Prime Witness

Customer Reviews:

Engrossing .......2007-03-03

What a great book. This is the first book I've ever read by Steve Martini and I can't wait to start the next (Compelling Evidence). Prime Witness was engrossing from start to finish. My only reservation is that I would have liked to have seen a little more courtroom action. I don't recall prime Witness being made into a motion picture, but it sure seems like a great candidate.

half star if I could.......2007-02-09

WOW was this book a stinker! I mean really...first of all I had to search for the name of the main character in the book. Second I didn't realize that this was the second book in a series thus I was completely lost when Martini talked about things that happened in the first book. Also while I usually like first person books this one was just WAY to hard to follow. I felt that most of the characters that we met in the first book where not fleshed out in this one, again losing me. This was my first Martini book and it will most likely be my last.

Enjoyable but don't look for plausibility.......2006-06-13

I made the mistake of reading this immediately after polishing off Compelling Evidence (the 1st one in the series; Prime Witness is the 2nd). Steve Martini's verbal tics and catch-phrases started to grate after I ran across them over and over again. That said, I found it an entertaining read, especially the courtroom scenes. Martini brings those vividly to life, and the constraints of the setting mean that his wilder flights of plotting fancy are kept (mostly) under control while we're safely in court.

Which brings me on to another of my grumbles about this book: the characterisation is way over the top. We meet too many characters who are either angelic (for instance Sarah, Madriani's sentimentally idealised daughter) or totally and one-dimensionally given over to wickedness. And as for the judges and their goings-on outside the courtroom... well, I had to laugh at the Grand Guignol implausibility. It makes for an irritatingly self-righteous authorial voice.

Despite all that, I'll be reading the next in the series - but not until I've had a break from Martini, and the chance to forget some of his more annoying mannerisms.

Too much information.......2006-04-29

Reading this book is like being stuck at a table with a number of lawyers at a social event...they're alright on their own but, get them in a group, talking shop, and they're the most boring people possible to anyone outside that legal circle. A serial killer is loose in a university town, killing couples in a vile, ritualistic fashion, when the bodies of yet another couple are found, supposedly killed in the same way. Paul Madriani is working as the town's temporary Chief Prosecutor when Andre Iganovich, a Russian immigrant, working as a security guard at the University, is arrested and charged with the murders. The details of the investigation and eventual solving of the crime is, no doubt, absolutely right, but to anyone who doesn't work in criminal law, the legal minutiae is not only beyond the comprehension of the untrained mind, but is deadly dull into the bargain.

excellente.......2005-05-26

I have refrained from reviewing Steve Martini's books even after consuming a slew of them, mistakenly believing his work will speak for him.
It appears not!
For those who doubt his ability, and are content to take potshots, I recommend Prime Witness.
When a killer who was on the lam is caught over the border in Canada, there is relief in the community that the murderer has been caught. Now they want justice--justice for the the spate of double murders that took place over a period of months. Enter Paul Madriani and Adrian Chambers.
Paul has been appointed temporary DA of Davenport county, and is the lead prosecutor in this case; Adrian, his arch-enemy, will be defending Iganovicth, the alleged killer.
Getting Iganovitch convicted could be the least of Madriani's woes, because he must deal with a possible copycat killer, the quicksand of county politics, two backstabbing justices, and an adversary for whom hitting below the belt is akin to a pat on the back.
Paul Madriani's hope in all this is to find the elusive Prime Witness.
The book finishes on a high note; with a conclusion that leaves you with the stark reality: you've been following the wrong scent.
This book lacks the courtroom drama other books in the series have: That might be because Paul is playing in the wrong team--according to Harry Hinds. Instead there is a greater emphasis on the legal process.
I love the brief descriptions of the Coconut and the Prussian, the colorful painting of Chambers; the other characters enliven the story. I do have misgivings about the level of estrangement of Paul's wife.
Like most books in this genre, this one is simply written, though unlike many others, of which I could name a few, this one is highly entertaining.
The Prime Witness is definitely worth a peek.

