The book discusses how businesses must find new ways to innovate while maintaining the core business that is already successful. For established companies to get involved in the new technologies, they must either acquire start ups, introduce cooperatives efforts either partnering or investing in internal new departments, or uses corporate venture capital to invest in start ups.

Established companies are striving to become dotcorps via networked innovation. Loudon explains how each method works, the advantages and drawbacks, and the many reasons for doing this.

The book is well organized, easy to read and follow. Key points are emphasized with questions at the end of each chapter, which provide a guide for companies dealing with innovation with its use of shades of gray and statements of key points. Case studies from Europe and the US provide examples of the different strategies and how they work. It focuses more on problem solving than on the problems offering detailed methods for companies to organize for innovation.

While VC (venture capital) was the catch phrase of the late '90s, the authors explores the different types and ways of using VC. What companies did right. What companies did wrong.

The index lists all of the companies covered in the book to help the reader immediately find those that interest her. Boo.com's failure is mentioned, of course, as a first mover that did not become a prover. There are examples of everything including partnerships, buy-outs, corporate venture capital, B2C, B2B, and more.

While this book is aimed at companies and purports to be a road map to follow in pursuit of innovation and in preparation for what's next on the Internet, it's good reading for individuals interested in business tactics, in plotting change that keeps coming, and in investing in the companies that show the most creativity and openness to deal with the future.

Loudon reminds the reader that everything doesn't happen overnight. While the Internet has become the wave of the future, its present is no yet what it was hoped for. Sound business practices, profitability, ability to attract and keep good employees still remain watchwords for success along with creativity and innovation.

Webs Of Innovation by Internet expert and global business consultant Alexander Loudon is a clearly forward-looking and progressive book about the future of business in the age of the Internet. A practical-minded approach to taking advantage of globalization and changing technology is the hallmark of this adventurous tour through the evolution of the Internet, the process of acquiring corporate venture capital, and generally gearing one's enterprise to make the most of today's changing and highly interdependent markets. Anecdotes and examples pepper this exciting and useful guide to taking charge of one's entrepreneurial destiny. Webs Of Innovation is highly recommended reading for entrepreneurs wanting to utilize the Internet and the World Wide Web in their mercantile and corporate ventures.

There are dozens of excellent books on this subject and Loudon has written one of the best. At a time when global initiatives continue to increase and expand as well as accelerate, it is especially significant that Loudon does not limit himself to national perspectives (such as those from the USA) which tend to exclude or subordinate all others. He carefully organizes his material within seven chapters, following an Introduction in which he observes: "There seem to be three strategies currently pursued by large companies. First, some are trying to enter webs of innovation by starting a separate -- often competitive division [e.g. Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart]....The second strategy is mergers and acquisitions [e.g. Healtheon merged with WebMD and Ahold acquired Peapod]....The third way is venture capital." Loudon goes on to acknowledge that each of the three approaches can work "but it is critical to know which suits your company. This book will tell you." And it does.

These brief remarks correctly suggest that Loudon's book will be of greatest value to decision-makers in larger organizations; however, it can also be of substantial value to those who do business with those organizations (especially on an outsource basis) or who provide professional services to them such as financial and legal. Change remains the only constant in the contemporary marketplace. This is especially true of the technical environment within which webs of innovation are established and developed. Years ago, former president of Harvard University Derek Bok suggested that "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." This is especially true of organizations (including the larger non-profits) now struggling to leverage their assets in the online world.

At some point during his tenure as CEO of GE, Jack Welch explained why he admires small, entrepreneurial companies:

"For one, they communicate better. Without the din and prattle of bureaucracy, people listen as well as talk; and since there are fewer of them they generally know and understand each other. Second, small companies move faster. They know the penalties for hesitation in the marketplace. Third, in small companies, with fewer layers and less camouflage, the leaders show up very clearly on the screen. Their performance and its impact are clear to everyone. And, finally, smaller companies waste less. They spend less time in endless reviews and approvals and politics and paper drills. They have fewer people; therefore they can only do the important things. Their people are free to direct their energy and attention toward the marketplace rather than fighting bureaucracy."

