I was expecting to be disappointed with these stories since I knew I would be comparing them to the Sherlock Holmes stories. But I enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed the Holmes stories and when I had finished the book I found myself wishing that Doyle had written more stories about the Brigadier Gerard. Gerard is a very different character than Holmes but the characterization is just as brilliant. I highly recommend this book.

Brigadier Gerard is everything that a Briton of Conan Doyle's time thought was an exemplar of the Napoleonic officer - and to a certain extent a charicature of the French themselves. Hopelessly and ridiculously brave, completely lacking in appreciation of the fine British virtues of sportsmanship, a devotion to L'Empereur, rather dim, obsessed with his honor and the honor of La France, and yet rather admirable too in his prickly way.

In this fine book the Brigadier regales us with stories of his youth, when most of Europe was part of the French Empire and opportunities abounded for young men who looked good in cavalry uniform. Gerard tells the story with no irony, but the reader laughs a good deal at the absurdities of the hero. When attempting to shoot the ash off a cigar he destroys the whole cigar instead to the dismay of its smoker who is smoking it at the time. Clearly, Gerard maintains, the pistol is at fault. On a few occasions he succeeds when all expect him to fail and as a result his success is actually a failure. The stories encompass many of the great events of the Napoleonic wars: the horrors of partisan fighting in Spain, the invasion of Russia, war in the German states and Prussia, even capture by the British. Always the stories are superbly told with a very fine eye for realistic detail and they are often quite gripping. Again this is one of those books I am amazed has never been made into a film or a TV series.

George MacDonald Fraser has taken a good deal of the Gerard style for his Flashman series, although of course the two characters are poles apart in morality.

I recommend this book to all lovers of history novels and also to anyone who just likes to read superb stories in the grand old manner, where manly men are engaged in "honest" combat, and where evil enemies, treacherous peasants, and duplicitous politicos usually meet their doom under Gerard's cavalry saber.

For those who only know Conan Doyle via his Sherlock Holmes tales, his second most popular fictional creation may come as quite a revelation. With the eighteen "Brigadier Gerard" tales collected here, he created an affectionately mocking portrait of a swashbuckling French cavalry officer of the Napoleonic era. Gerard is a wonderful comic character, in his own not so humble opinion the foremost rider and swordsmen in all the Grand Armeé, he's also a favorite of the ladies, a stickler on points of honor, first volunteer for hazardous missions-and unbeknownst to him, marvelously thickheaded.

His "exploits and adventures" are presented as reminisces by the old grizzled officer, long into his dotage. Since he doesn't tell these in chronological order, this can be momentarily disconcerting, but only momentarily. Each episode runs approximately 20 to 30 pages and generally concerns some individual adventure he's assigned to or stumbles into. These are uniformly entertaining old-fashioned adventures in which Gerard sometimes triumphs, sometimes fails, but always upholds the honor and glory of the Emperor. He makes an interesting counterpart to Bernard Cornwell's gritty and equally heroic fictional British veteran of the Napoleonic wars, Richard Sharpe.

This new edition is to be commended, but it could have been further improved with the addition of a few maps, a general chronology of the Napoleonic era, and a glossary of the frequently used military terms of the era. Still, these are quibbles, and anyone with more than a passing familiarity with Napoleonic history will have no problems enjoying Gerard's tales.

Mr Arthur has written the bible on sex. This book has changed my life with the ladies. I thought I knew all the tricks with the women but reading this book has taught me I was just an overconifident young man. Now I'm pro thanks to Mr. Arthur he has taught me what really pleases a woman. This guide on sensual pleasure is worth the read and should be considered priceless!!!!

This is HOT stuff. I could not put this book down!
-Lynn Kelly, "Woodman in the Morning" show producer, WSPK-k104FM

The problem I find with so many of the sex instruction books is that they're written in a very clinical style, by a doctor of medical professional. But this book is written as if you were just hearing these wild sexual adventures from a friend. And it can be quite arousing.

I thought the entire section on squirting was absolutely hysterical. So many people still don't believe that female ejaculation exists, but this author has so much experience with it and conveys his lessons so entertainingly within the context of his stories.

I read every single page of this book and thought it was really excellent. One of the very best and most unusual sex instruction books I've ever read -- and I am a professional reviewer of sex instruction books and erotica for Adam & Eve.

