I am currently planning a trip to Scotland to play golf in 2002. I found this book very informative and detailed with valuable information on planning this trip. He has information that can help you determine if you would like to use a tour service or not. You also get a good comparison of actual cost vs. tour prices. If you decide to do your own booking, he gives good suggestions on how it should be planned and all of information you need to book golf courses, hotels and transportation. This is must reading for anyone planning a golf trip to Scotland!

This is the BEST book that you can buy to plan a golf trip in Scotland. I do not make that statement lightly. I have bought and read just about every book on the subject (I own about 10), read numerous internet sites and magazine articles, and taken two golf trips to Scotland. BUY THIS BOOK, even if you intend to use a tour company to plan you trip.

The author is a jazz musician, who lives in Denver and has developed an additional travel business advising people who want to plan their golf trip to Scotland. He usually charges hundreds of dollars for that service and saves people thousands. For the price of this book, you purchase all of that knowledge --- which is immense.

The other Scotland golf travel books do not provide what this one has and that you need to plan your trip --- contact phone numbers, descriptions of adjacent affordable lodging, internet sites for more information, area courses, which courses have lousy playing conditions now (extremely valuable because some courses live on their histories which are not reflective of current conditions) candid evaluations of the relative strengths and weaknesses of courses, and suggested itineraries.

If you want to buy two books, put this book together with the Steel book that features lush color photographs of the major links courses and their histories, but lacks all of the practical information found in this book.

The author explains in detail in this book the tricks of the trade that will save you a minimum of a thousand dollars on your trip and afford you the flexibility to play when you want, where you want, and with whom you want. Stay away from those packaged deals where you are stuck in a van for one week with people you don't know, being forced to play some turkey courses, and missing the local color of the places where you will be playing.

In addition to having read this book, I have corresponded and spoken with the author. He knows his stuff and can assist you if you have a question that goes beyond the printed text. Alternatively, you may read the book and decide that you want to hire him to help you plan your next trip. You can't go wrong.

I spent many hours acquiring a substantial amount of the knowledge of Scotland's golf courses that is jammed into this little book. If I were starting over today, this is where I would start. I have already bought and given away copies of the book to friends who have a similar interest.

The book title states the mission of the book clearly: a travel planning guide to golf in Scotland. The detail of this book really allows even a first time traveler to embark on the trip well-prepared for what's ahead. This books gives a thorough assessment of all of the top name courses in Scotland and also adds a couple of lesser known places to its review. The author gives a candid assessment of his viewpoints (both positive and negative) of the many elements that comprise a golf experience at these 60 or so golf courses. The author frames lots of possible trip plans. Much detail is devoted to giving the reader an image of the different types of lodging possible, a feel for when the towns are more likely to be crowded with other tourists and the know-how to secure tee times at the most elite courses in Scotland. The book even provides insights into what type of flights to book and how to find the best auto rental deals. This book provides the reader with various options to make his own custom vacation without the assistance of a travel agent. This book is a MUST for any traveler going to play the grand golf links of Scotland.

I was given my first copy of this book when I was in high school. I laughed hysterically at times from some of the true stories related in it, and cried at some of the others. Mr. Sherman ranks right up there in my mind with Robert A. Heinlein in his ahead of his time thinking. If more people read this book and applied some of the principles, there would be fewer sex crimes and a happier world. It is so sad that this book is out of print-I keep loaning out the copies I can get my hands on and never getting them back. Maybe we could get Allen Sherman to update and re-publish his masterpeice?

I first read the Rape of the A*P*E* at the tender age of about 15, living in NYC, when it's content seemed that perfect blend of the hilarious and the profound. Come to think of it, the content would play the same today, some 25 years later. (An avid reader), it was the only book I found worthy at that age, of which to make a gift to another sophomore. The passing years have dimmed my memory of the particulars, so I have been especially anxious to re-read it. So glad to find fellow aficionados! Needless to say, my copy has long since disappeared to the netherworld of all loaned texts and not another is to be found anywhere, unless we continue to collectively petition the publisher to jump on the bandwagon. I loved it!

Like many other reviewers, I originally read this book in my youth. As a matter of fact, I took the "Government Man" chapter of the book and performed it as my piece for high school speech tournaments. Needless to say, the judges were quite confused. I agree with the reviewer who said that the book will sprout legs and walk away; in my case I owned a mint condition paperback that mysteriously disappeared. I too have searched in vain to find another copy of this masterpiece of American humorous literature. If and when this book is found, you should buy at almost any price. This is the type of rare gem that should be keot under lock and key -- In fact, it should be left to your favorite person as an heirloom in your Last Will and Testament. Allan Sherman uses all of the wit that he mustered for his classic "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" and then some. This look at the sexual evolution/revolution in America is timeless as well as ingenius. I'm only sorry that Mr. Sherman did not live longer to share more works with us.

