Book Description
Introducing amateur sleuth Molly Appleby, a sharp-witted writer for Collector's Weekly magazine. She has a keen knowledge of antiques, and a special fondness for collectibles.
And when a fellow collector is murdered, Molly quickly develops an uncanny understanding of the criminal mind.
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining way to learn about southern pottery.......2007-10-09
This book is an entertaining way to learn about Southern pottery. Just enjoy that part of the book and skim over the amateur sleuth, Molly who is obnoxious. She lies and manipulates the potters and their wives, and rather pathetic characters like the pharmacy clerk. All in the name of getting the story for her magazine and solving the murder. She has a momentary twinge or two but it doesn't stop her. Her actions when she solves the murder are appalling.
Disappointing Debut.......2007-02-14
As a writer for Collector's Weekly magazine, Molly is being exposed to all kinds of new art. This particular day, she is accompanying her mother to a kiln opening for a Southern potter. While her mother gives her tips on what to expect, super collector George-Bradley Straunton arrives.
George-Bradley is hated by all the pottery collectors in the region for his lack of regard for anyone else. So when he drops dead, it's hardly a surprise. The police quickly rule it natural causes, but Molly isn't so sure. Poking around, she finds plenty of motives and proof that it was murder. But who had the opportunity to commit the crime?
The book is a fast read because it's only 200 pages. That's the only positive as far as I'm concerned. The plot moves along sluggishly with frequent interruptions to talk about the antiques. And don't get me started on the climax. I absolutely hated it. The most interesting character was the stereotypical gay guy. The rest left much to be desired. The writing needed some polish as well.
I recently read another book by this author and enjoyed it. And many others here seem to have enjoyed this one. I don't recommend it, however.
pleasant surprise.......2006-11-14
i'm not a southerner or a collector but i really enjoyed the characters in the book - and was surprisingly captured by the antiques. what a great portrayal not only of an interesting story but also of a fabulous tradition of southern pottery. great first novel - i look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This grabbed my interest in the first few pages........2006-10-14
To a collector such as me, this story struck a note that made it impossible for me to put the book down until I finished it. I am a rapid reader (not a skimmer, I read every word) and finished the book in a bit over 1 1/2 hours. It left me wanting more.
I love antiques, I love odd things and old things that have survived into this century intact, and sometimes in surprisingly fine condition.
Discovering a treasure is a thrill. Discovering that someone is producing modern reproductions and passing them off as antiques is horribly disheartening. Thwarting those people is satisfying, as is thwarting thieves and cheats.
I can relate to Molly Appleby in this story, partly because of where I was born (western Kentucky) and also because of my love of the homely utility pottery pieces like the crocks and jugs made by Bauer before they moved to California. (And before they became famous for their colorful "Ringware.")
I liked the characters and found myself thinking of them as friends. I didn't mind the occasional sidetracks because that is the way real life happens, things do not always proceed from "A" to "B" to "C" because sometimes it may jump from "B" to "H" and then back to "D" and to "C."
This was not one of the "formula" mysteries that I can usually figure out in the first third of a book.
I have already read the second in the series and if anything, it is better. I look forward to many, many more. Molly, as a mystery protagonist, has "legs."
A fun read!.......2006-08-29
A Killer Collection: A Collectible Mystery is great fun. The characters are colorful and lively. The pottery information is a delicious treat. The book reads like a conversation with an old friend. And just when you think you have it figured out...the ending made me gasp out loud (always a plus with a mystery).
Buy it!
Book Description
Starfleet diplomat Captain Hikaru Sulu is transported by powerful, frightening dreams to the desolate desert world of Sigma Cameron Four. It was there, as Commander of the U.S.S. Excelsior 20 years earlier, that he discovered traces of the ancient Shalakai -- a ruthless culture who, legend held, had once uncovered the secret to eternal life. Driven to find that secret, Sulu's brilliant science officer, Commander Flynn Konner, launched a fateful mission whose outcome would forever haunt the Excelsior crew. Now, 20 years later, as the distinguished archeologist Dr. Constance Allenwood moves closer to uncovering the Shalakai's secrets on Sigma Cameron Four, Sulu must race to stop her before she unleashes a disastrous chain of events.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Beginning.......2001-09-29
This was a thouroughly interesting story that held my attention for its duration. The 3-D sound was great and listening with headphones made it come alive! What bothered me about it was that the story is comprised of log entries and letters so that there is virtually no interaction between the actors. It therfore gave the impression of being closer to an audio book than an audio drama, except that the readers read their parts in the first person (mostly). I was hoping for more, as I suppose I'd been a bit spoiled with all the wonderful Doctor Who audios out these days, but I am certainly looking forward to the others in this series and hope that Star Trek uses the full cast audio realm more in the future.
