"Baseball's Best Shots" professes to be "The Greatest Baseball Photography of All Time." But if you flip through this book expecting to see page after page of memorable photographs you have seen before, then you need to know that is not going to happen. I did recognize almost a dozen of these photographs, almost all of which were old black & white photographs of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and other baseball immortals. Of course, those old photos are almost all posed shots, and most of this book is filled with color photograph of game shots of more contemporary players. There are some nice photographs (like the one of Mark McGwire's bat bending from the sheer power of his swing as he is about to make contact with the ball), but the vast majority of them are really nothing special. I agree with the earlier review that said this book was not a keeper. Baseball fans will look through this book one or twice, but I have to doubt they will go through the batting order a third time. Even if they changed the sub-title to something less hyperbolic, it is not really going to make you like this book any better.

This ione is worth the bucks for that coffee table! Stunning work!

Beautiful pictures Perfect book for anyone who loves the game of baseball.

This is, for anybody Catholic or non-Catholic who is interested in the Pope, a good read. But the book is flawed by a full jar of political intrigue. I would buy it, but for the story of the man, not the story of the CIA files on him.

Pope John Paul caught the world's attention with his work to end communism in Central Europe. I am not a Catholic, but I have the utmost regard for what this man has accomplished. The title of this book gives away the author's regard for him also. The Americans give credit for the fall of communism to former Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev, especially in the video series 'Biography of the Millennium' done by A&E, but without the Pope's knowledge of the Central Europeans it would have just been a dream of theirs. I read this book with a great deal of relief that it had been published during the Pope's lifetime. He would probably regard the historical oversight of his work with less frustration than many of his supporters.

This book, which uses the subject's life as a framework for reviewing events and political philosophies leading up to the millenium, has much to recommend it to the general reader..... One need not be intimidated by its size and scope; it's extremely readable and consistently fascinating. As a non-Catholic, I was surprised to learn how very complex and interesting this man Wojtyla is, and, like the movie "Titanic", the inside story of Poland's liberation is exciting, even though one pretty much already knows how it's going to turn out!.... I was also intrigued by the material in the book detailing the origins of the Pope's unpopular views on women and sex, and by the author's discussion of methods used by John Paul II in his struggle against Soviet tyranny as contrasted to those employed by our own government..... While I don't know whether I believe Kwitny's conclusions about the irresistible force of high moral courage -- will the Pope's methods work for the Dalai Lama against the Red Chinese without Star Wars waiting in the wings?? -- I certainly want to believe them, and the evidence marshalled in Man of the Century is both convincing and inspiring.

I enjoyed this book, and despite the fact that it only has 122 pages of reading, there is still much to be learned within. It covers all the basics, and I think it's very good for the beginner. It doesn't delve into the history of Witchcraft all that much, so I would recommend Drawing Down The Moon by Margot Adler as well. All in all this is a great little book.

Blessed Be!

As a fast easy reference book, I found it to be very easy to use. It gives a brief history, but gets down to business with the actual information that you are seeking in order to accomplish your magick. Very good for beginners.

"Pocket Guide to Wicca," by Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels, is an effective, user-friendly introduction to a diverse and growing religious movement. Practicing Wiccans themselves, Tuitean and Daniels share a wealth of data in a very readable style.

Despite its length of only 128 pages, the book covers a good range of subjects: the history of Wicca, Wiccan beliefs and practices, coven organization, festivals and rites of passage, ritual tools, etc. I was particularly fascinated by the brief history of Wicca, which covers the work of Gerald Gardner and other pioneers.

The authors describe Wicca as "a modern version of the original pre-Christian, European shamanic religious tradition." In addition to putting out basic information about Wicca, the authors also clearly mean to dispel "misunderstanding and. . . misconceptions" about this religion and its adherents.

Although I do not practice Wicca myself, I am a strong believer in religious tolerance and interfaith education. I thus salute Tuitean and Daniels for their work on this book. If "Pocket Guide to Wicca" helps to empower Wiccans and to dispel prejudice among non-Wiccans, then all people, regardless of religious identity, will benefit.

It tells a lot for a scrapbook. It has a lot of picures that are rare. Its a must for any Mary-Kate and Ashley fan. It would be good for a beginner who knows nothing about the Olsen Twins or knows veary little. Its also good for someone who knows a lot about them but best for someone who knows less because someone who knows a lot probably wants to know more. They might get tired of hearing the same thing over and over.

This book tells about the young girls, Mary-kate and Ashley, as the grow up from when they were babies on Full House till when they were kids making videos, movies, CDS, and books. It has gret photos too!

