Understanding the Cold War: A Historian's Personal Reflections

Book Description

The book contains engaging stories of Prof. Ulam's personal life which are interspersed with his reflections on the dominant events of the 20th Century,notably the rise and fall of the Soviet Union.The book proceeds from his dramatic departure at 16 from Lwow,Poland,only 6 days before Hitler's invasion, to his long tenure as one of the leading voices at Harvard.In recounting his life and summarizing the main themes of his 18 books,Ulam leaves a legacy, at once intensely personal and historically illuminating.He knew everyone from John Kenneth Galbraith,Alfred North Whitehead,and Edward Teller, to Pierre Trudeau and Andreas Papandreou. More intimate stories feature family members like his older brother Stanislaw, the famous Manhattan-project mathematician, who accompanied the teen-aged Adam in his flight to America and to whom the book is dedicated.

Customer Reviews:

Embracing the microcosmic as well as the world-spanning.......2002-08-11

Written by Adam B. Ulam (1922-2000) an erudite professor emeritus of Harvard University, Understanding The Cold War: A Historian's Personal Reflections, is both an engaging, informative examination of the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and a an intimate, candid confession of how the world-changing effects of the Cold War personally affected his family. Vividly written and tracing a personal legacy in the post World War II world, Understanding The Cold War offers the reader a different perspective on history, embracing the microcosmic as well as the world-spanning shape of events.

An enjoyable read.......2001-01-24

I have never read any of Professor Ulam's other works (I believe the tally ended at 18, with this book, after Ulam's death). I had been told by several friends and colleagues that his were, if nothing else, a brilliant marriage of the scholarly and the approachable. The latter is more the case here, wherein Ulam provides his life story, with the tumultuous changes in Europe (both East AND West) as the backdrop.

More than just a series of anecdotes strung together with a calendar, Ulam presents us with gripping and often moving tales from his past - including, most notably (to me), his departure from Poland at the age of 16, just six days before Hitler's invasion.

This is a book I'll proudly display on my shelf; it's certainly not one I would have run out and bought the second it hit the shelves, but it was, like a roller-coaster ride through the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, a breathtaking journey, and one I'll revisit again and again.

Prof. Ulam was a pivotal figure.......2000-12-11

Prof. Ulam's recent death need not deter anyone from finding this book a welcome salve to the usual academic tomes that even he sometimes produced during his many years as a father of Sovietology. His studennts and colleagues knew him as a real "mensch" and this book shows those who didn't get to know him how a powerful set of personal experiences, both before and during the Cold War, made it possible for Adam to create a unique body of knowledge which was truly innovative.

Those who were not terrible cognizant of the sometimes stark and sometimes ambigious realities of the Cold War will find this an engaging read.

Average customer rating:

Antique & Collectible Buttons Identification and Values

Useful But A Little Dry

lacks detail

My quick thoughts on this button book.

Synopsis with British market in mind

Antique & Collectible Buttons: Identification and Values
Debra J. Wisniewski
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Button Button: Identification and Price Guide

Antique & Collectible Buttons: Identification & Values

The Collector's Encyclopedia of Buttons (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Buttons Buttons

The Button Book (Miniature Editions)

ASIN: 0891457119

Book Description

The button, both functional and decorative, can be deservingly considered an art form on a small scale. This book is a dazzling color array of outstanding examples. Thousands of buttons are featured in over 300 color plates. Debra Wisniewski, an avid collector, has chosen the most beautiful and fascinating buttons to represent the vast variety available. They are displayed in this gorgeous hardcover book which provides invaluable information to the collector - complete descriptions, dates, and of course, current values. The realistic price ranges given reflect actual prices paid and considerable discussion with other collectors. All ages, styles and materials are represented in this fascinating reference and value guide. It's a perfect book for anyone who appreciates the art, craft, beauty, and skill apparent in these buttons. 2003 values. REVIEW: In only 168 pages, this book has made a successful collector out of me. It has numerous illustrations, all in color; an orderly method of describing types of buttons and their history; tips on cleaning and displaying them; and addresses of publications, suppliers, and clubs for collectors. Although it is crisply informative, the book also conveys the pleasant, upbeat personality of the writer. -Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Antique & Collectible Buttons Identification and Values.......2007-03-08

Very informative and educational. The pictures are a little small but the magnifying glass seems to be an accessory that you would use regardless. Recommended for any button beginner or collector.