5 Titles By Steve Martini Paul Madriani Series : Compelling Evidence Prime Witness The Judge The Attorney Double Tap

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5 Titles By Steve Martini Paul Madriani Series : Compelling Evidence Prime Witness The Judge The Attorney Double Tap
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Product Description

5 Titles By Steve Martini Paul Madriani Series : Compelling Evidence Prime Witness The Judge The Attorney Double Tap. five mmpb books.

Compelling Evidence and Prime Witness (Steve Martini Collections)

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Compelling Evidence and Prime Witness (Steve Martini Collections)
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Audio Literature
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

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Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0787117595

Paul Madriani Series: Compelling Evidence, Prime Witness, Undue Influence, The Judge, The Attorney, The Jury, The Arraignment, Double Tap (Set of 8 Legal Suspense)

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Paul Madriani Series: Compelling Evidence, Prime Witness, Undue Influence, The Judge, The Attorney, The Jury, The Arraignment, Double Tap (Set of 8 Legal Suspense)
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NNKH5M

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PRIME WITNESS

Manufacturer: Jove Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GR2OM4

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PRIME WITNESS
STEVE MARTINI
Manufacturer: HEADLINE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S5RA4Q

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Prime Witness
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQLMLC

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Prime Witness
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000URCF1K

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Prime Witness
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Jove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY3X7K

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PT2 Prime Witness
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0399140697

Book Description

Come wander the highways and byways of Krynn in the Fifth Age.

If you've ever wondered what kender children learn in school, what the dwarves of Thorbardin eat for breakfast, how the people of Solace elect their mayor, this guide is for you.

Bertrem of the Order of Aesthetics, keeper (since the disappearance of Astinus) of the Great Library of Palanthas, gathers fact and rumor, tales and gossip from across Krynn to answer your questions.

Learn more of the world of Dragonlance, the largest shared-world saga ever created.

Customer Reviews:

Nice try, but try again........2000-11-06

That's right, two stars, I would have given it more but only two thirds of the book was readable. Any one that has read my other reviews knows that I'm not the biggest Nancy Varian Berberick fan, and this book didn't help her score any points to win me over. You should remember before buying this that it is a source book, if you are coming in expecting some story that gives info on the Fifth Age as it goes along than you are wrong.

What you get is good old information, in a half way cool fashion. The way that the authors did that is that they made it as if they themselves were working for Bertrem in Ansalon, and he was nice enough to give a foreword, notes on the writings, and an afterword. I liked this better than just throwing out info and stats like most source books do.

Now the authors themselves, best to worst (and we all know who that is). First is Paul Thompson, he did a great job, the section about Politics is one of the most interesting source readings about Ansalon ever. Stan as always was funny and solid, but nothing that really kept me reading.

Last of course is Mrs. Berberick. She's not a bad writer, I just don't think she is a dragonlance writer, she is way too descriptive and flowery. An example is "Can we say with certainty that they yet pile up their lovely tresses of silver and golden so they may wear the shimmering veils of sheerest silks flowing from their coiffures as clouds stream round the glimmering sun-shining mountains?"...excuse me? I mean does that really belong in dragonlance? I personally think it is a bit overboard for DL, good for some other novel (romance?), but not in the Dragonlance shared world.

Final Thought: You really have to love the Fifth Age to get this and enjoy it totally, if you have money and want to buy a DL book then go ahead, but don't expect something that will change your view of Krynn.

Fun, but some problems.......2000-11-03

For die-hard fans (like myself) this book is good, I did like the Arms and Armor section, and the games and stuff are cool. What really bothers me is some loss of continuity with the rest of the Dragonlance world. The most glaring example comes as a footnote in the aformentioned Arms and Armor section where Laurana was supposedly standing next to Sturm Brightblade while shooting a dark knight, I assume that means knights of Takhisis/Neraka which did not exist until 20 yr after Sturm died. Also, elves getting married at 20 yrs old or something, I thought they weren't even adults until the age of 80. If you can get past these few problems, though, it really can be an enjoyable read, but for the best filler information pick up one of the Leaves From the Inn of the Last Home titles.

