This is a somewhat difficult book to work through, one that at times adapts a very scholastic tone. As an Anglo-American I found all of the Arab placenames and surnames a bit challenging, but that was expected. So I am certainly not criticizing the book on that count; you should just be aware that if you don't have extensive previous knowledge of the Arab world, this book will demand more concentration and time of you than most biographies. Now three points of criticism: First, I would like to see more background information as to the history of the crusades, and how Jerusalem and other territories in the Holy Land came to be under European rule. Even a few paragraphs would have been appreciated. Second, the writing style is a bit dull. I don't expect prose worthy of Thomas Wolfe from a biographer, but in some sections I felt like I was reading a doctoral thesis. Third, Lyons and Jackson wait until the very end to comment at length on the qualities and motivations of Saladin, and on his importance in the grand scheme of things. I think that such commentary should be injected more than they are throughout the book, as critical events unfold. And then the final analysis should wrap up on themes already developed. The greatest strength of this book is that it is written truly from an Arab perspective. The European viewpoint is represented, but I always felt like I was observing from within Egypt, or Syria, or Palestine. I did not feel like an envoy from the Vatican - on the outside looking in. This is an accomplishment for the authors. What I found most interesting about Saladin's life was the paradox he faced: to consolidate power within the Arab world he needed the legitimacy of being a true believer, fighting the infidels in the holy war. However, to effectively fight the Europeans he needed soldiers from throughout the Arab world. So you see him in the book alternating his attention between his external battles and his internal ones. Lyons and Jackson do a good job in providing the details of these struggles - the dates, the places, the people, the numbers. But somehow they don't effectively convey the big picture; they don't explain the significance of the events as they unfold. The authors might argue that it is best for the reader to decipher that for his or herself. But I think the best historical books offer an opinion, with which the reader is then free to agree, or disagree.

In Malcomb Cameron Lyons and D.E.P. Jackson's "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War", the fact that Saladin was one of the greatest-known figures of the Middle Ages is proved very easily. This is true, various events proving it. An example of one was his attempt to unify the Muslims. In addition to that, he was a great military leader and at the same time a wonderful politician. The authors make great use of the many documents and letters collected of the Arabs. The sources are used very often and are quoted from. I think the Arabic sources were one of the greatest features of this book, even though they may have been confusing at times. Saladin is often compared with Richard the Lionhearted, an equally powerful ruler from the Christian lands. Was Saladin stronger than he was just because he held Jerusalem against him?

After the Turkish invasions, the Arabs were unorganized and didn't have a common goal or leader. Saladin unified them and was able to achieve a common goal, the Jihad, equivalent to a Christian Crusade. The goal was to gain control of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was important to them because it was their third holiest city, after Makkah and Medina. Saladin's leadership ability lies in the battlefield as in politics.

In order to restore order to the Muslims, Saladin had to be very persuasive. He used politics in order to swing people to his side and also to develop a stronger army. Saladin was able to conquer those that did not follow, a tactic that the Persian Empire also used.

One of the greatest features of this book was the various references to actual historical documents. One of my favorite ones was an excerpt from a letter that Saladin wrote to his father after witnessing his first battlefield, "This letter contains the first good news given to the master of the prey seized by his cub, who stood in his father's place and struck with his sword." (Page 250) This letter showed the significance of Saladin's first battle, he is coming to leadership. It is as if Saladin is now replacing his father, assuming a role of leadership.

It is inevitable that Saladin would be compared to Richard the Lionhearted of England, since he was Saladin's greatest opponent. Personally, I don't think that Saladin was as strong a ruler as Richard. Richard traveled to Jerusalem (maybe its only a rumor, but it is said that he only came within sight of the city); this is amazing because he was able to penetrate all of the defenses along the way. Saladin had a number of advantages: he had the element of surprise, he could ambush Saladin's troops as he wished among their journey; and Saladin was also fighting a home battle - he knew the land in which he was fighting and so he could take advantage of the locations for his troops to assemble (From reading about Saladin, had the situation been reversed with Richard defending against Saladin, I don't think that Saladin would be so successful). Saladin seemed to be more of a defender than an attacker.

