This is a really fine book. I agree with the other reviewers and will try not to just repeat what has already been said above.

There are so many things to enjoy about this book- the notes and comments by Tal are magnificent. It is very interesting to get "inside his head" as he discusses not just the moves, but moods and psychology of the players and match.

The type font and the diagrams are all first rate. In addition to the 21 games contested during the actual world championship, there are another 23 supplemental games between Tal and Botvinnik included at the end of the book.

The notes to the moves are just the right mix of words and analysis. Many modern books go overboard on analysis and skimp on the verbal commentary. This might be fine for players rated 2000 USCF and above (if you don't know what this means - trust me you aren't rated up there!), but for the vast majority of players it just sets the head spinning and provides no useful cues to help evaluate a position.

This book has enough analysis to be useful, but backs it up with much verbal commentary explaining the motives behind the magic (er, the moves) by Tal.

If you are looking to pluck down $ 20.00 or so for a great chess book, this one should be on your list of candidates!

With the advent of computers, it is easy for writers to produce books that contain copious amounts of analysis. Never mind that in many cases, the annotations are often of the "look at me analyzing a position that never happened to show you that I can analyze" variety.

This book is not such a case. Tal concentrates on the here and now of the match, occasionally going into some detail (It should be noted that Tal had no computer help when he wrote this, not that it would be needed) but usually giving verbal descriptions of the position and the psychological apsects of playing certain moves/openings.

It would be a shame not to own this book.

This Tal classic is considered one of the greatest chess books ever written, and certainly the best match book ever written. When you read this book, you feel as YOU are playing the match against Botvinnik, with all of the ups and downs that go with it. Tal splendidly explains the psychology behind each game, and often times behind individual moves. And of course the notes to the chess are great. They are both very complete and instructive.

This match was also important theoretically since in most games the Caro-Kann (when Tal is white) and the King's Indian Defense (Tal is black) are played and each side attempts to improve upon the theory of the time.

Despite the large number of draws (13/21) most of the games were extremely hard fought and are very entertaining. I also like how all of the games of the return match in 1961 are given in the back of the book. These games give a more complete picture of the Tal-Botvinnik rivalry.

A few minor quips. 1) No match table. (I wrote one in myself next to the Table of Contents) 2) The binding quality is poor and there are typographical errors, even in this new "2001" edition. 3) If you own Tal's Life and Games, there is repetition of two games.

All in all, this is an absolute must-have for any chess library. Buy it!

Larry Swan was a born naturalist, an original thinker, and an inspiring teacher. He was also a fascinating character and a raconteur of the first order. When I was an undergraduate in the 1960s, his courses at San Francisco State College were legendary. His lectures were like savory curries. He served up meaty ideas in a rich masala of entertaining and sometimes bawdy stories. "Tales of the Himalaya" is a collection of Swan's adventures and the discoveries and ideas that emanated from them. The chapters stand by themselves. There are chapters on debunking the yeti, his discovery of the Aeolian Biome, a theory of high altitude bird migration, an amusing exploration of leeches and lice, and a wonderful chapter about his beloved Sherpas. (All who took his course in Zoogeography ended up loving Sherpas.) And there is much more. Like Doc Ricketts of Cannery Row, Larry Swan was the kind of person who turned John Steinbeck on to biologists, and made his students want to climb mountains. This is a book about science, exploration and travel, imbued with an infectious personality. If you have ever looked up at a lofty range of mountains and wondered, then this is a book worth reading.

I am currently a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in the Northwestern corner of Bangladesh. Although my job keeps me busy I still seem to have large amounts of free time for reading. As there are not many outlets for books in English where we are, my fellow PCV's and I have learned to read almost anything. In a rare and exciting care package from home, my father sent me this fantastic book. Dr.Swan's adventures are so full of excitment and humor that you wish they were your own. They can compel even the most diehard homebody to think of packing a bag and heading to the mountians. Dr.Swan writes of the Himalaya and it's people with respect and admiration that could only come from someone who knew and loved them well. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a little adventure or some very truthful information. As soon as i finished it I sent it off to a friend in the neighboring town. I have yet to see it show up back at the Peace Corps library, which means it is still floating around somewhere amongst the PCV's of Bangladesh.

I am one of the lucky ones who actually knew Prof. Larry Swan, the author of this remarkable book, and I was privileged to have heard all of these stories recounted by the man himself in the classroom and at his home. Although I miss his voice and grand gestures, I am delighted to report that the stories in his book, from his boyhood in Darjeeling, to high altitude spiders, Yetis and the great Indian monsoon, are as engrossing on the printed page as they were to hear! Professor Swan was a remarkable biologist, a master teacher and a creative, gifted man who lived a full and amazing life. This excellent volume of his adventures and thoughts is a reminder to us that great lives can be led, and great mentors can be found. It is a must for all inquiring minds and adventurous spirits!!

