This book is such a hack it would be more useful if presented in typeset LaTeX. It has no breadth, no sense of coverage. It's not a matter of being for advanced users, it's a matter of being hacked together from digital scraps instead of properly written. It's the worst. Stick to Lamport and web sources, these guys obviously publish for their resumes.

No doubt the authors are great LaTeX hackers, but unfortunately it appears that they are only that. Hackers.

Yes, I am frustrated with this book. When I want to do something in LaTeX (which I've been using for five years) and refer to this title, the index is useless, instead I take the hacker's approach and treat it not as literature but as source code. I scan it. Unfortunately I can't grep it.

Frankly I don't understand how others could give it high ratings. I think they're too easily impressed. This book is not even consistent within a page. I wonder, "Did you read it?" The examples don't even compile half the time!

Too bad it's not just LaTeX source cover to cover. That would be much more useful, and a much better value for the thing.

The one thing this book (and this series no doubt) has is lots of pictures describing layout. I don't know how good they are, I don't fiddle with bits. The authors' three books should have been one good book on what they really want to present. Graphics.

The bottom line is: This is the most useful book on latex2e that I own. I use it all the time. This is not a great book, but there aren't many good books on latex2e and this is probably the best or close to best there is.

There aren't good books on latex; there are very few good books on tex. People don't buy these books because they're fun or interesting, or make good reading, but because they need to get things done and they want the book to show them how. The latex companion will show you how to get things done. If you need to typeset latex documents often, probably "pure latex" in itself won't be enough for you, and the book will make you aware of this fact: It surveys some of the more useful packages for doing useful things: long tables, inserting and manipulating graphics, etc. Once you get the hang of going over to CTAN, checking for useful packages that do the stuff you need, downloading and installing them, you'll be "on your own" and will be able to progress independently. I haven't found a need for another latex manual beyond the Latex Companion, though an O'Reilly pocket reference for tex and latex would have been great! (O'Reilly: Are you reading this???) There are some subjects it doesn't treat well, like foreign languages in latex, but otherwise, it's fine. Another downside is that the book doesn't treat the issues of pdf generation, html generation and hyperlinks, which are becoming very popular in latex circles.

Get this book, and you will probably not need another latex book until the O'Reilley pocket reference to tex and latex comes out.

First, a remark on the title: this is not a companion to theprogram, but rather a companion to some other book on LaTeX you shouldhave. I bought this book back in 1994, when it was the first book onLaTeX2e, and by now it is thoroughly worn (though the binding is still doing its job well :). However, at the time I bought it, I have already been using LaTeX for six years, and have read Lamport's guide (which is charming, and also the book The Companion intends to accompany) and Kopka and Daly's (which is better organized and more complete).

The LaTeX Companion is something between an advanced course tutorial (could just as well be named Selected Chapters from LaTeX) and a reference book. None of them was ever aimed at beginners, and this one is no exception. LaTeX comes with a rich legacy of add-on macro packages doing various useful and nifty things with lists, floats, tables, formulas, graphics, fonts, indices and bibliographies. This book covers some of them. I would love to see second edition of this book covering more of them. There is a treasure hidden at CTAN, but it is usually hard to find it. The examples are well chosen and it is easy to learn from them. I am less pleased with the index. At 36 pages, it looks very promising, but it rarely led me to the place I sought. During years of use, I mostly figured out where in a book things are, and stopped using it.

Despite the confusing index, the book is worth its (admittedly high) price and you will probably learn many useful things from it. The idea of a thin tutorial and a partly-overlapping "companion book" doesn't appeal to me, though. Personally, I would prefer one single book with a complete treatment of the topic.

