How to Know Western Australian Wildflowers, Supplement 1982

Book Description

Frommer's Portable Florence offers everything you need at a glance: the top hotel picks in all price ranges, the hottest restaurants and pubs, San Lorenzo street market shopping, pubs and wine bars, the David, the Duomo, the Boboli gardens, museum guides, and detailed neighborhood maps. Ideal for weekend visitors, families, or business travelers, this handy guide captures the best of Florence!

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Frommer's Portable Guides offer all the detailed information and insider advice of a Frommer's Complete Guide--but in a concise, pocket-sized format. Perfect for the short-term traveler who insists on value and doesn't want to wade through or carry a full-size guidebook, this series selects the very best choices in all price categories and takes you straight to the top sights. Get the latest on hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife in a nutshell in these lightweight, inexpensive guides. Frommer's Portable Florence offers everything you need at a glance: the top hotel picks in all price ranges, the hottest restaurants and pubs, San Lorenzo street market shopping, pubs and wine bars, the David, the Duomo, the Boboli gardens, museum guides, and detailed neighborhood maps. Ideal for weekend visitors, families, or business travelers, this handy guide captures the best of Florence!

Frommer's Portable Florence (Frommer's Portable)

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Frommer's Portable Florence (Frommer's Portable)
John Moretti
Manufacturer: Frommer's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Frommer's | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0471773425

Book Description

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Book Description

From the award-winning author of Children of the Dustbowl comes a sobering look at two of the most frequently romanticized events in American history. For the native peoples of California, the period from 1769, when the first Spanish Mission was founded, to the 1850s, when the Gold Rush was at its height, was one of terrible violence and destruction. First, Spanish priests and soldiers sought to convert the Indians to Christianity and a "civilized" way of life. Yet for the Indians the story of the missions was one of hunger, disease, rebellion, and death. Then, during the Gold Rush, Indians were frequently kidnapped, murdered, and sold into slavery by white settlers. By the end of the nineteenth century, the surviving California Indians had been forced onto reservations and their way of life had been largely destroyed. With maps, a timeline, and glossaries on California's Indian tribes and mission history, Jerry Stanley tells the story of modern California from the poignant perspective of the Native American.

Customer Reviews:

Should be mandatory for CA grade school kids studying the Mission era.......2006-08-18

I bought this book for my daughter's 4th grade class to supplement and challenge the standardized 'pablum' on the politically correct view of CA mission history. You'd be suprised how diffuclt it was to find an alternative history book with this perspective for grade schoolers. It's not perfect. We cherry picked relevant chapters.
It's about time more revisionist books for this time period and and grade level get published.

Carefully researched, thoroughly absorbing work.......1998-04-08

Jerry Stanley has written another carefully researched, thoroughly absorbing work, this time concerning the fate of the California Indians, who had to contend with both the Mission Settlement and the Gold Rush. Opening with a description of their lifestyle and culture before the impact of the white man, the book is not only an invaluable resource for the student, but also a compelling read for anyone wishing more information about this sorry time in American history.

Digger is a definitive work on California Missions........1998-03-26

Jerry Stanley has written a much needed book on the California Missions and the effect they had on the lives the Native Americans of California. Stanley conducts first-rate research and carefully documents his work. A "must read" book.

book means well but falls short.......1998-02-16

It's past time somebody wrote a definitive study of the massacre of the California Indians but this is not it. The author means well but does not know his subject, and especially slights the perspective of today's native California peoples.