One of the criticisms that I have of this book is reading. This book is more suitable for a senior in high school, rather than a freshman. I often found it very difficult to follow. The text seemed a little strange, there were many Arabic words and names and accent marks throughout almost every page of the book. This problem is very trivial when compared with the overall knowledge gained from reading in context. In summary, "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War" is a very tough read meant and for students who have enough time to read it in full context.

There wasn't enough politics of the Holy War, or Jihad. I don't think that the author spent time upon the wheeling and dealing that Saladin had to do in order to achieve unity in the Muslim army and assume a leadership position. Instead, there were too many details on every battle. Text could have been used explaining other points.

In conclusion, "Saladin: Politics of the Holy War" is a read only advised for skilled students who have the time as well as the determination to thoroughly read this book in context. Only at that point will he or she be able to fully understand the significance of Saladin's life as a military leader and politician.

I picked up this book a while ago and only got around to reading it recently. It is an extremely serious piece of scholarship, well-researched and thoroughly documented; this is no glossed-over wannabe history treatise.

I could detail its strengths and weaknesses but I believe the previous reader has provided a fairly thorough analysis. It is no easy read and is made, in my opinion, made tortuously difficult by two unnecessary things: (1) The publisher's stubborn insistence on not providing comprehensible maps that illustrate the campaigns being discussed throughout the book and (2) the disregard of the difficulty that Arab names pose for most Western readers.

I hope first that there will be future editions of this book for it is a very worthy effort and, I think, probably the final say on the topic for years to come. Secondly, I hope those editions will be more user-friendly -- including clear maps (showing rivers, marshes, mountain ranges, deserts, combatant positions, itineraries, etc., etc.) throughout the chapters, providing an Appendix detailing who the different players are, family trees for the major players and, perhaps, more sprinklings through the text as to who people are.

I was really excited that Vogue came out with this. But when I read it, I found that the patterns were pretty dull - even ugly at times, and they really don't look very vintage (unless you consider 1980's vintage). When I think of vintage patterns, I think of little fifties sweaters, boleros, knitted suits, cute hats and items that really shout their era. These are just plain and generic. Can a sock pattern really be vintage?
Get "Vintage Knits" instead - it isn't as portable, but is much more accurate!

... not as good as the other "On the Go" books. Starting with the good points, the Vogue Knitting folks continue to provide easy-to-follow instructions, great photographs and some cute projects. However, I was disappointed with the lack of variety. I was hoping to find gorgeous angora twinsets, jewelneck pullovers, etc., but most of the patterns were for kids and babies; not much help if you want vintage items for adults. Even though the patterns were cute, nothing really leapt out at me, as if to say "you have to make this next!" Similarly, none of the items struck me as being from a particular era, more of a generic late 50s-early 60s style redux. There was a lot of knitting going on before and after this period, and it would have been nice to have a sampling that spanned a bit more time. I think an expanded "Vintage Knits" would be better suited to one of VK's big collections, rather than an "On the Go" format. In short, pick this one up for kid's things, but if you are expecting a variety of truly vintage patterns, or want to make vintage knits for yourself, this probably isn't the best choice for you.

Although I have not seen the book, i think it is a very good book because its one of the Vogue On the Go series. I wish i could sort of "view" (flip the pages in an ordinary bookstore) some of the pages.

"The Picture-Perfect Crime" is the 7th Clue book. The myteries are rather plain, and have not that much excitiment, but it's not BAD. Although few could deny the hilarious mishaps in "Mr. Boddy's Wild Ride"and "Mrs. Peacock Bites The Bullet". and "A Textbook Murder" is exciting, but a fairly weak book.

Funny! I like the characters in the stories, a really wacky bunch. This was the first of the series that I've ever read, and ever since then I've been hooked!

I thought the 7th book in this series was rather clever, compared to a few books before. As no one can deny, the first three are the best, but this was good. The writer uses subtlety to lure you into the mystery. "The Life Of The Party Is Dead" is one of the most interesting clue stories ever.

