BACKSTABBER: A HITCHCOCK SEWELL MYSTERY (Hitchcock Sewell Mysteries)

Book Description

e's suave, he's sexy, he's cool....and he's an undertaker. Hitchcock Sewell is back in one of the funniest and most fast-paced novels yet in Tim Cockey's celebrated award-winning series. A man has been murdered in his kitchen. And the apparent killer wants Hitch to scoop up the body and take it away....before the police have arrived. Meanwhile, across town, Hitch smells a rat-maybe two-in the nursing home where an old friend of his has taken up residence. With his matchless wit and uncommon ability to dig out the truth, Hitch is once again up to his old tricks....and mystery readers couldn't be happier.

Customer Reviews:

good afternoon read.......2006-06-19

Lots of slapstick humor that in the first half helps the story along and even makes you laugh now and again. I can't decide if I laugh because it just gets so stupid, or if it's really funny--but the mystery was decent and tied together nicely. This isn't deep reading, but it is a fun read. Towards the end, I found myself skipping paragraphs--you're in the middle of action, can't wait to find out what is going to happen and the author goes off on a tangent describing a place or someone's hair. I'm all for tension, but this went overboard. Still, this is an author you can take along during a plane ride--you can count on a good old fashioned fun mystery.

Tim Cockey also writes as Richard Hawke (Speak of the Devil)--and it's a series worth a look. The wit is there rather than slapstick humor. The mystery is a bit darker, the tough guy a bit tougher.

Backstabbing fun.......2005-09-16

As usual, Tim Cocky was full of fun and mystery in a well-blended story. His novels crack me up and this one was no exception. His stories are fast-paced and his humor is equally quick. I love this book, just as I've loved his others.

Same ole, same ole.......2005-09-07

The sexual exploits of an alchoholic undertaker are the focus of all of Tim Cockney's Hitchcock Sewell mystery novels. All one has to do if interested in any kind of mystery/murder storyline is to skip to the last 6 or so pages and read the plot synopsis ala Agatha Christe. The rest of the book is fluff.

A great Who Done It.......2004-12-14

After reading the first four pages, I was HOOKED. I thought if the rest of the book was as intriguing as those few pages, I would not be able to put the book down until I discovered "Who Done It". And, I was right. I also thought the plot was going to be a simple one where the reader discovers who killed the victim. Boy! Was I wrong! The plot was a spider's web of intrigue. There was more than one murder to learn about and plenty of characters to keep you guessing on who killed who.

The first victim was found with a knife in his back. Between his wife, daughter, son and mother, the less than normal family was discovered. The man's love letters were found in his library and they were not written to his wife. Ah ha, another possible killer. The story had dead people who are frozen into a sitting position, bright orange burial caskets, a nursing home where the patient are starting to complain about their care, seagulls, a pet dog and a few broken ribs, not to mention an ex-wife who our lead character was still on friendly terms.

The wisecracking which ran throughout the book, reminded me of the 1940's stereotypical private eye. It was wonderfully refreshing and gave the reader a laugh at every turn. The lead character's job was also not one normally associated with someone who "snoops". He was a funeral director in partnership with his Aunt. Right up until the very last pages, I had no idea who created all the mayhem. Oh, I had chosen early on who I thought was responsible but then I changed my mind as I read on and continued changing my mind the farther I read.

I noted that Tim Cockey as written four other books based on the lead character. I was sorry I hadn't read them but they will be on my list of books to read. Grab a copy of Backstabber and you will be in for a wonderful adventure of Who Done It.

Surprisingly different..........2004-10-21

That's what I have to say about Tim Cockey's latest novel, BackStabber. Although I had a hard time getting into the book at first, after the first few chapters I decided to keep going in hopes the plot would take enough of a turn to keep me interested. I had no idea where this author was headed when he jumped from a murder scene to picking up a cadaver in a nursing home where he met up with a resident who happened to be an older lady acquaintance. And there were some scenes that I just couldn't buy. But then again, it's fiction. So I gave Mr. Cockey the benefit of a doubt and kept going. And the story began to take on different twists and turns. I did think it got to be a bit too wordy at times, but I managed to skip over what I thought was just that...too wordy.
However, I thought the character of Hitchcock Sewell was well developed. It's a shame the author stuck a name like Hitchcock on such a handsome hunk of a man. I have a thing about the names, and if the hero is described as a handsome hunk, then I think his name should fit the description as well. And let's face it, there's just nothing sexy about a name like Hitchcock. No offense meant, of course. I wish now I'd read this author's debut novel instead of this latest published novel. And I may do that yet. I think Mr. Cockey is a very talented writer. The prose flows well, and he displays a keen sense of humor along with his ideas for an excellent plot. I was quite surprised when I'd finished the book to learn how he'd managed to bring the plot of this particular story all together. I just hope he doesn't get into a rut by writing too many Hitchcock Sewell mysteries, because I think Mr. Cockey has too much talent not to write something different.