This book has serious problems.......2000-10-30

If you're new to Krynn and you want to learn more about it , go straight ahead an buy this book , it explains a lot of stuff , including a nice amount of history about the various races in the book . However if you have been with Dragonlance for a while and , then pass it up , it has some nice stuff , but it doesn't describe a lot of stuff on the land of the Dragon overlords, talks a LOT about culinary stuff . Doesn't say anything about gnomes or gully dwarves but talks a lot about elves and kenders and ogres and humans , interresting but doesn't fo much for those who read the books and already knew everything about the current situation for the races listed above(except for the ogres) . The authors who wrote this did include a bunch of games and some celebrations and that was a litle original . All in all it is sort of entertaining but if you want to learn about the Legion of steell or the Knights of Nerak or any group ( except the knights of Solamnia) then don't bother picking this book up. I could go on about the weapon section simply talking about clubs and swords, nothing on weapons found only in Ansalon, such as the Hoopack , but I'll just let you choose for yourself....

This book has serious problems.......2000-10-30

For the Love of Dragonlance..........2000-10-12

krynn really is a fantastic place. i love the dragonlance books, i really do. i am to the point where it has almost been too much. i've read every dragonlance piece i could get my hands on. this was a great book, it really was. for you true die-hard dragonlance fans out there who are just in it to read more about krynn, you'll enjoy it. to tell you the truth, it was almost a little too much for me, and i love the series. this book isn't a must read, it doesn't advance any storyline, it just describes krynn in more depth. interesting, yes, but only to a point. for anybody out there who hasn't read any dragonlance books, don't start here. read "dragons of autumn twilight." read it now! it's a great series. enjoy!

Book Description

Twelve-year-old Amy Candler is perfect in every way. She has superhuman powers: Amy can perform like an Olympic gymnast, she knows the answer to every question in her classes, and she can see and hear things from a distance out of range for a normal person.

But the one thing Amy cannot do is remember anything about her past. All she knows is that she keeps having a recurring nightmare that seems almost too real. She has a birthmark she is certain wasn't there yesterday, a strange man is taking pictures of her, and she keeps getting anonymous warnings to keep her talents to herself. Amy is in a race against time to piece together her identity before it is too late!

Customer Reviews:

Amy Number Seven.......2005-12-20

The book Amy Number Seven is a very good book.It is about a twelve-year-old girl who is a clone . She has perfect powers,and she is good in gymnastics,ice skating,running,and basketball without praticing. And someone is leaving notes in her mailbox.And anyway I would give this book 5 stars. you should read this book.

Finding the Answers by Kaitlyn Nielson.......2005-10-18

Amy is trying to find the answers to a twisted mystery in her life. I loved this book, it was probably the best, easy book, most adventurous book in the world. I've read the other books too and by far this is the best! Marilyn Kaye really knows how to write twisted and suspenseful children's mysteries. I would recommend this book to 10-12 year old girls who enjoy mysteries and adventure. If you like this one then you will definitely like the series. Amy is an all right gymnast that becomes perfect in one day. Amy is rocking teenager that any girl would like. I think everyone would like this if they read it. It might be able to teach mothers how to talk to their sprouting teens.

Amy Numder Seven; Replica 1.......2005-09-29

Do you like mistroys,and avenchers?Then you will love this book.When you start this serises you will not be able to put them down.After you finish the frist book you will not be able to wait to start the next book.
This book is about a gril named amy, who is aregular gril. Until werid things starts to happen. She trys to find out what is going on, but her mom isgetting to protive. So she gose looking for answers while her mom is out with her friend,Monica.

