I purchased this book about 8 years ago, and am just now getting around to actually doing the "primary" Santa depicted in it.
This is a great book for beginner to intermediate carvers. It's chock full of photos, and has the finished product depicted from several different angles......all at a great price, too! Buy this book!

A must for everyone who owns or dreams of owning a victorian period home. Covering grand to smaller scale homes, this book takes you through every nook and cranny of homes...from porches to living rooms to victorian style bathrooms. This book offers the reader so many ideas but is not a true reference book...no how-to's in this one but rather a visual treasure chest of examples for those looking to renovate or decorate in true victorian style. A source directory is included. Enjoy!

I work as a clerk in a video store, and plan on entering film school. I am often asked to find movies based on the slimmest of details. They range from "a two year old movie with Al Pacino" to "that movie who had the guy from that movie that was nominated for best picture last year". While sometimes I'm able to decipher my customer's meaning, I am often lost. This book has essentially eliminated that problem.

I have never seen a video guide as cross-referenced or as complete as this one. You can use title, subject, actor, director, cinametographer, composer, award winning (you can look to see what movie won the academy award for best song in 1935 or the independent spirit award for first feature in 1987), and then you can find a description and a review. After searching half a dozen of these types of books, I found the 2000 version of the VideoHound - and then ordered the 2001 version that night. I had been rating these references by completeness, when I found Frank Whaley (star of independent movie Swimming with Sharks and minor character in Pulp Fiction) in the actor directory - I knew I had my book.

The only reason that I didn't give this book a five-star review is due to personal preference. I didn't agree with many of their reviews. Somewhat unfair, I realize, but a problem for me nonetheless.

This is perhaps the necessary guide for any movie lover. I know that I'm taking it to my store.

For the third year in-a-row, this is the only movie guide I've bought, simply because it's the one where I'm most likely to find what I'm looking for. I still appreciate all the different ways of cross referencing, especially the listing of actors/actresses, since I often can't remember a movie title, but can remember who was in it. You know how that is.

The individual film listings go way beyond director and key actors. Even less-than-star players get a mention, as well as the writer, cinematographer, and composer/lyricist. Also included is a listing of all the nominations and awards a film received. Every so often, a particular review will give a heads-up about an interesting piece of movie trivia, or cameo by someone who didn't get top billing.

I'd be inclined to give this five stars, but I'm still waiting for the editor to put back the foreign film index and the "content warning" descriptions, which were very useful to me, but discontinued after the 1999 edition. Still, I'd recommend this fine reference to everyone.

The 2000 VideoHound Golden Movie Retriever is an interesting book to read. The supplements such as lists of performers and directors help the reader. I bought this guide with 5* expectations. The Retrieve earns ***** +. There is none
better for general films.

Originally I had some frustration, compared with Martin, Maltin and Halliwell's guides. Some films were not included. For example, where is "White," part of the trilogy Trois Couleurs: Rouge (Red, Blue and White). But Video Hound includes more than Martin or Maltin. It certainly is more inclusive than Halliwell but I sold my copy of that book for $5. and felt good.

The Hound's indexes at the end are superb. Yes there are some actors and directors missing. Yes, some performers do not have all their works cited. I could not find a citation for one of Victoria Abril's movies. I could not find a review of "The Hollywood Game." There were some others missing as well that were on the street. On the other hand, every guide misses some movies.

The Hound is willing to list some of the R and UR videos as well as performers. Admirers of Laura Gemser can read about some of her films. Martin, Maltin and Halliwell won't "touch" Gemser.
There were some of the Emmaneulle movies listed. Also there were some of Shannon Tweed's films included. Yes, even a number of the volumes in the Red Shoes Diary series could be found.

The Hound indicates when certain movies have both R and UR versions. Many of these movies would not even be listed in Maltin or Martin. Halliwell's guides are not for me. Too many movies are missing although some of the commentaries are cute.

Since my first review of Video Hound I have spent lots of time with Blockbuster (a great guide for family watching with inflated ratings), Martin and Maltin. The only problem I find in describing videos being sold is stating "3 Bones." So. I say VH gives a film 3***. Martin goes up to 5**** while Maltin and Hound stay at 4***.

I see movies for sale on Ebay, Yahoo and Amazon auctions. Before buying most, I will turn to VideoHound. If by chance a video isn't listed, maybe Maltin will have it. One reason could be that I have a version of Maltin that is one year newer.

