"The Canonical Compendium" is the answer to a maiden's prayer! (provided, of course, that the maiden is a Sherlockian) With this book in hand, you will be able to answer any questions you might ever have about the Canon. Buy it!

If you want to find facts fast, this is the book. Indices of every story. Clarkson has done an admirable job!

There are many wonderful features to the Canonical Compendium, but four in particular set it apart from other index tools I have used. The first is its indexes to the indexes, which makes it easy to find the various categories and subcategories. The second is that the references are given in context, so that the researcher can find out immediately how the name or word is actually used in the story. This arrangement also spares the researcher from having to know the context in order to find the item in the first place. A third feature is the page layout and size of the book. The spacious two-column format allows the eye to scan the page quickly and accurately, and the book stays open to the page you are working on - no trivial matter on a crowded work table! The book's size also prevents concealment by any Gilchrists who might be tempted to use the Compendium to cheat on Sherlockian quizzes! But the greatest feature of the Compendium is Steve Clarkson's sense of humor. Take this reference item, for example: "Dog, Lady Brackenstall's, ignited by Sir Eustace. This is the only mention of a hot dog in the Canon." The Canonical Compendium is loaded with these little gems, making it the reference volume you will use with a grin on your face. How did I ever function as a Sherlockian without this book!

This work of Sir Conan Doyle clearly shows that detective stories did not limit his interests. An excellent adventure and a well written one. What else do we need in a good book? This is very solid five stars.

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

How Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can write a character that is irritatingly arrogant yet, charmingly loyal and naive is beyond me. The depth of Gerard's character rivals even the great Sherlock Holmes. Just as with his more famous counterpart(Holmes), Gerard is not just a hero(although there can be no questioning his bravery),he can also be a clown,(without ever realizing it)a ladies man, the greatest swordsman in the Grande' Armee(or at least so he tells us). With exciting short stories we venture through Gerard's career as a cavalry officer. He quite often bumbles his way into situations an officer of his rank should never allow himself into yet, it is these situations once gotten out of(after much daring and a little bit of luck)that build not only his career but, the readers passion for his character. These stories are an excellent companion to the more famous Sherlock Holmes stories. Where have all the writers with skills like Doyle's gone?

... this should be one of them. Whenever the cupboards are looking lean, I am always able to scrape up something delicious out of practically nothing with the guidance of _What to Cook_. Most of the recipes are very quick and easy to make, light on preparation, and fabulous. Bless you, Arthur Schwartz!

Although it doesn't suffer for the lack of a color, photo section, I think every cookbook should have one: hence, 4 stars.

If you could peek into my home and watch me cook, more often than not, "What to Cook" is my main book and Betty Crocker is my reference.

I never thought I'd see easier (or more) uses for simple staple items. I like the way the book is organized by main ingredient so I can look in my cupboards and see what I have, then go to the book to get started making something with it.

Finally, Arthur has a way of writing that really gets my creative juices flowing--nearly every recipe has suggestions for variations. I've often found myself inventing new dishes almost without trying by using his simple recipes as a starting point and his colorful writing as an inspiration.

For example, try starting with his already incredible and easy tomato soup recipe and add a chopped green bell pepper and two or three tablespoons of high quality olive oil... I've served this to guests and they couldn't believe how easy it was to make when I showed them the recipe. Several said it was the best tomato soup they'd ever had.

I bought this book 6 months ago and have used it nearly every day since. Not only is it well-written and neatly organized by ingredient, but it also has a list of how long you can expect various foods to last, concentrating on the ingredients that last the longest (great help in making up the shopping list!). Now I have an idea of how long I have until that bag of carrots or block of cream cheese meets its maker. This is a must have for anyone who picks up fast food for the hundredth time because they don't think there's anything in the house to eat.

this book is awesome. It gives you a picture into history by using photographs, timelines and newspaper articles.

History made easy and fun, thats what this book is all about. I hated history when I was in school because the textbooks were boring. Now this book is something completely different. For every month of each year since the beginning of the century it has the highlights of the important events that happened that time. It is like reading an article in the newspaper, giving you the feeling of the era and also providing great pictures. This chronicle is all about pictures. Its structure has a feeling of a magazine or a newspaper.

