I first read this book about 20 years ago and though it would make a great movie. I'm sure the Russians would enjoy it too.

A hilarious story suitable for young teens of either sex and those who are still young at heart. A cold war romance set on an island off the coast of England. Also a possible world record winner for 'longest book title in the world'. I enjoyed it immensly when it was first published and am now looking for a copy to give to my boys. (after I've read it again.)

In a VERY small town, Culdesac, Idaho, a book mobile would travel to us once a week. There I found this little treasure one summer so many years ago, I can't remember! I never forgot the title, or laughing out loud! So here I am, married to someone from the region, enjoying our own type of island life there now and then, and remembering the title. Looking for a copy for my 13 year old son, who is in Greece as I write on a study tour. This book is right up his alley, and along the lines of his humor! Would love to share it with him if I could get my hands on a copy. Anyone willing to part with one can email me if Amazon can't find it!

This is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. It shows the world through the eye's of a child, with all their questions and interests about nature. It's a great book to read to children, and stimulates many intersting discussions from them regarding different facts about butterflies and nature. I highly recommend this book to children of all ages!

A Butterfly's Teeth launches young readers on a fanciful journey of imagination. Lovingly and lavishly illustrated, it features delightful rhymes and delivers its tale with wit and charm. Highly recommended for questioning minds of all ages.

A Butterfly's Teeth is written in rhyming verse. The beautiful illustrations along with the verses keep childern's as well as adult's interrest throughout the story.

Not long before the chads stopped swinging in the last presidential election, pundits and pollsters were sharpening their wits and dusting off their finger pointing apparatus. Their goal was to isolate the who, what, where, why, and how of the controverial election results in Florida. That election brought everybody who was anybody, including the Supreme Court, to the edge of their seats for days. The indefatigable Sultan of Soundbites, UVA Professor Larry J. Sabato, had seen enough and done enough in politics to realize this was history, and deserved to be given a thorough investigation. So he collected a group of insiders and commentators to take their best shot at turning over stones and writing about what crawled out. The result was Overtime! The Election 2000 Thriller. No casual or serious student of US history should be without a copy. Congratulations to Dr. Sabato and Joshua Scott, his coauthor and editorial assistant from the UVA Center for Governmental Studies on a job exceptionally well done. Buy this book for yourself, and at the reasonable price, grab a couple copies for friends as well. It's guaranteed to reveal facts that even the media savvy US public has not to this point realized. Alyson L. Taylor-White, Editor, Virginia Review

Will only political junkies or long-ago residents of Florida (I plead partly guilty of the first and fully guilty of the second), appreciate this book? I think not, but it does help to have given up excessive idealism ("Politics is so corrupt!") and excessive cynicism ("People are so corrupt!") in favor of an occasional visit to realism.

With the media giving us mainly--and often only--sensation, and seeing law as a struggle by imperfect human beings to create some justice in the world, I liked best the stories told by the attorneys for both sides.

Overtime is a great look back it this election. For me, it was interesting to go back and put the whole campaign/election in perspective from start to finish. It's also nice to read a book like this that seems to be written from a non-partisan viewpoint. Sabato presents both sides of all the issues and is equally critical of both campaigns. In about 12 years when my son is taking his high school civics class and needs a topic for a book report or paper - I will dust off this book and hand it to him. On a side note, I recently saw Mr. Sabato speak at a conference I attended. If you ever get the chance, go see him! He is very informative and quite humorous.