Sulu At His Best.......2001-01-03
Star Trek: Transformations -- A Captain Sulu Adventure. It was an intriguing title. It was on audio. I had only heard one other recording like it, so I decided to buy it. I'm glad I did. About 6 months before my listening to this tape, I had heard the CD Cacophony. The plot deteriorated in the middle of the recording, the casting was awful, most of the characters were unbelievable. All except for one outstanding personality and voice. He was familiar with his character, and did an outstanding performance. This character was Captain Hikaru Sulu, as played by George Takei. Takei delivered an even better performance in the first Sulu adventure, Transformation. This time all the characters were all believable. All three of them. The plot was great. I loved every minute of it, except when I had to exert energy to turn the tape over. Overall, Transformations is the audio tape to get! It is extremely awesome in the dark with headphones on. The 3-D sound and your imagination will bring the story to life.
Ambassador Worf out.
Sign me up for the crew!.......1999-12-09
As a big fan of the original series and of the character of Sulu, it was great to see him made Captain at last in Star Trek VI. These wonderful audionovels allow fans who want more to get just that. Mr. Takei is a wonderful actor who has a great distinctive and effective voice. The excellent vocal cast on this audio novel also was a pleasure to listen to. It definately transported the mind to the final frontier... It is great to listen to on long drives or trips on planes or trains. Much like the now 'ancient' radio programs of old, audio novels let you use your best entertainment center, your imagination to it's fullest. Having a familiar and treasured character like Sulu connects you to the story in a great way. This was one of the best of the Captain Sulu audio series. Scary at times, a great mystery to unravel. All of the Captain Sulu stories in fact are quite good and I'd love to hear more...even better let's see a Captain Sulu series! Afterall the Adventure should always continue!
Average customer rating:
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The Definitive Time Machine
Harry M. Geduld
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0253204275 |
Average customer rating:
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The Definitive Time Machine: A Critical Edition of H.G. Wells' Scientific Romance (Visions Series)
Manufacturer: Indiana Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
20th Century
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Criticism & Theory
| History & Criticism
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Short Stories
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0253316111 |
Book Description
Traditional craft-brewed beer can transform a meal from everyday to extraordinary. It's an affordable, accessible luxury. Yet most people are only familiar with the mass-market variety. Have you tasted the real thing?
In
The Brewmaster's Table, Garrett Oliver, America's foremost authority on beer and brewmaster of the acclaimed Brooklyn Brewery, reveals why real beer is the perfect partner to any dining experience. He explains how beer is made, relays its fascinating history, and, accompanied by Denny Tillman's exquisite photographs, conducts an insider's tour through the amazing range of flavors displayed by distinct styles of beer from around the world. Most important, he shows how real beer, which is far more versatile than wine, intensifies flavors when it's appropriately paired with foods, creating brilliant matches most people have never imagined: a brightly citric Belgian wheat beer with a goat cheese salad, a sharply aromatic pale ale to complement spicy tacos, an earthy German bock beer to match a porcini risotto, even a fruity framboise to accompany a slice of chocolate truffle cake. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a passionate cook, or just someone who loves a great dinner, this book will indeed be a revelation.
Customer Reviews:
This book is the guide to beer!.......2007-08-22
I've had this book for 2 years and just bought it for a friend because I've loved it so much. I've reread this book twice because there is so much great information. This book changed the way I look at, buy and drink beer. I'm also a home brewer and this book gave me a whole new perspective on what I was trying to make and what I wanted from my beer.
There are few books that talk about pairing beer with food and I think this is THE book on the subject.
If you want to broaden your beer horizons, this book will do it. You will never look back.
Enjoy!
The Best Beer Book.......2007-07-16
I read alot, and use Amazon alot, and have read many beer books, but this is the first time I've been prompted to write a review. This is by far the best book on beer I've read. Comprehensive, delightful, and informative, it would be enjoyable even for someone who was not a beer enthusiast. I don't particularly care about pairing beer with food, and so might have overlooked this volume. However, even passing lightly over the sections about beer-food combinations, it remains the best book on beer I've seen! It's my beer bible!
Great Investment and Reference.......2007-04-07
Great book! As a new beer lover ... after reading the book, I became a true beer connoisseur. Garrett Oliver lays out a simple, easy to read book. The only problem is that when I go out to dinner now, I get VERY upset when restaurants do not have a true and PROPER selection of beer to match my food! Beer is wonderful, and I thank Garrett Oliver to opening my eyes to a great beverage! Easy recommendation. Prosit!
