This dictionary is missing many words used in America for example : luthier, passel. In fact I am throwing it out and getting going back the American Heritage and a thesaurus!

I own many dictionaries (including the unabriged OED). This is the one that is on my desk and used every day. It is useful, readable, compact and complete. Combining the best dictionary with an outstanding thesaurus, Oxford has produced the finest reference work of its kind available. Recommended for students, offices and anyone who is tired of juggling four or five reference books in "case you might need them". Clear the decks. This is what you're looking for.

Wnat to buy a dictionary and a theasurus without blowing the bank, i.e., going broke. Then one should buy The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus: The Ultimate Language Reference for American Readers by Frank R. Abate(Editor). The table of contents is well developed and the choice of font is clear and therefore easy to read. The preface is well written with a scholarly tone that is not to dry or pretentious(which in itself is very hard to accomplish). I like the project staff page as it shows the hard work that was put into the making of this book., The following sections, i.e., how to use this book, detailed explanation of defining sections ,detailed explanation of synonym sections, key to pronounciations and abbreviations used in this book. In the end of the book is a well developed appendix that tackles issues such as eptymology et al. I absolutely loved this dictionary/ thesaurus and when one looks up a word, i.e., equitable; it first gives the meaning, i.e., fair just, and then words that have the same or similair meanings, i.e., fair-minded, square, decent, good to name a few. Defintely worth 28.00 dollars and should be a must have for anyone on a strict budget whom is interested in getting a good dictionary and a theasurus for a good price.

I tried to wade through this book twice and couldnt bring myself to finish it. Thayer's research into St. Paul's past seems mostly credible, but his prose to me is unreadable. I even tried to listen to the book on tape and had to abandon that effort as well. I would not recommend this book.

ALthough this gangseter novel isn't quite on par with the Godfather and some other novels in the Crime and gangster genere it still manages to be quite intrigiung and hard to put down. In most crime novels it seems like the villans are always the more interesting the the heroes but in this one it was Grover Mudd who kept my attention. He's a fascinating and dark charechter who will keep you cheering for him until the end. For me there was an added bonus in this novel. Having grown up in the suburbs of the Twin Cities it was fun to read about places I recognized and knew. All in all this is a terrific novel for anyone looking for a great fast paced read.

...and he's one of the most unusual "heroes" in recent crime fiction. Grover Mudd is a newspaper columnist, whose "Grover's Corner" column is used to expose and hopefully eradicate the mobsters hanging out in St. Paul. Like other readers, I had no idea there was such crime in this illustrious city; Thayer's research and knowledge of the area is certainly evidenced.
This book is heavily character driven, and most of the characters, even Grover, take some time to either like or dislike. Grover's relationship with the colored maid, Stormy Day, is touching and refreshing in its easiness and innocence. I could never bring myself to like Roxanne Schwartz, one of those goregous women who was a "victim" during her youth and uses that as an excuse to become an ... insatiable prostitute. The character of Nina Clifford I hated from the first time I met her. She's one of those old bags who lives in the past and thinks that just because she's St. Paul's most influential madam, it puts her above the law. And of course the law in this book is as corruptible as the gangsters.
Beware, too, this book is graphic in its sexual descriptions and in its violence, but that's what this era was about.
Thayer went on to write "Silent Snow" which utilizes the character of Grover Mudd; that's next on my list. Thayer has a very different style and one that in time should put him up there with James Patterson, Michael Connelly and John Sandford.
RECOMMENDED.

It seems that this important phase in Wright's illustrious career has not been given the attention it deserves. As Frank Sergeant noted, Wright was most proud of his Usonian Homes and actively promoted his vision of a "Broadacre City." Unfortunately, Sergeant's book was the product of the 70's. He offers a good text, but poor photographs and mediocre illustrations that don't give the reader a compelling vision of these homes.

Wright started with the Jacobs House, built in the late 30's, which got the ball rolling. With a lot of sweat and material contributions by the owners, they were able to keep the cost near the $5000 budget Wright had set. He wanted these homes to be affordable, clean, efficient dwellings that reflected his streamlined view of America. Wright abhorred the wasteful society America had become, and envisioned a "Broadacre City" that would satisfy Americans' insatiable appetite for detached homes, without destroying the landscape in the process. He incorporated many passive solar features into these homes, relied on natural materials, and as always created an open plan that characterized the democratic nature of society.

