It may not contain "all" the words on stage, but this extraordinary volume does provide a complete phonetical listing of every word and name from every Shakespeare play - words not found anywhere else, including Webster's and the Oxford English Dictionary. This book fills a long-awaited need on the bookshelves of anyone involved in theatre, linguistics, literature, education or who just happens to be a "Bardophile." The idiot-proof format gives complete pronunciation breakdowns in 2 ways, using standard phonetics (the International Phonetic Alphabet) and using a simple respelling (the authors' own system). Also included is a column listing common words to demonstrate the proper sound.

I couldn't have asked for a more concise and easy to use tool for all ages. The book is complete with the pronunciations for not only the innumerable amount of questionable words in Shakespeare, but it also has a summary of how language was used in each of Shakespeare's plays, as well as a complete Latin section for all of those impossible to pronounce phrases. This will prevent all the disagreements and arguments that are caused as a result of differing opinions on Shakespeare's pronunciation. It levels out the playing field of Sir William for a price that won't hurt your pockets, in a size that won't hurt your back, and a format that won't hurt your brain. Well worth the investment!

After 4 centuries, it's about time a book like this came along! God knows how much time I've wasted, in rehearsal with or reading one of Shakespeare's plays, arguing with myself and others about how to say a word. This book clears everything up. It is to a scholar/actor of Shakespeare what Gray's Anatomy is to a medical student.

It's also helpful for reading verse. I've dusted off tons of old books at libraries, looking for basic explanations of Shakespeare's verse. They seem to be written by authors who either have never taught other human beings (i.e., actors) or who think it is foolishly elementary to explain the basic concepts of verse in a way the average reader can understand. The authors of "All the Words on Stage" demystify iambic pantameter and relieve the tension felt when trying to unpack Shakespeare's heightened language.

It's more than a pronouncing dictionary. It's a bible!

My 9-year-old son wasn't an avid or enthusiastic reader, and when it came time for his first book report, my husband and I panicked. We were afraid we'd never find a book that sparked his interest enough to want to read through to the end.

Thank goodness for Henry Huggins. This story is simply adorable, and I was delighted to see my son laugh out loud as he read the book. After he finished a chaper, he'd run and tell me what new mess Henry and his lovable scoundrel of a dog, Ribsy, had gotten themselves into. In fact, I actually caught my son reading the book on his own, with no prodding from me or his father.

This book was published in 1950 and so my son did have a few questions about why things were so inexpensive in the story, but other than that, "Henry Huggins" is not dated at all and the story is just entertaining now as it was in the 1950s.

I am so thankful that I purchased this book and that it not only kept my son's interest but helped him realize that books could be fun. This story should be a great first "chapter book" for any child who is ready to move past picture books.

One day Henry finds a dog and he tries to take it home on the bus. Henry and Ribsy become best friends. One funny chapter was when they entered a contest and Henry tried to clean up Ribsy and mistakenly put pink powder all over Ribsy and they ended up winning because Ribsy was a pink dog. I am going into 4th grade and I read this book for school summer reading. I liked it a lot.

From my understanding, Beverly Cleary was a librarian who could not get some boys to read. They complained that there wasn't anything to read that they could relate to. They asked why weren't there books about kids like them, just average boys? So Beverly Cleary wrote "Henry Huggins" for them- a story of an average boy who gets into all sorts of believable adventures with highly amusing results. It is a GREAT book, and Ms. Cleary introduced to children's literature some of its greatest characters: Henry and his dog, Ribsy; and, in later books, his tomboy friend, Beezus, and Beezus' amazingly pesty kid sister, Ramona. Everyone of the subsequent books in the Henry/Ramona series is fantastic- filled with humor and characters with whom kids can understand and relate. "Henry Huggins" started it all and makes a wonderful introduction to Ms. Cleary's world on Kickalat Street.

This is the second book in the Angelique series which in my opinion is the best historcial adventure series ever written. Both Serge and Anne Golon were true storytellers, managing to blend fictional characters with real historical figures in such a way that I could not tell the difference. I loved this story from the first page to the last page written in English which is book 10. I still have the original copies which now are 30 some years old. Unfortunately the last three books in the series have never been translated from French to English. I sincerely hope that one day the last 3 books and indeed the whole series will be reissued for new readers. This is a timeless classic and I would purchase the new books because I reread this series yearly.

