Great book, very well written. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the field of criminal justice. The book is very informative, yet easy to understand. I think it would make a good book for reference or a good book for course instruction. I will recommend it to anyone who wants information regarding the execution of a criminal investigation.

What a wonderful book for the layman, the beginner cop, the security guard, law student, or any other para-police professional. The book covers both the developmental history and the modern practical application of criminal investigation practices. Topics range from time tested investigation tactics through today's highly sophisticated forensic techniques. While investigatory theory is discussed, the book is rooted in day-to-day police work.

As a criminal justice major I have found this book to be very helpful for my studies. I really like the pictures of defensive tactics.

This is such an easy reference book on the subject! The book starts with ancient American history and goes through Y2K. Pretty comprehensive.

It's written in an easy-to-read format, with chapters and sections clearly outlined, so one can just pick it up and start just about anywhere and read a section.

It's pretty condensed, but a great starting point for lots of basic information. It's also not just about wars and other political incidents, but addresses things like the Constitution, Ross Perot, how Rockefeller got started, the end of slavery, the Right to Life movement... like I said, it's really comprehensive.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes history, but doesn't need or want a scholarly tome on the subject.

Alan Axelrod's finest book. He, In only 352 pages, explains early colonialism, commerce, trade, the growth of the colonies, 18th century American's mindset, and the entire war for their independence. His storybook style is so engaging, detail is never sacrificed for fear of reader runaway. I loved Part 1. In only 60 pages I learned more about early colonialism, along with England's, France's and Spain's stake in it, than in 13 years of public schooling. Does that make me an idiot or public school a joke? Either way, I was completely hooked. Axelrod takes each phase of the revolutionary process America and England fought for (and against) and gives it it's own personality. He explains how, as each event unfolded, mindsets changed or solidified. Both in America and in England. His expositions on famous battles, stratagies and results are the best part of the book. You can feel the pulse of each army and become a part of it. What's special though, is that he then lifts you into an omnipresent position where you see the blunders or genius of each side. I often asked myself, "Why did they do that?", or "How could they think that way?" That added a lot of fun to the reading of the book. Hindsight, what a tool! He also brings historical figures to life. Expect much more than, 'Washington crossed the river'. Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, General Cornwallis, King George III, Paul Revere, and John Paul Jones are only some of the many principal figures eloquently exposited without bogging the narrative down. I came away from the book with a deeper appreciation of how incredibly difficult it is for any nation, past or present, to form, complete and follow through with a revolution. The birth of a nation is nearly impossible. The American Forefathers were brave, visionary, intelligent, pragmatic and had a bulldog's resolve. Being an American is a mindset, not an ethnic background. Seeing what came of it all, I'm proud to be of their lineage.

Is this an encyclopedia? Or a biographical dictionary? Or a history of leadership? Or an "A to Z guide to power"? Actually, it is all of the above. Axelrod organizes his material within 14 categories which range from Character Model to Visionary. The common denominators among the 158 different leaders' lives and careers are "significance of achievement and excellence of execution." Each individual entry is organized according to name of subject, with birth and death dates; the leadership category (or categories) to which he or she is assigned by Axelrod; leadership achievements (a bullet list); a concise life narrative; and leadership lessons revealed in the subject's life and career. For many of the entries, Axelrod also includes key leadership quotations, "In His Own Words" or "In Her Own Words." The 158 subjects are arranged in alphabetical order, from Abbas the Great (1571-1629) to Yang Chen (died 1604). For obvious reasons, Axelrod includes entries devoted to Alexander the Great, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth I, Mohandas Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon I, and George Washington.

Of special interest to me, however, are the entries which focus on leaders about whom I previously knew little, if anything. For example, Gnaeus Julius Agricola (37-93), "Brilliant Roman conqueror of Britain who wisely leavened conquest with a high degree of toleration"; Alfonso VIIII (1155-1214), "One of the great warrior-rulers of medieval Spain [who] achieved overwhelming victory against the forces of Islam on the Iberian Peninsula"; Stephen Decatur (1779-1820), "early U.S. naval leader whose skilled heroics established a naval tradition of excellence and valor"; and Tecumseh (ca. 1768-1813), "Combining charisma and persuasive reasoning, the Shawnee chief united several tribes to mount a powerful resistance to white settlement during the American Revolution, the Indian Wars of the Old Northwest, and the War of 1812."

