Robert Frey has done proposal writers a great service by compiling in one volume the disparate information required to navigate the proposal process. Although the emphasis is on small business, most of the material applies equally well to "big" business and large proposals. He not only covers the usual topics of writing and production, but explains the myriad government regulations (it must have taken courage to attempt this!) and legal and financial issues proposal teams must address. Quibbles include the too-brief discussions of multiple-company proposal teams (becoming more and more common) and the respective roles and responsibilities of the acquisition manager, the proposal manager, and the proposed project manager (although for small companies they are just as likely to be one and the same). In addition to its usefulness as a reference, Frey has infused his book with many practical, real-world suggestions that are certain to improve any proposal. On that basis alone, I cannot recommend this book to any future competitor!

Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Businesses is a MUST-READ for anyone involved in the government contracting procurement cycle. Everyone from the technical level manager in business and government to the owners of businesses and top level government managers should have a working knowledge of the information presented in this book. Specific key people who should use this book as a technical reference are:
1. all business development staff in private industry
2. technical managers in both industry and government
3. all technical publications staff
4. all government buyers, and procurement staff: including technical officers, source selection officers and source selection board and committee members.

The business development principles illuminated in this book apply equally when businesses sell to and buy from other businesses.

Moreover, I would like to see a companion periodical publication, a CD-ROM or a newsletter, that updates the rapidly changing technological and regulatory aspects of the book. Subscribers to such a service would include all full-time business development and government procurement staff.

The book's style is that of a successful proposal. The book, as the successful proposals discussed by Mr. Frey, is an effective sales document as well as en extremely informative technical reference. The key strengths of this work are its completeness and depth. Mr. Frey provides us with a broad overview of the procurement process presented from the perspective of the business developer. The book clearly shows how the various members of a small business organization should interact to produce a successful business development effort.

At each stage of the business development process the book describes all of the necessary steps to a winning proposal. Detailed schedules, document templates, document samples and examples clearly illustrate every critical step required for planning and executing a successful proposal effort. The book presents all aspects of proposal writing including the development and use of themes, illustrations, style, and even the physical production and delivery of the proposal have in a "user friendly" manner. Mr. Frey's system of handling acronyms and his implementation of the glossary are extremely valuable to the reader. The completeness of the acronym list alone is, in my view, worth more than the price of the book.

Two key concepts developed throughout the book are: the concept of proposals as sales documents, and the critical requirement for solid and continuous upper management's support of the business and proposal development process.

Private companies, both small and large, will find this book invaluable as the blueprint for establishing, and implementing their business development infrastructures.

This book should be on the shelves of every small business competing for government contracts. Starting from the marketing process and continuing through submission of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO), Frey leads the business developer through every stage of the proposal life cycle. It is an invaluable reference for every proposal manager with its examples of proposal storyboards, resources for marketing information, review team checklists, and other nuggets

Granted (sic) that there are few serious rivals (Jefferson's "Notes on the State of Virginia" and Eisenhower's "Crusade in Europe" come to mind but don't measure up), this is a remarkable literary achievement by an "uncommon common man." Not only is it an indispensible, if not flawless, narrative of the cataclysmic events of the Civil War, the circumstances under which he wrote make its very creation a triumph of will and ability.

As historian Brooks Simpson has noted, Grant's character was so complete that nobody could believe he was real. But he was, and the proof is in this book, which contains not only the "Personal Memoirs" but many invaluable letters revealing the man as well as the general. Though this edition lacks an introduction and other scholarly apparatus to enhance its value, the sheer scope of Grant's writings available probably make it the best current presentation of his unparalleled view of the war. Also, the early chapters on the Mexican-American War (which he detested) are most enlightening in showing some of the sources of his future greatness.

There were two great tragedies of Grant's public life. First, American Indians and African Americans suffered greatly while he was president, and it was a shame that he didn't (couldn't?) do more on their behalf. But in fairness, could/would anyone else have done better? Probably not. The earlier tragedy was that he was prevented from winning the Civil War early on, by the jealous ambition of rival generals and the circumspect nature of Union strategy. Unfortunately, the impediments that led to the slaughter at Shiloh ensured that that battle would set the tone for the rest of the conflict. If Grant had been given free rein in 1862, several hundred thousand lives would have been saved---but without the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction, there would have been a different tragedy.

