Mr. Altobello's book does justice to a previously overlooked pacific campaign. Situated chronologically between Guadalcanal and Bougainville, it has become a footnote in history. It, unfortunately, was not a very well run campaign, lasting much longer and costing much more in men and material than anticipated. The reasons for this are several - inadequately trained, poorly led troops,a terrible attack plan that was made worse with modifications, poor intelligence, and a worthy opponent in defense. In all honesty, in 1943, the south pacific theater was low on the list for appropriations, most army troops available were national guard divisions with little or no combat experiance, and the navy was somewhat limited in its' support ability due to enormous losses at Guadalcanal - specifically no fleet carrier support. So, this campaign was a painful learning experiance for theses services ,and learn they did, with the much more successful campaigns in '44-45. The author has obviously done extensive research on this campaign and no facet of it is not well covered. I highly recommend this book to persons wanting in depth coverage of the Solomons campaign or someone with particular interest in the New Georgia campaign.

I participated in this operation and was a member of the lst Raider Bn. The author was very detailed in his various reports of the battles and accurate. His description of the battle fields and terrain were exactly what I remembered. He wrote about the "grunts" their feelings and miseries - the heroes and those not quite as heroics. He pulled no strings for marines or soldiers or sailors. He called the shots. He was so detailed in his reporting that I swear he must have been there. I recommend this to veterans of that campaign especially. You will never know what was going on over there, even if you were there, unless you read this book.

Frank Gee

Brian Altobello's Into The Shadows Furious is the vividly presented story of the American battle to drive out the Japanese from New Georgia after the U.S. armed forces had finally secured Guadalcanal in the spring of 1943. The Japanese airbase at Munda on the island of New Georgia was a vital target and the focus of the Army's 43rd Division. The Japanese commander, Major General Sasaki, had prepared a series of strong defensive positions and roadblocks on the trails east from Munda directly in front of the American advance. The ensuing combat in difficult terrain slowed the Americans long enough that General Sasaki managed to evacuate the bulk of his forces. Into The Shadows Furious is compelling reading and a superb addition to the growing library of World War II Pacific Theater with its vivid, powerful story of an almost forgotten campaign that took a tremendous toll in blood and lives.

Peterson's is the only version of The Lesser Key (Lemegeton) with both scholarly integrity and magical viability.

This is a carefully crafted, scholarly work in a field rife with charlatans.

If you are doing any serious study of Goetic magic this book will single handedly take care of 75% of your work. Peterson has done a phenominal job of referencing and cross referencing manuscripts and terminology. My 1979 issue copy of the Lesser Key is filled with margin notes, slips of paper, drawings and redrawings as I found more and more inconsistancies and questions. I could have spent so much more time practicing rather than chasing down demons in the script if I had had this fantastic work.

The preservation of art history is often an under appreciated passion. Fortunately, film critic and animation historian Charles Solomon was "bitten" long ago, and throughout his career has maintained a devotion to appreciating forgotten animation source material.

In the long and illustrious career of Walt Disney, many projects never made the final step to the silver screen. Whether diverted due to shifts in popular demand, the intervention of a World War, or the changing priorities of a living studio, several early Disney animation projects were met with a similar fate. Some were shelved until the timing of the project was a better fit with studio production schedules (The Little Mermaid); while others were indefinitely postponed due to unresolved conflicts in visualizing the final product (Salvador Dali's "Destino").

The result was a wealth of animation treasure; all of it directly connected to the hand of the artist. Storyboards, sketches, original drawings, concept art and production backgrounds; most of which were created by artists at the height of their creative ability. Legendary Disney artists of the time included Marc Davis, Mary Blair, Ferdinand Horvath, Kay Nielsen, Mel Shaw, Bill Peet, Sylvia Holland, and Joe Grant.

Much of this art has rested silently for the past half century in the animation archives of the Walt Disney Studios. Solomon brings this magnificent art to light, allowing contemporary viewers to appreciate anew the talented men and women who labored at the studio during Disney's golden age of animation.

