This book is amazing. I have spent countless hours perusing photography books-trying to capture what makes a photograph something extraordinary - and Mark definitely has found it. It's everything from the soft tones of his images - to his unique simple view of the world. I really enjoy this collection of images - I will treasure them for years to come!

When I saw a few images from this astonishing collection published in View Camera magazine, I was bowled over by them and ran out to buy a copy of the book and boy, am I glad I did.

Citret's photographs are inspirational, not only because of the sheer quality of the images and the skill with which they have been printed, but because so many of them are of such ordinary things which become beautiful in the eye of the photographer. Check out the photograph of a hotel shower room, or the strange bare concrete interior that's used as a cover image. What they say, to me at least, is that I should keep my eyes open to the ordinary, because almost anything can make a good photograph but you have to see it first.

Each photograph in this volume is a gift. From intricate architectural patterns to visions he persuades from the mists, Mark Citret is an artist in every sense of the word.

I purchased this book for my son, a high school student who was assigned HUCKLEBERRY FINN in an American Studies class, and promptly fell in love with it. The commentary is delightful, and the many illustrations (many taken from the original edition,) photographs, prints, cartoons, and maps give a real sense of time and place. Homey details that might not be familiar to the modern reader are explained in some detail, as are customs of the time. The author includes material from Twain's notes and details about his life, always in a manner that illuminates the passage.

HUCKLEBERRY FINN frequently turns up on lists of banned books, and it's interesting to read of the controversy that dogged this story from the beginning. The particulars of readers' outraged sensibilities might change, but the response this book has always engendered suggests the timelessness of Twain's targets: ignorance, cruelty, hypocracy, racism. The story is a clear-eyed yet subversive look at a society in transition, and a relentless skewering of treasured myths concerning childhood. These themes remain as troubling today as they were in the 1840s, the supposed setting of the novel.

This book is an excellent resource for students and teachers, as well as for those of us who love Mark Twain's stories. The book itself is beautiful, with high quality paper and binding. A worthy addition to every library!

Mark Twain at his best...great pictures and annotation...that are first rate. Due to time restraints, I have only skimmed the book. What I have read is great. It is a Norton book...always-great editions. If weight means anything, then this is a heavy-duty book. I look forward to reading the entire book after graduation in the spring. In addition, it even looks good on the shelf....

The greatest American novel, still. The country it sees is still in front of our eyes. The Americans it shows, we still are, though we live nearer to highways now than rivers. Twain's tale can be read both intellectually (yuck) as symbolic of the American quest for masterlessness (see Studies in Classic American Literature by D.H. Lawrence) and as a kid-on-a-raft-let's-see-what-happens story. Art and fun. Not an easy achievement to tie those two rascals together with one rope. Master of structure and flinger of fun though he be, the most exciting reason to read Twain is the language. The book is a hundred and sixteen years old, the writing ain't --"Steamboat captains is always rich, and get sixty dollars a month, and they don't care a cent what a thing costs, you know, long as they want it. Stick a candle in your pocket; I can't rest, Jim, till we give her a rummaging. Do you reckon Tom Sawyer would ever go by this thing? Not for pie, he wouldn't. He'd call it an adventure-that's what he'd call it; and he'd land on that wreck if it was his last act. And wouldn't he throw style into it?" --One caveat: Be careful the illustrations don't mess up the pictures the author can put in your head with his sentences.

Daniel Paisner has hit another home run. The absurdity that has entered into the sports memorabilia market is clearly exposed here. He accuarately illuminates just how hard it is for the average fan to collect that "special piece." Unfortunately, sports memorabilia collecting can no longer be just for the love of the game. The book was a great read and highly recommended!

You'll be amazed how quickly 200 pages turn with this well-written, fast-paced dialogue of Mark McGuire's 70th baseball and the hoopla that endured for a lucky scientist in St. Louis. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, this story is likely to keep your attention. Thanks to Barron's newspaper for the recommendation!

an adventure of a young scientist into the world of big money and big people with "good" guys and villans...with cameos from mcgwire, sosa and donald trump....this was a home run catch with a home run ending

BENEATH THE SEA IN 3-D

I highly recommended this book for school children and adults alike.

I was introduced to one of Blum's books by a friend and liked it so much that I sought out and bought all of his 3D books. I find the price so reasonable that I've since bought more to give as gifts.

I enjoy looking at the 3-D photos as much as my seven year old son so I already know several adults as well as children who will be getting this book as a gift.

