Bill Porter is a devout Buddhist and one of the most outstanding translators of Buddhist classics into English since Arthur Waley. This is a translation, not only of some of the Sung Dynasty's most elegant poems, but also of the first known art book-- yes, it predates Gutenberg by hundreds of years and yes, it contains woodcuts-- of which only one actual copy exists; it is the original from which the Bill Porter worked, housed in a museum in Shanghai. The verses are sublime. The tranlation is incomparably faithful and elegant. The signifigance of this work cannot be overestimated. All sinophiles and students of the language should own this one!

Imagine making the micro-stages of a plum blossom's growth the basis of a startling series of nature poems. But this is what Po-Jen Sung manages to do, and Red Pine's translation seems elegent and luminous and baffling in all the right places. The poet is never at a loss for the perfect image. He is intuitive and always flowing with the spirit of the inner details. This is visionary poetry at its best -- and the woodcuts of each of the flower's stages are incomparable. A must read. Thanks to Red Pine for this deeply moving work.

This book, by Danish authors, seeks to explain the major systems of play, as well as attacking strategies for different aspects of the game (set pieces such as corner kicks, throw ins, free kicks, etc.) The book covers the major systems (4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-3...) and gives both a sample training session and an example of how a well-known team has played each system. This section on systems of play is probably the most valuable portion of the book, and makes it worth buying.

The rest of the book focuses on various other aspects of the game, mostly set pieces. Several different options are given, and easy to read diagrams are provided for each of them. The authors also talk briefly about the style of play of different regions of the world (South America, Europe, Africa), and make some observations about each, but this section is really very limited, as the discussion mentions only those general characteristics of each (For example, the South American style is generally characterized by players who are highly skilled with the ball, and teams who try to score as a result of possessing the ball.) and does not really compare and contrast their merits or deficits to any real extent.

Also briefly mentioned are topics such as player psychology, coaching philosophy and methods, and other game situations like penalty kicks. These topics are also relatively limited in scope, although the information they provide is worthwhile.

Overall this is a very good book on tactics, one that is certainly worth reading for the systems of play portion, but the other sections, while they are adequate, fail to live up to that measure of quality. An additional critique of the book is that the Danish style of long ball direct play does tend to predominate some of the discussion in each area. Notwithstanding these elements, however, I do recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about tactics and systems of play.

An informative book for all individuals interested in learning the basics of Soccer team play and performance.The author provides information concerning the fundimentals, and development of systems of play, & styles of play. Attacking & defensive styles of play are outlined as well as providing information on how various countries have adapted a soccer style of play. Team tactics and technical training are other subjects covered in general terms. There is an interesting and informative chapter relating to Coaching, the role of the coach,methods of training, and building a team. A chapter diagramming plays when there are dead ball situations is most interesting with regard to player alignment, and the vairous steps required to execute a successful play. This book is a good start for all those who would like to get to learn the basics of Soccer team play and further pursue a more detailed knowledge of the game.

This is a picture book consisting of color pictures of flowers of tropical plants, with on the opposite page a concise supporting text. It is a pity that it is not a little bigger with the pictures printed at a higher magnification. But I guess the size comes with the territory (and the price). The pictures are all of a decent quality (or better).

The author is a wellknown and top rank German botanist and this can be found in the quality, but also in the fact that German common names are presented more often than those in any other language (except English ones, of course). Curiously the Introduction contains some errors not even a novice botanist would have made: there is a caption where Tillandsia is called an Orchid and a caption that calls a flush of young Brownea leafs "leaf shedding". The bit on Plant names in the Introduction is even worse off. Presumably the author finished up at the losing end of a clash with the publisher who wanted to keep things 'simple'.

Another noteworthy point is that no synonyms are given, which means that it may be hard to use this book alongside other works, of an earlier date. Those looking for Chorisia speciosa or Tabebuia pentaphylla will have to know that these days they are called Ceiba speciosa and Tabebuia rosea or they won't find them.

This is probably one of the better handbooks on tropical plants out today. It nicely blends text and images to give the beginner/amateur a solid understanding of the range of these beautiful plants and the expert a guide for tracking them down. The photos are wonderful and the writing is clear and precise. A must for plant enthusiasts.

This is one of the more useful general histories I have read. Divided into sections by dynasty, each section details the accomplishments for that period, as well as the events leading to the demise of that dynasty. I found it useful in that it discusses the influence that outside groups have had on Chinese culture (in more detail than other general histories I have read).

The report of a manipulative British woman utilizing the dark and violent traits in a young German to get rid of her parents has everything the audience looks for in a good tabloid - only that Ken Englade's impeccable research puts it far above tabloid level. As the story unfolds, Englade comforts the reader with a tasty mixture of necessary facts and those dark and delicate little secrets of other people that we all like to read about. None of the main players' character traits evades the author's watchful eye. As you proceed, you gain an almost intimate knowledge of them all. This is a book the typical true crime reader will surely enjoy.

This book is an excellent book for graduate students in biochemical engineering or for students of chemical engineering. It describes models such as metabolic flux analysis and metabolic control analysis. Furthermore mass transfer in fermentors and modelling of fermentors is described in great detail. The book is rather heavy to digest, but when you are through it, it is invaluable.

Written by 3 leading experts from Denmark's Riso National Laboratory, this book contains a deep and wide-ranging discussion of human-computer-interaction especially with regard to the design of information systems. Included are chapters on work domain/task situation/ user profile combinations, methodolgies, ecological information systems, activity analysis, and field studies in libraries

The Complete Probate Kit lives up to its name, and as the name indicates ("Kit"), presents the information in a format easy for readers to follow. Information is presented in both text and table format, making it very easy to read and understand. The authors have done an excellent job including information important not only during, but also before, the probate process a period often ignored. Another area that is given good coverage in this book is Intestate Succession, an area that is not easy to find information on outside of very technical, professional publications. A great reference for any Personal Representative.