4 Titles By Tim Cockey Hitchcock Sewell Mystery Series : The Hearse You Came In On The Hearse Case Scenario Murder in the Hearse Degree Backstabber

Average customer rating:

4 Titles By Tim Cockey Hitchcock Sewell Mystery Series : The Hearse You Came In On The Hearse Case Scenario Murder in the Hearse Degree Backstabber
Tim Cockey
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MMZI5S

Product Description

4 Titles By Tim Cockey Hitchcock Sewell Mystery Series : The Hearse You Came In On The Hearse Case Scenario Murder in the Hearse Degree Backstabber. four mmpb books.

Average customer rating:

Unusual and compelling fantasy

A terrific fantasy series grows even more complex

diminishing returns
Outremer #4: Feast Of The King's Shadow (Outremer, 4)
Chaz Brenchley
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Hand of the King's Evil (Outremer Series, Book 5)

Tower of the King's Daughter (Outremer, No. 2)

Outremer #3: A Dark Way To Glory (Outremer, 3)

Outremer #6: The End of All Roads (Outremer, 6)

Outremer #1: The Devil in the Dust (Outremer, Book 1)

ASIN: 0441010989
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Book Description

Enemies of long standing are united under the fiercely charismatic Hasan-and Outremer may be defeated before the first battle has even been fought. But one woman could make a difference...

Customer Reviews:

Unusual and compelling fantasy.......2007-06-29

It's surprisingly tricky to review the later books in the series without giving too much away, in large part because the whole thing should really be regarded as a single long novel. Nevertheless, here's the review of part four.

As the fourth volume opens, the little group of travellers finally reaches the safety of the desert city of Rhabat, and the council of the sheiks. But safety only for a little while, before the 'ifrit make their presence felt. Again, Brenchley draws on the real world to form a solid foundation for his creation, with his depiction of the city carved from living rock.

The are two main plot threads running through this volume; one the growing love and friendship between various characters, the other the shifting balance between war and peace as Hasan tries to unite the Sharai tribes for war against the Outremer states, and the King's Shadow and Ruban of Surayon try to dissuade them from war. But the future war is forgotten for a little while, as both sides make common cause to defend Rhabat from an enemy deadly to all.

Both plot threads come together around Julianne. The King's Shadow is quite willing to use his own daughter in persuit of his cause, recognising the strong mutual attraction between Julianne and Hasan. Julianne finds herself with a second wedding arranged for political purposes -- and a second prospective husband she is in love with, political marriage or no. But that's far less complicated than the emotions swirling around Marron...

As with the previous volumes, much of the appeal of the series lies in the complex characters. They mostly try to do the right thing, at least by their own moral codes, but don't always succeed. They're human and have human failings, and one of the things the series shows is that moral codes can be different and not perfectly compatible, -- and not always perfectly followed even by people who try to do so. It's easy to become attached to these people, wanting to know what happens next and hoping for a good outcome for them all. But there are no guarantees here; characters die, and not just redshirts introduced as cannon fodder. It makes for a reading experience that is sometimes painful, but certainly intense.

A terrific fantasy series grows even more complex.......2004-06-05

In Feast of the King's Shadow: The Fourth Book of Outremer, the main characters of Chaz Brenchley's remarkable fantasy series continue to evolve and grow in complex ways that surprise, touch, and sometimes trouble me. While my original impressions had long been thrown by the wayside by the end of the second book, my reactions to and concerns for each character have now been essentially taken apart and reformed in new ways. Of course, tragedy and hardship change people, and difficult indeed have been the individual journeys of the main characters: Julianne, the young and willful daughter of the King's Shadow; Marron, failed acolyte and now seemingly ill-suited Ghost Walker of legend, reluctant bearer of the mystical weapon called the Daughter; Elisande, the mysterious young lady from the hidden land of Surayon, friend and confidante of Julianne and obviously so much more; and Jemel, the Sharai boy who has renounced his tribal ties and pledged to serve his friend Marron. As this book opens, their party has finally made it through the harsh desert and arrived at the boundaries of Rhabat. It is here that Julianne's father, the King's Shadow, can supposedly be found and his life saved by his daughter. Here also resides Hasan, the Sharai leader who alone can unite all of the fractious tribes of his land and lead them against Outremer, the land of Julianne and her father.