The technical quality of the photos and printing of the books is very good. A magnifying, stereo viewer is built into a unique bi-fold cover of the book A little research showed that this idea is well over a hundred years old (like stereo photography) but I still find it very innovative because it is so rare and unusual.

The photographer has an inspired eye and top technical skill. The underwater photography is amazing. I think the dimension of the ocean really goes well with 3D photos. The colors and forms of the undersea world show so amazingly well in 3D and Blum went all over the world making these photos.

The writing accompanying each image adds to the photos with just the right amount of scientific and general information to serve both young and old reader. I like this book very much and I hope you find this review helpful. I recommend looking for the other 3-D books by Blum. They are all great!

The publisher has unfortunately tried to market these fabulous works as childrens books (not that they aren't wonderful for kids as well), but these photos are truely amazing both in the quality of the photography, but also in the presentation. They are printed on very high quality coated paper with a STURDY set of lenses built right into the hard cover, which allows you to view them in all their splendor without any additional equipment.

These are not red/blue lenses! The images are presented in true color stereo pairs and when viewed, merge into a single, dynamic 3D image - WOW! I can't say enough about the overall quality of viewing for ADULTS as well as children.

The price is another thing that confuses me. I don't know why these are so inexpensive? I urge anyone who loves nature to buy all of the books in this series!

Everybody that has seen my copy of Beneath the Sea in 3-D is entranced by it. The superb quality of the photography alone is worth the money. But add the astounding 3-D effect and it is just plain irresistible. My kids love it (ages 7, 11 and 17), and I love it. Great for all ages. The captions add fascinating facts about the animals and the circumstances of the photos. This is a great book! I'm ordering Mark Blum's other books, too! By all means, buy it!

Hi everyone,

My name is Rebecca and I am a 15 year old high school student from southern Califorina. I just wanted to say that I bought the first book when it came out and it is totally awesome. I cannot wait for the other books in the series! If there is anyone out there wondering about this series, I must tell you: BUY THIS BOOK! Tulwryn Bloodsword is MUCH better than Harry Potter! I have all the Potter books, but Tulwryn is my new hero!

Thanks for letting me rant.
Becky

I eat wood, and I love this book. I would sit around and munch on my wood and read and read. I will shove a stick in my toe. Who the heck is Garfield trying to fool with his orange fur and black stripes? everyone knows he is a tabby. My best friend is a cactus. I think I know everything about tactical numbers and emoticons, but who's to say that the Titanic was the biggest? How many more hormon-pumped teens must be shot in the aorta before ol' bush decides to bring guns back into the schools. I like to eat broadswords.

Let's hear it for Tulwryn Bloodsword!

Some Reviews I Found Online Concerning Mr. Ventimiglia's Work

Maya Kramer, Curatorial Assistant, Guggenheim Museum, NYC, "We are most interested in Mr. Ventimiglia's work."

Eric Dannemann, Chalk & Vermillion Fine Arts, Greenwich, CT: "Mark, I find your work to be artistically impressive!"

B. Bollinger, Brighton, Illinois: "After viewing Mr. Ventimiglia's artwork I was impressed by the vast array of emotion in each piece. This emotion seems to spill over from his writings, of which I have read most. This, of course, prompted me to purchase his piece, Final Repose. Mr. Ventimiglia has an uncanny ability to put the dark side of humanity not only into the written word, but on canvas as well. I look forward to many more literary contributions, as well as pieces of life (and death) on canvas."

Editors, The New Yorker Magazine, New York City, USA: "Mark's work is very nice."

Yvonne Groenvelt, The Lang Companies, Delafield, WI:"I am so impressed with Mark's unique style and careful attention to color and design elements in his art. I highly admire his work and the quality of his artistic talent. His art is beautiful and lovely."

Andrea M. Voke, Jerseyville, Illinois:This review may be biased, since I am a very dear friend of Mark, but I will try to give my truthful opinion of the man as well as his work. At times, Mark seems to be gripped by a creative urge of eruptive energy which often borders on obsession. He is the happiest when he is painting, and is overwhelmed with an uncompromising disregard for himself in a frantic rush to create, yet when he has no canvas or paint, he is beside himself with grief. It is through the raw innocense of his art that I find myself lost to reality. And there is a grim spirituality in this truthful revelation, almost as if his work calls to us like a tragic comedy that dances across our minds and into the more darker areas of our psyche."

John Szoke, John Szoke Editions Gallery, NYC:"I find Mr. Ventimiglia's work very interesting.

