A.J. Leibling captures the smokey ambience of the ring and its world with a masterly hand. Joyce Carol Oates ("On Boxing") may be squeamish and over-dramatic, and Budd Schulberg self-promoting and exasperating, but Mr. Leibling the has a touch born of a top flight journalist and ardent boxing fan who also has the benefit of minute observation, a genial sense of humor, a well seasoned knowledge of the world, and a strong classical education. We enter the world protrayed in A Neutral Corner by way of the dingy confines of Stillman's gym in New York City, but on the way over are entertained by a short, amusing and thoroughly knowledgable meditation on the Great Ancients of boxing: 18th/19th century Pierce Egan (whom Liebling calls the ring's "Thucydides") and Jewish greats Dan Mendoza and Dutch Sam. Liebling muses on their significant contribution to the ring and that of the Jewish fighters in general and we finally fetch up at Stillman's gym (an icon of New York Boxing) simultaneously with the reflection that there are few Jewish fighters these (1952) days. "With a good Jew fighter now" One of the managers declares, "you could make a fortune of money." There is the rise of Irish fighters and the economic circumstances that gave birth to both Jewish and Irish fighters, and the availability of day jobs that waylay their ring ambition. Yet this is hardly a dry academic treatise, for it is entertwined and amplified by the thoughts and opinions of the trainers, managers and boxers at Stillman's.

Liebling is interested in everything and everyone, and nothing escapes his pen as he immerses the reader in whichever world he is illustrating with his mixture of scholarly observation and streetwise humor. At one point we arrive in Tunis, where one escapes from the oppressive heat into a museum and suddenly comes upon an ancient mosaic of a boxing match. It depicts one fighter knocking down the other. "The fellow on the receiving end", Liebling muses, "has an experienced disillusioned look, like that of a boy who has fought out of town before..." The Tunisian passion for prizefighting has deep roots, and seems hardly about to diminish, with the buildup to a local match nearly consuming the entire city.

Throughout these essays there is the sense of accompanying Liebling as he chats with the managers, watches the boxers train, pokes his head into training camps and interviews fighters and has a drink at The Neutral Corner, a New York bar and grill, to hash it all out. We sit with him near ringside where his smooth prose in no way interferes with his immediate and lively portrayal of the fights. We become acquainted with Floyd Patterson, a sensitive and intelligent fighter forever in search of his soul, the professorial Archie Moore, a very young Cassius Clay and another side of the habitually taciturn Sonny Liston.

Liebling's prose flows and some have remarked on its pyrotechnics, but is tight and descriptive, and his interests comprehensive. Each essay (originally printed in The New Yorker) builds an absorbing world of its own, though several are connected by common themes (for instance, Stillman's gym, Floyd Patterson's series of fights). This is a book for the die-hard boxing fan, for it there is little in it that does not pertain to boxing, its past and present. It can also be enjoyed by the general reader and lover of good writing, for it is a collecton of essays, each one lively and gracefully written, about the people, first and foremost, who make up the old and sometimes dark world of prizefighting.

Leibling's essays are filled with history, humanity and delightful idiosyncracies - all in a prose that recalls a bygone era. This book is not simply for fight fans, it's for anyone who loves to read.

This book is a must for all boxing fans. It contains reviews of BOTH Patterson/Johansson and Patterson/Liston fights, plus Ali's first pro bout. Mr. Liebling was the consummate boxing writer. He gives some very interesting information on the fighters camps and personal lives that make for a great read. An essential addition to any library

We received this book as a gift when we were expecting our second child. It is a great book for parents to read to very young children who are expecting their first siblings. The only drawback is the dated pictures. If they were updated, it would be flawless!

This book is a wonderful way to help an older sibling prepare for, and adjust to, a new baby. And as the baby gets older, she or he too will enjoy the interesting photgraphs of family members working and sharing together. It's a great book.

This book is tremendous! Rogers does an excellent job showing that love and affection can be shared with both children. He also lets the older child see how they can be a big sister/brother and help Mom and Dad with the new baby's needs too! I buy this book for everyone I know who has a 2nd baby!