The whole idea is that you get all the important events of the 20th century in an enjoyable fashion. It covers all aspects of the history like scientific breakthroughs, artistic movements, wars, politics, from all around the world but with a particular emphasis in the US history ( I have also read the Greek version which gives more emphasis in Greek history).

The book is huge and it is more like an encyclopedia rather than a history book. I like to read it before I go to bed and I doubt that any reader will be able to go from cover to cover singlehandedly. It will really strenghten your skills in world history and because of the informal way of covering the events (more like a reporters point of view rather than a professor of history) you will be able to remember a lot after you have read the book. I enjoyed particularly the coverage of the WWII, it is breathtaking, its like reliving the whole thing. I can only imagine the poor people reading in the newspapers of the era the advancement of Hitlers troop across Europe and then the break of war and the losses and the great battles and..... I can go forever.

This book is also a great option for a gift. Believe me the people that you are going to give this book will really appreciate it and will rember you for a long time.

The use of actual newspaper articles in their original format showed the style of the day as well a presenting the news of the day. Photographs and even some contemporary ads are interesting. Reviewed by two teachers, one eleementary and one high school.

This guy is a modern Trickster! At first you wonder, is this guy a joke? Then as you read more, you realize, yes he is, thank god! But be aware; this is a book about building community; if you want a book about drumming, look to Mickey Hart.

Arthur Hull hits the nail on the head with his book, Drum Circle Spirit. Without this book to use as a guide, I would feel lost!... I call it simply "REQUIRED READING" for those who care about their community and friends who wish to drum in a group setting. It empowers most anyone to begin and conduct their own drum circle. THANK YOU ARTHUR!

As a Christian wanting to start a church-oriented drum-circle, I was somewhat concerned that this book would be full of propaganda that would run counter to my Christian values. (Making it annoying to read at the least, and at worst, difficult to convince other Christians in my church of its value.) While some of the author's values come through (especially with references to "tithing to Rhythm Church" and the like) there's nothing in here to really offend any particular religious belief. There's no "we can heal the world with drums, just think good thoughts and good things will happen to you" message here. It's practical advice on how to bring out the best in a group of drummers.

Arthur's numerous anecdotes are entertaining and informative. They really conveyed the spirit of what Arthur does with his drum-circles.

I'm very anxious to get started applying what I've learned (and will continue to learn) from this book, and it has convinced me to attend one of Arthur Hull's Facilitator Playshops. Arthur's teaching in the book is very clear, presented in small, easily-digested steps, and most of all, very encouraging. The whole book shouts, "You can do this, it isn't that hard!"

I've very pleased that Arthur has taken the time to share his hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us. If you're wanting to start a drum-circle, work with kids through rhythm, or any such activity, you can't afford not to own this book.

This book is a handy documentation for jDK 1.1, however, in current JDK 1.3, a lot of changes have taken place, making this book somewhat obsolete, unless you are programming applets, which are still using JDK 1.1, due to the browser wars. One of the good parts of this book is that it describes all the keywords, shows a ASCII table with Octal, Decimal, and Unicode numbers for each character, and covers all classes and their properties and methods in JDK 1.1

If you want to make Applets using the built in JVM of most browsers, this book is a good buy. However, it is possible now to make an Applet using the Java Plug-In, which uses JDK 1.3 or JDK 1.4. Also, Mac OS X now has the Java 2 JVM built into their operating system. But to make sure your applet runs on all browsers, using the deprecated methods, this book will be useful.

Essentially, apart from the Keywords listing, the ASCII table, and some extra comments and examples, this book is not much different than a Javadoc Documentation that you can view on the internet at Sun's site free, which shows all the classes, all the methods, all their parameters, with links to go from class to class documentation for any JDK version. Also, it is a very large book, making it unlikely a version 2 book, with twice as many classes and methods, will be published. So, this book may be viewed as a convenience when you don't have internet access.