More enticing books are now available on Usonian homes, but Sergeant's book is a good place to start in getting an impression of the quality of these homes, and how they came to shape America's suburban lifestyle.

Sergeant has made a wonderful and complete effort to balance both the technical information about the famous Usonian houses with the very concept of Usonia and how Wright envisioned the possibilities of what organic architecture could become. At the risk of becoming too reverent to the architect, the book attempts to cover Wright's somewhat anachronistic philosophical views as well as paints an idealised picture of the man. The book is lacking greatly in visual aids. The author takes pains to ensure that the ingenuity and the complexity of the design and construction of the homes is understood, but this is backed up with poor illustration. The homes are displayed in black and white photos that lack the neccessary detail needed to understand what their literary descriptions mean. The floor plans are small, undimensioned, and are not clearly captioned. This coupled with close in photography of specific features of the homes without showing the whole, is frustrating. The literature is complete and well ordered, but a reader just entering the realm of FLLW would be well advised to find a more picturesque book on this topic before diving into Sergeant's text.

The author spent six years researching the book, which is ostensibly about the houses but quickly turns into a book about the man. And how could it not? How many famous architects built mostly houses? Or started a commune during the Depression? Or had elaborate, futuristic, monorail-equipped cities all planned out in complete detail?

Profiles the iconoclastic artist a bit too sympathetically at times, though. For instance crediting him with setting the example for the Postwar ranch house, which would have undoubtedly emerged on its own. He also defends FLLW's writings as well as anyone could, but they're really too old fashioned to mean much today.

The drawings--just small floor plans--are nice but no details are included. Otherwise, plenty of substance.

I think this book, while partly biased, tells a good account of what really went down on that sad night in Vegas. Alexander, Pac's bodyguard seems to tell a logical story of what he thinks went down, and in the end, I see no reason to hold him accountable for what happened. After all, as all would admit, the best he could've done is shoot the... out of that Caddy, which wouldn't have saved Pac. He tells a stirring tale of his love and compassion for Pac, and how the events of that night have haunted him, and affected him for the rest of his life to come. To Frank, I think Pac would've been proud. He showed true love for him, standing by him even when he wasn't wanted there by Suge and the rest of DR. I respect that, and fully accept that it was simply Pac's time to go. To Pac, rest in peace bro, we will never forget ya.

Everyone who loved Pac, and loves rap music should read this. It helps to show that while Pac may have done controversial things, he was still a loving, gentle cat on the inside, where everyone says it really matters.

This is definetly one of my favorite books in my collection. It is written from the point of view of Pac's bodyguard in the later years of his life. You will be taken inside deathrow and learn of many details of Pac's life. This is an excellently written book, and if you are a Tupac fan it would be an excellent addition to your collection.

There's a tendency among the most hard-core Tupac Shakur fans to deify the late rapper/actor. There's perhaps no greater disservice that can be done to Shakur's memory. Frank Alexander gives an honest and open look into the last year of Shakur's life. Alexander served as Shakur's bodyguard and is incredulous at those who consider him some sort of heroic visionary. The book finest (and funniest) line involves a comparison of Shakur to Malcolm XXX. Yes, that's three X's and Alexander backs this assertion up.

Alexander (and writer Heidi Sigmund Cuda) use a laid-back approach that is similar to the casual barber shop chatter you might hear among a group of friends chillin' on a Saturday afternoon. Peppered with four-letter words, there's a sincerity to Alexander that makes you want to believe even the most outrageous of Tupac's escapades. This helps in the chapter where Alexander briefly covers the list of celebrities that Tupac allegedly was involved with.

Oftentimes, these 'tell-all' books are nothing more than grandstanding by the author without regard to the subject matter. Alexander avoids that trap by keeping his 'life story' to the first few pages and jumping right into his Death Row bodyguard days. His initial tale of the near-tragic shooting at a video shoot in New York (on his first assignment with the label) is riveting, while his descriptions of the intended victims (and what they were doing at the time of the shooting) is hilarious.

Shakur fans will devour this book. He is painted as a conflicted, complex man and Alexander's tales will certainly give you a different look at the man who the media has (fairly or unfairly) painted as a monster. Alexander covers Shakur's 'playa' side while describing a one-week trip to Italy. He gracefully presents the softer side of Shakur as he details a meeting between Shakur and Alexander's injured niece. The book peaks during the tragic and intensely detailed description of that fateful night in Las Vegas, where Shakur was gunned down.