This book will make those who adhere to covenant theology or classical dispensationism re-examine their own theological systems. Wells and Zaspel do an excellent job challenging us to read the Scriptures in the light of proper exegesis without being so influenced by our creeds, historic attachments, and denominational affiliations. All the major issues pertinent to New Covenant Theology are examined. The book outlines New Covenant Theology very well and gives sound arguments for its plausibility. The book includes discussions on NCT in general, the Mosaic Law, the Sermon on the Mount, the relationship between the covenants, and hermeneutics. Some very strong essays include Zaspel's chapters on the varied interpretations of the Sermon on the Mount (Chapter 5) and the Sabbath (Chapter 13), and Wells' essays on creeds and how they effect our interpretation (Chapter 15) and the relationship between the covenants (Appendix 2). While still being within the circle of traditional Protestantism, these two authors stepped up one level by writing this book. Excellent book for the laity and seminarian on understanding this "new" system that is gaining popularity within evangelical Protestantism.

This book should be read by all who have an interest in the importance of the two major covenants. Though the authors have intended to answer the critics of what is developing into a theology of the new covenant they have also kindly provided to this reader a better understanding of the basic differences between covenant theology and new covenant theology. After reading this book I will never approach the comunion table and drink of the blessed cup thinking that in some way that the blood of Christ is the blood of the covenant engraved upon stones. How could a good many commentators within the ranks of covenant theology lead us to believe that our Messiah is merely a new administrator (as was Moses) to the same over arching covenant with two administrations? The book is not without its faults. Much more attention needs to be given to texts such as Isaiah 42:6 and 49:8. Messiah is much more than just a mediator. He is the Word made flesh. Perhaps in the next book by Tom Wells and Fred Zaspel?

This is a book every Christian should read. It makes you think about what the New Testament tells us about Jesus, and what he says about himself. It shows clearly how Jesus is above all who came before him. Over and over, he says and does the things that only God does. Thus it would be an excellent book for a person who is unsure of Christ's divinity.

The book also makes you think about the relationship of the Old Testament to the New, and the Christian's relation to Old Testament [and New Testament] teaching. Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law, or only "the law of Christ?" What does the NT mean by "the law of Christ?" These are issues all Christians must consider.

The book provides a penetrating overview of the Gospel of Matthew, showing how Matthew's aim is to present Jesus as the One who fulfills all the promises of the Old Testament. This helpful introduction to Matthew is followed up by informative exegesis of Matthew 5:17-20, which is a key passage in our understanding of the Christian's relationship to the law, the Old Testament and Christ.

New Covenant Theology aims to be a middle ground between the Covenant Theology of Christians of Reformed persuasion and the Dispensational Theology which is subscribed to by Christians of both Reformed and Arminian points of view.

You will definitely be inspired by reading this book, whether or not you agree with the authors' conclusions.

I am a photographer who lives in Iran. I'm so glad that finally could find somthing about my most favorite photographer Mr. Lee Friedlander in amazon web site.

The majority of celebrated modern photography of the female nude smacks of the conceit of light games. Worse: most of the best-reviewed contemporary works are, if truth were told, more about camera technology than aesthetics. It often seems as if the riptide of post-feminism has rid us of the privilege of inventive eroticism and made eunuchs of photographers and harlots of models. Can the aficionado really bear another misty-lensed Caribbean superwaif or mottled, breastless sub-celebrity? Helmut Newton has taken the daring of Blumenfeld, Man Ray and Edward Weston and spiked it with humor, but Lee Friedlander, in his innocence and directness is - ironically - closer to the wake-up call of Maplethorpe. These are beautiful photographs of real women in real, average rooms, carved with basic flashguns and noonlight, much in the informal style the French Symbolist Pierre Louys (who also used domestic settings and natural light). Texturally they come closest to Weston: the monochrome has his luxurious, colorful feel. But architecturally the pictures recall Georgia O'Keeffe in their adventurous embrace of hip sweeps and knee bends tight-cropped like zoomshots of winderness outcrops. The women are hairy, fragrant and alive. What warms the heart most is the reality of their expressions: self-possessed, agitated, engrossed, bored, antsy - by turns. These are real women, monumental in their personalities, as in their natural curves and caves. Madonna, now pop legend, was one of Friedlander's early models and it is moving, almost disturbing, to see unaffected beauty before the jazzy conceptual tricks of consumerism. Lee Friedlander's work isn't confined to nudes: seek out his other provocative portfolios.

Friedlander exquisitely captures the true essence of real women. These women, usually photographed in their own apartments, are not models -- they are authentic. Friedlander's work shows every blemish, hair, and "imperfection", which made this reader almost feel as if I could hear them breathing, smell their skin. To see such a beautiful work with wonderful women who did not see the necessity of applying thick layers of makeup, shaving body hair, or wearing excessive jewelry was truly refreshing. Thank you Mr. Friedlander for "exposing" what women really look like!