I include Welch's remarks for two reasons. First, they articulate the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation which Loudon insists is now absolutely essential to business success in the networked economy. Moreover, because in such a economy there are constant demands for newer and better innovations, there are simultaneously constant demands for newer and better ways to produce them. If I understand Loudon's book, these are among his most important points. They offer great encouragement to precisely the same companies which Welch admires so much and which the most innovative of larger organizations now work so hard to emulate.

Those who share my high regard for this brilliant book are urged to read Borgmann's Holding On to Reality, Nielsen's Designing Web Usability, Cairncross' recently published The Company of the Future, and Markides' All the Right Moves.

I sing of a boy and a bear...

Perhaps Vergil would have opted for Pu (Pooh) rather than Aeneid had he the choice, and begun his tome not in the journey from Troy, but rather the journey around the forest.

I have this sitting next to books of equally interesting exercise, such as a translation of modern poetry into Old English. Likewise, Henry Beard's translations of various ordinary statements and phrases in Latin (and cat behaviours in to French) also sit next to this honoured tome.

When I returned from Britain and began to think in theological-training terms, I had to re-acquaint myself with Latin; for an exam I had to memorise one biblical passage, one passage from the Aeneid, and one passage of my choice. I chose Winnie Ille Pu, and, as it had not been excluded from the list, I was permitted this indulgence (I believe that the exam list now has a section of excluded works, including this one, more's the pity).

Do not be frightened off by the fact that this is a book in Latin. It is very accessible, and quite fun to read with the English version of Winnie-the-Pooh at its side. The Latin version has kept many of the original illustrations as well as the page layout forms, for example:

In English:
And then he got up, and said: 'And the only reason for making honey is so as I can eat it.' So he began to climb the tree.

He
climbed
and he
climbed
and he
climbed,
and as he
climbed
he
sang
a little
song
to himself.
It went

like this:

Isn't it funny
How a bear likes honey
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
I wonder why he does?

In Latin:

Et nisus est
et
nisus est
et
nisus est
et
nisus est
et nitens carmen sic coepit canere:

Cur ursus clamat?
Cur adeo mel amat?
Burr, burr, burr
Quid est causae cur?

Statements sound much more grand in Latin: 'Ior mi,' dixit sollemniter, 'egomet, Winnie ille Pu, caudam tuam reperiam.' which means, 'Eeyore,' he said solemnly, 'I, Winnie-the-Pooh, will find your tail for you.'

This is a delightful romp through a language study. I have recommended this to friends who want an introduction to Latin, together with the Lingua Latina series, which uses a natural language method for instruction.

Alexander Lenard, the translator, obviously did a great labour of love here, and I agree with the Chicago Tribune's statement that this book 'does more to attract interest in Latin than Cicero, Caesar, and Virgil combined.' One wonders if the Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet will be translated into Latin to make them seem 'more philosophical; or indeed, will Winnie ille Pu be likewise translated into Sanskrit and other such languages? It is not uncommon that the entertaining use of language does more for language enrichment and interest than any academic or official push of the tongue. It is no mistake that the Welsh language effort incorporated cartoons from the beginning -- it is natural for people to respond to fun and lively things, and this kind of treatment can be rather tricky, in that the average reader might not be so consciously aware that education is going on...

Winnie-the-Pooh in Akkadian? Hmmm, I feel a Ph.D. dissertation topic coming on...

This work is no small endeavour, but rather a thorough and engaging translation of the entire Pooh story. From the start, when we are introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh, through to the adventures in the Tight Place (in angustias incurrit), when Piglet meets a heffalump (heffalumpum), meeting Kanga and Roo (Canga and Ru), the expedition to the North Pole (Palum Septentrionalem), and finally saying goodbye, the entire story and text is here. One can (as I do) set the Dell Yearling 60th Anniversary Version of Winnie-the-Pooh side-by-side with Winnie-ille-Pu and follow line by line the engaging story, which translates well into this one-time universal language. And why ever not? Surely if there is a story nearly universal appeal, it would be of dear Winnie.

