Very capitvating read. I couldn't put the book down. Fabulous story weaving and sub-plots. Please write more!

This is one of the best books I have read recently. The author has done a masterful job of weaving the various subplots into a page-turner that you will stay up to finish. A must read for all, especially those of us who lived through those times.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author, J. Arthur Jensen, kept my interest peaked. It was hard to put the book down. I highly recommend everyone to read this fascinating book of history. You will not be disappointed!!

As time passes, the novels of Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) seem to gain in freshness, stature and influence. He lived long enough to see his modest reputation fade, in contrast to that of many of his famous novelist contemporaries. Nowadays the situation seems to be reversing.

Of special merit, amongst his huge output, are the so-called Barsetshire ("clerical") novels, and the so-called Palliser ("political") novels. Of the former, the last and longest is "The Last Chronicle of Barset". Not only are there fresh concerns, complications and current affairs introduced here, but there are also fond and final appearances of people and places encountered in the earlier Barsetshire novels. Everybody's favourite literary virago, Mrs Proudie, is again denouncing and dominating everybody. Trollope even contrives to create a character who has the temerity to say to her, "Peace, Woman!"

There are the innumerable characters of marriageable age, whose names are perhaps more memorable than their characters, whose charming dialogues and relationship problems are deftly laid out and interwoven. Above all, there is master story-teller Anthony Trollope, admitting finally that for him Barset has been a real place, a place where he as been induced to wander too long by his "love of old friendships, and by the sweetness of old faces".

Superb TV and radio adaptations of Trollope's Barsetshire novels have appeared in recent years. His novels read aloud well, too, and audio cassette readings, some of them unabridged, can provide endless hours of rich listening pleasure.

THE LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET is one of the great novels in the English language, and yet it is not widely read. The reason for this is obvious: it is the LAST novel in the Barsetshire series of novels, and a relatively small number make it all the way through the previous five volumes. This is a shame, because while all the previous novels are quite excellent and thoroughly entertaining, the final novel in the series is a work of an entirely different level of magnitude.

This novel is also one of the darkest that Trollope wrote. The moral dilemma in which Crawley finds himself would seem to belong more readily to the world of Dostoevsky than Victorian England.

Can this novel be read on its own, without reading the novels that precede it? Yes, but I do feel that it is best read after working through the other books in the series first. This is hardly an unfortunate situation, since all the books in the series are superb (with the exception of the first novel, THE WARDEN, which, while nice, is merely a prelude to the far superior five novels that came after it). Many of the characters in THE LAST CHRONICLE appeared first as characters in the other novels, and the central character of the book, Crawley, himself appeared earlier.

Trollope is...one of the most entertaining writers the English language has produced. At this point I have read around 20 of his novels, and fully intend to read more. But of all his books, this one might be his finest. The only two that I feel are close to the same level are his incredible books THE WAY WE LIVE NOW and HE KNEW HE WAS RIGHT (possibly the finest work on excessive jealousy since OTHELLO). Anyone who loves the English novel owes it to him or herself to read as many of these volumes as possible. My recommendation would be to read first the six novels in the Barsetshire Chronicles, and then to move on to the other two novels I mentioned. If still hooked, then try his other major series of novels, variously known as the Political novels or the Palliser novels or the Parliamentary novels, which begin with CAN YOU FORGIVE HER?

How one man could hold in his mind so much of his age, and then relate it back to us peopled with so many and varied characters in--how many? 20?-- interconnected novels of surpassing richness of detail and sagacity of moral observation, is a great mystery of human psychology.

"The Last Chronicle of Barset" is surely one of the most successful and satisfying of the whole Barset and Palliser series, illustrating perhaps better than any of the former Trollope's admirable gift for creating multi-dimensional characters that are as recognizable to us today as they were in his time.

Kay Arthur is an amazing author that is truely blessed by God. Having grown up in a home that didn't have God and was completely in the ways of the world, I discovered I need to do a lot of changing once I became a Christian and this book has totally helped me to not only discover the changes I need to make, but the scriptures I need to read to help me make the changes. I have since bought several more or her Bible Studies and cannot wait to get into them.

