An absolute must-have for any fan of Wonder Woman. Everything about the amazin' amazon, from the comic book to Ms. Magazine to the Super Friends cartoon to the 1960s and 1970s tv show (yes, I said 1960s!), is covered. And the photos of her memorabilia are priceless. You'll even find some reprints of Wonder Woman stories from her various eras (Golden Age, Silver Age, Perez). And there's even a preview of the Alex Ross-painted Wonder Woman project debuting late next year. I do wish there were more of Brian Bolland's subversive covers (as well as current cover artist Adam Hughes's) and, of course, more pics of Lynda Carter presented, but those are just minor quibbles. Les Daniel's text is well-written and well-researched, and I guarantee you'll find at least one nugget of information that's surprising (not only about creator Marston's unique life, but also the section covering Robert Kahniger's tenure as writer and some surprising revelations from later legendary editor Denny O'Neill). And Chip Kidd's layout is wonder-ful (very reminiscent of his work on the excellent Batman Animated book). This book would make the ultimate holiday gift for any fan of the character, but to be honest, I'd hate to make a true fan wait that long to savor it. This book will have them *ahem* spinning! Now, if only some record company would release a soundtrack for the tv series!

Any question you've had about the amazing Amazon Princess will be answered here. You can learn about her origins, and how she has evolved over the years, always keeping in touch with each particular generation (i.e., the difference between WW in the 60's and today). The book is up-to-date, bringing the reader to the very latest story line. It truly covers all aspects of the heroine's life, including the TV series and all the many wonderful products related to her. It is also visually stunning, full of rich, vibrant images. Even if you never get to read the text, the pictures alone are worth the purchase.

I loved the two previous "Complete History" books byLes Daniels on Superman and Batman, but his book on Wonder Woman iseven more amazing. Maybe it's because she isn't as over-exposed asthose other two superheroes, but there are surprises galore in thishandsome book. The still-gorgeous Lynda Carter contributes a lovelyintroduction, and just wait until you read the story of WilliamMarston, Wonder Woman's unconventional creator. And the stunningdesign by Chip Kidd showcases totally awesome toys, original art andeven photos from a 1960s TV show pilot I didn't know existed. And weeven get to see the legendary never-seen "Star Riders"toys. Well, I could just go on and on. This is my favorite book ofthe year, and any fan of Wonder Woman (or Lynda Carter) will just haveto have it!

For years, actors, directors, and dramaturgs have struggled with a variety of materials for guidance on the pronunciation of Shakespeare's names, along with a multitude of other resources that helped with the pronunciation of obscure words appearing in his plays. Now Shane Ann Younts and Louis Scheeder, who work in the rehearsal studio with this text every day, have put everything - names plus unfamiliar words - into one easy-to-carry book, with phonetic pronunciations that are so easy to read that they can be instantly applied. This is a groundbreaking work for everyone involved in the rehearsal process of Shakespeare's plays. Every Shakespeare actor or student should own a copy, and no rehearsal table should lack one or three copies for easy reference during every stage of the rehearsal process! Thank-you Shane Ann and Louis, for creating a terrific tool to assist us in this day-to-day process of moving the words off the page in order to bring them to life on the stage. Bravo!!!

All the Words on Stage is not only informative but essential to any actor who plans to perform any of the plays of William Shakespeare.

It explains in laymen's terms how to pronounce any of the words that appear in Shakespeare's text. It is as vital as the Shakespeare Lexicon.

I recently completed a run of three Shakespeare plays from the history cycle, Richard II, Henry IV:Part l and Henry IV:Part 2. I found All the Words on Stage invaluable in my rehearsal process. No matter how talented your dramaturge or your speech coach is, they can't possibly provide the pronunciation for each word that appears in the play...All the Words on Stage can. I highly recommend it.