The most important quality to note about this book is that it is *indeed* a graduate textbook. Thus, anyone who is considering reading this book and who has not yet studied ideas such as random processes (including Markov chains and martingales), the Central Limit Theorem, etc.. should pass on this book and look into one or more undergraduate texts (Ross's "Probability Models" would make a good start). Another question the potential buyer should ask is, "Do I want to apply probability, or do I want to study probability for the sake of probability?". If it is the former, then there are many more suitable books whose union covers all the topics in this book, and does so in a much more clear and inuitive manner (For example, "Ergodic Theory" by Halmos, "Probability Models" and "Random Processes" by Ross, and "Mathematical Statistics Chapters 1-8" by Roussas is one example of such a covering). On the other hand, if the answer is the latter, then stop here and begin reading! In other words, the 5 stars for this review is relative to anticipating that the reader is a grad. student who wants to do research in probability and/or statistics. Conditioning on these assumptions, the clarity and coverage found in this text cannot be matched. The measure-theoretic approach may take some time to get used to, but in the end the reader will be thankful for this, as many of the proofs fall out quite easily.

When I started to develop an interest in statistics and probability I took the challenge of finding a concise probability book that balanced both the formal aspects of the theory as the practical approach. After many books, I decided to take a look a springer-verlag's related texts. I was surprised when I found this book since, even though its name (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, me being an undergrad), it is a down-to-earth book that takes by the hand through probability theory. Among the many books I read, (in some cases just tried to read), Shiryaev's book was the most organized and efficient one: it didn't lose valuable time explaining obvious concepts nor did it overshadow the underlying ideas with complex mathematical formalisms: it was simple and comprehensive. I think this book is highly recommendable to any science student familiarized with the most essential mathematical concepts, who wishes to have in the bookshelf and near of hand a complete probability course (in reality, the only knowledge needed is elementary calculus, series, and a set theory and a very basic notion of probability doesn't hurt). This book, in combination with an applied probability book, is more than enough to understand this fascinating and necessary subjet (I also recommend in adition to this text, "Mathematical Statistics" by Terrell, also a Springer-Verlag)

A fantastic book for those who wish to gain a comprehensive exposure to rigourous probability theory. Ideal for self-study. Beautiful presentation, with little typos here and there (previous edition). Terrific example of clarity and precision in exposition. All fundamental results. Theory. If you want to spend the due time, and read line by line this book is invaluable and totally tractable. Prerequisite: An elementary course in Analysis (and may be not even that). Bon-appetit.

If you are the kind that loves to read books on homeletics then this is a book you do not want to miss. Spurgeon has some very interesting ideas I guess because there were no microphones back then, so consequently if you did not have a big lung and a thundering voice capacity that you should not enter preaching, or that you are not called, something to that effect, but of course nowadays things are different. Just skip that kind of oppinion and this book has some powerful insights on the need for a preacher to live a pure life, to pray and love his people.

Just wanted to make a quick and hopefully useful note to potential customers (rather than a review of this otherwise outstanding work): I realize the Editorial Reviews state that this version of "Lectures to My Students" is complete and unabridged, but unfortunately this is not the case. You'll instead want ISBN 1-56186-100-6 for the true "complete and unabridged" book (which Amazon seems to carry).

At least the first chapter anyway. The first thing he tells his students in this book is to watch out for your own soul- i.e. see to it that you are a partaker in Whom you are preaching. An exellent book, a little much on the interjection of Latin phrases for this day and age, but still worthy of five stars.

This book gives you a very good taste of all the natural alternative building techniques, and also where to find out more information on them. This is an excellent book for you to start researching all the different alternative building techniques or if your already well read on the subject it may introduce you to some new techniques or be a good refresher on the subject.

This is a great place to start your research if you are interested in natural building. Web sites, resorce books and organizations are listed at the end of each chapter. This book started my career in natural home building.

Today, around 5 million people on Earth work and live in buildings made of adobe, stone, rammed earth, straw bale, cob, wattle and daub and so forth. That is, most of our planetary brothers and sisters live in earthen houses that rely on renewable human labor and local resources like mud, straw, rock and tree. These houses are less energy intensive, more durable, and are often more esthetically pleasing than so-called "modern" homes, as this book shows.

"The Art of Natural Building" questions the environmental responsibility of a 5,000-sq-foot, 500,000-dollar house. As more and more people begin to make the kind of money it takes to buy their own American Dream house, we must question the feasibility our of contemporary building practices. Would it be possible cover the globe with modern homes? Building companies certainly think so, but aside from what a project of this immensity what mean environmentally, the resources are simply not available.