Axelrod has done a brilliant job of organizing and then presenting his material. There are so many different ways by which to read it. For example, entries grouped within one of the 14 categories such as Improviser (which has 21) or pairs of adversaries such as Napoleon I and Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington and/or Ulysses Simpson Grant and Robert Edward Lee. Or perhaps leaders within an historical period such as that of the Roman Empire (55 B.C. to 410) or World War Two. Or perhaps only military or religious leaders; or more specifically, only American presidents. I have approached the material in all of these ways and will return frequently to re-read portions of this volume for both edification and pleasure.

This is a monumental and absorbing collection of 200 brief profiles of the lives of great leaders, highlighting their achievements. More than just a collection biographies, the author has classified each leader into three or more key leadership type categories, such as innovator, motivator or strategist, listing them accordingly in a special index. Each profile is broken down into: 1) name, birth and death dates; 2) leadership categories; 3) achievements; 4) life profile, with emphasis on career; and 5) a bullet list of leadership lessons, plus a few quotations in some instances. The leaders chosen for this immense work are drawn from all areas of life-politics, military, religion-and range across the historical landscape, from Hammurabi and Julius Ceasar to Margaret Thatcher and Colin Powell. We at Stern's Management Review Online find this a gem of a book for anyone who seeks a greater understanding of the nature of successful leadership-or who enjoys gaining insights from the lives of those who have shaped history .

I bought this book last semester when I was a Student at Indiana University. It has old Physics exams from different Big Ten Universities. Low and Behold my Physics Professors old exam was in the book. Needless to say I Aced the Test and the class. The information and problems are good for any Physics student at any University because the problems are Universal. If you are looking for a great way to practice for your Physics exams I would reccomend this book to you. :)

What do Herod Antipus, Kublai Kahn, Idi Amin, Lenin, Henry VIII, Nero and Ramses II The Great all have in common? First they are all despots and second along with about 600 others they are in this book.

In just over 330 page you'll be treated to the amassed amount of 600 plus despots, tyrants and would be tyrants trying to take over. The authors have listed each name and a brief description of the person.

While the book is made for quick reference, I was engrossed in the book for over two hours. The facts and photos included are excellent and you might be surprised to find out who is in the book.

You'll read about Cyrus the Great, Peter the Great, Napoleon, Hitler and so many, many more. For a great gift for those in school or for the additional reference material for the term paper this is a great place to start.

What a truly great reader this book turned out to be. Easy to pick up, difficult to put down, and filled with inspiration. While a small percentage of war techniques do not transfer to the business world; Axelrod pulls concise information and quidance from a library of the General's quotes. Wars are won by making the enemy die for his country. Always move forward. When in doubt, attack. The soldier is the army. Gather accurate information and make decisions quickly. And take the high ground.

My only complaint is with the author's desire to open the book with political-correctness and apologies for Patton's frank language.

This book will spark you up and fill you with pride, boldness, and audacity! I have found my Covey books and Minute Mangers have collected dust where "Patton on Leadership" is starting to look like a well worn Bible.

Frederick the Great may have said it, but George "Blood 'n Guts" Patton lived it. What a remarkable man, and what a remarkable presentation about that man, his life and his leadership skills. One should read this book just for the hell-of-it if not for any other reason. What a great first read for anyone wishing to know more about the General.

First of all, this book reads well and fast, and it's hard to put down. Mr. Axelrod tells a great story, conveys the essence of Patton's Generalship and Management styles, and along the way adds some very good history. Axelrod clears up the legends and myth surrounding the famous slapping incident, and details the campaigns into Bastogne and to Berlin in short, clear and entertaining fashion. It was truly enjoyable to read this book.