Replica Review.......2005-01-04

This book is about a girl named Amy Candler. She was made in a laboratory by scientists. People were trying to use her and the other seven Amy's to take over the world. So the other scientists put the laboratory on fire. All the Amy's escaped. One of the scientists who helped destroy the project, called project crescent, took home Amy number seven. The scientists created them to be stronger, faster, more intelligent, and more skilled than any other human. Amy had no idea she had special abilities. When she turned 14 a crescent moon appeared on her back. Then things started to change. In gymnastics Amy could do all the flips, turns, and jumps. She also started getting the best grades in all her classes. Then a movie star came to her school to to a movie. She looked exactly like Amy, but her name was spelled Aimee. Her mom finally her mom told her the truth. Amy tried to get close to Aimee, but guards always stopped her. Aimee thought Amy was started to get attention so Aimee planned to have people kidnap her, so that all the attention would go to her. But the fake kidnappers kidnapped the wrong one. They kidnapped Amy Candler. Then Aimee came to ask why they kidnapped the wrong girl. But the fake kidnappers were the people who wanted to use them to take over the world. So both Amy's fought until they got away. Then Amy Candler told Aimee the story about the lab. Then Aimee pushed aside Amy Candler and said she was going to try and take over the world herself.
Amy Candler is a fourteen year old girl. She has long brown hair and brown eye. She is not tall or short. She is creative and very outgoing. Amy was also very smart, and athletic. She was pretty much good at everything.Her mood was almost always happy. She was very curious about her life. We are alike because I have brown hair, I'm pretty smart, and I'm happy alot. We are different because she is older, she is much more athletic than me, and my hair isn't as long as hers.
I realy like this book because it is exciting, adventorous, and you never know whats coming next. I also like reading fictional books. My favorite part was when Amy got kidnapped, she was so confused. And the fake kidnappers were offering her soda and stuff because they knew it was fake. And tey thought that Amy Candler was Aimee the move star. I would recommend this book to a friend to they came experiance the thrill of the book.

mystery and suspensful book.......2004-12-02

This was a very good book. It is about a 12 year old girl named Amy Candler. Amy can do a lot of stuff better than her classmates. She can answer difficult problems in her head, she can do complicated twist and turns in gymastics, and she can hear and see things from far distances. But she doesn't know anything about her past except that her father died in a accident before she was born. She other stuff to worry about, a stranger is taking pictures of her, her mother is acting paraniod about her talents, and she is getting anonymous letters to keep her talents to herself. Amy knows that her mother is keeping something from her, something she doesn't want her to find out, something about her past and possibly her future. Amy tries to find out everything, before its to late...

Replica 1 through 3: Amy, Number Seven; Pursuing Amy and Another Amy (Replica)

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Replica 1 through 3: Amy, Number Seven; Pursuing Amy and Another Amy (Replica)
Marilyn Kaye
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000W7MCXE

Product Description

Book 1: Amy, Number Seven; Book 2: Pursuing Amy and Book 3: Another Amy

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The flavors of the acclaimed restaurant in your own kitchen!

www.valderbeebeshow.com

Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart
Zov Karamardian
Manufacturer: Zov's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Sunday Suppers at Lucques: Seasonal Recipes from Market to Table

ASIN: 0975955802

Product Description

A collection of over 100 recipes, which blends contemporary Mediterranean and Middle Eastrn cuisines and cultures, was inspired by favorite family recipes Zov's extensive world travel, and the people with whom Zov has had the plesure of eanting and cooking. This 268 page book is an informative and easy to use cookbook. It includes cooking techniques, pantry ingredients, and full photographs of each recipe. Foreword by Dean Koontz.

Customer Reviews:

The flavors of the acclaimed restaurant in your own kitchen!.......2007-08-23

From the Orange County Register
May 19, 2005

by Judy Bart Kancigor, author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family

Are your seat belts securely fastened and your tray tables in their upright and locked position? Hang on. We're taking a little journey.

Our tour guide is none other than Zov Karamardian, Orange County's own national treasure and award winning restaurateur. Zov's Bistro in Tustin, serving contemporary eastern Mediterranean cuisine, has since 1987 been one of the most popular and highly rated restaurants in the county.

And now Zov has written a cookbook - "Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart" (Zov's Publishing) - taking us along for the ride, from her childhood in the Middle East to her world travels, as each memory inspires her to create a dish. Hummus from her family's stay in Beirut when she was 11. Jasmine Rice Pudding from the paddies she visited on a culinary tour of Vietnam in 2000. Feta for her Angel Hair Pasta inspired by childhood memories of her Syrian grandmother ripening goat cheese in buried pots. Potato Salad from her school days in Baghdad, where it was served with amba (pickled mango chutney) in a sandwich called Piaz.

"Whoever graduated from that school, they talk about that sandwich," Zov told me. "It's one of those kid things that people love, like French fries here. We used to fight in that line to get that sandwich. If my mom made it we wouldn't eat it. It's the place and the environment that created that sandwich."

And it's the place and environment that creates the mental picture, through Zov's evocative prose, that makes you want to head straight for the kitchen to cook. We can see the bustling souks, smell the fresh mint, hear the crackle of roasting peppers.