General Grant made some grievous tactical errors during the war, but was able to learn from his mistakes. It's quite misleading to think of him as a heavy-handed butcher who prevailed by grinding down opponents no matter how many men he lost. By 1864 that may have been the only way to defeat Robert E. Lee. But Grant's victories before then were consistently marked by speed, boldness and strategic brilliance whenever he was permitted to act independently, as well as great sensitivity to carnage and death. Has any general ever been better at capturing enemy armies (and thus sparing lives), rather than bloodily smashing them? Perhaps the best way to compare Lee and Grant is to see the former as the last great general of the 18th century, while the latter was the first great one of the 20th century. (A.L. Conger, "Rise of U.S. Grant" helped begin the revival of his reputation; J.F.C. Fuller, "Grant & Lee" is a well-balanced comparison.) But the "Memoirs" document---with artless modesty---Grant's consummate skill at maneuver well before he introduced modern total war. They also contain the classic passage about Appomattox, wherein Grant summarized the entire war in one immortal sentence: "I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse" (p.735).

Grant's great skill at turning a phrase, along with shrewd insights and dry humor, is well-displayed throughout the "Memoirs" and letters. It's true that there are some inaccuracies, because while he did have access to important documents when writing, his race against death resulted in some errors due to haste, and some inevitably faulty interpretations. But the book's reputation for unreliability is mostly unfounded. Ultimately, it is Grant's story, not a history of the war. It is not a complete autobiography, however, since most post-1865 events are not covered. A favorite image (described elsewhere) comes from Grant's post-retirement world travels, when 20,000 English workingmen turned out to march in his honor, honoring him as the general of freedom who vanquished the armies of slavery. He did not save everyone, but along with Lincoln, he saved his country. Enough said.

Whatever history has to say about US Grant, the president, there's a reason why his NYC memorial was the most visited American landmark until the Washington Momument was completed. It should fool no one that Grant's memoirs, written under financial pressure, and completed only days before throat cancer killed him, have become part of the American canon. If you've ever seen those upright potraits of this man, his frill-less diction and clarity will not surprise. Despite hailing from another time, this is a remarkably quick read.

Grant's memoirs are the greatest books in American literature. Gore Vidal, Gertrude Stein and other literary figures have acknowledged their preeminence. Even if you know or care nothing about the American Civil War, these books are essential reading for any educated person. Grant wrote simply, yet beautifully, and he was dying in agony of throat cancer when he penned these books. The story of the writing of the Memoirs is one of the most amazing and courageous tales in American history. Imagine racing against death to complete an epic story, the proceeds of which would provide for his family after his death. What an amazing man!

This edition of Grant's memoirs is wonderful because the appendix contains several hundred letters he wrote over the years. Most of these missives were written to his wife, Julia, and they shed an enormous light upon this shy man's character. Grant's letters show him to have been a tremendously gentle, decent man, with a great sense of humor and profound love in his heart for his wife and family.

This is an excellent edition, which will bring to you only one of the greatest books written in the English language, but also a selection of Grant's letters. Both make for engrossing, gripping reading.

This book is so effective because it teaches us how to honestly evaluate our thoughts and behavior. It inspires us to want to change for our own happiness and for the sake of others, without self-condemnation. Tackling destructive thoughts and behavior becomes exciting work. It teaches us how to look to a higher power to do this. Because of the universal truths involved in spiritual battle as described by Grant Schnarr, we can use the book and still feel true to our personal religious faiths. It also will greatly appeal to readers for whom traditional religions haven't worked. Anyone who feels something is missing in their life, who feels disconnected from others by depression, anxiety, or boredom or who needs a fresh approach to personal growth will love this book. I see it as especially useful for young men because it engages the masculine mind to do spiritual battle in a way that inspires the best that is within them. This, in turn, brings a sense of connectedness to other people, fulfillment and a sense of peace. It can be very effective for everyone, but I think this book is ground breaking for men who have been looking for the right approach--creative and active--to personal growth.

A Guide to Inner Peace based on Sun Tzu's Art of War? Well think about it--this is a world of paradoxes. What is the biggest obstacle to achieving inner peace? Perhaps it is our own self. What if we waged a war against our inner negativity, our doubts and our fears? Could we use the optimal book on war to conquer our inner demons and establish a beachhead for a state of personal bliss? This book gives detailed advice on how to view your internal dialogues as potential enemies and allies and finding peace. Remaining always aware and alert to how we think and believe is great advice. The book realigned how I view my personal commitment to self improvement.

Michael Peter Langevin Publisher of Magical Blend Magazine Issue # 73 through Nov. 2000

I've read a lot of spiritual warfare books, and also Eastern warrior philosophy. What is different about this book is that it draws from all sides of the issue. The Eastern discipline is here, and the best of Sun Tzu, Lao Tzu, Buddha, and the others, but you can definitely see Schnarr's Christian leanings about the battle against the "dark forces" and about the conflict between devils and angels. What this does is instead of alienating one side or the other, the book appeals to the best in all. Whether it's the Holy War of Islam, the conquering of self of Eastern philosophy, or the bold fight against the forces of evil in Judeo-Christian terms, it's all there, and all are called to battle. I also like that the battle starts with the individual, and is not some sort of call to change the world and forget about your own problems. He says if you want to change the world, begin with yourself. It's the best book on spiritual warfare I have ever read.

