The Smallest People Alive

Customer Reviews:

These are wonderful short stories.......2005-03-06

These short stories are unlike anything I've read before. To me, they are so true to life the words practically burn off the page. Keith Banner illuminates and makes art out of the lives of rural, small town, and small city gay people, and of those whose lives intersect with them. Some characters are so deeply flawed they are repugnant; others evoke nothing but respect and understanding. These stories are funny, pitiful, and harrowing. I hope at least a few of Banner's stories make their rightful place alongside those of the esteemed Flannery O'Connor, Mary Hood, Katherine Anne Porter, and Joy Williams.

Average customer rating:

Not impressed

Interesting idea, but poorly excuted

great Celtic fantasy!

Amazingly irritating book [Has SPOILERS]

Not too bad
Holder of Lightning (The Cloudmages, Book 1)
S. L. Farrell
Manufacturer: DAW Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Mage of Clouds: The Cloudmages # 2

Heir of Stone : (The Cloudmages #3) (Cloudmages)

Medalon (The Hythrun Chronicles: Demon Child Trilogy, Book 1)

Treason Keep (The Hythrun Chronicles: Demon Child Trilogy, Book 2)

Priestess of the White (Age of the Five Trilogy, Book 1)

ASIN: 0756401305
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Book Description

In Holder of Lightning, Book One of The Cloudmages, a seventeen-year-old farm girl named Jenna picks up a small but strangely alluring stone on Knobtop Hill-and, with that single act, her peaceful life is forever changed. First, the lights appear-the mage-lights which shone only in legends from the time Before. Then, with the lights, come the trouble and the magic, too...

For what Jenna holds in her hands is the Lamh Shabhala, the master stone of legend which could reawaken all of the stones. And the Holder of this stone is said to pay the greatest price for wielding such powerful magic.

Now, Jenna fears for her home, her friends, and her family.

Ancient legends are waking-and walking the earth.

Customer Reviews:

Not impressed.......2007-08-28

I will say this right off the bat. Do not use this book to judge this author. I have yet to read anything else by him, but this has to be his worst work. It does not get much more cliche than this. I spent quite a bit of time re-reading sections of the book hoping that the second time it would make the scene understandable. It didn't. The primary issue I had with the book is that even if not everyone knows all the truth, self-defence was never a good enough reason to kill the people trying to kill her. There was no right path for this girl. Her options were kill or be killed, and apprently it is fine or everyone else to kill in self-defence, but not for Jenna. I continued to read the book, even with my rising dislike of it, cause I belive in giving the book a fair shot ... but it never got any better. The main antagonist were horrid, to the point of lobing body parts at people at one point, and Jenna was merciful ever chance she got, and it never worked to her advantage to be so. Not once did someone she saved ever bother to apperciate it. Half-way through the book I started hoping she would just mow people down left and right, including her own back-stabbing mother.

Long story short, I recomend borrowing this book from a good friend if you are going to read it (which I don't think you should do)... so they won't mind any marks left on the book when you chuck it accross the room in irritition.

Interesting idea, but poorly excuted.......2007-05-31

Holder of Lightning is an interesting book, but I personally found it very disappointing for the following reasons:

1: Incredibly bad character development. Based on a few of the other reviews I have seen here, I am not the only one who feels this way. The main problem here is that the characters radically change and move from one alignment and personality to another without any real reasons. For example, Mac Ard first appears as a good and benevolent man helping two ladies in distress, but as the story progresses he suddenly turns into this two-faced self-centered arse, backstabbing Jenna, and all the other 'good guys' at every moment. This would normally be fine, except that here almost EVERY DAMN CHARACTER in the book does it as well! Basically all the people that Jenna meets seem nice on the surface, but somehow 95% of them are really self centered people who would kill in a heartbeat (this includes her mother!!)

2: Motivations, similar to the above problems, there is also a big hole with motivation. The characters all seem to have a problem with justifying any of their actions. (exp: "Oh no, they're coming after us, what shall we do?" "Ugh, ya lets go hide in those big dark woods over there with an evil reputation, and NOT consider other, more practical ideas, such as hiding in those bushes till nightfall and making a careful escape!")

3: Jenna. As someone said earlier: Jenna is a a pain, and I have agree. When I was reading the book, roughly half the time I was wishing that I go inside for the sole purpose of slapping her. Her problem is that she blames everything on everyone else, and just whines, complains, and whines some more whenever things start going bad for her.

Overall, I was not impressed with the book. While the author did a GREAT job of describing the environment, and capturing the Celtic spirit, the book was marred by it's awful characters. Still the background was amazing, and if the author was to work on his character development skills, I would gladly give him a second chance.

great Celtic fantasy!.......2007-01-19

A good Celtic fantasy has pride, tragedy, fighting, honor, and humanity in it. This series is no exception to the rule.

There are gems that have a certain power (Cloch Mors have a greater power while the clochmions have a lesser power) that need to be recharged in "mage lights" which makes me think of the Aurora Borealis. Some gems are more powerful than others. Farrell introduces a very interesting balance to this, where each owner recharging their clochs is aware of other cloch owner and their general area (if they're recharging at the same time).