Let me tell you, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. This biography is one of the most respectful, carefully written *TELL ALL* books I've ever read. This book tells you soooooo much info on Frank, it's unbelievable! It's almost as if you're standing in the studio with him, or in the middle of one of his notorious fights w/ Ava Gardner. You feel like you're RIGHT THERE. I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Sinatra, but I was proven wrong. Randy Taraborrelli (the author) gave it to you straight; he threw the whole story at you, but unlike a LOT of other books, he supplied proof to back it up. He interviewed many of Sinatra's old friends from his neighborhood in Hoboken, as well as fellow actors and musicians who knew Sinatra best. On top of all of that, there are 2 sections of black and white pictures and 1 color section. To sum things up...the author obviously had respect and admiration for Frank Sinatra, but he didn't hold back Frank's bad qualities...he let them all come out, all the while praising, respecting, and keeping Ol' Blue Eyes' memory alive!!!! A+

I read it from cover to cover and enjoyed every minute of it, every page. Thorough research and an invigorating writing style really bring Sinatra to life like never before. It's gritty, for sure. But very true to Sinatra's experience. As a big Frank fanatic, I would recommend this book. I've read them all, and this is the only one that makes him seem like more than just a skirt-chasing mobster with a good voice.

This is by far, the most well-balanced, interesting, Sinatra biography I have read. It is a must-read for any Sinatra fan, or anyone at all interested in reading a Sinatra biography. The only flaw is that even more details would be desirable (not just the "juicy" type, though there are quite a bit of that type: The details about Sinatra's romances - i have to admit, that made for some very fascinating reading!). There is hardly any information about Sinatra's music and films, but there are other books on those subjects. This is the story of his more private, yet fascinating, life. Some of it is funny, warm and sweet, some of it is shockingly barbaric, and the last few chapters about his deteriorating health are very sad. But what makes this bio different from other Sinatra bio's i've read, is the author neither comes across as an enemy nor a hero-worshipper - just a chronicler of an incredible life. Ultimately, the writer seems to respect Sinatra, as an all-too-human being. This book describes Sinatra's tremendous drive and vitality, his very tender and sensitive side, as well as a temper that had more behind it than mere brutality - he was an extremely complex and emotional man who had great difficulty communicating his true feelings, except in song. This book explains a lot about why and how those complexities developed; perhaps the most fascinating part of the book is Sinatra's long and tempestuous relationship with ava gardner - that subject, in itself, could fill a whole book. I hope that an author with the skill of Mr. Taraborrelli is considering writing a book about Frank and Ava - their story is more amazing, romantic, and dramatic than fiction! The best Sinatra biography, but it is possible that an even better one will be written someday - for now, this is the one, and an excellent read; not a dull page.

It is difficult to read any Frank Herbert book without comparing it to the classic Dune. This book is similar to Dune in several ways. It documents individual experiences in political situations. The book explores the descent of John O'Neill into vengeful madness, and near the end, his weird transition into legend. Every chapter is introduced with an excerpt from writings by the characters. The attention to detailed psychology that was given to the Dune character Paul Atreides is also given to O'Neill. However, here, it seems excruciatingly boring and meaningless.

The White Plague falls far short of Dune's stature in imagination, plot, and in some cases, realism. After an exciting introduction, it falls into a rut that makes O'Neill's trek across Ireland seem like a plodding trek around the world. Antagonists are conveniently rubbed out in the last few pages, leaving us to wonder when they produced the works that are excerpted! In Dune, Herbert shows mastery of imaginative speculation. My hopes for similar content in The White Plague remained high until the very end, and then were dashed.

This book also suffers from an excess of characters. They are generously developed, but this merely bloats the book.

Herbert makes numerous comments about Irish people, and other groups, that seem insightful, but it's hard to know how accurate they are. In many cases, these generalizations seem contrived and melodramatic.

If you're looking for another "Dune", be warned: This book takes place on Earth, albiet an Earth that is about to go through some huge changes.

Our story opens with the death of the wife and children of brilliant biochemical researcher John O'Neill at the hands of terrorists. O'Neil is driven mad with grief and unleashes a biochemically engineered plague on the world, one that is 100% fatal to women.