This is the second book of the Angelique series which has been reprinted in a large print collector's edition. One can only hope that the trend continues, as it would be a real crime if this marvelous series were to be essentially lost to future generations. In this book, Angelique, following the death of her first husband, finds herself struggling for her and her children's very existence. Without totally giving away the story, suffice it to say that the strength of her character allows her to pull herself from the gutters of Paris to the brink of the throne of Louis XIV. How she does it is a fascinating story. I have always found it somewhat irritating that this series is usually, in my opinion, misclassified as "romance." There most certainly is that element, but a much better categorization would be "historical fiction." Indeed, much of my knowledge of the Louis XIV era comes initially from my having read these books. The way that Anne Golon interweaves fiction with real history is one of the amazing things about not only this book, but the rest of the series as well. One last thing. Angelique fans from years ago when the books were widely available might be interested to know that a chapter which was missing from the original English translation was added back. It is very interesting to note the completely different writing style of that chapter as compared with that of the remainder of the book.

I have to say this is the best book I have ever read, but, because this is part of a series I really should say these are the best books I have ever read! I have been searching for the past 20 years for the "next" chapter in the series to no avail - that is how strongly these books become etched in one's mind! I became obsessed with 17th century France after reading this series, but I have a feeling the author (Anne Golon) could have chosen any time or place in history and I would have become equally obsessed. She is simply the most absorbing author in every way. The characters are all very dimensional people - the story is very emotional and involving (I probably cried more reading these books than any other - but that is not to say they are "sad" books - they simply are like life itself - sometimes very joyful, other times heartbreakingly sad - when things went well for Angelique and the other characters I felt their happiness as well.) I cannot recommomend this series too highly - and I am an avid reader. Over the past 20 years, nothing has come close to the beauty, realism, and perfection of these books!

Recently I lost my father to a 10 year bout with cancer. This book provided me with joy, tears and abudance within a month of my own fathers death. Cardinal Bernardin was a remarkable man who had the courage to face his accusers, his illness and ulitmately his death. He has reconfirmed that faith, hope, love, forgivenss and kindness is the very essentials of what life needs to be about. It is clear from the Cardinal as it was from my experience with my own father that even when you think you are at your darkest human hour you need to reach out and make a difference every single day until your final moment in this part of your journey here on earth.

This book is a must read for anyone who has doubted that there is peace in death. He reconfirms that the lessons most important in life are to continue to give of yourself every day despite the adversities you face. In his illness, through his false accusation and his wonderful rediscovery of a deeper faith in Christ it makes accepting God's plan for you important.

Anyone who has an ill parent or someone close to them should read this book it will give you a much clearer spiritual understanding of illness, death and living every moment under God's plan.

A year ago, on November 14, 1996, our beloved Cardinal Bernardin died, as we the people of his flock, spent time in prayer and reflection over his years as our shepherd. It is amazing to realize how we were enveloped into his loving care, even as he lay dying. Some months later, his book, "The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflections" was published, as his gift to us. More than its worldwide sales, is its personal value to those who read it, perhaps once, maybe several times. How many people near death will ever have the energy to focus on the Lord's Presence, amidst physical pain? For Cardinal Bernardin, the pain he wrote about may have focused on physical and emotional difficulties that surfaced in the final three years of his life, but clearly, there are words in his book that can yet feed the flock, "how if we let Him, God can write straight with crooked lines," if only we let go of the control and allow HIM to direct our life's journey. This does not mean we should make no plans, but rather, set aside time daily to draw close to the Lord, and let go of the concerns that may grip us --- to make room for HIM in our lives. Is there room for HIM in the inn of our deepest selves? There is no other option. No matter what difficulties or hurts arise, we are all still family, always needing to work on healing; the other choice leaves us without family and friends. Cardinal Bernardin speaks of redemptive suffering -- the kind Jesus felt, the kind we may experience. The message clearly leads the reader to know that we, like Jesus, can move beyond the suffering, toward something better, allowing the Lord to work in our lives, bringing us into communion with Him and others who are feeling pain and suffering. In the midst of his pain, Bernardin's faith was strong, but he was preoccupied with the pain. His message is this: develop a strong prayer life in your best moments so you can be sustained in your weaker moments. Lean on family and friends, and church community, as they minister. As you read this book, you may feel the connection with Cardinal Bernardin because either you or a family member or friend is experiencing the pain and suffering of illness. Cardinal Bernardin's presence remains with us, in these words, "Pray while you're well, because if you wait until you're sick, you might not be able to do it."