My nephew is in the tenth grade in New York City and he bought me a copy of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story. This chilling love story has a dark magic to it. I have always love the old Vincent Price/Boris Karloff classics of Mr. Poes works. I was very impressed how this production captured the feel of a true gothic horror tale. I am also very impressed that this audiobook could gain the interest of my sixteen year old nephew and his classmates. I hope there will be a CD version and a book based on this wonderful story.

My friends were telling me about this great audiobook when I visited them in San Francisco last month and I just finished listening to my own copy. Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story is terrific! The way this story molds one of Americas most acclaimed poets into an arrogant, troubled genius is fun and eerie. It's as if this actor was Poe and Lenore did have this affect over him. My mother loved the way the third cassette had the Tell Tale Heart, The Raven and the other poems. My fourteen year old niece and my eleven year old newphew go with me now to look for old books by Poe so we can listen to this tape and read along to the poems. This is a wonderful idea.

I'm just finishing up my finals for my third year in college and I was using Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story for one of my papers. At first, I thought this was a good collection of poems and an entertaining theory about Mr. Poes life. Well, to make a long story short, my sixteen year old brother used this audiobook and his high school class loved it. I've never seen him so interested in reading about a literary figure before. Ted also brought up some interesting points about Edgar Allan Poe, even my professors and I never thought of. My brother also wondered if other writers struggled. I told him about James Joyce, Hemmingway, Steinbeck and some others. Even writers in the book world today often struggle. This summer we are going to travel to Poes houses and take our audiobook as part of our research. After listening to this story again, I am finding out more and more. The actors and writers have a real good way of telling a story that haunts you.

This is a wonderful story of a postman's route to deliver the mail to well known fairy tale characters. This book is unique because its pages form actual envelopes with letters in them. They are addressed on the front of the page. Some of the characters receiving the letters include: The Three Bears, THe Wicked Witch, The Giant, Cinderella, The Big Bad Wolf, and Golilocks. This story could be used in the the classroom during a lesson on letter writing and addressing envelopes. The story would interest the students and motivate them to write their own letters. Also, the book could be read during a unit on community helpers when discussing the jobs of a postman.

In this book, the Jolly Postman is delivering the mail to the residents of a quaint fairy tale village, and you get to read all the letters -- even the junk mail! Every other page is an envelope with some type of correspondence tucked inside. The Three Bears get a handwritten apology from Goldilocks, complete with misspellings and invitation to a birthday party. The occupant of Gingerbread Bungalow in The Woods, who happens to be the Wicked Witch, gets an advertising circular from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd. A certain snout-nosed grandma gets a demand letter addressed to Mr. B.B. Wolf from Miss Riding-Hood's attorney, who also states, "On a separate matter, we must inform you that The Three Little Pigs Ltd. are now firmly resolved to sue for damages. . .all this huffing and puffing will get you nowhere." Some of the funniest moments in this book come from the illustrations of the Jolly Postman stopping for tea with each mail delivery. At the Wicked Witch's cottage, he peruses the newspaper, the Mirror Mirror, while the witch reads her mail and her black cat does the dishes. At Cinderella's castle, he enjoys a glass of champagne poured by Prince Charming, who is still in his honeymoon Hawaiian print shirt and white slacks. This book is perfect for sharing one on one with a child, but if there aren't any children available, it's also amusing for solitary adults.

This was one of my favorite books when I was very little. I remember that there was a lot of funny letters, one having to do with a witch. A good book for kids just learning to read or for someone reading to a little kid, I remember my second grade teacher reading this to us.

Edgar Allan Poe is arguably one of the greatest writers of fiction. His brilliant collection of short stories, including The Pit and the Pendulum, can be found inside this massive edition of his many works. No collection would be complete without the well-known poem, The Raven, which basically deals with the character's inability to deal with the death of Lenore. Mostly known for his horror stories, some may be surprised that he was also a mystery writer. The Purloined Letter is just one example of a detective short story. Poe's writing is phenomenal, especially since he is able to create a scary atmosphere, and the characters are trapped in danger, even if they are not fully aware of it at first. This is true with The Masque of the Red Death, in which a kingdom believes that they are immune from the plague due to the fact that they enclosed themselves in the castle. However, danger soon approaches. Read for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Best known for his poems and short fiction, he deserves more credit than any other writer for the transformation of the short story from anecdote to art. He virtually created the detective story and perfected the psychological thriller. He also produced some of the most influential literary criticism of his time -- important theoretical statements on poetry and the short story -- and has had a worldwide influence on literature.