If you really want a great book on stylish vintage knits, I'd suggest you buy Sarah Dallas' Vintage Knits. The patterns there were more form fitting. The patterns in the Vogue book were a little uninspiring -- they were patterns that you could pretty much find elsewhere. But it's an okay book for beginners and intermediate knitters.

I bought this book because I liked "Very Easy Knit" , so I kind of expected the similar effectiveness. However, to me, it was not as good as "Very Easy Knit". The book seems to loose its focus, since it attempts to cover too board catagory; babies, men, teeneger. It may be good for somebody who has a family to knit, but if you are big fan of vintage knitting patterns, I do not think this book offers variety. The patterns themselves are good, a good book. But, still I would rather check local antique book stores for old Vougue's originals from this era. ( it has much more patterns in one volume, just much more !)

I really like this book, but I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because, surprisingly, several of the patterns can actually be found in other Vogue books (e.g., the silk lined shawl, men's cashmere gloves). The repeat was a bit disconcerting, and I would have rather seen something else, since I have almost the complete Vogue Knitting library.

However, the book has many, many excellent points, which make it a worthwhile purchase, even if you've seen a few of the patterns before. First, Vintage Collection is designed very well, with all of VKs usual features and inspiring photographs. Patterns are grouped by type: women, men, kids, and scarves/shawls. Unlike VK's Vintage Knits On the Go, the Collection contains patterns that truly speak for their era and will lend a vintage touch to everyone's wardrobe.

The variety of designs is astounding, including a coat, an aran sweater, the gorgeous cashmere cabled sweater on the cover, sweet baby things, as well as a silk lined shawl... and many, many more.

This is a decent read, though not too learn anything about Malcolm x. It was written while Elijah Muhammad was still alive, so some of the seedier details of the story of their split are left out, probably out of a fear of villifying the NOI. The script that was eventually used for Spike Lee's film is an improvement, both dramatically and historically. Clearly, though, Baldwin deserved some credit in the film, as there were passages of dialogue and story elements that remain. He actually has credit in the film, but not on the promo work on the tape cover. All things told, I'd only recommend it to Baldwin and Malcolm X completists.

the beginning was powerful when he reveiwed his childhood. his speeches were a bit biased, but they told a good story about life. What is life? Is life, life? Are we life? Does the cookbook give the proper recipe for twice baked potatoes? Loving is Life. Malcolm X had trouble finding this realization, but his message was bold, powerful, and worth reading about. Cheese is good. Beef, it's what's for dinner.

from experience i am familiar with the subject of the book well, and it seems to me that the author attempts to overthrow logic in this work. A waste of money and time...

Hi Readers,

I have enjoyed myself tremendously, reading 'Armchair Tycoon' and 'Poolside Tycoon', by Malcolm Stacey. As a successful and active investor for over ten years, and had read many investment books before, I have finally found two books, which are confidence boosting, truthful, informative, easy and fun to read - ones that I could not put down.

They now sit on my desk as reference books. They would make perfect Christmas presents too, for people I care about, and would like them to invest wisely for a better future. All the tools one needs are in these books.

Now, may I thank you all, for letting me have my say!

Best regards, Readers and Amazon.com.

Jo.Bradley.

In creating this book of maps, the authors have not merely stepped on one of my pet peeves. They have kicked it, stomped it, gouged it, whipped it, and beaten it with a stick. My pet peeve is maps that have no mileage scale. I see it all too often in newspapers and magazines. Maybe ignorant reporters and editors can be excused. But how can these scholars give us an entire book of maps without a single mileage scale? Besides knowing the routes of the explorers, we want to know how far was their journey from one point to another.

I would like to know why mileage scales were omitted. Did the editor think people would use the maps for navigation and sue the publisher for any errors? If this omission was just an accidental oversight, then it should have been corrected before the book was published. Please explain.

But, that said, this is a beautiful and interesting book. Most of the maps are a full page, and each map is accompanied by a page summarizing the accomplishments of each journey and its importance. Also, many of the maps are accompanied by a contemporary drawing, painting, litho, etc. that illustrates the journey. Students of early North American explorations will enjoy this book. If the authors will revise it and add mileage scales to the maps, then I'll raise my rating to a 5.

