Read like a thriller, this expertly written piece of non-fiction rates in my view with the best of Asimov.

The book has the right mix of facts and interpretation, of soberness and humor, of political, economical, cultural and personal events and processes.

Do not miss!

Set almost a melenium in the future, in a universe where man has left a ruined Earth and is stratified into three distinct sects (The Christians, Communists, and Arabs) and has yet to encounter an "equivalent society", Barnes spins a captivating yarn on the freshly discovered world of Randall. In the Christian sphere of influence a world has been discovered where there are three intelegent species living in symbios. This is a great discovery for those who study alien life, since nothing of the sort has ever been encountered, but for the church there are more impotant considerations--such as converting the heathen aliens and opening the world to settlement.

Against what is a quite serious look at mankind's tendency to repeat his mistakes (It's been done before, yes, but Barnes does it quite well here) and a Resnick-like parable of 18th century European expansion (though focusing on the missionary aspect of it), Barnes has written an engrosing adventure novel that moves at quite a clip and is considerably more impressive than his first novel, The Man Who Pulled Down the Sky (not that that was a bad book by any stretch).

My one complaint would be a somewhat hasty ending--and looking at his first novel and other Asimov Presents that I've glanced at, which all clock in at 250 pages, I imagine that may have been forced by editorial guidelines. And while I'm mentioning editorial stuff: DON'T READ THE INTRODUCTION! Asimov blows a revelation that Barnes does his best to disguise for 240 pages.

Now go find it Barnes fans.

This is a collection of seventeen Issac Asimov essays that he published as part of a monthly column for a sci-fi magazine. As usual, Asimov manages to take what potentially could be VERY boring concepts and tells them in a way that makes them understandable and interesting! I always feel smarter after reading his books, and this one was no exception. These essay books are typically science essays, but I liked this book in particular because it focused more on astronomy and our solar system(hence the title).

If you are interested in learning new things, you can't go wrong with Asimov or this book. He has a way of writing that makes it easy to follow!

I had the chance to see the first Theatrical Production of this play, done at a local theater here in Northern California. It was wonderful, and the book is the same. I especially liked the aunt!

Not only is this book a great test prep guide, but its organization also makes it great for reference. The presentation of the SSCP CBK material is very clear and to the point (no fluff). Overall, I'm very pleased with this book, much more so than another SSCP test prep guide that I purchased prior to this one ("SSCP Study Guide and DVD Training System" by Jeffrey Posluns). I would recommend it not just to those who are preparing for the SSCP exam, but also to those who are seeking simply to broaden their security knowledge and understanding.

Such beauty in thoughts, words, and reflections on God, spirituality, and our true nature and calling are rarely encountered. This is a must read for anyone who truly seeks to know God. Quotes from the Scriptures and God's love fill the very words and essence of the seventh century mystic monk. Beyond all comprehension, only God speaking through a human could produce such beauty and love.

Ive had this book since 1989. Most collections of short stories have a few interesting stories and the rest are filler but thats not the case here. The sheer number of excellent stories in this one volume is a shock. the common thread being that each had space vessels in it, Though the stories have little more in common than that, except being excellent. My favorites would have to be Far Centaurus by A.E. Van Voght, a moving tale of a suspended animation ship. A Chance Encounter by A. Bertram Chandler, a romantic first contact story. The Oceans are Wide- a really cool novella from Frank M. Robinson on one of my favorite subjects-generation ships. Avoidance Situation by James McConnell
a chilling tale of First Contact with the Dakn Empire. If you can find this collection, buy it!

Born in Zamoscz, Poland in 1859, Isaac Leib Peretz (justifiably considered to be the "father" of European Yiddish literature) eventually settled in Warsaw in 1890 and became a leader of the movement within the Jewish community to establish and develop Yiddish as a modern, secular, literary language. Superbly narrated by George Guidall and Suzanne Toren, this six hour, four cassette, unabridged audiobook edition showcases Peretz's short stories including "If Not Higher", "Bontsche Shvayg", and "The Tree Gifts". This impressive presentation is enhanced for the listener's enjoyment with an "Afterword" by Ruth R. Wisse. The Stories Of I. L. Peretz is a superb listening experience and a welcome addition to personal and academic literary studies and audiobook collections.

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Peters for a class in college. I, too, had been to Siagon in the years he was there. I, however, was older and had gone because of service to our country. I found this a very compelling read as well as some what tragic. Even though Dr. Peters wrote fondly of his father, I found it tragic that this man would put his wife and child in such harms way. I asked Dr. Peters if his father ever understood how profoundly that experience effected him. He quietly answered, never. I also discovered that he had passed away before Dr. Peters could tell him how it changed his life. At fourteen he was to experience the same shock that many in the military did, only with no one noticing. This is an excellent read and may explain better than any other book I have read how many of us returned from that war emotionally shattered.

A well-trod theme, this book chooses the best stories about time travelling from the first decade and change of IAsfm and compiles them for your benefit. Every angle has been done before, of course, but that's what makes this one so good -- you know what you're getting yourself into and you can ride that boat as long as she'll float. Light a fire, chill the champagne, and settle in for a good evening's read.