America was drawn to the story of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin when he publicly shared with the community of the Archdiocese of Chicago the news that his liver cancer was inoperable on August 30, 1996. The Cardinal wrote The Gift of Peace to share his thoughts on the last three years of his life. His writing reflects the principal role of a Roman Catholic bishop - - the teaching office, to nourish within the community the principles of faith illustrated by the realities that present themselves in the course of everyday life.

Like most Americans outside of Chicago, I first learned about the Cardinal in the news coverage that accompanied his last year on the front pages of the newspapers. He wanted to walk with the community as he confronted his death. Sharing with the community both the pain of his illness and the discoveries of the intellect that bridged for him, first acceptance of his terminal illness, and then the process of personal reconciliation of his life journey.

There are so many books upon the shelves of Amazon.com on the topic of Death and Dying. None of them adequate to the task of being "how to's", but offering reasonable guidance for that most personal of tasks, confronting personal death and death in the family. Yet, I keep coming back to The Gift of Peace. Perhaps, because of the Cardinal's one-to-one conversation by which he engages the reader.

For those of us that can prepare for death, a struggle may develop as we form a personal inner conversation to embrace with grace and maturity and purpose our changed fortune. The Cardinal models in the journey of his illness the direction our own path may take.

Upon hearing the first fateful news of his illness, the Cardinal experienced a feeling of helplessness. The same helplessness I nervously experienced when the heart specialist began taking my history. The Cardinal acknowledged then, as I did also, the state of great anxiety as patients wait to hear from doctors what their fate will be. "God was teaching me yet again just how little control we really have and how important it is to trust in him."

The Cardinal describes how terrible illness changes lives - - not only the life of the person carrying it, but also the lives of friends and family members who love and care for that person. We follow in the book's narrative the Cardinal's trajectory along illness as described by Therese A. Rando: keeping alive, understanding and acknowledging the illness, experiencing the pain, framing realistic expectations and completing unfinished business.

And in the midst of the Cardinal's struggle, he continued his own ministry to others with cancer. "Somehow when you make eye contact," he says, "when you convince people that you really care - - that at that particular moment they are the only ones that count - - then you establish a new relationship." It is all about entering into an intimacy with those we minister to, however brief, forever permanent.

Jesus learned this lesson from the Canaanite woman to whom he first avoided, saying he was sent to minister only to the house of Israel." She continued to confront him, to engage him. She established a relationship that from that moment forward propelling Jesus' ministry beyond Israel to embrace all the nations. For ministry, the Cardinal concludes, is about imparting a sense that "somehow you truly care and have somehow mediated the love, mercy and compassion of the Lord."

Ministry to the dying is all about strengthening the relationship between each person and God. I understand that each of our ministerial encounters is unique. Our need for healing is no different in dying than in living - - however the more apparent and actively sought out for. I strive to go to the bedside with practical skills fashioned around a dynamic toolbox of appropriate pastoral applications.

A dynamic shaped by what the Cardinal would call prayer and prayer's search for peace. Peace that accompanies recognition, acceptance, reconciliation. And as a pastor, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin offers us a simple prayer that we may find the gift of peace. It is in the journey toward death's great mystery that we call out to the Lord for peace. The peace that finds voice in prayer. Prayer that nourishes. Prayer that heals. Prayer that reconciles. Prayer that brings us to salvation.

If you are looking for a discography of Louis Armstrong, don't look to this book. However, if what you want is the life and times of the man - then this is the book for you. Personally, this is what I want in a jazz biography - I'll listen to the CD's or radio for a discography. Mr Bergreen describes in telling detail the early stages of Louis's life in New Orleans - and believe me, it was no paradise! He (Bergreen)is also adept at giving the reader the overall feel of New Orleans at the turn of the century. So at the beginning we get a view of Louis hauling coal to make money for his mother amidst abject poverty and racial discrimination. It is really beyond belief that Louis - at the very bottom of the heap - was able to struggle through this and become an American icon. We are also introduced to a cast of characters that entered or played significantly in Louis's life. None of these people were angels - so in effect they all make for interesting reading. And although Louis is "King of Jazz" he is no saint himself (his 4 wives could attest to that!). This book is a great read - not only if you are interested in the rise to fame of a great African American, but it truly captures the spirit and tough times of that era from New Orleans to Chicago to New York.