I like the commentaries on Hound better than Maltin and Martin. Let me give one example. "Full Body Massage" is an interesting
movie featuring Mimi Rodgers and Byron Brown. Mimi's breasts
are shown a lot. This film is not listed in Blockbuster or Halliwell.

Maltin reviews the movie indicating it is TVM (Made for TV). But, he does not assign any stars to it. However, at the end he calls the film "Average." What does this mean? Maltin notes that a major part of the film calls for Rodgers to be nude. At the same time he observes that after a while, the eroticism seems to
wear off. While he observes that the talk between Brown and Rogers drones on. He does not cite any of the many flashbacks in the lives of Rogers and Brown. He does not indicate some of Rogers' fantasies that are shown. One can learn more about this movie by going to reviewers' comments on Amazon or Ebay.

Martin rates the movie 3***. The review mentions several appointments. False. Brown has been called in to replace Rogers's regular masseuse. During parts of the massage, Rogers has fantasy dreams of the "regular" who seems more of a gigilo than therapist Brown. So, there is only one full body massage that viewers see Brown giving to Rogers. This is a key point.

Martin finds the banter not as dull. "Talky yet engrossing drama is enhanced by near-perfect performances." Everyone sees things differently. Maltin feels the sharing drones. Martin finds the sharing "engrossing."
see things differently

Video Hound mentions some key points right up front, after giving the movie 2 bones. Rogers is a wealthy art gallery owner who spends a lot of time at home. The massage may be her "night out." So, Hound puts the importance of the massage to Rogers in its proper perspective. It occurs once a week.

Hound mentions that Brown is a substitute masseur. He starts talking about esoteric items while massaging away "the self-indulgent cares of the world-weary" Rogers. While the regular guy has Rogers on a sensual trip, Brown's words start to be heard. His discussions of personal spirituality awaken an inner essence in Rogers. Hound indicates that the film is a "chatty
cable movie" but starts the observation with the words "Good work by the leads in a." So, Hound praises the actors and
relegates the chatter to the background.

The Hound's review is coherent, complete and closest to the happenings in the movie as viewed by its performers and makers.

Why do I chose a "B" film to illustrate differences?" Why not?
Some buy or rent this movie to focus on Rogers' breasts which
are very visible. But, that is not the essence of the film to someone who is attentive. Also, while flashbacks can be annoying--and none of the three reviewers mention them--I found
their use very effective. And, I dislike some flashbacks. These are put in the context of

I will keep the Hound and try to get an international edition as well. However, I saw the TLA international movie guide and was more impressed with it.

I rate now Matlin's 2000 as #1 and Martin's as #2. Somehow, her 2000 guide omits some movies listed in previous editions. I rate VideoHound as #3 for finding listings and #2 on interesting reviews. Its support for the reader is the best of any guide. Halliwell's Guide is #4 and the Blockbuster book, helpful to carry around being small but least useful, unless a person enjoys inflated ratings.

If anyone wishes to trade or acquire my Halliwell Guide, contact me. I am going to get the NY Times Guide and am ready to buy one of the Eibert books. Comparing Movies I Hate by Ebert to VideoHound's guide makes for lots of fun and some enjoyable times. One can even play "Guess the ratings."

The Hound has to track down and include some more videos. Then it will be my number 1 choice.

END

The development of characters was superb, even ones found in only a small section of the story. Although this serves the main characters well, I felt a loss at other minor characters who are never mentioned again, like the fascinating midget attorney, Harris Teeter. The storyline is often riveting yet the author strangely drops the ball at times, depending on your imagination to divine what happened. For example, when John is on trial for the murder of his father-in- law, the true murderer is being sought by the sheriff, and you are privy to a private discussion between two characters who are somehow involved in the murder, yet this story line is abruptly dropped with only a mention of the suicide of one of these characters. I think the author missed a great opportunity for a big courtroom drama scene which could have been the climax of the book. After building up such suspense, it abruptly fizzles out and leaves the reader unsatisfied. The emotional breakdown of the main character, John, after he found his family killed was overdone, as were the dreams of water, which was developed early in the story and, again, was dropped other than a brief mention now and then. John showed considerably restraint in his emotions throughout most of the book and the quote in the first chapter from his wife, saying he "loved as he could" also sets the stage for that characteristic, yet at the end of the book, you get a glimpse into what seems to be a very affectionate and close relationship with his wife, contrary to his original character description. I was also uncomfortable when John tried to show strong emotion, such as grief, and I felt that the author was also uncomfortable trying to express it through this character. John's reaction to the death of his child was much more in keeping with his characterization and in this instance, less is more, I think. I think this book could have been improved with better editing to even out these discrepancies, which did bother me as I was reading it. However, the author really develops his characters so that you feel you know them fairly well and you are interested in what happens to them. I told my spouse the story from time to time and we both found it to be fascinating and suspenseful. With strong character development and a great story, this book could have been great with better editing to even out the rough spots I have mentioned. Since this is the first book from this author, I do hope he continues to work on his craft because I think he shows promise. I would recommend this book to others despite it's uneveness, with a warning that you don't get too attached to the many wonderful characters (that probably deserve their own books to tell their stories) that are too briefly alive on the pages of this book. It is truly hard to put down at times.