While not Herbert's best book, it is still fantastic. Frank paints a horrific picture of governments racing first against each other to be the first to find a cure, and soon realilsing that a cure will only come with cooperation. Each country deals with the plague differently and the sweep of the story stretches around the world and back to the beginning as O'Neil admires his handiwork.

The story is quite action driven for a Herbert book. With most women dying off, the planet soon becomes unrecognizable. Will a cure be found in time? What form will it take? How will humanity survive? Herbert's trademark philosophical ruminations are there, just below the surface for plucking if you're interested. I will say, though, that the irony of thousand-year-old cultures having to re-write themselves overnight in the name of survival wasn't lost on me.

Even more tantalizing is the ending which will leave you wondering what will happen next. Not that there's a cliffhanger, but the world is so different you imagine a sequal would have done very well.

This is a really good book. It may drag a bit in spots and some of the science involved is a bit dated, but it is still very enjoyable. There's something wrong when a book as good as this one written by a author as popular as Herbert is out of print. Surely there must be some publishing company out there willing to cash in on the writings of a man whose works have been brought to the screen twice (soon to be three times, with "Children of Dune"). Anyone?

Until that happens, pick up a copy at a used bookstore. You won't regret it.

It is tremendously frightening that this might someday soon become a book for our times. A molecular biologist watches from a building window as his wife and two daughters get blown to bits during a terrorist bombing on the street below. This triggers a vengeful madness that culminates in his developing a disease and infecting those he sees as responsible: The countries of Ireland, Libya, and England.

I have met many Frank Herbert fans online, especially on usenet. There is some argument as to what is Herbert's greatest work. Many who have never read the White Plague insist that nothing could top Dune. Many who have read Dune insist that The White Plague is his crowning achievement.

I leave it to you to decide.

I am a traditionally trained Reiki Master Teacher. I read Petter's book with an open mind, and while I feel his heart is in the right place, his book has a number of inaccuracies which made it not one I would recommend to anyone seeking to learn more about Reiki.

For example:

- On page 15, Petter states: "Technically speaking, Reiki is one of many methods that are part of the Chinese family of Qigong..."

This is COMPLETELY incorrect. Reiki is not Qigong, and Qigong is not Reiki. Both are forms of energy, true, but they are completely distinct from each other.

- On page 71, Petter states: "I have repeatedly stated that Reiki is energy pure and simple. It has nothing to do with religion, astrology, New Age, psychology, personal growth, channeling, bodywork, or even healing for that matter."

This is also wrong. Reiki is ALL about healing! It is also about personal growth. Reiki exists for us to heal ourselves and others, it enables us to grow and help others grow. I don't understand his stance here at all.

This being said, the book contains some interesting information, and some nice exercises. I do appreciate that fact that Petter reiterates that Reiki must be learned from a teacher (one simply cannot learn it from a book, video, or over the internet) and that attunements (initiations) must be done in person.

The bottom line is, if you are interested in learning more about Reiki, find a Master/Teacher near you with which to work. Or, try the following books:

Reiki - Universal Life Energy Bodo Baginski and Shalila Sharamon ISBN 0-940795-02-7

Reiki - Hawayo Takata's Story Helen J. Haberly ISBN: 0-944135-06-4

Living Reiki - Takata's Teachings Fran Brown ISBN: 0-940795-10-8

Understanding and development of unity in Reiki is available now! After years of research and work, F. Arjava Petter and his wife Chetna (Kobayashi) have completed the translation of the Original Handbook written by Dr. Usui used in training students.

There have been so many myths and legends born from this source that is it a real treasure to find actual documentation, a validity in the word form. What a wonderful Makana Kalikimaka or "Christmas gift".