Tupac fans will learn what went down, from the Orlando Anderson incident to the reason Shakur's bodyguard was un-armed to Tupac's last words. The aftermath of the murder is just as compelling as Alexander goes from bodyguard of the stars to a scapegoat with thoughts of suicide. His struggle with the guilt is heartbreaking and the climactic conversation Afeni Shakur (Tupac's mother) will ensure that you read up until the final page.

Some of the chapters in this book are interesting (I liked the ones dealing with corporate strategies) but by and large this book says little new. Edited books, such as this one, are sometimes difficult to sustain as the writing styles and approaches across contributors vary so widely -- the editor fails to adequately pull this one off as little expertise or guidance comes forth from him.

This book arrives in time to help to understand the Asian economic crisis. And it traces the hurdles Asia must overcome to once again become an economic powerhouse. The essays carry the reader through a rich range of materials. Highly recommended.

This book offers a very realistic look at what remains to be achieved in East Asia.

This book is a great read!! Frank is not only great to read his works, but also an excellent man to talk with. This book gives great insight into a much misunderstood and maligned breed!! The valuable history lessons in the breed are not intended to be the focus of the book, rather part of the reason why the breed is so wonderful when raised correctly! The author is always available to answer questions regarding his book no matter who is asking or how stupid the question may seem!!
Thank You Frank!!

People who don't like this book must not appreciate the history of this breed. I read this book and not only enjoyed the historical information but the positive stuff Rocca writes about where the breed is headed. Didn't anyone read about the search and rescue, weight pulling, conformation, and hero dogs? There was a whole big chapter devoted to them.
I highly recommend this book, because it is the truth about the dogs...both historically and for the future.

I have read this book and I found that it was very well written. This book encompasses the whole of the breed history from what the dogs were founded on which was fighting dogs to what the dogs have evolved to today... weight pulling champions, obedience and conformation winners as well as search and rescue heroes.
This book was well researched. Rocca took his time and interviewed the old legendary dog men that founded the breed for its spirit and loyalty. He takes us into the true history of this breed and lets you into the world of the American Pit Bull Terrier and gives you the truth and he does not condone any illegal activity with any dog with this book. Rather that the breed has become loving family dogs and that if the wrong people continue to breed and own this wonderful animal that it will become extinct do the ignorance of its' bad owners.
Rocca included some wonderful color and black and white photos that are rare and hard to find. Rocca truly conveys the insight that ...There is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner. So do not blame them, train them.
I as an obedience and weight pull dog instructor refer this book to owners of American Pit Bull Terriers when they ask about the history of the breed.
I look forward to Rocca's next book. Rocca is truly a legend among dog men.

This is a great book mainly because it is the only one of its kind. It covers many aspects of the science of pedal power.

I find that the data supporting some of the experiments, and the conclusions from that data, could use some more flesh. For example, I'm still not entirely sure why a larger diameter wheel has less rolling resistance, but the data supports that conclusion.

I agree with other readers that the book could use an update.

I think this is a great book IF you're a scientist (like me!). Like the other reviews say, it is a little dated - but results are results.
There is a wealth of info in this book, most of it is technical, and there is some fascinating things on human powered flight & HPVs.
I can't remember the exact figure that was quoted for the weights of some of the older historical bikes, but I find it hard to believe that there were such lightweights a hundred years ago (like 6kg). Knowing what I know, I just don't think it would have been feasible.

If you are interested, I wouldn't wait for an updated edition, because they might not make it, and this one is getting pretty darn hard to get.

Warning: I am an engineer with a Ph.D.. So I might enjoy some things that may other can't appreciate. Bicycling Science is for the bicyclist, or someone interested in human-powered vehicles (HPV), who has a background in science, engineering and/or mathematics. I absolutely love this book. There are few books that I've enjoyed more. The reasons why I don't give it five stars are below.

This book can help one separate reality from marketing hype. Does cutting down the weight of spokes really help much? How does crank length affect performance? What affect does cooling have on a cyclist? How much does the difference between cheap bearings and good bearings affect performance? How fast should you really pedal? Are aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber vastly superior to steel? How heavily is someone breathing when they begin breathing through their mouths? How efficient is a person on a bike (in energy per mass per person per speed) compared to a bus, moped, swimmer, horse or hopping bunny? How many wives can you trade your bike for in Nigeria? These questions, and many more, are answered in this book.