The clochs will become inactive from time to time, when the mage lights stop. There's no set cycle for this. Over time, the clochs become a story, until the mage lights come back. Then people start fighting over clochs, to possess power to further their ambitions, political or otherwise.

Amazingly irritating book [Has SPOILERS].......2006-04-11

I couldn't read this book through. I read through some of it, then just skipped around to find out what happened. Some of my pet peeves were that:

1. It's interesting that it's ok for her mother's loved man to try and kill her but it's not so ok for her to kill him in self-defense.
2. The usual, power goes to head of young person who is not equipped to deal with massive amounts of power, plot is truly a pain.
3. The, "let's strip the main character of everything she loves in life" plot device gets tired, FAST.
4. Jenna is just irritating...period.
5. Jenna's mom is amazingly self-centered, kind of brings a bad name to mothers in general.
6. Book doesn't seem to have much going on except for lots of betrayal and gore.

I'd say, save your money. Except that a large number of people seem to go in for this type of stuff.

Not too bad.......2005-02-04

I bought this book months ago on a whim, and finally I picked it up. I'm normally not a super-fan of celtic fantasy, but I enjoyed Kate Forsyth's series so I figured I'd be ok.

The beginning starts out kind of slow, although you don't get to learn too much about Jenna before the action begins, which creates a problem (her personality changes quickly from an addiction, and even though its pointed out, you don't relate since you aren't even sure what Jenna's original personality was). I also had a problem with some of the characters- some are supposed to be those changing characters- you think they're something they're really not. This is common in fantasy, but Farrell is missing something. I think its the fact there are no hidden things that you realize after you learn the character's true self. Maybe not though.

But honestly, if you're looking for some fantasy to read (I never thought it would happen, but I'm running out of books to read), this is a pretty good book. After the beginning, the plot moves fairly quickly, it's not confusing, there's romance as well as political intrigue, and there's a lot going on in the plot. The characters aren't top-notch and can be irritating at times, but it's still enjoyable. Definetly give it a shot and see what you think.

The Cloudmages Series By S.l. Farrell; 3-book Set Holder of Lightning, Magic of Clouds, Heir of Stone (Volumes 1,2,3)

Average customer rating:

The Cloudmages Series By S.l. Farrell; 3-book Set Holder of Lightning, Magic of Clouds, Heir of Stone (Volumes 1,2,3)
S.L Farrell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WB39Y6

Product Description

3 book set

Cloudmages Series; Holder of Lightning, Mage of Clouds, Heir of Stone

Average customer rating:

Cloudmages Series; Holder of Lightning, Mage of Clouds, Heir of Stone
S. L. Farrell
Manufacturer: Daw Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V8TBJC

Holder of the Lightning: The Cloudmages #1 (Cloudmages, No 1)

Average customer rating:

Holder of the Lightning: The Cloudmages #1 (Cloudmages, No 1)
S. L. Farrell
Manufacturer: DAW Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VYNSXG

Average customer rating:

Holder of Lightning

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417670053

Average customer rating:

Holder of Lightning
S. L. Farrell
Manufacturer: DAW Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JC2LL0

Amazon.com

L. E. Modesitt has been turning out good-but-not-great science fiction and fantasy stories for more than two decades; The Ecolitan Enigma is no exception. Here he returns to the world of the Ecolitan Institute, the setting for three of his earlier novels (The Ecologic Envoy, The Ecolitan Operation and The Ecologic Secession), for a fast-paced political thriller. Nathaniel, a sort of Indiana Jones/James Bond for the Institute, has been sent on a relatively innocuous mission to the colony planet Artos. But Artos is set to become the focal point of a war between two rival empires, with Nathaniel and the institute caught in between.

Book Description

L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s science fiction novels have been pleasing readers for nearly two decades. Among his earlier novels were three books set in the future universe of the Ecolitan Institute. Now Modesitt returns to that world to tell another story of cultural conflict and interstellar diplomacy. The Ecolitan Enigma is sure to thrill his old fans and win new ones.

Nathaniel Firstborn Whaler is an Ecolitan, both a professor at the Institute and a field agent with extraordinary powers. Sent to a backwater colony planet nominally to determine its economic viability, Whaler evades assassin's bullets only steps from the spaceport. He soon uncovers evidence that the planet will become the flashpoint for interstellar conflict between two empires, with each prepared to blame the Ecolitan Institute should war break out. Whaler must do everything in his power to stop what might become the worst disaster in human history.

And Nathaniel whaler just may have more power than any man in the galaxy.

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-04

The Ecolitan organisation exists to try and prevent people killing each other on a large scale. They try and use politics, money, sneaking around like spies, or whatever other influence or tricks they might have to accomplish this.

In this case, one of their senior guys and a female secret agent type go to the planet Artos. Pretty much straight away people start trying to bump them off.