Not very good if you actually plan to use this book to find haunted places. The book was published in 1985, so all the information concerning who owns the homes or businesses is out of date. Also, a number of the stories come from people who no longer live in the haunted houses or work in the haunted businesses, or from people choose to keep the locations anonymous. You have no idea if the places are still haunted or if you are even allowed to visit now. It would be nice if the author could go back and do some follow up research and update this book.

If you just want to read some good ghost stories, the book is a fun read. If you want a book to help you start your search for haunted places to visit, this is not it.

The Registers covers haunted places in thirty of the fifty states. It's in essences a ghostly tourist guide. Each chapter includes the location, description of place, ghostly manifestations, history, identity of ghost, personality of ghost, witnesses, best time to witness, and info on any investigations done and who the data was submitted by. The stories of the manifestations really just wet the appetite and leave the reader wanting move. This book gives just a taste of the possible paranormal adventures awaiting visitors at these various and far-ranging sites. Pick up a copy before you plan your next vacation!

The books by Arthur Myers are my VERY favorites on the subject of ghosts.
The layout is WONDERFUL, never set up like a story, but more like an interview. I really hate books about ghosts that make it sound more like a story than an actual account.
Mr Myers seems to have great sense about how to relate this information. It involves real people and real places. The accounts are always accompanied with pictures of the location, the actual witnesses, and a few pictures of ghostly manifestations (orbs, a couple apparitions and mists)
Information is also provided from his perception and from any psychic or paranormal investigator who've been to the site. Mr Meyers also approaches everything in a very courteous way. His writing is "light" never dry. His friendly manner always shines through. Which makes his books much more enjoyable to read.

This book contains 64 stories in 358 pages covering most of the states in the U.S.
Including an investigation of the Queen Mary, a retired luxery liner, docked in Long Beach California. British built and set sail on it's maiden voyage in 1936. It's experienced many deaths, natural and unnatural. Like when the ships chef was actually shoved into an oven, where he died.

The author goes aboard John Wayne's former yaht, now with new owners who've experienced some strange happenings, they attribute to the "Duke".

It includes a facinating story about one wierd Toys R Us in California. The store has had a history of scary happenings. And renown psychic Sylvia Brown investigates. Includes a spooky picture of the reputed ghost, taken during the investigation. Shown first in infra-red film and regular film, then blown up to a reveal a apparent apparition. The employees tell of someone standing behind them, touching their hair. And someone banging on a door at closing time, when no one was supposed to be there!

Also: Edith Wharton's former mansion, which has since been inhabitited by a girls school called "Foxhollow School" which used the building called "The Mount" as a dormitory. In 1978 an acting troupe moved in called "Shakespeare and Company". Witnesses include Shakespearean actors and former alumnas of the former girls school.

The book explores many old buildings in New England. And has a very interesting story about an old inn in Pennsylvania called "The General Wayne Inn" which is the longest operating Inn in the country. Built in 1704. And serving such famous people as : George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allen Poe. Originally called Streeper's Tavern it's changed it's name in honor of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne who conquered lands from the Indians between Ohio and Mississippi in 1795, and had a three day bash at the tavern. It's reputed to have ghosts from three different centuries.

And a story about a restaurant in Florida called Ashley's Restaurant, built in the late 1920's it's changed owners many times and names too: The Loose Caboose, The Mad Duchess, The Sparrow Hawk, Gentlemen Jim's. Now it's experiencing things descibed as "ominous" by the then owner. This also includes a frightening picture.
Many, many more stories....And many places dicussed were public, and probably still are public. Though they may have changed hands, and names. But the adresses are given.

The first thing that happened when I opened this book is that the Statue of Liberty fell out into my lap. Then I discovered that the Empire State Building doesn't actually pop up; you have to pry it up, and hope that you're not wrecking something in the process. This is true of most of the "pop-ups" in the book. Also, lift-up tabs get in the way of some of the pop-ups (or vice-versa). I'd say it's a lot of clever ideas badly executed. Probably the makers were trying to do too much. But in spite of all this, I still like it, and if you collect pop-up books, you probably will too. Just be ready to re-construct and re-glue a lot of the stuff.

I purchased this Pop Up Book for a 14 year old friend who enjoys Pop Up Books. At the last minute, I decided to purchase one for myself. Both of us are going to New York in the future and thought it might be a good guide. This book is absolutely wonderful. I have enjoyed each page. The detail is tremendous. The writing is entertaining and informative. The Pop Ups give you a feeling of "being there".