Who here is a huge Olsen Fan? Well if you are one then you came to the right place. This book is for you. It shows you rare pictures of them and gives you inside scoop on them. Although if you really want to get to know them more check out Mary-Kate and Ashley Our Story the Official Bioghraphy.

The majority of the book was actually on the passage of desegratation. Very interesting though. It was a wake up call of how our judges create law rather than interpret it. There were many other instances of government social engineering interlaced among the main story.

In *The New Color Line: How Quotas and Privilege Destroy Democracy*, Paul Craig Roberts and Lawrence M. Stratton argue compellingly that Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the landmark Supeme Court decision that struck down the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, was a product not of sound, impartial legal reasoning but of extra-constitutional judicial activism based on sociological theories and good intentions, with disastrous long-term consequences for America.

The progression of legal precedents that the authors trace from the Brown decision through the 1990s proves the long-term danger of reading law non-literally or "in the light of changing times." The1964 Civil Rights Act, the authors show, was especially harmful. Its vices aside, it had this virtue: it was clearly intended, as evidenced by the Congressional record and the plain language of the Act itself, to prohibit racial quotas. Yet to no avail. In the judicial atmosphere of the time, encouraged by the Brown decision, the Act meant anything a judge declared it to mean. Determined to ensure disadvantaged groups not just equal rights but rights to equal results, increasingly activist judges gave to minorities and women, in flagrant judicial usurpation of powers that properly belong to the legislature, a host of new privileges at the expense of the legitimate rights of white males--or of anyone who wishes to succeed in life on his own merit, for that matter.

I have two significant criticisms of the book. First, while the authors include a voluminous bibliography of articles, books, court records and government documents, there are few actual citations. This aggravating lack of footnotes makes it difficult to do research to check the book for distortions, thereby diminishing, in my eyes, the authors' credibility. Stratton, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, should know better given the vitriol that such a book as this one is likely to elicit from critics.

Second, the authors' political philosophy is rooted in conventional conservatism, with all its flaws. As their book's subtitle implies, their chief end is the preservation of "democracy"--meaning majority rule, minority oppression, whatever kind of benevolent spin they attempt to put on it. They thus cede ground to the collectivists and open themselves to attack on multiple fronts--such as that, whatever their assertions to the contrary, the Supreme Court is a fundamentally *un*democratic institution. Their belief in a strict constructionist interpretation of the Constitution is laudable but needs a firm grounding in individual rights to be effective.

For good political philosophy, I recommend Dr. Tara Smith's groundbreaking *Moral Rights and Political Freedom*. It is Roberts and Stratton's account of the Brown decision and its consequences that makes their book worth reading.

I think it telling that the ANONYMOUS reviewer on Feb. 2nd below seemed to have little to say about the book, but instead bloviated about the vast-right wing conspiracy. I doubt he/she read it - probably just some Democrat intern with little else to do.

This book offered an actual in-depth inspection of the danger of allowing the courts to rule - something the Founding Fathers warned about but continues to go on with barely a mention. I think the Founding Fathers would have been disappointed in our apathy. They fought a revolution for less.

Before reviewing this book, you should know that it contains much foul language and many references to paid sex. If such things offend you, skip Night Train to Rangoon.

The story itself is based on apparently coincidental travel by a number of highly unusual people. You will feel like you are reading a screenplay at times about one of those movies where 10 great actors take small roles. One of Hollywood's biggest teen stars is there with her obese and overbearing mother on their way to shooting a new film in the Orient. An alcoholic golf champion is on his way to an important tournament in Hong Kong. A very capable French physician is traveling with his wife. A Soviet agent posing as a fertilizer salesmen is in the middle of an assignment to make a delivery. An American diplomat is passing through on a final trip near the end of his career. One of India's greatest film directors shows up. An American couple who want to make films are along. And there's a luscious Eurasian woman who attracts the attention of all the men, but speaks to none. In the background, there's something that's being plotted for their Air France flight.

The story builds like a kaleidoscope from bits and pieces of observations and experiences by each of the travelers. Soon, mysterious events occur. What's going on? Eliminate the impossible, and you will be left with the answer. The resolution fits the observed facts very well, so those who like to solve mysteries before their resolution is revealed will enjoy this book.