When you have learned to write Java code, and start working on your first project, keep this book at your side. It truly is a master reference, and lists EVERYTHING in alphabetical order. Good examples and clear, short, explanations. The fact that it was written for Java 1 should not deter you from using this book (although we will all hope for a new version).

If you're looking for a book chock full of examples and code, this is the ONE. If you are looking for a tutorial, this isn't it. Highly, highly recommended ...

The title of this review gives you an idea why this book is such an enjoyable reading experience. Although the book gives a detailed analysis of the fighting at Lexington and Concord, and the British retreat back to Boston, it is not just another military history. Mr. Tourtellot provides such intimate detail, and he quotes from sufficient primary sources, that you feel you've come to know the famous, such as Sam Adams and John Hancock, and the everyday people that lived in Lexington and Concord and got swept up in the events of April 19th, 1775. Considering that the book is about such a serious subject, it is also surprisingly funny.....up until the shooting starts. This is certainly a case of farce turning into tragedy. If you'll pardon the pun, General Gage was such an engaging fellow that he made it clear that he wanted the Colonials handled with kid gloves. Again, up until the shooting started, the British were quite accomodating. They were very polite towards the populace, even when searching for weapons and powder. They went to one house and there was a room the owner wouldn't let them go into. She said that there was a woman in that room who didn't feel well, so the British didn't press the issue and didn't search the room. Of course, that was the one room in the house where gunpowder was being stored! The British excursion from Boston was a comedy of errors. It was supposed to be a surprise, but the Colonials knew all about it. There were endless delays in leaving Boston, which gave riders such as Paul Revere plenty of time to get to Lexington and Concord to warn people to hide weapons and gunpowder. Gage had given detailed orders on what he wanted done. For example, he wanted the soldiers to take confiscated musket balls, put them in their pockets, and drop them in dribs and drabs in ponds and streams. The soldiers actually found very little, since the inhabitants had plenty of time to hide things, but instead of dropping things in small quantities the soldiers pretty much dumped whatever they found in just a few areas.....making it easy for the Colonials to retrieve most of what was confiscated! You could say there was a lack of brainpower on the "hometeam" side as well.....such as tearing up the planks of a bridge leading out from Boston so that the British could not cross it, but then leaving the planks stacked up in plain sight.....so the soldiers just had to nail them back down and they were back in business! A running gag throughout much of the book is the relationship between Sam Adams and John Hancock. The author portrays Adams as a shrewd propagandist, a man who spent 10 years trying to stir up a rebellion and finally knew the big chance when he saw it. Hancock is portrayed as none-too-bright, vain, wealthy and easily manipulated by the psychologically astute Adams. Adams and Hancock were so sure the British were after them that they acted like two crooks on-the-run. Mr. Tourtellot's thesis, from going through the primary sources on the British side, is that the British couldn't have cared less about capturing the "dynamic duo." They just wanted to confiscate some cannon and gunpowder...period! To support his appraisal of Hancock as dunderhead, Mr. Tourtellot gives many examples. However, the funniest is probably when Adams and Hancock are in hiding in Lexington on the morning of April 19th, and suddenly they heard the sound of gunfire. This is what Adams was waiting for! He knew this could be used to unite the Colonies, finally, in a drive towards independence. Adams said, "Oh, what a glorious morning is this." Hancock's reaction was that he thought it was a strange time to comment on the weather! Adams (you have to wonder whether he smacked his head in exasperation) clarified the situation: "I mean what a glorious morning for America." Adams and Hancock, convinced that the British were coming (for them!) moved on to their next "safe house." Hancock had a messenger take a note to his aunt and fiancee, asking them to come and join him. Lest you think that Hancock by now might have had an inkling as to the importance of the day's events, he made sure he included in the note the following: He directed them "to bring the fine salmon that they had had sent to them for dinner." Of course, once the fighting starts, Mr. Tourtellot does not make light of matters. The British retreat towards Boston is recorded in harrowing detail...they were surrounded by superior numbers and were fighting for their survival. They sent out flanking parties to deal with snipers and the flanking parties did what they needed to do...such as burning down homes that they suspected were being used by snipers and killing able-bodied, though unarmed men, on the assumption that they were rebels. Not a bad assumption, really, when you understand that even men in their sixties and seventies were lurking in the woods, taking potshots at the British. One remarkable part of the book is where the soldiers came upon 78 year old Samuel Whittemore, who had just killed a couple of Redcoats. They shot Whittemore and beat him severely. They were satisfied that they had "killed the old rebel." Amazingly, Mr. Whittemore lived another 18 years....not dying until the ripe, old age of 96! Mr. Tourtellot also deals with the aftermath of the battle....showing how Sam Adams and others got maximum propaganda value from the day's events, exaggerating British atrocities (which were in actuality extremely rare) in order to set the Colonies on the road to independence and to influence opinion back in England. I consider this book a welcome and necessary addition to my collection of books dealing with the American Revolution.

