I bought this book for my granddaughters and immediately began looking for other books illustrated by Lynch, because it is so beautiful. The story is well-told and nicely paced---altogether pleasing.

My name is Elizabeth, and i think that this book is the BEST book I ever read. This book is about a young maden who is so beautiful. One day ever father becomes ill and she needs to fetch him a cup of spring water from the fountain far away. When the maden gets there she drops the cup into the spring. Then a frog gets the cup. he said that in order to do this she must let him have one wish. Then the madens fther becomes better. The maden lives a happy life once again. The frog comes to her house and asks her to kiss him. The maden refuses. Find out what happens to the maden..... she searches far and wide for the one she loves.... I recomend this book because it was so good I remember when my grandfather read it to me and i absolutl loved it! This IS my favoite book!

This book was amazing, captivating and entertaining. The first time I read it was when I was 7 years old and I still enjoy it today.

Felix Holt occupies a middle-tier in the critical estimation of Eliot's novels. It is often disparaged as the "political novel," or alternatively "the one where the legal subplot is way too complicated."

At first, this seems unfair. The early introduction of Mrs. Transome is a showstopper, heroine Esther Lyon fascinates, and the detailed evocation of 19th century rural politics is through Eliot's narrative magic made riveting.

But things do go awry in the second half. A big problem is Felix himself: an idealization of a political view rather than a detailed character, the reader loves him rather less than Eliot seems to intend. The legal schenanigans are intriguing, but the tortuous plot machinations through which Felix comes to be imprisoned are near ridiculous. And finally, Esther experiences her moral conversion rather too quickly and tidily, coming to seem just a sketch for Gwendolyn Harleth in the later Daniel Deronda. Indeed, by book's end the most compelling plot thread standing is that of the unfortunate Mrs. Transome.

But to say a book isn't as good as Daniel Deronda isn't much of a criticism. For all its faults, Felix Holt is filled with excellent characters, a strong story, and unparalled insight into both 19th century England and the more universal collisions of morality and politics.

This is my 4th novel by George Eliot (after "Adam Bede", "Middlemarch" and "The Mill on the Floss") and it has become my favourite along with "Middlemarch". "Felix Holt" is so marvelously written and gave me many hours of reading pleasure - I can't understand why it's not as highly acclaimed or well-known as Eliot's other novels.

If you're a fan of Victorian literature, then you mustn't miss this brilliant work. The story's set in the 1830s and is 1/3 focused on politics (i.e. a fascinating insight into the electioneering process and the fight for a Parliamentary seat between the Torys and the Radicals), 1/3 on family and sensational issues (e.g. illegitimacy, dispute over who has the legitimate claim on the wealthy estates of the Transome family and plenty of blackmail, manipulation and betrayals) and 1/3 devoted to a love triangle.

George Eliot wrote so eloquently and beautifully that many times I find myself re-reading a particular phrase in order to saviour its beautiful words. Each chapter also starts with either a beautiful poem or some well-chosen lines from Shakespeare/the Classics. Here's a favourite of mine from Chapter 45 (a poem by Eliot):

"We may not make this world a paradise
By walking it together with clasped hands
And eyes that meeting feed a double strength.
We must be only joined by pains divine,
Of spirits blent in mutual memories".

I confess that above all, it is the suspense over the touching love story that kept me turning the pages very quickly. The hero is Felix Holt, a passionate, idealistic young man who studies medicine but chooses to quit midway and forgo a comfortable future as a doctor in favour of leading the more righteous life (in his opinion) of an ordinary, poor workingman because of his scorn for wealth and its corrupting powers. Felix is described as honest, brusque, generous and highly intelligent. He's got "wild hair", dresses simple and to his own liking e.g. not wearing a cravat "like all the other gentlemen", and sometimes looks like a "barbarian". He patronizes no one and is rather unpopular in the town of Treby Magna where the story takes place. His political views are Radical (i.e. more severe than the Liberals) but his main concerns are for the well-being of the working class and especially the future of their children. (Read the excellent "Address to Working Men by Felix Holt" which comes after the Epilogue). Felix's good intentions land him in great trouble with the law later on when a massive riot breaks out among the drunk working class directly after the election and Felix is wrongly accused of being the leader of the mob.

