Lud Heat and Suicide Bridge

Book Description

A great fusion of prose and verse, Lud Heat is an exploration of a contemporary city and the historical and mythical patterns that it hides. The churches of Nicholas Hawksmoor, built in a London ravaged by fire and plague, are the sites of mystery and energy that animate this work.

Customer Reviews:

A must for anyone interested in modern UK literature........2001-12-01

This book is particularly interesting because it is probably the first book using what Sinclair later came to call 'psychogeography', an obsession he shares with his two close friends Michael Moorcock and Peter Ackroyd. Ackroyd made very free use of this book for his own splendid supernatural mystery story Hawkwsmoor and Moorcock introduces it, offering his own spin on the talented Mr Sinclair, as well as a few passing amiable swipes at half his famous contemporaries. Ackroyd's own riffs on Doctor Dee and a Platonic view of London (both from
Moorcock's own fantastic London novel Gloriana) find echoes in Sinclair's rich reflections on the underlying sense of a city's history reflected in her earth, stones and architecture, written when he was still working as a municipal gardener in London's East End. What Sinclair and Moorcock offer is the raw stuff of their own experience and observation whereas Ackroyd's views are slightly more academic, more enthusiastic at a distance than close-up. But all three writers should be read together to get a sense of another, very different, strand of English fiction which occasionally feeds the imaginations of people like Rushdie, Amis and Self but is hardly recognised in its own right as a vigorous and ultimately far richer canon. This kind of literature has little to do with the consumer age and is built solidly to last, I'd guess, a few centuries. Get this as an introduction to Sinclair and the school of writers he represents, but get Downriver to enjoy him at his finest.

Book Description

Fourth in a new series of standalone adventures about the clerics of the Forgotten Realms world. Maiden of Pain is the fourth title in a new Forgotten Realms novel series focusing specifically on priests, the popular D&D® game iconic class also known as clerics. Each title will chronicle priests loyal to a different deity in the Forgotten Realms pantheon. Like the preceding series The Rogues, each novel in The Priests series is written as a stand-alone adventure, allowing new readers an easy entry point into the Forgotten Realms world.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-01-19

First, an unbelievable fact. This is the FIRST novel by Kameron Franklin. If it wasn't written on the cover, I would never have guessed. Surely the best first novel by any author ever to explore the fascinating realms of Faerun. I hope Franklin will be given more space by the Wizards to claim his rightful place alongside Bob Salvatore and Paul S. Kemp as a FR great.

Now, more on the novel. It is a story about Ythnel, a young cleric of Loviatar from Thay sent to tutor a girl in Luthcheq, a city-state ruled by mad Karanok dynasty. She gets falsely accused of being a wizard (which is punishable by death in Luthechq), and a beautiful story about prejudice, revenge and devotion starts.

The story, and the way it's told is simply brilliant. I have nothing more to say on that matter. The main character is an unorthodox protagonist, and the villains (the whole Karanok family, plus one or two other characters) are well described and believable. The supporting characters are a bit crude, and fall a bit short from the overall quality of the book, but it doesn't make them bad but average. What this book has, and most of the others don't have, however, are those little details that separate a good book from a great book. The novel gives an excellent insight in clergy of Loviatar, making them more than leather bound S-M dominatrixes, as they were often described earlier. I love books where it is not so easy to distinguish good and evil, and that is unfortunately a rare thing in FR novels.

There is not much bad to say about this book, except maybe the unnecessary connection between one of Thay's Zulkirs and the events in this book. But again, maybe it is just a little sneak-peak into things to come. I hope it is.

This is a must-read. Alongside "Road of the Patriarch" and Erevis Cale trilogy, maybe the best book to come out of Wizards publishing in the last couple of years.

Bravo.

Pleasing!.......2007-01-03

As a die-hard fan of the Forgotten Realms storyline, I've found this to be one of my favorite books. Being the player of usually Lawful Evil characters, it's refreshing to see the main character of this book not Elminster, Drizzt, or a Harper, but one of the bad guys themselves; a decidedly Lawful Evil Loviatan cleric.

Though the writing is not to the level of the more well known authors in the FR fiction line, it is quite entertaining, dipping into one of the more hilarious storylines in the source books (That being the Church of Entropy, a bunch of idiots who worship a Sphere of Annihilation). Seen along the way are Were-crocodiles. That's never a bad thing!

