There has been a lot of Houdini fiction done over the years -- most mixing Harry with the likes of Sherlock Holmes or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle -- but for my money these new Daniel Stashower "Harry Houdini Mystery's" are by far the best Houdini fiction yet produced. I think the secret is that Stashower uses Harry's brother, Dash Hardeen, as the narrator and primary character of the story. This works much in the same way as telling a Sherlock Holmes story from the point of view of Dr. Watson. The reader relates to the relatively "normal" character of Dash, allowing the character of Houdini to be his wildly eccentric, semi-superhuman self. We share in Dash's amazement at his brother's abilities (and galloping ego), and remaining outside the head of Harry Houdini preserves the mystery of the man. I also like how Stashower sets these books before the turn-of-the (last) century, which gives us a Houdini before he became "the world famous self-liberator." The books are spiced wi!th little bits of ironic Houdini lore, such as having Harry meet and defend his future chief assistant Jim Collins from murder in FLOATING LADY. This is Stashower's second book in the series, and it's just as good as his first; The Dime Museum Murders. I HOPE HE CONTINUES. One complaint; would it kill the publisher to put these out in hardcover editions?

The second novel in Stashower's historical series featuring Harry Houdini is even better than his first. It is 1898, and Houdini is trying to find not his niche-Houdini would not be satisfied with a mere niche-but recognition of his genius. Since Houdini is still far from his goal, he, his wife, and his brother, Dash Hardeen, take employment with Kellar, at the time the dean of American magicians. The brothers' role primarily will be to investigate what would appear to be sabotage of the Kellar show, but they also are instrumental in the final development of Kellar's long-time dream-the floating-lady illusion. It is this illusion that leads to an impossible crime. While the act is being performed, the lady falls about 72 feet, with the usual unfortunate results. Yet her death was caused not by the abrupt end of the fall but by drowning. (This information appears in the blurb, so I am giving nothing away.) Plot, characterization, the picture of the times, the show-business and theater aspect, and the humor are all handled flawlessly. And the impossible crime is an intriguing one, with a most satisfactory explanation.

Why as classy and graceful a writer (and series) as this, is relegated to paperback originals is a mystery in and of itself. But, why look a gift horse in the mouth? Lucky readers not only get to enjoy a truly unique story, they get to do so at a bargain price. Stashower's second novel in the series (a follow-up to "The Dime Museum Murders") features an intriguing mystery, a charming set of characters based, loosely to be sure, in reality, and a world-class amateur's knowledge of backstage at the magic show. If there is any fault at all with the book, it's the minor annoyance of a totally unnecessary framing narrative which, while pleasant, seems to be a bit contrived as opposed to the narrative itself which is conjoured by a master.

I love this book. I thought it was many interesting. I like to make circuits like the one in this book. I enjoyed to make circuit like one in this book. This book very interesting and educational. I like to read and build thing with this book. WOW!!!!

Forrest Mims is surely the master for explaning things to the average electronics hobbyist. His hand-sketched drawings and list of interesting applications are a delight to view. I highly recommend this book. However, there are a number of things within it that are simply outdated. For example, I couldn't find one circuit that used a single microcontroller. There are also some obselete projects, such as stop watches that use numerous old logic IC's. In such cases, microcontrollers would be a better approach. Aside from this fact, there is a lot that can be learned from this book.

Classic little book, great way to really learn your circuits. Extremely clear presentation.

This is a wonderful book to read if you're a Flash fan. In it, we get the reprinted adventures of the original Flash Jay Garrick. It lacks detailed characterization, and the stories are simple. But, they leave you entertained.
A must-have for Flash fans!!

A short introduction in the beginning, and five tiny biographies of Flash artists at the end, mark the total text found in this book. Almost the entirety of the book is filled with Flash comics from Flash Comics #1 (January, 1940) through #17 (May, 1941)! The covers (even if they include someone other than the Flash) and comics are reproduced in their original size, and in a simply fantastic clarity. I am simply astounded at how good these look!

Here you see the origin of the Jay Garrick (Earth Two) Flash, and watch him kick the butts of more than a few baddies (actually, he preferred to turn them into human tops!). This book is a mite pricey, but it is a fantastic addition to the library of any Flash fan.

its a great book for the jla lovers and the flash i reccomond it to everybody who likes comics

Harry Bertoia was a prolific sculptor. He worked from the early 40's till his death in 1978. Ms. Nelson thoroughly covers the progression of his work: jewelry, early stabiles, wire constructions, the chair designs he did for Knoll International, braised metal screens, spill cast bronze, rod and tube fountains, stainless steel sprays/dandelions, bushes and sounding sculptures for which he is best known. She illustrates his work with photographs of both public and private pieces. The timeline and bibliography are accurate and very inclusive. This reference book, which is available at libraries, is the only book written exclusively on him as a sculptor. He is included in other books and articles about sculpture. June Kompass Nelson also wrote Harry Bertoia Printmaker, 1988.