Useful But A Little Dry.......2006-06-25

This book covers everything in detail except what really interests me, plastic buttons that aren't made of the early, valuable plastics like Bakelite and Catalin. However, what she does cover is profusely illustrated and her pictures are clear.

lacks detail.......2002-05-10

This book is mostly comprised of full page pictures of buttons. Many of the pictures are accompanied by a note that gives a range of prices for all the buttons in the picture. I had hoped for some information about what characteristics make a button more or less valuable than another. It mentions that there are different styles of shank and construction, but says nothing about why or when each style was used. I had also hoped for information about estimating the date of manufacture.

My quick thoughts on this button book........2001-11-23

The photos were nice. However, it would have been nice to have a ruler or coin in place for scale. Measurements are rarely mentioned - only that buttons are either larger or smaller than actual size. The book also could use a glossary. Several terms are used but never defined. I'm glad I bought the book - it does have nice photos.

Synopsis with British market in mind.......2001-01-20

A good basic book, mainly for the U.S. market. As a British button collector, I found it of limited use due to most illustrated buttons being manufactured in America. However, the illustrations were clear and information fairly concise though more dates and background information re. manufacture would have been useful. I am based in Yorkshire, England with an interest in all glass, and golden age buttons, but found no mention specifically of the latter. The over-all approach was user-friendly and would be of particular interest to all collectors of American buttons

Antique & Collectible Buttons: Identification & Values

Average customer rating:

Not For Beginners

Antique & Collectible Buttons: Identification & Values
Debra J. Wisniewski
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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

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

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

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

ASIN: 1574322427

Book Description

Thousands of buttons are featured in over 400 color photographs. No repeats from the first book. Complete descriptions, dates, and current values. This unique book showcases all types of materials such as glass, enamel, brass, plastic, rhinestone, wood, and shell , as well as the amazine pictorials of birds, dogs, cats, insects, people, mythology, and more. AUTHORBIO: Debra Wisniewski is the author of two volumes of Antique Collectible Buttons. She has been involved in her family's estate auctioneering business since 1970. She has served as president and as secretary of the West Michigan Buttoneers and is a member of the National Button Society. She continues to spread the joy of button collecting at schools, historical societies, and civic groups. REVIEW: This book is the second of Debra Wisniewki's bestselling books, with no repeats from her first volume. Using the same user-friendly format as Volume I, the book includes more studio buttons, paperweights, and newly manufactured buttons. Large photos and colorful pages make the book an eye catcher.

Customer Reviews:

Not For Beginners.......2007-03-09

While I'm sure this is a helpful book for the serious and advanced collector, it isn't for the beginner, which I am. I didn't see anything in it's description that would have let me know that, so I wasted my money. I am not a collector and never will be; I'm just a beginner button sorter, breaking up big collections and selling individual buttons, pairs or sets.

Painted Porcelain Jewelry and Buttons: Identification & Value Guide

Average customer rating:

Another Great Book by Dorothy Kamm
Honest review:
Recommend!
Soft Cover Book
Pairs gorgeous large color photos with a value guide

Painted Porcelain Jewelry and Buttons: Identification & Value Guide
Dorothy Kamm
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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

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

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

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1574322664

Book Description

Almost 350 photos represent numerous categories: pins and pendants, brooches, watch chatelaines and fobs, hatpins, buttons and cuff links, shirt waist buttons, and dress sets. Information on how the jewelry was worn, as well as what trends influenced design in form and decoration, is provided.2001 values. AUTHORBIO: Dorothy Kamm is an award-winning porcelain artist, author, and expert on hand-painted porcelain. She is a certified and registered artists and teacher by International Porcelain Artists and Teachers, Inc. She has been teaching the art of porcelain and painting for more than a decade. She is the author of American Painted Porcelain Collector's Identification and Value Guide, Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, and Painted Porcelain Jewelry and Buttons. REVIEW: This book showcases miniature works of art, and presents decorating techniques, styles and motifs, and the quality of the artwork, in addition to the history of the American china painting movement. Information on how the jewelry was worn as well as what trends influenced design in form and decoration, is provided.