Early on in the novel, Felix is introduced to the heroine, Esther Lyon (the beautiful daughter of a poor chapel minister) whose vanity and high-bred manner he scorns. He rebukes and lectures her constantly in that straight-forward and honest manner of his because he cares to improve her views on what are truly the important things in life. Esther dislikes him utterly at first... she cannot understand why Felix doesn't admire her beauty and graceful manners like other young men do. Esther is vain and proud (at least, initially) and has always dreamed of leading a better life, with fineries and beautiful clothes and servants to do her bidding. And Felix Holt is definitely not her idea of a lover! But Esther is not unkind or ungenerous - she loves her father dearly and treats everyone well. Gradually, she begins to see the true nature of Felix's character and noble aims, and holds him in great esteem, despite his outward looks and manners. But Felix has declared never to marry and if he were ever to fall in love, he would just "bear it and not marry" (preferring to "wed poverty"). Later in the novel, Esther is courted by the rich and handsome Harold Transome whose initial reason for wooing her is to save his family estates. But he doesn't count on falling in love with her subsequently.

Who does Esther ends up with finally: Felix or Harold? But take it from me that the romantic scenes between Felix and Esther are the most passionate and heart-wrenching I've ever come across in a classic literature - with many kisses and hugs amidst pure longing and despair, and scenes filled with beautifully spoken words of affection which brought tears to my eyes.

For many, many reasons, "Felix Holt" makes for a most brilliant read. I urge you not to miss it.

Some might say nothing can equal Middlemarch as Eliot's greatest work but I think that even if Felix Holt doesn't rank alongside it in literature, it should be given at least an equal status.

The novel deals with provincial politics in nineteenth century England through the mouthpiece of one of the best male protagonists ever drwan in literature by a female writer. As in all her books, Eliot is sharp in her details, the satire is poignant and she doesn't miss out on humor. Feminism takes a different turn here, with telling criticisms on the way females were brought up at that time and in many third world countries, still are brought up.

Eliot is never bitter, never hopeless, yet always realistic and idealistic with this difference: she doesn't let it get out of control. Fear not: mawkish is the last thing this book is. Some details might seem to be superfluous but it adds up to showing the literary prowess of this great woman, and is very helpful in letting you understand the real stuff going on at that time. A good, very well-written socio-political novel, that depicts the atmosphere of its time with more accuracy than many other books I've read.

Eliot does have the most amazing ability to get into her characters' minds. although this book is an all rounder in the sense that it comments on most social issues, the two main intimate themes of the books are personal to the central character, Felix, the most "alive" hero of nineteenth century literature: his politics and his love interest, in herself a very compelling and subtly drwan character.

Worth reading for all Eliot, Dickens, and Hardy fans. Will definitely give you two or three new opinions: even if the time period is different, much of the philosophy of the book is still very relevant.

This book is great! It can be accomplished in only one day. It is full of beautiful unfamilair story tales. I was so excited after reading the book. Because I had never heard the stories before. It was great to hear something besides the usual Cinderella or Rapunzel story. I recommend this book to a person who tired of the same old fairy tale!

This compilation of stories is beautifully written, and the stories, such as East O' the Sun, West O' the Moon, teach children about basic things such as love, patience, loyalty, and trust. Wonderful book for children.

Dominic Felse, the son of the famous policeman George Felse, met his girlfriend Tossa Barber in the earlier book in this series, Piper on the Mountain. Now, as a favor to Tossa's mother, Dominic and Tossa have agreed to escort a young girl named Angli out to meet her father in India. However, when they arrive they find that Angli's father has been missing for over a year, and soon Angli is kidnapped. The result is a good, fast-paced mystery, with some very interesting local color on India.

Strictly speaking, this isn't an Inspector Felse mystery, but a Dominic Felse mystery. Ideally, read all the preceding Inspector Felse mysteries, in order, as they follow Dominic's childhood onward - but only to enjoy the character development properly. At a minimum, at least read _The Piper on the Mountain_, which recounts Dominic's first meeting with Tossa Barber and her mother, before _Mourning Raga_.