Good first Novel.......2005-10-05

I loved this book. 75th fr book that I've read.

I don't think it was as dark a book as everyone has been saying. Regardless of main character's Loviatan religion, she obviously seemed like a good person, even if she wasn't exactly "nice." Being a nice person and being a good person are two comepletely different things. This book was definitely about growing up and discovering the harsh realities of the realms and overcoming those realities. The "good guys" in this book were not very powerful characters, and no, they weren't very smart because they were not very battle tested. They were very courageous however, despite being imperiled by nature and enemies that were more powerful than they were. They bided there time, fled when necessary, and prayed when they could do nothing else, and received Tymora's blessing when they absolutely needed it. There really wasn't any danger to all Faerun. The story really just concerned Chessenta, particullary just concerned the ruling family of Luthcheq and some minor political and economic implications of Thay. The book fairly fast-paced. It's almost like the main character was thrown into a maelstrom from the very being, and the question became whether she could gain her composure and take control of the situation. This book teaches valuable lessons on the importance of discipline, perserverance, and self-improvement, and I highly recommend it.

Not much of a story.......2005-09-30

Like some of the other books in the Priests series, this book suffered from lack of a strong plot. Salvatore's awesome Cleric Quintent proves that a cleric can carry a story, but maybe the difference is that it requires more character development than bashing bad guys, finding an artifact, or in this case, rescuing someone who betrayed you in the first place and running from were-creatures.

Some of the highlights in this book that should have been delved into deeper involve the secret mage society, the vampires, and the conflict between spellcasters and the ruling family of Luthcheq. Those themes were touched on to a degree, but could have been woven more strongly and would have made the story much more interesting.

Finally, like other reviewers have mentioned, the main characters go through no changes at all. Ythnel, the Loviatan cleric, has no burning issues. She spends the story reacting to things and appears uninterested in what's going on most of the time, anyway. Much like the reader, there is little emotional involvement going on at all.

First novel from this author.......2005-08-15

Before being overly critical of this book I think one has to realize it's the first full length novel from this author, as such there are bound to be some growing pains and things that he probably wishes he had done differently.

Now, on to the book. While this isn't the best book in the Priests' series I don't think it is a terrible book. In fact as I was reading it I almost flet like the author was learning a few things as we went.

The plot had definite reason to it. At no time did I feel like I didn't know what was going on. The character development could have been better at a couple points, but nothing that detracted significantly from the book. I really enjoyed the setting in the story where the author takes us 'off the beaten path' so to speak and does soemthing with some races that hasn't been done before.

Overall I'd recommend this book to people who have read others in the priest series. I think it's worthwhile to learn about a newer god int he Realms. Not a bad read.

Average customer rating:

Excellent guide to Doctor Who spin-offs

I, Who 2: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who Novels and Audios (I, Who)
Lars Pearson
Manufacturer: Right Stuf, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

I, Who 3: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who Novels and Audios (I, Who)

About Time 5: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press))

About Time 4: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press))

I, Who: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who Novels (I, Who)

About Time 3: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (Seasons 7 to 11) (About Time)

ASIN: 1570329001

Book Description

I, Who 2 documents the "Doctor Who" original novels after the Earth-shaking Interference, the whole of the Benny books, the Big Finish audio line and more. It's a literary and audio tapestry so vast, it takes 170,000 words and a myriad of locations in time and space to tell this story.

The Doctor would approve.

Features:

* Exclusive Introduction by Star Trek novelist Peter David!
* Cover by Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates & The Authority)
* Includes missing chapter from the Doctor Who novel The Sands of Time!
* Indexes all eighth Doctor novels from The Blue Angel to Escape Velocity plus all past Doctor novels from Sept. 1999 (City at World's End) to Feb. 2001 (Bunker Soldiers).
* Indexes all Big Finish audios through "Minuet in Hell."
* Covers the entire Bernice Summerfield book & audio line!
* Includes write-ups on apocryphal works such as Campaign and The Masters of Luxor!
* Novelist round table with acclaimed Who authors Justin Richards, Andy Lane, Kate Orman, Lawrence Miles, Jonathan Morris and more!