This book should be required in all libraries, all acting/directing programs, and in the homes of anyone who's ever been frustrated with how to speak "Shakespearean." In simple terms, with helpful guidelines along the way, the authors reveal everything you need in order to read Shakespeare's plays. But the real beauty of this book is the invaluable help it will provide to any actor who has wondered whether "banished" is pronounced in two syllables or three (as well as WHY).
"All the Words on Stage" removes the barrier of intimidation that keeps most people from learning the logic and beauty of Shakespeare's spoken words. Imagine having the correct pronounciation to every single word in each of Shakespeare's plays, all in one volume.
Now that this classic reference book is here, I wonder how actors survived without it for so long.

I have just finished reading "Boot" by William C. Dunn. This is an excellent book on police work and the perspective of a rookie cop. I am a sergeant, just shy of completing thirty years on the LAPD, and currently work with Bill. I am his supervisor. Bill's book is easy reading and well written. His stories are insightful, and brought back memories of my rookie year. I enjoyed reading his book. I sincerely hope he writes another one. If, and when he does, I will buy it and read it. His style of writing makes it so you don't want to put the book down, you want to keep on reading. Great job, Bill

Dunn must be applauded for his first book about our nations best police department, The LAPD. Strap on the vest, log on with control, and hang on because BOOT takes the reader to the streets Lights and Siren! The reader is taken from Dunn's rookie year through monthly progressions and we see him grow into a better officer. Dunn freely admits his Tactical errors in a humorous way. Doh!! The reader is taken on a Great Year filled with humor, pursuits, tragedy all the elements for a great tale. I only hope BOOT was not the authors only endeavor. Truly a joy to read!! I have read it and underlined it Three times already. Highly recommended to not only those in law enforcement but everyone who wants an insight into those guys going code 3. What are they doing, HOW are they doing it? What are they Feeling? Read BOOT and you are taken there.So throw down that food,"We take our back ups seriously down here..."

I just finished this book and found it to be a quick read with plenty of information about police work not usually available to the public. Dunn not only accurately describes a police officer's rookie year but includes those "victorys" and "defeats" every cop experiences.If you're considering a career in law enforcement or just plain want to know more about those men and women who are sent out to put it on the line, this is the book to read.

I would recommend this book for anyone to read, young or old. I, not being a real "big reader", found this book to be very interesting and entertaining. I found the characters to be very real, and could relate to all of them. Even though the book isn't very long, Nicole Bailey-Williams writes this story's plot very well and keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen next. Once again, I really enjoyed reading this book, and I saw a piece of Sky, and some other characters, in myself.

A Little Piece of Sky tells the story of Song Byrd. Song takes a cautious look back over her life, starting with her earliest relationships and in doing so we read a story of triumph. Song deals with an emotionally unavailable mother and later she struggles with the guilt she feels as a result of her mother's death. When her mother dies, she has to live with her father and his wife and adjust to a completely new, but healthier existence. Unfortunately, the scars of the early part of her life don't just disappear and her half sister and brother are additional reminders of the life she left behind. Even as an adult, Song continues to try to heal her wounds and make a life for herself and recover her lost self esteem. The sky is an important theme in this book and it represents hope. As Song shares her story it becomes clear that just a little bit of hope is often enough to carry a person through the most difficult circumstances.

Nicole Bailey-Williams has made a grand entrance into the literary scene with this spectacular novel. She does an excellent job drawing the reader into Song's world and making them share in her experiences through the short passages of prose. While the format of this book is different from the norm, the author's mixture of literary style and prose proved to be just the right recipe for a stellar debut.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

Song's spirit is wonderfully captivating! The author has artfully transformed the challenges of youth and hard times into the successes of Perseverance, Trust, and Hope!

This book came into my life as a most timely coincidence. Now I know why I have been drawn to Hawaii for so long. I only wish that everyone who has ever had an inkling to visit the islands of paradise could read this wonderful book beforehand. If you are searching for answers, this little gem has more in it than just a great vacation. I have vowed to share it with everyone on Wall Street. Thank you 'Pila'! -C. MacPherson, Esq.

This is a book to savor and let the information and feeling of real aloha sink in. After living in Hawaii for seven years this is the first book I've come across that catches the the magical, mystical essence of Hawaii accurately, and in true island style - with a balance of respect and humor.

Pila has his information down through study, homage to his teachers and direct experience. This is a book about much more than Hawaii for those that have eyes to see and perception to perceive beyond the words.