"I take a canvas and I paint it," said Zov. "I want the readers to really salivate when they visualize the dish. I want them there with me. Every recipe has a photo. People eat with their eyes first, so it's going to tantalize their senses first and then their palate."

After years of responding to customers' queries for recipes, Zov finally decided to document them in a book. "People really wanted those recipes," she told me. "They kept asking me all the time, `Can I have the Golden Lentil Soup recipe?' `Can I have that salad dressing?' Finally I decided to gather them all in one place."

While many of the recipes border on the exotic - Grilled Shrimp with Mint and Cilantro Pesto, Sumac-Coated Chicken Kabob - with Zov as teacher, the preparations are not daunting.

"My philosophy is convenience, quality and healthy ingredients and quick preparation," she said. "We're all busy, so there is really little time left to cook and shop. All the ingredients in the book are available in any market, except for some spices which you can easily find in a Middle Eastern market or health food store."

Experienced and new cooks alike will appreciate the informative notes accompanying the recipes. "Don't be intimidated by the recipe or afraid to add what you like," Zov advised. "The recipe is a guideline, but it's a teaching tool too. I don't think there's anything in the recipe that you're going to need to know that I don't mention: technique, ingredients, preparation. It's all there. If you don't know how to cook now, by the time you finish cooking from this book, you will know how to cook. "

ZOV'S FAVORITE POTATO SALAD
from "Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart"

2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon crushed dried mint
1/3 cup finely chopped green onions
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket in the pot, cover and bring water to a boil. Place potatoes in basket and steam until just tender, stirring after first 4 minutes, about 8 minutes total. Remove potatoes from pot. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, oil, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and dried mint in a large bowl to blend. Add drained hot potatoes and toss to coat. Add green onions, red onions and chopped fresh mint. Toss gently to combine. Set aside until room temperature, tossing occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve. Serves 4 to 6

www.valderbeebeshow.com.......2006-03-05

This month for the Valder Beebe Show (www.valderbeebeshow.com) segment, For Your Reading Pleasure, I interviewed Zov Karamardian, chef and owner of Zov's Bistro in Tustin (Orange County), California. Her new book that took five years to produce is called "Zov!" As a recipe contributor to such publications as Bon Appetit, Food and Wine and the Los Angeles Times, she also enjoys the accolades of being named Chef of the Year by the California Governor's Office and Restaurateur of the Year by the Southern California Restaurant Writers. Her book is filled with delightful and easy gourmet recipes. Prior to our interview I made Gazpacho (p. 102) to expand my cooking repertoire, a delicious and easy summer cold soup. The book is filled with wonderful spices to experience; and being of Creole heritage, I enjoyed expanding my knowledge. The book is color-coded for easy use including Zov's Pantry Essentials, Zov's Essential Cooking Techniques among appetizers (Mezza), salads, soups, vegetables, pastas, grains, meats, poultry, seafood, desserts and breads. As a world traveler, Zov's joy for food is outstanding in the recipes and photography.

Book Description

In Dogs in Their Gardens, noted garden authority Page Dickey takes us on an insider's tour of 20 of the most charming and imaginative gardens in America and abroad, with man's best friend as reliable host. A classic Frederick Law Olmsted design at Manchester-by-the-Sea, Bunny Williams's stylish potager, a tropical garden surrounding a New England pool-plus the creations of Frank Cabot, Robert Dash, and other esteemed gardeners-are explored not only as fine examples of garden design, but as the sanctuaries of the dogs who call them home. The author has trained her camera on an assortment of garden-loving dogs-including black labradors, English mastiffs, standard poodles, and Jack Russell terriers.

Page Dickey has created an intimate portrait of beguiling canines and their distinctive floral domains, neither of which would be complete without the other.

Customer Reviews:

For lovers of dogs and gardens.......2007-09-28

This book is a visual delight. The photographs are charming and well taken; it's such a stress reliever, it's almost as good as actually having a dog.

Dogs belong outside in the garden!.......2006-05-08

I LOVE this bright glossy book of 135 photos of British dogs in their 23 exceptional gardens from all over the world; 96pp; Jack Russell Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mastiffs, Aussies, Tibetan Terriers, Welsh Corgis and more--Yay!

