Ken Marschall has become the definitive artist of the Titanic, and his art has the reality of the photographs we so often lack. This book includes much of his Titanic work, including his very first painting of the great ship, and as a bonus includes some of his other liner artwork, of the Lusitania, Mauretania, Queen Mary, Normandie, and the Andrea Doria, as well as Titanic's two sisters Olympic and Britannic. The Titanic was simply the most beautiful ocean liner ever built - her lines are absolutely perfect - and Marschall captures her with love and respect. Very highly recommended.

I discovered this wonderful book at a Titanic Historical Society convention and it is one of my most prized possessions of all my books on the subject. Ken Marschall is not only a foremost Titanic historian, but a maritime artist of great talent. Like many, he fell in love with Titanic legend as a child and his passion for art soon combined with his passion for the "unsinkable" ship. This book is a presentation of his love, from art he did as a young boy, to his later paintings. There is art of Titanic in her moments of grand triumph when she was the "ship of dreams" -- and then heartwrenching ones of her in her final moments that freezing April night. We see detailed, haunting Marschall works of how she is now in a watery grave, based on photographs taken by Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreck site in 1985. Near the book's end, however, is one of my favorite Marschall drawings, one of a scene that never happened, a beautiful Titanic entering New York harbor as her maiden voyage ends. This alone is worth the price of this magnificent book that belongs in any Titanic buff's library.

For the avid Titanic fan, this book is definitely a "must buy". Ken Marschall's beautiful renderings of the Titanic capture the great lost liner in all her glory. The book is well laid out, with a interesting section on how the artist began his Titanic and other artwork. However, I was a little disappointed with the very brief mention of other ships, and nothing about the Hindenburg at all. But the book does best what it is meant to do, display all of Ken Marschall's dazzling artwork brilliantly. If you don't have this book already, go and get it!

Before the T2 Ultimate Edition DVD came out, this book was probably one of the most exhaustive sources of information regarding the movie, along with 'The Making of T2' paperback. It's basically the final draft of the screenplay along with production notes and anecdotes about each scene. There are also hundreds of mostly black-and-white stills that correspond to each scene as the script goes on. Also included are the many moments that were cut from the theatrical release, most of which, thankfully, has been restored in the Special Edition. This includes Sarah's dream with Kyle Reese, The Dysons at home, the garage head surgery, T-1000's "glitching", and several other notable omissions. And as you read the screenplay, you'll see that quite a few of the lines spoken in the film differ from what is written. Some of the final ad-libs and slight changes of premise are discussed in the scene notes, and the various reasons (if any) for the slight alterations.

The book also devotes a chapter to parts of previous drafts that included many scenes that were never filmed, mostly due to production costs, as well as notes and commentary about them. The most notable almost-scene is the time machine room, where the resistance sends Reese to 1984, and the second Terminator to 1994. Another abandoned moment is the T-1000 wreaking havoc at the Salceda camp (the trailer-park/junkyard-looking place in the desert) following the departure of the three heroes. This scene would've shown more T-1000 morphs and 'gags'. Like the photos that correspond with the final script, the storyboards of these lost moments are shown along with the script to give you an idea of what each scene would've looked like.

I found the most interesting part to be the introduction by co-writer/co-producer/director James Cameron. He talks about the grind of completing T2 in just a year, and probably his most profound revelation about himself: that writing the script is his least-favorite part of movie production. I found this little revelation to be rather ironic, because I always felt that his scriptwriting ability is his strongest suit. Well, maybe not with 'Titanic', but that's me.

Sadly, just about all of the stuff discussed in this trade paperback, and then some, has been incorporated into the Special Features disc of the Ultimate Edition DVD. If you've already entered the digital age of movie technology, this book is pretty much just a relic of the pre-DVD era.

'Late!

I really enjoyed Terminator 2. It had some great scenes that the movie left out - like scenes with Kyle in the future and in Sarah's dream. Also had more characterization because you could read what the characters were thinking. Would have liked to have had the scene where the "learning chip" is turned on put in the movie. Mr. Frakes described a poignant moment when Miles Dyson dies. Highly recommend this book to all T1, T2, and sci-fi fans. Enjoy!

James Camerons follow up to the Terminator has recieved both critical acclaim and criticism. I for one, loved the first Terminator movie. Terminator 2 was a worthy followup to the series. The action, the drama, the message, it was all there. Sure, some of his was hammered home, but its such a fun ride, you don't care. The screenplay itself is remarkable. It contains commentary and scenes that didn't make the final cut. For all you how need a testement to Camerons genius, this is it.

A good introduction to Xanth, I guess. I haven't read any other Xanth books, though. If you know, could you e-mail me at wibsatp@hotmail.com?