Great for discovering new beers and food pairings!.......2007-03-01
I take this book with me whenever I enter any store with a good selection of beer. It has proven to be an invaluable source of advice as i peruse the shelves of imported and craft beers. i never appreciated how good beer and foods could go together before i tried some of the combinations in this book. The discussions of various Belgian styles, particularly the Saisons, has been eye opening for me.
I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to expand their beer experiences and more importantly, to anyone who wants to experience how different beers and different foods can come together in some wondrous ways.
Essential Reading.......2007-01-23
Oliver's book is a fasciniating read for anyone who is disgusted by the mass market abominations that they call Beer in America, but is absolutely essential to homebrewers of all levels who want to take the enjoyment of their craft to all new levels.
Book Description
Have you ever wondered what your cat or dog or horse is thinking? Animal Talk presents tried-and-true telepathic communication techniques developed by the author that can dramatically transform people's relationships with other species on all levels — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It explains how to solve behavior problems, how to figure out where your animal hurts, how to discover animals' likes and dislikes, and why they do the things they do. You can learn the language that will open the door to your animal friends' hearts and minds.
In addition to teaching people how to develop mind-to-mind communication with animals, Animal Talk discusses freedom, control, and obedience; understanding behavior from an animal's point of view; how to handle upsets between animals; tips on nutrition for healthier pets; and the special relationship between animals and children.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable read.......2007-08-15
What an adventure into the world of animals! I enjoyed Penelope's book immensely and can feel like I am right there reliving the experiences as she shares her personal insights. So much to learn, and there are certainly many facets and viewpoints from many authors. This was a pleasure to read, easy to follow, and helped me to believe in the depth of connection that is possible with our loving companions. Thanks to Penelope for being willing to share her gifts and journey into this realm.
I pass on this book.......2007-07-05
I'm an animal lover, have several hundred books and more than 100 documentary films about animals. I'm always looking for another publication to add to my knowledge and be uplifted or amazed by our animal friends.
However, after reading Amazon customers' comments on Smith's book, there were enough negative critiques to steer me away from it.
For those who share my decision, and also, perhaps, those who don't, you might be interested in another book of the same title -- "Animal Talk: Breaking the Code of Animal Language," by Tim Friend, pub. 2004. He's an excellent writer, and for this reader, at least, there isn't a dull page anywhere, his sense of humor (carefully applied, never overdone) adds a pleasant sparkle to the intriguing narrative, and there's not a single "over-the-top" statement that would stretch anyone's credulity. I highly recommend it.
-- Richard
Depends on the Reader.......2006-11-12
After reading a good deal of the book (I haven't finished it) and also going over others' reviews, it seems like the enjoyment of the book is greatly limited by the skeptism of the reader. If you're approaching it to tear it apart, it's simple enough to do so. There are some places in the book (such as where she says she's telling stories that give examples of love but don't even mention the word love or anything related to love within either story) that are easy to look at and go, "Did she even know what she was talking about?" While there are others that made me go, "Huh. I never thought of it in that light!" Ultimately, I think anyone can get something out of the book if they are open enough to do so, but the book also has the limitations that any book that requires faith does: Faith and Proof are not included, so don't expect it to be.
Absolutely wonderful!!!.......2006-08-23
Penelope Smith is a special woman, working tirelessly to bring the message of joy & connectedness to us all. I highly recommend all of her work to anyone who has ever asked "is this all there is?". Because the answer is no, there is more, more than I could have ever imagined. Her wisdom is one from & for the ages. It is a privledge to be able to learn from her.
Sort of Hard to Read, but an Unquestionable Authority .......2005-08-29
Penelope Smith is definitely recognized as one of the BIGGIES when it comes to animal communication. There is no doubt in my mind (conscious or unconscious)that she knows of what she speaks (and hears). But her book is a bit hard to read and definitely carries the overall flavor of her personal beliefs and prejudices. I spent a while trying to come up with another word rather than prejudice -- because what Ms. Smith believes and espouses is definitely something we all could benefit from -- an understanding and quietness of our fellow living beings. But sometimes, as other reviewers have mentioned, she seems to layer her feelings into her readings -- (such as harnessing the bugs and all animals' opinions on spaying/neutering). But isn't that we all do in our conversations? We certainly tend to overlay our opinions, histories and beliefs in all conversations with humans -- so it's not really that suprising that we would do the same when communicating with other species.