I had three problems with the book. First, many of the people in Night Train to Rangoon are so out-of-control that the action tends to strain credibility. Second, almost every character is a victim or a victimizer. The victimizers are never attractive, and the weaknesses of the victims that make them exploitable are seldom attractive. So most of these characters got on my nerves rather than drew my attention. Third, the ultimate mystery fell flat for me. The mystery relates more to the stupidity of the victimizers than any real necessity. As part of that, accomplishing many of the major elements of the story will seem like they are filled with leaps.

Although the story will hold your attention, it fails to have the compelling appeal of the attractive young heroine of Murder in Mexico. If you only read one book by Mr. Rosner, I suggest Murder in Mexico over Night Train to Rangoon.

After you finish this book, reflect on how appetite can become compulsion. Where can you avoid letting compulsion take over your actions?

Stop. Take a breath. Mount your courage. And choose the right path!

In 1974 Burmese soldiers hijack Air France Flight 194 after it left Bombay. They want to land in Rangoon, but fog forces them to go to Mogok. The military arrests internationally acclaimed director Sarajini Rama for delivering two and a half million rubles to the revolutionaries as a courier. Since the plane is too big to lift off from Mogok, the plan for the other hostages is to escort their "guests" by train to Rangoon where everyone will board a plane and continue on to their destinations.

When Sarajini tries to escape, the soldiers open fire and kill him. However, the bullet that murdered Sarajini did not go through his back, which is where the soldiers were aiming. Instead, it came through his chest meaning one of the guests killed the movie great. Could it be the two elderly odd Minnesota women or the Russian? Or perhaps the hippie couple? The teen movie star, her mother, her lover, or the diplomat? The Burmese do not care though they wonder where the stash is.

Fans of an exciting historical Asian who-done-it will fully relish the NIGHT TRAIN TO RANGOON. Paul Rosner takes his time developing the key cast members in this ensemble tale (reminiscent of Christie), but once the dysfunctional and loving relationships are established, the story line goes into hyperspeed. Readers will enjoy this engaging political crime thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Closer to 4 stars than three.

Author Paul Rosner has assembled a group of characters that whether flying, traveling by rail, or by car, are eclectic, eccentric, likable, lovable, homicidal, easy to despise, and more. Some are characters you will support, while many others you would happily see thrown from the plane. And to round this menagerie out, there are the most polite hijackers, and of course love interests that, whether real or imagined, quickly pass the familiar triangle on their way to something approximating an octagonal.

It would be both too easy and unfair to say this novel is nothing more than a derivative Agatha Christie adventure. It is accurate that a portion of this story takes place on a train, involves dark crimes and passions, and some dark humor. But however much it may remind you of the classics of this genre this book is done well. There are those who imitate because they lack original thought, however Authors who write a good tale can be legitimate members of a genre, Mr. Rosner is decidedly in the latter group.

The Author is also a member of a growing number of, "self-published", writers that for whatever reasons are not part of the select few who habitually clutter the top spots on the bestseller lists. There are many writers who produce great books, there are also those who gain a celebrity endorsement and are immediately, "legitimized", celebrated, and their books are bought by the ton. Hopefully writers who are published with some assistance, or by small publishers will continue to gain more attention and become more widely read. There are a large number of very good writers who in time may find their way to various rankings that help the sale of books. When they do it will be after earning a following and not a seal of approval that means nothing as it pertains to the quality of what resides between the covers.

Mr. Rosner has written a solid book for mystery fans with his debut novel. It is every bit as good as the first efforts of the more familiar brand names, and better than some on the present bestseller list. It is not perfect but is written with the skill to justify further books. I don't believe picking apart new Authors on minor detail is important as long as the whole is well planned. One of the issues that stuck in my throat was a person who was no marksman gunning down an individual from an extraordinary distance from an elevated position. Bug issue no, in later works I am sure these details will be refined.

Read this boook, and peruse his liberal voting record, and then you will be glad that he's gone.

The name "Paul Simon" comes with it an aura of respect and admiration from both political parties in Illinois. Paul Simon was a principled liberal and a true blue Democrat, working on both sides of the aisle to get things accomplished in congress yet being standing for core Democratic ideals, like workers rights, social programs, and civil rights for all Americans. He was first elected from the Deep South of Illinois, a traditionally conservative area, as a state legislator and then a US Representative after having made a reputation for himself as a fighter of corruption with his work as a newspaper publisher and editor. He was elected to the US Senate during the Reagan landslide of '84, defeating Republican Senator Chuck Percy, a former liberal Republican who had campaigned on "100% support for the Reagan program". Simon didn't shy away from unpopular votes he made in the house, like his vote against the Reagan tax cut and instead defended his position and attacked Percy for being wishy washy himself. Simon gave the image of a principled Democrat who stood for core Democratic ideals and was willing to work hard and independently for what he stood for, and his hard work, strong record, and dedication led him to victory in 1984 when Ronald Reagan carried Illinois by 600,000 votes.