Harry Bertoia was a prolific sculptor. He worked from the 1940's until his death in 1978. Ms. Nelson thoroughly covers the progression of work, from early stabile works through braised metal screens,to experimental pieces on his way to the sounding sculptures and wire bushes/dandelions that he's best known for. She gives photographs of both public and private sculptures, many of which are still in original locations today. This reference (available at libraries) is the only book on his sculptures, although he is included in many books on sculpture. The author wrote Harry Bertoia Printmaker, also out of print.

Harry Bertoia was a prolific sculptor. He worked from the 1940's until his death in 1978. Ms. Nelson thoroughly covers the progression of work, from early stabile works through braised metal screens,to experimental pieces on his way to the sounding sculptures and wire bushes/dandelions that he's best known for. She gives photographs of both public and private sculptures, many of which are still in original locations today. This reference that is available at libraries is the only book on his sculptures, although he is included in many books on sculpture. The author also wrote a book, Harry Bertoia Printmaker, also out of print.

I have had this book since 1969 when I was 6 years old. It is a treasured part of my childhood! It tells the story of a lovable dog Harry and his family spending an eventful day at the beach. Children and adults alike will love this cuddly tale.

This book instantly became a bedtime favorite with each of my kids (boy and girl). Harry is adorable, and just enough mischief and adventure (and smelly seaweed!) to keep the little one's attention, and to keep young readers turning the pages. You'll love it too.

This was my favorite book as a child. Great story and fun pictures.

As a teacher, I have used Selden's " Cricket in Times Square" for years as a read aloud to my students. It was only recently that I began searching for more books by Mr. Selden. Harry Cat's Pet Puppy is delightful. I know my students are going to fall in love with Huppy the poor puppy that Harry found cast on a dark and dirty New York street. Needless to say Harry takes him home to the drainpipe that he shares with Tucker the mouse. Harry and Tucker find that having a growing dog can make life in Times Square Subway station a bit difficult. This book uses tender humor to show that pets can bring wonderful joy and loads of responsibility to our lives. As always, Selden threads all the grand and sometimes terrible emotions of friendship throughout the book. Read and enjoy!

My mom read us this book as part of our family reading night. We loved it and were extremely disappointed when she would stop each night. We liked the book so much that we named our dog "Huppy" after the puppy in the story!

This book was my favorite when I was a little girl; I used to read it over and over. It is a funny,heartwarming story of unlikely friendships. Harry cat, Tucker mouse, and Huppy (Harry's puppy)are delightful, memorable characters. A must-read for animal lovers, Harry Cat's Pet Puppy is unforgettable. I can't wait to read it again--for myself and for my future children!!

I received this book as a Secret Santa gift, and although I'm slightly out of its targeted age range, I still adore it. The artwork has thick lines so one can color well, and the many pages of pictures insure most characters are depicted. I recommend this book not only to those purchasing a gift for a small child but for any Harry Potter-lover.

This coloring book is very well illustrated. I love the pictures and scenes. Very fun for kids to color, and decorate their room.

This book is cool it comes with markers to color it in with.It also show different cool [pictures of Harry Potter and all his friends and enemys.(Snape)

I am reviewing the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The author of this book is J.K Rowling. I thought this book was very interesting. It all starts out when Harry's parents were killed by Voldemort. They said that Sirius Black betrayed Harry's father by being Lord Voldemort's spy. Harry hears about this and wants to go and kill him. His friend Hagrid is losing the case against his animal Buckbeak. Harry, Ron, and Hemione go to Hagrid's house the day of the execution, but he tells them to go back to Hogwarts. On their way back, Ron gets stuck on the Whooping Willow, the tree. To Harry and Hermione's surprise, theyfind Black in there. Read this book to find out what Black has to say and do about what he is being accused of.

I LOVED this book I already read it twice in English and I've tooken spanish for 7 years as well but even if you don't know spanish you can still understand whats going on in the book if you've already read it in English J.K.Rowling has written another wonderful book taking you to the 3rd exciting & mysterious year of Hogwarts so kick back! and enjoy this EXCELLENT book by J.K.Rowling.

Now Harry is a third grade! When he escapes from his uncleshouse for a problem with the family he starts to lives in the LeakyCauldron for a while, there he gets to know that a killer and friend of Voldemort is chasing him. Everybody tries to protect him but when he starts to go to school he gets to know that he's not the real murderer .Also Harry get to know much about his parents. They have a new dark arts professor, is professor Lupin, he have a big secret but also is the best professor since Harry is there and helps he to fight the dementors, creatures that originally lives in Azkaban, the jail of the warloks. They goes to Hogwarts to protect the students from the murderer .