Customer Reviews:

Another Great Book by Dorothy Kamm.......2004-08-02

Wow, what an informative, helpful book if you have any interest in vintage jewelry or hand-painted porcelain. Wish I had some of the pieces featured here....

Honest review:.......2002-02-24

I read the reviews on this book prior to purchasing it. I also noted the reference to another book: LIVING WITH LIMOGES and I purchased it. Of course I compared the two. LIVING WITH LIMOGES is FANTASTIC and has an entire section on WEARING YOUR LIMOGES that is informative, professional and has fabulous photographs of thousands of hand painted pieces. The quality of Living With Limoges is much better than this book Painted Porcelain. I personally don't like paperback books and Painted Porcelain is a paperback. I thought I would enjoy both but my recommendation - don't bother spending the money on paperback reference books -- put your money toward the better book.

Recommend!.......2002-01-13

I love this book!! I also love Debby DuBay's book: LIVING WITH LIMOGES! Both authors "brooch" the subject of hand painted jewelry, buttons, brooches, hat pins, etc.!! A must for the collector.

Soft Cover Book.......2002-01-12

The author has a wealth of information! (Too bad the publishing company made this a poor quality product, and a soft cover book. No justice to the content!)I love hand painted buttons and brooches and received this book and LIVING WITH LIMOGES which has a section on such, over the holidays. The two books have provided me with much information.

Pairs gorgeous large color photos with a value guide.......2001-12-08

Dorothy Kamm's Painted Porcelain Jewelry And Buttons pairs gorgeous large color photos with a value guide to painted buttons and jewelry. The primarily-floral designs are gorgeous and are accompanied by the latest values.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic

Fun & Easy Crafts

Painting and Decorating Clay Pots: 117 Step-by-Step Projects for Making People, Animals, and Fantasy Characters on Terra-Cotta Pots
Natalie Kunkel , and Annette Kunkel
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Painting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Ceramics | Other Media | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Really Jazzy Pots: Glorious Gift Ideas

Painting Houses, Cottages and Towns on Rocks

Painting Flowers on Rocks

Painting and Decorating Wooden Spoons: 100 Step-by-Step Projects for Making People, Animals, and Fantasy Characters from Wooden Spoons

The Art of Rock Painting

ASIN: 1592531008

Book Description

This book presents 100 decorative ideas and instruction for transforming ordinary clay pots into fun and decorative personalities. For both interior and exterior décor as well as holiday ornaments, these projects are adorable and simple to make. Small and large, fun, functional, and elegant, painted terra-cotta pots can add charm to any home or garden. The projects are simple and fun and require no prior artistic experience, just enthusiasm!

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-03-24

This is a great book the details are great and it can help you use your imagnation with it as well it is well illustrated I use it offten.

Fun & Easy Crafts.......2005-06-17

I found out about this book when an online newsletter (Family Corner News) featured one of its projects. The project was decorating a flowerpot with seashells, filling it with sand and a fat candle. Really looked nice and just what I needed for my seaside themed bathroom.
That made me look at the book. It's great to find ways to use all those terra cotta flower pots sitting around in the garage.

Book Description

The sixth volume in a series devoted to the use of design materials and compositions in residences around the world, Designing with Spirituality: The Creative Touch addresses how interior designers and architects use the influence of various religious, cultural and moralistic points of view to enliven and energize objects, surfaces, and environments throughout the home.

Included are home designs empowered with Zen, Jewish, Christian, Moslem, tribal or native allures--spaces cherished not just for their beauty, but for their ability to express and nurture the spiritual aspects of life.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous........2003-02-25

I enjoyed the pictures in this book, they're like looking at physical replicas of a dream world.. the use of color and depth in the room, and the variety of houses shown were awesome. From open naturally lit and colored spaces to lofts adorned with bright Mexican artwork each is different and inspiring. The lighting in some of them is really unusual. I recommend this book. I felt it was a spiritual experience looking at the pictures!

Reevaluates good interior design.......2001-02-02

In Designing With Spirituality: The Creative Touch, Carol King surveys more than thirty residences, showing how each reflects the individual designer's spiritual viewpoint through design and how each one has reinforced and elevated its owner's spiritual perspective. King also reevaluates good interior design in terms of its profound connection to the human spirit. Designing With Spirituality is a welcome and greatly appreciated contribution to personal, professional, and community library interior design reference collections.