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Best in Self-Publishing & Print on Demand: Plus Marketing Your Book on the Internet, Third Edition
David Rising
Manufacturer: Reality Publishing ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Web Marketing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Aiming at Amazon: The NEW Business of Self Publishing, or How to Publish Books for Less, Sell Without Hassle, and Double Your Profit (or More) With Print on Demand and Book Marketing on Amazon.com

Print-on-Demand Book Publishing: A New Approach To Printing And Marketing Books For Publishers And Self-Publishing Authors

Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual, 16th Edition: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Self Publishing Manual)

The Fine Print of Self-Publishing: The Contracts & Services of 48 Major Self-Publishing Companies--Analyzed, Ranked & Exposed

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living

ASIN: 1411660013
Release Date: 2006-07-17

Product Description

This book will guide you through the publishing process step-by-step. You will also find tips and ideas in this book on what to publish to make money. After you have published your book, you will have to learn how to market it. Without a good marketing strategy you are basically throwing your book into a warehouse with ten million other titles and no one may ever stumble across your book. This book will explain to you how to use DATABASE LOGIC to market your book on the Internet to get it noticed by more potential customers. There is no additional cost to you to implement my marketing strategies, only your time is required.

Marketing & Promoting Your Work (Graphic Design Basics)

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Marketing & Promoting Your Work (Graphic Design Basics)
Maria Piscopo
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Business Operations | Promotion | HOWdesign Studio | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0891346082

Product Description

This companionable, quick-to-learn breed has long been a favorite among dog owners. Books in Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series present basic information for new or soon-to-be owners. Advice and instruction covers feeding, housing, health care, training, grooming, and much more. Texts emphasize pet care basics and are easy for all readers to understand. All books in this series are filled with high quality full-color photos and instructive line drawings. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2000

Customer Reviews:

Not very helpful.......2005-09-02

It would be a good book for people who know almost nothing about dogs, but its info is very general

Not a good buy.......2004-05-03

The book wasn't too helpful. Just gave me information on things I already knew. I bought a better one for only $1.00 at a local dollar store. I advise you not to buy and just do a little web surfing online. You'll find better information.

Didn't learn much.......2002-09-02

As a "dog person", I have to say that I learned very little specifically about boxers from this book. There is some standard stuff about dogs in general "Fleas feed on a dog by biting and sucking its blood. Their bites often cause severe itching..." Who doesn't know this information? Even children can tell you this without reading this (price) book. The stuff which is specific to boxers (breed standards, health information) can easily be obtained by an internet search. The only reason I gave it two stars is that some of the photographs are nice. I don't reccomend buying this book.

Great information on boxers.......2002-02-02

This is a great book to prepare you for getting a boxer. It has great information on training and health for your new puppy. Also, it has many great pictures of boxers.

Perfect For Getting Started...........2001-01-16

This book is an excellent, well rounded, consise educational book on boxers. Chapters include: -The Typical Boxer -Tips on Buying a Boxer -Getting the Puppy Settled -Understanding Boxers -Training: The Gentle Approach -Daily Grooming and Health Check and, -Proper Nutrition and Feeding -Preventive Health Care and Illnesses -Breeding Boxers

As you can see this book is very complete. You will understand and appreciate boxers in a whole new way. The book also contains many wonderful color photographs,and a complete lists of additional sources for information and help in caring for your boxer.

Book Description

With their lovable personalities and easy-going attitudes, it comes as no surprise that boxers are such desired pets! Sweet, caring dogs that love their families, boxers make great and loyal friends.
If you already own a boxer, or are looking into getting one, The Everything Boxer Book is your one-stop handbook for everything you need to know about owning and caring for a boxer. Written by boxer trainer, breeder, and owner Karla Spitzer, this easy-to-read book contains vital information about raising a boxer, including:

Preparing and boxer-proofing your home

Housetraining 101

Feeding your boxer the right foods

Spotting common health and behavior disorders-and fixing them

Traveling safely with your boxer

Training and socialization skills that your boxer will remember for life
So whether you need to train a puppy, or teach an older dog some new tricks, The Everything Boxer Book is your dog's ticket to a happy and healthy life!

Customer Reviews:

very helpful.......2007-09-14

I purchased this book after getting my first boxer. It is a very good book for the new boxer owner. I wish I would have had this book before getting my boxer- it would have been helpful when interviewing the breeder. It would also be very helpful for those who have not researched the boxer before. I did not give it 5 stars only because a lot of the information was basic dog information - education on training techniques and caring for a dog. But if you are new to owning a dog or haven't had a new puppy in a while, it would be very helpful. The information is all accurate and educational and is a good review for any dog owner.