This for me was very much a confirmation of "Reiki IS for everyone". The Reiki a technique developed by Usui that echoes many sources; confirming that there is one source. We ARE all one in Mind and Spirit. The body individual is the learning and experiencing tool, seeking its own expression and so celebrates the different forms/types of Reiki. An Obvious example of this is a technique I find I use. In Arjava's book is identified as "The Byosen Technique". This technique is identified in Native American Healing as well as Pranic Healing. Many other cultures use a similiar type of sensitivity to determine problem areas in order to better work with situations. I was delighted to see it identified and recognized in Japanese Reiki.

The things I had questioned in my mind and felt a need to know were included. There are techniques that relate to specific problems such as Obesity and Gallstones and many others. Sometimes herbs are mentioned as well as diet and exercize. Reiki feels more complete with this kind of new information.

Quoted from the book "Intuitive Reiki by Dr. Usui is different: It asks that we free ourselves of the rules. Rules are meant to give us support." ..."Many of you have cerainly worked in an intuitive manner for a long time. I am happy for you--and with you--That we now have the "Official" permission from Dr. Usui to do this!"

Teaching Reiki to Nurses and the Medical community, I was delighted to see the statement that Reiki was to assist or complement and not replace medical attention from the traditional sources. Also references to the vertebrae, specific organs and glands make this book more in tune with the teaching needs of the medical community. The Original Reiki Handbook with it's clear photographs and explanations are a perfect complement to my Reiki Classes at San Antonio Community College, Continuing Nursing Education and I will be integrating the new information as well as offering the book to new students.

Frank Arjava Petter has, in a rather small book answered a lot of big questions. Many of us in the Reiki community have always doubted much of the 'myth' of this almost etherial Mikao Usui. Petter's passion, not only for Reiki, but also for truth, comes across very well. His grasp on the culture and mind-set of Japan and the Japanese, from his European viewpoint is a perspective we rarely get to understand in the West. There will be those that have trotted out the unsubstantiated and untrue myths for so long that they will undoubtedly feel threatened by the compelling revelations concerning Usui's Buddhist background and practice. The 'Truth will out' they say, and Frank's brave position in producing such a book is commendable. His easy style and experience of Reiki comes across in the form of friendly counsel,instead of dogmatic teaching. Frank Arjava Petter has done a tremendous service for those in Reiki, that seek the truth of their heritage and wish to teach from a position of integrity. He is a valid and credible messenger in times of change. I recommend this book to all serious Reiki practitioners.

I am very impressed with _Arthur Marx's Groucho: A Photographic Journey_. All photos are of high quality and most have not seen print before. I believe that over half were taken by Arthur Marx himself. The book weighs something like six pounds. The only reason that this is relevant to all but the infirm, and perhaps the hapless mail carrier, is because it denotes the quality of the paper used; more specifically: the high-glossy type of presentation that makes this coffee table book so unique within the realm of Marx Brothers books. Arthur Marx and editor Frank Ferrante (and the book designer, whose name is simply not handy just now) are to be commended on their efforts. Nicely done. Why my vote of "four stars" and not "five"? Most realtively-new Marx enthusiasts might likely give the book five stars. I guess that my lone reservation revolves around the fact that the editorial content (that meaning Arthur Marx's written observations), albeit generous in both tone and length, offer little _new_ insight to this jaded reader than, well, I guess, the fact that Groucho's breakfast consisted of half a grapefruit, two pieces of toast, and coffee). There may a few other brand-new insights that I've forgotten. (But again, I write as a long-time student of the Marxes.) At the same time, Arthur's text does serve nicely as a son's loving reminiscences of his father, and I'll take that over the transcriptions of "The Bank of America v. Erin Fleming" any day. (Besides all of that, the transcriptions do not include any photographs whatsoever. Perhaps fortuitously.) Regardless, most dyed in the wool Groucho fans will relish this expertly-executed new book on Groucho (a new book on Groucho is, obviously, reason enough for celebration). Newbies are likely to delight in it even more-so (even if, perhaps, most cannot actually afford a coffee table upon which to place it; my advice to them is "fake it"). I thereby recommend it highly. (I only wish this site allowed a vote of four-and-one-half stars. Ah well.) Kudos to all involved in this project.

