This superb coffee table book by Kevin W. Kelley is especially apt in this day and age, when so much in life feels precarious and precious. A simple and simply eloquent collection of photographs and quotations, it is so much more than the sum of its parts.

The astronauts who have either landed on the moon or have orbited the earth have so much to tell us and it's easy to see from the photographs why they feel words fail them. Luckily for us, words DON'T fail them. This select, small group of men and woman try mightily to tell us what their experiences were, and overwhelmingly they succeed in conveying the mystery and beauty they saw from their unique perches in space. A few of the better bits include:

"[From space] you have an almost dispassionate platform--remote, Olympian--and yet [seeing the earth from up there is] so moving that you can hardly believe how emotionally attached you are to those rough patterns shifting steadily below."
- THOMAS STAFFORD, USA

"O. Henry, the American writer, wrote in one of his stories that if you want to encourage the craft of murder, all you have to do is lock up two men for two months in an eighteen-by-twenty-four-foot room. Entering 'Salyut,' which was to be both our home and our office for six months, we told each other: We are brothers. I am you and you are me."
- VALERIE RYUMIN, USSR

"Before I flew, I was already aware of how small and vulnerable our planet is; but only when I saw it from space, in all its ineffable beauty and fragility, did I realize that humankind's most urgent task is to cherish and preserve it for future generations."
- SIGMUND JAHN, GERMANY

In no book that I can think of does the phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words" better fit. The photographs herein are astonishing in showing the exquisite planet we occupy. A view of England's North Sea coast looks like a slab of lapiz lazuli, its surface flecked with sparkle and hue. Canada's Lake Winnipeg from space has the appearance of something primal, almost fetal. The Indian Ocean off Madagascar looks like a sheet of slate over which some divine presence has tossed a handful of diamonds. So few of us can ever hope to share the experience of these men and women that this book is all the more precious, and beautiful.

This coffee table book presents some of the best photographs taken of the Earth and the Moon by both astronauts and cosmonauts. Due to the large size of the book, these photographs are even more stunning. In addition to the photographs, several quotes by those who have flown in space accompany each photograph.

One of things that I really liked about the book is that other than the small quotes, there is very little accompany text. The only real text is at the end of the book, where NASA's chief photographic planner describes "Why Space Photography?" I found thispart kind of chilling where he states, "it is a far more air-polluted Earth today than it was in the past ... twenty years ago"

A wonderfully moving and beautifully compiled collection of images. Mountain ranges and river deltas dissolve into abstract designs of astounding beauty. The accompanying commentaries show a world united in space in a way that is sadly absent on Earth. The book would make anybody want to become an astronaut.

This is the perfect present for any occasion. It has touched the hearts of everyone I know who has ever seen it. Highly recommended.

This book is incredible.. there is so much information to learn from it, and it's worth every word. Accompanied by fantastic photography, it's something for absolutely everyone

I loved this book! It told me many new things about the underwater life (which I know tons about). It also challenged me to do a lot more thinking while I read. And wow! its by the SCUBA man himself, Jacques Cousteau!

i think the book was great. it helped me alot with my report and taught me alot about the life of Cousteau

In this book scientific discovery underlines an exotic adventure that takes the reader into a world of beauty and danger. Many of the frequently asked questions regarding sharks are answered, such as how it feels to encounter large sharks with only a camera, or if there is any defense against a shark attack, or why do sharks die if taken from the sea.

Writes Phillipe Cousteau, "His (the shark's) entire form is fluid, weaving from side to side; his head moves slowly from left to right, right to left, timed to the rhythm of his speed through the water. Only the eye is fixed, focused on me, cricling withinn the orbit of the head, in order not to lose sight for a fraction of a second of his prey or, perhaps, his enemy... His silent circling is a ballet governed by untraceable mchansisms. The blue tranquility of his form surrounds me with the sensation of a web of muderous yet beautiful force."

part of a three volume set, ISBN 0884860175, this book brings information in the form of superb color and b&w photos, crisp text, and the same illluminating presentations that marked cousteau's National Geographic films. This book uncovers some of our near total ignorance of sharks while maintaing a curious and non judgemental point of vantage

An extraordinary work in which the friendly and intimate relationship between man and whales gives way to wonder and awe as Captain Cousteau recounts his expeditions accross the oceans of the world in search of the mightiest creature to have ever lived.