Customer Reviews:

Finally , someone speaks out .......2007-10-05

This book ia an excellant education source regarding the plight of the child welfare system. I did not realize that this was such a problem until I read LaMonte McNeese's book "How to be strong, when falsely accused. It was an eyeopener for me and more people need to speak out and educate others so that change can occur.

serious presentation of serious problem.......2006-02-25

The book tracks history of child intervention and describes the present situation adequately, but does not assess the reasons for the present situation in a societal context. He does not analyze the role of the press, training, and prosecutorial bias of the courts and the attack generally on the Constitution, although he does describe the result in great detail. He shows the harm that unrestrained child protection does to children, families, and society, although he understates the problem. The book is well researched and footnoted, as well as being well written. Some suggestions for change would be helpful.

how will history judge our age?.......1999-08-21

wexler's book should be required reading. i wish i could get "dr" laura to read this book. it would certainly give her pause before saying kids are better off in foster care or an institution than with their parents... the situation in our nation with respect to child protection is tragic. the power of these programs to act is beyond the power granted in the constitution to our police. no search warrent is needed. a child can be taken with notifying the parents, without review. the records are sealed. wexler has done a service by writing this book. recommended highly.

If you care about our children or our society you must read........1999-02-08

I have been involved with various aspects of the child protective service system for over 25 years. Based on my own experience, this book does not exaggerate the appalling dangers our families and children face at the hands of these systems. I found the accounts, chilling as they are, to be very accurate reflections of what I know to be everyday occurances in our child welfare system. This author has examined the data and the facts and done the homework that all of us should be doing.

THIS SYSTEM HAS TO BE CHANGED!.......1998-09-18

Richard has nailed it. This system is out of control and speaking as one who has been hit, I am very grateful to him for letting in the light.

Remarks of Richard Wexler, author, Wounded innocents: the real victims of the war against child abuse, Salina, Kansas, July 13, 1991

Average customer rating:

Remarks of Richard Wexler, author, Wounded innocents: the real victims of the war against child abuse, Salina, Kansas, July 13, 1991
Richard Wexler
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Child Abuse | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006OX3RW

Average customer rating:

Great song book!!!

books are fun.

Good band, Good Tabs. Just all around GOOD!

Nirvana: Nevermind, with Notes and Tablature
Nirvana
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Nirvana - In Utero

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Nirvana - Bleach*

Nirvana - Incesticide: Transcribed Scores

Weezer Weezer

ASIN: 0793523923

Product Description

Mathcing folio to the revolutoinary album that brought grunge to the masses. 12 songs, including: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Art, Lithium, Breed and more.

Customer Reviews:

Great song book!!!.......2005-09-29

Please don't hesitate and do buy this book! It is one of the greatest albums ever and also the most famous happening in the nineties of the previous century.The tabs are strictly grunge and you'll be enjoying nirvana of your own playing these tablatures. The solos are also wonderfull and the notes are tabbed easiest way possible to be played in a harmonic ways with our own being. I think so or... Enjoy it yourself!

books are fun........2004-01-24

awesome book. buy it if you have sense. have a nice day.

Good band, Good Tabs. Just all around GOOD!.......2003-12-04

If you are looking for a book that perfectly tabs out all of Nevermind for the guitar you have found your baby!

Kurt Cobain: Oh Well, Whatever, Nevermind (American Rebels)

Average customer rating:

I salute you!!!
Amazing!!!!!
kurt cobain "oh well,whatever,nevermind"
A journalist wrote this
Best Kurt Cobain Book to Date

Kurt Cobain: Oh Well, Whatever, Nevermind (American Rebels)
Jeff Burlingame
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0766024261

Customer Reviews:

I salute you!!!.......2007-06-04

A great book. I graduated with Jeff. He's talented and this book demonstrates his writing abilities. A definite must for any Nirvana fan. One day my daughter will enjoy it (she's only 22 mos). I wish him success with his future books.