Tossa's movie-star mother Chloe has a genius for disrupting her daughter's plans, so Dominic fears the worst when Chloe calls the university just before Christmas vacation, with an offer that sounds too good to be true: accept an all-expense-paid trip to India, to escort 14-year-old Anjli Kumar, the daughter of Chloe's co-star Dorette Lester, to stay with her father while her mother is filming in England. (Anjli's mother is nominally the custodial parent, but even she's mostly an absentee.) Happily, Ms. Pargeter (a.k.a. Ellis Peters), doesn't make either leading lady behave according to stereotype; each is charming in private as well as in public, and they seem to get on well together; their influence to bring others into their orbit is as inevitable as a planet's gravity. :)

Dorette arranged for an old friend to look out for Anjli and her companions, since the friend is directing a film - a dramatized life of Buddha - on location. A potted mini-biography of Siddhartha's early life, before he became Buddha, is provided as the film is described; one noteworthy celebrity they meet is the composer working on the film. He's adapted a morning raga - something sung when guests depart in the morning - as a theme to be played for Siddhartha's bride and their young son; the adaptation is catchy.

Unfortunately, Dorette only wrote to her ex, rather than phoning him or waiting for a reply. Kumar has been out of touch for months, and his mother - Anjli's grandmother - is dying. The only relative left functioning is a cousin who acts as trustee for the estate - and Dominic and Tossa aren't too keen to leave Anjli, Kumar's heir, in his care.

But the matter is taken abruptly out of their hands when Anjli is kidnapped and held for ransom after her grandmother's death. Although published after _Black is the Colour of My True-Love's Heart_, the events of this book take place earlier: their first meeting with the Swami, mentioned in that book, occurs herein. As a friend of Kumar's, he takes a hand in working for Anjli's safe return. And Dominic is very uneasy, since the morning of her disappearance, he heard someone in the street outside the hotel singing a song from the soundtrack of a film that's still in production.

The title of the book is, in my opinioin, misleading. It is not a philosophical analysis of psychology as a science or a field of research activity. Rather, it analysis common-sense (folk) psychology in the light of contemporary cognitive science and philosophy. To a reader interesed in this special subject, the book is an excellent overview of (and contribution to) the current state of the art. But if you buy it for its more widely promising title, you may be disappointed.

This volume is an excellent, broad-ranging introduction to leading issues in philosophy of psychology and empirical philosophy of mind. The authors introduce the views and leading authors in such contemporary debates as: modularity and nativism, folk psychology/"mindreading", the language of thought and mental representation, computational cognitivism vs. connectionism, consciousness, evolutionary perspectives (to some extent), the rationality debate, broad vs. narrow content, and others. I beg to differ with the other reviewers narrow view of this book. It is beautifully well-written and accessible. It is an introduction and so leaves much room for further study.

This book is essential for the library of every scholar of American constitutionalism. For those who have studied the subject, the superb selection of essays on different aspects of American political thought is enlightening. Those who are simply interested in America's founding may however be at a loss and overwhelmed by the wide range of arguments put forward in the different essays even if Gary L.Gregg did an excellent job in the introduction giving an overview to the reader of what he should expect in each essay. Thus, since all and even the American constituiton and its origins is a matter of perspective, this book can only be enjoyed after a thorough study of American political thought. For constitution freaks however it is not only useful to have, it is a real joy to browse through the essays.

There is a palpable fear that America has lost its way, and perhaps even been untrue to itself. Examples of this loss abound, from school violence to a youth culture nihilism. "Vital Remnants," a collection of essays by some of America's top scholars in history, philosophy, political science, and law, shows, with remarkable clarity, the ways in which contemporary American society has radically altered the course upon which it was originally set. To be sure, our century looks at America with a different set of assumptions than that of our ancestors. "Vital Remnants" gives us clues by which we might stay the course for the benefit of generations to come.

