A tonic against and perhaps a respite from the "everyday" world around us, adding a hope that "everyday" could have the magical qualities that Gordon hearkens us to. The short chapters were an easy 'one a night' read. So engaging, some nights, that one was not enough. Never as heart wrenching as "Chicken Soup for the Soul", a more compact gentler soul-stirring. A reminder to take another look, don't expect greatness, because simplicity is a great reward. To look at something as basic and taken for granted as our alphabet and see the wonder in it evokes a feeling of awe. A light burned a little brighter after reading that chapter. Reading these stories makes me want to sit down and explore my past to see what wonderous moments flickered their lights in my life and of those close to me.

As an ex-New Jersey guy, I really enjoyed the images and the historical information. I highly recommend this book!

I have read well over a hundred books on world war II and I believe that this series by time life books is the best, I highly recommend them to anyone, They get in depth but maintain a level of simplicity that can introduce new concepts of tactical and strategic warfare that even a beginer can understand, note : These Books are not appropriate for Children as they contain Detailed descriptions of violent sitiuations and in some cases full frontal nudity (black and white) in pictures of death, mutilation and rapine. I dont want to paint a picture of grotesqueness but they are not appropriate for a four year olds learning experience. Jeff

My five year old has enjoyed this book several times from the library. The pictures are unusual for children's books and appeal to his love of detail, much as the Where's Waldo books. The introduction to the numerals is very paced and certainly helped me understand them better than ever. If your child is fascinated with math, numbers or counting they will love this book!

I could barely put this book down. It pieces together the events in a celebrated libel action brought in England in 1891. What is at stake? Simply a gentelman's honour, which may not mean much these days. However, for me the whole book was a gripping if sad commentary on human nature and personal motivation, further magnified by the English class system. The plaintiff in the case, a highly decorated soldier, has been accused of cheating in an illegal game of cards. Was he or wasn't he? He simply wishes to clear his name, but other issues are in play - notably that his friend, the Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne, was also (scandalously) playing. The authors skillfully piece together the events of the weekend of the fateful card games before carefully examining the subsequent trial, including brilliant cross examinations, revelations of prejudice among the witnesses and apparent prejudice on the part of England's most senior judge. Why should anybody care about all of this upper class cheek slapping? Perhaps because it contains parallels in today's world at every turn, from the desire of society's lever-pushers to supress a scandal to the way in which people run for cover once the lid is blown off. You don't need to be a lawyer or a historian to read and enjoy this book. It is extremely well researched and written. In fact the only thing I didn't like was the jury's verdict........

Hailey brings out the intricacies of the tumultulous behind the scenes wheeling and dealing in this dramatized novelization of the sopa opera that is the auto industry.

An incredibly well-researched reference, layed out beautifully, enhanced with photos of funny and fascinating political memorabilia; informative, as well as entertaining and lively. A great addition to any school or general library, or to the collection of any avid student or fan of American political and popular culture.

Lydiard has tremendous experience coaching and talks candidly about his experiences with athletes and his training methods. Much seems to be focused on the neophyte runner but a chapter later he will surprisingly discuss physiology and intricate details of training. This was one of the first book I read on training and while many of his examples are from the 50's and 60's the concepts are timeless and simply laid out. There is an extensive training schedule for youth and adults geared toward a number of distances. I have followed the training methods and schedules with tremendous success, improving my 5 mile PR by over 2 minutes. Worth your time!

"The Russian Revolution and Bolshevik Victory:Third Edition," edited and introduced by Ronald Suny and Arthur Adams is a wonderful up-to-date collection of essays from top-notch historians on the current historical debates surrounding the causes and actions of the Russian Revolution.

Books from the PROBLEMS IN EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION SERIES are designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate level European history courses. That being said, this book is not an introductory text. The authors of the articles go directly into their subjects, without providing any significant background information. Therefore, you need to have an historical base level of knowledge to work from. Nonetheless, it is an excellent tool for students, scholars and general readers of modern European history.

The text is best used in class discussions and debate.

This edition has a wonderful chronology of events, which is helpful in preparing for exams.

An excellent representation on Russian historical scholarship

Rory Muir's new title in the field of Napoleonic history, 'Salamanca 1812', is another one of his brilliant efforts. After his previous two books, 'Britain and the Defeat of Napoleon' (which won the best book of the year award of the International Napoleonic Society) and 'Tactics and the Experience of Battle in the Age of Napoleon' its good to see that he has returned with another great Napoleonic title.

This account, which covers one of the great battles of the Peninsular War, provides the reader with an excellent narrative of the events leading up to the battle of Salamanca in 1812, the battle itself and the aftermath. The author has taken a novel approach in this book by splitting each chapter (thirteen in all) into two sections. The main section of each chapter tells the story of the battle and events related to it. The author uses numerous first-hand accounts, from both sides of the fighting, to give the reader a feel for the fighting as experienced by the participants.

The second section of each chapter takes a more in-depth look at the numerous sources available on the battle in question, many well know and a few lesser-known authors as well. The rational behind this is the author's attempt to answer many of the controversies that have arisen over time in relation to the battle. He uses numerous sources to flesh out the questions and problems and offers answers based on a logical appreciation of the known facts.

This format (two sections per chapter) does not detract from your reading pleasure; in fact if you do not wish to read the 'commentary section' you will not lose anything. If you wish to delve further into the conflict or try to find answers to certain questions then you can do so without fear that the narrative is going to get confusing.

The book is 322 pages in length with numerous maps which were of a decent standard and easy to follow. There are a number of Appendixes (5 in total) covering Allied and French strength and losses along with a mini tour guide of the battlefield as it is today. The book also has a number of black and white photographs; many take of the battlefield by the author.

Overall this is a decent account of an interesting and significant Peninsular War battle written by one of the leading authors on the subject of the Napoleonic Wars. I am sure that many Napoleonic buffs will enjoy this account.