The characters in this book are so beautifully crafted, it's hard to remember that these are not real people. Anyone who has spent time in the South should have memories of encounters or observations of real versions of John Warren, Corey Stokes or the sleazy Ned Worthington. This is a book I wished would not end so I could continue reading about these fascinating people and their lives. It's obvious that this book was written from the heart which is a gift to all of us.

Yes, this is a really good story about the horrors of war and loss and death and life lived with courage and love. But, the real joy for me was the Christ figure in the character of Grey Hampton. The Journal writings from the character of Grey Hampton are filled with the cycles of place and time,coupled with the ebb and flow of human fortunes. Certainly a book that is worth reading and passing on to others. A book that is gifted to honor life by the main characters living fully, loving wastefully, and daring to be all that each of them had the capacity to be. Thankyou Mr Rhodes

If you're like most laypeople, you probably regard priests with a combination of awe, admiration and more than a little suspicion (just what are you running away from?). James Martin's moving vocation story ultimately reveals that his decision to leave a high-powered job at the height of his young yuppie-dom was not running away from life, but running towards his heart's undeniable desire.

Funny, wry, and (in this day and age, dare one say?) inspirational, Father Martin's book puts a contemporary spin on the ageless miracle of a calling to the religious life. His gradual and (even to him) astonishing discernment of his life's true course is movingly revealed, while a supporting cast of family members, friends and co-workers provide insight and levity sometimes more suited to a snarky Greek chorus or an episode of "Seinfeld" than a book that's already being compared to Thomas Merton's.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to "give it all up" and find yourself in the process, Father Martin can tell you.

Father Martin has once again shown the fascinating side of having a religious vocation. His down-to-earth telling of his steps to becoming a Jesuit is a remarkable piece of work. When I read his first book, This Our Exile, I hoped he would continue his writing and I felt rewarded when In Good Company was published. In Good Company is an honest story told by a gifted young man. Let's hope he continues to tell us of his life as a Jesuit priest.

James Martin's book is just the right thing for anyone with an interest in the contemporary Catholic Church. It's especially helpful for those thinking of joining a religious order or becoming a priest--or those who are interested in why a person would make such a commitment in this day and age. Martin's writing style makes this a personal and provocative read. One of the reviewers on the back cover says Martin is a Thomas Merton for this time--perhaps, but in his own style. I'd highly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in religion.

This text covers every important aspect in the field, from experimental techniques and basic concepts to reviews of immunology, cancer, and developmental biology. I used it as a reference in four different undergraduate classes, and have prepared for several job interviews by reviewing the relevant information in this book. The illustrations are all relevant, the organization is excellent, and the prose is so well written that I take the book off the shelf and read it for fun. A new edition would be useful - some of the more speculative information is outdated - but this is still the best textbook I own.

Well, considering that this book got me through a full year of molecular and cell biology as an undergraduate, I'm pretty fond of the book. Especially considering that the second half of the year was taught by two people who had never taught a class in their lives before. Reason for the five stars is that this is an INTRODUCTORY level textbook written about 7 years ago. Even considering that, it's thorough enough and comprehensive enough for an entire year. I wasn't expecting work done last year to be included and I wasn't expecting that it would delve into the intricate details of photosynthetic reaction centers or the latest in optical methods in single molecule dynamics. If you want that kind of detail, go to the journals or specialized texts. However, for those undergraduates undertaking a full year of MCB, I can't recommend this text highly enough. And if you're looking for prokaryotic information, I'd go pick up a copy of Prescott, Harley, and Klein's "Microbiology."