Every Garden Deserves a Dog.......2004-11-21

Page Dickey is not one to favor animal types. Known as an authority on gardens, she has selected gardens of homes across the country to photograph - gardens that just happen to be the homes of a wide variety of Dogs! (Her other similar book gives the position of honor to Cats). In this series of garden vistas Dickey focuses on a wide assortment of garden styles while keeping her photographer's eye attuned to the resident dog of each garden. The combination of running commentary about the plants and trees, paths and resting places, with observations about how dogs can enhance a garden's atmosphere makes for a readable and visually delightful little book. A fine gift for those who love either gardens, or dogs, or hopefully who love the combination! Grady Harp, November 2004

Pictures of dogs in their gardens.......2003-06-03

This is definitely a picture book. The photographs are lovely and the write up for photographs are also great. However, I was not expecting a picture book. I was expecting a book listing or detailing dog friendly gardens. This book was not it, however the photos are appeasing.

I liked this because of the dogs, not the gardens.......2002-03-10

"Dogs in the Gardens of the Rich and Famous" is probably a more descriptive title for this little book, but that's a minor distraction; the dogs are the stars of this book. The photos are without exception excellent and the accompanying text is good, especially when it focuses on the dogs. It was comforting to see the odd mutt featured in these pages, many adopted from Humane Societies. The passages about the pleasures of being with dogs while in the garden, particularly the ones pertaining to a dog named "May", make this book special. The book is printed on quality stock in a pleasing layout.

Average customer rating:

Gardens and their joys
If you love cats or gardens, you'll love this book

Cats in Their Gardens
Page Dickey
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori and Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1584791608

Book Description

In this companion volume to the popular Dogs in Their Gardens, 20 outstanding gardens in the United States, Canada, and England are featured with their ideal companion-cats. A wide range of cat breeds and garden styles make this the perfect gift book for every cat and garden lover. 120 color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Gardens and their joys.......2004-11-21

Page Dickey has compiled a series of visits to gardens of various types and climes and demonstrates in this lovely little gentle book that not only does she know her horticulture, but also she has a fine photographer's eye for the quirky personalities of cats. In a matter a few pages, Dickey acquaints us with the 'owner cats' of the various gardens and has captured whimsical and languorous moments in the lives of these felines blessed with gardens of great beauty. Each garden (and cat!) visit is accompanied by editorial comments that range form humorous to informative to a bit cute. This is one of those 'perfect gift' ideas for you and for friends who love their gardens and the feline guardians of the property. The fact that this book is available in the best gardening stores speaks highly for Dickey's reputation among horticulturists! A fine gift idea for the holidays. Grady Harp, November 2004

If you love cats or gardens, you'll love this book.......2004-08-04

Some of the most picturesque gardens in the U.S. and abroad are the settings for these great cat photographs. Felines have a way of knowing which backgrounds will best set off their charm so these candid pictures are wonderful. Short essays about each setting and the cats who patrol are just right. I have a fair sized collection of cat books but the pictures and text in this little volume are better than any on my shelf. This will be my gift book of choice for the cat lovers among my friends. By the way--Amazon, please note--the author's name is Page Dickey, given name Page.

Customer Reviews:

Fine Reference Book.......2003-01-04

This is a fine reference book to have, and it gives you the nuts and bolts about each of the various US commemorative coins. A little more information on how the various patterns came about and any interesting points to note would have made this much better, but it's still a book worth having on your shelf if US commemoratives are your thing.

With key grading and pricing details.......2001-07-04

Commemorative coins have long been a popular and profitable collectable. With David L. Ganz's The Official Guide To U.S. Commemorative Coins, even the most novice collector has a reliable, comprehensive, and informative guide that provides key grading and pricing details for United States commemorative coins, including mintage statistics not often found elsewhere. Ganz also includes insider information on how the new 50 State Commemorative Program was developed. This is the program circulating one commemorative coin at face value for each state. The Official Guide To U.S. Commemorative Coins is definitive, exhaustive, thoroughly "user friendly", and highly recommended.