There is simply not enough lumber, brick, cement, and processed material to go around. Our building industry would gladly sell us into oblivion if it meant a buck or two in the short-haul, but we need to get away from this kind of thinking. We also need to consider the environmental impacts of our current practices. What are these impacts?

As this book reminds us, buildings already account for one quarter of the world's wood harvest, two-fifths of its material and energy use, and one-six of its fresh water usage. In the past 100 years the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen 27 percent, one-quarter of which has come the burning of fossil fuels just to provide energy for buildings. During the same period, the world lost more than 20 percent of its forest. Quite simply, our building philosophy is not sustainable; and with a populaiton of 6 billion rising at an incredible rate every year, reconstruction of this philosophy becomes all the more timely and important.

We can start by dropping out of the rat race and getting our hands dirty. Natural building is much more affordable, durable, environmentally responsible and estheticly pleasing than the track homes and skyscrapers advancing on the horizon. We can also avoid the loan-mortgage game which weds us to unfulfilling job and Sisyphus-like existence. We can create spaces that are non-toxic, unique, and ecologically sound. And perhaps most importantly, we can reconnect with Earth and the spirit of artisanship.

Along with the philosophy, you will discover a veritable treasure trove of natural building styles and ideas, from the radically new and innovative - like concept "earthship" - to the ancient and elegant, such as the living roof pictured on the cover. Architects need not apply, nor must you be good with your hands to fashion your own natural house. I consider myself very fortunate to have seen this book before investing in a home of my own. Like many people, I might have ended up working the rest of my life to pay for "a house without a clue."

By far and away, this is one of the most important books I have ever read. Philosophers dabble with theories of justice, beauty and truth, but with this book you will discover how all of these ideas can be BUILT into the very structure and fabric of your life. You will discover the ethics and aesthetics of building design and ecological living.

Filled to the brim with great references, links and some amazing photographs to stimulate your right brain, "The Art of Natural Building" is a must for anybody interested in saving the planet and saving a little money at the same time. The ultimate ecological building encyclopedia! A must read for all dwelling creatures.

This is a welcome paperback incarnation of a solid, reliable, standard translation, originally published four decades ago. I have reviewed the hardcover edition of this translation, and of the similar rendering of the epic's first version, "The Old Kalevala," and will summarize my views here.

"Kalevala," variously translated as "Kaleva District" or "Land of Heroes," is a nineteenth-century compilation, revision, and expansion of narratives, spells and charms, and proverbial wisdom collected from the Finnish-speaking peasants and fisherman of areas of modern Finland and Russia. It is made up largely, but not entirely, of "runos," narrative songs when even then survived in isolated, "fringe" areas; ballads with clear connections with other cultures also make an appearance. The material is, for the most part, clearly pagan in origin, with hints of roots in the Viking Age, if not earlier, but processed through centuries of Christianity, Catholic and Lutheran in Finland proper, Russian Orthodox in the Karelia district. Fortunately, Elias Lonnrot, the main collector, and the man responsible for this literary version, was also engaged in laying the foundations of the scientific study of folk traditions, and the collections he made or sponsored formed the basis of a major archive, the publication of which was only recently completed. In the meantime, his popularization had become a part of the world's culture, as well as that of Finland.

The contents are various, but the main themes are the military and romantic adventures and misadventures of a handful of warrior-magicians, as quite with an incantation as with a sword. Vainamoinen, "the Eternal Sage," and a kind of demiurge who sings the Finnish homeland into being, is born old, and his attempts to find a wife lead to the creation of the mysterious and wonderful "Sampo" by the smith Ilmarinen, as a kind of bride-price. These two great heroes share the stage with the irresponsible Lemminkainen, a kind of combined Don Juan and Achilles, and the hapless Kullervo. His story, presented as a cantata by Sibelius, is one of the underpinnings of Tolkien's "Silmarillion." (When the latter first appeared, it seemed obvious that the Quest for the Sampo, and its ultimate fate, was a major inspiration for Tolkien; publication of his early versions show that most of the resemblances emerged over time, in the course of endless reworkings.)

