Obviously someone who wishes to give a first name to a child is not the most likely person to consult this very learned tome: for those people P. Hanks and F. Hodges's *Dictionary of First Names* (also published by Oxford) is the appropriate book (though David Pickering's *Penguin Dictionary of First Names* is also very good). Obviously, if the first name you have in mind is also a surname, then this reference tool, too, is likely to be useful.

The amount of work that has gone into this volume is daunting, particularly when it comes to the mention of early sources in which names have been found. Some of that material is perhaps more of interest to the specialist than the general user, but in any case it is valuable. The Introduction, on names generally, is extremely informative and interesting.

For myself, I most often need to know what a surname might mean (most of them do have meaning), and I suspect that this is what others, too, frequently want to know. For example, are those many Australians who have the surname *Smyth* in effect carrying the surname *Smith*? Yes, indeed: the *y* is merely a spelling variant, which many welcome because it suggests a name other than *Smith* (though quite a few people called *Smyth* don't themselves know that *Smyth*= *Smith*!).

Does this dictionary reveal what one wants to know? It does, but not always in the handiest way possible. It has an entry *Smye, Smythe*, but not one for *Smyth*: one needs to know something about the early stages of the language to realise that if *Smythe* is an early form of *Smith*, then so is *Smyth* likely to be, and if one then turns to *Smith* one will find *Smyth* there. So not everyone will necessarily immediately discover the material searched for - but most people are likely to do so eventually. All in all , I recommend the book heartily, and use it often. - Joost Daalder, Professor of English, Flinders University (South Australia)

The Dictionary of English Surnames is wonderful -- tons of information about surnames both common and rare, with many dated examples of early spellings. Sources are always given. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the origin of English surnames, especially re-enactors and others interested in names that would have existed in the late medieval/Renaissance period. Since the examples are dated, it is easy to find names from a particular time.

Dictionary of English Surnames is a very complete book that lists many many English Surnames, and it tells of certain ancestors of the name and where they came from, and what the surname means. It is a very helpful resource for amateur geneologists, or just someone fascinated by the Last Name. THe beginning of the books tells about Surnames and how they came to be etc etc. It is very fascinating and the authors do a very good job at explaining things. Great source...get it!

Beyond "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," this work is a must read for anyone seeking a perspective on how to leave the myth of "security" behind, especially when sailing into unchartered waters. Percy's shared experiences and inspiring insights are like a salve for those wounded and lost souls, who are both driven and tossed about by the uncertain currents of today's world of work. "Going Deep" compels readers to do just that, by examining their own lives for meaning and direction.

Powerful and compelling. It's about time someone reveals the true secrets to success in business. Highly recommended.

Who would have thought "Soul & Business" could be used in relationship with each other? What a visionary masterpiece "Going Deep" is.

Had the pleasure of being in attendance at one of Mr. Percy's speaking engagements and picked up the book. His 11 Commandments of business are truly inspired.

Going Deep is the "Power of Positive Thinking" for the new age of business.

Buy this book!

This book set me up very nicely for a career in forex markets. Possibly the gentlest introduction to international finance, the book does not waste any time with implementation of the ideas, instead provides you with the requisite knowledge, and illustrative examples. I had the fortune of being taught the subject by the author (Dr. Eun), and so the book was fully utilized. However, other teachers would also find the book an ideal companion to course notes. In fact, the book is so well written, it seems like a tutorial. You cannot go wrong if you are using it for international finance courses. The book will also help you with preparation for the CFA charter examinations.

This book has three major strengths compared to other textbooks in this field. #1: It is soundly based on FINANCE theories. Most other textbooks on international finance have more of an "international BUSINESS" taste. #2: It is more analytical than most others. #3: It is comprehensive yet very concise. This is a must-read in the field of international finance. It is particularly suitable for senior-level finance undergraduate and MBA students as well as finance professionals with an interest in investments.

As a student of Dr. Eun, the book not only gave me a deeper understanding of the world of international finance, but a deeper understanding of this very complex man. This book should revolutionize the international financial community.