Mark

Amazing!!!!!.......2007-03-14

I was totally amaze when i read the story of the greatest song writer and artist Kurt Cobain....It helps me a lot to understand what was his life all about....Anyway the only thing i can say is I was laughing and crying i was deep into it every pages..My thoughts and my deepest gratitude to my very best idol Kurt Cobain....I highly recommend this book to those who believe and a truly NIRVANA fan...Thanks to the author u do such a great job...keep it up....

kurt cobain "oh well,whatever,nevermind".......2007-01-10

i think it is great reflection of kurt cobain and nirvana it has loads of usefull info and any nirvana or kurt cobain fan should read jeff burlingame is one of the years best authors

A journalist wrote this.......2006-11-25

A real honest-to-goodness journalist wrote this book. More to the point, this is a reporter who worked for the newspaper in Kurt's hometown of Aberdeen AND grew up there. That means Jeff can capture the image of Aberdeen and what it was like for Kurt growing up in the timber town like the expert he actually is. This isn't just a book. This may be part of a grand memoir defining the everyman of Aberdeen while at the same time talking about Kurt's life as a whole. And because Jeff is a journalist, the freshness of his interviews are solid and his objectivity is clear. Unlike some other biographies out there, there are no made up theories here. Recommended for all ages.

Best Kurt Cobain Book to Date.......2006-11-09

I was waiting to buy this book until I read some reviews, then I saw a review online at the Nirvana Fan Club and decided to give it a shot. This book is written for an audience of teens and older so I wasn't expecting any new stories and was surprised that there are. There's a saddening story about Kurt's mom's reaction told by someone who was with her just after she heard about Kurt's death. There are some photos I've never seen before and pictures of two things Kurt drew, which I found most fascinating and there's an update on a memorial committee in Kurt's hometown that's trying to honor him there. The author knew Kurt when they were younger and the book says he is part of that group.

The book is a high-quality hardback and isn't dumbed down like I thought it might be. If you want to know every detail of Kurt's life, there are other books out there that do the job better (though often in error or by making things up). But if you want to know "just the facts" and learn some new stories along the way you should buy this. I was pleasantly surprised with its quality and was happy to add it to my Cobain collection.

Michael Mac

Average customer rating:

The Nirvana Primer...
a cool book

Nirvana: Nevermind
Susan Wilson
Manufacturer: UFO Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1873884397

Customer Reviews:

The Nirvana Primer..........2003-02-06

See the boy.
See See See.
He is Kurt.
Kurt Kurt Kurt.
Kurt is hurt.
Hurt Hurt Hurt.
He mistrusts the world.
Bad World.
Kurt meets Krist in high school.
Yadda Yadda Yadda...

So basically, if you're a "newbie" (i detest the word...its very negative and snooty) to Nirvana and just want the inside story without really wading through all the websites and detailed books (not to mention "die-hard" fans mocking you for not knowing the story behind "Teen Spirit"), then this book is for you. The basic story is there, told with a sort of fairy-tale wonder. Great pictures too. There are some nice excerpts from interviews, but they are pretty contradictory in the profile they construct. But overal, a very good primer for the uninitiated. Don't be ashamed for not knowing much, we all have to start somewhere. Go entertain yourselves.

a cool book.......2000-05-04

this book was a good book. the first time I read this book I was amazed at the time and effort that was put into making it. When i read it i was like whoa!

Average customer rating:

Nevermind
Nirvana
Manufacturer: Hal Lwonard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Nevermind : It's Only Rock of Ages (featuring Def Leppard and Nirvana)

Average customer rating:

Chock full of inaccuracies and downright lies.
An enjoyable diversion!
Not owning this book is like pooping your pants.
Straight From The Mouth .....
Love Letters To Yourself

Nevermind : It's Only Rock of Ages (featuring Def Leppard and Nirvana)
Sal Nudo
Manufacturer: Dorrance Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0805946624

Book Description

"The power of music is unique in its ability to transform our senses," says Sal Nudo, who chronicles the music of his youth and its effect on his life in 'Nevermind: It's Only Rock of Ages (Featuring Def Leppard and Nirvana)'.

In an intelligent, humorous, and creative commentary, Nudo examines and compares the rise and fall of slick metal bands like Def Leppard against the raw, unprocessd energy of later groups like Nirvana. In so doing, Nudo reveals a slice of his high school and college life -- a time when pizza and loud music meant everything. We witness an entertaining transformation and maturation of his musical tastes, from bang-your-head music with heavy sexual innuendos to the genuine, unpolished passion of independent, alternative rock.