The style is very much that of an academic journal, and the book is a survey of the literature in the field. References abound. The authors do their best to combine the results from different sources into a coherent reference. If this style is familiar to you, then you will not feel out of place with this book.

Chapters in the book include those on human power generation, cyclist cooling, wind resistance, the wheel, mechanical friction, braking, balancing and steering, materials and stress, and future developments. I particularly like the chapter on stability, an apparently controversial topic. The chapter presents a plausible theory supported by experiment, and provides a simple equation to calculate a stability factor for a bike design. The book concludes with an interesting chapter on what advances can be made to bicycles and to the infrastructure to make biking more viable as a form of transportation.

I mainly did not give Bicycling Science five stars because it is getting out of date. I'm sure that much additional research has been performed since the 1982 copyright date, and many advances have been made in the last 20 years, particularly those as a result of the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA). The materials section could add data for some of the newer materials used for bikes such as Reynolds 853 steel and some new titanium alloys. Also, the authors tried to present data from different sources on common graphs, and in some cases, I am still puzzled at how to interpret some of the plots. I also felt that sometimes I had a bunch of data dumped in my lap with no conclusions being drawn. For example, after reading the chapter on human power generation, I wasn't sure if one should always attempt to pedal at 90-100 RPM, or should reduce cadence for the required endurance.

My complaints are few and minor, however, and I highly recommend this book to the cyclist, or cycling aficionado, who relishes the math and physics.

The only book that I've heard of that seems to be similar is High-Tech Cycling by Edmund Burke. However, I've not seen it, and reviews of it seem few and far between.

I specifically enjoyed the play "Bend" because it had a "Sixth Sense " type of feel to it. The characters were original, (although some of their barriers of sexual abuse and alcholism were described in a stereotypical and predictable way.) This is a great play for anyone who is dealing with a limited budget, there is really no need for elaborate scenery or costumes. I found the character of the rodeo clown particularly interesting and loved how all of the characters slowly melted into different aspects of the main character and her barriers in life.

I also enjoyed "Purrrfect"... a very fun use of illiteration with creative insights into the feline world.

The other plays I found to be "strange" for "strange sake" and relied on shock value to carry the story with no real point or direction. None of the outlandish behavior (or language) made the plot travel. It reminded me of drunken conversations you have at happy hour that seem witty at the time but sound stupid when we joke about them the next day at work.

Overall, some new and original monologue opportunities for auditions in "Bend" and some fun reading and acting challanges in "Purrrfect". The other plays you can skip over... and pick up some "real" Absurdist Theatre by Pirendello. If you want repetition ("Figaro", "Harry") review a copy of "Who's on First?"... Mr. Frank, have you ever seen listened to "The Barber of Seville" or "The Marriage of Figaro"? Or are you drawing your research out of the Bugs Bunny version?

While this book doesn't have the most origional title for a collection of plays i have ever heard of, it still entertains.

From bend to Hotel 5, this book will make you cry, cry, and then cry some more. Although i will point out the lowpoint of the book (I, Figaro). Can anyone explain that play to me? The rest of the plays justify the spending of your hard earned mula on this fine book, unless you see something else in the store, then i would buy that instead.

Sorry Mr. Frank, but between buying a book or something else. Most people will buy something else. I bought your book because I couldn't afford the something else.

I am a playwright from New York and even though this book is self published it has great quality. The plays are very original and some are quite funny. I recommend this book of plays for those who are looking for something different, but amusing.

Gordon's "The Sacrifice of Isaac" is one of my favorite books. I really, really wanted to like this book, but I found it to be too convoluted and the motives of the character to be questionable. I hope his next book will be an improvement.

This book was a major disappointment but,fortunately, I got it from the library so I only lost a little time. The characters were without dimension, shallow and not the sort one could identify with. I finally got to the point where I could not put up with these people at the snail's pace of the plot. Maybe I gave up too soon; maybe not.

A good book overall but it helped that I had read his other novel "Sacrifice of Isaac" previously. Some characters and plot lines do sort of carry over. This is not a sequel but it doesn't hurt to be familiar with his previous work. Neil Gordon is definitely on his way to greatness!