To keep the record straight, the format of the book allows for a 3 - 4 hour total read time due to the fact that many of the pages have only 18 - 25 lines of print on them, where as others are in standard layout. The stories will excite, entertain, and cause "out-loud" laughter. The language is harsh sometimes, but perfectly appropriate to the original situation.

I say get the SOB book and read it "...every God damn night", and smile.

General George S. Patton, Jr., was a legend in his own time. While known for his coarse language, he was also respected as a brilliant tactician and terrific motivator. Those who served with him weren't just "in the war" or "in the army," they were Patton's men. This hard-driving leader instilled confidence, acted decisively, and excelled under relentless pressure. His army moved at unprecedented speed, always on the attack and not on the defensive.

Patton did not write extensively; he was challenged by dyslexia. But he said a lot, was often quoted, and was written about. Historians have a rich treasure of who this unusual man was and the impact he had on others . . . and ultimately on the world. His approach to his work was clear and direct, making him an excellent case study and role model. Role model? A man who spat profanity in almost every sentence? Ah, look beyond the rough exterior that actually endeared him to his men. Look at how Patton thought, his philosophies. That's where the lessons are.

This book delivers 183 of those lessons in short, tight, bite-size pieces. This is a book you can read cover-to-cover or refer to as an inspirational resource. Each lesson is constructed as a Patton quote, with Axelrod's interpretation of the meaning, the purpose, and the impact of the words. The flavor throughout the book is how Patton's military style and experience applies to management and leadership of today's business organization. Or any organization, for that matter.

The beginning of the book includes an enlightening biographical profile of Patton to understand the context of the man. The volume concludes with some recommended reading and a helpful index.

As a reviewer, I'm tempted to start listing some of the titles of those 183 lessons. I'll resist, because it will be too difficult to present a representative sample. Every page of this book is filled with concise, valuable insights. Thought-provoking as well as inspiring, Patton on Leadership should be read-and applied-by leaders at all levels. Invest a few dollars and some of your reading time. You'll get a good return on your investment with this book.

The task is an enormous one: How to explain jazz to someone who has little or no understanding of the musical genre. Just what is jazz? Maybe it really is a question that can only be answered by the famous Louis Armstrong quote, "If you've gotta ask, you'll never know."

But give Axelrod credit. He gives the subject expert treatment. Whether you know absolutely nothing about jazz (or any music, for that matter), or whether you have a degree in music, you'll learn plenty in this well-formatted book.

The author wisely gives readers a general overview of what constitutes jazz, what some of the major trends were, and a who's who of famous musicians. Axelrod does NOT immediately launch into a chronological history of jazz and that's a plus. Jazz does not have cut-and-dried periods. It's style changes intertwine and sometimes reemerge after years (and decades) of inactivity. After the first few chapters when Axelrod DOES get into more of a chronological look at jazz, it makes more sense. The foundation he has built can withstand a look at the various subgenres at that point. This makes for a much clearer reading and understanding of jazz.

Axelrod gives brief bios of the major players and band leaders. If you want to know more, he tells you where you can continue your search. Also very helpful is a listing of 25 "must have" recordings for the beginner, and an expanded list for those ready to branch out. Also provided are glossaries of musicians and jazz terms.

Some critics have knocked the book for not providing a sampler CD. Let me point out that the outstanding Ken Burns 5 CD boxed set covering the history of jazz barely scratches the surface. A "sampler" CD just won't do.

A great book for the beginning, intermediate, or veteran jazz fan.

approx. 300 pages

I would like to thank Dr. Axelrod for such an initiative. If I were any Music educational authority I would insist that this book becomes compulsory text book for any secondary school student...Musician or otherwise!

A must-have for anyone who never understood jazz, containing: 1) basic musical concepts; 2) jazz history; 3) major schools (styles), musicians and albums; 4) who's who in jazz; 5) essential jazz albums list; 6) complete idiot's reference card (styles and albums checklist).

Read it and you will learn about all the different jazz styles and get tips to find the music that better suits your taste and build a jazz collection.