Well written, easy to read. Hard acts to follow. You will get to know three successful business leaders. What are their background, childhood, education and career? What happened to their companies when they were leading them? Interviews with each one of them in which many questions are answered that you probably would have asked. The companies are large, global and successful. There is a lot to learn. It is not a cookbook. The authors make a useful summary but when you reflect about what the three persons have done there are not only many things they all did but also many things they did differently. I bought the book because it was listed under the heading "business ethics" in an Amazon search. The book is not directly about ethics. It is useful in that context as it shows that these three leaders through their actions demonstrate having moral convictions. Part of that conviction is to deliver shareholder value but also strong feelings of responsibility for the environment and social issues. Furthermore they have been able, with a lot of hard work, to impart this concept on all of the employees. All three believe that employees become much more motivated and loyal to the organisation when they feel that they are working towards goals in addition to shareholder value. One also becomes convinced that they do not set these wider goals as a public relations exercise or a clever way to motivate people to work harder. These leaders are totally sincere in what they say and what they do.

The book gives valuable insight into the way these three ground-breaking European leaders think about business, and how they successfully manage global organizations. The book clearly illustrate the different personal traits of the subjects (the builder, the transformer, and the integrator), and ecourages the reader to challange the pros and cons of the different philosophies. The book reads very much like a case study, and provides an excellent but basic overview over the global marketplace and on how to be able to draw on the ideas implemented by these great leaders.

Growth on a global stage is the only way to sustainable success. It is an enormous challenge to grow let alone accomplish it globally. This book provides tangible object lessons on how these leaders have done it. If first-hand learning is best, then these stories approximate that construct.

This is an engaging and usefull guide to a difficult act.

This book will allow you to get the right conceptions for producing a good golf swing. And as Percy says, it is the swing rather than hitting the ball that is the thing. It is not a technical book but he does make technical points in it. Its key virtue is that it gets rid of several common misconceptions about how to swing a golf club. Percy's tone is absolutely wonderful and he has a nice sense of humor. It would have been a joy to experience his teachings in person. Buy the book, read it and then practice its concepts and you will find yourself capable of nailing every shot. Of course, the result is that golf becomes a very fun game again, as it should be. Best golf instruction book I have ever read and I have read a bunch, including Penick, Hogan, Armour, Leadbetter, Haney, Harmon, etc.

I first read the book 10 years ago when I was learning the game. Got to a 14 handicap. Reread it this spring and just shot my first 79 today!

Of all the golf books I have read, and I have read over a hundred, this pearl has done the most to improve my game. I learned why standing on the practice mat trying to think through the swing did not improve my game. And I learned what had to be done to improve my game. My score, which had languished around 110, started dropping soon after I adopted Boomer's concepts. After three months, I am now in the low 90s to mid 80s and am still improving. Don't pass this gem by! Boomer was the Harvey Penick of an earlier generation and his ideas are still true.

I read this book back in 93 when I had just lost my hearing. I was 14 and dealing with suddenly becoming deaf. Most books about Deafness are written by physicians, or parents of the deaf, or children of the deaf, and not by the deaf themselves. Kisor's stories about lipreading and growing up and just being Deaf were wonderful for me to read. It gave me hope... if he is totally Deaf and can accomplish that much, then I, with a little bit of hearing left, certainly should be able to. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone deaf who is oral, anyone late deaffened, or anyone just interested in reading about the trials and joys of a hearing loss.

A wonderful book, with insights for parents of deaf children. This book proves our deaf children do not think any differently to hearing children and having a disability does not go hand-in-hand with being disabled. A wonderful read for parents of deaf children.

The best story I have ever read regarding hearing impair loss and Mr. Kisor's story parallels closely to my life also and reading it in a light hearting way lifts my esteem to bulldoze all obstacles in my path. And to help broaden knowledge to other people to accept and help us instead of hinder our abilty to live normal lives. For we all have a purpose here to live, grow, educate, learn, teach, help & love. A book for all ages!

Well. I wouldn't've thought Chauvelin had a heart, judging by the other stories about SP. But then, there are always two sides to a coin, and this was a definate quirk.

So after trying and trying and trying (and failing) to capture the Pimpernel, he finally goes to him for help. Maybe he finally had to concede that there was only one person who could do so.

His humanity is rather touching, you know, with his devotion to Fleurette and all (I mean, really. When you go to your arch-enemy for help...), and all the way to the end, you're wondering if he was really all that evil to begin with.