Having to work out tricky interplanetary problems and their own relationships doesn't leave them much time for anything else.

dishwater is more interesting.......2007-04-06

A couple of secret agents go to a boring planet and get involved in a boring political intrigue. They almost get killed a couple of times and the reader almost dies of boredom. Not sure what the book was about as I had to skip to the end for the sake of my sanity. Hooray the secret agents win! This book could be a super intelligent commentary on politics and galatic intrigue. But it was not interesting to read. Strictly for the Modesitt obssesives.

A Study in Economics.......2004-06-11

The Ecolitan Enigma is the fourth novel in The Ecolitan Matter series according to the internal chronology, following The Ecologic Envoy. In the previous volume, Ecolitan Professor Nathaniel Firstborne Whaler negotiated a revised (and very favorable) tariff schedule with the Empire while avoiding assassination or impersonation. He also arranged for Sylvia Ferro-Maine, a former Imperial Intelligence agent, to accompany him back to Accord.

In this novel, shortly thereafter, the Ecolitan Institute is asked by the Coordinate government to accede to a request by New Avalon for an infrastructure economics study of Artos, one of their colony planets. The politicians strongly urge that Whaler should head the study. The request seems strange, but the Institute has reasons of its own to allow the study. Sylvia, now a Professor at the Ecolitan Institute, accompanies Whaler to Artos.

On Artos, they are met by Robert Walkerson, the Port Chief, and driven toward their temporary housing. However, a fuel leak results in a small explosion, killing the driver and destroying the car. Whaler, Sylvia and Walkerson catch a ride to the Guest House on the shuttle bus and Walkerson reports the incident while Whaler and Sylvia freshen up.

The next morning, Walkerson assigns another car and driver for their use and the Ecolitans start visiting facilities and local magnates. Whaler and Sylvia meet various local personages at a small reception held in the Blue Lion Inn. They also count utility poles, examine road beds and examine piers. However, they meet some animosity in the latter pursuit.

Meanwhile, the Empire is having food problems. The snyde bean crop is being devasted by some sort of disease and the anchovy harvest is also suffering. As these food staples are dying, people are beginning to starve; although the Imperial fleets try to ship in food, they cannot transport sufficient foodstuffs to met the need. Millions are dying on Herculon and the ecological disaster is spreading to other planets.

The Imperial populace is convinced that the Accordans are causing these disasters. The Imperial Senate, ever responsive to the desires of the populace, are ordering the Imperial navy to attack Accord. The Grand Admiral is confirming her orders and proceeding with all deliberate haste.

This story involves Whaler and Sylvia in another interstellar intrigue that goes beyond the boundaries of the Empire. Once again Whaler is the center of violent attacks, mostly disguised as industrial accidents. Whaler and Sylvia avoid major injury and death only by a combination of skill and luck. They are determined to finish the study, but will their efforts be enough to avert interstellar war?

In their spare time, Whaler and Sylvia discuss their personal conflicts and work out means of blending their solitary lives into a partnership. Whaler has a tendency to take charge of situations, but Sylvia has a better feel for relationships. Both must contribute if they are to solve this political dilemma.

Highly recommended for Modesitt fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of political chicanery and public investigation together with a blooming romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

"A/A+": a hard-eyed look at an ancient human dilemma.......2004-01-01

_____________________________________________
Monsters as political leaders have been a recurrent nightmare in our
history - from Lenin, Hitler, Stalin & Mao to such comparative small-
timers as Idi Amin, Pol Pot & Saddam Hussein. The record of "good
governments" in dealing with monsters is not encouraging. Millions of
lives could have been saved with a few snipers' bullets... why weren't
they?

Modesitt posits the Ecolitan Institute, on the Coordinate capitol world of
Accord, as a genocide-prevention force: "The Institute, for better or
worse, operates on principle. They try to avoid small wars... by deceit,
assassination, or economic warfare. They willl try any type of small-scale
tactic to avoid war... That's the good side... The other side is that when
they do fight, they insure they don't have to fight that enemy again."

Economist Nathaniel Whaler is sent to the frontier colony of Artos,
ostensibly to do a survey of the planet's infrastructure. His (barely)
covert mission is to look into rumors of war. His task is complicated by
multiple assassination attempts. Clearly, he and the Institute are being
set up as fall guys by one of the interstellar powers - but which one?

Shadowy organizations of dedicated, competent fighters-against-evil are
a classic sf trope, and Modesitt knows the classics. "Enigma" is the latest
and one of the best: thoughtful, well-written, an accurate and disturbing
portrait of the dark side of humanity: "Greed and force - that's all most
people listen to."

This isn't a grim or preachy book [1] - Modesitt's action and intrigue
scenes are first-rate, and the ending is, well, earthshaking. "Enigma" can
be enjoyed as a first-rate political-adventure tale, as the latest part of a
long-running sf conversation, as an examination of human nature... It's
an outstanding work, and I plan to reread it a few years on.