There is danger in Rhabat, and it eventually emerges from the unholy, feared Dead Waters in the form of hordes of 'ifrits - spiritual creatures who take on physical form in pursuit of their evil aims. The Ghost Walker is given an ignominious welcome by the Sharai peoples, for Marron is not the mighty savior they have looked for all these years. Not only is he Patric rather than Sharai, he remains committed to his personal oath to never kill again. There are battles fought over the course of these pages, worldly ones pitting steel and bows against the claws and beaks of dark monsters, as well as spiritual battles fought within the human hearts of men and women.

It is somewhat sad to see these characters begin to drift away from one another. I find myself rather disappointed in Julianne at this point. Originally, she was a rather enchanting young lady of great resolve, but in my eyes she has lost much of her humanity and become something of a hollow player in the events leading up to probable war. While she does fight for the life of her father, her evolving relationship with Hasan and her own actions and words to devoted friends has struck a chord of disdain in this reader's heart. Marron has continued to grow in the face of unprecedented challenges and dilemmas, seeking strength in solace, but I am very uncomfortable with his increasingly more open relationship with Jemel. The sexuality in this book is rather amorphous, and some readers may well reject the entire series of books out of hand for this fact alone. While I disapprove of much that I read here in this regard, I remain fascinated and highly sympathetic with Marron. In my opinion, though, the most important character has now become Elisande. Her feelings for Marron coupled with the distance that begins to develop between her and Julianne contribute to a new depth of sorrow and isolation in this character. She, however, overcomes all of the weights pressing down upon her and triumphs in a very real sense by the novel's close.

Chaz Brenchley is a brilliant writer; few authors could introduce so many troubling aspects into a story yet keep me captivated despite my own discomfort level. I have to say I have almost no idea where Brenchley will take this series from here. War looms on the horizon, key characters have already come close to hitting bottom both physically and emotionally, and the shocking ending of Feast of the King's Shadow introduces a completely new source of concern for one of the main characters. I only know that, whatever happens, I will be there to witness it.

diminishing returns.......2003-09-28

Outremer Book One delivered skillfully blended action, moral quandry, and usolved mystery to hook me. Outremer Books Two & Three delivered. The pace was rapid, with developing good guys, bad guys and perilous journies

Outremer Book Four has put all this great structure on the back burner to investigate overly complex love polygons (triangle just doesn't cut it). Even the few action scenes (what little is there is very good), are overshadowed by heavy-handed emotional and sexual ambiguities, and resulting (continuing?) multi-party dispair.

It will be very difficult to read Outremer Book Five if I can't finish wading through the last 20% of Book Four.

This is still a good choice if you are into Harlequin romances.

Book Description

Great taste in no time -- the Atkins way!

Since its original publication, Dr. Atkins' Quick & Easy New Diet Cookbook has sold more than one million copies. Based on the bestselling Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, the recipes in this completely revised edition will let you eat the most up-to-date Atkins way, whether you're just beginning to slim down or want to maintain your goal weight and enhance your health and well-being. The new edition will make it easier than ever to follow the controlled carbohydrate lifestyle pioneered by Dr. Atkins. Highlights include:

50 entirely new recipes

recipes for breakfast

updated favorites

new nutritional data, including Net Carbs

Designed for healthy eating and simple preparation, the controlled carb recipes in this must-have new edition of a perennially favorite cookbook will help you every day to produce delectable meals that will be the key to a whole new you.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

THE BEST LOW CARB COOKBOOK, IN FACT, MY FAVORITE COOKBOOK-BRAVO!!!.......2007-09-25

This book is my VERY FAVORITE COOKBOOK and I would love it even if I were not doing the Atkins diet! I have tried many of the recipes and the flavor now in my meals when I use this cookbook is so so so outstanding. Here are the best features in this LOW CARB COOKBOOK:
1) Recipes are divided into Meats, Veggies, etc and using the table of contents, so easy to find.
2) BEST FEATURE: The recipes give you the CARBS and PROTIEN. This is one of the features that sold me on this book.
3) It shows you on each recipe what phase it is good for. For example, when I started phase one the induction, I was able to find enough recipes that would work in this phase and all were very low carbs.
4) Each recipe that I have tried has tasted so wonderful, I forget that I am on the Atkins Diet - instead feel so wonderful and really enjoy each meal!
This is a PERFECT companion to the Atkins Diet Revolution Book! I highly recommend this book. Because I have followed the recipes in this book to the letter, I have lost 28 pounds in a short time and just have 12 more pounds to go and I am losing the weight I desire to each week! And I am still in the induction phase, but will move on to phase 2 very soon thanks to the help that this superb cookbook has given to me.