This book is one of the best,differant because it is rare to really have the inside scoop...by people who know and love him dearly.This is a must ,funny,touching,straight to to point.Loved it !!!!!

This is a great book. It is, as the author herself explains, not really a biography, but more of a sketch of different episodes in Cary Grant's life. Not suprisingly, Grant - a poor boy from Bristol who, through his talent and intelligence, created the ultimate screen persona - was a very complex person. Sadly, many of his biographers do not do him justice and instead use useless gossip to sell more books.

This book, however, is an exception, as it uses Cary's own words, and those of his close friends to paint a picture of the true Cary Grant: a brilliant actor, a troubled and scared little boy, but all in all a wonderful and generous person! If you are a Cary Grant fan (or even if you aren't so much), read this book - you won't be disappointed at its depiction of Cary Grant. As you read it, you'll feel as though you really were spending an evening with Cary himself!

Out of all the Cary Grant books there are, this one is the best i have ever read. His wife and daughter agreed with this book so you know that everything in it is true. As for people talking about his sexuality....if you read this book you can tell he is definately not a homosexual. I loved Cary Grant from the movies i saw him in and after this book i love him even more because after reading this you feel you really know him. And to know him is to love him.

This encyclopedia gives thoughtful, complete portrayals of every Disney character, from the shorts to the movies to the TV series. From the 9-page essay on Donald Duck to the paragraph or two on a minor character, it all makes for great reading. It is wonderful reference material and even as a good book; John Grant treats the characters like real people! It is very well reasearched, too. It's also got great animation stills of almost every character, too. Wonderful to read, browse through or look up stuff!

First, while the title of this book is accurate, it is also misleading. This is no fluffy, flimsy book containing some fun descriptions of Disney characters from the latest popular films. This is an intense, in-depth look at EVERY Disney animated character since Walt began his career. The book is divided into two parts, "Shorts" and "Feature Films". The shorts have the usual gang, Donald, Mickey, Goofy, Pluto, and so on. After each characters bio is a list of every Disney short they've appeared in. Don't be worried or fooled by by this truly encyclopedic book - it is not a boring A to Z book. Color photos pop off of every page, including some from rarely seen Disney shorts. The feature films section not only includes detailed character bios, but plot summaries and "making of" details, cast and crew credits, and more. You buy this book, you will have a list of EVERY Disney short ever made (including the early "Alice" shorts and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit), every feature film in chronological order, and enough information about each one to be the champ of any Disney trivia game!

This is a definite must-have for any Disney fan. The book is divided into three basic sections: Characters in shorts, characters in television shows, and characters in features. Each category has a mention of every Disney character created until 1997 including interesting articles about them. This is also a great place to find information on lesser-known or forgotten Disney characters such as Spike the bee from a number of Donald Duck cartoons and Little Hans, a star of his own wartime propaganda film. Combine this with hundreds of pictures from the films and you have a book that is sure to be a favorite of any Disney fan.

Of all the first account (non-fiction) books I've read about Viet Nam, this has to be one of the best. I've read this three or four times and have enjoyed it every time. It is well written and really communicates the shear terror, humor, friendships, fealt by those who served in VN. I wish I had been there with these people.

I also highly reccomend the books by the Lurps he flew: Linderer, Chambers, Burford (?), and others.

This book is an incredible story that has everything. It was like sitting down and listening to a great war hero tell about his experiences and war stories from back in the day. I simply could not put the book down, it kept my interest throughout. This is not ficion which appeals to me because this actually happened, and those people really exist. I would love to have met the people that were spoken of in this book. I read it for the first time while I was on a one year tour of S. Korea in '94. I was a crewmember for the OV-1D Mohawk, so this type of book was right up my ally. In fact I liked the book so much that I told all of my friends about it and they all wanted to borrow the book. I have never seen the book since the day I lent it out. The author really did a great job.

One of the best books on Viet Nam that I have read. The first person account from a young and inexperienced helicopter pilot was captivating and the book was hard to put down. The author's ability to capture his fears and concerns while vividly describing the missions he flew is unsurpassed. I especially enjoyed the author's perception of his fellow warriors and his ability to bring every thing together. I felt like I was there. A great read!