The One Must-Have Guide for Boxer Owners.......2006-07-06

If you are a new, or even a not-so-new family member of a boxer, you will learn a lot from this book. Karla Spitzer is experienced with this breed and does a great job explaining in clear terms how to make a good life for your boxer, whether you have acquired a pup or perhaps an older rescued boxer. How I wish I had this book when our first boxer, a rescued stray, came into our lives. Sadly there are many people who bring home a boxer but are not aware of some of the special medical issues to be on the alert for and some of the special needs of the boxer as a member of your pack. With a guide like this you will have a much better experience and your boxer will be happier and healthier.

The Herb Book: A Complete Guide to Culinary Herbs

Average customer rating:

A beautiful book, simple recipes, and exquisite food

The Herb Book: A Complete Guide to Culinary Herbs
Arabella Boxer
Manufacturer: Thunder Bay Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Herbs, Spices & Condiments | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Herbs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1571451137

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful book, simple recipes, and exquisite food.......1999-06-20

As serendipitous as a wildflower in the garden, the ideas behind the recipes take you in directions you might not have thought of. But once you read them, you know that they will work brilliantly. This is a REAL cook's book. It's a beautiful book. And it's also an utterly simple cookbook.

Your Boxer's Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion (Your Pet's Life)

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good overview of the breed
nuts & Bolts of Boxer life

Your Boxer's Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion (Your Pet's Life)
Kim Dearth
Manufacturer: Prima Lifestyles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761520481
Release Date: 2000-03-16

Book Description

As a caring Boxer owner, you want the best for your pet. But you may not know all the special steps you need to take to raise a happy, healthy Boxer. Your Boxer's Life was written with one purpose in mind: to give you the most up-to-date information and guidance you need about the health, nutrition, training, and care of your dog. Reviewed by a nationally known veterinarian, this book shows you how to give your Boxer the best life possible—whether you've just welcomed a new puppy into your family or adopted an older dog.

Inside—what every Boxer owner wants to know:

• Is a Boxer the right dog for me?
• How much exercise does my Boxer need?
• Can my Boxer stay home all day without me?
• How do I choose the best food for all stages of my Boxer's life?
• Do Boxers make good companions for children?
• What's the best way to house-train my Boxer?
• Will my Boxer get along with my other pets?
• What do I do with my Boxer when I go on vacation?

About the Author

Kim D.R. Dearth is a former managing editor of Dog World magazine and former editor of Dog World's annual edition, Puppy Guide. An experienced trainer, she lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband, her dog, Rio, and six cats.

About the Series Editor

Joanne Howl, D.V.M., Your Pet's Life™ series editor, is the president of the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association and a small-animal practitioner. She lives in West River, Maryland, with her family, two dogs, and six cats.

Customer Reviews:

good overview of the breed.......2000-10-19

It's important to throughly research a breed before bringing a dog into your life and this book gives a great description about what the boxer requires in an owner, as well as what to expect from your boxer dog. Enjoy your boxer and by all means look into Boxer Rescue for your new companion!

nuts & Bolts of Boxer life.......2000-10-06

A great nuts and bolts book about Boxers. All about how to choose a boxer to taking care of a puppy to adulthood. Highly recommended, easy read from ages 10 to whatever.

The Boxer: Complete Information on the History, Development, Characteristics, Breeding, Feeding, Care and Management

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The Boxer: Complete Information on the History, Development, Characteristics, Breeding, Feeding, Care and Management
John P. Wagner
Manufacturer: Orange Judd Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M14WYC

Average customer rating:

The Complete Boxer
Denlinger
Manufacturer: Howell Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0876050607

Average customer rating:

ONE OF THE BEST

The boxer: Complete information on the history, development, characteristics, breeding, feeding, care and management
John P Wagner
Manufacturer: Orange Judd Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007FXJH4

Customer Reviews:

ONE OF THE BEST.......2005-01-27

THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY BOXER ENTHUSIAST!!!! WONDERFULLY WRITTEN AND A GREAT BOOK FOR LEARNING OR COLLECTION....