If you're like me, everytime you see the newest Disney picture, you can't help but wonder, "What are they working on now?" Well, this book might answer some of that longing (at least you'll know what they're _not_ working on). Although it only spans the years when Walt himself was alive, we are shown enough of the Disney might-have-beens to fill our dreams for a while. To be honest, I didn't read most of the text (so many books; so little time), but that didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying the book, since more than 2/3 is pictures anyway. The captions are well-written and informative--probably for people like me who don't read the text so that we can get the main points anyway. It's really fascinating to see how ideas are developed and why they get scrapped even though the artwork is so terrific. A chapter on wartime Disney was very entertaining--seeing what Disney did to balance the desire to make a political statement with their particular brand of family entertainment. I recommend this book to anyone interested in art styles and the development of animation or films of any kind.

Disney is often considered to be the premiere house for animation. Yet in the course of creation, there will always be ideas that were rejected, or didn't gel, or just fell apart. Luckily, Disney kept everything - good, bad or unused, and created a bounty for the animation historian. This book allows a peek behind the creative process. We are familiar with what made it to the screen, but Solomon shows us what didn't make it. A combination of a history of Disney successess and failures, and a portfolio of hidden artwork, this book is a trove of Disney information that is usually overlooked. It is interesting, following the release of Fantasia 2000, to look back at actual work prepared for Walt's original idea of re-releasing Fantasia annually with different pieces, creating more than just a film, but an experience. Economics and logistics kept this from happening, and only 60 years later did a new attempt at this vision appear. There is so much more that did not make it, beause of money, lack of story, politics or more, and most of the parts rightfully finally get their day in the sun (some of the work should stay buried, but that's few and far between). A fascinating look at "the rest of the story."

The title above is what my great-uncle inscribed on the inside cover of this book. He is the Tommy Morris whose story is told in the pages of this book. Like many more famous sailors and soldiers, Uncle Tommy (who died only two weeks ago after a long decline, for those readers who might be interested)used to tell me and my grandfather (Tommy's brother) that it was impossible for him to think of people as "civilized" having seen how we turn our new discoveries and technology so easily to the unhappy task of killing each other. He also said to me once that his role in the Quincy sinking was that of a "damsel in distress".. which description was follwed by that sort of masculing deep-seated chuckle which only come forth from heroic men who have seen hell on earth.

I am biased, but I wer I not, I would still think this an excellent book!

Gary Morris

Between August 1942 and February 1943, a land-sea and air battle was waged for an island in the south pacific called Guadalcanal. The six-month long battle for the island would be one of the definitive battles of the war. It was also one of the costliest. Thousands of Allied and Japanese soldiers died. And a channel north of the island had so many ships go down there that it was renamed Iron Bottom Sound.

It is possible that more men died in the waters off Guadalcanal then on the island itself. But for many years, most of the ships were out of reach to divers and eventually were all but forgotten. Then, in 1992, Oceanographer Robert Ballard, who had found the Titanic and the Bismarck, decided to explore the area using the latest in technology. It is quite an experience to see a past battlefield on land like Normandy, Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg or Guadalcanal itself. But the battlefields were obviously cleaned up afterward and don't look the way they did when the battle concluded. But time knows no boundaries in Iron Bottom Sound. The paintings by Ken Marshall and the photographs show many of the ships still upright on the ocean floor; Their guns and torpedo tubes still trained outward as if firing at a long gone enemy. But some of the ships are not so beautifully preserved. The Battleship Krishima, for example, lies upside down in two pieces on the ocean floor. And the Destroyer Barton is broken in half and lying on its side from two torpedoes. Nevertheless, most of the ships appear ready to rise up and continue fighting.

Lavishly illustrated and with a detailed text, The Lost Ships of Guadalcanal will make a welcome addition to the collection of any War, Naval or Shipwreck enthusiast (If you can find a copy that is).