Pila brings the hidden stories of creation - ancient Hawaiian style - out for us to experience. Much of what he's talking about goes far beyond any particular race or place.

I have given this book as a gift and encouraged others to buy it, (I manage a bookstore). I've received wonderful feedback on same. It's deep, fun and interesting to read, the type of book one doesn't want to end.

This book is a blessing that can and should be read and experienced on many levels.

Aloha and blessings to you, Pila, for your gifts of Aloha and more.

This book gave me "chicken skin". Now I know why the call to Hawaii is the call to the soul. Everyone who has the inkling there is something more to life than the insanity and the eight to five should read this book!

"Brazzaville Beach" is a very well constructed novel weaving together two stories from the life of Hope, the heroine: in Africa, her work at a chimpanzee research center in a country in the midst of a civil war, where she makes a discovery that is "inconvenient" for the center's alpha male director; and in England, her doomed marriage to a brilliant but frustrated mathematician. There's lots in this book: love, sex, ego, war. Boyd very effectively portrays both the sciences and the scientists of primate research and advanced mathematics, as Hope learns what humans and chimpanzees have in common.

I adored this book from start to finish. Hope Clearwater is in worn-torn Africa observing chimpanzee behavior when she notices a startling trend that conflicts with everything her boss and mentor believes. Her integrity - and perhaps much more - is threatened when everyone at the camp seems to turn against her. Interwoven with flashbacks to her previous life in England with her bizarre but brilliant mathematician husband and the story of her Egyptian mercenary lover who flies a Mig for one side of the civil war, the story draws powerful parallels between the two primate societies, human and chimp.

How can a novel that discusses the difference between turbulence and topology in mathematics be a page turner? You'll have to read this book to believe it. Other than the name of Hope Clearwater - a bit too much in this otherwise subtle tale - Boyd writes deftly and passionately, sometimes with horrifying precision as he describes what is happening among the chimps.

This suspenseful and intelligent novel deserves a wide readership. I only wish I had learned of it sooner!

Hope Clearwater sits on Brazzaville Beach, contemplates her past, and narrates the events of this novel. One strain of the story concerns her failed marriage to a mathematician whose unquenched thirst for revolutionary discoveries and their attendant fame drove him to madness. The second strain concerns the animal research that Hope had fled to Africa to participate in. Grosso Arvore Research Center is run by the renowned chimpanzee expert Eugene Mallabar, who was just putting the finishing touches on his master work, describing the peaceful ways of our close animal relatives, when Hope's own observations seemed to indicate that all was not quite as idyllic as had previously been supposed among these primates. But the evidence of aggression that she finds between two competing colonies of chimps threatens the carefully constructed image that Mallabar has built up over the years, and, most importantly, threatens to make the animals less attractive to charitable organizations which fund the project. Meanwhile, thrumming in the background is a guerilla war which threatens to swamp this African nation at any moment.

William Boyd takes these various threads and weaves them together, along with a variety of brief comments on scientific and mathematical ideas and issues, into an exciting and intellectually compelling novel. With its Edenic setting and themes of Man's search for knowledge--and the madness the search can bring--the book taps into our primordial myths and some of the core questions of our existence. If it sometimes seems to be almost too consciously striving to be a serious novel of ideas, that ambition is justified, if not always realized, and the philosophical failures are more than offset by the good old-fashioned African adventure story that unfolds simultaneously.

The shelves fairly groan beneath the weight of books warning that when a little of the veneer of civilization gets stripped away in the jungle, Man must face the fact that he has a dark heart. And there are elements of that here, particularly in the way that Mallabar treats Hope and her discovery, but Boyd has much more to say besides just this. Perhaps the most exciting message of the book lies in the contrarian stance it takes to the modern age's tendency to romanticize Nature. It is always well to recall Thomas Hobbes's famous description of Nature as "red in tooth and claw." The reader of this book will not soon forget it.

GRADE : A

I've just finished reading The Crown of Eden, the first book in the Seven Kingdoms Chronicles, by Thomas Williams, and am very interested to learn more about this author and his writing. I've found little to no information about him on the internet. The most I know is that Word Publishing (Thomas Nelson) is the Publisher of this book.