This book is a useful tool to hear and learn from an accomplished and recognized animal communicator. It definitely is possible and this book is an enjoyable guide.
Book Description
Now you can use decorative-painting techniques on a whole new surface—fabric! Easy methods will transform plain fabrics into one-of-a-kind home accents. A passion for painting brings these best-loved authors back to share their signature style in fabric.
· Give a splash of whimsy to 29 projects, including a chair cover, tablecloth, tote bag, quilt, and umbrellas
· Learn to create cheery motifs such as strawberries, ladybugs, flowers, and animal prints with simple painting and stenciling techniques
· Use inexpensive paints that stay soft on fabrics; blank canvas or muslin makes it a cinch to get started
Book Description
The latest volume in our popular Art Deco series, Deco Espana represents a rich and virtually unknown treasure of graphic design history, detailing the defining characteristics that distinguish the Mediterranean style Spanish Art Deco design from that of classic French Deco or streamlined American Deco design. From its appearance in the political posters of the Spanish Civil War to its use in advertising the post-war automobile and travel industries, and from its emergence in the packaging of Spanish wine and cosmetics to its brilliant use in the graphic posters of the Spanish theater, the Art Deco style puts on a lively show in Deco Espa–a. This book not only represents an important area of graphic design study, but signifies an entire era of Spanish cultural history.
Customer Reviews:
Visually Appealing.......2000-04-14
I am a student studying graphic design and found this book to be very helpful in my classes. There are many fully colored pictures of the actually art work and limited text. I enjoy this because I am a visual person and learn by seeing. This book is by far one of the best I have seen.
Book Description
This new series addresses Art in the urban environment. As cities gradually lose the cultural connections with their industrial past, many seek to build new, post-industrial futures through urban regeneration. Art projects frequently play a key role in cultural policies that aim to re-establish use of redundant buildings and regenerate neglected neighbourhoods.
This is an international collection drawing together contributions from a range of practices and academic disciplines around the themes of regeneration, locality and sustainability
Book Description
This book offers a sympathetic and judicious portrait of Adam Clayton Powell (1908-1972), the flamboyant reverend and unapologetically arrogant yet morally principled champion of civil rights. This biography effectively chronicles Senator Powell's rise and fall.
Customer Reviews:
The Dark Side of Adam Clayton Powell.......2005-12-03
Charles V. Hamilton calls his biography of Adam Clayton Powell, Jrs. THE POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF AN AMERICAN DILEMMA. The American dilemma that he refers to is Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 thesis. Myrdal concluded taht American society possess a strong belief in liberty, equality, respect for law and democracy but when it comes to blacks, those same values do not always apply. So the society says one thing and does another as it relates to blacks and other minorities. Hamilton argues that this "blatant contradiction in American society between the Creed and reality was constantly highlighted by white and black advocates of civil rights." In Adam Clayton Powell, Hamilton finds the personification of this dilemma. He asserts that Powell made that dilemma the main issue of his public life. As a result, Powell's constant attempts to raisse and challege America's dilemma is the theme that Hamilton uses to portray his subject.
For students of Powell who may have read Wil Haygood's KING OF THE CATS, Hamilton's portrayal is much different. As the title implies, Hamilton primarily sticks to the political side of Powell's career while Haygood presents a much more personal account of the preacher/congressman. While I came away from the Haygood work feeling attached and sympathetic of Powell, I came away from Hamilton's work realizing that Powell had an extremely dark side and that many of his problmes were self inflicted. In addiiton, for the serious students, Hamilton's footnotes are invaluable.
One of Hamilton's major arguments is that Powell endorsed Eisenhower in 1956 in the hopes of stopping further IRS and FBI investigations of his personal finances. He also makes it clear that Powell had access to the White House during the Eisenhower administration, something that he did not have with Truman. Of course, he had created his own persona non grata status with the Turman White House when he attempted to have his wife, Hazel Scott perform at the DAR hall in Washington. It seems that Powell was attempting to do another "Marian Anderson" event and failed. One can easily conclude that Powell enjoyed the access he had with Ike's staff and figured that Sstevenson was not going to win anyway, so Powell feathered his own nest. While he wanted the poublic to believe his endorsement was for the sake of Stevenson's poor stand on Civil Rights, it is more likely that Powell enjoyed and wanted to continue his access to power.
Hamilton relates how Powell threatened to expose Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King for an alleged homosexual relationship in order to force them to call off a demonstration at the Republican National Convention in 1960. Powell knew full well the accusations were false but the blackmail served his purpose.