a commemorative coin collector's review.......2001-05-28

This is a useful book for both the advanced and beginning collector of U.S. commemorative coins. Particularly appealing is the historical information pertaining to the development of the series. The author, an attorney and former president of the American Numismatic Association, provides the reader with interesting first-hand accounts of the renaissance of U.S. Commemorative coins, drawing from not only his first-hand experience in providing testimony to Congress, but also his experience as a member and driving force on the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee. Ganz provides much detail, previously unpublished, of the events leading up to the Bicentennial coinage of 1975-76, the striking of the first noncirculating commemorative half dollar (Washington Birth 250th Anniversary) in 1982, as well as the current 50 state quarter program. The book also provides information relating to the designers and engravers, the mintages, mint marks,issue prices, and price history for each issue produced from the 1848 California Quarter Eagle (the author differs with others who credit the 1892 Columbian Half as the first commemorative U.S.coin)thru commemoratives produced in 1999. One weakness of this otherwise excellent book is that the photographs of many of the coins are of poor quality, some having been photographed through plastic, others having a spotty look commonly found on scanned photos. Errors, such as a photo of the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar attributed as the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar, annoy the reader, as does the decision of the author to show the obverse of each coin separately, with photos of all the reverse designs shown in the appendix. While this book would never get this reader's vote as the best book ever published on U.S. commemorative coins, the modest list price still makes it a desirable addition to one's library.

Customer Reviews:

Review on Black Powder Handbook (3rd ed.).......2001-12-18

An excellent book for anyone who is even remotely interested in blackpowder shooting or hunting and an essential book for someone who is already blackpowder shooting and hunting.

Should be called the Blackpowder Bible.......2001-09-26

I bought this book with just an interest in muzzleloading. Then I went to a long gun store and had some long talks with the store owner who has many years in muzzleloading experience. Every tip, explanation, anecdotal experience he shared with me on buying, loading and shooting a muzzleloader was in this book. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on safety with black powder guns. By the time I decided on a gun and purchased the accessories, I had confidence and comfort in being able to load and shoot safely and correctly. This is the ultimate book for learning about muzzleloaders.

One of the best.......2001-09-21

I had to respond to the reviewer from Ballston Lake, NY who referred to my review as sounding "unobjective" and like a "PR blurb from a friend of the author". I don't know Sam Fadala, and have never met him. I don't work for his publishers. I HAVE been involved in the muzzleloading hobby for over twenty years. Fadala knows of what he speaks, I should know, since I've "been there and done that". Oddly enough Ballston Lake NY, you said that you HAD NOT READ this book. I suggest you READ the book and gain more knowledge and experience. Fadala has spent more hours in actually testing and using these firearms than the majority of "gun writers" pounding a keyboard today. Oh and by the way, I'm not related to Fadala and NOBODY is paying me for this review.

A "Must Have" for the black powder hunter.......2001-06-22

Sam Fadala is the dean of muzzle-loading hunting. He is one of the few writers to approach the subject from the scientific point. Fadala covers it all from shooting, cleaning, repairing, tune ups, ballistics, do-it-yourself, and more. He even covers some of the history and examines some of the folklore of black powder. If you are serious about hunting with a muzzle-loader, get Fadala's books !

Customer Review of Complete Black Powder Handbook.......2001-06-20

The first two reviews on this look like they were done by a PR person who was coordinating favorable reviews by friends of the author. They don't sound objective, nor do they sound like a review a book reader might make--but rather one done by somebody paid to write nice little blurbs on book jackets. The book itself may be good--I haven't seen it--but I'm struck by the similarly worded "PR" flavor of the first two reviews and am now skeptical about the book. I'd much rather see a few sample pages from the book itself than read what looks like a PR blurb.

The Complete Black Powder Handbook, 3rd Edition

Average customer rating:

The Complete Black Powder Handbook, 3rd Edition

Manufacturer: Krause Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H7OD90

Book Description

The complete, authoritative study guide to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time -- the Dead Sea Scrolls.

This indispensable two-volume compendium of the Dead Sea Scrolls contains newly edited English translations and summaries of all biblical and nonbiblical scrolls found at Qumran. Designed as a practical reference tool to facilitate fruitful study of the Scrolls, these volumes, compiled by expert Dead Sea Scrolls researchers, will be an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls -- from serious scholars to general readers seeking reliable translations of these invaluable ancient texts.