Dr. Bob Ballard discovered the Titanic in the mid 1980's using cutting-edge underwater technology. For this book, he turned that skill and knowledge to lead an expedition to examine the wrecks of one of the bloodiest naval battles of World War II, one so full of death and destruction that veterans of the battle gave the waters of Gualdalcanal the nickname of "Iron Bottom Sound" because of the number of ships and aircraft that lay underwater. Guadalcanal was the linchpin of American and Japanese military strategy for control of the south Pacific islands. The Americans controlled the airfield, but the Japanese controlled the island and the waters around it. The Japanese couldn't resupply its army because of attacks to its freighters by Allied aircraft and the Americans couldn't resupply its airfield because of attacks to its fleet of ships. In one single battle in the pitch-black darkness of night, the mighty Japanese fleet engaged a weaker American destroyer group where American guns were aimed by radar and Japanese guns were aimed by looking for the flashes from the American weapons. The American fleet was destroyed but it was a Pyhric victory because the Japanese supply ships failed to reach the starving Japanese troops on the island. Dr. Ballard does a remarkable job of capturing both the essence of the battle and the essence of underwater archeology to create a wonderful book filled with full-color pictures of the wrecks and period black-and-white pictures of the war. He also includes the fantastic paintings and maps in the style that has adorned his other books to show how the wrecks would look if there was absolute clarity underwater and with a "God's Eye". This book is one of the better ones I've found that deal with the ships of Guadalcanal and underwater archeology. I've noticed copies adorning the workbenches of many model-ship builders (including mine). Its a great gift idea and sure to please anyone interested in great battles, maritime history, WW2, underwater exploration, or tales of bravery (by those who fought and those who study the ocean).

This is a great book to read if you are looking for information about how to use noni in your daily life. He provides a good history about noni, where it comes from and what was the original company to bring noni to the market. Dr. Solomon talks about other things that are also very important to your health like diet and exercise. He also talks about the latest cancer research being done on noni and a survey on how people were helped using it for arthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, diabetes and several other health problems. If you were only given one choice of a noni book to buy this is it.

Luckily I was able to read this wonderful book in Germany (now it is not available here) some days ago. This book is like the wonderful Noni-Fruit a gift for all of us who are looking for natural health, for the better. Great, the studies about the Tahitian Noni (TM) Juice from Morinda Inc. which is the best Noni Juice over the world, from paradise, from Tahiti.

I like this book because of the facts and the historical and extensive research that went into it. I was impressed by the cancer research and by the fact that Dr. Soloman found that not all types of noni juice are the same. Especially since I have witnessed first hand the results with brain tumors and leukemia. A great read with a lot of meat concerning this amazing healer. Perfect for anyone who is looking for complimentary treatments!

In Christian mythology the Wandering Jew is a subject of scorn. Bereft of a homeland, this accursed wraith crosses the landscape again and again, often as not bringing some tragedy or distress in his wake. Seen as the symbol of the Jewish Diaspora, the wanderer is the subject of suspicion, fear and accusation. This solitary and often tragic figure gives rise to repression and becomes the justification for unspeakable acts, of which the 20th Century Holocaust is merely the latest and best known.

Mordecai Richler has given us an astonishing and riveting account of one of these wanderers as he might have appeared in North America. As a child, Montrealer Moses Berger encounters the Gursky family. It's the first step in what will become an almost heroic quest for the truth behind the Gursky family's shadowy ancestor, Ephraim Gursky and the grandson, Solomon, who accompanied him on a journey in Canada's North. Ephraim, against all reason, apparently shipped aboard the HMS Erebus with John Franklin's ill-starred expedition into the Arctic. Richler demonstrates the Christian attitude toward the Jews with accounts of the many searchers for Franklin's remains. Those necrophiles uniformly scoffed at the notion a Jew could have been aboard, let alone survived, since "all know" these urban dwellers wouldn't have the fortitude or presumption to attempt such a feat. The evidence, however, suggests . . .

Richler has woven a rich tapestry with this mixture of invention and history. He does it so well that separating the threads of fact and fiction becomes an insurmountable task. And why not? He's given us a unique picture of the world's second largest nation. A fresh picture indeed, given that the nation of "two solitudes" conveniently forgets those of its number who are neither English nor French. If Ephraim Gursky sailed with Franklin and initiated a dynasty of Inuit Jews with such names as Gor-ski, Girskee, or Goorski. They wander, like their mentor, into the southern lands wearing, against all reason [again!] Jewish prayer shawls. They seem as homeless as their cantor, fulfilling, even in these outlandish circumstances, the Christian prejudice against wandering Jews.