This is a fabulous paper construction that astounds me each time I open it. In addition to popups of the Brooklyn Bridge and other landmarks, the pages overflow with tiny newspapers, letters and magazines you can pull out and read. I grew up in the city, so it's even more fun to see it in paper. (My favorite? I think the Hirschfeld popup of the original cast of "Guys & Dolls.") A lot of fun, and one for which clean, dry hands are a must! Oh--the text aint bad either.

Every chapter, page, paragraph, sentence and word of this book rings with the kind of quality that can only come from years of one's life labored in love. If you like good prose, prose that goes beyond just telling a story and evokes (or invokes) something extraordinary, do yourself a favor and get 'Crazy Horse In Heaven' now! I've almost read everything in print by Mr. Arthur and he's quickly becoming one of my favorite writers - he hasn't done anything even remotely second-rate.

Arthur's writing style thrusts you into the middle of the book, subjecting all your senses to everything the characters are experiencing as well. All the elements of his book come together incredibly well. His original ideas are most welcome. He does a very nice job constructing this poetic, apocalyptic sci-fi novel. Awesome reading.

Arthur's style of writing is captivating. He is a descriptive genius who will envelope you in the world of his novel. Crazy Horse in Heaven is not for the feint of heart, it is a story with apocolyptic imagery that will take you on a journey with a group of men who have been ripped from the reality of their normal lives and placed in a dark world where anything can happen. A fantastic novel that will keep you turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. Buy it. Read it. You won't regret it.

Freemantle offers us a interesting look as if opening a time capsule of information in 1863. Freemantle enters Texas and his journey starts there. Soon he discovers how soldiers and civilians of the south live and handle the hardships of war. Freemantle meets many popular Southern leaders such as Johnston, Davis, Lee, Longstreet during his travels. He is very fortunate to give us interesting views of the people involved in hardships and conflicts in various cities of the south such as Jackson, Vicksburg, Richmond, Winchester and others. His information certainly documents the timeline. I was most interested in reading about his Gettysburg exploits as he has become more famous in modern times most likely due to the movie, "Gettysburg" in which he presented. I was curious to read about his opinion and eye witness accounts which helped support explanations regarding the Battle of Gettysburg. Freemantle doesn't involve himself in many details of battles or conflicts. He likes to write about people and share his opinion of them. After Gettysburg Freemantle travels north to board the ship China which will take him back home to England. In doing this we are offered more interesting commentary as he writes about northern views and how northerners are coping with the draft, slavery and the war. Overall this is a quick book to read although it is vital for any historian looking to understand people and places during the early summer of 1863. I recommend it!

Fremantle's diary offers an interesting and indeed first -hand view of the Confederacy during his brief tenure in the Southern states. The reader quickly realizes that Fremantle has become quite enamoured with the Southern spirit and elan. Once I finished this marvelous account, I did, though, wonder what his diary would have been like if he'd begun his journey in more Northern climes. It is most interesting to see his natural European bias show at times - his usual disdain for the Dutch and Germans of Pennsylvania, and of course, his affinity for the Southern aristocracy of which as a Brit he is well versed.Also of note is the fact that this account was published shortly after his travels - hence, we see no post-war agenda being served like many other after-the-fact memoirs and such. All said, a wonderful look at the times with a true "you are there" approach (don't miss his climbing in the trees to get a good glimpse of the battlefield at Gettysburg!)

Lieut. -Col. Arthur Fremantle has not given us in this work a tired and boring look at strategy and tactics. He has also not told us anything new about the leading men of the Confederacy. What the reader will get is an excellent look at day to day life in the Confederate army and in the southern nation itself.

The lack of tactical detail could result from the fact that Fremantle, although a career military man had never seen combat until Gettysburg. It could also result from his desire to avoid aiding the north by giving away secrets while the war was still in progress. There are, after all, instances in the book where Fremantle makes it clear that he is not writing about all he saw for that very reason. Whatever the reason, I'm happy he left out the tactics for it would have only slowed down a marvelous account of Fremantle's trip through the Confederacy.