Customer Reviews:

A Notch Above the Others.......2003-01-31

There are two reasons that _The Dead Sea Scrolls Study Edition_ is a notch above other comprehensive translations of the Dead Sea Scrolls. One is that it provides a transliteration of almost all of the manuscripts. The second is that not only non-biblical texts are translated. And since I have a Bruce Zuckerman photo of a couple of the DSS mss, I can verify the translation of the mss. Most of all, this two volume work includes extensive bibliographical work.

I know professional scholars who prefer _The Dead Sea Scrolls Study Edition_.

The Dead Sea Scrolls Study Edition.......2002-06-17

Even though it has been 50 years from the time these discoveries started to be published, this is the first time a Hebrew/English edition of the "published texts" has ever appeared. There have always been English translations available, regularly updated as the findings were gradually released, but students who wished to explore the original language always had to visit some college library and make copies from the journals or consult some edition that was in French or German. Individual scrolls or a particular grouping of text might appear in both languages, but nothing presented this corpus to English readers before this Study Edition.
The work itself is not a critical edition. It is actually more of a catalogue of the corpus of manuscripts, providing the non-Biblical texts in their original language (Hebrew or Aramaic) with an English translation on facing pages. As a result, many of the texts occur several times, because every manuscript of each work is provided. This reveals how some of the texts were recovered, as one set of fragments fills the gaps of another. But in each case, the "recovered" text is given in brackets, and the student is able to flip back and forth to see how the fragments are related. However, there are many reconstructions that are not supported by an actual manuscript, so this edition does make it possible to detect unsupported emendations, which is of the greatest importance to any student.
As for the subject of Qumran itself, the site, the caves, the dates of these materials, the place they hold in ancient literature and history, even their relation to the Bible, there is not a word. This is purely the sources without comment, and leaves you to still obtain a good edition of the non-Biblical materials we have always had (Enoch, Jubilees, Testament of the 12 Patriarchs, etc.)which are only represented by fragments in this collection, but essential to understand this corpus. Even worse then this, the Biblical book of Ecclesiasticus (Ben Syrah), also represented by fragments in the Dead Sea Scrolls, does not exist in such a convenient Hebrew/English edition.
While I find this work satisfying and useful, it has occurred to me that, after all these years, even if this edition was worth the wait, we must still wait for such materials as I listed above to be presented in a similar form.

An Excellent Resource for Qumran Scholars of all levels.......2000-07-12

After many years of hearing about the Dead Sea Scrolls, but not being able to read the original texts, one is now able to read the Hebrew and Aramaic texts from Qumran in modern square script(some Greek texts are also contained). The texts are unpointed just as the manuscripts themselves are. Bibliographical information is listed for the Biblical texts, but their Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek content are not included in the book. In most cases the Biblical texts align with the Masoretic text. Having the Hebrew and English text in parallel allows people who know a little Hebrew to work with the text. The paperback edition is a better investment as there are errors within the book, most of them minor. Overall this book fills a huge void in Dead Sea Scrolls research and despite some flaws, it is a must for any student of the Qumran scrolls.

Handy reference, gives the text & translation only.......2000-06-14

It is two-volume compendium following the scholarly enumeration of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It also includes the Hebrew and Aramaic text and newly edited English translations and summaries of all biblical and nonbiblical scrolls found at Qumran. This work was designed to accompany course work as a practical reference tool to facilitate research of the Scrolls. It lacks the general introductions and other interpretive matter of other translations that may bias a reading of the texts, but it does include bibliographical references to other translations and studies. Because of this more invisible editorial intervention the work will best serve students who are learning how to read and interperted these texts. As a handy reference work nothing else is as useful. Also this less expensive edition will make this a much perferred edition.

Book Description

From the pouncing puma to the bow-tied rabbit head, Nic Hess's artistic analysis decodes the daily discourse of signs as practised by our consumer and communications society. His wall installations weave brand name symbols into a new vocabulary for new stories, ultimately undermining their intended commercial purpose, and challenging the supposed intellectual levelling of the world with a playful, ironic attitude full of implications.

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