The parallels to the gospel, and Christianity, that are woven into this magical tale of a Medieval world are amazing. And the way in which they are woven is nothing short of genius. I love the book, already love the author, and am desperate to learn more of him, and when the next books in the Chronicles are coming. I highly recommend this book, and encourage the reader to look closely to find for themselves what the writer is really writing about. Keep your Bibles handy!

This compelling love story set in medieval times shows the sacred convictions of beauty, morality, honor and integrity of which God originally intended. This book is ideal for helping instill Godly values in the younger readers, as well as support the values that are held dear by families that long for more depth in meaningful relationships.

Thomas Williams is right up there with C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. It's a MUST to read and I look forward to reading the sequels!

Thomas Williams is truly talented! This book got me from the first page till the last and I neglected much work while reading it as I couldn't put it down.Set in medievil times around two kingdoms and an awsome forrest it's fast paced , exiting and full of adventure.It has strong characters and a fantastic story line that I wished would never end. It will make you believe in love and honour and think about your own morals and strive to be better.I loved every word!

What to say, what to say... the Elric saga is one of the most excellent fantasy series ever written. This is the first part, composed of the first three books, excluding Fortress of the Pearl, which was written after the six-book saga was completed. Nevertheless, it fits smoothly.

Elric of Melnibone - The flawless beginning of the saga. Elric of Melnibone introduces its namesake, his best friend Dyvim Tvar, his lover Cymoril, and his competent cousin Yyrkoon. This is, obviously, the first true advancement into the story; but as I mentioned before, it is flawless.

The Fortress of the Pearl - A sidestory, taking place between Elric of Melnibone and the Sailor on the Seas of Fate. Not as good as the other installments in the series, but a gem nonetheless.

The Sailor on the Seas of Fate - Split into three seperate, overall unrelated stories. Of course, all three fit into the current storyline, but each can be considered a seperate adventure. The first introduces Hawkmoon, Erekose, and Corum, three of the other incarnations of the Eternal Champion. The next two tell of Elric's adventures with Smiorgan and Duke Avan.

The Dreaming City - The conclusion to the plot that was set up through the entire first book (Elric of Melnibone). To say any more would spoil and excellent plot twist. Also, to mention, this is the first part of Weird of the White Wolf, the third book in the Elric Saga.

While the Gods Laugh - The second part of Weird. Here Elric meets Shaarilla, the wingless woman of Myrrh. Also, in this story, Elric meets Moonglum, his most faithful companion, and the one who stayed with the albino warrior the longest. An excellent story, simply put.

The Singing Citadel - Elric's first meeting with his long-lasting enemy (from this point on), the sorcerer and servant to Chaos, Theleb K'aarna. Here Elric also meets Yishana, who appears once more in the future Elric stories. The third installment in Weird.

My final word: Read it, read it, read it!

My favourite story in the Song of the Black Sword was the first one, Elric of Melnibone. It was so interesting. There was always something new that the author adds to keep on saturating your mind.

For all fantasy fans, read this book along with the rest of the Eternal Champion series.

Elric is probably the best, and best known, of all of Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion characters (though Jerry Cornelius must be a close second), and I almost rushed through the previous four volumes in the series in an effort to get to this book. And while those books were excellent examples of Moorcock's writing, this blows them all out of the water, showing fantasy unlike anything else. Here are some thoughts on the individual stories:

Elric of Melnibone: Great introduction and brilliant way to kick off the volume. Everything about Elric is explained here.

The Fortress of the Pearl: It's interesting to note that even though this one wasn't published until nearly the nineties, it fits seamlessly into the rest of the books, and of course the device of making him forget explains why the events here aren't referred to in later novels. This one is good, still.

Sailor on the Seas of Fate: Easily the best story in here, period. You know its good when three other Eternal Champions show up (Erekose, Hawkmoon, and Corum), and they only stay through the first part, and the rest of the book just gets better!

The Dreaming City: Elric takes out his home city. I thought this was just a short story until I read the end and saw the rather major upheval Moorcock threw in at the end. Quite the tragic tale.

