Excelente!!!!.......2006-08-05

No había leído nigún libro de Jaime Bayly hasta ahora y debo decir que me sorprendió la ternura con la que el autor cuenta esta aparentemente simple historia de la relación entre el protagonista y su empleada. Jaime Bayly se despoja del cinismo y describe con dulzura y sentido del humor como se deja transformar y curar por esta mujer que a pesar de las tragedias de su vida ha conservado la bondad y la dulzura.

Very tender story about friendship and more..........2006-07-01

Después de la primera novela de Bayly (No se lo digas Nadie) no había vuelto a leer una novela suya. Sólo algunos artículos de Bayly para el periódico hechos con su característico sentido del humor.

No podría decir que "Y de repente un Angel" es una gran novela, pero si una que merece leerse. Hay mucha ternura y humor en su historia. Está escrita con simplicidad y frescura. Y también con mucha sensibilidad. He leído novelas que me han impresionado diez veces más que ésta, pero muy pocas que me han despertado tanta ternura y ocasionado más de una carcajada.

Existen básicamente tres historias en torno a Julián Beltrán, personaje principal de esta novela: la historia de Julián con Mercedes (la mucama), la historia de Julián con sus padres y, finalmente, la historia del escritor (quien no es otro que el mismo Julián) y Andrea.

Lo interesante del conjunto de historias es que a través de ellas uno conoce distintos aspectos de Julián Beltrán, los que terminan mostrándonos un personaje más humano. La historia central, la de Julián con Mercedes, es la más lograda y está llena de ternura y humor, y da pie a la segunda de las historias, la de Julián con sus padres. Justamente esta historia (la del escritor y sus padres) tiene algunos puntos flacos, especialmente en su desenlace, que de alguna manera es el desenlace de la novela. Resulta algo previsible y, además, le quita algo de consistencia al personaje central (dejemos que el lector lo descubra y así evito contarle el desenlace). Finalmente, la historia del Escritor y Andrea, cuyos pasajes -mostrados a manera de flashbacks- nos acompañan brevemente a lo largo de la novela, terminan de redondear el personaje de Julián y de mostrárnoslo en otra de sus facetas: la del escritor en busca de reconocimiento, aunque ese reconocimiento provenga de una sola persona de este planeta que no sea él. En suma, recomiendo la lectura de esta novela.

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Excellent Medieval Romance

An amazing story

The warrior with a heart -- highly recommended

A lusty, intriguing romance from a wonderful writer

a fufilling ending to the saga!
His Rebel Bride: Brothers in Arms
Shelley Bradley
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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His Lady Bride: Brothers in Arms

Bound and Determined (Berkley Sensation)

Strictly Forbidden (Zebra Historical Romance)

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ASIN: 0821767909

Book Description

DAYS OF BATTLE, NIGHTS OF PASSION

A proud and fearless warrior, Kieran Broderick was half-Irish, yet bound to fight for the English crown. So when King Henry decreed that he take an Irish wife to quell rebellion there, he reluctantly agreed. Newly dubbed the earl of Kildare, Kieran travels to Langmore Castle, seat of the lawless O'Shea family, to choose a bride. Yet when he picks Maeve O'Shea, a fetching less who seems sweetly submissive, he finds himself facing the most daunting battle of all. For Maeve is not biddable in the least, and she refuses to allow him into her bed. Still, Kieran is determined to conquer the rebellious beauty--body and soul. But first, he must scale the battlements around his lady's heart.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Medieval Romance.......2001-06-03

Shelley Bradley does a commendable job of portraying Kieran and Maeve's disparate viewpoints and why they both feel so strongly about their belief systems. Kieran is sworn to the English king in an age when a man's word is his very honor, while Maeve detests English tyranny because of the rape and plundering that has gone hand-in-hand with it. I've read other romances where the author employs the "born to be enemies" scenario, but this is the first one I've read where the author actually pulls it off without making the heroine come across as an exasperating shrew.

Ordinarily I prefer romances where the hero and heroine both realize their feelings for the other early on and spend the remainder of the book cementing those feelings in one form or another. Such a plot device, however, would feel too unrealistic in His Rebel Bride and Bradley is wise not to use it. Yes, the hero and heroine are mutually attracted to each other from the beginning, but their feelings of genuine attachment happen in baby steps throughout the novel and are borne of thoughtful gestures here and kind actions there. Because of that fact, Kieran and Maeve's romance is a convincing one.