There have been a number of abridged or retold versions of "The Kalevala" in English, and two early complete versions in verse, by Crawford (from a German translation; available on-line), and the Kirby translation (Tolkien's introduction to the work). Magoun's translation filled a need for a more literal treatment, with more supporting information. There have been two later translations of the "New Kalevala" into English verse, by Eino Friberg (1988) and Keith Bosley (1989), which many will find more appealing. But for those who want both the story and all of the details, and either don't care about, or don't care for, such things as meter and rhyme, Magoun's translation remains a first choice. For those who know the epic through other translations, it is still worth consulting. I hold it in high regard.

The Kalevala is one of the greatest (and yet largely unknown) epic poems of all times. Although relatively young when compared to the works of Homer and so forth, this Finnish epic draws deep into Finland's Shamanic heritage and is indeed based off these old myths and legends. It concerns the adventures of Vainamoinen the wise Shaman, his companion Ilmarinen the smith and the bold, young Lemminkainen. Those who have studied Shamanism will already see a Shamanic aspect in the association between Vainamoien and Ilmarinen, for in many cultures smiths and Shamans are linked together. There are many more Shamanic archetypes and beliefs found throughout this book, such as a bear sacrifice which is startlingly similar to that observed amongst the Ainu and Lapps of recent times. This book, perhaps the only real direct source of Finnish mythology and religion, explores an oft neglected culture. After all, any school child can tell you of the myths of the Greeks, Romans or Germanic peoples, yet the mythology and heroes of Finland have remained largely unknown. A real pity as this epic is filled with deciet, trechery and heroism which easily could stand beside the works of Homer, Virgil or Valmiki. This translation, perhaps the best available, both for the price and in terms of being generally accessable, is certainly worth owning. Whether you are interested in mythology, history, anthropology, Finland or just like a good story, there is bound to be something in this book which appeals to you.

This sister to the Norse Sagas is the masterwork of Finnish mythology.

In it we follow the three main heroes - the elderly Vainamoinen, wise in everything except love; his brother Ilmarinen, the presumably middle-aged master smith; and Lemminkainen, the reckless young lothario who causes his wife and mother endless headaches but who we like enough anyway that we worry about him when he gets into trouble.

In some ways, it's a product of it's time. This was written in a time when women had no say in who they married; they had no recourse if their husbands were abusive; and they were virtually their mother-in-law's slaves until their younger brother-in-laws or sons got married and they weren't the low women on the totem pole anymore. Althoug Aino's story offers a message about this system, it's pretty much accepted. This is what life was really like at the time these stories were sung.

In other ways, though, it's surprisingly modern. Although the results usually aren't so serious, we've almost all been taken down a peg by an elder like Joukahainen at some point in our lives when we've needed it. I would imagine that many widowers - and widows, for that matter - can relate to Ilmarinen's sense of loss when he loses his wife.

And then there's Kullervo. He wins the all-time teen angst award hands down. It's fascinating how his cycle deals with a question psychologists have grappled with for centuries - are kids taught to be good, or are they just born good or bad? He's a danger to society, yes - but he may also never have had a chance. No matter what you feel about what he does, the scene where he wanders pitifully among his family asking if anyone would cry if he died until he gets what he needs to hear from his mother, can move you to tears. Just read the headlines about the latest school shooting. There really are kids almost this messed up out there.

Relive Mark McGwire's historic 1998 assault on the single season home run record with this magnificent book overflowing with full-color photos and amusing anecdotes. "Celebrating 70" charts the slugger's season, home run for home run, and features a bevy of information - complete with pictures - including the date of each long ball, the distance, and which pitcher was christened with the dubious distinction of yielding one of Big Mac's clouts! Along the way, you can read a brief summary for each game McGwire applied his trade. The pictures have been well chosen, conveying the emotion of each moment. The text matches the shear exuberance of the images, and Jack Buck's forward is simply splendid.