Beginning with a fascinating look at some of the remarkable qualities of the whale - its size and the power implied by such enormous proportions, its high level of intelligence, its general lack of aggressiveness and ferocity, and its paradoxical fragility and dependence on the sea, the adventures of the Calllypso team are captured on film and in an absorbing narrative, describing encounters with whales in the Pacific and Indian oceans, including the gray whale and the killer whale.

The result is an unforgettable picture of a creature whose role in the precarious balance of the seas has been misunderstood since ancient times. It is also a creature in criical danger of extinction and Captain Cousteau closes with a passionate plea for its preservation.

This is a superbly and colorfully illustrated book on Whales, a part of the Whale, Dolphin, Shark 3 book set (ISBN 0884860175) remarkable effort by the Cousteau Society Staff. In keeping with his fine work with his National Geographic films Cousteau brings us yet another informative and illuminating glimpse of what we know so little.

THIS BOOK IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ ON DIVIN

one of the best learning materials i used in school to learn about whales

I think Jacques Cousteau was a wonderful man. He helped us out more than we know. This book was vey informative and interesting. I aplaude the author for having the will to write about an accomplished individual like Jacques Cousteau and doing an excellent job at it. Thank you Jacques Cousteau for doing so very much for our country and others. You have my sincerest graditude. I enjoyed learning about this topic and I liked the organization of interesting facts that I found in this particular book. I am a 13 year old Freshman attending Harvard, and I was very inmpressed with this book.

The book is absolutely excellent! I enjoy horse books and I'll read anything, but Walter Farley's Black stallion and the series holds a place in my heart. It's about a boy and his love for a untamed wild stallion. Amazingly, he is the only one whom is able to ride him! I give it 5 stars. Read it. You'll see.

This is a story about a boy named Alec who first sees a savage, yet beautiful horse led onto his ship. Alec secretly befriends him. Then there is a terrible storm and the ship is sinking.Alec lets the Black go and he plunges into the sea with Alec. A day later They have reached land but for the better or worse?

Alec and The Black are finally rescued and Alec joins forces with an ex trainer named Henry Dailey. They plan to make Black a famous race horse but will the Black Stallion ever be truly tamed?

This was a beautifully well written story full of adventure and heart. If you don't try it then you will really be missing out.

I first started reading the Black Stallion series when I was 9 years old....and now, 20 years later, I'm getting them for my daughter. If you have seen the movie but have not read the book, PLEASE take the time to get the book and read it. The movie doesn't do the book justice, believe me. This book, and the ones that follow it, are essential reading for children (and adults). I highly recommend it.

This courtroom drama by Rob Reiner probably doesn't look that impressive on paper. Two Marines accidently kill one of their colleagues during a "Code Red" disciplinary measure, and are placed up for murder. Rookie Navy lawyer is assigned to case and comes of age in a courtroom. It doesn't sound too thrilling, but this film - based on an Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) play - is mesmerising. This is mostly due to a good ensemble cast consisting of Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollack, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland and Jack Nicholson. There are no star performances in this film, everyone pulls together for the story.

The setting up of the climax sees Tom & co. travelling to Cuba and gathering information on the case, which sets up the scintillating courtroom climax. The interplay between Cruise and Nicholson is electric, particularly at the films climax. Cruise is the slick rookie lawyer who has never been inside a courtroom before and whose father was a famous Navy lawyer who it seems everyone knows. Cruise has trouble living up to his fathers reputation. Nicholson on the other hand is an Officer of the Old School who believes he is always right and demands respect from everyone he meets.

This film tells two stories : honour and the place it serves in the military, and moving out of the shadow of a successful father to become your own man.

Extras (for R2) :

"Code Of Conduct" documentary on how the film was put together with contributions from all the stars bar Nicholson.
"From Stage To Screen" documentary on the transition from the original stage play to the film by Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin.
Commentary by Rob Reiner.

This is probably the best movie I have ever seen. A Few Good Men is about two soldiers who are accused of killing another, a weaker soldier who was slacking off and disobeying many unwritten rules to get off of his base. The defense team, which consists mainly of Daniel Kaffee and JoAnne Galloway, must overcome the evidence against their clients and overcome their own doubts in order to save the lives of the men. Cruise is Kaffee, a lazy Navy lawyer who must rise to the occasion to defend the soldiers. Demi Moore is Galloway, a feisty, hardworking attorney who despises Kaffee at first, yet they eventually establish a good working relationship. Jack Nicholson, of course, gives a memorable performance as Colonel Nathan Jessup, who has precious few lines, yet he is unforgettable. Kevin Bacon is Captain Jack Ross, the government prosecuting attorney, and he does his usual excellent job. Kiefer Sutherland is Lt. Kendrick, a devoutly religious officer and Jessup's subordinate. Kevin Pollak plays Cruise's friend and the third member of the defense team. It doesn't have the ending you would expect, and it solid throughout.