I see I've left out the economic basis of conflict, the well-drawn
characters, the romance amidst danger and intrigue... Well. You'll like it.
Trust me. Assuming you've liked this sort of book before. It's like that,
only better. Subtler, better-written, less self-righteous...
_________________
Note 1). LEM does get a bit heavy-handed at times, especially with his
politicians. And he includes a *major* spoiler (IMO) in the first 20 pages.
But you'll get over it.

Review copyright 1998 by Peter D. Tillman
Original review: http://www.sfsite.com/06b/eco35.htm

Interesting message not-so-subtly included.......2003-10-24

As others have stated, it definately helps to have read other books of this series. The plot does jump a bit from time to time, often only giving glimpses of the massive scale of the political intrigue occuring throughout the story. I often found myself wondering if I was supposed to be able to follow some of the discussions about all the possible forces discussed, or whether I even cared about it.

Despite being published first in, I believe, 1997, I found the concept of the Ecolitan Enigma itself to seem as though written for current events (2002-2003 timeframe). For the discussion of this enigma, the stand taken in the book, the blurring of right and wrong depending on belief and perspective, and the exploration of the consequences when adhering to the principle, the book was worth reading.

Average customer rating:
The Ecolitan Enigma
L. E. Modesitt Jr.
Manufacturer: Tor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VASZ24

Average customer rating:

Great Stories, and Incredible Food written by one of the masters of BBQ

Fantastic Book on all things Barbecue

Tops For All Skill Levels

Best BBQ Foundation Ever

Tall Tales Are Sometimes True

Peace, Love, & Barbecue: Recipes, Secrets, Tall Tales, and Outright Lies from the Legends of Barbecue
Mike Mills , and Amy Mills Tunnicliffe
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays | Gastronomy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Barbecuing & Grilling | Outdoor Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Outdoor Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Dr. BBQ's Big-Time Barbecue Cookbook: A Real Barbecue Champion Brings the Tasty Recipes and Juicy Stories of the Barbecue Circuit to Your Backyard

Legends of Texas Barbecue Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from the Pit Bosses

Smokestack Lightning: Adventures In The Heart Of Barbecue Country

Mastering Barbecue: Tons of Recipes Great Tips Neat Techniques and Indispensible Know-How

Marinades, Rubs, Brines, Cures, & Glazes: Revised And Expanded

ASIN: 1594861099
Release Date: 2005-04-28

Book Description

In this unique combination of cookbook, memoir, and travelogue, Mike Mills, the unrivalled king of barbecue, shares his passion for America's favorite cuisine-its intense smoky flavors, its lore and traditions, and its wild cast of characters. Through conversational anecdotes and black-and-white photographs, readers meet a diverse circle of colleagues and friends and join Mills in a behind-the-scenes tour of the barbecue contest circuit, with stops at some of the best 'shrines, shacks, joints, and right-respectable restaurants.'

Customer Reviews:

Great Stories, and Incredible Food written by one of the masters of BBQ.......2007-09-06

If you like food, you will enjoy this book, but if you like BBQ in the real down home tradition your gonna love it. And if you read it after reading only one other book on BBQ then you will be like me, totally smitten.

Heck, because of this book, I had to go get a charcoal grill after many with a gas grill. Now my father in law thinks I am the better of the two of us when the grill is turned on.

I am still trying to keep from turning my life over to "low and slow" exclusively, but my PL&BBQ tshirt is in the mail.

Fantastic Book on all things Barbecue.......2007-08-21

This book was amazing in its simplicity to cover all things barbecue in such a straightforward and folksy manner, by Mike Mills, a genuine legend of barbecue. Mills discusses the culture of barbecue, what barbecue means to the people and families that barbecue, how to succeed at barbecue, and is even able to coax a few great recipes from the greatest legends of barbecue. Standing back, one realizes Mills has written a rare work, one that really captures the essence of what food means to people and a culture. Even more amazing is how unpretentious and genuine the whole book is.

And while the book stands on its own as a cultural history, the recipes are worth the price of the book. Most of the legends Mill's interviewed likely reluctant to give up their secret sauces, rubs, and signature dishes. So many of the recipes Mill's collects are various side dishes. I made Billy Bones Wall Cherry Sausage, and it is definitely a keeper, although next time, I'll cut back on the salt a little. Mike Mills graciously provides many of his "secret" recipes, including his magic dust seasoning. I made up a batch and put it to the ultimate test: Would it wake up a TV dinner? Yessirreee! I find myself using Mill's Magic Dust lots of places, and Mill's recommends using it on everything but ice cream. Actually, it would probably make ice cream taste better too! Finally, I made Sarge's Smoked Portobello Mushrooms, which were awesome!

Even as a simple home cooking book, I highly recommend it. But it's true strength is a cultural history of a truly American cuisine that's starting to come into its own.

Tops For All Skill Levels.......2007-06-17

This is my favorite BBQ book, though maybe for different reasons than other reviewers like it.

I've been BBQing and grilling for many years, since I was a teen ager, and my main reason for preferring this method of cooking is because I'm no gourmet, and if you take BBQing at its basic level, it's a very easy method of cooking. By this I mean you don't need culinary school/professional skills to pull of good BBQ--just a lot of care and patience, plus the experience you will pick up as you go along.