Lori Patterson, London, England:"Mark's work intrigues me; I sum up his art as poetics of visual terror... his works are the stuff of nightmares... beautiful, yet frightening!"

Bryan Griffith, United Kingdom:"Mark's art is powerful, captivating, and full of emotion!"

Brenda Bauer, CEO Argosy Gaming Company, ALton, Illinois: "VERY IMPRESSIVE!

J. Helen Westcott, London, England:"When I first witnessed Mark's work (Last Embrace) I just had to have it. His work is phisically moving and vividly arresting."

Linda L. Gerson, The Intermarketing Group, President:"Mr. Ventimiglia's work demonstrates talent and a unique hand."

Well, Dr. Doyon is now on my top 5 list. This book like a journey with a friend-person that I only hoped thought the same way about stuff that I did! Yeah, a little Twin Peaks, but that was never a book. This is like the Twin Peaks but different and original that you don't have to run home on time for. Put it in your glove compartment! Read it while you wait! And I found out this town is a REAL town! How do they feel now? So human and exposed? I know it's fiction, but this book put one idea in my mind, and I don't know if it even meant to BUT ... There is no such THING AS FICTION!!! What a treat!!! Thanks Mr. Bonneville Man. I wonder if you've been there, or it they are waiting for you -:)

It's hard to explain. How often do you come across a book that you can't wait to finish, and then when you finish it, you are like jonesing for more. I hope this author has a book#2 in mind!I didn't like Catcher in the Rye, and this was nothing like that, but it should be read in schools -- make people WANT to read, instead of not. It had a personal effect on me that, well, not only is nothing really a cooincidence, but perhaps cooincidences are somehow spiritual puns for us to learn and grow from? I'm still digesting it, just finished the last chapter, and well, until the next book, I think I'll give it a re-read. Like Harry Potter (and sorry, because I know a lot of people don't like Harry Potter -- but I loved the books!) and like them, I only hope the author can keep the stamina to give us a few more volumes ... please? :-) And thanks to Amazon, I see he is a musician, and I am going to order the "other people who liked this ordered" CD which is amazingly, a compilation of music by an artist who once HAD the magic the author speaks about in this book, and in hearing his music through new voices, I hope to remember him and hope he is inspired to have that MAGIC FEELING again. Cooincidence that this author worked toward a compilation of random cool people performing one of my once favorite artists pieces? I think not! Another Spiritual Pun. Thank you for this book.

Mark Doyon's Bonneville Stories is a compendium of ten short stories set in the fictional town of Bonneville, Virginia and introducing a variety of memorable characters caught up in circumstances all to familiar to American small towns everywhere -- the decline of commerce, the encroachment of developers, the exodus of young people. These wonderfully crafted and compelling tales of fate and the freedom to choose include: Going Underground; A Shortness of Breath; Sooner or Later; Early Out in Ohio; Chemical Sky; Lightning Strikes; Green Grow the Azaleas; Deliver Me; An Act of God?; and The Blue Flame. Mark Doyon is a consummately skilled writer and Bonneville Stories clearly documents him as an author to watch for in the future!

Anyone who is interested in old Hollywood must read this book.It is not only filled with pictures andrecipes, but nostalgia and history ofbygone days.Robert Cobb, not only owned the BrownDerby, but also owned a baseball team.The Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League was in existence from 1939to 1957. The Los Angeles Dodgers cameWest in 1958 and the Stars were gone.The book was co-written by Sally Cobb,widow of the owner. Her personal thoughts and love are written throughout this book. I personally ama collector of old menu's and a historian regarding the Pacific CoastLeague. I certainly was fascinated andwrapped up in the book.

A priceless photo collection of Hollywood Stars that have never been released or seen since the 1940's and 1950's. The photos are from the late Sally and Bob Cobb's personal photo collection and some photos were taken by Geroge Hurrell. The stories are captivating, heart warming and a part of Hollywood history that is a must for movie buffs and the novice a like. Clark Gable and Bob Cobb spent many years together, hunting and fishing. One night after the kitchen at the Durby was closed, Bob mixed a salad together made mostly from left overs. Since that night the famous salad has been referred to as the "Cobb Salad". The story that best describes the Cobbs is the one story about the WWII soldier..very touching! A great gift or a nice coffee table conversation item!

You don't have to be a fan of "old" Hollywood to enjoy this wonderful book about a famous restaurant and its even more famous clientele. Fascinating stories accompanied by wonderful pictures. This is only enhanced by the actual recipes of this great restaurant. A wonderful coffee table book that will start conversations about movies, movie stars and great food.