It is obvious early on that Fremantle is very taken with the south and some of his stories about happy slaves might reflect a bit of propaganda. Overall however, his stories of individual behavior are more than credible and drive home the point that this war was affecting the lives of real people, not historical figures. The stories of hotel keepers in northern territory that were hesitant to let him have a room until he produced gold coin for payment, the slave of a Confederate officer leading a Yankee prisoner by a rope tied around the poor prisoner's neck, and the several stories of southern women being far more antagonistic toward the north than were the men, all help bring the human side of the civil war to life. Reading Fremantle's account of General Lee's behavior as his broken troops returned to Seminary Ridge after the disaster now called Pickett's charge almost makes the reader feel as if they were there.

Read this book with a small grain of salt, remembering that Fremantle is writing this book in England while the war is still in progress. His anti-Irish bias kept getting under my skin but as with the rest of the book, you must keep in mind who is writing the narrative and when it was written. Overall however, I think the reader will find that Fremantle's observations are both entertaining and enlightening.

This was a simply written and quite charming novel. Whilst it did give an insight into the lives of a moderately wealthy English family in 1931, it lacked plot and real structure and for this reason I am unlikely to read more by this author at this stage - especially when there are simply too many other great books out there to read. A gentle, easy read but a little disappointing.

I reread this every year or two, and love it each time. Admittedly,a product of its time and place, capturing life among the genteely-poor gentry in an English village between the wars(WW's I & II). The diary format makes the provincial lady's narration of and commentary on the events around her doubly funny, as she struggles to run her household and not be driven crazy by nice but dull husband, snobbish wife of husband's boss,disputes among servants,quandaries about children, etc.--and to find time to keep a sense of herself as a professional writer. Not deep, but funny and often touching.

Delafield's Diary of a Provencial Lady is a classic that shares company with the likes of Eudora Welty, Kate Chopin and even Twain. Unlike Welty, Delafield is chatty. But don't let the airy prose fool you. She captures all the wit and humor of a woman's provencial life in England. Where Chopin's Awakening is tragic and dream-like, Delafield's world briskly bumbles along. Her use of present tense almost makes you breathless. Delafield immediately sets a quick pace and you want to read on and on to to keep up with all the "goings on" in the book. The piece is masterfully written and is a must for those looking to expand their literary boundaries.

This book is not simply a description of the tomb or complicated archeological jargon, but was written to inform the curious while the tomb was being cleared. It still contains a sense of currency that captures a rare event in recovering the past. Starting with a biography of Lord Carnarvon who financed the expedition, then goes on to describe in subsequent chapters what they knew of King Tut at the time, and the background of the Valley of the Kings and a discussion on the theft of antiquities. Then about half way through begins the story of Carter's involvement. With a combination of the words and pictures it is possible to get a glimmer of what events were like for them. Even to his irksome view of people who interrupted the work by insisting upon a tour of the tomb, or his peevish rebuttal against those who consider an archeologists work akin to a day at the beach. Anyway, through it all it is an engaging book. Includes 105 photographs, however in black and white. It should be known that this account is not of the complete find and primarily concerns finds in the Antechamber, and not the Annex or Shrine. Still, the book is titled the "Discovery" so this should not come as a surprise.

3 years ago my parents took me on holiday to Egypt, which I was very angry about at first because its was'nt a 'proper holiday' (too much education involved). Now I look back on it as the most inspirational 2 weeks of my life. This book compliments the travels perfectly. The book really shows how determined Howard Carter was to discovering Tut's tomb, and how close he got to never finding it at all. The book documents one of the greatest discoverys in the past century and will make you want to visit the tomb. Please read this book!!

Written for a curious public, this is Howard Carter's only published account of the finding of the tomb and clearing of the "Antechamber". It is easy for some, more than 75 years after its discovery to fault Carter for his handling of many of the objects from the tomb. Here you can read of some of the problems and his solutions first hand. Included are the photos Burton took during the clearance. Some of these are to be found nowhere else. The step by step emptying of the famous "Painted chest" is fascinating. You can actually see the condition of the objects deteriorate as the bottom of the box is reached.

This book is a total original. Laugh out loud funny. A fresh mystery. With characters we thought we knew before. I read it twice! Simply great.

Satterhwait's sardonic descriptions and droll characterizations made me roll with laughter and kept me awake far past my bedtime for a school night. I look forward to his next book with Phil Beaumont and the latest Pinkerton, Jane Turner.

The first time I read this book, I could not put it down -- I read straight through and emerged after the last page, dazed, wondering where I was. This book is funny, witty, and well-written. It's a great send-up of the English country-house murder mysteries I used to read. I have given away several copies of *Escapade* and I always keep a spare copy for lending out. I highly recommend this book!