Most people, when commenting about this book, tend to compare it to Lodish's Molecular Cell Biology. I own both, and I must say that they are quite similar in their content but different in the way of explaining concepts. Although Lodish's book is a little more up-to-date, it's just a matter of time until a new edition of MBoC is published. In fact, a great number of concepts are clearer in Molecular Biology of the Cell... and vice-versa. About the book, it is the authoritative text of molecular biology for beginners and a reference guide to all fields of cell biology. The chapters concerning the structure of the cell and of the organelles are amazing and include in-depth explanations. It also comprehends the best revision chapters on macromolecules compared to Lodish's. The team of authors was accurate to compose one of the best books in molecular biology for students of all biological and biomedical sciences.

Having previously read Wrox's Professional ASP Programming, I tried this book, hoping for something of equal merit.

This volume is has some decent material, but is marred by a tendecy to sloppiness.

Firstly, as other reviewers have noted, there are too many authors (count 'em - 16!), which is unnecessary, and leads to inconsistencies in presentation. The book could quite easily have been authored by a single writer. There are only a few chapters that required specialist knowledge.

For example, the early chapters are quite good at advising the reader on PHP settings. Since there's no option explicit in PHP,the author correctly advises the reader to increase their error setting to report unused variables. Later, however, much of the code uses uninitialised variables. This is particularly the case in the chapter on form handling, the approach to which is too crude, and uses form variables directly in code, whereas a better approach would be to capture them and process them using isset(). The isset() function isn't even covered in this chapter,but is used correctly in other chapters.

Secondly, while the converstational tone of Wrox books is often appealing, it can also be a problem at times. The presentation is not always comprehensive enough, and Wrox authors have a tendency to give overly clever examples.

Strangely, there's no reference section. I found some of the explanations sloppy and confusing, especially the section of session variables. (I still can't get the WAP application to work properly.)

Thirdly, the chapter on OO design leaves the reader stranded. After a decent theoretical discussion, the writer informs the reader that there will be no code examples, as the reader now knows enough theory to work an example out for themselves! If I've paid for the book, I don't really want to have it set homework for me.

Fourthly, there are an annoying number of errors in the code. Many of these are corrected in the online errata, but there are quite a few that aren't at present. Furthermore, some of them are not typos, but seem to be the result of misconceptions on the part of the writer. This tends to reinforce the impression that some of the authors are relatively inexperienced.

Lastly, there are a large number of errors in the downloadable code. I suppose supplied code should be seen as a bonus, but it's poor quality control, and greatly adds to the user's annoyance.

I learnt PHP3 from Leon Atkinson's Core PHP programming, but i had to refer to the manual and the list archives for several problems.I came across this book recently from KY's review corner - I have been able to raise my level of PHP knowledge after reading through this book.This book is an asset for Professional PHP developers who can refresh their PHP knowledge with the excellent case studies. For beginners there are several examples throughout the book that will help them understand how to use PHP to create fully featured active sites.This book also has extensive database treatment - using PHP with MySQL,PostgreSQL and ODBC.
It is a must for anyone wanting to use PHP or make the move from PHP3 to PHP4!

Another excellent red book on PHP. I have learned PHP through several books, extensive articles, tutorials, and now Professional PHP4 tops the list of useful PHP literature.
Things that i found really helpful:
•Explanation for all those buggy installation problems
•Handling files on the server's file system, and how to upload files from the web browser
•Sending e-mail and posting new articles with PHP, working with SMTP, POP/IMAP and NNTP
•An exhaustive case study (76 pages!) on building a shopping cart application for mobile phones
•Using PHP as a command line script interpreter
•PHP with XML
This book has a pretty exhaustive view of most topics, and is the ideal book for PHP developers wanting to add professionalism to their web application development. I shall continue using this as a reference for all topics PHP (till I get another red book with photos).

GENERAL IDEA: Broad coverage but it lacks depth and details - particularly practical details. That is, the presentation is often too sketchy, mainly because it approaches too many subjects for its available space. I would not say that this book is strong on theory either. It is quite obvious that it avoids getting too formal and rigurous, probably to remain attractive for non-specialists too.

CASE STUDY: One specific problem I had with the Hidden Markov Models, that are supperficially presented (or spread I could say) in several separate sections of the book, so it's not been a pleasure trying to actually understand them properly and completely as a fundamental concept, to make them work in my particular application.

TITLE: The book's title IS misleading because it starts with "Speeech" and this book's main subject is not speech but (written) language. Actually there are only a few chapters on speech.

CONCLUSION: Get this book if you are looking for a good overview of the field. As soon as you need in-depth coverage of some particular topic you will look for additional resources.

