Although less well-known than the "Earl of Louisiana" and the recently-rescued-from-neglect "Between Meals," this sly and rollicking account of a Gentleman con-man is among Liebling's greatest achievements in form and in style. No follower of AJL's work can fail to note the author's bag of tricks or his own con game within the story, both of which illustrate Liebling at the top of his game. Purportedly a reporter's account of an aged confidence man, the work is in fact a running gag. Liebling was well-versed in the lore of American fun-and-games, an erudition that breaks forth in these pages with unalloyed glee. He contributes an account of gunfights in newspaper offices that some readers will recognize as an offshoot of a Twain story (which was also worked over, without gunfire, by Mencken).

The structure is simple: an aged newspaper man (the Colonel) recounts his life in "the Fourth Estate," complete with race tracks, swindles, marks, boobs and baloney. Charming scams are told in an engaging, orotund style in the hands of a master reporter and portraitist whose skills are sorely needed today. Liebling's delight in his world are evident, and an attentive reader will view the modern era with a more mirthful eye when he finishes the book. It is also worth pointing out that, as an example of a well-told story, this book is unsurpassed. The details are perfect and the timing is exquisite. Seasoned readers of Red Smith, Joe Mitchell and Damon Runyon (to pick only three)will noticed many inside jokes that only increase on re-reading. One fears this work has been neglected because it is just too damn clever and too damn good. Now that a humorist has been awarded a Nobel Prize, perhaps America will awaken to the fact that fun and wit have some revealing things to say. But do not let the fear of portentious Truth deter you from this book: you need gain nothing but fun.

"Very lucky"-that this book exists. It's the most complete Honeymooners trivia book ever. What does it include? "All of it"; that is, every possible Honeymooners question, in multiple choice format. Ninety percent of the people who buy this book will love it ("actually, I think the percentage is higher than that"). It's easy to make sense of; for example, it's easier to understand than "tax OR tax." For any Honeymooners fan, it would make a better gift than 2000 matchsticks glued together.

Hot rodding and custom cars were coming of age in the early '50s, and for a few short years beginning in 1951, Hop Up magazine (sister magazine to Road & Track in the early days) was the first and probably best of the little, pocket-sized hot rod magazines. Original issues are highly sought after and tough to find.

This volume (a 6x9 book that's thick as a brick) contains every page of every issue of the first year of Hop Up magazine, and the material -- car features, how-tos, and even ads -- is pure gold. Wanna know what it was like in the '50s? This is the real deal. If you're into hot rods or customs of any kind, this book is essential reading, and Mark Morton deserves our thanks for making it happen....

If I could have afforded the BIG Hopper book I would have bought that one, but maybe, in the end, it was better this way. This great, though moderately sized, collection of the work of American artist Edward Hopper focuses on the most well-known of his paintings and etchings. The Automat, New York Movie, Drugstore, Night Wind, and, of course, the ever-present Nighthawks are all there. And even though I've looked at these paintings, or reproductions of them, hundreds of times, they never loose their intensity for me. They lead me constantly back to revelation; of my self, of my culture, of my country. There is something about the sarkness, the isolation, and the grandeur of Hopper's work that is completely moving and, I would say, completely American. (Unfortunately a 1000 word book review isn't the place to go into that. You'll just have to trust me.) Of added interest in this particular book of Hopper's work is a meaty biography, timeline, and criticism of his work. So, a nice overview of Hopper's life and art that's perhaps just as satisfying but WAY WAY cheaper than the BIG Hopper book.

Far more than just about Hopper and his paintings. Strand uses the paintings -- and the emotional effects carried out as a result of their geometry -- as a case study in how an artist uses negative space and suggestion to create pathos. If I were teaching creative writing, or any kind of creative art, I would have my students read and re-read this book.

I have used this book to lead a discussion group. The group was mostly comprised of people who are in the process of investigating the claims of Christianity. It really got the group talking! Each of the sessions in the book raise questions that help everyone identify personally with the topic. It then helped our group to come to terms with what Jesus has to say about these very relevant issues that we all face in today's culture. It is well written, was well received, and easy to use. I believe it is a very effective tool to help people understand who Jesus is, and what he is saying to them about the world they live in. It makes those involved think about what their response should be to the issue, but most of all, it makes them think about what their response should be to Jesus, himself. I look forward to using this group discussion study guide again, as well as the other study guides in the Reality Check series!

How do I get this audience more excited? How can I get them more engaged in what I'm talking about? What do I do to get them to better understand my material, or even simply tune in? If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions as a person who is in front of groups for a living or just occasionally, GET THIS BOOK.

I work with a company that is regarded as one of the world's premier facilitation trainers. I own all 3 HotTips books by these guys, and the growth and learning I have gained and been able to use with all the audiences with which I work has accelerated my audiences' learning and created more FUN in both their experience and my facilitation.

HotTips for Facilitators gives the reader over 25 smart strategies that are not only graspable, but immediately applicable. I have used many already and they work wonderfully. Every strategy is presented with icons and quotes for faster recall and understanding, and the most user-friendly design I have ever seen.

This book has made a niche for itself in the forefront of my bookshelf, right next to the other HotTips books. I stongly suggest you get this book, both for you and the groups you facilitate.

This book is one of those glossy hardbound overedited editions that some cheapo company makes and sells on the discount reack at the bookstore. Not worth the price. The dimensions is about the size of a hardback, 5" wide by 8" tall, 80 short pages long. I bought it since description lists Mark Teague as an illustrator. Obviously an error since there is no way the 2 interior line drawings, or the cover art came from the wonderful artist of Mark Teague.

Great book! Easy read! Really helped with raising my new dog. Highly recommended. I hope Drew and Mark write more just like this!

Cassell provides interesting insights into how two important agencies privatized thousands of dollars worth of assets in a short amount of time. Vital reading for anyone interested in comparative politics, privatization or public policy.