Since the 1980s, a renaissance in vintage horror films has supported a spate of books recounting the lives and careers of stars Karloff, Lugosi and the Chaneys, not to mention new information about stalwart co-stars John Carradine, Dwight Frye, Lionel Atwill, Colin Clive and Ernest Thesiger. Now comes Rick Atkins' admittedly star-struck volume. At age 17, he began researching and interviewing the people who made horror happen in the talkies -- Universal Studios' Carl Laemmle Jr., who produced Dracula and Frankenstein (both 1931), The Old Dark House and The Mummy (in 1932), The Black Cat (1934) -- plus actors Carradine, Ralph Bellamy and Alan Napier, actresses Gloria Stuart, Evelyn Ankers, Zita Johann, director William Castle and special effects man Ken Strickfaden, among others. While Atkins' writing is a bit sketchy in places, the roundup of personal reminiscences, photographs and a comprehensive filmography and bio-glossary of personalities make this little tome an odd and specialized delight.

I have the great fortune to know Rick Atkins as my older brother. Until recently, however, I did not truly understand just how personal and real his experiences and interactions with movie greats of the classic horror age were.

In October of this year, I was afforded the opportunity to accompany my brother to California -- where he introduced me to he last remaining cast member of of the original Dracula -- Carla Laemmle, the niece of Universal Studios founder, Carl Laemmle. (Look for her in the documentary on the special edition DVD release of Dracula!)

Not only was Ms. Laemmle a delight, and far younger than me in many ways -- but I could not help taking notice of the special brand of rapport that existed between her and my brother. All at once, I realized that it was this aspect of his very personable and intimate relationships with his idols which make his writing so special.

No, the writing itself may not read as smoothly as a Steven King novel -- but considering that the author began working on this book at the age of fourteen, it's actually quite a literary achievement in its own right! If you can cope with the occasional comma-splice, you will most certainly find yourself rewarded -- and hopefully engulfed in what I can only describe as The Real Thing.

This book is essentailly about relationships and possibilities -- not only the type which form between ourselves and those we admire from afar, but also the ones which stand to form if we follow our dreams.

Trust me when I say that this book was written without an ounce of pretention -- and solely in the interest of giving readers a valuable resource to which they can hopefully relate. I know this to be true.

It is indeed sad to know that many faces of the horror genre will be forgotten by many -- but it is comforting to know that this book will keep many of the greats with us for years to come! Kudos to my brother for following his dreams!

Mr. Atkins should be extremely proud of this book. With interviews with such film legends as Gloria Stuart, it serves as a great textbook for lovers and students of film history.

A number of important lessons call out from the pages of this engrossing and rather sad story - not the least of which is that Francis Gary Powers got shafted, folks. Plain and simple.

During his captivity, the press severely tarnished his reputation by publishing sometimes gross misinformation about him and his mission. Some of these misconceptions thrive to this day.

How many people still believe he was under CIA orders to use his infamous suicide pin? (he wasn't even required to carry it) How many people still think he told the Soviets too much? (his handling of the interrogations was very shrewd; he cleverly protected the most important secrets - even after our reckless press published information that threatened to undermine his strategy) How many people really think he was considering defecting to the USSR after release from Soviet prison? (never crossed his mind) Or that he didn't activate the U-2's destruct mechanism because it was allegedly set to destroy both plane and pilot? (completely false rumor started by the Soviets)

Perhaps the saddest part is that after his release, the CIA could have done more to clear his name. But they apparently back-peddled from this effort because clearing his name meant tarnishing theirs (For starters, Powers states that the CIA did not train their U-2 pilots on what to do if captured. These days, practically all military pilots receive such training).

Several years ago I paid for a pristine first edition of this 1970 book, signed by Powers and co-author Curt Gentry (Powers died in 1977). At first I thought I'd paid too much. After reading it, I think I got a bargain.

On 1-May, 1960, CIA U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the USSR and spent two years in a Soviet prison. Eighteen years later, he was permitted to publish his own story. The two excellent preceeding reviews cover the crucial historical and political aspect of the U-2 story -- particularly how Mr. Powers was made a scapegoat for the embarassment of the US. I highly recommend this memoir of a courageous and loyal American. I also recommend it for Mr. Powers' personal story, told engagingly in his own unassuming but elegant words. How he survived being downed by a SAM, how he strove to manipulate his interrogation to protect American secrets. How he carried himself at his showcase espionage trial, and how he endured his incarceration. Not too surprisingly, he narrates with less rancor for his Soviet captors than for his own US government. And the American press, which reviled him as a coward and accused him of treaon. And, as if he didn't have enough hardship, his faithless, alcoholic wife, who all but abandoned him! It was only through the efforts of his father that he obtained his early release. Ironically, his treatment on return home was much crueler than anything he experienced in Russia. But throughout his ordeal, Gary Powers' steadfast devotion to his country never wavered. I found his memoir inspirational and riveting. I've seen the wreckage of his U-2 spy plane, still on exhibit in the "Cold War" area of the Moscow Central Armed Forces Museum. And I've made the drive to Vladimir, location of the prison in which he kept his diary. I believe "Operation Overflight" is going to be released in paperback soon, after years out of print. If so, I hope it will include more of the technical and personal information which was too sensitive for publication in 1970.