As A.A. Milne was a graduate of the Westminster School (which is housed down the block from my old Parliamentary offices) and of Cambridge, he might consider the translation of his classic work into the classical language a signal honour, and one wonders if, given the fact that Milne studied classical languages himself, if he ever translated any pieces, however small, into those languages that every English schoolboy learns to hate and love.

The story leaves off with Christophorus Robinus heading off to bath (and presumably, bed) ...

Of course, being a person of small importance myself, I identify much more with Porcellus (Piglet) than Pu. I know the struggles against the clerical/hierarchical/academic heffalumpum, and as Pooh has given me a new language of consideration for such conditions, Pu has given me a bilingual command of that language.

Long live the Porcelli amicus!

Dr. Alexander Lenard was an hungarian physician, who lived in southern Brazil and dedicated his life to medicine, literature and curious translations. His Latin version of Winnie the Pooh, made in the 50's, stood in oblivion for quite a while, until a fellow publisher in Sao Paulo decided to make 100 copies. One of these got the attention of a Swedish publisher, who prepared 2000 copies as a gift... and the rest is history. Dr. Lenard lived a quiet and secluded life, but managed to become famous in Brazil for a while, first for staying for weeks on the top position of the "Twenty-One" local TV version, then after being mistaken for the nazi officer Joseph Mengele (and chased by the police!).

He would surely have been delighted to know that his unusual idea became a much loved and admired book. He showed us that Latin is still a living and vibrant language, and hopefully will provide a stimulus to the study of Latin for ages to come.

My wife and I love this book -- as I study my greek and latin I find that there are far too few "real" connections of the languages for me. Imagine my surprise when she suggested this work to remind me of my youth, and yet advance my studies. And, surprisingly enough, it does help! I just wonder if reading it to my little girl (10 months) is a good idea or not. The latin of the Grinch is confusing enough!

This is one of those rare books that changed the way I looked at chess. What the other reviewers say is true. This is a great book!

This is easily one of the best and most carefully crafted books written in the last 50-100 years on the subject. It is easily THE book on isolated QP formations.

Before I go any further, you should know I am a LIFE - Master at chess, and that I teach chess to make a large part of my living.

How I got this book is a little story in itself. It was a gift from my good friend Sig, who is a bookseller from Tallahassee. He gave it to me as a gift, and it is even personally autographed by the author. At first I just glanced at it, and threw it down in my "books to read" pile.

Then one day, (a couple of months later); I just happened to pick it up and start reading. I was immediately and totally engrossed. I worked my way through like the first 3 chapters before I could even put it down.

I eventually went through the entire book. I was already familiar with many of the games in this book, but I found the analysis to be new, refreshing, and informative. The author even found many new ideas that I was not familiar with or had not seen before. (For example, see the analysis of the classic game: Boleslavsky - Kotov; Zurich Candidates Tournament, 1953 ... on page 15 of the book.)

A common assumption is that only players who play the Queen-Pawn Openings need to study this book, as the positions with the IQP only result from these types of openings. Nothing could be further from the truth. A position containing an Isolated QP is the natural result of dozens of different opening variations. For example, an IQP could result from any of the following variations: The Queen's Gambit, (Accepted & Declined); Tarrasch Defense, (to the Queen's Gambit); Reti Opening. The IQP also can arise from a French Defense, and is the natural result of many variations of the Panov-Botvinnik Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. I could go on and give you a dozen more examples, but by now you should realize that either White or Black can get an IQP, and these formations can result from almost any opening.

This book was a major revelation to me. Having grown up under the influence of Nimzovich, I had mostly assumed that the positions containing an Isolated Queen's-Pawn, like any isolated pawn; was weak and should be avoided at all costs. (I almost never allowed myself to be saddled with an IQP, mostly as a result of what I had learned from Nimzowitsch's "My System.") This is a fallacy. For instance, take the 1974 Karpov-Korchnoi Candidates Match played in Moscow. (This match was won by Karpov by the slimmest of margins - 3 wins to 2, and was the de facto World Championship Match . . . since Fischer did not play in 1975.); Black seven times allowed himself to be given an Isolated Queen's Pawn, always equalized and never lost.