This book is a feat for anybody interested in Natural Language Processing and probably the most comprehensive book on this subject. It provides an in-depth overview of the most important aspects of NLP from regular expressions to sense disambiguation, discourse, and machine translation. I particularly like the bibliographical and historical notes in each chapter, which provide additional historical context and lots of references.

The book is well written and carefully structured. However, it contains several silly typos (real-word errors) that are a bit embarrassing, considering the topic of the book.

This book does not cover the hardware components of speech recognition. It only provides an introduction to the computational aspects. Nevertheless, I don't think the title is misleading (as other reviewers claim), but the back-cover should mention that it doesn't cover the electronic and signal processing components of speech recognition.

The book showcases a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to cover the leading research in the field of Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition. It mingles theories and applications to demonstrate the full developmental cycle of computational aspect of NLP. It is a MUST-have for those who can afford only one book but desire to learn virtually aspects of computational linguistics.

To call "Varieties of Religious Experience" a classic is an understatement. What I find really amazing is that it was written in 1902. James was first known for his work with "functionalism" in psychology, essentially making him the first modern psychologist --- moving psychology away from the realm of philosophy. Thus, we have psychology becoming an empirical science. The empirical methodology was used to explore items of interest in psychology and religion.

Many books on religion express an interest in religion from the point of view of a theologian or person who studies religion from the point of view of religious institutions. To many people, religion means different things. It could be from the point of view of a "born-again Christian," or it could be from a more personal point of view. We come to see religion as an existential phenomenon. We learn that it is an incredibly personal relation between the individual and his concept of the Divine. There is a definite emphasis on the personal aspects of religion.

With experimental psychology, we deal in matters that are seen and are easily quantifiable. In the psychology of religion, we deal with how the individual deals with the reality of the unseen. We have a feeling of the presence of God. Some people can feel a mystical experience, whereas others have a more rational approach. People experience the divine in different manners - on the one hand, it can be impersonal and transcendental, and on the other hand it can be solemn, personal, and passionate. The religious tell us that religion can have the result of "healthy mindedness" -- in fact, it leads to a systematic sense of "healthy mindedness" diverting our attention from disease and death. This is more than just "faith healing," but rather a prescription for a life of action. It leads to practical effectiveness. Another area of interest is sin and the "sick soul", and the healthy effects of "redemption." Other areas of interest are conversion, religious "back-sliding," saintliness and living the good life, empiricism and skepticism, mysticism and philosophy, and aspects of religious worship service.

I found that this book should have interest not just to students of the psychology of religion. It also has appeal to the religious, and those who want to find out more about the religious experience from a point of view that is a different from the views expressed in Church and Sunday School. The point of view is one that will appeal both to religious conservatives and to religious liberals. Its presentation is sensitive and logical. For some people, it may even produce the "aha!" response that they are now seeing religion with greater perspective. (This is a review of the paperback edition.)

This book is heavy going. Its like slogging up a beautiful mountain and on the way seeing all the beauty nature created on the way.

If you can grasp this book, and try to distill all the collected wisdom as presented by James, you will see that the essential religious experience is effected through surrender.

This book is not meant to be read at one sitting; no one will find it all captivating; but just finding one part - " But since, in any terms,the crisis described is the throwing of our conscious selves upon the mercy of powers which, *whatever they may be, are more ideal than we are actually*, and make for our redemption, you see why self-surrender has been and always must be regarded as the vital turning-point of the religious life, so far as the religious life is spiritual and no affair of outer works and ritual and sacraments.

Wonderful book;well worth reading.

A timeless and proufound book! Whatever you believe, there is much to be had in the Varieties. James weaves through the experiences of many different individuals, clarifying and illuminating both their inner and practical meaning. Decidedly, the book focuses on mystics, gnostics, the extremely devout and the chronically depressed at the exclusion of more mundane religious experiences. A very interesting bunch. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the book: One of the depressed characters James mentions is none other than James himself! Similar to his father, Henry Sr., William had a psychological breakdown at about the age of thirty. As James describes it in his memoirs and letters, the nature of the breakdown was such that he had lost faith in free-will. As he asks in his psychology, are we merely automaton slaves to our underlying biology, or do we have the ability to act independently and free? A quagmire any relentless self-examining philosopher could get hung up on. And James was just that - relentless in self-examination. Indeed, his quest for the truth was epic. You can never go wrong reading anything he wrote. Always well-thought-out, clear and penetrating. This man illuminates everything he touches.