Updated Carb counts and Phase indications.......2007-01-13

I like this new version. It tells which Phase the recipe would be appropriate for at the bottom. Atkin's cookbook recipes always work!

Avoid this book.......2006-02-20

This book is a rip off. It gives recipes for foods that are already low in carbohydrates, and tells you very little about how to use alternative ingredients to make low carb dishes out of foods that would otherwise be high carb. The worst thing about the book is that the low carb ingredients recommended are all made by the Atkins company. Atkins emerged from bankruptcy in February of '06 with a new product line of 60 shakes and bars, and dropped the other 280 products they sold. Most of the recipes in this book are based on products that are no longer made or sold. It is, of course, possible to find or create other recipes. But to do that, you wouldn't need this book.

This is what Atkins dieters have been looking for!.......2004-08-21

Easy-read, simple recipes. Short ingredient lists. A cookbook that's clearly organized into short chapters according to meat type. This is what I should have had when I started the Atkins' Diet last year.

Unlike its predecessor, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Cookbook, this Quick & Easy Diet Cookbook is very handy. It's just the thing after a long day when you don't want to get into an elaborate cooking session. I can pull some meat out of the fridge and look up a recipe; chances are, I will have everything I need stocked in my low-carb pantry and fridge. Most of the main dish recipes take under one half hour to prep and finish, and the ones I've tried are all taste-satisfying winners.

There is a beginning chapter that explains how to trim the carb content down if you're in the early Induction phase of the diet. Mostly, though, the meals are all low-carb enough for the Ongoing Weight Loss and Maintenance phases. I think dieters who are into other low carb diets will find it useful, too. There is no guesswork about how many carbs per serving when you measure your ingredients correctly and consult the carb, calorie, etc. counts at the bottom of the page.

Finally, I want to thank the team that finished this book after the Doctor's tragic accident last year. It's great that his "estate" is carrying on his good work to help this country and many more around the world learn how to get healthy and stay that way. Thank you all, and may God bless.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

A MUST HAVE FOR THOSE ON ATKINS OR OTHER LOW CARB DIETS!.......2004-01-22

I've been following the Atkins diet for a short time and decided to buy this to save time preparing meals. This is just a great help in following the Atkins way of eating. The recipes truly are "quick and easy" and delicious. Another plus is that the book isn't overmelmingly long (not one of those "1,000 mouth watering recipes")! There are several recipes for each section (ie; beef, poultry, appetizers, seafood, desserts, etc.) - just enough to give you varied menu ideas but not overwelm you with decisions.
This is good eating even for those who are not dieting.

Dr. Atkins' Quick and Easy New Diet Cookbook Companion to Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution

Average customer rating:

Dr. Atkins' Quick and Easy New Diet Cookbook Companion to Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution
Robert C./Atkins, Veronica Atkins
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:
Biggest Book of 30-Minute Meals (Better Homes & Gardens)
Better Homes and Gardens
Manufacturer: Better Homes and Gardens
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Biggest Book of Casseroles (Better Homes & Gardens)

Biggest Book of Soups & Stews (Better Homes & Gardens)

Biggest Book of Easy Canned Soup Recipes (Better Homes & Gardens)

Betty Crocker One-Dish Meals: Casseroles, Skillet Meals, Stir-Fries and More for Easy, Everyday Dinners (Betty Crocker Books)

Biggest Book of Cookies: 475 All-Time Favorites (Better Homes & Gardens)

ASIN: 0696224380
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Book Description

Complete family-friendly meals—from ingredients to table—in less than 30 minutes.

Recipes for fast, flavorful main dishes, sides, and desserts and deliciously creative menu combinations for each entrée.

Helpful tips to shorten meal prep and clean-up time.

Shortcut pantry list to make time-saving meals a snap.