Chauvelin, the arch-enemy of the Scarlet Pimpernel is ruthless and merciless, but he does have a tender spot in his heart. He loves his daughter Fleurette more than anyone else in the world.
When he is speaking to her, he is almost another person. It is really touching to see how gentle and caring he is. Baroness Orczy describes Chauvelins love for Fleurtte as "pertained to that of a wild beast for its young." "If she was destined to perish, then it would be by his own hand, not as a spectacle for the rabble to gloat on." He loves her in a fierce way tigerish way, fitting to his character.
This book lets you have an insight in to Chauvelins earlier and family life. The audacious Sir Percy plays only a small part in this book, but a important one. Chauvelins's devotion to Fleurette is something you never thought existed in the man, whose heart you thought was made out of stone.

When Fleurette is condemed as a traitor to the country, and is sentenced to death by the same laws Chauvelin helped to make, he has to try to save her, or at least die with her. Only when he has suffered intense, mental anguish for weeks does he realize that he must turn to his bitter enemy for help; the Scarlet Pimpernel, the only one who can save his beloved child.

This is definately my favorite of all of Orczy's books that I've read- I think that I've read most (8) of the Scarlet Pimpernel series, and this is the one that I keep coming back to reread. It is one of the most amusing and gives more information on Chauvelin than all of the other books combined. Yes, I'll admit it, I'm a Chauvelin fan! I love learning more about him!

"Rees Howells: Intercessor" is truly an amazing book. It demonstrates vividly to anyone who has any doubt, that it is possible to walk the path that Jesus walked (although not as perfectly as he did). When you read of the manner which Mr Howells completely abandoned his self for God, you will realize we had in our midst a true apostle of Christ; as much of an apostle as Peter, Paul, or John. Anyone who thinks, "I am a sinner and can never hope to achieve today what Christ and his followers did back then" should think again; Rees Howells' story is in many ways as amazing as many stories I've read in the Bible. A warning is; if you are in any manner loyal to the Roman Catholic faith, you may find several passages disturbing; otherwise, prepare to be astonished, amazed, and delighted to know about someone you will wish you already knew of long ago! There is no doubt that Rees Howells is sitting in a very special place in heaven right now; a place reserved for Christ's most dedicated and spiritual followers. Enjoy!

If your soul desires to know the one true and living God, REES HOWELLS INTERCESSOR will introduce you to him. There are mysteries in the Holy Scriptures that only the Spirit of God can reveal. Rees Howells' life is an accounting of His divine lessons in this intercessor's life. This book will bring to life new meaning to 1John 2:27 "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." I challenge you to this kind of faithful life. I am into my third or fourth reading of this book...over the past 8 years. This book reveals a true and personal God who is willing to take any one of us willing to walk His walk and talk His talk. Read this book! Our God is an AWESOME God! Sheri Chase

I have read this book for the second time - laughing on many occassions and weaping on still many more. Rees Howells' intimate (and normal) communication with God in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit broke my heart (again, the second reading) with the recognition of how "watered down" and powerless Christianity seems today in America and in my own life. If you desire to see what a life of faith and fellowship with God can look like - this is the book. It has deepened my spiritual resolve to cooperate with God to break "self" that His life can be manifest in this vessel.

Imagine a book co-written by Redmond O'Hanlon and Noel Coward: Funny, exciting, literate, a period piece that still works. Flemming, a young corespondant for the London Times, goes on a half-baked expidition to the heart of Brazil with a group of men both over- and underprepared for the adventure. I enjoyed the book immensely, although his light tone occasionally got to me.

Every so often I have to buy a new copy of Brazillian Adventure because I lend my copy to someone and they flatly refuse to return it again. This is one of the most engaging and good-humoured travel books ever. It was Fleming's first adventure and his first book - yet it became a classic work going into several editions early on and being used in schools as a study piece. It is seriously well written, and seriously engaging.

It starts with his blandly describing how he got involved in the expedition in the first place- answering an advertisement in the paper to go on a 'Fawcett hunt" (as he later called it). He thought he would go on a grand expedition to find the missing explorer Colonel Fawcett and get a little hunting done at the same time. There have been numerous books and studies done on the disappearnce of Fawcett in Brazil in the 1920's - to this day no one quite knows what happened to him, and as it turns out the expedition that Fleming was joining was not going to throw new light on matters either.