I'm not planning to enter BBQ championships or competition. I just like simple recipes that taste good, with easy-to-get ingredients. And though this book can be taken as a championship BBQ manual, it is also easy enough, its ingredients basic enough, that even the back yard duffer like me can make the most of them.

The recipes are just about fool-proof, if you take the care and time to follow them properly. F'rinstance, the famous Magic Dust rub recipe is about as easy as mixing Nestles Quik, and you don't have to go to exotic asian markets to find the ingredients. I hate shopping and I like a recipe where you can get everything you need at the local supermarket.

You also don't need thousands of dollars of fancy BBQ equipment to get the job done here. Sure, you can do it all in a big fancy smoker, but I only have a regular 26" Weber charcoal kettle grill, plus the pint-sized Weber Smoky Joe for side jobs, and every thing comes out dandy. A food processor would certainly come in handy, though I don't even have that. It would make the job easier, but its not necessary.

On the other hand, if you are very ambitious, there's enough meat here for the most competitive cook. I don't imagine there is anyone BBQing out there who can't learn something, and a great deal, from this book.

One of my favorites is the grilled stuff peppers, which even the most incompetent [...] can throw together without straining yet which, in the hands of a BBQ master, can probably come out like ambrosia for the grilling gods.

The guy who wrote the introduction to this said it's the last cookbook you'll ever need, and though you should certainly get some others (I like Steve Raichlen's BBQ USA and Paul Kirk's Championship BBQing), this is the one to start with, even if you're brand new to the BBQ. It used to be a custom to give a newlywed bride a cookbook as a wedding present. That custom seems to have passed away in these days when wives don't cook. However if it still existed, this is the book I'd give them.

And there's one other benefit to BBQing, which they don't mention here--you don't have to clean the kitchen when you're done. For an old bachelor like me, who is a first rate lazy slob, this last thing can't be overemphasized. Just keep the grill cleaned & oiled, make sure you scrub all surfaces when going from chicken to anything else, let the charcoal cool down before you throw it in the garbage pail, uses paper plates, and dump everything right in the trash and your day is done.

Best BBQ Foundation Ever.......2007-03-05

I bought a high-end (Lang) offset smoker a year ago. I was raised in the South, so I am no stranger to BBQ (slow cooked meat usually with wood). This was my 5th book on the subject. Most of them I purchased, tried a rub or sauce recipe, and retired to the shelf. However, Peace, Love and BBQ is different. It is the real deal. I am not a reader, but I find myself picking up this book and just reading for ideas and inspiration. It makes me hungry every single time. BBQ varies from region to region, and this book helps you understand regional preferences. It covers the fundamentals and provides recipes based on ACTUAL success stories of people and restaurants.

If you are a BBQ fan, this is your book. Buy this one first and save yourself some money. It covers a wide range of flavors in recipes that meld together in the BBQ world as determined by judges and customers. As with any cookbook, when you get a good foundation, you can adjust to your tastes as necessary (i.e. adjust spices for sweet or heat). Understanding that BBQ is a hobby, and admitting that I am biased, this is the best cookbook on a culinary subject that I have ever purchased! I believe that this book will change my approach to BBQ indefinitely. What a bargain.

Tall Tales Are Sometimes True.......2006-11-30

This is the only cookbook I've ever heard of that would make a person cry. Mike and Amy achieved a beautiful balance of story telling, how to and why to as well as showing a reverence for those of us who are out there in the BBQ world everyday. This great read is full of recipes that your grandmama never bothered to write down all the way to how my dad cooks a whole ribeye. (Yes, he's mentioned in the book.) Mike and Amy did what they set out to do: the gave the world the gift of an insider's view into what bbq culture is all about. I'm not only proud to own it, I'm proud to give it as a gift on any and all occasions.

Peace, Love, & Barbecue: Recipes, Secrets, Tall Tales, and Outright Lies From the Legends of Barbecue

Average customer rating:

Peace, Love, & Barbecue: Recipes, Secrets, Tall Tales, and Outright Lies From the Legends of Barbecue
Mike Mills
Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6B9LU

Book Description

An outstanding analysis of why and how protection, Obedience, and Tracking all play an integral part in Schutzhund training, with emphasis on selecting and raising a dog to suit the owner's needs.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book - very detiled and informative.......2007-08-17

Told me what I wanted to know in great detail and with great clarity.
I liked it so much I bought the follow up level II book.

A must for GSD owners.......2007-07-30

There is only so much I can actually do with my 14-year old resuced GSD, but I really think that if more people understood the types of things these dogs were meant to do (which do not include sitting around all day and lacking a confident leader to follow), far lass would end up in rescues every year. Just the first section was really helpful. This applies to other working breeds too, of course, but this is one of several books that have helped me get inside my dog's head, helped me understand how he's been misunderstood all of his life, and is helping us tap into his brilliant brain the best we can in his golden years. Good stuff!

Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods.......2007-05-23

Whether novice or experienced trainer, anyone who desires to learn what Schutzhund is about - get this book! It identifies the short comings of the old school methods of training with objective, rational and real world proof - and this book opened my eyes. It is a pleasure to read and includes several photographs that pictorially represent what the author is discussing. It demonstrates the theory behind the methods of training as well as establishing objectives in training to accomplish the goals desired in formats that work.

Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods (Howell Reference Books) .......2007-01-11

Excellent book. Great help for dog training.

Schutzhund :by Susan Barwig.......2006-07-15

Good for a beginner.
Rules and great descriptions of the sport.
Doesnt give any secrets but good basic information to start in the sport

SCHUTZHUND. THEORY AND TRAINING METHODS [O3]

Average customer rating:

SCHUTZHUND. THEORY AND TRAINING METHODS [O3]
S. and S. Hilliard Barwig
Manufacturer: Howell Book House, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WPGX36

Book Description

Now deer hunters can access a reference devoted solely to the

guns, ammunition and accessories they use in the field! Readers

will find authoritative articles and reviews of the latest

hunting rifles, shotguns and handguns, as well as ammunition,

sights and more.

An illustrated catalog section details deer rifles, shotguns,

handguns and muzzleloaders, complete with current pricing

information from Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values. A

special reference section includes a website directory of state

game and fish departments. This practical guide is a must for

any deer hunter!

Book Description

Nestled on perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean, these islands are a tourist destination second to none. Recently, a new sophistication has come to the dining scene with a host of chic eateries. These dining hotspots offer a logical complement to the Balearics' thriving, trendy nightlife. There's the dazzling modernist surroundings and Asian menu at Majorca's Tahini, or hotspot Aramis with its innovative interior and international dishes. Browse this assemblage of stunning restaurant interiors interspersed with a selection of unique recipes.

Book Description

Fifth in a continuing series, this handsome portfolio contains ten fine art prints of David Roberts' superb lithographs of Egypt's monumental pyramids and the beautiful landscape of the Sinai Peninsula, selected from Egypt: Yesterday and Today (AUC Press, 1996). Between 1842 and 1849, on the basis of sketches made on the spot and aided by his excellent memory, Roberts produced the drawings that Louis Haghe turned into prints published by Francis Graham Moon. These lithographs appeared in the original hand-painted deluxe edition.
Suitable for framing, they reproduce scenes of the mountain wilderness and the monastery of Sinai with an accuracy that today would be called photographic. This high-quality collection of prints celebrate the epic grandeur and fine detail of Roberts' views, in a format that complements his extraordinary artistic achievements.

The Art of Ancient Egypt: A Portfolio : Masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum (The New Press Portfolio Series)

Average customer rating:

This is publication of very specialized nature

The Art of Ancient Egypt: A Portfolio : Masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum (The New Press Portfolio Series)

Manufacturer: New Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Ancient & Classical | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1565840062

Book Description

Ancient Egypt has always been an endless source of fascination and inspiration. Drawing on the exceptional holdings of Egyptian antiquities from The Brooklyn Museum, The Art of Ancient Egypt covers more than four millennia of Egyptian history while exploring the most intriguing themes surrounding ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Customer Reviews:

This is publication of very specialized nature.......2000-04-22

This is neither a book nor a catalogue of the Brooklyn museum collection. This publication consist of 24 color plates of the highlights of the Brooklyn museum collection accompanied by a small booklet with comments on each piece. It is of limited use to the general reader. You can have a much more information about ancient Egypt from other books of the same price range that cotain a lot more color photos of ancient Egyptian Objects. The format does not make it easy to read and access. This a very specialized publication that may be of use to someone who is studying Ancient Egypt and need to know the best of the Brooklyn museum collection in details.

Average customer rating:

Egypt Portfolio
David Roberts
Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9774246195

Book Description

This handsome portfolio contains 10 fine art prints of David Roberts' superb lithographs of ancient Egypt, selected from Egypt: Yesterday and Today (AUC Press, 1996).
Between 1842 and 1849, on the basis of sketches made on the spot and aided by his excellent memory, Roberts produced the drawings that Louis Haghe turned into prints published by Francis Graham Moon. These lithographs appeared in the original hand-painted deluxe edition.
Published here on high-quality paper and suitable for framing, they reproduce architectural details of the temples and tombs of ancient Egypt with an accuracy that today would be called photographic. This high-quality collection of prints celebrates the epic grandeur and fine detail of Roberts' views, in a format that complements his extraordinary artistic achievements.

Ancient Treasures Portfolio (Ten Fine Photographic Prints of Ancient Egyptian Art)

Average customer rating:

Ancient Treasures Portfolio (Ten Fine Photographic Prints of Ancient Egyptian Art)
Arlado Deluca
Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ancient & Classical | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This stunning new portfolio contains ten superb photographs of some of the most important treasures of ancient Egypt, on high-quality paper and suitable for framing. These luxurious, full-color photographs by internationally acclaimed photographer Araldo De Luca, taken from the outstanding book Treasures of the Egyptian Museum, feature regal sculptures of kings, queens, and goddesses as well as exquisite jewels from New Kingdom rulers, encapsulating the glory of the Egyptian Museum's outstanding collections.