Simon ran for President in 1988, having made a good showing but having lost because of a lack of funds. He would have made a fine president, in my opinion. His speech for his announcement of his candidacy presents a point that has cemented my belief in a Democratic party -

"The tradition of fighting for decent jobs for all Americans and long-term care for seniors, the tradition of leveling with the American people and having pay-as-you-go government, the concern for quality education for everyone, the tradition of standing up for human rights - these are traditions I embrace, not just with this speech but with my whole heart. Those who tell us to abandon these traditions are telling us to abandon our soul and our chance of winning. I'm pleased that there is a Republican Party, but one Republican Party is enough. You can't win an election by standing for nothing."

In reading the account of this great man, I have renewed hope in what my party stands for. It is true that we are going through a tough time right now and that men like Paul Simon in congress are fewer than before, but the mere fact that people like him can exist in our political system is enough to give me hope for the future. We need more men like Paul Simon.

Simon is truthful and covers many political bases in his book, from Presidents to the media. In it, Simon dispels all possible doubt from his reader of his reputation as an even handed and principled politicians. Simon never shied away from unpopular issues if he believed in them, Simon never let himself get overly partisan and never let politics get in the way of serving the people. I can say that my only dissapointment is that this man isn't serving us anymore, becuase now in these troubled times do we need his leadership the most.

I have had the opportunity to deal with Paul Simon in a student/teacher relationship. Let me assure anyone who has read or is interested in reading this book that Paul Simon is as sincere as he sounds. Readers who carry the standard stereotypes of politicians should be made aware of the fact the former senator is indeed as high moraled as anyone could be as a leader of our country. He has battle for what he believed to be right instead of what would get him re-elected. It is absolutely refreshing to see a political figure who genuinely wants to make a difference and improve the nation and the world. When the founding fathers set up the framework for this country they had men like Paul Simon in mind to run the "great experiment." Paul Simon is not just a great politician, but an amazing man.

She veers off into things that really don't pertain to the needed info about Vincent V. Too much like a history lesson on WW2! How about some info on other masterpieces and there values like, is Starry night worth more than Dr.Gachet? Some art experts put it over that and the value of the Mona Lisa(125,000,000!)Also where is the painting at now and go into why Saito kept it away from the public!?The book in my opinion was done too early!Hey, why don't I write the sequel I could do alot better job in my opinion!

While reading about the history of the Sotheby's and Christie's Auction Houses the story of the highest priced paid for a painting at auction was quite a tale. I qualify my comment with an auction sale, as the possibility exists that somewhere an individual may have spent more. Based on what I have read I doubt it, for even with all the deception in the art world, secrets are not particularly well kept.

Ms. Cynthia Saltzman has written a scholarly work that is readable by anyone who enjoys well-written history, or even a novel. The course this painting has taken in a bit more than 110 years is as extraordinary as the price paid when it was last sold.

Vincent Van Gogh was a troubled man who managed to produce a rather large body or work before tragically taking his own life. There are dozens of speculations as to the manner of disease he suffered, but suffer he did. Van Gogh did not live to see any appreciation of his art, and even for years after his death his work was not of any renown nor sought after. This final portrait that he was to paint did not sell for 7 years after his death, and even then the purchase price was $58 in US currency.

Over the next 14 years the painting would again change hands 4 more times, and with the last of the 4 sales became a museum piece for the first time. The locale was Frankfurt, the year 1911, and the price $3861. It was this last move that was to place this painting and hundreds of others into a collection of Art deemed "degenerate" by the Nazis of Hitler's Germany. The piece also was in the possession of Herman Goering briefly. Fortunately for the painting it was sold outside of Germany, where a new owner would hold it for the next 52 years. The Germans may have thought it degenerate for propaganda purposes, but money was another matter. While the painting was confiscated, when sold in 1938 the passing 17 years brought the value to $20,000.

Until the next and final sale the painting would be hung in a home in New York City, the property of private collectors. When the "crazy years" of the art market arrived impressionist work was in great demand, much of which was generated from Japan. For in 1995 Mr. Saito paid $82.5 million, and then 2 days later another $78.5 million was spent by the same man on a Renoir. What has happened since then really has to be read as it would make a great novel were it fiction.