Relive Mark McGwire's historic 1998 assault on the single season home run record with this magnificent book overflowing with full-color photos and amusing anecdotes. "Celebrating 70" charts the slugger's season, home run for home run, and features a bevy of information - complete with pictures - including the date of each long ball, the distance, and which pitcher was christened with the dubious distinction of yielding one of Big Mac's clouts! Along the way, you can read a brief summary for each game McGwire applied his trade. The pictures have been well chosen, conveying the emotion of each moment. The text matches the shear exuberance of the images, and Jack Buck's forward is simply splendid.

The 1998 baseball season was truly one of the most magic in recenty years, thanks in part to the "home run battle" between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. This book chronicles their achievement which I suspect will grow to legendary tones in the years to come. The sportmanship between these two hereos was evident all season long, and the book reflects that.

Perhaps it was fitting that McGwire should wind up in a city that is a true "baseball town," and one that could truly love and cherish his accomplishment. I remember watching the game on TV where McGwire broke Babe Ruth's home regular season home run record and even the Cub players stood and applauded him. This book remembers that.

It starts off with pictures of McGwire and a nice foreword by Jack Buck, the longtime St. Louis Cardinals' broadcaster. There's also a brief story about Maris and Ruth, the men McGwire chased for most of that long summer. And then the home runs. Each page is devoted to a description of each one; the date, the opposing pitcher, the final score and so on.

Reading through each page brought back all those wonderful memories of the 1998 season for me. This book is a wonderful treasure and keepsake to celebrate an incredible baseball season by one man.

For the strongman from Pomona, California playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Summer of '98 was one long victory parade. A reminder of seasons past & a celebration of baseball future. He became a national hero & role model with class. He gave baseball back its luster. In this large, glossy, colorful homage to one fabulous boy of summer - the team of writers, photographers, designers & editors has given us a memorable, collectible, hit-by-hit, play-by-play story of a modern grand adventure. What a gift!

I found Chief Executive Officer to be quite a "page turner", easy to read, quite well written and very entertaining. Well recommended.

Mark Hanson's Chief Executive Officer is an unorthodox novel about two men who, disillusioned with the roles they have played so far, switch identities in hope of improving things for the better. An urbane, business-savvy CEO dares to run a miners' union with numerous thugs and knuckle-breakers, while a labor leader who once fought in the Vietnam War struggles to do something about a rapidly failing 16-billion dollar insurance corporation. Unprepared and caught in totally unfamiliar environments, each leader must adapt to change not only to survive, but to succeed where the other has failed, until ultimately their paths cross once again - as business antagonists at the negotiation table. Chief Executive Officer is a highly intriguing, unforgettable read about being caught in the Fast World and struggling to run just as fast as you can to keep up.

I recently finished reading Mark Hanson's Chief Executive Officer and found it to be thoroughly enjoyable. The book's pace was excellent. I found the twist in the main character's roles, and how their previous professions allowed them to succeed in their new lives, both humorous and encouraging. I have already recommended the book to many as an entertaining, and rewarding experience. It makes me think of how my own past experiences help shape my future.

The author did a great job of presenting the relatively basic information on configuring Cisco routers. You will find quite a few useful IOS commands discussed in the book that will want to keep it as a handy reference. I would also suggest looking into getting "Cisco IOS for IP Routing" by Andrew Colton. That book would take you deeper into mechanics of modern routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP), along with a discussion of Cisco IOS commands.

I read this book and was able to configure two 1720 routers to communicate over a WAN without any problems. I would suggest getting one of the CCNA books for a reference guide. This book does not go into great details about the commands.

There is the CCNA certification which takes you down the path to learning about routers, LANs and WANs, but what if you don't want that you only need to know how to configure the router. The Cisco Pres has put together the book that tackles that very subject.

In 350 plus pages you'll begin with a good breakdown of the OSI model followed up with the basics of how to configure the router. The information has screen shots to show you what things should look like.

After that you move in the always challenging world of TCP/IP with routing protocols and access lists. This section has a great deal of information but you may want to check other sources for more detailed information.

You also go into areas like AppleTalk with LAN and WAN configuration, IPX, SAP and basic management of the router including time control. While most of the book is geared towards the beginner all skill levels should be able to find some useful information within the book.

I found that the information seems to be up to date including topics like Network Time Protocol and Simple Network Time Protocol. Overall a very good value for the money.