This book shows ALL the "do's and the don'ts" of this type of structure. The author has carefully and meticulously laid down virtually every aspect of the positions that contain an isolated Queen's Pawn.

The book is laid out in many chapters in three main parts. Part One discusses the advantages of the IQP. For instance, in Chapter 1 the author examines the energetic freeing advance d4-d5. In Chapter 2, we see the repeated motif of a sudden and unexpected attack on the f2 or f7-squares. In Chapter 3, we see the oft-repeated tactic of a Rook luft on the King-side. And on it goes. Seven chapters in the first part of the book, all focusing on ideas that appear constantly and repetitively in positions with an Isolated QP. In Part Two, (which is dedicated to the disadvantages of the IQP); Chapter 8; the author examines the strengths AND weaknesses of the isolani in every type of endgame that could have arisen from these types of positions, or has arisen in praxis. In Chapter 9, the author poignantly demonstrates when and where the IQP becomes weak in the average middle-game position. In Chapter 10, he shows the best methods for dealing with the Isolated QP. The Third Part of this book discusses all aspects of associated pawn structures. The author shows what types of positions can lead to an IQP, and when you should embrace them and when you should avoid them.

There are many other facets of this book that I find outstanding. The author uses many, many complete and well-annotated games to make his point. (It has always been my belief and teaching that whole games are the best vehicle to really learn the game of chess.) There are exercises at the end of each of the three sections of this book, for you to test and hone your new skills and knowledge. There are also many areas where the author will stop and elaborate ALL the ideas of a given position, so one cannot help but to learn (and be entertained) by such a narrative. All-in-all, I find this to be an above average chess book. I found almost no flaws in this book, and I found much information that even a Master of the game (like myself!) could learn and profit from!

This book receives my highest recommendation and praise. One can only hope this is the first book in a series on certain pawn patterns, and the author will continue (in the future) to educate us in the correct play of pawn structure and the proper way to play various pawn formations.

If you are trying to better learn and understand pawn structure, I can also recommend several other books, in the following order: #1.) "My System," by Nimzovich; #2.) "Pawn Structure Chess," by Andy Soltis; and #3.) "Pawn Power In Chess," by Hans Kmoch.

One other tip?....

If you are trying to learn - or master pawn play … THEN GET THIS BOOK!!!

(Warning: If you are a raw beginner, then this book may not help you much and would be something of a difficult read. Read my profile, and see my website - for a complete training plan … and what books to read ... for any level player.)

Highly recommended to any chess player wanting to increase his or her knowledge "Isolani" position. Easy to understand and it explains how to use them and play against them. Many elements covered and illustrated using Master games.

As a parent of a six-year-old with ADHD, I highly recommend this book to all parents of children up to age 10 that have ADHD. It's easy for a doctor, social worker, etc., to tell you how to raise a child with ADHD, but there is nothing like getting tips and suggestions from other parents who live with an ADHD child. Ms. Alexander-Roberts has written a marvelous, infomative book that should be read by ALL parents struggling to raise a child with ADHD.

This book, written by Colleen Alexander-Roberts, is based on her actual parenting experiences--both what works and what doesn't work. Not only does she give the reader many tips and suggestions that work, she also gives the readers tips and advice from other parents.

The book "The ADHD Parenting Handbook" should be on the shelve in every parents home. Yes, it's that good. In fact, I saw it on the bookshelve in the office of my son's therapist. When I asked about the book, the therapist said that she highly recommended that my wife and I read it. We're so glad she did because it has became OUR BIBLE on ADHD and parenting.

Thank you, Colleen, for taking the time to share your real life experience with readers such as myself. It's obvious that you wrote this book for parents just like my wife and myself.

This is one book every parent should read.

If you don't believe that ADHD exists or that your kid could actually have it read this book! Through hundreds of interviews of parents coping with the agonizing and frustrating task of raising a difficult child it becomes easy to recognize and understand the universal symptoms and challenges of ADHD.

For myself this book is truly the BIBLE of parenting. There is advice to help with school mornings, bedtime, and bathtime, eating out at restaurants, tantrums, travelling with your child and trying to talk on the phone when your son or daughter is in the house.