Bonus chapter of simple party foods for effortless, easy entertaining.

Complete nutrition information, prep and cook times for each recipe.

Customer Reviews:

field spaniel:a complete & reliable handbook.......2006-03-13

a must for anyone who knows little or nothing about this rare breed, covers almost every thing and gives a sound and through coverage of all material available.

Great book about a great breed.......2005-09-14

This book has been very helpful to us before getting our field spaniel and even better now that he is here. My 8 year old daughter has even read it several times.

Buy this before you buy a Field Spaniel.......2001-07-04

Great informative book. The author includes the cons as well as the pros of owning a Field Spaniel. They're great dogs for the right people. You'll know after reading this book if this breed is right for you.

The only book to buy.......2000-06-26

Field Spaniels are a rare breed with characterics much different from their close cousins, cocker spaniels and Springer spaniels. As a result, there is not a lot of information available about the breed. This is the book to study if you are interested in a Fieldie. It is written by a respected breeder and Fieldie enthusiast and well thought of by those who love the breed.

Average customer rating:

Good reference guide

Small Dolls of the 40s & 50s: Identification & Value Guide

small dolls of the 40's & 50s:identification&value guide

Small Dolls of the 40s and 50s by Carol J. Stover

Small Dolls of the 40s & 50s

Small Dolls of the 40s & 50s: Identification & Value Guide
Carol June Stover
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Dolls | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Collector's Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls: Identification and Values (Collectors Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls)

Collector's Guide To Ideal Dolls: Identification & Values (Collectors Guide to Ideal Dolls Identification and Values)

Dolls And Accessories of the 1950s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

American Character Dolls: Identification & Value Guide

Baby Boomer Dolls Plastic Playthings of the 50's & 60's, Second Edition

ASIN: 1574322753

Book Description

Almost 1,000 color photos, catalog pages, brochures, and vintage advertisements. This unprecented volume includes special sections devoted to toddler dolls, baby dolls, British dolls, advertising dolls, 'dress me' sewing dolls, and accessories. You'll learn the scoop on why so many of the small dolls look alike, why they were unmarked, and who owned whom in the tangled web of small dolls. Although it concentrates on the smallest dolls up to 9 inch of the 1940s and 1950s, the book also provides examples from the 1960s.288 pages. AUTHORBIO: Carol Stover is a doll authority who has co-authored two editions of Vogue Dolls with Judith Izen. She is also the author of Small Dolls of the 40s 50s and has co-authored the eighth edition of Doll Values, Antique to Modern, with Barbara DeFeo. REVIEW: This book is valuable for its coverage of not only major companies, including Vogue Dolls, but also lesser-known companies. Forty-five American brands and five British makers are discussed in separate chapters, along with some miscellaneous groupings of dolls, plus chapters on advertising dolls and sewing sets. The dolls are described carefully, with marketing histories where available, in businesslike prose.

Customer Reviews:

Good reference guide.......2007-07-08

This book is a very good reference guide to check out the value of dolls from the 40's and 50's. I would recommend it to any doll collector.

Small Dolls of the 40s & 50s: Identification & Value Guide.......2006-03-24

I found this book to be full of valuable info. Its a must have for the 40 and 50's doll collector. A great asset!!!

small dolls of the 40's & 50s:identification&value guide.......2003-01-03

this book is a wonderful reference book -have learned so much, highly recommend

Small Dolls of the 40s and 50s by Carol J. Stover.......2002-09-20

As a longtime doll collector, I have often found 8-inch hard plastic dolls that I could not identify. Some of the dolls were even mint with original clothes. I always passed them by thinking that I would never be able to learn about the companies that made them. This "Small Dolls" book will go a long way to answer these kinds of questions. The author has written a great book with lots of excellent illustrations, which includes pictures and information of the more well-known dolls like Ginny, Ginger and Muffie. In addition, dolls are pictured from over 50 other doll companies, including Norma Originals, Unique, Virga, Carlson Manufacturing and many more. For collectors who like small dolls, especially those from the 1950s, this book is a must.

Small Dolls of the 40s & 50s.......2002-09-17

What a massive undertaking!! Explores dolls that have been ignored in other books. Look at all the never-before-seen pictures, then go back and read every word. Then, go back & look & read it again & again. Simple explainations & descriptions. Great job - keep the books coming!