Throughout Edgar Allen Poe's life, many factors have contributed and influenced his writing style. He lived a difficult life, because he was raised in a dysfunctional household. But the final product of Edgar Allen Poe's mind is printed in his short stories and poems. Edgar Allen Poe's stories all have similar motifs and composition that would suggest suppressed emotions from life experiences are being discharged through his writings.

In a great short story, "The Tell Tale Heart" the narrator doesn't hate the man that he's going to kill, he hates the fake eye. The eye represents evil, and Poe converts everything to black and white. If a part of the kind man is evil, then the whole man is evil, hence, he kills him. And Poe doesn't see the act of killing bad, but a cleansing action, ridding the world of one more evil.

In "The Descent into the Maelstrom" the captain was the old man / father figure. Guiding the people in the boat closet to the edge of existence, into the maelstrom. And Poe makes it the captains fault that they are caught in the outer ring of the maelstrom and are coming closer to the center. But he shows his optimistic side as the vessel escapes the whirlpool, and breaks free.

Likewise in the "Black Cat", the husband in the story was particularly cruel and unjust to the cats. The cats were probably representing Poe when he was defenseless and young. And the temper that his step-father would act out on Poe, was the same temper that the "cat-killer" would kill the cat and his wife.

The most prominent feature of Edgar Allen Poe's writing is his obsession with death. Poe's writing does more than entertain the reader. It can be an insight into the dark and somber world of Edgar Allen Poe. One does not understand the meaning of Poe if one reads at the superficial level. One has to read into Poe, and understand the hardships of his life and how he maintained them that way. He knew that death was an inevitable part of life, it is the price of life, but, he tried to fight it as if it was an unnatural part of life. He was an extremely intriguing man from all view points, and he was and is, the dark side of all of us...

I've been a huge Edgar Allan Poe fan for a long time and believe he's one of the greatest authors ever. While not having this exact edition, I have one similiar. Knowing it contains all his stories and poems, you definitely can't go wrong picking this book up. It'll keep you busy for a long time.

Want a tale of mystery, deduction? Flip to "The Gold Bug" or "The Murders in the Rue Morgue".

Horror? "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Oblong Box" will fit the bill.

Imagination? "The Island of the Fay", "The Sphinx".

Satire and Hoaxes? "The Devil in the Belfry", "Mystification" and "Loss of Breath" for starters.

These few stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Don't forget all his poems, including the classic "The Raven". "Alone" is another of my favorite poems.

Poe is a master of storytelling and this book will show it. Highly Recommended.

One of the earlier reviewers made the statement that "Nobody who has read this book seems to be able to forget it." (or words to that effect). How true. I've been an avid reader for over 45 years and of the literally thousands of books I've read in my lifetime, this is one of the few that I have never shelved memory-wise. I remember it today as if it hasn't been over 20 years since I read it! One must read it and give little thought to the love interest plots within -- the main purpose of the book was to espouse theories regarding the earth and explains the unexplainable. Those who wonder about the many inconsistencies that modern man has discovered about our earth will know what I mean. Eckert produces enough pure thought provoking, tantalizing facts about earth's history (and possible future?) -- (facts that throughout time man seems desperate to sweep under the carpet) -- within this book that anyone with any sort of curiousity can't possibly forget what he/she reads. If you can get a copy, DO SO! Months ago, on my personal page at my website, I listed this book as one of my ALL TIME favorites (we're talking for the last 45 years here). It is gratifying to know that I'm not the only one who still remembers this work as being unforgettable due to its plethora of fascinating earth-linked mysteries, explanations and theories.

I first read The HAB Theory in 1977 at the age of 12. After about nine years of searching in vain, I finally found an out-of-print copy for sale on the Internet late in 2000 (this was prior to the novel's reprinting). My mission was to decide whether my favorite book could captivate me as an adult in the same way it did as a child. I was definitely not disappointed!

Not only are the characters depicted in fascinatingly vivid detail, the scientific theories presented still seem plausible to me a full 23 years after my first reading. Eckert slowly weaves the reader into a web of intriguing premises that are all eventually tied into a neat little apocalyptic bow. As key characters begin to accept the possibility of a cataclysmic earth event, so too does the reader. Most of the questions the skeptic in me privately asked throughout the novel were answered in great detail later on.

