I bought my copy in 1981, and I am *still* using it in my research and historical art projects. An absolutely critical, major book, irreplaceable source material by actual participants of the dawn of computing -- the only lack are contributions from Turing and von Neumann, as the editors note, due to their premature deaths.

This is a technical history, and some essays contain technical details. A few border on pedantic, two are bad, but most utterly shine and are brilliantly illuminating. The list of references is wonderful, and with the 'net, may even be findable (most are in-context).

I cannot express what a useful and interesting book this is. Though it might appear to concentrate on U.S. efforts due to the conference location (Los Alamos) in fact most of the early computer work -- and the first *two* running stored program computers -- were British, and are well covered here. A lot of the British work was only declassified in the late 1970's, so the participants are able to talk about it for the first time publically.

There are also papers on early USSR developments, and history of pre- and proto-computing equipment.

Last, but hardly least, for me, in I.J. Good's essay I learned for the first time of Turing's open and unashamed homosexuality -- "... it was only after the war that we learned he was a homosexual... if [security] had known... he might not have obtained his clearance and we might have lost the war." Indeed!

Sadly, this was literally a last-minute collection of data; most of the contributors were quite old when it first published in 1980.

Amusingly (or not), I thought the book was expensive in 1981, at $29.50; now list price is over $100... but if you are serious this is a book to keep forever -- I would pay it now without hesitation (but critical books being this expensive keeps it out hands that could use it...)

This, plus Andrew Hodges' ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA, have been two of my major inspirational sources for close to 20 years -- what more can I say?

This is generally recognized as one of the best books about ancient macedonia, if not the best. I would even dare to say that I prefer it over Malcolm Errington's "History of Macedonia" in some points. It's sad to see it's out of print now :( I know that Nicholas Hammond (probably the greatest 20th century researcher on ancient greek history) has died, yet I still hope that it will be reprinted. It's an all time classic and it was the basic bibliography in all universities for many years.

This is a well prepared, objective, non-academic "reader-friendly" book, in spite of being about one of the most complicated corners of the world (historically and politically) doesn't go deep and drawn in details so thats why I preferred to call it "reader friendly". Great Job.

In ancient Greece, a hymn was a song of praise to a god--but it could also tell a rousing story, like the infant Hermes stealing his brother Apollo's cattle, or Aphrodite seducing the Trojan prince Anchises on Mt. Ida.

Professor Susan Shelmerdine's translation of the Homeric Hymns is an ideal introduction to these 33 hymns dedicated to the various Olympian gods. In clear, lively prose, she explains the hymns' literary tradition, myth sources, and forms. In easy-to-access on-the-page footnotes, she explains the relevant background that makes the hymns clear and easy to understand. But what makes her translation first-rate is that the poems are written in a clear, engaging voice that is both true to ancient Greek stylistics and yet sounds as contemporary as today. For example, this description of the abduction of Persephone by Hades:

"But the wide-pathed ground gaped open
along the Plain of Nysa, where the lord who receives many [Hades} sprang out
with his immortal horses, the son of Kronos, worshipped under many names.
He seized her against her will and on his golden chariot
carried her off wailing. And she cried aloud with a shrill voice,
But no one either of the gods or mortal men
heard her cry, not even the olives with their splendid fruit."

In addition, the book provides pictures of the gods taken from ancient Greek art, genealogy charts, and relevant maps. If you are taking a mythology class or just want an authentic introduction to stories of the ancient Greek gods, Susan Shelmerdine's Homeric Hymns is an excellent place to start.

I saw this book in my doctor's office waiting room, I was swallowed up in it during my wait. After my appointment I stayed and looked more, amongst the sneezing feverish folks even! Beautiful inspirational drawings!

This book-tape set has to be one of the best books on tape that rabbit ears has produced. Jack Nicholson's smooth magical voice is just perfect with predictably great music from Bobby McFerrin. A must for every child's library!

From the time I opened the first page of the book to the time that I closed the last page, the underlying emotion running through me was regrets, regrets and more regrets. Regret that I did not discover this book by Nicholas Marsh while being a student.

The author has unveiled the complexities and ambiguities surrounding the study of literature. He has created a mental classroom where a constant and active interaction between the author and the reader exist throughout the book. The authority and the vast experience that exudes from the writer is undeniable, but he did not enforced his personal point of view on the reader or claimed that his studying methods are supreme. On the contrary, he encourages the reader to develope an unique point of view and interpretation style.

I strongly recommend this book to those (layman or students) who are entering the mysterious world of literary arts because after reading this book, I have discover greater joy and greater clarity and knowledge in reading literature, be they serious or easy.

Ted is probably the worlds greatest marketeer,
in the world of publishing.
enough said

The Tower of London is now running a special exhibition on Colonel Blood's attempt to steal the jewels way back in 1671. What this book does very cleverly is to take a descendant of Colonel Blood's and give him a brainwave about how to pinch the jewels. Must run in the family! It's an exciting story and I really enjoyed it. It kept my interest all the way through, with a nice surprise ending. The hero is a kind of baddie, but he's a good guy also. Puzzled? You'll have to see for yourself. Bye! Caroline.

I have been in the web design arena for over five years and I am always looking for new book to enhance my knowledge base. I am also an instructor and also I am looking for book to make my classes better. This book covers both objectives and makes learning easier in the process.

Starting off the 440 page book is the basics of both HTML and XHTML with using and working with body text, headings and images. Working with links and URLs through relative and absolute references is next on the list of topics covered.

There is a very good section for the use of and creation of CSS both internal and external sheets. Tables, lists, forms and Frames take up the next several chapters with techniques to make the work easier and save time.

Then comes client side scripting, adding sights and sounds through different multimedia techniques. I was very impressed with the meta tag and search engine use sections. The book goes in a step-by-step instruction method with screen shots, notes and tips to help along the way.

The book comes with four projects that when completed will give you a much greater understanding of the world of web design. Also included is a cd-rom with practice files and with everything together you have a very complete package to work with.