In the chapter Problems That Drive You Wild, some of the case studies and references were described with such clarity that I had to ask myself, "Did these people spend an afternoon with my daughter?" What is very important, is that the author encourages each parent to modify the suggestions for their own particular child and family situation. I have found Books by many Professionals who have not had the experience of dealing with an ADHD child to be very limited in scope.

There are extensive resources for interfacing with your child's school and advocating for their academic success. You are actually helped walk through the maze of educational bureaucracy.

This is probably the ONLY book that I myself have read that gives you strategies for feeding your child while they are taking medication for ADHD. If your child has shown a dramatic improvement while on medication this will be very important to you.

I only wish that I had found this book three years ago, when I realized that my child had special needs. Yet one can not look back; I hope that those of you who are reading this review will benefit by the knowledge it can provide you.

If you don't believe that ADHD exists or that your kid could actually have it read this book!

Through hundreds of interviews of parents coping with the agonizing and frustrating task of raising a difficult child it becomes easy to recognize and understand the universal symptoms and challenges of ADHD.

For myself this book is truly the BIBLE of parenting. There is advice to help with school mornings, bedtime, and bathtime, eating out at restaurants, tantrums, travelling with your child and trying to talk on the phone when your son or daughter is in the house.

In the chapter Problems That Drive You Wild, some of the case studies and references were described with such clarity that I had to ask myself, Did these people spend an afternoon with my daughter? What is very important, is that the author encourages each parent to modify the suggestions for their own particular child and family situation. I have found Books by many Professionals who have not had the experience of dealing with an ADHD child to be very limited in scope.

There are extensive resources for interfacing with your child's school and advocating for their academic success. You are actually helped walk through the maze of educational bureaucracy.

This is probably the ONLY book that I myself have read that gives you strategies for feeding your child while they are taking medication for ADHD. If your child has shown a dramatic improvement while on medication this will be very important to you.

I only wish that I had found this book three years ago, when I realized that my child had special needs. Yet one can not look back; I hope that those of you who are reading this review will benefit by the knowledge it can provide you.

Reading books is fun, but reading one where the characters jump off the pages is even more fun! I feel like I can hear the decorations talk and hear the kids in the house. Great writing, I hope there will be more! My kids love it, too! A great gift for friends with children. I add them to baby shower gifts for mom to enjoy before and after baby arrives.

A great book for helping kids living overseas understand North American holidays. The decorations come to life and their adventures explain the meaning behind the holiday. A fun way to get insight into family celebrations. Easily readable out loud or by elementary children. A perfect book for Grandma to send to grandkids especially if they live outside the US.

I do belive this is a very good book,I enjoyed it very much.I hope there will be more to follow

Durant and his wife--who co-wrote all of the volumes although she didn't get credit until Volume 7, "The Age of Reason Begins") are simply the greatest writers of history since Gibbon.

The prose is engrossing, engaging, spectacular, pithy, witty, warm, inviting--in short, I am exhausting the vocabulary of praise for them. I read these volumes, especially this one, over and over again for the sheer joy of the prose.

Durant covers the period from the year 300 until 1300, usually considered the Middle Ages in the West. He covers so much material it is simply astounding and impossible to aborb in ten readings. This book is one for a lifetime of reading.

The strengths are in the cultural area--particular the coverage of writers. Durant was an academic specializing in philosophy so his coverage of subject as overwhelmingly dull as the Scholastic Philosophers makes it come alive. He gives summaries of dozens of writers and the major literary movements in Europe, the Middle East and Islam.

The coverage Islam is extensive but contains the word "Mohammadan" to describe muslims. This is understandably offensive to muslims because it implies whorship of Mohammad. However, Durant is no bigot, the word was simply the fashion when the book was written, much as the word "negro" was in fashion at the same period of time (1950). Muslim readers should not be put off by this. His treatment of your faith and civilization is honest, fair and free of prejudice.