I am a new christian and find this book speaks to me through the writer's words. I am finding myself anxious each day for the time to draw near to God through this author's words. I have never read any of her other books. I find this book makes me look at my life like I have never looked at it before. It makes me look at God as I have never dreamed possible. I am ordering 15 copies of this book and we are going to have a 9 week devotional on character at my church on Tuesday nights. I have showed it to other members of my church (only 98)and all interested will be taking the class with me. Whether you are now a christian or just became a christian I think most all would feel the same way after reading only the first chapture. You can not get enough of it.

This book has changed the way I now study the bible. When someone else is reading/teaching out of the bible, I am much more aware of the full understanding and I want to study it in an inductive way. I have never read the bible or studied references like I do now: since reading this book.

Enjoyed this book immensely. Each story is beautiful, yet also practical. At the end of the story there are questions which you can use to open up a discussion with your child. I look forward to sharing such discussions with my son when he is older (he is only 4 months old). Although he is very young and could not understand the stories, he was very attracted to the exquisite illustrations.

Here we have stories that illustrate kindness, decency, ethics and morality for all ages. Those that read allowed to their children will experience a lovely surprise in that they learn as well. The illustrations in this handsome volume are an experience in themselves. Should be recommended reading for everyone who truly enjoys the sights and sounds and meanings of a really good book. This will stay with you long after you have gone back to it for the tenth time!

What first drew us to this book were the gorgeous and fanciful illustrations. What kept our attention, though, were the ideas that were gently promoted in each story. We have given "Love Your Neighbor" to all the little ones in our family -- they of course love the stories AND enjoy answering the questions at the end of each one.

Until now, it seems that most every book written on the topic of developing something new at a company has replaced the word "Product" with the word "Service" and carried on as if nothing changed.

Well, it has.

Products and services are two different business animals, and these authors FINALLY call a spade a spade and then deal with the consequences. While many of the approaches between new product development and new service development are deceptively similar, the authors point to some key differences that substantially affect results.

They answer questions like: When do you solicit customer input? How can reengineering save money but kill a service your company offers? Why are company new service brainstorming sessions ineffective? The answers seem intuitive - but only after you've read it.

It also gives you some talking points about why "Being better" can trap your company as an also-ran. I winced during and after taking their survey.

The part of reading this book that wasn't fun was realizing the work I needed to do in my company. The fun part was knowing I now have a map to get there. I found the book readable and useful, and I've already made changes based on its recommendations.

As the Managing Partner for a major consulting firm and having spent 13 years in the services sector, I can honestly say I have read hundreds of business books. This is by far one of the best I have ever read.

Terrill and Middlebrooks provide scores of frameworks and client examples that provide a literal How-To roadmap for anyone serious about growing their company -- in an extremely profitable way.

I found especially insightful the authors perspectives on how to fill the financial growth gap that most companies find to be the most challenging part of their longer term strategy. From new product development to segmentation to positioning and branding to communications, Terrill and Middlebrooks basically give you an MBA in a book.

I have to admit I have borrowed their concepts fairly liberally since I read this book as it serves only to provide my clients (as well as my company) with the best possible solutions to their growth challenges.

Thanks guys for taking the seminal thinking that already exists in the services sector several steps further.

Bravo!

I am the Managing Partner for a company that serves scores of clients every year, all seeking to improve their businesses.

Having spent the last 13 years in the services sector and constantly searching for new ways to serve my clients better, I finally found the book that teaches you how to "be the best that you can be."

Middlebrooks and Terrill provide scores of frameworks and examples from their vast experiences to lead the reader from point a to point b. Borrowing lessons learned from Fortune 10 companies to $20 million business to business specialty companies, I truly felt like I received a second MBA--for a lot less money.

The best insights I received from their book was tied to how to help my clients fill that strategic anomaly called the revenue and profit growth gap. This book helped me better understand not only how to help my clients (as well as my company)fill this gap but also the variety of approaches I have at my disposal to help them achieve their longer term plans.