P.S.: Despite the author's affirmation on page 225, Carmen Miranda was not actually brazilian. She was born in Portugal and moved to Brazil very young.

While the "tone" of the book was written for us non-astronomers in mind, I could've used more illustrations--even pencil drawing ones--for many of the concepts such as angular size.

Being a visual person, I probably should have looked at it first before ordering it. Someone who isn't as visual will probably do well with this book, as it's filled with a lot of excellent information throughout.

1-24-02 update: After posting my review on this book, Professor Chris DePree e-mailed me and apologized for my problems with his book, explained why there were so few illustrations (budget constraint), and asked for any more comments so they could improve the 2nd edition. Wow, was I impressed!

There is truly a great wealth of information in this book, ranging from a "history" of astronomy profiling the great astronomers of the past and their accomplishments, to what kinds of things (stars, planets, etc) you should search for in the sky, the kind of telescope you should buy (if you are so inclined), along with information about our moon, our solar system and beyond. Also included is information about the different kinds of stars out there (everything from "white dwarves" to "red giants"), how the universe was created and how many other potential universe there are "out there." Particularly interesting to me were the descriptions of the various planets and also how "black holes" get formed.

The book's appendices also contain a wealth of information, a list of upcoming solar and lunar eclipses, a list of constellations, and other sources of information. Anyone with an interest in astronomy, be it an "amateur astronomer" setting up his telescope to search the skies or a lay person like me who wonders what other worlds are like will enjoy this book.

This book could be called the "Swiss Army Knife" of Astronomy
books. Rich, complete. Has much to offer the novice and pro alike.
From the History of Astronomy and its many essentric
players, to the use of todays powerful Radio telescopes.
This is not a dry Technical manual but a book packed with all
the words and tools of modern Astronomy, liberally
sprinkled with humor and trivia. Want to know who what when and
where? Or how far, how big and how hot? When I have a question
this is the book I reach for. From backyard to Hubble, its all in
here. Chris DePree's love of Astronomy
(and teaching it!) shows in this wonderful book. Cudos!

If you've read anything by Spencer Johnson or Ken Blanchard and enjoyed their work, you need to read this precursor to the latest rage. This is far superior even if it is a bit dated.

Do you have the blue vase in your life? Are you in the "get it done" club?

Fun, interesting and with enough twists and turns that you will enjoy the quick hour you will spend reading this book. You'll want to let all your colleagues and friends read this (but not your competitors).

I give this book a '10' because it is short, in a story format, and has surpassed the test of time. Many "motivational" books are long; too long for someone who is busy and needs information to the point. I read this book in an hour and really felt like I was involved with the main character.

I am an adjunct instructor in a business college of a university in the midwest. My students were given this book as an option for a required or an extra credit review. Of the 84 students, 80% purchased, read, and reviewed it. Most found it very exciting and a book they will keep to use over and over again. I have owned the book for years and reread it many times. It is great to know that 20 year-olds can gain from reading such a timeless story.

This book is a great book for the whole family to enjoy singingwestern songs together, or individually. It has the music and lyricsso that you can play and sing! We love to sit at the piano and sing these great westerns. Some of our favorites were Blood on The Saddle, The Strawberry Roan, Down in the Valley, Sweet Betsy From Pike, and many other great songs!

I love this book so much I've given it as a gift to friends. It has relatively simple piano arrangements of old cowboy folk songs, but they are still very beautiful. Accompanying the songs are pictures from the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the old West. The pictures are enjoyable even if you don't know music. Too bad the book is out of print.

"Songs of the Wild West" contains beautiful color reproductions of paintings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art illustrated with (mostly) authentic cowboy songs. The songs and arrangements are for simple piano with guitar cord symbols. As a song book, there are many collections that are more complete with more verses, often from more original sources. No matter: Go for the art collection first - it's just as enjoyable without the songs. For the musician, this is a good introduction to an important part of our American heritage and, if the subject peak's your interest, check out the many other folk song collections and recordings that are available. If you need to start an 'Americana' section in your personal library (or are looking for something to donate to a school), this is a very good book to start with. Highly recommended!