Customer Reviews:

Excellent guide to Doctor Who spin-offs.......2003-11-24

Since Doctor Who ceased production as a television series, the adventures of the Doctor have been continued in book and audio form. In the early 1990s, the book arm of Virgin started a range of novels featuring the seventh Doctor called 'The New Adventures' which was eventually followed by books featuring past Doctors called 'The Missing Adventures'. When the TV Movie starring Paul McGann was announced, the BBC took over the book licence and commenced publishing two series of books referred to by fans as the EDAs (Eighth Doctor Adventures) and PDAs (Past Doctor Adventures). Big Finish Productions entered the picture and produced an ongoing and successful series of original audio plays featuring Doctors five, six, seven and eight.

This book is the second volume of Lars Pearsons guide to these spin-off stories, and his reviews are detailed and opinionated. Best of all, they are written in an entertaining style that makes for easy reading. This is an improvement on the first book which featured illustrations that had little relevance to the text (understandable in a way as Lars obviously didn't want to upset the BBC by using trademarked images) and a number of typos.

Essential reading for fans of original Doctor Who fiction and audio dramas.

Customer Reviews:

Why bother to talk of a dream in a dream?.......2001-02-12

"The body is just a lodging; the innkeepers name is Illuminator. The Illuminator neither comes nor goes, so we know it has no birth or death. If you ask what the Illuminator is like, any description is wrong; every act and everything we see is neither the same nor different. Seeing the acts and things, each one is a Buddha and a disciple." P.174

This book is a guide for those experiencing the Tao as illuminator; it tells you what can happen along The Way by using highly poetic language, leaving you to sort out the meaning through your personal experience of the Tao. If none of that makes sense, this might not be the book for you, but then again ...

If you value highly imaginative Asian poetry, you will enjoy the Chang Po-tuan text. "Quiet and clamor, speech and silence, are originally the same thing - Why bother to talk of a dream in a dream?" You might want to read his stuff first; it's spelled out in all CAPITAL LETTERS. The commentary by Liu I-ming was excellent, but it was sometimes jarring to read him right after Po-tuan's poetry.

Jungians will find this book an interesting addition to their study of Alchemy, finding somewhat similar to The Secret of the Golden Flower. The Po-tuan text is rich will Alchemical poetry.

Mahalo to the University of Hawaii Press for publishing this book, and special thanks to Tom Cleary for providing us with this translation.

Away scholars, approach practitioners!.......1998-06-13

One of the few texts translated into English from a Taoist master who pursued celestial immortality. Students of Taoism who internally steam their sexual energy in an attempt to give birth to the spirit often wish that they could compare notes with a master of a by-gone era. This is their opportunity! One must ignore the commentary beneath each verse, however, as it is provided years later by a Taoist Scholar who either doesn't have a clue as to the meaning of the verses of Chang Po-Tuan, or wishes to protect the information they contain. While talking in code, Chang Po-Tuan's work IS decipherable if one knows the actual physical and energetic practices. This knowledge is often labeled as the "Kan & Li work" by modern Taoists and can be learned from such contemporary masters as Mantak Chia.

Book Description

Collecting graphic art is a surprisingly affordable pastime, and this book guides readers through all of the forms available. The first part of the book explores different printing techniques; part two, on prints, covers traditional collecting areas as well as the work of modern artists, such as David Hockney; and the final part, which is dedicated to posters, includes the highly collectible fields of cinema and rock and pop posters. Practical information and prices are included throughout.

Book Description

Since the late 1980s, Tokyo has gained an unrivalled reputation worldwide for being at the very cutting edge of the international design scene. Despite the downturn in the Japanese economy in the mid 1990s, interior design has thrived, fuelled by a rapid turnover in consumer trends and the pressure on urban space. For retail and entertainment venues design is a potent tool, proving itself to be an essential aid in the perpetual jostle for customers and market share. In the last few years, the design stakes have heightened rather than diminished. International companies have also joined the fray by investing heavily in signature architecture in the city. In 2001, the Renzo Piano Building Workshop completed the Japanese headquarters for Hermès in Tokyo and, in 2003, Herzog de Meuron captured the attention of the world’s press with its impressive glass building for Prada in Roppongi.