From new product development to segmentation to branding and positioning to communications, this book is definitely an invaluable resource and a definitive how-to guidebook.

I am a better business leader and my clients will be better served as a result of reading this landmark book.

Thanks guys for providing me with an incredible roadmap for future success.

Sfat Emet is an incredibly succinct and somewhat enigmatic work. There are portions that are so cryptic that one must read them several times in order to absorb their full meaning. Accordingly, Prof. Green's elucidation can be quite helpful. Furthermore, while Prof. Green taps into the universalism inherent in Sfat Emet, he is generally moderate in his interpretation of the Rebbe's work. As a result, he very rarely offends the sensibilities of the more traditional reader (i.e., one that might refer to "the Sfas Emes"). Finally, the historical information is good reading.

First published at the end of the 19th century, this is a work of startlingly radical theology. Green summarizes one short comment:

"There is an openness in this teaching to an authentic universalism that is rare in Jewish sources. All the tongues of humanity praise G*d, each in their own distinctive way but as part of the universal chorus. The Moses who "created openings, gates of Torah" in all the places and tongues of the world is not like the religiously imperialistic missionary who translates his own Bible into all the languages and thus rejoices at the spread of G*d's word. Here the "openings" have to come from within those languages and the cultures that are an inseparable part of them. If we understand that there is really but one G*d and listen to the prophet who says: "Everywhere incense and sacrifice are offered to My name" (Mal. 1:11), we will begin to understand our task as participants in and listeners to the truly universal human chorus."

The Gerer rebbe points out the real Torah was the innermost utterance of Hashem which created the universe. Everything in the universe is manifestation of Hashem. Even the Hebrew Torah itself is a "clothing" on top of the original Torah - a kind of translation, if you will.

One can only marvel at the succinct style and unique vision of this great spiritual master. While studying the Sefat Emet, I am struck by the spiritual poverty of this generations Torah leaders.

This is just to say that I enjoyed reading the above erudite review by mneueruncle.

This is one of the funniest books I have read as a child and that I read to my children. It is about a rabbit whole boops animals on the head and is given three chances by the goo fairy to change. If he doesnt he gets turned into a goonie. Well little nauty rabbit foo foo doesnt listen and ends up being a goonie. Great pictures and theme that can be played like a song.

A hilarious story that my son could 'read' before he was three because he knew the words off by heart! The pictures are wonderful and the good fairy sorts out the naughty rabbit in the end by turning him into a goonie (sort of green and small!) One of my favourites too!

This book is one of the funniest childrens books that I have ever read, I work as a nanny and am also expecting my first and this is a favourite of all the children that I have looked after, I would thouroughly recommend it to any parent starting to read bedtime stories to their children.

In a Q & A format, Carla Bennet addresses issues that include coexisting with our animal "neighbours", cruelty free shopping, how to stop animal testing, uncovering the so called "sport" hunting myths and so much more. You'll find practical ideas about how you can help in ways that don't require a lot of time or money. No matter where you live, you can help animals in so many ways.

There are so many things to love about this fact-filled animal companion's guide! As a mother, teacher and lifetime animal lover, I feel Bennett's "Living in Harmony With Animals" is a goldmine of indispensible information relating to the comfort and well-being of all creatures great and small. Bennett covers the gamut, from making your yard animal-friendly to keeping animal rights issues alive in the media.

It's also entertaining to read about my favorite celebrities and how actively involved they are in protecting our four-legged friends! Many of these big names share heartwarming, personal experiences with us, as well as adorable photos from their private albums.

This book is an absolute "must-have" for anyone having a special place in their heart for animals!

