these stories go beyond your average collection of horror tales, and it isn't hard to tell that maupassant was going over the edge when he penned these. they are less focused on the supernatural than on the chilling capability the human mind has to construct terrifying illusions and reduce the most rational and cerebral man to a shivering mass. you could almost call these philosophical in that maupassant remorselessly exposes the tenuous and fragile nature of our mental health and reminds us that insanity is a potential danger for the more thoughtful and sensitive. this is personally my favorite work as far as maupassant's stuff goes, and anyone with a taste for the morbid, pessimistic or terrifying is well advised to pick this one up right away, although it is pretty rare nowadays and difficult to locate. i took it out of my local library. those who are interested in the field of philosophy should enjoy the brief but somewhat humorous tale, "the smile of schopenhauer", which amuses but at the same time inspires fear. if you're interested in abnormal psychology this is also a must read for you. the creme de la creme of horror literature.

DeMaupassant's unparalled insight into the human condition is strongly in evidence in these tales. Some of the most powerful evocations of fear and pathos even penned, this is in a completely different league from Stephen King and his ilk: it is literature in the best sense.

De Maupassant wrote horror like no one else. His stories are not for the run of the mill Stephen King fan - so if your head isn't screwed down tight, don't attempt this one. However, if you like to hear the brilliant ramblings of a genius-type that's dying of Syphillis, you'll love it!

This book, edited by the great giant of early modern history, John Guy, provides an accessible collection of various essays by respected historians which have recently appeared in more obscure parts of the academic press.

These essays demonstrate the extent to which this period of history is still dominated by Geoffery Elton, who was tutor to two contributors, Guy and David Starkey, at Cambridge. Both historians' currnet writings are a reaction against the ideas of their former tutor, although both also acknowledge their great debt to and respect for him. Starkey is the more populist historian, with his stories about the activities of Henry VIII's bedchamber, but his, to say the least, unique insight is also valuable in that it makes one consider again the function of the early modern court. In his mind these historical figures are very real people, and this is communicated through his writing. John Guy, if less flamboyant, is also fascinating.

I found this ! ! book especially enlightening on the importance of Tudor iconography, especially Elizabeth's use of Yorkist symbols.

As an economic way of reading various opinions on various subjects, this is an invaluable resource for any serious student.

Incidentally, I was not paid or asked by anyone to write this-it is true!

This book is definetly for an avid fan! Christopher Golden is a great author with fantastic ideas. The graphics of this novel were outstanding, and the plot terrific. A must have for any Buffy collector

Set in the third and fourth seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this is a medley of eight stories buy a variety of authors and illustrators. The keynote tale is the two part 'Food Chain,' which traces the fate of a young juvenile delinquent who first runs afoul of a high school student/very bad demoness, and then, when that doesn't work out, invokes a demon who likes murdering all his friends. Buffy, of course, to the rescue.

Other tales include 'The Latest Craze,' the story of what happens when owning miniature demons becomes a fad for the rich and snooty, and 'Double Cross' about a demon who resembles the Alien on steroids and has a knack for being in two places at once. Then there is 'One Small Promise,' a Buffy/Riley tidbit and 'City of Despair,' an interesting story that pits Buffy and Angel against each other in a final confrontation in yet another dimension. The remaining two tales are 'Bad Dog,' in which Oz is freed to so that a geek with low self-esteem can drain Willow's power, and 'Punish Me with Kisses,' a ghost story that is a bit too cute.

On top of offering a set of interesting, well conceived stories, 'Food Chain' has a stellar cast of illustrators. Both the stories and the full page artwork offer a far greater variety than the regular Dark Horse productions, which gives the reader a chance to appreciate different styles and better understand the arcane art of comic book production. If you aren't normally drawn to the graphic novel format, but want something that offers a representative sample of its potential this is the one to own.

It is sad to see the west ganging on such country that is full of uniqueness. A new refreshing point of view that this book has which may have a positive influence on the North American readers. To build a bridge of communication between the west and the intellectual capital of Libya, the country would have to be given a chance to prove its ability to be more communicative.

Arnold presents an objective, informative view of Libya that exposes some of the myths and racist portrayals of Libya and President Gaddafi that is so favored in America. An Arab and Muslim desert country of a mere 4 million people that is demonized as a threat to the 270-million people in the world's only super power is brought to life, and Libya's struggle against such overhelming odds provides interesting reading.

A very informative book, Napoleon: The Final Verdict, describes all aspects of Napoleon's military career. Although it lacked extensive details on individual battles, it gave basic knowledge necesary to understand the Napoleonic Wars. The book is divided into two sections. The First section gives the knowledge obtained on his life. The second section analyzes the information given in the first to help you determine Napoleon's true quality. I especially like the pages of quotes which the author has included in the back of the book.