'Nevermind...' is a thoroughly enjoyable commentary on rock music, as well as a discussion of a young man's coming of age.

Customer Reviews:

Chock full of inaccuracies and downright lies........2004-05-30

This is an awful book, and is chock full of inaccuracies and downright lies. The hack, um, I mean "author" claimed that Nirvana and Def Leppard toured together, which is a complete lie. Cobain despised hair metal bands. He made it very known that Def Leppard was one of those bands at the top of his hit list, and he set out to dethrone the spandex-lovin', womban-demeaning mysoginists from mainstream America's listening preferences. Nirvana always toured with Alt bands that shared the same views as themselves, like STP, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Tad, Love Battery, L7, The Gits, and Beat Happening. What's more, Cobain openly professed how much he hated the way metal bands objectified women, sex, and their own "manly" machismo, and named Def Leppard in interviews, by name, as a band he couldn't stand. Cobain loved Punk and quirky bar bands; NOT former-Rock Arena hasbeens like Leppard. Why this author is attempting to draw comparisons between the two bands is beyond me. Why he was even allowed to get this published was even more puzzling, but I recently found the answer: Nudo had to fund the publishing fee himself because nobody wanted to be associated with such a lie-filled book. Nudo hasn't even met not even one member of either band! All he does is recount such "fascinating" stories as how he and his friends would listen to CDs all day until they grew bored of it! What a waste. Too bad nobody hasn't wasted Nudo yet.

An enjoyable diversion!.......2002-04-13

In "Nevermind: It's Only Rock of Ages," Sal Nudo has published an engaging memoir of his life as a rock fan. He reminisces about the heyday of big hair bands in the 80s, and presents his own analysis of the cultural forces that brought about the musical revolution of the early '90s. Leppard and Nirvana are effective focal points for his narrative, as he traces their history and the intersection of their musical careers in 1992, when both groups released new albums.

Nudo's writing is strong overall, though *occasionally* choppy. And I'm still undecided about the fictitious Leppard/Nirvana concert he wrote about in the last chapter... it presents an interesting juxtaposition of the two bands, but it felt pretty unconvincing.

His memoirs in Chapters 1-6 are, however, excellent reading. The book itself is only 31 pages long, plus a 4-page forward, and I read the book easily on one Saturday morning. It was relaxing and enjoyable -- time well-spent. Some examples: His commentary in Chapter Four on the incredible popularity from '89-'91 or so of the Doors, Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd definitely hit home. Didn't we all go through that phase? Moreover, 14 years later, I'm COMPLETELY envious that Nudo saw Leppard live in concert in their 1988 heyday. (*I* had to make due with "Live in the Round -- In Your Face," recently re-released on DVD. A cool video, but it would have been SO much cooler to BE there.)

On a personal level, it was gratifying to read a work by an independent author who has taken the initiative to publish a work about his experiences as a rock fan, which were so similar to my own. I too owned Damn Yankees, Motley Crue, G'n'R, and Poison cassettes and, like him, felt embarrassed by their existence in my collection when the mid-90s rolled around.

Of course, as Nudo notes, the 80's are back in style, and so are our music collections! Therefore, if you were a child of the 80s, remember MTV as a station that actually played music videos, and were still an active music fan when Nirvana changed everything, this is the book for you. And if you're a young adult who enjoys 80s music even though it predates you, then you'll enjoy the context with which this book provides you.

Happy reading!

Not owning this book is like pooping your pants........2000-10-29

In regards to the last review- Anyone interested in books about arms should check out 'The Arm Show' by Jim Hooper. It's a touching coming of age novel about a young man and his arm. No he doesn't play drums or lose his arm, he... well, I don't want to give away the story, just read it and find out for yourself. Also, if you're a rock fan you might like the band Mudhoney, they're singer's name is Mark Arm, and they even knew Nirvana I think. Oh by the way, if you're a fan of Nudo's work, be sure to check out a short film he made called 'Night of the Living Bread'. It's very funny.

Straight From The Mouth ............2000-09-28

Anyone who can beat the hell out of his wife with one arm deserves a book about them. Um... this isn't the one. THERE ARE VERY FEW mentions of Ric Allen's only havign one arm! That is the ONLY reason anyone ever listened to Def Leppard in the first place. One arm! At least he could have gotten a phony one! I have to be one of three people in the world who own this book. Actually I gave mine away. Actually I made a paper mache arm out of it and sent it to Ric Allen. I have YET to see him wear it. THAT is why I stopped listening to Def Leppard.