Ms. Saltzman has done an amazing job of documentary work, and added the history of the times surrounding the work, as well as those who sought the piece, and the personalities of those who came in contact with, or were the temporary custodians of the work, "The Gachet".

A wonderful read for anyone who enjoys a good story written with consummate skill and style.

It was very interesting story for me to know this masterpiece's history. However, it was too much skipped the history in Japanese period and sometimes I did feel that she has a prejudice against Japanese culture. She investigated history in Europe very well but less investigation in Japan ! I wanted her to investigate it more. Anyway, it was very interesting and I want to recommend it very much.

Reprisal, the 5th book in F. Paul Wilson's epic "Adversary Cycle" started off pretty slowly, but by the end he had done something no other Author (Except William Peter Blatty with "The Exorcist"...) has ever done: Made me want to sleep with the lights on.....

Picking up twenty-some-odd years after "Reborn" ended, the book focuses on the reborn incarnation of EVIL (So evil he deserves all capitals!), Rasalom, last seen in the first book, "The Keep". To say just what he's up to, and who he's doing it to, would do a disservice to people who haven't read the series yet. The book is swimming with familiar characters from the previous books, as well as introducing some memorable new ones. After a slow start, Wilson digresses to an extended flashback that had such a bone-chilling effect on me that I actually didn't want to go to sleep. I literally could not put the book down, but I almost dreaded reading further. To say the events depicted in the flashback are disturbing would be an understatement. By the end of the book, Wilson has perfectly set the stage for the final book, Nightworld. I can't wait to read it. Reprisal was THAT GOOD.

Problems..? A few. As I said, the book was a little slow at first, and I really never warmed to one of the main characters, Lisl. The illustrations, by John and Laura Lakey, are pretty bland and nondescript. The only one that really worked for me was the one depicting poor Danny....The cover illustration is amazing, however. Also, the Dark Harvest edition has a TON of spelling/Grammar errors, including Lisl repeatedly being referred to as "Lisa", and a few paragraphes of total gibberish in the last chapter, including a paragraph that seems to have been dropped in from the next book, Nightworld. Really sloppy. The book looks GREAT however; If you can find a nice Copy of the Dark Harvest book, I'd say grab it.

Reprisal represents a pretty serious shift in the Adversary Cycle's tone and focus. This is an intimate psychological horror story about corruption and revenge (hence the title) rather than conspiracy or otherworldly beings/monsters, at least on the surface. The Evil One has been reborn and, in an interesting twist, decides to have some fun torturing a surviving character from Reborn by defiling and destroying those close to him. These assaults are pretty spine chilling in their utterly soulless ferocity and, as one review points out, may offend some feint of heart readers. Be warned, some sequences will leave you pretty shaken up. Recommended.

This book is one of the greats in thrilling and horrifying its reading...This book, in many ways, came out even better than some of the horrifying Stephen King novels, which we all know are first-rate thrillers. You'll have to read it yourself to find out why!

I really enjoyed this well written book. Even though I'm not a fan of half the rockers Pamela wrote about, the book drew me in. The chapter on Chuck Berry was the best. This is definitely the sort of stuff Chuck left out in his own autobiography! The stuff on Gram Parsons brought tears to my eyes. I'm looking forward to any future books by Miss Des Barres, but for now I'll have to be content reading her column for E! entertainment online.

I found this to be a fascinating book and so did my girlfriend who borrowed it and enjoyed it so much she didn't want to give it back. It is so accurate and full of detail - real rock and rock history. The photos and the way it is written really evoked memories for me.. A powerful book worth reading.

(resubmitted; my name was deleted)

March 24, 1999

A huge chunk of history of the 1960s would have been lost if Pamela des Barres hadn't written about her exploits in her two previous books. "Rock Bottom : Dark Moments in Music Babylon" isn't a sequel to her autobiographies, however; it's a series of mini-biographies of some of our dearly departed musicians. Pamela manages to bring a personal aspect to the interviews -- while maintaining her true image as a friendly face and not a hanger-on. The book is well-written and witty at times, even though the deaths are heartbreaking. It's incredibly apropos that I received the book as a gift from a dear friend who owns a record store! My only slightly negative comment is that Pamela des Barres has never written about the Grateful Dead in her books. Her love of music isn't confined to any one genre, and she was in the same area of the country at the same time... I believe that Jerry's death was well before publication of this book. I'm looking forward to another history by Pamela des Barres. She brings history to life, and makes it more fun than any of my high school teachers ever did (no offense!) even when the stories are sad. Thanks for writing the book :) Cordially, Rebekah Sue Harris