In 1966 Powell scuttled an attempt by James Farmer of CORE to establish a national literacy project. Hamilton argues that in return, Powell hoped to be given White House assistance in having his New York libel judgment reduced.
As does Haygood, and Powell himself in his autobiography ADAM BY ADAM, Hamilton demonstrates how Powell made one of the worse decisions of his life in ignoring the libel suit brought against him by a New York woman that he referred to as a "bag woman." The eventual legal repercussions from the law suit (Powell refused to even show up at the trial) along with Ppowell's flagrant disregard for his congressional duties, excessive spending of congressional funds and egotistical and sometimes hedonistic life style all conributed to his demise. And when he needed the support of other civil rights leaders, who who had been victims of his wrath while he ws in power, they where not there for him as his power wained.
As the sage progresess and Powell gets closer and closer to the time that Congress refuses to seat him, the reader realizes that when Powell pointed the finger of racism at his attackers, as the old saying goes, he was pointing four fingers back at himself.
Oscar DePriest was the first black person elected to Congress in the 20th Century. But Powell was really the first black congressman that African Americans nationwide identified with. He came to congress driving a Jaguar in 1944, wearing $500 suits and looking like a movie star. He became the voice of Black America in congress, especially in the area of desegregation of the military. But his Powell Amendment had its good sides and its bad. While it raised the issue of unequal treatment, it also resulted in the defeat of legislation that would have been beneficial to Black America.
Powell's final demise was no doubt self inflictd. In the final years of his career he midjudged the reapportionment process allowing for a change in his district. Times change and voters change and eventually his base of support eroded. His religious base eroded. With his life syle it seems hard to imagine that he could be identified with the church. Harlem residents realized tht they needed a congressman, not an aging symbol of the past fishing in Bimini. As Hamilton points out, if Powell had fought before for final election defeat as much as he did after the defeat in attempts to get recounts and court battles over the election, he probably would have won.
Adam Clayton Powell died in 1972. It took almost 20 years for historians to write serious biographies of his life. Hamilton's contribution is excellent and well worth the read, not only for the life of Adam Clayton Powell, but for a history of America during the 20th century.
Exploration of a fascinating figure........2000-08-04
Hamilton has done an extraordinary job with one of America's most enigmatic political figures. Representative Powell was a man hard to figure by anybody. A rascal, decried as a corrupt politician, loved by his constituents and vilified by much of the establishment.
Powell was one of the century's (I guess that is now "last century's") first and longest serving African American members of Congress. He was on the forefront of the campaign against lynching. He brought the moral imperative of the Freedom Rides and the lunch counter sitins going on in the South to the major urban areas of the North.
His position as a vociferous champion of civil rights (more than his indiscretions) led his colleagues in the House to try to oust him. When his constituents rejected this initiative and overwhelmingly returned him to Congress, he had to go the the Supreme Court for his right to continue service (even after being stripped of his seniority.
Great history, and great reading. A thoroughly engaging subject. Even as an out-of-print book it is well worth waiting for.
Books:
- A Question of Blood: An Inspector Rebus Novel (Inspector Rebus Mysteries)
- All She Was Worth
- Amuse Bouche: A Russell Quant Mystery (Russell Quant Mysteries)
- An Ensuing Evil and Others: Fourteen Historical Mysteries (Mysteries of Ancient Ireland featuring Sister Fidelma of Cashel)
- Arms of Nemesis: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome)
- Aunt Dimity and the Duke (Aunt Dimity Mystery)
- Aunt Dimity's Christmas
- Aunt Dimity Digs In
- Blood Follows: A Tale of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach
- Blue Blood: A Debutante Dropout Mystery
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening
- Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative
- Charter of the New Urbanism & Valuing the New Urbanism: The Impact of the New Urbanism on Prices
- Dogwalker: Stories
- Dressed for Death
- Essential Cell Biology, Second Edition
- Flying the Alaska Wild: The Adventures and Misadventures of an Alaska Bush Pilot
- Tina the Ballerina Sticker Paper Doll
- Children in Crisis: A New Commitment
- And Then There Was One: The Mysteries of Extinction
A Fatal Appraisal
Feint of Art:: An Annie Kincaid Mystery
Shooting Gallery: An Art Lover's Mystery
Wreath of Deception (Berkley Prime Crime Mysteries)
Carbs and Cadavers: A Supper Club Mystery (A Supper Club Myster)
![Locality, Regeneration and Divers[c]ities (Advances in Art and Urban Futures (Vol. 1))](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/11VQX5H35KL.jpg)