The book is a detailed chronology of the events that took place on April 19, 1775 in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. It is also a narrative of the people, American and British, who played vital roles in the events that lead up to that fateful day when the first shots were fired commencing the War for American Independence. The book culminates with the Continental Congress's decision eight weeks later to establish a Continental Army with George Washington as its Commander in Chief. And, so as not to leave the reader wondering what happened to those whose lives were touched in one way or another by this first battle, Tourtellot finishes their stories, too.
Tourtellot goes into great detail describing both the physical landscape and political climate of America and that of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and then skillfully weaves the lives of the townspeople and their relationships, one with the other, into his story. The genealogies of the families involved, both the common folk and the major historical figures, are fascinating and add a personal touch to the history of that first skirmish. "The little group Captain Parker mustered on Lexington Common before daybreak on April nineteenth, 1775, had some of the characteristics of a family reunion" (p. 29). He makes the towns and their people come alive for the reader and adds a depth to the story that one does not get simply by reading about the Battle of Lexington and Concord from a history text or an encyclopedia. The contrasts of Samuel Adams and John Hancock make these two "larger than life" historical figures come to life in a new light. "Hancock was handsome...Adams was dumpy and palsied...Hancock...splendidly attired...Adams was so seedy that his friends had to buy him decent clothes..."(p.62). It has made this reader want to read more in depth about their lives along with those of men like Jonas Clarke, a relative of Hancock's, a pastor and political advocate of Lexington, Dr. Joseph Warren, patriot leader, Major General William Heath, the first American field commander. He does not forget an in depth look at the British and their officers in his story as their shortcomings and training play an integral part in the final outcome of this battle.
Tourtellot details the differences between the military forces of the Americans and the British and their differing military tactics. The American military was a hodgepodge of the men of the community who seldom mustered at the same time, whose leaders were chosen from the masses, and who would leave their ranks to return home to their families and fields. The British, on the other hand, were professional soldiers, with professional leaders, who marched on, whatever the odds and whatever they faced. He presents the soldiers as proper British citizens, highly mannered and considerate of the townspeople, and as their only objective, to capture and incapacitate the arms stored in Concord. However well intended the British soldiers were, a series of mis communications turned the seeming simple task into one that would enrage the colonials and add fuel to the already smoldering fire of the War for Independence. "Thus ended this Expedition, which from beginning to end was as ill planned and ill executed as it was possible to be...(Lieutenant Barker of the King's Own at his indictment" (p. 203).
Tourtellot has done extensive research in order to bring the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord to life. The capacious "Notes" and "Bibliography" section of the book attest to his understanding of this important period in time. He has brought both sides of this conflict into perspective and offered the reader an in depth study of the story of Lexington and Concord. He has given the reader an understanding of the political, social, and emotional reasons why this conflict was so important in the birth of our nation.