Hard Plastic Dolls, II Identification and Price Guide (Hard Plastic Dolls)

Average customer rating:

Hard Plastic Dolls, II Identification and Price Guide (Hard Plastic Dolls)
Polly Judd , and Pam Judd
Manufacturer: Hobby House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Dolls | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

English (British) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0875884210

Hard Plastic Dolls Identification & Price Guide

Average customer rating:

Great information book

Hard Plastic Dolls Identification & Price Guide
Polly Judd , and Pam Judd
Manufacturer: Hobby House Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Modern Collectible Dolls: Identification & Value Guide, Vol. 4

ASIN: 0875882625

Book Description

An indispensable identification and price guide for every collector wanting to know more about hard plastic dolls of the 40's and 50's and their collectors' values. Over 600 photographs are combined with detailed descriptions to help the collector identify these dolls produced from 1946-1959.

Customer Reviews:

Great information book.......2000-12-17

I loved the book it helped me a lot in my dolls searching.

Book Description

Edible Forest Gardens is a groundbreaking two-volume work that spells out and explores the key concepts of forest ecology and applies them to the needs of natural gardeners in temperate climates. Volume I lays out the vision of the forest garden and explains the basic ecological principles that make it work. In Volume II, Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier move on to practical considerations:concrete ways to design, establish, and maintain your own forest garden. Along the way they present case studies and examples, as well as tables, illustrations, and a uniquely valuable “plant matrix” that lists hundreds of the best edible and useful species.
Taken together, the two volumes of Edible Forest Gardens offer an advanced course in ecological gardening—one that will forever change the way you look at plants and your environment.

Book Description

This work deals with the reign of Pedro I of Castile (1350-1369), known as "The Cruel," one of the most notorious and misunderstood figures in the annals of peninsular history. This is the first book on the subject that analyzes Pedro's rule in light of social, political, diplomatic, and economic conditions in mid-14th century Castile. Using extant primary documentation from archival sources and the most recent findings of scholars from various fields, the book explores in detail the historical basis for Pedro's reputation and the extent to which this reputation unfairly rests on the testimony of Pero Lopez de Ayala, the reign's principal chronicler. The book provides fresh insights into various aspects of Pedro's career, such as his political aims, relations with religious minorities, and fiscal policies.

The history of Peter the Cruel, king of Castile and Leon

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The history of Peter the Cruel, king of Castile and Leon
Prosper MeÌrimeÌe
Manufacturer: R. Bentley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Spain | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00086JCYG

The history of Peter the Cruel, king of Castile and Leon: With additional notes

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The history of Peter the Cruel, king of Castile and Leon: With additional notes
Prosper MeÌrimeÌe
Manufacturer: Bentley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Spain | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00088XWMM

Amazon.com

The motivation behind most sports biographies is more inspiration than revelation, but in Davis's case the two fit like hand in the outsized fielder's glove he's wielded so brilliantly in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore, and now St. Louis. Indeed, each chapter is a mixture of memoir and pep talk divided under the subheads of "Adversity/Blessing" and "Strategy/Life Lesson."

The real surprise is how compelling Davis's life and life lessons have been even beyond his storied battle with and return from colon cancer, an odyssey that arced from doubt and despair to Comeback Player of the Year. Like his great buddy Darryl Strawberry, he managed to survive growing up in the gang country of Los Angeles--a feat in itself--fueling his big dreams with enormous talent. An extraordinary junction of faith, speed, power, and dedication took him to the Majors with a "Can't Miss" weight on his shoulders, but injuries detoured the great promise. Davis, doggedly persistent, shares what he's drawn from that with insight and humility instead of bitterness or regret. "It's important to see things as they are as well as how you wish they could be," he writes simply. It's a most valuable reminder in any pursuit. --Jeff Silverman

Book Description

From All-Star games to oncology units, Eric Davis shares the powerful story of his impressive will to survive and succeed An incredibly talented athlete from the tough streets of South Central LA, Eric Davis went on to become a crucial part of a World Series Champion team (Cincinnati, 1990), a World Series contending team (Baltimore, 1997), an All Star, a "phenom" featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated under the headline "Smash Hit." In this richly detailed biography, Eric tells the story of the man behind the uniform. Again and again, Eric has confounded the skeptics who thought he wouldn't get out of the ghetto, wouldn't become a star player, wouldn't come back from injuries, and most recently, that he wouldn't survive cancer. Fueled by strong faith, a loving family, and almost superhuman power to see the good in adversity, Eric has again and again exceeded all expectations. Along with the triumphs, have come overwhelming tragedies as he watched his beloved older brother join a gang, fall prey to the streets, and die just as Eric was battling cancer. All Americans--particularly baseball fans, people whose lives have been touched by cancer, Christians, African Americans--will relate to Eric's story. In the tradition of The Natural and Dave Dravecky's Comeback, Born to Play is an inspiring story of determination, courage, and hope.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome story of a super athlete!.......2006-06-24