Design City Tokyo features the latest stylish interior design projects in the city. As well as restaurants, bars, shops, offices and homes, it includes a male beauty parlour, a disco for the over 40s and Kengo Kuma’s new temple. The projects range from the internationally renowned to hidden ‘backstreet’ gems. The author’s insider knowledge of Tokyo offers the reader a rare and privileged perspective, imparting both design and cultural insights.

Average customer rating:
A "collective memory" place for Los Angeles: Urban design project : a pedestrian itinerary from Chinatown to Little Tokyo
Helene Ly
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Urban & Land Use Planning | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007AZCX8

Average customer rating:
Preserving the traditional sense of place: Design & planning responses (Traditional dwellings and settlements working paper series)
William B Bechhoefer
Manufacturer: Center for Environmental Design Research, University of California at Berkeley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Urban & Land Use Planning | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Small Homes & Cottages | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006OVVKS

Book Description

Here is a reference for any graphic designer working with international clients or designing for an international audience. The first trick is understanding the culture and knowing how firmly traditional symbols are held, and how far the boundaries can and should be pushed to achieve the most effective design message for the project. This guidebook covers everything designers need to know about the national and international meanings of various traditional and not-so traditional cuLtural symbols. and their implications and associations. Chapters are arranged geographically by region and by country for an easy-to-navigate reference. This resource is packed with important symbol definitions and is illustrated with real-life graphic design examples of symbols used in print, packaging, advertising, multimedia, environmental graphics, and more.

Customer Reviews:

No substance and an empty promise.......2001-02-24

Huge disappointment. One star for a nice but decieving cover (and there isn't a zero-star). In fact, I learned that the symbols on the cover were nothing more than a convention used by the authors to catagorize their 8th-grade-level passages into people, plants, animals, gestures/language, and shapes for a region/country.

However, the coverage of countries/cultures was quite sparse--they completely missed the Middle East. It's basically a portfolio of works done by their designer friends for foreign clients, as if a few (sometimes one) client's work represents a cultural reference.

I actually question whether the authors' understand the definition of a symbol or icon...
"A SYMBOL for untold riches during the fifteenth century, Australia and the surrounding islands were finally opened... But Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand soon became ICONS of both refuge and desparation in the 1780's..." (p.172)

To her credit, Anastatia Miller's book, "What Logos Do and How They Do It" was good and useful, which leads me to believe the books lacking is due to the publisher or the Cullens.

(This is not my first disappointment with a Rockport published design book; I will be very hesitant before I buy another one.)

For a good book on symbols, try "Signs and Symbols..." by Adrian Frutiger.

Well, the flag is right this time..........2001-02-17

Interesting concepts - to put together books on global colors (see: "Global Graphics: Color") and symbolism for the field of graphic design. This information is needed in this world of global messaging. After having my doubts confirmed on false data in the color book, however, red flags still want to wave in my brain with this book. At least the German flag is displayed correctly in the "Symbols" book. And both books are well designed and great eye candy. "Symbols" also gives various avenues for creative thinking. I would be careful with their facts, however. Check them twice or three times with other sources just to be on the safe side.

Customer Reviews:

The Book Was Great!.......2004-07-10

I just finished the book today around Noon. It was very good. It kept me wanting more. I felt as though you were beating around the bush on some topics....but it's all good. Are you gonna write more books? Put me on the list for one. The book touched my heart because I could relate to a lot of topics like.........being molested, having dreams and goals (that people did not agree with), Daydreaming, struggling, feeling different from other people. And overcoming it ALL. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep moving forward.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet the author and get a signed copy.

CEO of Beaded Jewlery by Sonya~

Sekenia Williams: Your book is absolutely AMAZING.......2004-07-01

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Soul Exposed: An Inspirational Autobiography
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Clearance Nealy (kissmedia@aol.com), I am an Entertainment Manager, June 30, 2004,
Encouraging, Inspiring, Touching, Full of Laughter, LOVE, and DRAMA
Sekenia Williams: Your book is absolutely AMAZING...This book is a wake up call for any of US that are trying to break big into the entertainment industry. More people should have the courage you have to EXPLAIN your life on pages and share this type of knowledge with the world. This Book is Encouraging, Inspiring, Touching, Full of Laughter, LOVE, DRAMA as a matter of fact Im reading it again~ Cleareance Nealy

Also recommended: 'Now I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings' by Mya Angelou

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