The boxer;: A complete presentation with illustrations, of the origin, development, breeding, showing, training, kenneling, feeding, and general care of this breed of dog

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The boxer;: A complete presentation with illustrations, of the origin, development, breeding, showing, training, kenneling, feeding, and general care of this breed of dog
Daniel Morris Gordon
Manufacturer: Judy Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006AUTO6

Boxers: Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, Behavior, and Training (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

Average customer rating:

excellent info about boxers
Very sparse
Natural boxer pics
Why a bargain may not be a bargain?
briefly everything you need to know about boxers...

Boxers: Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, Behavior, and Training (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Johanna Thiel
Manufacturer: Barrons Educational Series Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0812095901

Customer Reviews:

excellent info about boxers.......2004-02-08

This is a great book, with a lot of info on Boxers and dogs in general I never knew before. I disagree with the reviewers that say there is no Boxer specific info here. It tells you everything you would need to know about them in my opinion. Sure, there is some general info, but when writing about a topic so broad as "dogs", some general info is unavoidable? I highly recommend this book

Very sparse.......2003-01-28

The information was very sparse and general - not particularly breed specific. Could have found the same information on the spca website...

Natural boxer pics.......2001-05-26

Liked the book for my children before we got the dog so they knew what we were looking for. Especially happy so many natural ears on the boxers pictured.

Why a bargain may not be a bargain?.......2000-08-02

I bought this book because it was inexpensive and, from its title, appeared to cover any boxer topic about which I might possibly care to read. While some parts of the book were interesting, the numerous typos throughout the book were embarrassingly obvious and distracting. Also, some of the author's advice directly contradicted much of the information I have read from other boxer experts. I was left feeling like I would have been better off investing a little more money in a better quality book.

briefly everything you need to know about boxers..........2000-05-20

infact i've written all i think about the book in the subject. i've read it all in 2 days. the language is fluent and understandable. you won't regret that you've bought this book.

Average customer rating:

The Complete Boxer

Manufacturer: DENLINGER
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FZ1TLO

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Government Auctions/Sales Manual, 6th Edition
Ellen Hughes
Manufacturer: Mc Kee Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0964590840

Book Description

This is the only book published with current information on government auctions and sales. Many auctions are held by state and Federal government agencies. Each agency has its ownprocedures for advertising and conducting sales, therefore, it can be time consuming finding sale information. To make the auction experience easier and more profitable, a manual that reports complete and current data is available. It is the Government Auctions/Sales Manual, 5th Edition (GASM). GASM cuts through the bureaucracy and makes auction information readily accessible and easy to understand. This is the only book with current information on government auctions. This 160-page manual includes type of property sold and detailed information on the following: U.S.Bankruptcy, Banks, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Customs, Cooperative Administrative Support Unit, Department of Transportation, Farmers Home Administration, Department of Defense, Federal Reserve Bank, General Services Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Post Office, Small Business Administration.

Because changes within agencies take place on a regular basis, the Manual is updated approximately every six months. In addition, GASM customers have the opportunity to constantly receive current information via Quarterly Updates.

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The Government Auction Handbook
Peter Parfait
Manufacturer: Wentworth Publishing Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 095163271X

Book Description

First compact dictionary to combine definitions of botanical names in general usage with information on their derivation and guides to pronunciation. A monumental index provides a cross-reference from some 1,800 common plant names to corresponding botanical ones. Combines thoroughness, botanical rigor, and interesting facts and lore — all leavened with touches of humor.