The book is a detailed chronology of the events that took place on April 19, 1775 in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. It is also a narrative of the people, American and British, who played vital roles in the events that lead up to that fateful day when the first shots were fired commencing the War for American Independence. The book culminates with the Continental Congress's decision eight weeks later to establish a Continental Army with George Washington as its Commander in Chief. And, so as not to leave the reader wondering what happened to those whose lives were touched in one way or another by this first battle, Tourtellot finishes their stories, too.
Tourtellot goes into great detail describing both the physical landscape and political climate of America and that of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and then skillfully weaves the lives of the townspeople and their relationships, one with the other, into his story. The genealogies of the families involved, both the common folk and the major historical figures, are fascinating and add a personal touch to the history of that first skirmish. "The little group Captain Parker mustered on Lexington Common before daybreak on April nineteenth, 1775, had some of the characteristics of a family reunion" (p. 29). He makes the towns and their people come alive for the reader and adds a depth to the story that one does not get simply by reading about the Battle of Lexington and Concord from a history text or an encyclopedia. The contrasts of Samuel Adams and John Hancock make these two "larger than life" historical figures come to life in a new light. "Hancock was handsome...Adams was dumpy and palsied...Hancock...splendidly attired...Adams was so seedy that his friends had to buy him decent clothes..."(p.62). It has made this reader want to read more in depth about their lives along with those of men like Jonas Clarke, a relative of Hancock's, a pastor and political advocate of Lexington, Dr. Joseph Warren, patriot leader, Major General William Heath, the first American field commander. He does not forget an in depth look at the British and their officers in his story as their shortcomings and training play an integral part in the final outcome of this battle.
Tourtellot details the differences between the military forces of the Americans and the British and their differing military tactics. The American military was a hodgepodge of the men of the community who seldom mustered at the same time, whose leaders were chosen from the masses, and who would leave their ranks to return home to their families and fields. The British, on the other hand, were professional soldiers, with professional leaders, who marched on, whatever the odds and whatever they faced. He presents the soldiers as proper British citizens, highly mannered and considerate of the townspeople, and as their only objective, to capture and incapacitate the arms stored in Concord. However well intended the British soldiers were, a series of mis communications turned the seeming simple task into one that would enrage the colonials and add fuel to the already smoldering fire of the War for Independence. "Thus ended this Expedition, which from beginning to end was as ill planned and ill executed as it was possible to be...(Lieutenant Barker of the King's Own at his indictment" (p. 203).
Tourtellot has done extensive research in order to bring the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord to life. The capacious "Notes" and "Bibliography" section of the book attest to his understanding of this important period in time. He has brought both sides of this conflict into perspective and offered the reader an in depth study of the story of Lexington and Concord. He has given the reader an understanding of the political, social, and emotional reasons why this conflict was so important in the birth of our nation.

A Classic. I have to agreee that I do not think Micheal read this book. One of Doyles best with out a doubt. Challenger is as good a hero as Holmes. Thank god for America releasing the 1925 film on DVD.

With the DVD remastering of the 1925 film of "The Lost World", this book makes a fascinating companion. I read the novel in my teens and it was fun to re-enter Doyle's world and remeet the fascinating Prof.

Get the book and the remastered DVD - making sure you get the restored version.

This handsome (Wessex = listed here as Gasogene) edition of an enthralling yet sadly neglected masterpiece by Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, is enhanced by dozens of insightful annotations, all the original illustrations, as well as a stockpile of in-depth, illuminating essays on the origins of the work itself, its adaptation to the silent screen, and more. Five- star rating both for content and presentation. A collector's item, well worth the price.

DIAMONDS is a well crafted affirmation that values of quality can be put into action in anyone's life with enriching results. The comfortable pace and use of real life illustrations encourage the reader to pause and consider how the qualities described could impact their own experience. I intend to reread DIAMONDS and have recommended it to others.

Building on eight character traits and real examples, the authors show how living according to these principles has positively affected the lives successful people. They provide a beacon of hope for those who want to conduct business with integrity and show how good ethics are good business.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written and held my attention throughout. The stories about real people made this book come alive for me. I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend it.