Obsessive compulsive and related disorders are difficult but not impossible to treat. In this comprehensive and highly readable book, Dr. Penzel covers all of the most important aspects of these conditions. As a nationally recognized expert, the author uses his vast knowledge and experience to assist sufferers, relatives, and clinicians as they confront these challeging problems. I highly recommend this book for the knowledge that it imparts as well as for the author's optimism and compassion, which are evident throughout the book.

This is a true masterpiece. Not only is this book readable, interesting, packed with facts and informative, but it is also full of positive talk. I have done much research on this topic and by far this book is the most uplifting. It is non judgemental, full of hope, and leaves the reader with a new understanding of the disorders discussed. This book is excellent for sufferers, family members and professionals. Surely worth reading. If I could recommend one book on this topic this would be it. Thank you, Dr. Penzel. I am sure this will help many people.

Knowing that Dr. Penzel specializes in OCD, I ordered the book immediately and the book was just what I expected: An authoritative, complete study of OCD and its subcategories, its accompaniements (as Dr. Penzel calls them), its possible causes, therapy, and medication. It is a very professional guide for anyone suffering from OCD or their relatives, even for psychologists and psychiatrists who want to learn about the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.

The book covers a variety of topics relating to bobwhites. Dr. Guthery does an excellent job of showing that many of the myths proposed about bobwhites are not backed up by any facts. The writing is not at a technical level, so the book is easily read and understood by a variety of audiences. A must for any quail enthusiest!

Wildlife managers, landowners, hunters and anyone else interested in ensuring bobwhites thrive on their property will find Dr. Fred Guthery's newest book, On Bobwhites, an invaluable resource.

The man known as "Mr. Bobwhite" has all the bases covered in his latest publishing endeavor. On Bobwhites provides a wealth of information in a single volume. If you could only have one book on the bobwhite quail, this should be that book. It is extremely well organized into four sections containing 55 short chapters, making it easy to check the table of contents and find reference to most any question on quail.

Wildlife managers, landowners, hunters and anyone else interested in ensuring bobwhites thrive on their property will find Dr. Fred Guthery's newest book, On Bobwhites, an invaluable resource.

The man known as "Mr. Bobwhite" has all the bases covered in his latest publishing endeavor. On Bobwhites provides a wealth of information in a single volume. If you could only have one book on the bobwhite quail, this should be that book. It is extremely well organized into four sections containing 55 short chapters, making it easy to check the table of contents and find reference to most any question on quail.

This fairly short (72 pages) pamphlet is a gold mine of information and analysis of the struggle unfolding in the Middle East. It gives lots of historical detail that cuts through the lies used by the U.S. government (and governments of Great Britain, France etc.) about their military and colonial interventions into the region. I especially appreciated the information on the century-long struggle of the Palestinians-- with its ebbs and flows-- for national independence and to regain the land stolen from them by the Zionist state. It will help you see behind the diplomatic maneuvers and the [lies] of Washington's "peace plans" to the key issues involved, especially the centrality of the fight today for a democratic, secular Palestine. It also helped me see how we're part of one world, and the fight against oppression in the Middle East has big stakes for working people everywhere.

Pathfinder Press publishes several other titles that go into deeper detail on the historical and theoretical questions raised here, including Abram Leon's On the Jewish Question, and the discussion on national and colonial oppression taken up in Workers of the World and Oppressed Peoples, Unite!, and To See the Dawn, Baku--1920, First Congress of the Peoples of the East.

What are the Palestinians fighting for? Why was Israel established? Why do Palestinians think the United States is not on their side? Why is there so much fighting going on in the Middle East? How can the Palestinians win? Who are the real terrorists? If you have ever asked yourself these questions and want some real answers, this pamphlet is a great place to start. It gives a very helpful history of the struggle of the Arab and Palestinian peoples for liberation over the last century. That includes a history of the first Intifada against the Israeli occupation, starting in 1987. And it makes it very clear that the fighting going on today is not because of "ancient hatreds" that people are born with. It shows how the major imperialist countries, including the UK, France and the United States, have blood on their hands and are responsible for much of the misery that the Arab peoples have lived with for the last century. It also shows that the Palestinian people are capable of organizing a political movement that can point the way forward to a democratic, secular Palestine. This is an inspiring piece of work.