The primary weaknesses of the book (and the entire series) is in the military area. Durant admits his relative lack of interest in this area and relies on secondary sources. He is too credulous of ancient historians--often printing fantastic figures for soldiers and casualties; e.g. he states that the militia for the city of Bruges was 189,000 when the entire town could not have had more than 50,000 inhabitants! He has little grasp of military science and falls back on the conclusion of others with little of the critical examination most every other subject receives at his hands. This is a minor quibble and will probably only be noticeable by those who are avid scholars of military history.

There are, of course, many mistakes--impossible to avoid in a book over 1000 pages of text covering 1000 years, three continents, and three religions.

All minor quibbles compared to the thrill of one of America's greatest writers. Sadly, the Durants are given short shrift by critics and scholars.

As I said, read this book for a lifetime. I have been doing so for fifteen years and I continually learn new things.

In his eleven volumes Mr. and Mrs. Durant come up with a wonderful history of Western Civilization that is simply stunning in its achievement and unflagging level accomplishment for a work that began in 1930 and wasn't completed until 1975.

Will Durant wrote like a force of nature, and this book is a fine expression of his power. The body of his life's work seems to have been an effort, albeit incomplete, to cover the entire history of mankind, and each individual volume covers it's time frame by sweeping through every aspect of civilization: politics, military affairs, economics, science, art, philosophy, religion, literature, architecture, and social customs. The Age of Faith opens with the death of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 337 and carries up through around the 14th century, the dawn of what has come to be known as the Renaissance. As implied by the title of this volume, it was the flowering of the three great Western religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism - which dominates the story, and Durant devotes significant attention to all three, even though the birth of "Christendom" ultimately emerges as the defining event of the era. The charm of Durant's writing is the passionate love affair he seems to have had with humankind through all times and in all of it's manifestations. While he doesn't minimize the unspeakable brutalities that recur, he writes with an exuberant reverence for the spiritual and intellectual industry that he finds in every facet of human development. Like any competent historian, he also dispels historical stereotypes, and there is no real sense of a "Dark Age" at any point during this period despite Durant's occasional use of the term. However, what does become clear is that until late in the period, it was Islam, rather than Christianity, that achieved the most advanced civilization of medieval times. For readers, such as myself, who are largely ignorant of Islam, the lengthy chapters devoted to Muslim culture may be the most informative and interesting in the book. The Jews, who were scattered and lacked political or military power, are portrayed as bringing a degree of cohesion to European and Eur-Asian development, maintaining a cultural identity of their own, while making remarkable contributions, intellectually and economically, to the dominant cultures within which they found themselves. Inevitably the structure of a book like this is a bit chaotic. There's little chronology to it, and the author jumps from one geographic region and one topic to another in no particular pattern. The book closes with an entire chapter devoted to Dante, in whose writing and life Durant sees both the quintessence of the mediaeval spirit a bridge to the Renaissance. The book's limitations are probably inherent in the author's very purpose, since by covering everything, he's forced by the constraints of space to gloss over much. Even so, The Age of Faith extends over a thousand pages. For readers, again such as myself, who are primarily interested in the political history of the period, the lavish attention paid to cultural topics - e.g., page-long excerpts from obscure Islamic poems, or breathless and detailed descriptions of a particular Byzantine mosaic or a gargoyle on the wall of a French cathedral - are distracting and at times annoying in light of the cursory focus given to weightier matters. Allowing for all this, however, this is a fine book from an extraordinarily gifted writer, and I highly recommend it.

Covering the fantastic weight of medieval history (325-1300 A.D.) from Julian the Apostate to Dante, Will Durant with excessive force and candor handles the decline of a classical age growing into the gloom of the dark ages only to sprout again into a post-adolescent Europe characterized by the emergence of gothic architecture, philosophy and letters, poetry and science, all shrouded by the spiritual jurisprudence of a Christendom at its climax. However, the voluminous expanse of this work not only necessitates the primary features of European civilization, both sacred and profane, but adds to the breadth and timeless lore of it the nature and origin of Islamic and medieval Jewish culture...ultimately constituting the "Age of Faith."