Not a "work of philosophy" but, rather, a compilation of his more personal and/or less philosophical personal jottings from 1914 to the end of his life in 1951, this little book is worth taking up if you are fascinated by Wittgenstein and his thought. However, it will disappoint anyone coming to it for a detailed analysis of many of those issues (religion, art, morality) that his major works do not delve into more extensively. All we are offered here is an uneven scattering of personal remarks and truncated observations over the course of one very significant philosopher's life. Sometimes the remarks are extremely enlightening. More often they are too cryptic or personal or vague to offer much insight into the man and his ideas. Moreover, there are some musings here that are decidedly personal, making me uncomfortable just to be reading them. Peter Winch, who did the compilation, notes he excluded anything of too personal a nature but, given what got through, I can only conclude that the other stuff must have been doozies. Here we see Wittgenstein castigating himself as a sinner, unworthy to be saved, as he struggles to understand and re-subscribe to the Catholicism of his youth. While such information is of great interest to those of us who have been deeply affected by his philosophical work, throwing light on the driving forces which affected his thought, I was left feeling profoundly uncomfortable, reading things I suspect he never would have wanted to see the light of day. In the end, this book offered me more of a view into the man, Wittgenstein, than into his ideas about cultural issues . . . the reason I'd come to the book in the first place. And Wittgenstein seems a smaller man, and his ideas somewhat less substantial to me, for having read this book. Still, I'm not sorry I did. Better to understand a man than be awed by a giant. -- SWM

Both the fragmentary presentation of these remarks as well as their deeply personal nature remind one very much of Pascal, to whom, along with Plato, Augustine, and Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein deserves to be compared, moreso than Russell or any of the analytic philosophers (and this includes Wittgenstein's *Tractatus* period!).

The great virtue of this book is that one can open the book to just about anywhere are find a dazzling thought, whether about Goethe, mathematics, God, etc. However, that same virtue proves to be the book's main vice: one cannot read the book expecting a 'flow' that one might find reading novels or more composed philosophical texts -- although, of course, one must keep in mind that pretty much all of Wittgenstein's later writings are like this. Indeed, there is probably no satisfying way to arrange these or any of his other writings: as the editors say, the chronological arrangement they chose is the only way to avoid distorting what Wittgenstein wrote. I suppose, then, my complaint is more against Wittgenstein's reclusiveness than against the editors of this volume.

As for the book itself: whether you agree or disagree with him, Wittgenstein's profundity cannot be doubted, even on non-analytic subjects such as are treated in the book. In fact, there are several places, e.g. his discussions of Christianity, that bear a great resemblance to his discussions of language, namely: his attempts to explain something that he admits cannot be explained. Wittgenstein, despite all his efforts, could not become a believing Christian; nevertheless he demonstrates a deep understanding of Christianity's meaning, how it defies all rational explanation. As he puts it: "If Christianity is the truth then all the philosophy that has been written about it is false." This resembles very much Wittgenstein's insistance in the *Investigations* that we give up trying to give a uniform definition of language and instead describe (and describe, and describe) the various language-games.

Finally, I would recommend to anybody interested in this book that he also look up Wittgenstein's analytic writings (Blue and Brown Books, Investigations, On Certainty, etc.): as I have said, his thoughts on language and his thoughts on other matters inform each other. Even a summary of his analytic philosophy, I think, would be sufficient.

This volume of the written mutterings of Ludwig Wittgenstein is a gold mine. Here there is everything. Incredibly astute commentaries on art and representation, on culture and its decline and the relevance of that decline. Here one can learn what it is to be human and also what it was to be Wittgenstein, the prophet, poet, philosopher and mystic. There is a lot to be disagreed with, a lot that is contentious (his views of Judaism for example or the atom bomb), but since its publication quotations from it have enterred to literary and academic consciousness. It is rapidly becoming as ubiquitous as his other works. It is a book to be kept beside the bed in order that one can from time to time be startled from the slumbers that are modern life.

This book is a good introduction to the German Panzerwaffe. It gives a brief history of the development and use of the Panzerwaffe, as well as brief developmental and operational histories for every Panzer type used by the Wehrmacht. Although it is somewhat lacking in the technical aspect, there is a wealth of anecdotal narration. Though not the best reference for modelling, it is still a very enjoyable book.

I personally like this book alot.It is because this book covers the subject(german tanks) directly like the panzer 1 to 4, tiger 1 & 2,panthers and it even cover a little on experimental tanks like the Maus. What make this book stand out from the rest I think that it even include some extractions and feelings from the people who fought and operated them unlike many other books which is too techincal for my personal liking. however, on the down side, this book covers quite a small number of photos which may disappoint model kits builder but trust me it is enough for most readers.