I'm a comedy buff and this book reminded me why I fell in love with the Marx Brothers when I was a kid. Arthur Marx's take on his father is warm and funny. The photography is top notch. Thank you, Mr. Marx, for this hilarious tribute. I needed the laugh.

Until this week, I had no idea what I was going to get my mother for Mother's Day, my father for Father's Day. Now I know. I have read every comedy, Groucho and Marx Brothers book out there. And now comes along an unbelieveably intimate look at comedy's best - "Arthur Marx's GROUCHO: A Photographic Journey." 'Arthur Marx's GROUCHO' succeeds where no other book has in portraying the private Groucho behind the public genius... because for the first time we actually see the man. These are absolutely pheneomenal photographs of Groucho and the Marx Brothers - most of which I've never seen. Many of these photos were taken by Groucho's son Arthur in the mid-1930's and capture Groucho through the years. And they completely shatter the image of the great Groucho brooding at home. Here he is playing with his kids, celebrating holidays, laughing while making "A Day at the Races" with his brothers. Incredible stuff. This coffee table book itself is as stunning and classy as the subject matter. Gold embossed title, highest quality paper. Obvious care was taken in design and structure. Arthur Marx writes loving and humorous commentary on his legendary family. It is packed with Groucho one-liners, new stories and celeb photos. I can't say enough about it. Comedy and Marx fans will not be disappointed. You bet your life!

Anton chekhov's "the cherry orchard" is a captivating, but somewhat confusing tale of an aristocratic household that comes face to face with adversity. His impressionistic portrayal of characters delivers a power packed package of meaning that both appeals to and appalls every human heart. Through a subtle messages and powerful passages chekhov purveys his sentiments about a world that is tainted by a dark cloud of selfishness. Although the play itself is tragic-like the characters are not tragic. They seem to blindly stumble upon the pages of life accomplishing absolutely nothing. Through checkhov's genius they still remain human, with dreams and fears like the rest of us. It is through these characters that chekhov's beliefs are made known.

The cherry orchard is symbolic of the old order in rural Russia, and Chekhov's short play illustrates the social transformation started in the 19th century in a simple and impressive manner. I find it interesting that one previous reviewer calls the Cherry Orchard an "effective allegory of the Bolshevik revolution", since it was written long before 1917. This goes to show exactly how in tune with his times Chekhov was. Character development is limited in this play as there are many roles and few pages, but we are introduced to the classic types also found in other pre-revolutionary Russian literature: the arriviste businessman, the radical escapist student, the obnoxious clerk, the nostalgic aristorcrat, the loyal peasant. In the play, Madame Ravensky leaves her good-for-nothing husband in Paris and returns to the family estate, which she owns with her brother Gayev. The economy of this aristocratic family is fledgling, but they are unable to change their spending patterns and accumstom themselves to a lower living standard. They are also unwilling to cut down the cherry orchard and use the land for villa development, as they are urged by the crude but business-savvy businessman Lopakhin. Lopakhin eventually buys their entire property at an auction, and the reality of the new age eventually dawns on everyone except the ancient servant who takes his last breath still repeating 'young wood, green wood'. An almost spooky dialogue occurs in the last act between Lopakhin and the radical student Trophimov, with the 20th century future of Russia clearly in the balance: work and money, represented by Lopakhin, is rejected by the young utopian idealist. In retrospect, this single scene gives a mind-boggling perspective on Russian history; and some sense of why Russia is still a barbarous country of 'dirt, vulgarity and boredom' as described by the disgruntled characters in Chekhov's play.