Kim C.

An Extravagant Life is much more than a biography of Louis Armstrong. Having been born at the turn of the century, in New Orleans, this book is a travelogue of that city from a unique perspective (the underside), a history of jazz, a snapshot of race relations and segregation in America for this entire century, AND a rich tapestry of the life of a man who started out with no advantages except his musical gift and a positive attitude. Armstrong was a man of very strong tolerances: alcohol, marijuana, food, women, gansters, laxatives, and music, to name just a few. The essence of Louis is captured in Bergreen's book: We like him, we care for him, we pity him, and we almost understand him. We are definitely fascinated by him.

This biography does an excellent job of painting a portrait of a man who changed 20th Century music, not only in America, but across the globe. Learning the details of Louis' life and struggles only enhances my appreciation of his music.

The impact of Louis Armstrong is still felt on several levels in our society. While Armstrong did not have a hand in inventing jazz, he was instrumental in pushing it artistically. With a minimum of formal instruction, he revolutionized the trumpet as well as singing in Jazz and popular music. He was also instrumental as one of the early African-American celebrities, in breaking down racial barriers.
Laurence Begreen does a fine job of illustrating the joys and struggles that Armstrong encountered. The devatating poverty and harsh socail environment of Louis youth are keenly detailed. He shows how these obstacles are overcome by Armstong's love of music and of life. He also shows the prejudice and mob intimidation that Louis had to endure on his road to stardom.

All in all, this book is an inspiring work and testimonial to the life and music of one of the greatest trumpet players and entertainers to grace this planet. I would seriously recommend this to anyone with an interest in music, especially jazz.

I found this book to provide a level-set for my staff, who is working on the definition of our websites, and what we could reasonably expect with the resources onhand. This book gave us hands-on guidelines and advice from experience we could use for getting our site completed in the minimum amount of time with the least disconnects between what we wanted and what we ended up creating. E-Commerce is constantly changing, and this book brings all the change into perspective. Good teaching tool.

Focusing on the e-commerce, I found this book covered areas like security models and how to plan for secure transactions in a strong manner. Also the framework for creating an e-commerce strategy was useful. There is alot of info on Site Server, which is interesting becuase my company is evaluating all server platforms. Overall a good primer for e-commerce. Our company uses this book in courses on e-commerce for new salespeople.

I bought this from you earlier this month, and found it to be easily read and full of great ideas of managing my e-comemrce projects. I am using this book for our future classes on e-commerce our firm is sponsoring for local businesses.

As big basketball fan, not to mention being a Jordan fan. Genie Saint Louis has hit the nail on the head. It's as if she has known Jordan all his life and with all this speculation of his return to the game this is a MUST read. Can't wait for the movie.

After all the controversy of Michael Jordan returning to the NBA, this story makes me a believer that he will really carry out his plans and help the Wizards become a decent team for a change. Of course, like any other book, there are somme haters that will poke fun of this book. How can you judge a book if you so not know what the book is about. I let my friends skim through the story, especially the basketball players and they said after reading this book, it is possible that he will return and lead the Wizards to their first of many championships. Read the book. It won't disappoint you.

Michael Jordan Returns to the NBA is both entertaining and easy reading that outlines humorously the how and why of his return to the NBA. History has shown that even a superstar's fifteen minutes of fame is fleeting. And even though Michael has taken a behind the scenes leadership role with the Wizards it doesn't fulfill his ingrain competive spirit.

As Michael hears youngsters saying,"I want to be like Koby when I grow up," his overpowering need to prove that he will always be an icon gets the better of him and once again he dons a basketball uniform because as the author, Genie Saint Louis, stated, "Jordan doesn't need the money or the power. He wants to mold a whole team."

This book meets all of Micheal's die-hard fans' needs. We want to hold onto the thought that we will be able once again to be mesmerized by Michael as he glides through the air proving that he alone can do the impossible - guide one of the worst teams in NBA history to championship status.

Come on back, Michael, this book paves your way.

When my Grandfather told me that I could have all of his Louis L'Amour books (24 in all and all of the "Sackett's") I was extremelly excited. I picked up this book ("Sackett's Land") and was immediately drawn into the world of Barnabas Sackett, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 hours. I great book and not a "Western" (so don't let that bother you). I guarantee that you will be enchanted with this one.