Aside from the well-scripted romance, what brings this novel into 5 star status for me is the complexity of the protagonists themselves. On the surface Kieran seems to be nothing more than a charming ladies man with a grin that kills, but underneath all of his bluster lies a loyal, steadfast man who has experienced much emotional neglect and abuse in his childhood and therefore doesn't really think he'll ever find somebody capable of loving him for himself.

On the surface Maeve is a woman who appears to be stoic and unemotional, but underneath the determined face she wears for everyone is a tenderhearted woman who has grown weary of the bloodshed that has been the direct result of England and Ireland's clash of wills. She is also a woman who is being torn apart, forced to choose between the country and kin she has always known and loved and the husband she is growing increasingly adoring of.

His Rebel Bride is not perfect. There is a plot device used toward the end that seems a trifle too convenient, but it's not so outlandish as to distract from the novel as a whole. Viewed in its entirety, Shelley Bradley has taken a subject matter that is very difficult to convincingly work with and crafted it into a winning novel. Because of all the odds and obstacles the couple must face before finding their happily ever-after, Kieran and Maeve's love story is a powerful one and one that will stay with you long after you close the book.

An amazing story.......2001-04-12

Set in 1484. King Henry needed someone in the Pale to keep peace. A rebellion was forming in Ireland and word had finally arrived that the two young princes, Edward and Richard, were dead. The King needed someone loyal to England to be Lord of Langmore Castle. Thus, someone would have to wed one of the four O'Shea women that lived in the castle. However, the Statute of Kilkenney prohibits the English from marrying the Irish.

Kieran Broderick was half English and half Irish. Being such and one of Henry's best warriors, he was made Earl of Kildare and sent to Langmore Castle. Kieran hated his Irish heredity and loathed the thought of a wife. Of the four, he chose Maeve O'Shea, even though she was betrothed. In fact, her betrothed, Quaid, was currently in a dungeon for killing two Englishmen. Only the youngest sister, Brighid, would even consider Kieran as a husband, but she was too young. The biggest problem was the brother, Flynn, who often disappeared to side with the rebellion.

Maeve vowed to hate Kieran. She wanted freedom for Ireland, but not at the cost of lives. Kieran loved battle. That was obvious. Yet she saw him help her sisters when he did not have to. Slowly, Kieran and Maeve would learn about each other. But there were so many obstacles.

**** An amazing story! The author was able to show what Ireland faced and the awful feeling of loved ones against loved ones! Recommended! ****

The warrior with a heart -- highly recommended.......2001-04-01

Kieran Broderick has known little but warring and fighting all of his life, taking satisfaction in life through his fits, his weapons, and in his bed. He plans to leave England for Spain where he will serve as a mercenary, until the King changes his plans. He tends to ignore court ritual and bed every pretty wench who looks his way, which has earned him the King's displeasure. He has therefore been made the earl of Kildare and King Henry decrees he must go to Ireland. He is half-English and half-Irish; consequently exempt from the law forbidding the English to marry the Irish. He's take possession of Langmore Castle, the home of the O'Shea family. The O'Sheas are a rebellious lot, and bear watching. Kieran is ordered to suppress the rebellion, enforce the peace, organize the army, and marry and breed one of the four O'Shea sisters.

Recognizing Kieran for the rogue that he is, Maeve would like to dismiss Kieran out of hand for being English and a warrior. She considers him both primal and primitive. His kisses are like spiced mead, and he tastes like pure temptation. Betrothed to another, she's shocked he chooses to marry her, despite the fact she's not a virgin. Further, she had thought Kieran, who loves teasing and has a bloodthirsty nature, would consider the rape of women part of the spoils of war. So when he proves his heart by finishing a cradle for her sister, because the father is dead, and comforting another sister who was raped, Maeve finds herself torn between his warrior nature and his kindness.

People listen to Maeve and respect her word. She refuses to present herself as challenging. Kieran would enjoy nothing more than conquering her. But she wants no part of him, only peace. Indeed, she only married him for the hope of peace in Ireland. As part of the rebellion, she must her role as scribe and messenger hidden at all cost. As Kieran comes to their chambers, Maeve desires him even as she believes that her body has betrayed her. To fight her attraction for him, she asks that he wait a fortnight before they share a bed, to give her time to grow used to their sudden marriage. During this time she must spend an hour alone with him each evening, and he will only touch her with one hand and his mouth.