Homeless he may be, but rootless the Wandering Jew is not. No matter where they settled, the Jews brought an endless capacity for adaptation, seizing whatever opportunities emerged to assist in their survival. Wherever they settled, they viewed it as "the next best place". The homeland of Israel remained within their consciousness, but they would do the best they could in whichever land they occupied. In the Gursky's case, circumstances kept opportunity at bay until Americans, in a flush of Protestant fervour, enacted Prohibition, almost certainly one of the least honoured pieces of federal legislation ever enacted. This was the moment the Gursky clan was able to seize, starting from minimal beginnings to emerge as a mighty empire built from alcohol. Richler has again merged fantasy with reality as his account of this aspect of the Gursky family would be better spelt "Bronfman".

Mordecai Richler's inventive mind and well-honed writing skills have provided us with a true masterpiece. He knows people, certainly the Montreal Jewish community, but far beyond that urban confine also. He takes us to the Arctic, the Prairies, flirts with England, pokes into America. The only missing scene is Van Dieman's Land [Tasmania], where Ephraim Gursky arrived as a transportee only two years before Franklin arrived as governor. These, however, are simply locations in which Richler can place his people. His cast is enormous, but he handles the lot with unmatched skill, presenting every persona as fully credible. We may not know the Jewish community intimately, but reading this book is an excellent means of viewing that community and how it sees the world. Moses Berger's quest for the Gursky story makes him the pivot around which this superb novel orbits as he encounters the key players in the story - especially the Wandering Jew.

It's sad to see this book "Out of Stock". It should be revived, giving more people an opportunity to comprehend Richler's absolute mastery of story-telling and conveying moods. He remains Canada's leading writing talent. That's a fair indication of what a loss it is to not have this book readily available.

I thoroughly enjoyed Solomon Gursky and his colorful life so expertly described by M. Richler. He truly is a genius at making the story come alive. This (his)story of the Gurskys is written so well, that you cannot put it down. It incorporates the good and the somtimes gruesome and grueling things that can happen in life, and is set in such settings as the prohibition years, and 19th century England, among others. You just can't get bored with this book, it draws you in!

This book is among my favorites of all time. I have actually re-read it four times and each time I have found something new. Smith the dedicated anti-bootlegger and anti-corruption campaigner, comes through as a complete pain in the neck and don't you hate him. Solomon, the crook is a hero. A reader would hate to be like Moses Berger but is it not a sneaking regard that you are left with. It was great. And I'll read it again.

I am absolutely captured by this book! I stumbled across it at the library doing some research for a college paper. I am not identified with any religion in specific, and tend to consider myself simply "myself." Therefore, it surprised me how meaningful and inspiring this book is...it journey's way beyond any sectarian boundaries...and Rami Shapiro is a wonderful guide. It is truly a look into the "Way Of" life...similar to Celestine Prophecy, and the like. Absolutely beautiful! I'm buying it for several special people in my life...hopefully you, too, will be moved by Rami Shapiro's interpretation of Solomon's Ecclesiastes.

In an era where so many Jews are seeking spiritual guidance outside of Judaism and looking to Eastern mysticism, Rabbi Rami Shapiro provides a beautiful interpretation of King Solomon's book Ecclesiastes. After reading Shapiro's interpretation, there will be little doubt that King Solomon was indeed the richest and wisest person that has ever lived. You will come away feeling at awe and humbled in very much the same way the ancient Insraelites must have felt when given the Torah (AKA The Old Testament") and the disciples of Jesus felt at his Sermon on the Mount. Your life, your work and your joys and challenges will never feel the same way to you. Shapiro's rendition is pure poetry and nothing less than genius. This is a book that you will have to come back to time and time again. The key to Shapiro's insight into Ecclesiastes is the way he blends together Eastern and Judaic-Christian thought. Shapiro presents Solomon in the light of a Zen master lecturing his pupils in the futility of control and the illusion of permanence. Please note that this book is not just for Jews. King Solomon's wisdom represents truth regardless of race, ethnicity and religion. The wisdom of Solomon transcends religious doctrine and represents undeniable truth. Rami Shapiro is a true rabbi in every sense of the word. He is a teacher of life. Thank you Rabbi Shapiro for bringing King Solomon's wisdom to life.