This atlas serves a real need for any serious student of North American history. The alternative is to chase down many sources that have individualized map information for individual explorers.

In some cases, however, the colors are difficult to actually discern. There is so many route information, with so many colors that are similar, that it is difficult to distinguish one route from another.

Also, a stated map scale of both miles and kilometers for each map would be helpful.

Otherwise great! -- in my opinion.

Why is the atlas no longer in print, at least at present?

Are the authors planning a revised copy?

I'd like the authors to know about this, and receive a big pat on the back from this old history student and high school history teacher.

Les Falk, Kelowna, BC, Canada

There is no greater hoax than the TQM revolution. What it really is, is an excuse to fire people in failing organizations.

If you are reading this book, don't be worried for you are already in Elysium and you are already dead.

Provides a detailed understanding of the criteria, shows how to write an application, and is a tool for assessing an organization and developing plans. Excellent guidance and insight.

This essentially contains the speech that Elijah Muhammad made after Malcolm X's assassination. Mostly for the faithful who still followed Elijah Muhammad as opposed to Malcolm. To fully put this into context, one must have some familiarity with the events surrounding Malcolm's death. As with most of Elijah Muhammad's writngs and/or speeches, it's not likely to appeal to those who do not consider themselves admireres or followers of his. Not likely to win any new converts.

This was an excellent book, even for a reader that does not have any formerly gained knowledge of the life and career of Malcolm X.

The book is good and cursory. I recommend it as an introductory book. However, the information is outdated and does not reflect current marketing knowledge and understanding. The book does not discuss value based pricing, an integral part of any modern day pricing and marketing policy. It's branding concepts are weak. Most people would be better off with an introductory marketing textbook which explains fundamentals, or specialized expert books.

At last, a marketing planning book that really leads the reader through the marketing planning process. As Philip Kotler, the famous marketing guru at Northwestern says on the back cover, "finally a book devoted to assisting mangers to understand and develop first rate marketing plans."

The authors' McDonald and Keegan have written an extremely readable book outlining in detail a comprehensive, strategic approach and guide to market planning. In 236 pages including the index, the authors set forth for the reader how to prepare a marketing plan that will insure that unique value is created for the market and competitive advantage for the firm. I personally like the strategic approach that draws on the leading marketing and strategy thinkers including George Day and Michael Porter as well as the best work of the top consulting and strategic management firms like Boston Consulting Group and General Electric.

To put the book in a larger context, even though responsibilities and corporate environments have undergone radical changes with reengineering, TQM practices and cross-functional teams, to name a few of the most well-known and widespread influences, most organizations continue to overlook a critical component for success namely, comprehensive, strategic market planning and initiatives as an integral part of the overall corporate planning process. To understand and address this need, McDonald and Keegan offer insightful, pragmatic guidance on understanding marketing analysis tools and implementing and effectively structuring market strategies that strengthen a company's competitive position. This book provides a road-map and comprehensive plan to achieve marketing success grounded in firm analysis and assessment.

The authors' provide insightful analysis of well-known market planning, mapping and strategic assessment tools, supported by easily-understandable flow-charts, graphs and detailed bullets. Specific attention is paid to the strategic definition of product, the product life c! ycle, the diffusion of innovation and the concept of product portfolio both as it relates to market planning and to the corporate planning process. Highlighted is a discussion of the well-known Boston Consulting Group Matrix and the Directional Policy Matrix. The resulting competitive marketing strategies are differentiated and analyzed in an understandable and practical manner. An easily understood discussion of gap analysis leads logically to a discussion of new product development, market extension and diversification strategies. An insightful discussion of organizing the enterprise for effective market planning, corporate cultural issues and the implication of size, complexity and diversity of functional operations, addresses three of the more difficult contextual issues in the field of market planning.

All in all, a well-designed book, which one can read sequentially or focus solely on Chapter 12 which outlines a step-by-step marketing planning system-- a thorough and comprehensive approach that more corporate strategists and market planners should utilize for strategic and sustainable results.