The Art of Ancient Egypt, a Portfolio: Masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum

Average customer rating:

The Art of Ancient Egypt, a Portfolio: Masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum

Manufacturer: New Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0614125340

Average customer rating:

Cairo Portfolio
David Roberts
Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9774246209

Book Description

This handsome portfolio contains ten fine art prints of David Roberts' superb lithographs of nineteenth-century Cairo, selected from Egypt: Yesterday and Today (AUC Press, 1996).
Between 1842 and 1849, on the basis of sketches made on the spot and aided by his excellent memory, Roberts produced the drawings that Louis Haghe turned into prints published by Graham Moon. These lithographs appeared in the original hand-painted deluxe edition.
Suitable for framing, they reproduce details of the monuments and streets of nineteenth-century Cairo with an accuracy that today would be called photographic. This high-quality collection of prints celebrates the epic grandeur and fine detail of Roberts' views, in a format that complements his extraordinary artistic achievements.

Average customer rating:

Luxor Portfolio
David Roberts
Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9774246217

Book Description

This handsome portfolio contains ten fine art prints of David Roberts' superb lithographs of nineteenth-century Luxor, selected from Egypt: Yesterday and Today (AUC Press, 1996).
Between 1842 and 1849, on the basis of sketches made on the spot and aided by his excellent memory, Roberts produced the drawings that Louis Haghe turned into prints published by Graham Moon. These lithographs appeared in the original hand-painted deluxe edition.
Suitable for framing, they reproduce details of the monuments of nineteenth-century Luxor with an accuracy that today would be called photographic. This high-quality collection of prints celebrates the epic grandeur and fine detail of Roberts' views, in a format that complements his extraordinary artistic achievements.

Average customer rating:

Pyramids Portfolio
David Roberts
Manufacturer: American University in Cairo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Fourth in a continuing series, this handsome portfolio contain ten fine art prints of David Roberts' superb lithographs of Egypt's monumental pyramids and the beautiful landscape of the Sinai Peninsula, selected from Egypt: Yesterday and Today (AUC Press, 1996).Between 1842 and 1849, on the basis of sketches made on the spot and aided by his excellent memory, Roberts produced the drawings that Louis Haghe turned into prints published by Francis Graham Moon. These lithographs appeared in the original hand-painted deluxe edition.
Suitable for framing, they reproduce scenes of the mountain wilderness and the monastery of Sinai and the magnificence of the pyramids of the Nile Valley with an accuracy that today would be called photographic. These high-quality collections of prints celebrate the epic grandeur and fine detail of Roberts' views, in a format that complements his extraordinary artistic achievements.

Hawara portfolio: Paintings of the Roman age, (British School of Archaeology in Egypt and Egyptian Research Account, nineteenth year, 1913. [Publication XXII])

Average customer rating:

Hawara portfolio: Paintings of the Roman age, (British School of Archaeology in Egypt and Egyptian Research Account, nineteenth year, 1913. [Publication XXII])
W. M. Flinders Petrie
Manufacturer: School of Archaeology in Egypt [etc.]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00086B1FE

Book Description

When Jack Johnson defeated white heavyweight champion Jim Jeffries in 1910, it was America's notions of racial superiority that staggered under his blows. Amid riots and lynchings, the search began for the Great White Hope who could put the "uppity" new champion in his place.

Here is the startling true story of the most famous--and most hated--black American of his day. "Papa Jack" takes us into a violent and sordid world. It is an astonishing tale of black defiance--and white retribution--set against the dramatic canvas of sports and spectacle in Jim Crow America.

Customer Reviews:

Jack Johnson Ghost In House..........2007-07-20

I guess it would be to much to objectively view Jack Johnson as a man and not a symbol. As with all Johnson biography's the author apparently feels compelled to reduce his subject to a level that is readily digestable to the reader. Though you don't find the author referring to Johnson as a "shiftless coon" in the tradition of Denzil Batchelor, Mr. Roberts summation that Johnson was "not the hero..." places his work in line with practically every other book written on Jack Johnson.

So what makes a man dead 60 years a threat to an establishment and culture which says it long ago set aside the error of its ways inregard to race relations. If this were true would we still be reading books which at every turn question the methods and motives of a Jack Johnson? Would the words of angry racists in the guise of official government reports carry the weight and ring of truth the author gives them while pointing out frequently that the subjects life style, choice of company and words are subject to scrutiny due to his ego and self-centered nature?

In this age of ego driven athletes, businessmen, politicians, clergy etc., it was a wasted point to declare that Johnson's greatest strength "his ego," was his most glaring weakness. I think it safe to make this assumption of many men. Though we have politicians admired for their drive and commitment to the very values which Jack Johnson was and apparently continues to be viewed as a threat to. Their egos nor motives are challenged. What man worth his salt doesn't believe he is the best at the things he commits himself to mastering?