I've been an animal rights activist more than ten years and a former intern for a wildlife rehabilitation center. Yet, I learned more from this little book than I ever thought possible. It's filled with useful data that can be helpful in writing letters to newspapers and in debating for animal protection/rights. Bennett writes in a Gandhi-like style -- never angry or agressive. But the facts she gives us are powerful. Example: Rodeos -- "C. G. Haber, a veterinarian who worked 30 years as a meat inspector in slaughterhouses, saw scores of animals discarded from rodeos and sent to slaughter. Toughened as he was to animal suffering, the condition of the rodeos' animals sickened him. He described them as 'so extensively bruised that the only areas in which the skin was attached to the flesh were the head, neck, legs, and belly.' 'I've seen animals, he said, 'with six to eight ribs broken from the spine and at times puncturing the lungs. I've seen as much as two to three gallons of free blood accumulated under the detached skin.'" (This should convince even the most calloused rodeo fan that rodeos ARE inhumane).

Bennett has facts and data EVERYONE can use. There's info on where to stay when travelling with your pets, charities that aren't charitable to animals, how students can refuse to dissect animals in school, what to do about unwelcome wildlife "guests" in your home, and so much more. I could go on and on. I can't say enough good about this book. This one is terrific!

Charming and innovative are probably the best words to describe Chick Austin, the subject of this biography. It is rare that a mere museum director is the subject of a biography, particularly one as entertaining as this one, but Chick Austin was not the average museum director.

He was schooled early on in European culture by his geneologically ambitious mother, who seemed to spend a great deal of her later years seeking family links, often specious, to European Royalty. He also developed an interest in magic which stayed with him for the majority of his life.

Chick Austin went from indifferent Harvard Student to the director of the Wadsworth Athenium in Hartford in something like 5 years. He brought a great deal of vigor to this, staging the first Baroque (when this art period was unpopular), Picasso, and Dali shows. He also staged Gertrude Stein's opera, Four Saints in Three Acts." All of this was a bit too much for dear old Hartford, who were alternately charmed and shocked by their young art director. Previously the museum had been noted for its collection of colonial furniture, after such an abrupt change it is not too difficult to imagine why. In the process, Austin managed to acquire a large number of Old Masters and Modern works. One of the five Caravaggios in the United States was bought for the museum by Austin toward the end of his tenure.

Austin's other great achievement was the Ringling Museum in Florida. The former Circus tycoon had amassed a large collection of Baroque Art in Florida. Austin not only managed to save many of the paintings from exposure to the elements, but add significantly to the hopdings of the museum by acquiring an 18th century Italian theatre.

Predictably, Austin's efforts brought him into conflict with a variety of old fuddie duddies, from trustees, state legislatures and hack journalists. The unique artistic vision of these cretins is unlikely to be celebrated anytime soon.

While Hartford and the steate of Florida haved physical evidence of Austin's efforts, the entire museum going public has cause to likewise be grateful. With Chick Austin's museums became far less stuffy places,at least in the right hands.

This book is written by the director of the Austin House in Hartford and as such it is likely to the be the most authoritative for years to come.

Chick Austin is a national treasure and what he did for the art scene is truly remarkable. I enjoyed the entire book and reading about how he developed his collection. I am not much of an art history buff and picked this book up during the holidays while visiting my family...I was hooked from the beginning. I am glad I read this.

The author weaves a very interesting and well-organized tale about a fascinating person and an exciting time to be involved in the art world in the United States. Although the substantial footnote section validates the author's detailed and thorough research, I never felt as if the text itself were bogged down with unnecessary or uninteresting detail. I suspect that some readers will note similarities between many of the struggles that Chick Austin faced and similar situations in the contemporary art scene today. This is an excellent book with a great story - I highly recommend it.

I am a mid-career professional, returning to the virtual classroom after 20 years of absence. With a study in management and leadership, this book was highly recommended and I must say, it did not disappoint!.

Of the books in my book cases, this is one I will turn to again and again for insight and wisdom, guidance and increased understanding. Well written, well read and well worth the investment!

Highly recommed this book. It's a good reference and very detail-oriented!!

I use this text to teach a Human Resource Management course and the students really enjoyed the real-life examples and case studies. The book gives web site address that complement the material in each chapter. I strongly recommend this text as a solid overview of HR.