The Xanth stories are full of wonderful puns and jokes. It also is filled with action, romance, and young women whom, for some reason or another show their panties to creatures. This is not a dirty book however. This is perfect from young adult to ancient adult.

This is a great book to learn even more about the land of Xanth from characters to hazards. The authors portray a terrific summary of the books. Even though I've just started reading about Xanth I think The Visual Guide to Xanth is a must read even before you start the others!

Rambo 2 is the startling account of one of the true icons of our culture and his struggle against corruption in the military, the ghosts of his painful past and his longing for true love. The writing here is some of the finest prose written in this century. The words flow effortlessly and carry the reader through every breathtaking moment. Morrell is a genius and this novel should be taught in every college literature program. Morell's writing can be complex at times but several readings will be rewarded with enlightenment and life-changing affirmations. The film is also a masterpiece and Stallone's acting is stellar (why he wasn't nominated for best actor is beyond me) but read the book first! Do not deprive yourself. Read Rambo 2!

The most dangerous man in the world is back in this novel (and Movie) and this time it's for his country! Co-written by David Morrell (FIRST BLOOD), he intended for Rambo to die in the first book, but Sylvester Stallone liked the character so much that he and James Cameron brought Rambo back for a sequel.

John Rambo is in a Kentucky prison for the bloody one-man war against small town Sherif Teasle. Colonel Trautman offers Rambo's signed release if he agrees to take on what would be a suicide mission for most men. His first objective--penetrate the remembered jungles of Hell (Vietnam), and find the missing Americans who are still being tortured there. His second objective--DON'T rescue them. Only bring back photos. DON'T engage the enemy. DON'T get revenge. For Rambo, the first part is tough. The second, impossible.

But Rambo does agree to the conditions. He goes to Vietnam only to be abandoned by his only means of getting out of Vietnam, who have left on the orders of the Commanding officer Murdock to leave him there to be killed.

But remember, this is Rambo. A killing machine trained by the best to survive in the worst conditions. He decides that if Murdock will back out of his side of the deal, he's going to do the same. Forget taking pictures of the P.O.W. camps. Rambo's going to become a one-man army once again, and is going in to save them....and then he's going after Murdock for abandoning him.

This is a book which takes constant re-reading and reading within context: that is, pick one theme, and read the entire book in search of all Morrell has to say about that theme. This book is completely indispensible to anyone wishing to deal in post-modern philosophy and existentialism: it is a secular philosopher's bible. Dealing in systematic brilliance throughout the experience of life, Morrell delves into psychology and theological ideas while remaining true to his own purely atheistic and philosophical roots.

Dense? Sure... but illuminating examples help to describe the deep thought, almost as parables in the Synoptic Gospels. The crag in the rock, the meeting at the cafe, all these verbal illustrations work into the text very well. Personally, I love the sections on the anguish of man when faced with the facticity of his own freedom. The dualism expressed by Morrell is a theme in philosophy which I usually don't enjoy (like any good post-Hegelian, I enjoy synthesizing opposites), he is able to pull it off with ease and magnificence. Though it is not as eloquent as the existentialism expressed by Albert Camus, it is every bit as enlightening and valuable.

Most people object to its density because they are used to the existential wanderings of the modern novel - Camus' The Stranger, or Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment - but this is the philosophical reflection of the situation of man expressed by such work. Morrell states early on that he is not performing an objective analysis of humankind, but rather a biased and understandably nuanced description of ontology from the perspective of the modern man.

Brilliant and exciting, Rambo : First Blood Part II is an essential part of anyone philosopher's bookshelf!

I know this movie has been taken over by the younger generation, but we all agree it is AWESOME! This poster book is great for fans of all ages. I am glad I didn't pass it up. The posters are beautiful and most of which I haven't seen. What are you waiting for? BUY THIS POSTER BOOK!

This Poster book is absolutely beautiful. It has twelve extraordinary posters from the movie Titanic and I think that everyone who loves the movie MUST have this book! I have already two of the posters in my room, I wish I had more space to hang them all to my bedrooms'walls. All in all I have 5 Titanic posters in my room, one of the real Titanic and the others from the movie.

I got the poster book and it had so many cool posters! I only had room for three (they're huge!-regular poster size) and I couldn't choose which ones!

I read this book after reading the recent photo-book onlynching, _Without Sanctuary_, and viewing its website, ( ) That bookis a rape of the eye, with its massed imagery of communal murder. This book _A Time of Terror_ is a detailed first-hand account of one such crime. The author, as a sixteen year old boy, was arrested for rape and robbery. By his account, he was no more than an unwilling accessory, a wild kid just starting to go wrong. His companions were soon arrested, and one horrible night the white citizenry broke into the prison and lynched them. Cameron was beaten, strung up, and just about to be killed, when he heard a lady's voice commanding the crowd to release him. No one else heard anything like that, but the mob did indeed cut him down and help him back into the prison. This miraculous rescue helped turn him to Christ years later, once he was out of prison.