This is an account of a personal path of healing work. The disease is rheumatoid arthritis, but it could have been any disease. Lois Grant opens our eyes to some of the causes of disease, the possibilities of healing, and alternative methods that were used. It is informational in providing sources of contact. In addition, one does not have to be ill or have disease to be inspired by this book. It brings insight, upliftment and joy.

"Spirit at Work" by Lois M. Grant is a wonderful, creatively written true account of Lois' incredible perseverance and how it paid off. In Lois' life, overcome with rheumatoid arthritis, she used every resource she could find to help her win what had been for many years a painful losing battle with her illness.

Lois' book touched on many sensitive issues-- internal battles about the reality of spirit, friends' experiences of finding and expressing the truth within themselves, finding harmony with deeply rooted family issues and psychological abuse, and finding true love of oneself.

Overall, Lois Grant's book inspired me greatly because no matter how painful her arthritis was, or how many obstacles she ran into, Lois kept on searching, praying, loving and connecting with spirit. It all paid off... but you will have to read the book to uncover all the wonderful stories and details.

Lois Grant has captured a practical solution to how the essence of spirit can be tapped for growth in today's world of depression, pressure, amd other secular problems. She is a real persom with real experience and with real dynamics, and an inspiration to all of us.. Her book is a wonderful, caring, and outstanding proof of hope!

For years I have wanted to tour World War One battlefields, and finally I came upon Before Endeavours Fade: A Guide to Battlefields of the First World War, by Rose E. B. Coombs. I read it cover to cover and felt doing so was the next best thing to touring those sites. When I finished reading this book, cover to cover, I thought this is better than going to each birthplace! It is certainly a lot easier, and I found it extremely satisfying to see each gravesite, all in the course of a couple hours, and to learn so many interesting things, like: What state has the most Presidential graves? Why is there a picture of David Rice Atchison's gravestone in this book? What President lived the shortest time after leaving office? If these sort of questions intrigue you, as they do me, get this book and revel in all the fascinating things you can learn from it.

The one thing that ties all humans together, rich or poor, famous or unknown, powerful or helpless is death. To many Americans our Presidents are either marble figures (Washington, Jefferson...) or are little known familar names (Tyler, Harding...). This book does a great job of making ALL of our Presidents into human beings. The pictures, the writing, even the index pages are outstanding.

What better way to really understand a person than to know their final words. Or better yet to see their final resting places many of which were picked out by the individuals themselves. One can learn a lot about the true character of a person if you see monuments they designed for themselves.

I have visited many Presidential homes and several gravesites but after reading this book I have decided to make visiting all of the gravesites one of my goals in life.

It is strange that a book about death should bring history so alive. BUY THIS BOOK!

Who's buried in Grant's tomb is an interesting guide filled with small histories on each American president. The book contains accurate directions to help you find presidential gravesites, museums and libraries. Furthermore, the book contains addresses where you can write for additional information on each site and even includes website addresses when applicable. I have toured a few of these historical locations myself and have found the information in this book to be especially helpful in providing hours of operation as well as admission prices to some of these places. The book might appear a little morbid when you consider that it focuses on presidential burial sites but once you read it, you quickly find out that it provides a doorway for you to study the human side of these men. By visiting their homes graves and museums, you realize that they are not merely cold icons that you read about in history. They were very real with interesting lives and this book invites you to study their legacies.

I consider myself a connosieur of the classics, so when I heard of an ancient novel concerned with sex, illicit sex, and illicit donkey sex, I decided to take a closer look.

And I'm glad that I did. At the back end of the classical Western literary tradition of silliness, which includes such hallowed humorists as Chaucer, Bocaccio, Rabelais, Cervantes, and, in its divine form, Shakespeare, we find the one tale that may have excited them all--Lucius Apuleius's Golden Ass.

The Golden Ass is filled with adventure, suspense, humor, and nonsense. I had a grin on my face most of the way through, and I got the feeling that the author did too. Tip o' the hat to Robert Graves for delivering an authentic translation that brings us Apuleius in his bawdy best.

The only thing I found occasionally irritating was that, like Cervantes, Apuleius has a tendency to digress. Big time. He inserts the entire myth of Cupid and Psyche right into the middle of the narrative, for example. Does this add to the mythological message of the whole? Probably, but it subtracts from the fantastic flow of the story. My urgent plea to Apuleius, were he alive today, would be, "Stick to the ass!"

There are a number of reasons that traditionally bring people to this book: to study Classical Rome, classic literature, mythology, psychology... maybe you're curious about the intimate lives of donkeys. Whatever has brought you to this novel, now that you're going to read it, perhaps the best thing to do is to take the advice of the author himself, who says, "Read on and enjoy yourself!"

