This book is one of the 2 most desirable and collectible books on classical guitars (the other one is: Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present by Urlik, Sheldon). The figures are superb and the text informative. The hard cover edition is better in the following senses:

1. The hard cover edition is a limited edition (6000 copies only).
2. It is like a textbook which can be opened fully on its back. Easy for reading and scanning.
3. It's got a hard protective slipcase

However, getting the softcover edition might be your choice for its price and availability.

If you are a lover of guitars, specifically classical guitars, you owe it to yourself to purchase this book. There is nothing else like it. Great photography, details on some of the best guitars from some of the best makers...Romanillos, Smallman, Bernabe...They are all here. Inclusively, the book covers players (Williams, Bream, Segovia) as well as an in depth look at wood and the guitar market today. Great stuff and at ..., an incredible bargain.

Any lover of the classical guitar cannot help but appreciate this gorgeous collection of instruments, as well as the way in which they are displayed on the pages. Filled with information about the guitars and their construction, the luthiers, and which players'CDs you can hear them on, I highly recommend this fine edition. I take issue only with the subtitle "A Complete History", as the guitars are based on a single collection of instruments, owned by Russell Cleveland, and not necessarily what any other person would consider "Complete". That fact does not diminish my enjoyment of this exquisite book one bit.

My mother introduced this book to me when I was in third grade, only about 7 years ago, she would read a chapter to me and my sister every night, one night she let me read a chapter by myself while she went to sleep. 3 o'clock in the morning, I finished the book. I hadn't been able to put it down. This book is a wonderful whirlwind of fantasy and magic that even me and my sister, 74 years after it was originally published, absolutly adore. This book is a treasure and I'm glad it is still avalable somewhere for people to find.

I took this out of the library in the first grade and my mom read it to me at least three times. It was my first "chapter book". I still remember this book 25 years later and I searched for this book for years in used bookstores (it was out of print). Amazon finally has it and I am finally going to order my copy today. It's a big time commitment for whoever will help with the reading but I remember each chapter worked like it's own bedtime story.

Far-fetched fiction at its best. A magical journey through a strange universe. Perfect for those who do not have established notions about the world or who are willing to put them aside. Noom-Zor-Noom and Millitinkle are reminiscent of Balaam and his talking quadruped. A delightful book of stories nested within stories, nested within stories, nested within stories... Completely new material. It's highly unlikely that one will run into any other storybook quite like this one.

This book is a 20 ct. diamond. I have used it for four years to plan birding trips. If you want to go where the birds are, this book is a must. It not only tells you where to go, it also gives you a detailed iteneray, tells you when to go, and tells you how many day to plan for your trip. If that isn't enough, it refers you to other more detailed birding books to help you plan your trip.

A do it yourself guide to birding trips around the country including detailed itineraries. Professionals in the nature tours trade may want to keep this book a secret since it allows anybody to reproduce many of their trips at a significant cost saving.

This book gives us what paul Valery thinks, and what he thinks is the forgotten basis of many thoughts

This book contains some of the most inspiring prose written in this century, in a truly incomparable translation. it doesn't get much better than this. READ IT

This book is valuable for those who are searching for the practical life and evidence of Comte de St. Germain. An immortal who is still very active in the world today.

Cooper-Oakley's biography on Comte de St. Germain is the first biographical sketch written about this enigmatic character. Called by Frederick the Great "The man who does not die" Saint Germain was said to possess the Elixir of Life, and to be virtually immortal. Germain was the friend, confident, and spy of European rulers for a generation. Two hundred years after his disappearance from the scene of politics, his reputation as an emissary from the Invisible Brotherhood intrigues us even more. While there is a definite Theosophical spin to her work, Cooper-Oakley's "Comte de St. German" remains to this day seminal reading for those interested in this "Unknown Superior" of Western Esotericism - Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism in particular - almost a century after it was written. A very good book and well worth reading by any one interested in the mysterious occult forces behind history. Jean Overton-Fuller's historical biography on Comte de Saint Germain is a fine follow-up to this one.

When I say "Photographer's Bible" it is not just a catchy title for this review, I believe it is truly "The Book". The sacred book doesn't have pictures, right?, well this one also have none, it treasures the soul and thoughts of some of the most important and famous photographers of the XX century. A good photography book about a famous photographer is easy to find, we all know the images from many of them, but what do they think about life and this hard profession, I just found it on this must-have masterpiece.

When I say "Photographer's Bible" it is not just a catchy title for this review, I believe it is truly "The Book". The sacred book doesn't have pictures, right?, well this one also have none, it treasures the soul and thoughts of some of the most important and famous photographers of the XX century. A good photography book about a famous photographer is easy to find, we all know the images from many of them, but what do they think about life and this hard profession, I just found it on this must-have masterpiece.

I work as a DJ at a country radio station and I produce and host a weekly classic country program. I needed a book that provided a good bit of general information about a wide variety of singers and groups without a lot of useless information and what not -- this book has exceeded my expectations! As an "encyclopedia," this isn't something that you read cover-to-cover, but anyone who has ever belted-out a note of country music can be found with just the right amount of information. If you are looking for a country music reference book, this is it!

After hearing about this book, I was anxious to find it. I am pleased to report that it is indeed "the real deal" and not only met but exceeded my expectations. Well organized and easy to read, this encyclopedia provides just enough information in each entry to fill your plate. It is not too sketchy, nor too long in any areas (but I would have liked to read a bit more about Hank Williams and George Jones!) As an encyclopedia, it is not something you "read" per se, but rather "explore"...over and over. The names of familiar artists jump off the page and every scan can lead you to learn either something more about someone you know, or perhaps introduce you to someone or something totally new. Numerous illustrations (and it could use a few more)break up the mountain of text; the pictures provide enough rest for your eyes before scouring the pages for more well-researched documentation. This compilation is just awesome; the years of research have paid off in my humble opinion. What makes the book so wonderful is its scope -- suitable for a newcomer and also detailed and informative enough for the country music veteran. I highly recommend you buy at least two. One to enjoy as often as you want to and the other to offer as a special gift. Whoever you give this book to will NOT have another like it on the shelf. My "gift volume" will be going to my Dad as a tribute and thank-you for being weaned on the music that is country. If you love country music or think you want to, add this book to your library. There is enough interesting history and data collected here to satisfy even the largest musical appetite for the better part of year. ENJOY !!!

I picked up this book for my aunts birthday, but read it myself. The story is smooth and funny. Great for a summer day by the beach.

We have been trying to decide on some of the best wireless initiatives for our company for quite some time. This book was incredibly useful in understanding where some of the industry leaders see the future going. I especially liked the chapter written by the CEO of AT&T Wireless. This book is a must have for anyone interest in wireless opportunities or in the wireless industry.