Jonathan Swift's 18th century satire, Gulliver's Travels, is an extraordinary tale of the adventures of an English ship surgeon. The ship surgeon, Gulliver, by a series of unfortunate events on each of his four voyages at sea, receives the chance to explore the cultures of the countries of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdrib, Luggnagg and the land of the Houyhnhnms. Each land is considerably different from the others, and creates quite an entertaining read.

While the story itself is particularly unusual, the satirical element which Swift applied to it adds another level of comprehension. If understood, one could have a nice chuckle at the way Swift mockingly portrays ideas and people through the various cultures which Gulliver encounters. Some similes, however, are intended to get a more serious meaning across. For example, in his first journey of the book, Gulliver finds himself in the country of Lilliput where the people are only six inches tall, save the king who is seven. In this land there are two groups which were distinguished by which side a person breaks their eggs on. One king published an edict commanding all his subjects to break their eggs on the small side, but many would've picked death over breaking their eggs on the 'wrong' side, so many did. By this, Swift meant to throw contempt on the exaggerated importance that people place on their differences, as on which side one breaks an egg is a very trivial thing. The two groups mentioned represent the Catholic and Protestant religions, between which were many wars and massacres during the 1500's when the Protestants first appeared.

Gulliver's Travels takes the reader to many lands, all different and unique ' each adding another perspective on traditional beliefs and ways of thinking. Gulliver changes as much as the scenery around him, and after each voyage he has changed dramatically. At the end he has transformed so much that I feel really sorry for his family ' although it's only love that could allow them to put up with his strange behaviors.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an appetite for literature, as Gulliver's Travels is an excellent satire of the ways of the thinking in the early 1700's. Also, the author does a good job in describing the lands which Gulliver visits in great detail. Although Swift may not have written this book with intense action scenes and steamy romance, it is definitely a work worthy of the people of today.

Lemuel Gulliver is a surgeon/ship¨ˆs captain who embarks on several intriguing adventures. His first endeavor takes him to Lilliput, where all inhabitants are six inches tall, but resemble normal humans in every other respect. His next voyage lands him on Brobdingnag, where a grown man is sixty feet tall, and even the shortest dwarf stands thirty feet tall. On his third trip, he travels to several locations, including a floating island. During Gulliver¨ˆs final voyage, he is abandoned by his mutinous crew on the island of the Houyhnhnms, which are extremely intelligent horses. No evil or concept of lying exists among these creatures. The island is also inhabited by Yahoos, savage, irrational human-like creatures who are kept as pets by the Houyhnhnms. Gulliver wishes to spend the rest of his life on this peaceful island, but he is banished and forced to return to England.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to people 14 or older. Since the novel was written in the 1700¡¯s, the words, grammar and usage are a little confusing. The reader also must have prior knowledge of 18th-century politics to get a full image of what Swift is trying to convey. At some points, the author goes into detail about nautical terms and happenings, and that tends to drag. Overall, the book is well-written, slightly humorous, if not a little confusing.

I have trouble reading classic literature. I am an avid reader and I want to enjoy the classics, but just find it difficult to understand the meaning in some of the writing.

This, however, was a pleasant surprise. Although written in the early 1700s, the story itself was fairly easy to follow. Even towards the end, I began to see the underlying theme of the satire that Swift has been praised for in this work.

Being someone who reads primarily science fiction and fantasy novels, I thought this might be an opportunity to culture myself while also enjoying a good story. I was correct in my thinking. Even if you can't pick up on the satire, there is still a good classic fantasy story.

Essentially, the book details the travels of Lemuel Gulliver, who by several misfortunes, visits remote and unheard of lands. In each, Gulliver spends enough time to understand the language and culture of each of these land's inhabitants. He also details the difference in culture of his native England to the highest rulers of the visted nations. In his writing of these differences, he is able to show his dislike with the system of government of England. He does this by simply stating how things are in England and then uses the reaction of the strangers as outsiders looking in, showing their lack of respect for what Gulliver describes.

I found it very interesting to see that even as early as the 1700s there was a general dislike of government as well as lawyers.

I would recommend this book to anyone who reads the fantasy genre. Obviously, it's not an epic saga like so many most fantasy readers enjoy, but it's a nice break. I would also recommend this to high school students who are asked to pick a classic piece for a book report. It reads relatively quick and isn't as difficult to read as some of the others that I've tried to read.