George Forty has done an excellent job of giving the reader a balance between "just the facts" treatment of German armor and first-hand accounts of their use. All the statistics are there: height, weight, weapons, upgrades, modifications, etc. There is also an analysis of the weapon's effectiveness - with a first-hand account of combat in each vehicle.

An excellent treatment of German armor in WWII for all but the most detail-oriented modeller.

Mild-mannered DCI George Felse, who prefers to solve English country crime without the aid of the Yard, finds himself near the Welsh/English border--first on vacation, then on business. He is abruptly shaken out of his appreciation of Midshire's
natural beauty when confronted by a manorial/monastic mystery--complete with curse. Could monks gone amuck at the time of the
Dissolution actually influence lives (i.e., cause death) in this century? What is the fatal attraction of a curiously-wrought knocker on an oaken door, which was hung first in a church, then in a private wine cellar, but has since been donated back to an ecclesiastical setting?

Ellis Peters, known to aficionados as the creator of the Brother Cadfael series, weaves a delightful web of suspicious characters, cryptic legend and mundane motives into a contemporary thriller, with medieval over--or rather, undertones. Her fans will recognize her penchant for incidental romance: in this case an unexpected but platonic love affair at the end. Socially-conscious in her own time, she raises poignant commentary on the role of impoverished aristocracy, dying out gracefully (?) for lack of cash and new blood...apologies for the ill-chosen expression. Will the Manor be saved by the Trust or is this the end of the line for the Macsen-Martel family? Will the sins of the philandering patriarch be visited upon future generations? Anything by Peters is sure to please; savor this novel as her literary premonition of a medieval Welsh monk dabbling in mystery. My advice: beware of the cowl in the mist and don't knock first!

Being a fan of Ellis Peters's brother Cadfael series, I decided to try her earlier mystery series, featuring detective inspector George Felse. The Knocker on Death's Door is a good, light read, with interesting historical details, although the solution to the mystery will be obvious to most experienced mystery-novel readers. The plot centers around the restoration of a medieval door to its original place in the village church, and the secrets the door holds, which reveal a long-hidden murder. There's a sweet, innocent romantic sub-plot woven through the detective story, and George Felse is a delightful investigator. Overall, a good read for fans of the traditional English-cosy mystery.

This was the first Inspector Felse mystery I ever read. After I'd finished all of Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries, I finally gave in, despite having groused to myself for years that she'd spent time on these when she could have been spreading mayhem through medieval Shropshire for our fun and her profit.

It's a shame I took so long to give Felse a fair chance. Peters was already an excellent writer in the days when this story was written; the Felse stories are good novels, not just clever puzzles. They carry the bonus that they aren't bound to a formula as tightly as are the chronicles of Brother Cadfael.

Felse's turf is on the Welsh border, but in the last half of the twentieth century, and in Midshire, not Shropshire. As in the Cadfael stories, time doesn't stand still for the characters. This, as one of George's later appearances, doesn't feature his son Dominic in an active role in the investigation - Dominic is on holiday abroad, having just graduated from university. This particular story is set in Mottisham, one of the villages near Felse's home base of Comerbourne; the area is also the scene of _Rainbow's End_, for anyone who'd like to see how the supporting characters fared in later years.

The Macsen-Martels, as their double-barreled name suggests, are an old family, but their fires are burning out. The valley, as local Sgt. Moon says, is tribal, not feudal - 'squire' is a dirty word around here. The best they ever did was in acquiring Mottisham Abbey out of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. "Count for nothing now. Never will again. Never *did*, for all that much."

Robert senior was a notorious womanizer who sank the family deep in debt before finally breaking his neck in the hunting field. His widow, a cousin whom he married for her money, would never hear a word against him. Robert junior, the elder son, takes after his mother in looks and values, but what in her is aristocratic arrogance has in him been eroded like a medieval carving. He grew up helping her cope with his father's endless debts and paternity suits, and it seems to have taken its toll on more than the family fortunes - he's worn to the bone. Far from being a lord of the manor, he works in a realtor's office. His younger brother Hugh, on the other hand, has his father's energy, but he turns it to a more profitable end as the junior partner of Cressett and Martel, local garage. (The senior partner, Dave Cressett, is only a year younger than Robert, and where Hugh provides flash and dazzle, Dave provides sturdy dependability. Dinah, Dave's younger sister, chips in - a pocket edition, but made of the right stuff; Hugh's got sense enough to be moving toward marriage with her.)