Shelley Bradley weaves a fascinating tale of desire and passion. Maeve quickly learns what a tease a single hand and a mouth can provide! These spirited and wonderfully believable characters provide a marvelous read. THE REBEL BRIDE's sensual love story stirs the senses and the emotions. Highly recommended.

A lusty, intriguing romance from a wonderful writer.......2001-03-06

Kieran Broderick was one of the fiercest warriors in King Henry's realm. Half Irish, half English, and well known for his deadly skills and lustful passions, Kieran was astonished to find out his next assignment for the English throne was perhaps the tamest he ever received. He must travel back to Ireland, take over as Lord of the Pale, and take an Irish miss for his wife. But not just any Irish lass, one of the ladies of the lawless O'Shea family. Kieran girds himself up for an unpleasant adventure, one that soon turns into an quest of romance and pleasure as he picks for his wife the beautiful but feisty Maeve O'Shea. Could he have fallen in love with the enemy?

Maeve O'Shea was loyal to her country, but even more loyal to her family. When forced to wed Kieran, the new English Lord of her home, she goes about it steadfastly and resolved. However, the quick grin of her new master turns her head like no other ever has, even her betrothed but imprisoned fiancé. Soon Miss Maeve finds herself questioning her sanity as passion ignites her heart. As she observes her husband's kindness and gentle ways with her sisters and family, as well as his ferociousness and determination to protect her home, Maeve soon surrenders her heart to the enemy, her husband, her love.

In the final installment of her thrilling series "Brothers In Arms," historic romance author Shelley Bradley wraps up her successful trilogy with the most intriguing of the three warrior knights, the Irish rogue Kieran, and his quest for true love. "His Rebel Bride" has to be the most intriguing of the series, featuring the mysterious Irish lad and his buddies Aric and Drake. Mixing in just the right amount of good-natured humor with sensual passion, Bradley concludes this series on a high note. All three men find the women that match them in love, and you just know the couples go on to lead eventful lives. It would be fun down the road to visit the threesome's children and see how they turned out! Watch for Shelley Bradley to continue to rise as one of the most accomplished new writers in the romance industry. She should have lots of good things to offer for a long, long time.

a fufilling ending to the saga!.......2001-02-15

Kieran Broderick, whom is half Irish, must travel to Ireland to take an Irish wife and bring a stop to the rebellion of the people. He is not pleased with the King's order but ever faithful to the English crown, he reluctantly agrees. Of the four O'Shea sisters, Maeve is the one that catches Kieran's eye but the Irish beauty is against what he stands for and vows not to submit her body or her heart to this handsome rogue.

Kieran and Maeve's story is a very satisfying conclusion to Ms Bradley's medieval trilogy which left me quite fulfilled. With lots of action but most importantly tender moments that I believe readers look for in a romance story. And the love scenes were very nice too! Also hopefully there will be more stories from generations to come. As someone that had never read medievals before reading this trilogy, this author proved to me how great a romance story can be told in this time era. Five hearts all the way around....I loved it!

Book Description

Aspen Matthews has no memories of her life before the age of 11, although she does recall being aboard the cruise ship Paradise when it docked in San Diego-ten years after it mysteriously disappeared..

Now, a decade after the Paradise's unexplained reappearance, Aspen is a marine biologist who feels strangely drawn to the water for reasons she can't even begin to understand. What she does understand, though, is that the answers to the questions that continually haunt her-who she is, where she came from-can only be found far beneath the waves, in a world of hidden wonders-and hidden dangers....

Customer Reviews:

Thoughts about Fathom Book 1.......2003-03-10

If you like reading normal paperback books without pictures than you're likely to like this book. It combines science fiction and fantasy and brings them to a whole new level. If you like Fathom and her story you should read this.

Elementals #1 W/card (Birth of a Supernation 1 of 3) Vol. 3 December 1995

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Elementals #1 W/card (Birth of a Supernation 1 of 3) Vol. 3 December 1995
Jack Herman
Manufacturer: Comico
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000R9H4XK

Product Description

Birth of a supernation 1 of 3

Twilight Zone Vol. 1-2: A Hundred Yards Over the Rim a Kind of Stopwatch the Man in the Bottle the Thirty-Fathom Grave (Twilight Zone (Genius))

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Twilight Zone Vol. 1-2: A Hundred Yards Over the Rim a Kind of Stopwatch the Man in the Bottle the Thirty-Fathom Grave (Twilight Zone (Genius))
Lou Diamond Phillips
Manufacturer: Genius Products
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

United States | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1594440573

Average customer rating:

Fathom (Swimsuit Special, # 1)
Top Cow/Image Comics
Manufacturer: Top Cow/Image Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000MUATZE

Book Description

This challenging new book reviews the ethics at the heart of the Islamic legal system, and suggests that these laws have been misinterpreted by certain sources in an attempt to control women.

