BRUTAL HONEST FRIGHTNING . HUGH COLLINS ACCOUNT OF LIFE AS A GLASGOW HARDMAN AND PRISONER IN SCOTTISH PRISONS IS TERRIFYING AND TOUCHING AT THE SAME TIME.THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN TEN YEARS.I AM HOPING FOR SEQUEL.THIS MAN IS A LITERARY TREASURE.

NO HOLDS BARRED ACCOUNT OF HUGH COLLINS TURBULENT LIFE IN AND OUT OF SCOTTISH PRISONS.A TRULY REMARKABLE STORY OF ONE MANS BATTLE TO RECOGNISE AND OVERCOME THE DEMONS WITHIN.COLLINS IS A GIFTED WRITER WITH A GREAT TALE TO TELL.

Few books in circulation deal specifically with Marxism and law, probably because the former assigns the latter a distinctly subordinate role among society's real determinants. In Marxian thinking, law has neither autonomy in practice - being an extention of class interest - nor autonomy in theory - being hopelessly intertwined with nonlegal structures. Bourgeois theorists, on the other hand, treat law as possessing the necessary degree of autonomy that their studies require. Collins hopes to fill the current gap in scholarship created by Marxism' general neglect of legal theory, and succeeds admirably.

Current works are combined with classical ones in highly stimulating fashion that both inform the reader and deepen understanding. Anyone who believes that the 'rule of law' is about ensuring that our societal game is played fairly, should read this book. Those of a more skeptical persuasion will also benefit from the skillful treatment Collins, an Oxford Don, brings to the subject. Highly recommended to serious readers.

This is a fascinating study of a previously unexamined area of medieval history. It seeks with some success to reconcile our understanding of the relationship between the aspirational and idealistic world of chivalry with the pragmatic and at some times brutal world of medieval Europe. Focusing in particular on the order of the Garter during the later Middle Ages, it discusses how the politic functions of the order operated within a structure of ideals that embraced the highest aspirations of the chivalric ethos. All in all an inspired work of scholarship.

the first part is really great. the events of a convict's life is presented in an interesting way. the convict finds a means to escape, sort of a meditative way, that makes him fly to far off places. but the story doesn't really develop or continue from there. instead it ends up being a bit boring, although starting promising.

I started to write a review over two years ago after I read this piece, then stopped, deciding to wait, wanting to know whether such poignant effect on my thinking and outlook could last. IT HAS! This little-known work by Jack London is a masterpiece, through which my perspective on life- in particular during times of disappointment, loss, or pain- has been placed in new and better perspective. Mr. Morrell conquers the heartless cruelties inflicted by his captors, and London's amazing talent leads the reader vicariously through it.

This is a brilliant, beautiful novel. The idea of escape from a reality of suffering is presented to the reader through wonderful short stories that are layered within the theme of a prisoner condemned to death. Particularly those who are interested in Eastern philosophy will enjoy this immensely. The rest will simply read a masterpiece. I will never forget it.

The phenomenon of formerly violent ex-cons turning their hands to memoir and fiction is hardly a new one. One of the more notable examples in the US is that of Edward Bunker, who has written extensively on his own past (Little Boy Blue) as well as having penned a number of novels (Dog Eat Dog). Released (and presumably reformed) after 16 years in jail for murder, Hugh Collins is another of these real life gangster literati, with two volumes of memoir, and this, the first in a projected trilogy. What makes Collins intriguing is that his personal background and fictional setting coincide in Glasgow circa 1976.

This pulpy potboiler starts in somewhat confusing fashion, in the midst of a shady deal in which both sides are trying to con the other. This transaction is the catalyst for a story that will invoke all the traditional gangster elements from double-crossing to razor blades, police brutality and racism in an almost nostalgic attempt to portray the end of of an era. Barney Boone is a charming, old timey (and at 60+, old), small time grifter. Unfortunately, for the scam that kicks things off, he partners with two decidedly more violent younger men. The contrast between the solid old-time "earners" who graft every day and the younger, drug-addled, violent mobs is one of the book's main themes.

The plot is built on a series of misunderstanding and coincidences end in grimly violent repercussions. Collins jumps around a bit, zooming in on different characters a little haphazardly. For quite a while Barney gets the most attention as we learn his history and family life, and then part way through, the focus shifts from him and his two partners to two women and another, unrelated, gangster. There is also a Pakistani family who awkwardly disappears completely from the narrative. The story wraps up with cosmic justice meted out and the stage clearly set for the next in the series. The end result is a mostly satisfying Scottish riff on the pulpy crime novel which is not particularly original, but nonetheless interesting. Collins writes in the type of Scots popularized in recent years by writers such as James Kelman and Irvine Welsh. For newcomers to Scots, there's a basic glossary in the front, which is serviceable, but unfortunately omits the more obscure terms.

I have made four trips to Australia using various versions of this guide. You have to remember that it started off as a backpacker's/ alternative travel guide and has kept the strengths (in depth coverage of offthe beaten track areas) as well as the weaknesses (concentrates on low end travellers) of that approach. It needs to be not just revised and updated but also completely rewritten from scratch. The book is also geared to the traveller who is already in Australia. For example, it is extremely sparing in giving out email addresses and, after all these editions, still does not give the Australian postcodes for places. In its attempt to cover the entire country, it has also gotten very bulky and inconvenient.

I like Lonely Planet and its guides, but I think that it is time for them to either abandon or change the focus of this country-wide guide. In the meantime, I am relying on their series of Australian State guides for my next trip.

CHECKED IN THE STAFF WERE AMAZING VERY HELPFULL POLITE AND READY TO SERVE YOU AND FULL OF HELPFULL KNOWLEDGE ON ALL THE LOCAL TOURS IN THE AREA AS WELL AS OTHER TOURS IN AUSTRALIA CLEAN AND VERY AFFORDABLE GAMES ROOM TV/CABLE SWIMMING POOL THE BEST THING ABOUT THE HOSTEL IS THAT IT WAS ONLY FIVE MINSTO THE CITY AND THEY GAVE YOU A FREE MEAL EVERY NIGHT AT A RESTURANT COME NIGHT CLUB VERY GOOD PLACE GO AND HAVE A LOOK OR JUST PHONE THEM ON (07)40410249 FROM TWO HAPPY POMMS BACKPACKING AROUND THE WORLD MY RATING FOR THE PLACE IS 5 STARS

Because Australia is so big.. and there is just so much to see no single book can possibly cover the whole country. That's why lonely planet has published so many titles pertaining to this country.

I think the intention of this book is to give insight into what is available where... then select the relevant lonely planet guide for the area that most interests you.

A lot of people don't know what is where in Aus, as an outline to learn... I think this book serves anyone very very well.

It's much cheaper to buy this book.. and choose where you want to find out more about... than buying the complete series of lonely planet guides in the Australia range.