"How should one live?" is the fundamental question driving most of Chekhov's work, and it is very overtly laid bare in The Cherry Orchard. Should the aristocratic family in decline stick to owning their cherry orchard (representative of the grandiose trappings of Russian aristocracy), or give in to modern commercialization in order to survive? What is the value of tradition, and how many trees should one own? Chekhov will not answer these questions for you, but he poses them in most interesting ways. In addition to wise insights into such fundamental dilemmas, Chekhov also provides a lot of witty banter, and a great slice-of-life view at 19th century Russian high culture. But this is not just a Russian play or a 19th century play; its themes, questions, and prospective answers are relevant for individuals coping with society and history in any place, and at any time.

I bought into the hype and bought this over-priced little book. Droll and cunning at times, there is nothing splendily unique to recommend Frank's not-very-memorable rogue, Brandon Sladder. It is hard to tell if the characters' names and personal habits are supposed to be clever (or ironic), but they seem to have been pulled out of the air at some cliche-sniffing party. In fact, the plot of "The Columnist"-- a columnist who continues to fall upward, whilst failing to see the bodies dropping behind him-- is hardly new.

The book has been touted as a "look under the rug" of Washington, with its saucy secrets about which we out-of-the-Beltway types are unaware. Thus, we find politicians, staffers and all forms of media makers with secrets as deep as weekly visits to the local house of ill-repute, pedophilia and addictions. (Well, there's a new twist?) This sort of self-involved, narcissitic Insider strikes me as the protype-- hardly the novelty.

The sole moments of glee found in "The Columnist" were trying to decide whom Sladder most resembled of the Beltway crowd. George Will was an awfully good fit, but then, so was a John Fund/Ann Coulter mix. I chose the latter, but this two-hour-read was still too expensive for that mini-moment of fun.

Every once in a while you find a book like The Columnist that is more than just a story. Staged as the tell it all autobiography of a Washington syndicated columnist at the nadir of his career, this short novel is both a parable of misguided egos and misplaced values and also a satire of high profile journalism. The rags to riches story of Brandon Sladder, the consummate Washington journalist is told with a reflective message. In its pages, we learn the story of a widely syndicated newspaper columnist who rose from humble beginnings as a city reporter in Buffalo to become the confidant of Presidents and senators; the most sought after dinner guest at Georgetown dinner parties; the witty and engaging TV panelist beamed into millions of American homes every week; and the inquisitive and challenging intellect in love with the power of ideas. But hold on, there is a price to be paid for such fame. In his private life, Sladder is the last to know husband; the estranged son; the forgotten friend; the distant father; and a generally dislikeable figure.

In this well written volume, author Jeffrey Franks examines the less than noble connection between politics and the press. We learn why politicians cultivate members of the press; why political positions often gain momentum with the voters because of a favorable news editor or just a photo opportunity given to a reporter. You will ask yourself whether you are a "source" or a "friend " to a reporter. Author Franks does a fine job of satirizing the fourth estate and its elite ranks. "As my column became more popular, so did I, and I found myself drawn deeper into the social life of Washington. All at once I knew everyone (occasionally I even sensed a small stir when I entered a room)..." These are the thoughts of the novel's main character on the occasion of his 29th birthday; who else could fit into a room with him given the size of that ego?

As I read this book, which at times has some very dark and disturbing passages particularly involving the daughter of the main character, I had to put it down. I can appreciate satire and cynicism with the best of them, but some of the author's attempts to skewer go too far astray to be effective parody. Washingtonians will gobble up this book looking to find some veiled reference to themselves; "journalists" (who will purchase this book but never admit owning it) will sneer at the parody. When you're finished reading this one, you'll shake your head glad that you didn't make Mr. Sladder's acquaintance.

Frankly, I am writing this review in the hope that the author, Jeffrey Frank, checks these reviews out from time to time. I know I would if I were clever enough to have written this novel. I loved every minute of it. Three members of our family read it and passed it on to one another because we were so amused by this annoying, self-serving, so-full-of-himself columnist. Even the index is a hoot. Thank you, Mr. Frank, for such great entertainment. I will never again watch the Sunday morning "talking heads" without being reminded of Brandon Sladder.