Jack Johnson was harshly scrutinized and mistreated because of his ability to dominate his circumstances. Be they opponents or a system which physically, financially and emotionally abused the hopes and dreams of his people, Jack Johnson was an overcomer. Jack Johnson is despised today as a symbol. A bad example of what happens when one man is allowed to much independence. In every since of the word Jack Johnson was a revolutionary. We are told he wasn't a hero, nor was he a man to be admired but I would disagree whole-heartedly. Jack Johnson was simply a man born a century to soon.

Mr. Roberts says their is no ghost in the house, but how wrong you are Sir. The ghost is in the house everytime a camera snaps a photo of Tiger Woods and his wife. Everytime you see a clip of Ali with his arms thrust high in the air in victory look closely you'll see the ghost smiling his golden capped smile in the front row. For every man who longs to live free you'll find the ghost dancing in his heart. Long live the spirit of freedom and the ghost of Jack Johnson.

Still the definitive read on Jack Johnson?.......2006-11-29

Jack Johnson did tell his own tale but this was in a haphazard, uneven, entertaining if not always believable book ("Jack Johnson Is A Dandy"). Because of this we have to look elsewhere for more reliable testimony. Randy Robert's `Papa Jack' from the mid 80s was for a long time the definitive bio on the first black heavyweight champion. In the absence of people still living from Johnson's day, Roberts researches heavily and of course has the unenviable task of unearthing the facts from the deeply racist and hate filled press of the time (among many other sources all of which are referenced in detail).

The book itself is an easy read. Information from Johnson's early years is scant at best, so Roberts providing an account of his family and how they came to be in Galveston, Texas in the late 1800's is not only fascinating but very admirable. How he came to box and his patchy early years in the fight game are deciphered, as is his rise to notoriety (forced to continually fight the same batch of outcast super-tough black boxers) and historic title winning fight with Tommy Burns and subsequent seven year reign (including defences against the likes of Ketchel and Jeffries), through to a 37 year old, mentally weary Johnson dropping the title to the huge but ordinary Jess Willard.

For the very real danger any black man faced at the time, Johnson's fearlessness is near beyond belief. Robert's does a good job recounting his personal life cavorting with a crew of white men, romancing a string of white women, shady business practices and misadventures the world over, many times correcting the claims Johnson made in his autobiography. It makes for great reading.

As for gripes? A few. The major being Roberts annoying use of obvious misquotes. Supposedly this colourful and intelligent man spoke like this: "de fight was good, erm, me tink Jeffries was good challenger" etc. A man of Robert's intellect should have gathered that this was the racist press of the time stereotyping Johnson in their reports as a mentally slow Neanderthal, whereas existing recordings of Johnson's voice prove he was a lucid speaker. This is made worse because elsewhere Robert's includes more believable coherent Johnson quotes, yet doesn't spot the discrepancy in his own work. Otherwise, what pictures are included are great, but we would have liked more. Also, there is no fight record at the back, nor are many of his later fights covered.

But overall, this is a good read. Robert's does the best he can with what he had to work with, and for so long this has been the reliable and comprehensive account of the Galveston Giant. However, recently Geoffrey C Ward's award winning `Unforgivable Blackness' has surfaced, complete with supposedly far more extensive research and a greater depth of information and material. I look forward to reading that book and cannot at the time offer any comparison, however for a concise overview I would recommend combing the two and educating yourself on the incredible life of the master boxer and controversial man that was Jack Johnson.

Outstanding Biography.......2005-01-22

Randy Roberts absolutely nails it with this wonderful and thoughtful biography of the extraordinary Jack Johnson. A must-read for any student of U.S. history and the social impact of sport. The semi-literate, one-star review below says far more about its writer than it does about this book. Can this person even read? Ignore these idiotic blitherings.

terrific book!.......2004-02-02

This is truly a terrific book - easily the best and clearest view of who Jack Johnson really was. Exhaustively researched and beautifully written - this book is well worth your time if you're interested in learning about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures.

Selective History is NOTHX.......2003-11-04

This book is vague, unlike this review. Im going to quickly nail down all the hard facts. I was required to read this book for my college history class and I cried. This is the most incomplete peice of historical ambiguity and mis-written SHANT. It dosnt say anything about Jack Johnson, just the events surrounding him. And those events are fuzzy and biased at the least. It should be re-labled "Papa Jack: The Black Panther Propaganda Manual" I am appauled to know that things of this nature are being written to slant and pervert peoples minds to the atrocities of racisim.

PAPA JACK - JACK JOHNSON AND THE ERA OF WHITE HOPES

Average customer rating:

PAPA JACK - JACK JOHNSON AND THE ERA OF WHITE HOPES
Randy Roberts
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VVE66M

Average customer rating:

Papa Jack : Jack Johnson And The Era Of White Hopes.
Randy. Roberts
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O96JHA

Average customer rating:

PAPA JACK: JACK JOHNSON AND THE ERA OF WHITE HOPES
Randy Roberts
Manufacturer: Free Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O93QTY

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books