Some of the material is dated - cell phones or the Internet had not yet been invented at the time of the HAB Theory's writing - but what science fiction novel that takes place in the near future (15-20 years) can foresee every innovation? More to the point, the author's primary concern is with the past, not futuristic devices not central to the storyline.

While it is likely a scientist could refute most of Herbert Allen Boardman's postulates, one cannot help but wonder if there is perhaps a grain of truth to his overall theory. How would our current president handle a similar situation? I, for one, do not wish to find out.

Last winter my daughter phoned me and said,"Mom, you are a member of a cult, the HAB theory cult." She gave me a Web address, I went to the Internet,and read all the pages. I had purchased my first copy of The HAB Theory in 1977, in Singapore, (I lived there from 1975 to 1982). I read the book 3 times in the first month and the 3rd time through I listed all of the historic references (for further reading). I now own three copies of the book- the U.K. edition, pubished by Sphere, I lend to friends - a U.S. paperback is for my own use, and a "like-new" hardback is the only book in my bank vault. I have always been a science buff and this book answered so many "unexplainables". I recommend this book to everyone, it changed my thinking and it may change yours.

Beautifully written, 'Before The Dawn' would be required reading for die-hard Dark Angel fans even if the series were still running. Max Allan Collins has given us what we crave -- the Dark Angel "fix" fans have needed since we first heard the series was going to be cancelled early in 2002. This book isn't just terrific brain candy -- it takes a deeper look at some things we saw in the show (such as Max's thoughts as she escaped, and life with her first 'adopted' family), and it fills in a lot of gaps in Max's history as a Manticore escapee on the run in pre- and post-pulse America. I'll be watching eagerly for future DA works from Mr. Collins.

DARK ANGEL: BEFORE THE DAWN is a fascinating prequel novel that is a treat for any DA fan to read. Max Collins has all the characters down pat, and the backgrounding he does for Max, Original Cindy, Logan, and the other regulars of the show is fascinating. After reading this book one can go back and view Season 1 and Season 2 of the series in a slightly different light, picking up clues that were not noticed before that lead back to Max's earlier life before she came to Seattle. Mr. Collins also does an excellent job of foreshadowing things-to-come in the DA universe, threads that will undoubtedly be continued in his DA sequel novel SKIN GAME which picks up the storyline after the last televised episode of the show. If you're a DARK ANGEL fan, please buy BEFORE THE DAWN! The read is well worth your time!

When I first heard that they were taking the Dark Angel series off the air I was really mad. That series was perfect. Perfect actors, perfect future depiction, perfect characters, perfect plot. Perfect right? So why [did]Fox chose to take it off the air I fear I will never know. So needless to say when I heard that Max Allan Collins was writing a book to continue the series, I perked up considerably. I was really worried that this was going to be one of those books that didn't connect with the TV series, but Collins did an excellent job of portraying the characters just as they were on TV. My only complaint was that Collins put Max's leaving phrase was "Gotta blaze," when on the series it was "I gotta bounce." But that was pretty much my only complaint. Anyway, I'm getting off subject. Over all this book is a great uplifter for the rest of us X5's who are still seriously depressed that our brothers and sisters were taken off air. Anyway, this is a great book and definitely worth the money to buy it.(I've already read it and it's sequal about ten or more times apiece.) It may be off the air, but Dark Angel continues.

Allan Andrade has written a most compelling compilation of the personal accounts of survivors of the Leopoldville. He has also penned the heart-rending stories of the families of those who perished in this horrific incident.

In a previous review, it was incorrectly stated that Mr. Andrade had quoted from Jacquin Sanders' two dozen times. I found only a few references to Mr. Sanders' book and each time, full credit was given to the author.

Jacquin Sanders', "A Night Before Christmas" is a riveting book, worth reading. However, I do not see the comparison. In my view, the books are simply two different pieces of literature, written about the same topic. Mr. Sanders' book deals more with the factual accounts of the shipwreck. On the other hand, Mr. Andrade's book deals with the human aspect of the tragedy.

Allan Andrade brings these moving stories to life in his spellbinding book. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different slant on an important piece of American History.

Mr. Andrade, I salute you!

My thanks to the author Alan Andrade for telling the sensative and moving story of the S.S. Leopoldville disaster. I am the daughter of one of the men who died on that tradgic Christmas Eve in 1944. Until I read this book I had no idea of how my father died. I am greatful to finally know what happened to him and I am greatful to all the men who shared their stories. I salute them for their courage then and now.