The scope of this work is treated in five books: The Byzantine Zenith (325-565 A.D.), which handles the downfall of paganism, the triumph of the barbarians, the progress of christianity, Europe (western) in its nascent form, the reign of Justinian - his successes and failures, Byzantine civilization - its extent and wealth, science and philosophy, literature and art, closing with an elaborate sketch of Persian royalty and society with the advent of the Arab conquest; book two, Islamic Civilization (569-1258 A.D.), beginning with Mohammed describing his moral character and military prowess which ultimately culminated into the conquest of a vast domain, the Koran - its influence, form, creed, and ethics, the successors (caliphs and emirs) to the "Sword of Islam", the nature of Islamic government, economy, and people, the thought and art of Islam, finishing with its granduer and decline; book three, Judaic Civilization (135-1300 A.D.) - the exiles and makers of the Talmud, and the character of the medieval Jew; Book four, the Dark Ages (566-1095 A.D.), covers the rise of Byzantine, the birth of Russia, the decline of the west, the rise of the north, christianity in a state of confilct, and the origins and rise of fuedalism and chivalry; book five, the Climax of Christianity (1095-1300 A.D.) handles the victories and defeats of the Crusades, the economic recovery of Europe, the Roman Catholic Church, the inquisition, the rise of monasticism, the morals and manners of Christian Europe, and finaly to its flowering...the resurrection of philosophy and the arts.

To undertake such a vast task with so many factors and outcomes throughout such a long period of time - which customarily was characterized by a plethora of follies and misfortunes with the occasional rise and fall of greatness and prosperity - is without a doubt challenging if not wholly impossible to acheive without making some generalizations...but if anyone has ever penetrated and colored the principle aspects of the "Age of Faith" with a common intellect and driving sincerity it is unmistakebly Will Durant.

This book contains the major prose works of Aleksandr Pushkin, which include "The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin", "Dubrovskii", "The Queen of Spades", "The Captain's Daughter", and "A History of Pugachev". Also included in the book are many unfinished stories and fragments, which provide some glimpse into what Pushkin was thinking in between the years that he wrote his masterpieces.

Pushkin's stories range from melancholy to humorous to psychological and yet they are all written in a clear, and crisp style that is easy to grasp. Unlike Pushkin's poetry, little is lost in the translation of his prose works from Russian to English and thus we can fully appreciate his genius.

Although all of Pushkin's prose works are excellent, but one that continues to remain in my memory for some reason is "Egyptian Nights". Here the two main characters are Charskii, the nobleman who upholds the aesthetic and personal nature of poetry writing, and the greedy Italian improvisator, who lives by giving public shows and is able to deliver a poem (and quite astonishing at that) on any topic at a moment's notice - but for a fee. Is it possible that Charskii and the Italian both represent different facets of Pushkin's own personality? Anyway, I thought the story ending was erotic and exotic...

Even if you are not interested in Russian literature or in Russian culture in general, I would daresay that you would find it hard to put this collection of stories down after you started reading them.

The only problem that I had was with the publisher. I wish that they had provided a bookcover, because the paint on the outside of the hardcover kept coming off onto my hands!

If you want to sincerely have a happy, fulfilling marriage to a Russian lady then you better not be complacent either.  Study the Pimsleur language lessons, read all the books you can, study Russian history and culture, read their literature.  The works of Pushkin alone are rewarding for any scholar with or without the motive of a beautiful Russian bride!

English Literature has its Shakespeare, American its Melville, German its Goethe, and Russian Literature, well, it has Alexander Pushkin. Although there are a lot of well-known and frequently-read writers from the 19th century Russia, like Gogol, Tolstoi or Dostoyevski, Pushkin is supposed to be the one who started the movement which made Russian Literature part of World Literature.

Pushkin is known as a poet (his novel "Eugen Onegin", written in verses, is the crown of his art), not as a dramatist or a novelist. As a citizen of the former Soviet Union, I know from my own experience that school children have to learn his poetry by heart from the very beginning of their school career. Even if his prose couldn't reach the importance of his poetry, it could still establish some reputation because of its uniqueness. This collection unites his greatest works in prose. Since the stories vary in kind and quality, I decided to write a short comment on some of them hoping that the review will be more helpful this way.