Customer Reviews:

Faith Restored ....reclaiming Islamic Jurisprudence .......2006-07-08

This is a phenomenal book that presents the intersection of knowledge from three dimensions that rarely come together when addressing Islam. Khaled Abu el Fadel masterpiece, Speaking in the Name of God, builds on his deep knowledge of traditional Islamic jurisprudence, western thought on divergent topics such as philosophy, anthropology and linguistics and finally scientific research methods.

In this book Abu el Fadel sets about discussing basic fundamentals about the basic text of the Quran, he argues persuasively that the actual text of the Quran is authoritative whereas its interpretations are not necessarily so. Abu el Fadel proceeds to cover the concept of "agency" and the responsibilities that must be assumed by anyone who claims to interpret Islam and produce responsa or "fetwa". A tour de force of traditional Islamic Jurisprudence is presented setting the rules of how a fetwa can be reached, rules of evidence, weighing of multiple or contradictory indications, method of reasoning and ultimately presentation of results or fetwa.

Sharia Law as presented by Abu el Fadel is a far more nuanced and complex legal code than how it is commonly interpreted today in both the West and the Muslim World. A number of examples of Law from Saudi Arabia are presented in particular in relation to the restrictions imposed on women. Abu el Fadel presents the official Saudi Islamic rulings and sets about dissecting them in great detail and examining them under the microscope of traditional Islamic jurisprudence with its restrain and tremendous care not to usurp the intent of God and force one's own will on Islam.

Abu el Fadel goes to the root of some of the "Hadith", Prophet Mohammad sayings, that have been used over the years to limit the role of women in Islam. Abu el Fadel presents through very detailed analysis of history and Islamic Jurisprudence different versions of a specific Hadith that mandates duty of obedience on women towards their husbands very strong evidence that this commonly accepted Hadith is indeed fake. Abu el Fadel also presents the motives that could lay behind the number of fake Hadith's specially in relation to the split between Sunni and Shiite Islam. Consistent with his basic thesis Abu el Fadel presentations and conclusions are reached through very rigorous examination of all evidence, weighing of the evidence, balancing of the various factors in accordance with the established rules of Islamic Jurisprudence.

Khaled Abu el Fadel's modesty and "scientific humility" comes across in his restrain in drawing conclusions and in his constant attempts at presenting counter arguments to his own conclusions, and in his tentative approach towards building up his own conclusions. Abu el Fadel displays a tremendous example of what non authoritarian behavior is all about through his care not to fall into the common trap that is literally the standard approach to Islam today.

One day, perhaps centuries from now, this work may prove instrumental in recapturing the essence of Islam.

Excellent as usual.......2006-02-19

Dr. Abou El Fadl's excellent book on Islam. The Great Theft and The Search For Beauty In Islam are among his great works.

An Invaluable Book!!.......2003-12-17

What Mr. El Fadl has done in this book is nothing short of extraordinary. His project is to first explain to the reader how the Islamic jurisprudential system works: this is the system by which religious pronouncements were rated on a scale of reliability. He then proceeds to demonstrate that many of the current ethical pronouncements and fatwas issued by Islamic religious authorities (especially those concerning women's rights) do not meet Islam's criteria of reliability and rigor. El Fadl is not interested in denouncing Islam as heresy. He is a believer who is arguing only that those in positions of power in Islam must meet Islam's standards for reliability and rigor when making a pronouncement about a sacred text. The writing is lucid and vibrant and one does not need to have a scholarly understanding of Islam to appreciate the work El Fadl is doing at UCLA.

AtheistWorld.Com Book Review.......2003-08-01

This book leaves out much to be desired.
You are better off reading "Islam Exposed" by Solomon Tulbure ISBN: 1932303456

Abou El Fadl's Authoritarianism.......2003-05-28

Despite competently hitting the bull's eye in several locations, Dr. Abou El Fadl commits the same crime he is trying to expose and fight. Whenever it is in his interest, he fails to discharge the 5 obligations which he proposes for establishing persuasive authority, namely: honesty, self-restraint, comprehensiveness, diligence, and reasonableness. His mentioning, for example, of the inquisition of the createdness of the Quran is disingenuous. No one can claim that the createdness of the Quran implies its circumstantiality, and thus the right to supercede it. After reading the book, I wondered about the plight of the Muslims trapped between the authoritarianism of Abou El Fadl and the authoritarianism of the Wahabbis....