Wendy Froud is the wife of Artist Bryan Froud ( Good Fairies, Bad Fairies). She is a great artist and this book reflects her abilities, the books has pictures of the dolls she created for the story. The pictures say a thousand words. If you are a doll maker, you will greatly enjoy this book. The story is good but the pictures are better. It has different kind of trolls, fairies and wizards. If you love fantasy you will love the book.

This is an extremely beautiful book. With Wendy Froud's doll making skills and Terri Windling's magical story weaving, teamed up with Brian Froud well, it sounds too good to be true. This follow up to "A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale" did not disappoint.

Sneeze, our beloved hero from the first book, is again teamed up with his friend Twig for a quest to find out why Winter has not yet reached their forest. Again they encounter many characters, in which Wendy's dolls never fail to amaze me. She is so incredibly gifted. I would like to show this book to anyone who does not appreciate winter as a season, because while it's not the "moral" of the story...it takes a look at winter as being the season for rest so that everything can be reborn in the spring. It tells a magnificent tale.

Not only is it a wonderful book to read and enjoy, but it's a treasure to put up on the shelf or coffee table for looking at again and again.

Terri, Wendy, and Brian have done it again! Teaming up again to send Sneezle, the beloved hero of "A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale," on another adventure, the Frouds and Windling masterfully create a mythical world that defies the pages the story is written on. Using photographs of dolls created by Wendy Froud in settings built in the Froud's garden studio, the characters literally step from the pages. Fresh and exciting, Windling's writing brings new life to old folklore, bringing the faeries and goblins of Dartmoor out of their hiding places, at least for a little while, for us to see. A treasure to keep, with plenty to share, this is a wonderful read for the self and the wee ones!

Kerrie Colantonio, Penny-A-Page Publishing

The Woman in Black is quite simply the best ghost story written so far. Short and lacking in the gore that is integral to average ghost stories. This is an impecable tale of a malevolent spirit who will not stop in her revenge on the society that wronged her. The story chills in a manner far more piercing than the cold marsh mists integral to the plot.

This is old-fashioned ghost story telling at its best; short, simple and superbly told. Best of all it delivers the goods, a shiver, a jump and a fright that lingers. Those looking for cheap thrills or gore will find this one way too tame, for the rest of you this little novel does not disappoint.

Truly one of the creepiest, spine tingling novels I've read. Beware: this is not a Kingsian book of gore. This story of a malevolent force is subtle and convincing. I was actually shocked that it disturbed me for such a "simple" story. I highly recommend Hill's book for a quick creepy read.

As a teacher, I have always encouraged that everyone should experience a study-trip through the WHOLE Bible at least once in their lifetime. Of course, the excuses were usually a 'flat tire' in II Chronicles, a 'brain-fuse blown' in Leviticus, or the dreaded 'TID (terminal interest deficiency) syndrome' somewhere down in Numbers! Now Larry Richards has made every excuse against WHOLE Bible study obsolete!

In fifteen minutes or less a day, one can learn (not read) the entire Bible in a year...and actually enjoy it! Richards is not only evangelical and solid in his theology (yes, there IS theology in this 'devotional'!) but includes helpful maps, drawings, overviews, key words, practical application....WOW, this is just a great book for the hungry Christian, who, with just a little discipline will reap a plethora of learning!

There are also alternative reading plans, theme studies, insightful wisdom from Proverbs, archaeological notes, timelines, as well as nutshell summary-blocks.

Although not every text of scripture is (or could be) included, no chapter is omitted. This book is not to be confused with merely READING the Bible in a year. Here, you STUDY the Bible in a year!! The difficult part is stopping each day!

Having studied the Bible for decades, and earning a seminary doctorate, I can say that I have never come across a 'devotional commentary' this thorough or well organized. Truly, if your goal is to LEARN the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you will find a seminary education here, made as user-friendly as a devotional. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This combination devotional and commentary is excellently written. Richards' scholarship is reliable, and his insights are very often profound. I strongly recommend this book to all Christians, whether you are brand new in your relationship with God or have been walking with Him for many years.

I like this book so much it's my favorite gift to give graduates - and they always come back to me and tell me how useful it is. There are so many different ways it can be used. I've used it as a reference for teaching Sunday School on certain subjects or on certain passages. For my personal study, the short devotional sections are perfect for morning, then I do the longer study on the same passage as my evening or weekend study when I have more time. The many different "reading" plans included in the front provide different ways of reading through the Bible each year. Plus, the Personal Application and Quotable sections for each day are great summations of the text and short enough to stick with you for the day. Richards' definitely has a God-given knack for getting right to the meaning without wasting a lot of words doing it. This is just the perfect tool for both study and devotions - and heavy on the most important part - application!