The family can't maintain the Abbey anymore, and they've finally convinced the National Trust to step in. The building must be restored to original condition as much as possible, so they've started by reinstalling the old wine cellar door in the church porch - there's a family story that it belongs there. George Felse, just returning from a holiday after promotion to deputy head of the county CID, passes the time of day with Sgt. Moon while stuck in traffic, caused by the bishop's stately progress of reconsecrating the door. It's a *DOOR* - 7 x 5 medieval oak, flanked by carved angels that were outdated when it was carved and have come all the way around to being modern, and weighing a quarter of a ton. It and its knocker come complete with a Macsen-Martel family legend, which we hear when the younger son, Hugh, takes his Dinah to officially meet his family.

Only a local sensation, not even a nine-days'-wonder; Bunty's comfortable statement that there's nothing to fetch them back for a second look, though, goes into the category of Famous Last Words. At first, it only begins with the regulars of the Sitting Duck taking the mickey out of the small gang of pressmen who turned out for the ceremony. (The pub conserves its home-brewed beer for the regulars, and anyhow such strangers are nature's way of providing entertainment.) Nobody expected Gerry Bracewell, the quickest-witted of the pack, to return a few weeks later in pursuit of a potential story - and still less for Dave Cressett to find him dead in the church porch, head beaten in before the door.

Felse opts to hang onto the case rather than passing it to the Yard; something was significant about the door itself, not the man. All that was unusual about him was that he'd seen the door once before, years ago, when photographing the house for a series of articles on obscure country houses. But what could be so deadly about a door that was already on public display?

The only touches of amateur hour in Felse's thoroughly professional investigation are Dave Cressett's inquiries when he returns Bracewell's car to the widow, and a few scenes from Dinah's point of view. They're adequately explained by the closed-shop attitude of Mottisham's people - when there's trouble, they pull together, but right must be done. Although those psychic researchers are fair game when they show up at the pub...

This is my first Elizabeth George, which I REALLY enjoyed. While not having read her prior Lynley/Havers books, I was able to pick up on the threads of their previous relationship/experiences w/ no problem. The multiple plots are cleverly woven, and although some reviewers do not like the detective characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the doubting, unforgiving Lord, the croissant-devouring Havers fag-puffing (that's the British slang, there!)--sorry, folks, but that's a VERY accurate portrayal of many women, including myself on a stressful day. I also thought the more minor characters of Winston, Hanken, & Company were well done. This novel kept me guessing until the very end. Yes, the author's venture and depiction of the "underworld" of S+M sex in London was v. gritty, but, I'll postulate, quite accurate--if not, it was certainly interesting. Brought to mind the Helen Mirren "Prime Suspect" PBS series, accents and all. I've a feeling this is more England today than the tourists would like to think.

As always Elizabeth George keeps us guessing until the very end. Her complex, multiple plots all tie together in the end and Barbara Havers redeems herself as Lynley realizes he too is capable of making mistakes. I have enjoyed watching the main characters grow and change and learning about their lives with each new novel by Elizabeth George. This one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one but am willing to wait so that we can have more quality writing by this fine author. I have quit reading other authors who rush their books to press just to get another one out. So unlike some of the other reviewers, I say take all the time you need Ms. George so that I will continue be enchanted by your characters, your intricate plots and the settings you describe so magnificently.

I am hooked on Susan Elizabeth George and her wonderful writing. And yes, I too like her new hairdo. I have read all her books. I read them all during the past six months after stumbling onto a paperback edition of "Missing Joseph". I did not read them in the order published but after finishing "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinnner" the ten book chronolgy fell into place with the remarkable display of continuity in the ongoing evolution of the main characters of Linley(love "Tommy"as a nick name), Havers, Lady Helen and the entire gang. This woman writes such good prose that often I forget I'm reading a "potboiler" and find myself in the middle of a marvelous work of fiction. I can't wait to read Mrs. George's first non- mystry novel where she is able to dispense with the gratuitous sex and stay with the beautiful character insights. But, then again, this reader for one will continue to buy her first editions in hardback because I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Barbara Havers is going to get into next!