Customer Reviews:

Vintage etymological dictionary.......2000-07-22

This is reprint of A.W.Smith's classic, which since then has been revised by William T. Stearn as "A Gardener's Dictionary of Plant Names" (1972) and "Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners" (1992). Comparing it with the latter it is obvious at once that there still is a great similarity, with many entries a 100% identical. The major differences are that the latter has a more modern layout, is updated and contains more information.

This reprint of the original has as bonus points that it is cheaper and includes directions at pronounciation. In some cases it also contains bits of information which were edited out of its modern descendant.

Review of "A Gardener's Book of Plant Names".......2000-04-04

I needed a book to use to give me the derivation of the scientific names for plants found in the wild throughout California. I looked at fifteen books at the University of California Davis Library and checked out five. I found this book to be the most useful of the bunch. It had the name of almost every plant I looked up, whereas most of the others had far fewer. I recommend this book if you want to know the derivation of plant names, whether in the garden or in the wild.

Book Description

This book is a comparative study in the hermeneutics of the ancient interpretations of the biblical Joseph story. Assuming that every interpretation results from a creative encounter between the ultimately open text of Scripture and the specific thought world of the interpreter, it examines the particular way in which each exegete construes the biblical outline of Joseph's character. Paying special attention to the literary nature of the sources, the study begins with an analysis of the narrative methods and the hermeneutic potential of the biblical story, and then proceeds to the inter-testamental evidence. The central concern of this study is to compare the different interpretations of the philosopher Philo, the historian Josephus and the Midrash Genesis Rabbah. These sources do not only range over a considerable amount of time but significantly derive respectively from the Greek and Hebrew cultural realm. Consequently, their figures of Joseph fulfil distinctly different purposes, ranging from an idealisation of Joseph as a Hellenistic politician to autobiographical apologetics and religious instruction.

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Truth, Justice, & the American Way The Life and Times of Noel Neill the Original Lois Lane (Truth, Justice & the American Way, Collector's Edition Expanded & In Color)
Larry Thomas Ward
Manufacturer: Nicholas Lawrence Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0972946667

Product Description

328 pages with over 500 photographs (many rare & previously unpublished) from the personal collection of Miss Noel Neill

Truth, Justice, & The American Way: The Life And Times Of Noel Neill, The Original Lois Lane

Average customer rating:

Noel Neill, The Original Lois Lane
A Must-Have For Superman Fans
'Great Biography Of Noel Neill, the original Lois Lane'

Truth, Justice, & The American Way: The Life And Times Of Noel Neill, The Original Lois Lane
Larry Thomas Ward
Manufacturer: Nicholas Lawrence Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Actors & Actresses | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0972946608

Book Description

Authorized biography of the original Lois Lane of film history, Noel Neill. Book covers years in vaudeville & radio as a child, singing with Bing Crosby's band in the late 1930s, film work from 1941 to 2002, and all of her work in Superman. Extensive commentary from Miss Neill regarding her relationships with George Reeves and others.

Customer Reviews:

Noel Neill, The Original Lois Lane.......2007-03-04

This is an excellent book packed with photos and information. I don't know why Amazon has this book listed at a whopping $85. I just met Noel Neill at Wonder-Con in San Francisco where Noel Neill & the author Larry Thomas Ward both signed it and it cost me $30 which is the retail price printed on the back page. 1-800-574-7438 is the number listed on the inside cover for ordering additional copies. I'd try that number before paying $85 through Amazon for it even though it is well worth it at that price too.

A Must-Have For Superman Fans.......2005-02-28

"Truth, Justice and the American Way" is a must-have book for fans of the original Superman TV series. Written by Larry Thomas Ward in close collaboration with Noel Neill, the book gives an insider's view into the making of one of the most famous TV series of all time - not to mention the two Superman serials that preceded it. The book is a quick, breezy read, and my only complaint is that when I finished it, I wanted more. The portrait of Noel Neill that emerges from this book is of an independent but upbeat and relentlessly cheerful actress. Readers who remember her only as Lois Lane will be suprised to learn of her career as a singer and dancer. If only that cut scene from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" could be found...