This is the Bible most used by students at our private school. Buying a Bible is part of their school supplies, and this one is perfect for many years of learning and enjoying!

I bought each of my children the Adventure Bible, Revised, NIV. My daughters read it every night. This bible is easy for kids to read and understand.

My 11 year old son has this Bible and we use it to do our family devotions. There are 'Lets Live It' sections that point out a specific Bible passage and then ask some questions to solidify our understanding and make the Bible relevent to our lives today.

Other attractive qualities include "did you know?",with definitions of difficult terms, "words to remember" and "Bible times" all geared to increase undrestanding of God's word. There are also brightly colored pages with the ten commandments, 12 disciples and other important information. There are also maps in the back.

I would recommend it for anyone from 8-15 and parents like it too.

There are more than enough reasons to pick up this book if you have any interest in crows or birds in general or even seeing a good example of descriptive biological studies, however one point missed by others are the beautiful illustrations in this volume that are well above average for a science book.

There are very few books about Corvids, and even fewer based on North American research, but this wonderful volume is a solid step in the right direction that is both well informed while also personable, leaving one to hope that future volumes or at least more research on these birds will result.

Any Corvid enthusiasts should purchase this book without hesitation as it is a relatively inexpensive and irreplacible contribution to the literature.

With a keen observer's eye and a flair for marvelous prose, Kilham has written a book that is not only an important resource for researchers in behavioral biology, but also a delightful read for any nature lover.

I thought that this book was very informative and easy to read. I research on corvid communication and even found the book to have VERY important information. Anyone interested in birds in general should read this book!

Complete coverage of the history, present, and future of the technology and complexity of our world's desire to create something with smarts and capabilities equal to or greater than ourselves. Obviously written by a specialist in automation;
learn from his experiences as a contributor to this effort.

Kamm's book becomes a valuable reference to this new world we have entered. With so much garbage thrown at us by the popular press, it is refreshing to read this fascinating book by an expert in the field. I now have knowledge of the basics of artificial people, robots, and smart machines as well as a better understanding of the more complex nature of the subject. Kamm makes it interesting and shows the importance of how the field of artificial intelligence is affecting us, and we learn how this technology will change our future. He keeps it simple so that a novice can understand the subject but does not talk down to the reader. When you finish reading, you are better prepared to go to more detailed books on the subject if you wish.

"Artificial People, Robots, and Smart Machines" is a marvelous book for the interested, but not necessarily technically savvy reader who has encountered the popular press hype on the subject. The author., Mr. Kamm, has a superb knack for explaining the subject, disucussing the uses and importance of the technologies and clarifying what's "real" and what's "fancy". He is able to write from the perspective of a practicing and accomplished inventor and engineer who has spewnt a substantial part of his professional career working with these devices..building., selling and using them. He spins a fascinating, eminently readable tale, which, as he says early in the book "This is a book of science fact, NOT a book of science fiction. I go out of my way to distinguish between science fact and science fiction in order to de-bunk some of the htpe issued by self-seving publicists. This hype is usually a diustortion of the facts or the used of misleading and suggestive words rather than outright fabrication."

While emphasizing "what is" throughout the book. the author does close the book with a fascinating chapter entitled "Predicitons Of Things to Come" discussinbg the possible impact on the Military, Energy, Business Cycles, Space Programs, The Factory of the Future and Artificial People.

This is a "must read" book for technologist and layman.

I used this book for my stage management class. It is an excellent starter book for any stage managers library. Pick this one up.

Stern writes as if he were sitting around talking. The book is extremely easy to read. And the subject of stage management is so thouroughly covered that I feel confident to approach any task a director would lay before me. Appropriately nicknamed, this is the "Bible of Stage Management"!

This book is completely indispensible. It helped me very much, and I recommend it to anyone involved in theatre - either onstage or backstage.

This book is thoroughly entertaining and filled with wit, humor, and something I almost thought had vanished, humility (and this from a lawyer no less!). I hope this will be the first of many books by this author as I look forward to reading him again. Now if I could only find a way to cull my chosen field for such wonderful stories........

This book saved my sanity -- and it just might salvage yours! In a field of endeavor whose professional practitioners [each of whom are serving self-imposed life sentences and each of whom have gotten off cheap] take themselves much, much too seriously, the wise and witty anecdotes of Counselor Fox are just what the jaded jurist ordered.

"I demand Justice!" a Fox client screams at the Bench. "We'll have none of that in here!," the Bench screams back. Never heavy-handed or obnoxiously glib, "There's No Justice, Just Court Costs" is the quintessential legal "vade mecum" -- whether one is cramming to pass the Bar or hoping to slip unobtrusively beneath it to exit stage left. I love this book --and you will too!

Finally an honest attorney! Heres the stuff that just can't be printed... I am ordering a truckload for my chain of bookstores in NY