Pete Hamill, beyond a doubt, is an excellent writer. He does a wonderful job here. The book is part bio, part history of immigrants in America, and part memoir. It works on all levels. Hamill treats Frank with the respect he deserves. The book is not a gossipy memoir--Kitty Kelly fans should look elsewhere. Instead, he makes the important arguement that Sinatra gave voice to first, a generation, and then an entire country. His artisty is what matters. The myth of the man is fun and gets most the attention, but that is besides the point for Hamill. And he is right. We all talk about the "Sinatra in a hat" (as Hamill dubs him) and the Rat Pack--but the music endures. It is, argues Hamill, what matters in the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. It is what will stand the test of time and give voice to a thousand broken dreams, hearts, and help us--like Frank after the Fall--get back up and start all over again. Thanks, Pete Hamill for getting it right.

I purchased this book fully knowing what the title proposes. We all know it's the music. I give it four stars because it's about FAS and written by someone who knew and liked him, although it strays a bit from what is a great premise. It's also quite honestly a classy *looking* little volume. The cover won me over as much as the title. Are there design awards for these things? It's been sitting on top of my collection of Sinatra books for a couple of months since I was savoring it, waiting for just the right time and mood to read it in one sitting. It's definately a book for the true fan to have (after I secured my own copy I got 2 others from friends who know my love for anything Frank). I ate up every quote from Frank in the book, and the author's accounts of personal meetings with the man. It seemed to me the author showed us this could have been a much more detailed and thorough biography in the making. At times I felt I could have been in the middle of the most comprehensive account of the singers life and history of the 20th century, and not just reading an essay about why he matters. I was not turned off by this. I just got a good reading on his "times" that I enjoyed but wasn't counting on it. What is in here about Frank is important enough to read whatever some people may think is not relavant. Frank is important enough to music and this country to write about anything connected to him. It is a good read, written and packaged with class by a good writter who knows his subject. Incidently, Hamill is the type of guy that the Sinatra children should seek out next time they need a good contributor to balance out any new cd releases liner notes. I cringed when I saw the intro on the '57 In Concert cd by Kelsy Gramer. Those of you who have it know what I mean. *Any* work put out there about Frank deserves class...

When Frankie died, I felt I had lost an uncle. Not the uncle you hear from when misfortune occurs or fortunes are won. No, the kind of uncle who is there like a guardian angel, guiding and protecting you. For me, Frank Sinatra was my American Uncle, symbolizing the rich, great country I always heard about and envisioned through his music. I remember first hearing him while being tossed toward the ceiling by my real uncle, on a wet, stormy day in Australia. I had never heard a voice like that before, and after I slammed into the ceiling, and the family stood around waiting for me to cry, I simply sat, dazed, still listening to this new magnetic voice. I didn't know it at the time, but I was listening to America. Hamill's book returned me to that never-fogotten afternoon. For Hamill, in his elegant spot-on prose, doesn't just write about Frank, he writes about a country which changed the world. When he states that Crosby was America's Husband, while Sinatra was America's Lover, he hits it right on the head. Hamill writes what I've always wanted to say, about Frank, his times, and the world which Ol Blue Eyes helped to change. From its cover art to its last sentence, this is one elegant piece of work. I'd never read any of Hamill's work before, but now I have a new treasure to uncover, if any of his other offerings come close to this. As Frank would say, "It's marvelous, baby."

I don't think an introduction to XHTML has to assume the reader knows nothing about HTML. I enjoyed this book, although a lot of it was review (I've been using HTML for several years, but nothing very complex). I find myself using style sheets a lot more after reading the book, and I'm using XHTML syntax for all my newly created web pages (and updating a few of the already-existing ones). The sections on JavaScript did not go very deep, but the book is not about JavaScript. There are lots of books available on JavaScript. I'll refer now and then to the appendixes on HTML, style sheets and JavaScript (until I get them memorized). I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to keep up with the move to incorporate XML and style sheets into web pages.