In fact the trip deteriorated badly the moment they hit Brazil, and Fleming's dry wit turns it all into a hilarious read - although it must have been desparately uncomfortable for them all. The expedition Leader was incompetent, the expedition split into two warring factions and they all ended up in a race back down the Amazon to try to get the banks in time.

Peter Fleming, in case you didn't know, is the brother of the 'James Bond' author Ian Fleming - a talent for writing seemed to run in the family. Peter continued his travels and writing career but I think this first book is the best of them all. There is also a wonderful biography on his life available but I think that is now out of print.

This is contemporary American adventure: buy an SUV, watch game shows based on Lord of the Flies, try the risotto recipe Martha Stewart used on her ascent in the Himilayas. Please! Brazilian Adventure is the real thing for those who don't own their own snowshoes. Sure, the author and his companions set off with pith helmets worthy of Ralph Lauren and more elaborate gear than they'll ever use; true, Fleming is something of a good old boy circa 1932 Oxford style. Skin to be shed. When reality hits, which it does early in the adventure and continues to the bedraggled end, he rises to the occasion. The narrative is suffused with clear-eyed wit, honesty and optimism. I hope there are other Peter Fleming books out there.

How does an assortment of 13 professors at an English university choose the next head of their college? "The Masters" examines the personal and university politics that shape this decision through the narrative style of C. P. Snow. This captures a brainy professorial world through heavy reliance on complex and conditional dialogue, acute but unspoken observations, and highly abstract character analysis. Here's an example of his approach: "His manner was deliberately prosaic and comfortable. He was showing less outward sign of strain than any of us; when he was frayed inside, he slowed his always measured speech, brought out commonplaces like an amour, reduced all he could to the matter-of-fact." Still, the story, while minutely imagined, doesn't go deep. It's a tempest in a teapot.

C.P.Snow has some fine qualities; he is succinct, perceptive and astute. This novel, perhaps to a greater extent than any of his others, reflects these qualities as "The Masters" is a triumph of characterisation. Jago, Brown, Calvert, Nightingale and Gay will live long in the memory and the understated way in which Snow brings them to life is most adroit. Ultimately, however, like all of the Strangers and Brothers sequence, it is a novel about the narrator, Lewis Eliot; the relationship between tale and teller here is particularly impressive. The reader becomes unconsciously embroiled in and fascinated by his life - here is a narrator who is both partial and impartial, intense and detached. The claustrophobic, parochial and insular world of academic life is captured perfectly here. I recommend it highly; for anyone who has read it and enjoyed it, I commend to their attention "The Affair" by the same author. Set in the same Cambridge college, many of the characters reappear and it is another very fine read.

A novel set in the intimate, closed world of a school or college (or a convent, or cathedral close) has a better-than-average chance of being fascinating to begin with. Whether a school story is a work of literary art such as Snow's The Masters or Antonia White's Frost in May, a decent novel in the vein of Hughes's Tom Brown's School Days, Kipling's Stalky and Co., or Farrar's Eric, or even the kind of boarding-school story churned out by the likes of Angela Brazil and the author of the Greycliff series, school stories tend to hold one's interest because they are school stories. Generally written by one with insider knowledge, such books seem to reveal not only the characteristics of a society in microcosm, but also the particular stresses and strains imposed by intimate, closed worlds.

Snow's The Masters is perhaps the supreme example of this genre. A perfectly plotted and self-contained novel filled with unforgettable characters (Mrs. Jago, the embittered Despard-Smith and the beautifully-realized Professor M. H. L. Gay come to mind), The Masters is certainly C.P. Snow's best work. Snow's college world is no ivory tower. Passions and ruthless hatreds surface as two factions clash over the election of a new Master of a Cambridge college. The power brokers Chrystal and Brown display their practiced adroitness as they machinate to put their candidate in office and angle for a major benefaction from a wealthy industrialist. Political overtones from the outside world (the novel is set iduring the period of Hitler's rise to power) begin to agitate the election question further. This is a novel to read again and again.