This is the greatest baseball book I have ever read! Eric Davis was one of the hardest playing players of all-time and would definately be Hall of Fame bound had he not played so hard. But Eric couldn't hold back a bit and instead left a legacy of how to play the game right. His story of how he overcame cancer through his faith in God is very inspirational reading even for the non-baseball fan. Davis is my all-time favorite player and this book did not disappoint! I highly recommend this book to any sports fan or fans of winning against the odds!

Decent look at a great baseball player.......2006-04-26

Back in the late 80's I went to a Reds game with a group of friends, one of whom told me that he wanted to sit next to me during the game so he could hear me rip Eric Davis to shreds. I told him that if he wanted to hear me rip on someone, sit by me when Rickey Henderson came to town because I was then, and had always been a big fan of Eric Davis. Davis spent his whole career in Cincinnati as an object of scorn because of what some felt was an overdeveloped willingness to spend time on the disabled list. This always puzzled me because I felt that it should have been obvious to anyone who watched the game that Davis played with an almost complete lack of concern for his body. There wasn't anything resembling padding on Eric, so when he hit something at full speed, he often paid the price. As far as I could tell, he sacrificed a hall of fame career by playing the game as hard as anyone before or since him. This book isn't a must read unless you watched him play on one of the myriad of teams that he played with during his career and wondered what made him tick. He comes off as being impressed with himself, but I'd have been impressed with myself if I could do the things he did over the course of his career.

Surprisingly good.......2006-03-01

I did not know what to expect from this book. The reviews were mixed and I did not know enough about Eric Davis to have an opinion of him.
I found this book to be refreshingly honest. Davis was a star for a lot of years in baseball. His book is not the standard star bio. Davis tells the good and the bad of his career. He certainly does have an ego (probably a necessity to be a real star), but he comes across as genuine. It is not a problem to say how good you were, when you were that good. He isn't bragging, just stating the truth. He also relates times when his career wasn't going so well.
His battle with cancer and the comeback are really inspiring. His desire to give back a bit is also inspiring. His relationship with his brother provides another good glimpse into the real Eric Davis.
Davis put up solid numbers over the course of his career. He is just a notch or two below Hall of Fame calibre. I would say the same about this book.

A Hero For The Ages.......2003-01-25

This autobiography is the best book I have ever read. I have followed ED for the last fifteen years and I still cannot find a better role model to look up to (disregarding my parents). His strength and ability to overcome numerous injuries and colon cancer are still amazing to me. I'm only 22 years old and I highly doubt I will ever find a greater person to admire. His book talks about his love for family, God, and baseball. Please do not have any doubts concerning the content of this book. You will find no greater athlete to read about and be amazed by.

E.D. 44 Magnum is the MAN!.......2001-11-09

When I was 10 years old I went to a Mets/Reds Game at Shea Stadium. After the game was over I was standing outside the player's exit area and a new rookie named Eric Davis came out of the door. I could only tell he was a player and I had no clue what his name was. It was "bat day" that day and I asked this man to sign my bat. He signed it 'Eric Davis' and stopped to ask me some questions about myself which I wasn't thinking he would...I figured a bigshot ball player would sign their autograph quickly and move on. Being only 10 years old, I had never encountered any type of person in the public eye such as a celebrity or major league ball player. I then followed Eric everyday in the papers. When I met him, he was just up from the Minors and hadn't gotten any notice yet. I took such pleasure following him and seeing him excel in the game. My parents would mail me box scores of the Reds' games when I was in sleepaway camp over the summer. I still remember getting excited when following Eric in the summer of 87 when he was on fire.

This book gives the reader an idea of what a warm person Eric is. His courageous struggle through cancer and his triumphant return to the game are simply amazing. I hope that Eric reads this one day, and realizes that a fan from the age of 10 (27 now) still follows and admires him. From reading the book, I agree with one of the other reviewers that said that after reading the book, they weren't just a fan of Eric Davis, the baseball player, but they were a fan of the person.

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