Chant the Names of God: Musical Culture in Bhojpuri-Speaking India

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Chant the Names of God: Musical Culture in Bhojpuri-Speaking India
Edward O. Henry
Manufacturer: San Diego State Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Presented in this volume are the results of anthropological and ethnomusicological field research into the roles and meanings of music in village life in the Bhojpuri-speaking area of India (eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar). In describing the main occasions of which music is an important part, such as weddings, births, and mother goddess worship, "Chant the Names of God" shows how music responds to its social and cultural contexts. Transliterations and translations of over one hundred texts are included, along with musical transcriptions of representative songs, and photographs of musical performances. Originally published in 1988.

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Good bargain!

Close to perfect wine book

a great reference

Enough information without overkill

Informative, well organized, and entertaining

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of Wine
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Oz Clarke's Introducing Wine: A Complete Guide for the Modern Wine Drinker

The Wine Bible

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Oz Clarke's New Wine Atlas: Wines and Wine Regions of the World

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ASIN: 0156029405

Amazon.com

The prolific Oz Clarke, winner of both the Julia Child and James Beard awards for wine writing, takes readers on a structured and stylish whirlwind tour of the world's wine-producing regions in Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of Wine, a 416-page tome full of glossy, full-color pages packed to their sturdy binding with photos, maps, and opinionated enological overview.

Early chapters summarize the making of red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines; give tips on keeping, serving, and tasting wine; and vividly detail the traits of some of the globe's grape-growing geography. Clarke's prose is full of tasty turns of phrase: tannic Merlots are full of "gum-drying toughness," oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc is a "half-way house" between Chardonnay and French Sauvignon, and lightly aged Riesling smells like "petrol." But a couple of his pronouncements are just plain infuriating: calling the political Classification of 1855--drawn up by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and based on the prices the wines fetched then and still extant in this day of vineyard consolidation and ownership by insurance companies and makers of luxury luggage--generally "still a remarkably accurate guide" may strike one as oddly musty thinking, given his revisionist reviews of Chateaux d'Issan and Lynch-Bages appearing later in the book. But this is wine we're talking about here: one person's "ugh!" is another's "strange but delightful," and wine researchers and armchair sippers alike will find the latter 85 percent of the New Encyclopedia to be the real body of the work: an information-packed, browsable, alphabetical gazetteer of wines, regions, grape types, and producers written in the sometimes enraging, always engaging, wonderful words of Oz. --Tony Mason

Book Description

Now available in paperback, Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of Wine has been updated to reflect the latest developments in the world of wine. This A-to-Z reference includes more than 1,500 entries covering the world's leading wines, wine regions, wine producers, and grapes, and 700 color photographs, maps, wine labels, and other illustrations. As accessible for the beginner as it is informative for the expert, the New Encyclopedia demystifies today's burgeoning world of wine with all the wit and expertise Oz Clarke's readers have come to expect.

Customer Reviews:

Good bargain!.......2004-07-14

This Encyclopedia is enough comprahensive for its price; a basic reference on wine making, regions and wines and so, writers style is friendly and not boring. Only disadvantage of this book A-Z arrangement, it's a bit confuse. I have more encyclopedia and reference books on wine; but i take a look this book so often.
Finally it is a good bargain i think...

Close to perfect wine book.......2004-04-26

There were some areas I wanted a little more detail in, but this is by far the best read out there for those studying wine - well written, and interesting without the punchy or gimmicky writing style of so many other food and wine books. This book was exactly what I was looking for.

a great reference.......2002-10-14

Oz Clarke, of Decanter magazine fame, has done it yet again. This is a beautiful book presenting complete, yet concise evaluations and descriptions of the world's wine regions and producers. As this book was written in 1999, and new producers are blooming everywhere, all the time, the book is not 'per-se' complete. However, Clarke's efforts provide anyone, from the novice drinker to the wine-master, a valuable reference. What I think sets this book apart from other wine encyclopedias, is Clarke himself. His palate is much more keen and his descriptions much more accurate than those of, say, Robert Parker, whose lifelong addiction to highly tannic, alcoholic, "fruit-bomb" wines has completely killed his palate. Clarke is one of the best in the business, and you can have confidence that you bought more than just a prety book for the coffee table.