This a story of adventures that you can dream about. L'Amour does an outstanding job of describing the details of England and the new America. Barnabas Sackett finds gold coins and wants more out of life. It is exciting and uplifting. To see how he battles pirates and Indians and lives off the land. Not a western but an adventure story that is so well written you can't wait to read the next one to see how Barnabas turns out. I also listened to the audio tapes and they are great. The reader has an excellent voice.

This novel which introduced us to the intriguing saga of the Sackett family is by far the best of the series. Set in 17th century England and America, this book creates vivid images of life during a time when freedom was not a given right, but something you had to fight for. The courageous Barnabas Sackett flees to America to start a new life with nothing but the clothes on his back and a deep sense of pride. Struggling to survive in the wild untamed land of what is now the USA, Barnabas finds himself faced with escaping from vicious pirates, battling the elements of the weather, and often times being the first white man to come face to face with the American Indians of the region. L'Amour does a fine job at telling this adventurous tale which will keep you flipping the pages from start to finish.

If you are looking for a wonderful combination of Basquiat's work and biography, this is the book to own. This book is full of many beautiful color plates of his work, as well as the story of his short, successful, but tragic life as an artist who had his brief moment in the sun before succumbing to the drugs.

THE best book on Basquiat out there! A very talented New York artist that started out doing graffiti on the New York Subways as SAMO and instantly became famous after one day meeting Andy Warhol and giving him a postcard of his artwork. They became quick friends and Warhol had a great influence on his very short career even though Jean-Michel's work is totally different. Jean Michel died tragically from a drug overdose. Cool little known fact - He dated Madonna! Great photos of the Jean-Michel and an incredible extended chronology in the back of the book. Best yet info on the artist existing anywhere in the the book. Color plates of his art work are superb, large, and mostly one per page, incredible color. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of Jean-Michel or his friends Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, or Andy Warhol.

This is a great book with many of Basquiat's paintings and drawings. It also has various essays by art critics and people who knew him. I suppose the reviewers who slammed Basquiat also think anybody could knock over a couple of paint buckets and be Jackson Pollock. The genius of Basquit in my mind is his ability to create truly beautiful paintings while painting in a seemingly uncontrolled, primitive (I hate that word) fashion. The way he layered colors, and added details is incredible. My favorite is "Untitled (Skull)" 1981. Here is a brilliant example of how Basquiat combines dissarray, ugliness, harmony, and beauty all into the same striking painting. I know Basquiat idolized Hendrix and ultimately went out much like he did, unable to cope with his talent and the attention it brought. To me Basquiat's painting very much mirrors Hendrix's musical talents. They both created wild, noisy, seemingly unharnessed, unpolished art. But to the careful, sensitive observer the true beauty and magic is revealed.

Astrid Lindgren has passed away at the age of 94, but she will always be remembered as one of the best children's authors.

Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump in Swedish) is a delightful tale of a young girl who lives only with her horse and monkey, while taking care of herself using her wits and wackiness. After meeting the children next door, she opens their eyes to a whole new way of seeing things.

Their stuffy parents are appalled with the way the girl lives alone (her uncle is a ship captain), so they try to get the government involved in her care-taking. Leave it to Pippi to find a way out of a jam!

Children will love this tale for it's silliness, and its smart thinking!

For years, I've enjoyed reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading Pippi Longstocking and the three other books that follow it. This is one of the very few children's books that are, very necessarily, a staple of any good childhood. Pippi allows every child, whether it be in age, or in heart, to live out fantasies of going to the ends of the earth and of having fun adventures from which they'll always come out on top, with Pippi leading the way. Though there were few books in the series, especially compared to most other children's series, the powerful words contained within their covers more than compensate for this, raising your imagination to new heights.

I have only one message for anyone reading this: BUY THIS BOOK. Whether or not you have children, this is an exciting, completely irreverent, and just plain fun story that will have you laughing and dreaming just like a kid--again. :)

I thought that Pippi Longstocking was an excellent book. It was very exciting and full of adventure. I thought that it was cool that she had a monkey for a pet. I also liked that she lived alone, being a nine year old girl, yet she could take care of herself. If Pippi wasn't out making trouble she was at home cooking on the kitchen floor. She does everything that comes her way. She has a very high self-esteem and she is almost always up to something, whether it be dancing with the robbers or talking about her grandmother's housekeeper, Malin. I would recommend this book to older elementary students. They would have a fun time reading all the crazy things Pippi does.