This is a very good study of Madison as president. Wills is, as always, a source of insight and the quality of writing is up to his usual high standard. Wills is primarily concerned with explaining why Madison's presidency was not very successful. Wills begins by reminding us that Madison's presidency was perhaps more successful than commonly perceived. He did serve 2 terms and did hand over the office to his chosen successor. The War of 1812, which he blundered into, was brought to a reasonably successful conclusion. Still, this is not a performance that matches his other remarkable achievements. Wills points out that Madison was constitutionally unsuited to being a President, particularly a wartime President. Madison was a modest, actually shy man, who excelled in the committee room but was certainly not the dynamic leader demanded by wartime events. Madison was not, however, merely swept along by events. Wills is careful to show that the War of 1812 was brought on in large part by Madison's unrealistic policies when in Jefferson's administration. Madison's doctrinaire Republicanism and own political choices also hampered his ability to conduct the war well. For example, he allowed the charter of the Bank of the United States to lapse, and the absence of a central bank became a major obstacle to adequate wartime financing. Following a point made originally by Henry Adams in his great series of books on the Jefferson and Madison administrations, what really saved the American republic were the institutions developed by the Federalists, notably the small but highly competent professional military and navy. Madison's administration would conclude with the de facto adoption of many Federalist policies. Wills provides also nice overviews of Madison's pre- and post-presidential careers. He is particularly good on Madison's attachment to the separation of Church and State. Wills is careful to give Madison his due for positive achievements as a President. For example, he was careful to stay within the bounds of the Constitution and his record on Civil Liberties as a wartime president is better than that of Lincoln or FDR. A good book that whets your interest for more information on Madison and this period of American history.

This is a neat little monograph on the presidency of James Madison. It is not meant to be a biography, and isn't. Nor is it meant to be a detailed account of Madison's presidency. It' intent is simple; why was James Madison's presidency not successful, especially when compared to his legislative career?

Without giving too much away, much of the answer in the simple fact that Madison's strengths were more suited to the legislative arena - the backroom negotiations and intellectual debates - than being out front as the leader of the of a bureaucracy. There's much more to the story, but I'll leave it to Wills to tell.

The author, Garry Wills, writes, "Madison's very presidency is semi-forgotten.", and addresses the question "How could James Madison be so outstanding in certain aspects of his life and be overshadowed in others." The text states that an explanation "...could take one of three approaches based on circumstances, on temperament or on specific errors." However, none of these fully explain the dichotomy Madison presents.

Wills notes that Madison had weak points which he carried over to the presidency: "...a certain provincialism with regard to the rest of the world and a certain naiveté with regard to the rest of his human beings." The book's first three chapters cover the "Pre-Presidential Years" noting "Madison is called the father of the Constitution. It is a title deeply deserved on many accounts." He had an intimate connection with all three administrations preceding his presidency being responsible for the framing and passage of the Bill of Rights.

The balance of the book, ten chapters, covers his presidency. He became president under very difficult circumstances. Jefferson literally had given up governing the nation for four crucial months passing on a stalled executive to Madison who had no real executive experience before becoming president. Lacking leadership experience the author relates the many cabinet and personnel problems he experienced while his provincialism often allowed him to get suckered punched in foreign affairs. Contrary to common belief, the Congressional "War Hawks" of the West did not thrust the War of 1812 on him. Madison wanted the war.

The author gives a succinct account of Madison and the conduct of the war from the aborted attempt to conquer Canada to the bright performance of the American Navy. In 1814 when the war was shifting in America's favor, Washington was burned in what the author calls "a perfect study of what was wrong with Madison' conduct of the war..." Political basis for military appointments (a practice continued into the Civil War) and reliance on state militia rather than army professionals contributed significantly to the Washington debacle.

The text gives a brief account of the work of the American peace commission and the treaty ending the war, which the Senate approved on February 16, 1815. The author notes, "Not a single one of its announced war goals had been reached....", but notes that "During his last year in office, Madison rode the swell of popular nationalism...." During the war Madison was truer to the strictures of the Constitution than any subsequent war president "as if to prove that the Constitution did not have to be jettisoned in a crisis."

Garry Wills answers the question of how could James Madison be so outstanding in certain aspects of his life and be overshadowed in others. He concludes this book writing "No man could do everything for the country-not even Washington. Madison did more than most, and did some things better than any. That is quite enough."

The reader will find parallels in today's national politics with the political shenanigans of the Madison era.