This narrative is very valuable for the flesh and blood details it provides to the era of lynching. Cameron records his terror at seeing familiar white faces, people he had cut grass and run errands for, howling for his blood. The lynching was not sudden--people moved into town days beforehand, and news of the impending atrocity was even broadcast on the radio. Firemen sent in to disperse the crowd with water spray instead invited the mob to come aboard the trucks and cut the hoses. Cameron tried to hide among other black prisoners, but the mob threatened to hang them all, causing them to finally give him up. Possibly most horrible of all, these events took place not in the South, but in Marion, Indiana.

Cameron faithfully tells his tale seemingly without embarrassment or residual hatred. His father was worthless. He and his friends were indeed up to no good the night they were arrested. Far from being passive victims, community blacks took their firearms and tried to drive into town to protect him, but they were turned back by police. And Cameron notes those few white people who were kind to him. All these details provide context, and makes the lynching appear even more monstrous than any sociological jargon possibly could.

The second half of the book is an account of his prison years, and it is nothing special. The epilogue, a speech given when he was presented with the key to the city of Marion, is a touching example of forgiveness, such that only greatness of spirit and possibly extreme old age can bring. A true black classic.

I feel this is a title all Americans should read and make their children aware of the bad things that have happened to African American in the past. We also need to remember that even though there is affirmative action, we still are all not considered EQUAL to man.

This book is not to be missed! James Cameron's retelling of his lynching is told with true artistry. Cameron seems to have a knack for knowing when his work is finished, when a sentence more or a sentence less would ruin the work. This is one that will stay with you for years!

Alan Dean Foster's "novelization" of James Cameron's screenplay for "Aliens" is certainly above average as such things go. What is really interesting now is that with the complete director's cut of the film we discover that all of the "depth" Foster was providing, such as the scene where Newt's parents discover the wrecked ship, were in Cameron's original script. But that is fine, since you do not really want the person writing a novelization to go out and create too much new material. The true strength of this novelization is in fleshing out the scenes, not so much the action sequences but those between people trying to make the best out of a bad situation that is only getting worst. The story still maintains a pace consistent with the driving force of the film. Alan Dean Foster does so many of these novelizations that when he really nails one like he does with "Aliens," we need to stop and take notice.

Commentary

I usually am one to read relationship/unrealistic novels such as The Outsiders or Catcher in the Rye, but after falling in love with the movie "Aliens" when I was seven I thought reading the book may be fun to. I have to admit, I have read this before, but not since the third grade so picking it up again was not a problem because I had lost all memory of the tale. The thing I like about reading books based on movies is that you get a whole new idea of what each character is feeling when something happens. For instance although Sigourney Weaver is a truly talented actress, when Ripley is trying to get Newt (AKA Rebecca Johnson) to drink the hot chocolate in the movie you don't get the same essence of her emotion towards the child as you do in the novel. I appreciate Alan Dean Foster because he has a tendency to go over what is expected and dive into the depths of a character, making them more distinguishable and easier to get to know. This book is truly one of the only books that makes reading it before or after you see the movie a fun ride. Plus there's a lot of swearing, that's always a plus.

Great book! Like the movie is was suspenseful, action packed, and scary. The first book wasn't as good as this one though. The best parts are the end, and the part where Ripley is trapped with the facehuggers, and without weapons!

I picked up this book over the week-end, and finished it in a day. Being "unauthorized" it is actually a very well put together piece of work. The author has obviously used alot of reference material (he quotes Starlog alot) but reinforces this material with his own cast and crew interviews.

Unfortunately the sections on the films that preceed "The Abyss" are relatively light reads. The section on "Aliens" does however bring in some very interesting details about the production that I have never seen in print before...it does not however go quite far enough, I put it down wanting to know more.

Overall 3 out of 5...this book could have done more with the earlier period of this directors career.

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORS OF LAST 2 DECADES. JAMES CAMERSON IS AN EGO MANIAC, PERFECTIONIST, WORKAHOLIC,SLAVE DRIVER. HE IS SELF CENTERED AND AROGANT. HE HAS HAD 4 MARRIAGES AND FAILED IN EACH. HE ALSO IS A TALENTED, SELF MOTIVATED, INTELLIGENT, AND CREATIVE PERSON. HE SEEMS TO STRIVE ON STRESS, PRESSURE, AND CHAOS. THIS BOOK CONTAINS MANY INTERESTING AND AMUSING TALES OF HIS DARK SIDE (MIJ). THE TELLING OF HIM GOING DOWN IN A MINI SUB TO DO SOME FILMING OF THE WRECKAGE OF THE TITANIC HIMSELF IS IN ITSELF A GREAT STORY. THIS IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES TO READ ABOUT BEHIND THE SCENES ABOUT MOVIE MAKING AND LIKES TO READ ABOUT GOSSIP CONCERNING SO CALLED HOLLYWOOD STARS. THE AUTHOR HAS A REALLY GOOD READ HERE.
VERY RECOMMENDED.