The 1998 baseball season was truly one of the most magic in recenty years, thanks in part to the "home run battle" between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. This book chronicles their achievement which I suspect will grow to legendary tones in the years to come. The sportmanship between these two hereos was evident all season long, and the book reflects that.

Perhaps it was fitting that McGwire should wind up in a city that is a true "baseball town," and one that could truly love and cherish his accomplishment. I remember watching the game on TV where McGwire broke Babe Ruth's home regular season home run record and even the Cub players stood and applauded him. This book remembers that.

It starts off with pictures of McGwire and a nice foreword by Jack Buck, the longtime St. Louis Cardinals' broadcaster. There's also a brief story about Maris and Ruth, the men McGwire chased for most of that long summer. And then the home runs. Each page is devoted to a description of each one; the date, the opposing pitcher, the final score and so on.

Reading through each page brought back all those wonderful memories of the 1998 season for me. This book is a wonderful treasure and keepsake to celebrate an incredible baseball season by one man.

For the strongman from Pomona, California playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Summer of '98 was one long victory parade. A reminder of seasons past & a celebration of baseball future. He became a national hero & role model with class. He gave baseball back its luster. In this large, glossy, colorful homage to one fabulous boy of summer - the team of writers, photographers, designers & editors has given us a memorable, collectible, hit-by-hit, play-by-play story of a modern grand adventure. What a gift!

Professor Michael Herrington and travel-writer Corie Foster have risen to the top of my "favorite mystery couple" list. This novel introduces them as they meet in Italy and try to solve a murder before Corie herself becomes a victim. They emerge as very real characters while solving a fast-paced "whodunit." The descriptions of central Italy also add an enjoyable dimension to the book. At the end it's clear that their relationship is going somewhere. I hope the next book comes out soon.

In a truly fascinating look at both human nature and love Kill her Again by Albert A. Bell Jr. will keep you on the edge of your seat while you read. Corie Foster, a travel writer, is sent to a small town in Italy to do a story about an archaeological dig being conducted near the estate of an Italian. When she arrives, everyone she meets reacts strangely to her appearance, with their reactions ranging from shock to fear to disbelief. Corie soon finds out that she looks just like the senators late wife, Angela, so much so that most people believe she could be the senator's wife. When two women on the dig are murdered, Corie and professor Michael Herrington, whom she met at the dig, decide to do a little sleuthing and soon begin to wonder if Angela really did die of natural causes. As the search for the killer goes on everyone, including Michael and the senator, begin to wonder if Corie is the innocent writer she appears to be and if Angela is really dead. With as many twists and turns as an Italian mountain road, Kill Her Again will leave you guessing right up to the end.

I judge a book by its ability to hold my attention. This one held my attention from cover to cover. Well drawn characters, plenty of suspense, even a bit of a love interest, "Kill Her Again" is spell binding! Enjoy!!

I first learned about circuit analysis about 10 years ago though one course at college. This book was great for refreshing my memory and helping to finally see the simplicity in Op-Amps. I recommend this book for non-electrical engineers who have jobs that require some electrical engineering.

I am doing a course in Circuit Analysis so I bought this book to supplement my course notes(got this book for about 2 months now.). The book really helped me by giving me clear explainations of concepts and details that were not emphasized by my lecturers. The prose used in the book is very formal unlike my course notes(,which gives everything in point form). There are no jokes or small stories on the margin of the pages(it would be good if they had some...to make it more interesting). The book may bore you if you are reading for pleasure LoL!. The examples are great, by the way.

The book is superb. But I would love it if the authors made me feel more at home by including jokes, quotes or stories. Or included some real life situations. I intend to get another book to go with this.

If you are in Electronics this is the one to get. It has a good detailed explanation.