In one of the most telling scenes in this movie, Navy Lieutenant Commander Jo Galloway (Demi Moore), a lawyer who is helping to defend two Marines on trial for murder, is asked why she likes these guys so much. And she replies, "Because they stand on a wall, and they say 'nothing is going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch'." Which veritably sums up the sense of duty and honor which underscores the conflict of "A Few Good Men," directed by Rob Reiner, and starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. There is a code by which a good Marine must live and die, and it is: Unit, Corps, God, Country. But to be valid, that code must also include truth and justice; and if they are not present, can the code stand? Which is the question asked by director Reiner, who examines the parameters of that code with this film, which centers on the murder of a young Private First Class named William Santiago, who was killed while stationed at the Marine Corps base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The case draws the attention of Commander Galloway, Special Counsel for Internal Affairs in the Judge Advocate General's Corps in Washington, D.C. Galloway, taking into consideration the impeccable service records of the two Marines charged with the crime, convinces her superiors that a thorough investigation is warranted in this case, though there are those in high places who would rather see this one plea bargained and put to rest.

Galloway persists, however, believing that Santiago's death may have resulted from a "Code Red," a method of disciplinary hazing employed in certain circles of the Corps, though illegal. And if this was a Code Red, the real question is, who gave the order? Ultimately, her tenacity prevails, but though Galloway is a seasoned lawyer, she has little actual courtroom experience, so Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Cruise) is assigned to the case, along with Lieutenant Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak), with Galloway, as ranking officer, to assist. Kaffee, the son of a legendary lawyer, has skated through the first nine months of his Naval career, successfully plea bargaining forty-four cases. Outwardly upbeat and personable, Kaffee seems more concerned with his softball game than he does with the time he has to spend on the job. But underneath, he's coping with living his life in the shadow of his late father's reputation, which is an issue with which he must come to terms if he is to successfully effect the outcome of this case. And on this one he will have a formidable opponent: Colonel Nathan R. Jessup (Nicholson), who commands the base at Guantanamo.

As Jessup, Nicholson gives a commanding performance, and once he enters the film you can sense the tension he brings to it, which begins to swell immediately, and which Reiner does a great job of maintaining right up to the end. Jessup is a soldier of the old guard, a man of narrow vision and a particular sense of duty; to Jessup there's two ways of doing things: His way and the wrong way. He's a man who-- as he says-- eats breakfast three hundred yards away from the enemy, and he's not about to let a couple of lawyers in dress whites intimidate him. And that's exactly the attitude Nicholson brings to this role. When he speaks, you not only hear him loud and clear, you believe him. It's a powerful performance and, as you would expect from Nicholson, entirely convincing and believable.

Cruise, also, gives what is arguably one of the best performances of his career as Kaffee. He perfectly captures the aloofness with which Kaffee initially regards the case, as well as the determination with which he pursues it later. Cruise is convincing in the role, and some of the best scenes in the film are the ones he plays opposite Nicholson in the courtroom, the most memorable being one in which Kaffee exclaims to Jessup, "I want the truth!" to which Jessup replies, "You can't handle the truth!" And the atmosphere fairly crackles.

Moore is outstanding, as well, and she manages to hold her own and make her presence felt even in the scenes dominated by Nicholson and Cruise. It's a fine piece of acting by Moore, who deserves more than just a passing mention for it. Also turning in notable performances are Pollak, whose dry humor adds such an extra touch to the film, and Wolfgang Bodison, who makes an impressive screen debut as Lance Corporal Dawson, on of the Marines on trial for the murder of Santiago.

The supporting cast includes Kiefer Sutherland (Kendrick), Kevin Bacon (Ross), James Marshall (Downey), J.T. Walsh (Markinson), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Hammaker) and Christopher Guest (Dr. Stone). A powerful drama, superbly delivered by Reiner, "A Few Good Men" is a thought provoking, unforgettable motion picture that makes you take pause for a moment to consider some things that are for the most part out of sight and out of mind. Like who is on that wall tonight, and are we safe because of him. And it makes you reflect upon some things perhaps too often taken for granted. And that's what really makes this film so good; and it's all a part of the magic of the movies.

a good book showing different styles of lofts impressive photos an easy read good visual sense