Zionism and the Israeli state have always been at the service of Empires ( first the British one and then the Yanki one ) ; until 1979 it was part of a twin set of gigantic military platforms for the Yanki empire,along with Iran.Its alliance with the real 'axis of evil' in Washington D.C. and the brutal repression used by Israel to try to humiliate the Palestinians as a people is making Israel a death trap for the Jewish people , This history, as well as that of the historic program of the orginal fighters ( so-called 'terrorists' unlike Sharon ) for Palestinian liberation against Zionism AND anti-Semitism; the butchery led by Sharon that was the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982; the rise of the first intifada ( uprising ) in the West Bank and Gaza in 1987;all these themes are explored in this powerfull pamphlet.The most basic information about the nature of the Zionist state and the Palestinians' refusal to stop fighting for their land, and the inspiring place of that fight in the world struggle against the Yanqui Empire --it's all here.For the evolution of the PLO leadership after 1987 and the history of the Palestinians' fight through the end of the 90s "Opening Guns Of World War III " and " Captialism's World Disorder " , both by Jack Barnes, are equally indispensible. For "deep background" get " Israel And The Arab Revolution " by Gus Horowitz.

"The trouble with my car is that it won't start and the payments won't stop"

"I care a lot about my wife's happiness. So much so that's I've hired a private detective to find out who's responsible for it."

This book is an excellent collection of one-liners. Unlike many joke books, over 90% of its jokes are actually funny! There's a good indexing system as well. Though admittedly there's no entry for jokes on bicycles.

I am a seminary student, as I am sure many of those reading this review are, or where. You know the assigned reading requirements, and you know about how much of the required reading you actually complete. With that in mind, let me say that this is the only text this semester I have not set aside, or failed to read, it is that valuable.
Dr. Craddock gives a sound theology of preaching, explains method in an easy to follow manner and gives the simple, practical, information so frequently missing from classroom discussions.

From the Introduction where Dr. Craddock promises to walk the reader through the process of selecting a text to the delivery of the sermon... to the chapters of enriching the form and delivering the sermon - he delivers the goods!

I doubt that anyone other than Fred Craddock could claim to have been mentor and role model to as many other preacher-teachers, like, Barbara Brown Taylor, Joanna Adams, John Claypool, Gail O'Day, and Thomas Long.

From his emphasis on theological content to creative imagination ...Dr. Craddock spices up his serious language with such pithy phrases as, "A quiet voice through a cabin door, President Lincoln says we're free," is no less a shout than 76 trombones coming down Main Street on the Fourth of July!

He allows to creep into his sermon, the humor of a nearby seated passenger on their flight from St. Louis to Seattle who became ill and went outside for a breath of fresh air. The response comes back, "But that didn't really happen. Did It?"

Allegorically, the words from Genesis, "and Abram went out from Ur of the Chaldees," could be interpreted, "and the soul left the confines of the body."

The first time I heard Craddock, he gave his version of the earliest Black tradition of The Creation Story. He stirred my creative imagination! Just like I get to every Seminar on Style and Form, when he is on at Cherrylog Christian Church, I love to hear his latest presentation... Nowhere else can you read this but in his Preaching!

The given technique are excellent, i am sure about it, take my advice. You will learn alot about prepearing and deliver a sermon.

As with Down on Ponce, Fred Willard takes us on a journey through volatile terrain -- the underbelly of Atlanta, those seedy sidewalks, infested flop houses and lunatics dens of what might otherwise be considered a forward thinking city. And he does it with smart biting humor.

What we have here is a group of criminals and would-be master minds embroiled in a game of one-upmanship that culminates in a slam bang surprising effect. Even Willard's supporting characters create havoc in this ever escalating mayhem and madness. But at the heart of Princess Naughty is a love story that makes you happy to be alive.

If you want a fun, fast, wild ride of a novel, BUY THIS BOOK.

If you have read Willard's first book, DOWN ON PONCE, the first coupla chaps might throw you -- this is a bigger, broader book, third person, with more "scope." At first, that can make it seem less intimate. But just go with it for more than 2 chaps (and these are SHORT chaps) and you will be sucked right in. Under all the violence and cynicism (on the part of the characters) and BLACK BLACK HILARIOUS BLACK humor, there is JUST the SWEETEST love story going on -- oh yum. Toe-scrunchingly sweet, causing you to have GREAT BIG YEARNINGS for things to work out okay even though you are essentially reading about bad, bad criminals who do bad, bad things. Everything CONNECTS wonderfully in this book. NOTHING is gratuitous. Is a character spending a page prancing around delightfully in a gun-slinger girl outfit? Pay attention. It'll hook up later. BOTTOM LINE: If you can't love a book that can simultaneously reference Island of the Housewives and Antonin Artaud, there is no love in you.

Once again, Fred nails it to the page. He combines the authenticity of character of Elmore Leonard, the word craft of Charles Portis with the wild imagination of Christopher Moore. Is it true he's scripting a movie?