'Great Biography Of Noel Neill, the original Lois Lane'.......2003-10-07

'Truth, Justice, & The American Way: The Life And Times Of Noel Neill' by Larry Thomas Ward is an absolute, must have book for afficionados of the classic television series 'The Adventures Of Superman' (1951 - 1957), which starred George Reeves and Noel Neill.

Movie fans will discover that Noel Neill had made over 80 feature films, and starred as Lois Lane in two Columbia studios serials, 'Superman' (1948) and 'Atom Man Vs Superman' (1950), prior to the famed TV show. Ms. Neill joined the watershed series in it's second season and made 78 episodes, a special U.S. Treasury Dept. 'Superman' film selling savings bonds, as well as extensive personal appearances with Reeves and the TV cast!

This book contains hundreds of rare and never before published photographs from Ms. Neill's personal collection. It also has an exhaustive and detailed listing of Noel Neill's film, TV, and stage credits! Mr. Ward's writing skillfully transports the reader back to the golden days of Hollywood, and in the delicate footsteps of Noel Neill!

Noel Neill does not place herself in the controversy surrounding the mysterious death of George Reeves, as to whether it was a homicide or suicide. However, she does describe in detail the final days of Mr. Reeves and the television series, leaving unmistakable clues to the discerning reader to follow. Several books have been written on the bizarre, violent death of George Reeves, but Noel Neill and author Larry Thomas Ward recommend only one for the reader interested in seeking the truth!

"Truth Justice & The American Way' covers the fascinating life of Noel Neill and readers will enjoy this journey.

Book Description

Robert, Earl of Essex, captured Elizabeth I's heart--and almost cost her the throne. Their relationship courted disaster, eventually leading the flamboyant earl to the block. Though fabled in romantic legends, he's even far more interesting in real life. Written by the bestselling author of The Year 1000, Sir Walter Ralegh, and Majesty, this study brilliantly interlaces the personal with the political.

Customer Reviews:

Francis Bacon's quote was worth the price of the book.......2002-01-13

First, there is much about this book to commend it. As noted above, it contains some interesting and insightful comments by Essex's contemporaries. The writing is clear and occasionally rather musical. The life of Robert, Earl of Essex and the last of Elizabeth's favorites, is described in considerable detail. The image of a man of great charm but stunningly bad judgement emerges, sometimes in spite of all this detail.

What I found off-putting was the tone of some of the writing -- a sort of headline hyperboly. And characterizations tend to become caricatures: at one point, the author evokes the image of Elizabeth's successor as "young King James cavorting with his boyfriends." The Scottish king was in his late thirties when he succeeded to the English throne -- hardly young in the Renaissance world. And the author misses a potent parallel: according to many historians, it is likely that James Stuart's physical relationships with his male favorites were not much different from those of the late queen with hers. James VI and I was undoubtedly attracted to handsome young men, and certainly carried on passionate friendships, but it is by no means certain that physical liasons developed.

Nor is this the only personal judgement offered up. Elizabeth is "nasty, vicious and self-centered." This snapshot opinion is bolstered with documented events and considerable speculation. The author repeatedly and matter-of-factly informs us of this complicated monarch's motives and feelings and thoughts. Sometimes her mood is not difficult to discern; Elizabeth had a famous temper and wasn't above shrieking at a courtier or boxing a lady's ears. These moments are described with relish, and they do indeed flesh out the author's portrait of an aging, difficult woman. The author's depiction of the internal Elizabeth, however, can be exasperating. Most jarring perhaps was the assertion that Elizabeth took up with Essex because "she had nothing to lose." This, when the cover's subtitle breathlessly promises that her "affair" with this young man "nearly dethroned her," is not only presumptous, but contradictory.

On the other hand, readers whose primary interest is political intrigue are likely find this book of value. If its goal was to show the uncertainties of fortune and the odd machinations of Elizabethan society, it succeeded admirably. There are few books available on the life of Essex, and this one is worth a look.

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