This book is absolutely wonderful when it comes to introducing XHTML to a web-developer or design student who is already familiar with HTML. It does contain several bugs and on ocassion its examples contradict what's been written in the text of the book. I wouldn't recommend it to the people who're just learning standard HTML.

To those beginners who've trashed a book on a fairly advanced web-design topic, get a book on basic HTML and actually learn it before you decide to learn something which assumes fairly fluent knowledge of HTML syntax, document structure, standards, and CSS.

A tutorial on webmonkey.com may be all you need to create simple HTML documents, but it doesn't cut it as far as being able to go on to more advanced topics and actually know when something may or may not be right in a book. Books aren't there to be the holy grail of they're there to give you a concsise, convenient introduction to whatever topic said book happens to cover.

For the rest of you, that know HTML, some CSS, and maybe a little java script and are wanting to move on to XHTML, buy this book. You may also want a companion text on XML. I recommend Elliotte Rusty Harold's XML: Extensible Markup Language. O'Rielly has some very good texts on CSS and JavaScript, which you'll probably want to check into after reading this book.

I am well versed in writing HTML and limited JavaScript, however I have learned all I know through disecting the pages of others. I wanted a book that would give me a more-or-less formal education on correct standards, etc.. for writing XHTML and at the same time introduce me to attributes I wasn't familiar with. This is the book I wanted. It is perfect for anyone wanting to learn XHTML but has no experience with it. It is also perfect for someone wanting to brush up to current standards, or someone looking for a basic reference manual (although I use a Black Book for that). The XHTML examples are throughly explained and easy to follow. The book also includes a full explanation of what XHTML is and why it was developed. The last few chapters deal with a brief, and very fast-paced intro to JavaScript. I think beginners would have a hard time following this part, but it a good jumping point for someone planning to learn JS in the future. If I included the JavaScript chapters in my review I would probably give the book 4 stars. But, as it is an XHTML book, and the JS composes a strong majority of the text, I haven't included it in the rating. If you don't understant the JavaScript, or have no intention of learning it, then don't read that part. The book is well worth the price regardless. As far as the previous one star reviews, I can only attribute this to narrow-mindedness and impatience on the on the part of the reviewers. Take your time, do all the examples, don't skip any paragraphs, and this is the perfect book for beginners.

I read this book seeking the origins of Progressive Republicanism, the turn-of-the-century movement that gave us Public Utility Commissions and regulated public utilities (amongst other insitutions). In a way, the current California Energy crisis is a result of not remembering this history. Electric power companies are now doing what the Southern Pacific did to California, only in different ways.

As literature, well, it's a bit goody-goody and overwrought for my taste, but I got through it without too much pushing. No, Mr. Norris is not one of our greatest writers. But, as business history, it should be required reading in all MBA programs!

All in all, what we need is a new, updated Progressivism, one that will address the role of money in our political processes. It would also restore some limits on corporate exercise of market power while still encourage competitive enthusiasm.

Definitely not for all tastes, but a strong work, with well-drawn characters and some very beautiful (albeit long) prose passages. Norris has a habit of driving his point into the ground (a section near the end of the novel, which juxtaposes a mother and child starving to death on the street with a wealthy, upperclass, elitist meal comes to mind), but over all a profound and powerful work. Originally intended as the first part of a proposed "Trilogy of Wheat," Norris died near the publication of the second book (see "The Pit.") Definitely recommended for those who enjoy great American literature.

Today when we think of California we think of what else but Los Angeles and San Francisco. Many people forget that California has a rich history based in agriculure and mining. The Octopus tells a story about California's past and the epic struggle between the Wheat farmers and the all powerful railroads. The characters are dynamic and Norris has written the story so brilliantly that you actually feel for the characters. If you read this book you also must read "The Pit" also by Norris which tells the tale of the Chicago Commodities market and one mans overpowering desire to "corner" the wheat market.