I have finished reading Mr. Andrade's book and must state that he possesses a true talent for writing! This book is an extremely well-written tribute to all on-board the Leopoldville that night. Mr. Andrade has managed to bring respect and remembrance to those who survived, and to those who perished in this disaster. It is evident that Mr. Andrade has placed a tremendous amount of personal time and effort into his research. I have spoken to the author on several occasions since reading his book. He is truly a very warm person, who takes a personal interest in each survivor/victim story. He plans to attend a Leopoldville Reunion in Georgia this October to pay his personal respects to those lost and to those surviving this tragedy. I can also appreciate the manner in which Mr. Andrade deals with the personal, human aspect and impact of this disaster. He also states many facts and statistics, but does not make this the book's sole purpose. Reading this book, even if you are not personally involved in it by being a survivor, or family member of a survivor or victim, is most certainly worth the time. I sincerely hope that Mr. Andrade will publish a second book on the Leopoldville. He has continued to acquire much new information from people connected to this tragedy who were unaware of the cover-up or the publishing of his firdt book. These newly-found families deserve to have their loved ones also remembered. I am one of these. My uncle died on this ship. His body was never recovered. I would like to have him remembered for his sacrifice.

This book is such a great book. Joseph the Bellmaker a resident of Redwall Abbey, encounters Martin the Warrior in a dream. He learns that his daughter, Mariel the Warriormouse, is in trouble and that he must journey to the land of Southsward to save her and her friend Dandin. He travels with the ferocious sea otter Finnbar Galedeep as they race to save Mariel and Dandin from the evil foxwolf Urgan Nagru and his mate Silvamord and their hordes of rats,ferrets,weasels and stoats.

Another example of Brian Jacques amazing story telling abilities, The Bellmaker is a story which will keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes adventure ,fantasy,and riddles in their books. A real must read book.

The Bellmaker is a very exciting book to read. It starts off with the Foxwolf's clan of 300 armed vermin, sailing southward to to capture the Castle of Gael the Squirrel King. After that, it goes into the Bellmaker's dream that his daughter, Mariel was in great danger. So he sets out like Martin the Warrior tells him to, but also, Martin said that "four will ride the Roaringburn, but only for e'er out of five will return." So does that mean that one of the five will die in battle with the Foxwolf? Read it and find out!
I liked the battle which was when everybody swarmed toward the castle that Foxwolf took over, and everybody from the castle swarmed and they fought. Only Joseph the Bellmaker, Meldrum, Dandin, and others, went in the castle to save Rab, Mariel, and Muta.They ended up fighting Foxwolf's highest executive, Silvamord, and her horde. Arrows flew with javelins, lances, and spears at the battle field. It was a wild dance of death, which made it very cool and exciting, and nobody in the southward army cared if the lived, so everybody had bloodwrath in them which made them diffcult to defeat them. That was what I liked about the book.
What I didn't like was when Gael kept in the Foxwolf for hospitilaty. Instead, Foxwolf took over and put his family in the dungeon. That's just sad, when I read that, it was very painful. Later, I got mad at the squirrel king, he was a very foolish mule. I wouldn't have done that, if were him I would let the Foxwolf stay outside and starve. That was what I didn't like about the book.

The Bellmaker is Mainly about a Fox who wears a wolf's skin, and he tries to take over Southsward, but there's a girl named Mariel (Mariel of Redwall sold seperately) and she two main companions, Dandin (another mouse) and Bowly Pintips (a Hedgehog). Mariel and the others gather an army of Otters, Hedghogs, and Moles. Meanwhile, Mariels Father Joseph the Bellmaker has a dream that he will save Mariel with others. The others are Log-a-log the shrew and his band of Guoism, Foremole, Rufe Brush, Durry Quill (Fat wettysnout pricklybottom cakeface), Rosie Woodsorrel, and Finnbar Galedeep. Together they fight a gruesome battle. In the end, The Foxwolf gets killed by Finnbar, but Finnbarr gets killed by a rat named Bladetail. This is a very exciting book with an awesome, explosive, annhialating band of characters.

The Jolly Pocket Postman was a good book. It is a 7 rating. My favorite part was when the Postman drank the tea and he shrunk. I also liked how the book comes with a magnifying glass in the pocket so you can see things very little.K.N.

This book was an excellent mix of fairy tales. It was funny, but I didn't love it. Actually, I thought it was very adventurous and very creative. If you like this one you may like all the other ones including the Jolly Christmas Postman. Sharon Peet

The Jolly Pocket Postman is a great follow-up story to the first Jolly Postman book. Kids (and adults, too) will love reading the clever little letters, postcards, maps, telegrams, and mini-books. It's a wonderful way to share with children all the different ways people communicate with each other in writing. M.Hill