This book is amazing. It explains all of James Cameron's movies, in detail. As well as the process he went through in making them, writing them, directing them, pre-production, production, and post-production. Not to mention the reviews critics gave the film, and it's popularity in the box office. And it explains his life and interest in moviemaking from the age of 10 to where he is now.

First off, to the other reviewers, please don't start writing about how great the film is! Most of the people who order this book already agree with that. This is for reviews of Paula Parisi's book!

Anyway, Parisi has done a fantastic job shedding light on the immense production that was Titanic. It's great to read another take on the movie (pro-Titanic) from a person who was on the set for the duration of filming. While the film was in production, the way the press covered the film was pathetic (though fun gossip). Also, having been a fan of the way Parisi covers Cameron for T.H.R. and Wired, it was wonderful for us to have her delve a little deeper into the project.

My only wish is that Parisi would have included more about some of the crew members like Simon Crane, Jimmy Muro, and Josh McLaglen. Also, knowing how PA's get the crap work on movies, it would have been nice to hear some of their gossip. (Not to be confused with the press' gossip. I wanted more more like teamster/PA gossip). I would have also liked a little more insight into the cast. (not so much kate and leo, just a general overview on the work/conditions/feelings the main cast had on Titanic--something along the lines of how billy zane explains it all)

Otherwise, this book was a joy to read. It was a fast read too, which is always a good thing for a college student. :-)

This book does exactly what it set out to do - show how Titanic reshaped the movie-making industry by destroying conventional expectations. It also paints Cameron in a much different light than most other tv and print media do (i.e. good). Sometimes Parisi seems to go a bit overboard in her praise of Cameron and when she starts calling the media "idiots", one wonders just how much Cameron himself has influenced this work.

A good read, and helpful in understanding just how big an undertaking this film was, but while I admire James Cameron and loved the film, the golden glow that this book gives him is a bit much. Overall, I would recommend it for anyone wanting to see the innovativeness, stamina, politics, and gambling that went into pulling off the biggest film of all time (so far).

In some ways, the story of the making of Titanic and the search for the reasons for the movie's mythical success, is destined to overshadow the story of the historical Titanic.

For those who want to understand why the movie is so great, this book shows how the gargantuan work effort by James Cameron shaped and created his masterpiece. In fact, you might start evolving from a Titanic fan into a Cameron groupie.

This fast-paced book presents an overview of the more technical aspects of the making of the movie. Paula Parisi started writing it while the movie was still being made and no one was interested in publishing the book, so it's not a hurriedly-written exploitation of the movie's success.

We learn a lot about Cameron's drive and genius, his thoroughness and creativity. The book takes us from the early days of the Halifax venture and the dives to the wreck, through the assembly of the gigantic Fox Baja, Mexico set. It tells of his perseverance during the days of all the negative media attention, and his battles against budgetary and time constraints. We realize that James Cameron is truly a great artist first, and then a great technician.

My only wish is that the book dealt more with the cast of the movie and what they experienced, than it does the technical aspects. But the author explains in a postscript that the technical domain is her specialty. One gets the feeling that it's 200 pages only scratch the surface of what was really involved in making of James Cameron, and of the Titanic.

I found this book good reading, for the most part. Like any "instructional" type companion book for a series, it can be dry at times...but it's still a good read! I found out some things that the series books had left out, or didn't explain too thouroughly. The illustrations were really great, too! My perception of just how big Ramoth was definitely changed after I read this book! All in all...not bad, if you're a McCaffrey/Pern fan. Worth buying!

This was when it was issued an excellent reference for Pern, but it has since been very dated by the publication of books such as Masterharper of Pern and Skies of Pern. And the information in it is extremely shallow compared to some of the excellent wesites that are available online. I would be delighted if Jody Lynn Nye and Annne McCaffrey would sit down and incorporate some of the work Pern fans have been doing in the interim years and make this a truly authoritative Pern reference book.

Do you love Anne McCaffrey's Pern books? Did you ever wonder exactly what a bubbly pie was or how klah really tastes? Want the recipe? It's all in this book. I took this home and kicked my family out of the kitchen for hours. Klah is fabulous if you like coffee, cinnamon, and chocolate. Do you want to know what the Rukbat system looks like? There's a map of Rukbat here. And what are those bloody threads made of anyway? And how do the dragonriders predict where they'll fall next? It's all right here in this cover-to-cover learning experience