Enough information without overkill.......2001-12-13

This is a reference I turn to regularly. I like the fact that you can start with a general term like Beaujolais, and the bold-print entries will take you to more specific entries such as Moulin-a-Vent and Fleurie which are recognized crus of the Beaujolais district. I also like that the author gives his opinion about what vintners are improving their production and which properties may be resting on withered laurels. You still may want a specialized book on wines (California wines say, or German wines) but for the overall view, this is a good choice. In contrast to one review that said this is not as complete as the Oxford Companion to Wine, I find it gives more attention to German wines than does the Oxford Companion. I picked up the Oxford Companion to Wine in a bookstore, looked up a few entries and got disgusted at its omissions, and bought a different wine guide.

Informative, well organized, and entertaining.......1999-11-19

If you're looking for an informative, well organized, and entertaining wine encyclopedia (versus, say, an obtuse, sloppy, and dull wine encyclopedia), then look no further. Generally speaking, I find encyclopedia-type wine books to be rather dull and a little thin on information, but Oz Clarke has truly succeeded. Clarke's writing style is concise, informative, and amusing. Not an easy feat for an encyclopedia. This 400+ page encyclopedia is an A to Z of wines, wine regions, producers, and grape varieties.

Average customer rating:

New Encyclopedia of French Wines
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: S&S, 1990
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H214TC

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of French Wines

Average customer rating:

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of French Wines
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Cooking | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0671731939

Average customer rating:

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of French Wines
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L00C2K

Oz Clark's New Encyclopedia of French Wines

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Oz Clark's New Encyclopedia of French Wines
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UQU2AC

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OZ CLARKE'S NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FRENCH WINES
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RANXCK

Average customer rating:

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of Wine
Oz Clarke
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJI6CQ

Customer Reviews:

A gorgeous introduction to illuminated manuscripts.......2003-07-15

I have owned my copy of this book for many years, for the simple reason that the illustrations in it are all beautifully reproduced samples of what is justifiably seen as a golden age in illuminated manuscript painting c1380-1420.

The book starts with an introduction into the various artists and their techniques and their patrons. This is followed up by full page reproductions, mostly of "carpet pages" from various manuscripts. This includes books such as: - The Bodmer Hours, The Visconti Hours, The Bible of King Wenceslas, The Psalter of Jean De Berry, The Belles Heures of Jean De Berry, The Boucicaut Hours and The Rohan Hours as a small sample.

The plates are beautiful reproductions, with gold in used to highlight various manuscripts. However, luckily, it has not been so heavily printed as to obscure detail. For an overall purely visual look of the range and beauty of manuscripts of this period this book is hard to beat.

Average customer rating:
The Golden Age : Manuscript Painting at the Time of Jean, Duke de Berry
Marcel Thomas
Manufacturer: George Braziller Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MYNWNQ

Average customer rating:
THE GOLDEN AGE. Manuscript Painting at the Time of Jean, Duke of Berry.
Marcel: Thomas
Manufacturer: Pan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W2S6R0

Average customer rating:
Making Classic Wreaths: Designing & Creating for All Occasions
Ed Smith
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Seasonal | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Wreathmaking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Wreaths: Creative Ideas for the Year Round

Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living

Wreaths for Every Season

How to Do Wreaths If You Think You Can't (How to Arrange Florals If You Think You Can't) (How to Arrange Florals If You Think You Can't)

Making Wreaths

ASIN: 1402714084

Book Description

These wonderful wreaths go far beyond Christmas decorations. Crafted from pinecones, seashells, autumn leaves, berries, pumpkins, and even styrofoam, they add a beautiful touch to any room all year long. They’re easy to make, too, especially with instructions that carefully outline the basic supplies and show how to make an attractive bow, wire items to the wreath, work with dried materials, enhance pre-made wreaths, and much more. Fashion a lovely seasonal wreath from spring pussy willows and forsythia. Just for fun, use recycled toys on a wreath or “wreath around the clock.” Wish someone a happy birthday with a wreath adorned with party horns, sweets and bright ribbon. One “seedy” wreath is for the birds. They’re all creative, unique, and fun to make.