That was often the comment I received when I wrote my senior thesis last fall about the Harry Potter series. Specifically, I wrote a feminist criticism of the series exploring the ways in which Hermione resists and reaffirms gender stereotypes--"Miss Smarty Pants," "The Damsel in Distress," etc. Although I am a huge fan of this series (even my dog's name is Muggle), I couldn't believe that I was the only adult concerned about issues of gender, class, and so forth in the books. So imagine my delight upon finding this book...until I realized it wouldn't be published until January 2003, and I was presenting my thesis on December 13, 2002. Not only is this a well-presented and organized collection of essays from a variety of perspectives, but it is also edited by the outstanding & very generous Dr. Heilman. I wrote personally to her about my paper (and dilemma), and she provided to me the working & yet unpublished copy of her essay dealing with gender issues. Luckily, the book was released ahead of schedule so I was able to cite from her published version. My own experience with this book aside, I highly recommend it to Harry fans who would enjoy thoughtful academic discourse on the series.

I joined the Harry Potter phenomenon late in the game. Book four had already been in circulation for over two years and at 25, I considered myself well above the normal reader age. However, once I picked up the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I was (no pun intended), spellbound. I spent the rest of that long summer weekend reading the remaining books. Since then, I have read each book in the series at least 20 times apiece. Somewhere in the middle of all the reading, I began to jot down notes, questions and observations I made- little items that I wanted to ponder afterwards. Questions such as: Why did Professor Dumbledore so prize the individual merits of courage and "sheer nerve"? Did Hermione and other female students ever experience gender discrimination at Hogwarts? What defined the social structure of the wizard world (surely one exists as is evident by the influence of the well-to-do Malfoy family)? What is it about the Harry Potter books that have such universal appeal? And most importantly, what lessons can be learned?

Shortly after Pottermania began, several books appeared on the market dedicated to analyzing the phenomenon. Some addressed broad themes, while others disseminated every detail of the book, trying to decipher each and every meaning of every word of J.K. Rowling's works. Among these is Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives, a collection of essays written by professors and graduate students.

Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives is by far the most comprehensive book of this genre. Edited by Michigan State University professor Elizabeth Heilman, the book is comprised of numerous essays separated into four perspectives: Cultural Studies Perspectives, Reader Response and Interpretive Perspectives, Literary Perspectives: The Hero, Myth and Genre and Critical and Sociological Perspectives.

As a graduate student pursuing a MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction, this book has been a wonderful guide for me and enriched my understanding of the many facets of curriculum study. Not only does it provide unique interpretations of the series, but it also stimulates critical reflection and offers deep analyses of the boy wizard the world has grown to love.

While it is appropriate for college and graduate-level classes, anyone interested in exploring the cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter should read and will benefit from this. You will never look at Harry Potter the same way again.

"This book is a must-read for everyone interested not only in 'Harry Potter' the phenomenon, but culture as the pedagogical force par excellence of the new millennium."
Henry Giroux.

"Harry Potter's World is a fascinating attempt not only to take on the kaleidoscopic intellectual ramifications of the Harry Potter books, but to make them accessible to a wide audience." Peter Hunt, Editor, Routledge International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

"These analyses are well grounded, articulate, and conceptually wide-ranging. This book gives all of us Seekers a chance to catch Snitches of insight into our own world as well as Harry Potter's."
Betsy Hearne, author of Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide

"Reading Harry Potter's World is like having a triple-shot latté-a pleasant eye-opener. There is imagination here, intellectual engagement, surprising insights, and fresh angles of regard. All of it provides an antidote to the iconic Harry, the authoritative Harry, the stable, properly policed, and clichéd Harry." Bill Ayers, Distinguished Professor of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago

30 years back when my college grades were showing a downward trend, I approached my professor for help. He recommended this book. For a month I searched for this book throughout the city where I lived. Finally, I got a copy from the second-hand book shop for Indian Rupees 1.50(USD 0.15 - converted at the rate prevailed 30 years back). This book changed my entire life. I followed the book like a Bible. Needless to say, I came out from the college with flying colours! I gifted this book to a close friend. I wish I kept a copy for the sake of my sons. A really wonderful book!

I have had this book for a long time. I still refer to it frequently, not to refresh my memory, but to enjoy the writing and to get inspiration to study harder. This book has everything from making plans, timetables and motivation to the impact of smoking and exercise on study. It outlines the best known methods for studying both subjects like english literature and mathematics. I am surprised that this book has gone out of print. Read it even if you are not a student. Everyone of us needs to learn things and this book will make it easier.

Some time ago i sell this book.I began read it and i had understood that i learning so little. But now,when i read this cool book,i began otherwise look to the things.I became more ease learn information etc.