DUBROVSKII (5 STARS): This is a story about a young man desperate to take revenge on the man who killed his father. As a wanted criminal, Dubrovskii assumes the identity of a French teacher at his enemy's and lures for the possibility to hold his word and to kill the man he hates the most. Making his plans, he didn't expect to fall in love with the daughter of his victim. Since their love is mutual, he must decide what is more important for him, his love or his revenge... This story is the most famous of Pushkin's works. It takes place in Russia of the 18th century with its problems and victories. "Dubrovskii" portrays the struggle of different classes, of the new society influenced by the Western world and the old Russian rule that doesn't accept any changes without a battle.

THE QUEEN OF SPADES (2 STARS): This is probably the only story in this collection I didn't like at all. It presents us a young officer seeking the gambling trick of an old lady that would make him rich overnight. It's no surprise that he fails and loses everything including his mind. The story is quite predictable and offers moral views that rather belong into a children's book than a work of fiction for adults.

THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER (4 STARS): This is Pushkin's only story that reaches the length of a novel. Its background is Pugachev's revolt that took place in the late 18th century. The main character is the somewhat naive young man falling in love with the daughter of his commanding officer who gets killed during the revolt. He struggles to save her from the bandits and almost loses his life doing it. The story shows us Pushkin's turn towards Romantic period in literature and his ways of looking at the past of his country. "The Captain's Daughter" can be easily called a historical novel containing some critisicm of society. The negative point about it was the feeling that the plot is somehow constructed, artificial beyond artistic liberties. The parallels to "Dubrovskii" are obvious though they don't minimize the pleasure of reading.

This volume presents us Pushkin's prose (there are more stories than commented on above). As told before, some of it is excellent, some isn't. Nevertheless I rate this book with 5 stars because it unites works by Alexander Pushkin that MUST be read by someone who is interested in him.

I'm the kid that Scott Alexander mentions in his book in the chapter called "No Alimony". What can I say... Being a Rhino is a great way to live your life. I love to try and turn my ideas and hobbies into new businesses. Scott Alexander has been a great friend over the years and I treasure his books. (especially this one). I give the Rhino book series my highest recomendation.

I started reading the series of these books years ago. My father raised me to be a Rhino,before the books came out.I loved them so much I let dad read them. I couldn't get them back.I've traveled a bit.And seemed to misplace mine.So I'm going to purchase them again.Excellent review from entire family.Best book on life,I can relate to.It's a book that won't come out of your hands easily! My first time reading it,I read whole book in one setting.And read it again a week later. Go one and all learn to be a Rhino.Life just gets better.

I look back at all the people that I have admired and now I know they were RHINOS. This group of books are great for everyone. I think they would be great for high school student also. Just a great idea and way of living.

Lindsay Alexander's debut novel is a winner. It started off with a bang and never let go. Definitely one for my keeper shelves. Suspense and romance-- a great combination!

By setting the reunion of two former lovers against the impending landfall of a hurricane and threat of danger from a human element, Lindsay Alexander has set the stage for a fast-paced and thrilling read. This book reminds me of the early works of Linda Howard and Elizabeth Lowell.

Lindsay Alexander has written a fast-paced, romantic, not-to-be-missed book. Definitely a keeper!

Overall, this was an excellent book. It does not differ much from the english version, and it is, as is the english, wonderfully illustrated. It is not perfect, however. I thought that it was well translated into spanish, however, the words are not as easily read and understood as the english version. Also, it was very disappointing to me that the character's names are the traditional, english names, and were not translated into their spanish cognates. That detracts from any feelings of non-ethnicity and partiality that good literature nees.

This is a great book for those of us who want to raise our children bilingually and equally wonderful for Spanish-speakers. The Spanish is fun--I also love the repetition of "el día terrible, horrible..." The fact that the names are not translated is fine--not all English names have a Spanish translation and vice-versa. I believe it keeps the integrity of the original version and the Alexander character.

Qué dice un niño al que TODO le sale mal ? "Me voy a Australia !". Los dibujos - en blanco y negro - están espléndidamente ilustrados, la cara de Alexander es indescriptible por su picardía. Un libro para leer y ver con los hijos a la hora de dormir. Un libro alentador, especial para aquellos niños "difíciles"