While the Gods Laugh: Another quickie tale, also tragic. Elric appears to be wrestling with many demons (in his mind, at least). Someone get this guy a shrink.

The Singing Citadel: Last short story of the collection and probably the best, it shows Elric finally getting at least partially over the events of The Dreaming City, for a little while. And hey, any volume with the Duke of Hell in it can't be all bad.

My only quibble is that the entire six book series wasn't reprinted here in its entireity (only the first two were). Hopefully that will be rectified when the eleventh book in the series: Elric: Stealer of Souls, is published. I'll be waiting

While this book is very well written, provides answers to many important questions, and the real life stories of women are particularly insightful, I am disappointed that I did not receive the "Revised Edition". I was specifically looking for the most up-to-date book available regarding gynecologic problems and placed an order for this book after reading excerpts from Dr. William Parker's web page "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion Online". I had read most of the book before reaching the question "If you need a hysterectomy, should you also have your ovaries removed?" Knowing that Dr. Parker had changed his opinion on that topic, it became apparent that I did not have the revised edition. As much as I enjoyed the book's format, I feel as though I was duped into buying an older book (the 1996 edition as opposed to the 2003 edition) that I would not have purchased otherwise. That said, I'll probably still shell out the extra bucks for the Revised Edition -- if I can find it soon!

I am not one to put my opinion out publicly unless I feel strongly about that opinion and this book is wonderful (that is my strong opinion). This book is a comprehensive overview of Women's Gynecology. It is a very easy read. It can be read by pertinent sections and/or from start to finish. The information in the book is very helpful and useful to everyone. My husband even found this book to be very informative. I am extremely pleased with this purchase and would recommend this book to all women.

I was advised to have a hysterectomy and an oophorectomy even though I had no symptoms. I did a lot of research in medical and popular literature and found this book to be the best for the layperson. Regarding hysterectomies, the authors rationaly discuss the historical overuse and unnecessary reliance on the procedure without haranguing the reader or angrily attacking opposing views--a defect in a number of other books on the subject and which only serves to distract the reader from considering important facts. When necessary, the authors give their unequivocal medical opinion. When I sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic, the doctors there gave me the same advice I found in this book: don't have the surgery under my circumstances. I strongly recommend that any woman facing the same surgery decision I had to make to, as the book's subtitle says, take charge of your health, get a second opinion and read this book before you decide. The book also has a great deal of information about other women's health topics and it is now a permanent addition to my reference bookshelf.

I recently re-read the entire Little House series. I remember watching the television series as I read the books the first time. I see things differently now, obviously as an adult. The hardships the pioneers endured to live as they wanted. We get upset if the electricity goes off for a few hours. The sheer struggle of life that these books portray touched me. I also admire Laura Ingalls Wilder for her memory. She wrote these books while in her sixties and seventies. I can hardly remember what I did last week. I will encourage my son to read these when he is old enough.

I received my first Laura Ingalls Wilder book when I was nine years old, and went on to receive one each birthday and Christmas until I had the entire series. They transported me to a world few movies, t.v. shows (including the series!) ever went to...and I am still fasinated with this woman's life. I recommend it for all children and soon will start reading it to my three grandchildren, so their hearts and minds can come alive in a time and world they can only visit thru these wonderfull images of the author. This entire series is only rivaled by Louisa May Alcott...and these are easier for a child to read. Please enjoy the wanderings and hopes and dreams of the Ingalls as they moved thru the midwest...it's worth every moment you spend. The illustrations are so perfect...not glamorizing how Laura or the family looked... in a time before makeup and curling irons, when barefoot along the banks of plum creek was the best! ENJOY

As with all the Laura Ingalls Wilder stories, the deep love and rich feeling Laura herself felt and lived jumps comes across as a real, physical thing. I read one of these stories as a child. I remember liking it but I went back and read them recently as a mother. It gave me both a clear, real view of pioneer life. With both the hardships as well as the joys. As through all of the Little House stories, Laura's love and feeling for her family jumps from the pages. I could only wish that all books I read were so true and real.