What makes life meaningful is very subjective - unless you are Solomon and have tasted all that life has to offer. This is a remarkable new take on Ecclesiates. From Solomon's "wisdom" perspective, the meaning of life becomes objective in his God centered universe. Rami's (Zen) translation and interpretation of Solomon's words is liberating and thrilling reading. But be warned, this Jewish perspective on life's meaning may change the way you live your life forever.

Solomon/Higgins "A Passion for Wisdom" is a small but rich book outlining the history of philosophical ideas, including Chinese, Buddhist, Native American, Arab and other cultures. It is a useful reference and witty in writing style which encourages one's own philosophical or investigative studies. Philosophy is openness to the world. We are excited, yet disturbed. We need to be better listeners to be more open.

I recommend reading "A Passion for Wisdom" first and then a more in-depth study by reading Solomon/Higgins "A Short History of Philosophy" second. Other book recommendations following Solomon/Higgins: Durant's "The Story of Philosophy," T.Z. Lavine's "From Socrates to Sartre," and perhaps Russell's "A History of Western Philosophy."

I am an engineering professor and have spent the last 30 years trying to compensate for my weak liberal arts education.

Robert Solomon has been a godsend in terms of providing clear, insightful teachings on philosophy. He's written overviews as well as some very nice books and tapes (The Teaching Company) focused on existentialism.

This particular book (written with his major collaborator Kathleen Higgins) is not a typical superficial survey. Rather, it is a distillation of their catholic knowledge gained through years of study and teaching philosophy. A real tour de force filled with the insights and connections that only great teachers can give. I highly recommend it for students of all ages.

The authors are gifted with an objective detachment from their subject so that every philosopher discussed seems to be their favorite...until they move on to the next.

The absence of polemics makes for a light reading in an otherwise onerous subject.

This is the best introduction to philosophy that one could hope to begin from.

Sincere thanks to the authors!

Whether if you believe inb aliens, spirit or extra-sensory skills or not, the book offer the possibility to widen your own horizons which are often restricted to your common experiences.
If you are already familiar with such topics, the book will instead give you the possibility to compare and empower or eventually drop youe opinions and basic beliefs on these topics.

hi all
this book opend me to the fact that there are aliens in this univerce and they r all the time with us .
the book gives a lot of knowledge about aliens that live in other dimentions then ars and for that we cant see them but with r sycic eye.
adrian-a good friend of mine-heals people with aliens -and the help u can get is amazing.
in the book there is alot of knowledge-given by the aliance about them selvs and about there connections with the human race.
there r alot of amazing phiscical theories given about going to other dimentions and passing the speed of light.
the book is well writen and i loved reaing it and i understud alot about humanity and aliance from it.
this book will open anw path for alot of people who want to understand the purpos of life and r connection with aliance.
thanks for all u here that will open the door for a better place to live in
good bless us all(sorry about the speling mistakes im a bit dislectic)
gil elichay domany
israel

Reading Adrian Dvir's book is a life-changing experience. We accompany the author on his journey from the uneasiness of unexplained experiences, through the inescapable recognition that something he knew little about was happening to him, to his decision to investigate. As the author, a scientifically-minded computer engineer, learns about the other-dimensional world, so too worlds of new dimensions open before the reader and we are rewarded with a glimpse at the enormity of what we don't know. We are but a new-born speck in the universes of life-forms. Other intelligences are here and they are helping. Given the first-person accounts, reports and actual results, this conclusion is unavoidable, despite the ridiculous human tendency to smile and dismiss such concepts. For those readers brave enough to absorb and embrace shatteringly revolutionary concepts - the world, the universe and our place in it, are irrevocably changed. I'd say that makes it worth a read!