At first when I picked up this book, I wasn't sure if I would really enjoy it. But as soon as I started reading, I got intensely wrapped up in the predicament of Hannah Kincaid, a teenager who was sent to live with her great-aunt on Martha's Vineyard. While she is there, she starts seeing things...Not only does she think she sees someone at night, but she starts having visions and dreams of a past time. Her life in the present with her new surroundings and new friends intertwines interestingly with the exciting and suspenseful events befalling her. The books wraps up with a satisfying ending that will make you want to read it again (I know I did!). I believe that anyone in middle school or high school could easily find this book engrossing, for many reasons. You can really "connect" with the characters in this book, because they were written very realisticly. And it's a fun book in general too. It isn't a chore to read; it's a very good rainy day book, when you want something that isn't very hard to read yet has a lot of substence. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I'm definately going to be reading it many more times again.

As a Folklore and Children's Literature major at the University of Florida, I found this book to be an invaluable resource! It provides numerous resources of its own that a researcher will need to employ if he is to properly analyze folklore of the world. Clarkson and Cross give a fair and comprehensive anthology of "multicultural" tales in the true sense of the term. With notes on how to begin and follow a study through, the authors remain loyal to the true nature of the folktale and distinguish it from the vast oceans of literary works that call themselves folk tales. A must-read for the scholar and a genuinely entertaining tome for the leisurely reader.

With this book, we see artist Keith Rocco's exceptional understanding of Civil War life - on and off the battlefield, and a certain mastery of this subject in his paintings. In a style that seems to be a cross between such artists as Remington and Hopper, Rocco creates striking scenes that practically draw you into the combat... the combatants seeming to be in motion... sweeping right across the canvas.

Although there are other renowned artists in the field of Civil War/military art who may pay a bit more attention to the finite details and historical accuracies of their subjects (particularly Don Troiani), I find Rocco's work right up there with the best of his contemporaries. Passionate portrayal, and the ability to draw the viewer into a painting are as important as rendering the historically correct belt buckle or hat.

Unfortunately, this book is out of print. But do your best to find a copy - the search will be well worth it!

On my high praise of Mr. Edward's approach (in my review of the first two volumes of this series), it may come as a bit of a surprise that I consider this - a continuation of the method - unworthy of the rest of it. However, there are several reasons for it, and few, if any, of them are the author's fault. His intent is to keep the series accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

The first two volumes, which I recommend in the combined anniversary edition, go through the organization of guitar as an instrument, with the promise of actual music coming into play at a later time. Well, this volume is where the music not introduced in the second volume comes in.

Applications - Creative and Analytical (ACaA) is not necessarily something to be read in sequence. Rather, it is something to refer to as an encyclopedia, upon need of certain elements. If you're anything like me, you may find that you will buy this book for 20 out of the 170 pages of it, and end up using the rest just to make yourself feel that you haven't wasted any money.

ACaA goes through the fundamentals of music theory in this book. He uses guitar, not piano, to expain them, which is a bonus, but learning, or re-learning, to read standard notation may be a bit of a drag. Not that it isn't worth it, but it's something that can be acquired in other sources. It's not that difficult.

Another thing ACaA covers are technical development exercises, particularly for lead playing. Again, something we can easily find elsewhere. Rhythmic and melodic exercises, same thing. In short, there is a lot of material that, unlike the stuff in the first two volumes, can be found in other places in a duplicate fashion - Mr. Edwards simply adjusts it to his teaching style.

ACaA also includes some original compositions by Mr. Edwards, which is a nice addition, but the analytical application takes away from the creative aspect - having the tool (the guitar), to discover the music for oneself and grow with it. I've seen bands with guitarists who have mastered this approach - their playing is quite bland, with very little spark to it. In other words, this third volume is insufficient to make one a great guitarist, not just a great guitar player.

There is a very useful section on chord progressions, from which any player would benefit, and which all fans of volumes I and II will love. And to give credit where credit is due, there are many great pedagogical techniques in this volume, which are worth looking at, even if only academically. Also, there is a ton of great advice regarding learning techniques for everyone in this book, so don't write it off based on its negative aspects.

Also, on a negative note, there is a number of typographical errors in this book, which, unless you already know the concept being explained, might give you a little trouble.

To conclude, this book is something to consider. However, as Plato notes, be careful with logic - use it only once you've verified that the axioms of your system are true. I will use similar advice: use this book well, but don't limit yourself to it.

I had been struggling to learn guitar for years, that is until Fretboard Logic.I have both the Video and Volumes I & 2 and let me tell you I am playing G U I T A R NOW!

The moment I got the book and began pouring into it I was turned on. I figured out what I was doing wrong after just reading a few paragraphs of certain topics.

The way Bill (I kinda feel close to the guy now after hours of watching him on video) teach in the book and on video is very logical... that is, he makes it simple. Once you understand the fretboard, scales are no problem. But trying to learn scales without understanding the fretboard you are probably in for years of frustration; believe me, I know.

The C.A.G.E.D. system takes you all over the fretboard. Once you learn the forms and positions (which is simple) along with the CAGE system you are on your way. The rest is just mechanics and preference.

I am now playing with a band and getting great reviews from both the band members and the audience. BTW, I am lefthanded so I had to reverse a lot of figering shown on the video and was still able to do well, so I know you righthanded folks can.

My son, who just started playing bass 2 mths ago is learning at a fast pace. I ordered the Fretboard Logic video and book for Bass for him and he loves them.

I just wanted to give Bill his "props" and say to anyone who's trying to learn or get over the hump, Fretboard Logic is the way to go. I've wasted thousands of dollars on videos where the instructor seems more impressed with himself than trying to teach; and books where you are taught songs, scales, modes, etc, not application. Fretboard Logic is a godsend. If you are brand new to guitar I think you need to get books or videos that will teach you the basics; how to hold a guitar, a pick, etc. Don't spend a lot of money just get something that will familiarize you with the basics. Once you have the basics down, order Fretboard Logic (get the workbook that has both volumes in it I & 2). if you are a visual person like myself you may also want to order the video too.

Just wanted to spread the Love,
Peace

An excellent followup to an essential series on guitar. Edwards fills in all the gaps from intervals to chord progressions. I have found his suggestions useful in songwriting and breaking out of improvisational ruts. You really can't afford to be without this series if you are serious about guitar and music.