I thought only cats were supposed to have nine lives, but this donkey has at least that many. This book is great fun, I couldn't put it down for too long, and it is incredible that something written so long ago (18 centuries?) can be so accessible, captivating, and hilarious to a modern reader. The events in The Golden Ass resemble the ribald, bawdy exuberance of the Decameron, and no doubt Boccaccio was somewhat inspired by the writings of Apuleius. According to the introduction, the adjective "golden" in the title implies "the ass par excellence" or "the best of all stories about an ass." The story follows the misadventures of Lucius, an enterprising young man who gets far too close to the world of magic, is transformed into a donkey and is constantly thwarted in his attempt to procure the antidote to his assness. It's human mind trapped in donkey bawdy! Totally imaginative, classically written, hilarious fun. As a writer, Apuleius was MILLENNIUMS ahead of his time! (Note: my review is based on the Robert Graves translation, rather than the William Adlington).

I read The Golden Ass for a Classic art course I took while at university I loved it! It is fun, entertaining and comical- not your typical dry Roman read. It is a great story and a great look into history.I highly recommend this tale to anyone who not wants to laugh but is interested in an important text from antiquity.

As a recreation of ancient Egypt, this feels authentic. The people are as wise, noble and spiritual as we'd like to believe the ancients were.

The novel is as much philosophy as story, and there is much to provoke thought. However, the book can be enjoyed whether you take it as past life memory or just an escape to another time.

Sekeeta is a princess born to a First Dynasty pharaoh. When the young girl shows a talent for clairvoyant dreams, she is sent to train as a Priestess of Anubis, the god of prophecy. Her temple teachers are wise, and train her to use her gifts to serve her country. When she is grown, she rules as co-Pharaoh with her brother Neyah.

As noted above, this book is philosophy in novel form. It is to our conventional idea of the novel as the Egyptian wall painting is our idea of painting. The traditional elements of conflict, action and strong character development aren't much in evidence here. That doesn't make it unreadable, just different.

The language is stylized but beautiful, with a certain biblical flavor, the imagery vivid and poetic. In the childhood part of Sekeeta's life, she is told child's stories with simple, sound lessons, like The Monkey Who Wanted to be a Man.

Also interesting are the meanings behind some hieroglyphic symbols; in Grant's view, the images were metaphors for spiritual concepts or lessons. The word "beloved," for example, was written as a plow to show that, as a plow makes the earth fertile, so love does likewise to the heart.

On the whole, this a book that I return to and enjoy.

This is Joan Grant's great work. Even if she didn't say it was a "far memory" of a past life, it would be easy to imagine the story is true. She starts as a small girl and her speech is very simple. As she grows, so does the level of vocabulary and conversation, but imperceptibly. Also, this book is so real and yet magical, I wished I was in it! I read a chapter of the little girl section to my 6 year old niece who hated to go to bed and she made me read that same chapter over and over and over in the same sitting! It is sooo beautiful! I've read just a chapter to adults and they had to read the whole book. Make people get their own copy, though -- I've noticed they don't like to give it back!

All souls who travel down their life-path looking for the answer to the question "why am I here" have seminal books that are signposts to help them on their way. One of mine is "Winged Pharaoh" by Joan Grant. I could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover. It was the temple training of her main character Sekhet-a-ra that spoke to me through the pages of her book.

So what is the book about? It is the 'autobiography' of a First Dynasty Egyptian Princess who later goes on to become joint Pharaoh with her brother. Before she can take her place beside him on the throne of Egypt she undergoes training to become a priestess of Anubis.

The book is set out in three distinct parts. The first deal with her childhood, the second with her training to be a priestess and the 'graduation' ceremony (which is truly traumatizing), and the third covers her life as Pharaoh. In reality the book is divided into eight parts, but in truth the life is clearly demarcated by those three main sections.

That is a dry description of a narrative that grips the reader. You live Sekhet-a-ra's life with her from the time she is a small child being cared for by her nurse Maata until she dies at the age of fifty-three. Her childhood makes you feel the dry sands of Egypt, the gardens of the palace and the training necessary for her future role as joint Pharaoh with her brother.

I had the good fortune to meet Joan Grant in her later years. Did we discuss deep and meaningful things? Once or twice we did. In fact she shared some insights that I did not understand at that time, but now do. Mainly I fulfilled small services to make life a little more comfortable for her, such as sending her talking books back to the library they came from. I hope that those small services repaid in some measure the pleasure, knowledge and understanding that her 'novels' and especially "Winged Pharaoh" gave to me. I want to pass on to you the fact that this precious book exists and that for anyone interested in reincarnation and astral traveling it deserves to be on their reading list.