Book Description

If there is one book that will look elegant on every coffee table this season, this is it. Compiled by the editors of Elle Decor, the definitive voice of good taste, this rich collection of interiorsfrom eclectic and eccentric to classic chiccan inspire every reader looking for a little je ne sais quoi for their home.

Customer Reviews:

A+ Design Book.......2006-06-09

This is a wonderful design resource book. The books shows the homes of some of the design world "greats". It is eclectic and not your run of the mill "pretty" interiors, but offers new directions in ways to think about design.

May Be a good Coffee Table Book.......2006-01-19

I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I was looking for something that would explain the "French Style" of decorating. This is more a book of the homes of Parisian designers, obviously with a lot of money. The rooms in the book are beautifully photographed and I liked the chapter called "Seven Trends for Today." These included brief text and lots of photographs of the Provincial, Provence, Eclectric, Eccentric, Atlantic, Chalet and 1930-40's style trends. There was a brief description of the style trends, but the photos that followed gave good examples.

The remaining two chapters in this book are: Parisian Fashion Designers at Home and Parisian Interior Designers at Home. The problem with this book is the rooms depicted would require someone to have an unlimited budget and/or access to resources for their furnishings.

This book was not helpful in showing the "regular" person how to achieve the French Style in their own home. Most of the text just describes the exquisite items and creations. For example, "A vase- light has been created from minutely worked Venetian glass, and it dominates the sculpted wrought-iron pediment of a play cabinet which was designed by Gilbert Poillerat" which desribes an elaborate vase with flowers out of glass. There were a few rooms where you could probably implement and adapt to be used within your own home, but the "French Style" depicted in these rooms are based on ALL the elements, from the beautiful custom glasswork to the exquisite fabrics and furnishings.

If you are an interior designer who has clients with unlimited funds or are someone with an unlimited budget, you might find this book useful. For those of us who have to stay within a reasonable budget, this is not the book to learn and implement French Style.

What could have elevated this book above 2 stars would have been more informative text on creating the style and not just descriptions of the products and creators of the items in the photographs.

Not What You Are Hoping For!.......2005-03-15

Having several books on French style and French Country style, many showcasing homes in France, this book is a huge disappointment. Few of the rooms are stylish, but rather, well just junky. I was looking forward to another look at French style in France, not just the interpretation of such in America. This is a coffee table book for those who have little design sense.

Elle Decor: Grand Book of French Style.......2005-01-21

I have many books on style and decor, but this is by far one of my favorites. I love that it includes many facets of French style, not just the ubiquitous, American stereotype of what "French" looks like. Chapter headings read: "Provincial," "Atlantic," "Provence," and "Eclectic" (my favorite) to name a few. The back of the book is dedicated to showcasing the homes of a few Parisian fashion and interior designers, an addition that I quite enjoyed. If you're looking to redecorate or just love looking, this book is for you!

French Designers.......2002-03-02

I felt that this book was a nice collection of work by French designers. It depicted various French designers work in various styles. It did not however show French style. This was what I was hoping to see.

Average customer rating:

The "Elle" Book of Decoration
Jean Demachy , Francoise Baudot , Jean Denachy , and Elle Magazine
Manufacturer: Cassell Illustrated, a division of the Octopus Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0304354902

Average customer rating:

The Elle Book of Decoration
Jean Demachy and Francois Baudot
Manufacturer: Cassell Illustrated, a division of the Octopus Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OS8EME

Book Description

The turbulent, often tragic life of America's greatest playwright, Eugene O'Neill, is laid bare in this acclaimed and insightful biography.

Average customer rating:

O'NEILL SON AND ARTIST.
Louis. Scheaffer
Manufacturer: Boston: Little, Brown And Co.,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000X4KCA6

O'Neill Son and Playwright, Son and Artist

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O'Neill Son and Playwright, Son and Artist
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (P)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTTDU0

Average customer rating:

O'Neill, Son & Artist
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1973
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXG8PU

Average customer rating:

O'Neill, Son and Artist
Louis. Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Elek Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0236310739

Average customer rating:

O'Neill: Son and Artist
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Paragon House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBC9XI

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O'Neill: Son and Artist Volume Ii
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Cooper Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LUQ7G0

Average customer rating:

O'Neill: Son and Artist.
Louis SHEAFFER
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RJ8XPS

Average customer rating:

O'Neill: Son and Artist
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Little, Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQJTG2

Average customer rating:

O'Neill: Son and Artist
Louis Sheaffer
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZN2ZW

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