Love Letters To Yourself.......2000-01-06

Kurt Cobain is rudely referred to many times in this book and the references to him are insulting. I only saw this book because some guys is passing the book (and the address of THIS feature on Amazon.com) around amongst our circle of friends. Even though I paid nothing for it, it was a terrifyingly tedious read. Nirvana fans steer clear.

Average customer rating:

Missing Kurt
A Pretty cool book
Surprisingly good
Must have for a true Nirvana fan
Best Nirvana Book That I Know Of

Nevermind: Nirvana
Jim Berkenstadt , and Charles R. Cross
Manufacturer: Schirmer Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana

ASIN: 0825672007

Customer Reviews:

Missing Kurt.......2002-10-06

This is an excellent book on Nirvana, and it is too sad that it is out-of-print. It contains important interviews and write-ups from several pop culture mags of that era on the band--on performances--on their overall views...

Does this signal that Kurt was right: Grunge is dead?

Well, perhaps dead but not yet interred into the earth.

A Pretty cool book.......2000-09-04

It tells alittle bit about the history of Nirvana but its mostly about the making of Nevermind and about the songs. Its pretty good.

Surprisingly good.......2000-05-27

Yeah, yeah, it's really lame to buy a book about them and all, but this isn't just another stupid ripoff fan book- this is really good stuff. It's funny. It's sad. It gives Courtney a chance to look less evil- I changed my mind about her because of this book. And it's not just about Kurt like most Nirvana books are- there's a good amount of stuff on Krist and the various drummers as well. Serious Nirvana fans really need to read this.

Must have for a true Nirvana fan.......1999-05-08

This book gives an excellent account of what led to the great CD we now know as Nevermind. It briefly describes Nirvana's rise to stardom and gives a glimpse into the personalities of the members, but is at its best in describing how the actual production of the album went. Using numerous sources, the author lets us listen to Nevermind in a completely different way. The only downside is that it is a relatively short work, and I left wanting more

Best Nirvana Book That I Know Of.......1999-01-27

There are a lot of crappy books out there about Nirvana, but this isn't one of them. Contains some of the most revelent articles and nirvana related material. Very interesting and a must have if you are a Nirana nut like me. :)

Average customer rating:

Nirvana Nevermind Tab
Whitehill/Devinck
Manufacturer: SOS Free Stock
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1843286416

Nirvana, Europe 1991 (Recorded Live in 1991 During The Nevermind European Tour.)

Average customer rating:

Nirvana, Europe 1991 (Recorded Live in 1991 During The Nevermind European Tour.)
Nirvana
Manufacturer: Live Storm, Italy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000PA4QQO

Product Description

Drain You, Aneurysm, School, Floyd the Barber, Smells like teen spirit, About a Girl, Polly, Lithium, Breed, Sliver, In Bloom, Been a Son, Negative Creep, On a Plain, Blew, Talk to Me, It takes a time, Territorial Pissing.

Average customer rating:

NEVERMIND; BLEACH; IN UTERO
Nirvana (Kurt Cobain) (transcribed by Dave Whitehill and Rick DeVinck)
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRTZEW

Nirvana - Nevermind: 43 Songs from the Father of Country Music

Average customer rating:

Nirvana - Nevermind: 43 Songs from the Father of Country Music

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0634006460

Average customer rating:

Unusual Indeed

With Rancor and Compassion: The Memoirs of a Jew Who Thought He Was a German
Martin I. Selling
Manufacturer: Vantage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Jewish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0533142962

Customer Reviews:

Unusual Indeed.......2003-08-12

How many men of the World War II era do you suppose started out as a concentration camp victim of the Nazis and ended up as intellegence officer with the US Army, interrogating as prisoners the same men who had tormented him at the camp? Martin Selling is one of those rare individuals, and he tells his story, from his earliest childhood days in Germany to his reurn to his same nattve village as one of the victorious Amercan troops. His words are those of someone who has had a unique experience, lived through it and survived without nearly the hate and malice you would expect. It's a short read but an impressive one.

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