With respect to the "Cold War" we usually know the official versions from both the government of the USA and of the USSR. Powers book is extremely interesting because it gives you a private account of somebody that was deeply involved in the U-2 Cold War incident: a third point of view. A point of view that has no "agenda" to push through.
Powers description of his life in prison had for me an almost spiritual meaning. After reading what he went through, I felt grateful for what I have. He mentions, for example, that in prison work is cherished: he and his cell mate fought to have the privilege of cleaning their cell.
On the other hand, his actual experience in jail was very different from what you see in the movies. There was no violence, no torture, no conspiracy to escape. In almost two years he had a chance to speak with only one other prisoner: his cell mate. It was the most boring experience imaginable, so much so that some prisoners lost their minds.

It is difficult not to feel contempt for Dwight Eisenhower who after ordering the flight completely abandoned Powers to his fate. Eisenhower cared much more for his "prestige" than for any person but in the end his prestige went down the drain anyway when his involvement in the U-2 affair was finally known.

Another player that has dramatically dropped in stature for me is Robert Kennedy. His callousness is hard to believe. After all the suffering Powers went through in the USSR for doing his duty for the CIA, R. Kennedy was willing to try him for treason with the only purpose of advancing his political career! The politics surrounding this event are sickening: JFK had invited Powers to meet him at the White House but at the last moment the offer was withdrawn.

In the end, no president or high level politician did anything to obtain Powers'release from the USSR. It was his father whom he had to thank for his release.

Obviously, the CIA did not want this book to be published and 8 years had to pass before it finally saw the light.

I fully recommend the book as it gives you an insight as to how history is really made by real people, in real places, performing real duties.

The photographs alone inspire awe. For a layman, this is a
very good book, with very brief descriptions of different
aspects of 20th century physics presented along with the
magical photographs. Perhaps, the non-specialist can glimpse
the fascination and beauty of physics from the photos and can
get just an idea of why the professionals are so dedicated to
this most basic of all scientific disciplines.

This book covers all of the major advances in physics in the last 100 years. After reading this, it becomes clear how far we have come in our understanding in just 100 short years. Fascinating pictures as well. Highly recommended, an excellent resource for teachers and students.

An excellent book for those who never tire of learning more about science and the nature of the universe. In addition to beautiful photographs and clear descriptions of the science, the book provides interesting human and historic information on the discovery process. Easy, informative and entertaining reading.

Once in a while a book comes along that really holds your attention. I can imagine times when I felt uneasy after I heard a creak in the night or the russle of leaves behind me when hiking. This book makes the hair stand up on the back of you neck, and to think, it was based on true stories. Great work Southerly.

Curt Sutherly's book is an excellent read. He places UFOs into their true context: Are we dealing with a phenomenon that is physical or "metaphysical" as he calls it. In his dandy forward he sets the tone of the book by noting, "....he dismissed the prevailing belief that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and began working under the assumption that something far more odd and complex is at work... What some of us failed to take into account was the potential for heightened emotional and psychological stress. For Raymond and a number of others....the stress arising from the unrelenting (and other undisciplined) study of UFOs was worsened by a belief that the phenomenon was more metaphysical than physical." UFOs, black panthers, Big Birds, Bigfoot, and aliens; Curt puts them all into the proper perspective. My own investigations in the Troup-Heard Corridor of westcentral Georgia and eastcentral Alabama have confirmed what Curt writes so well of. An informative page-turner. I recommend it to all.

Outstanding! This book has great stories and is a must read for anyone. I could not put it down until it was completely read.

Great book for the Network Administrator. Layed out like the "for dummies" series, but doesn't say "For Dummies" so you don't have to be embarrassed to have it on your bookshelf at work. It is very simple and easy to read. Each appendix is a Windows 2000 roll-out scenario complete with screen shots of each wizard box. I like this book and I'm sure I'll be referring to it often.

Very focused on administration and management - very easy to read. The chapters on site design and configuration and replication are worth the price of the book. If you're justing starting to learn AD, start with this book. It's clear and orderly.

Curt Schilling is a GREAT PITCHER. It is nice to see that he is also such a giving person. I did not realize he donates money each game to the Lou Gehrig's Foundation. I would like to be a pitcher someday too, and follow in his footsteps.

Clinton Miller age:8

Some times the size of a book is deceiving, case in point Curt Schilling: Phillie Phire. Eighty-two pages give a world of information on one of today's premier pitchers in major league baseball.

Take a trip with Paul Hagan as he explores the life and baseball time of Curt Schilling, from the years in Alaska to Class A ball in Greensboro, North Carolina to his near career ending shoulder injury.

What we read in the papers and hear in the news about Curt Schilling can't even begin to scratch the surface what this book to the readers. This book in number 17 in the baseball superstar collection.

, here's a perfect gift for young ballplayer in your life. I was also amazed to find out how much time and effort Curt has spent working for a cure for ALS.

I used this book for an internet class so i ended up reading the entire book from chapter one to the end. It was a little boring at times, but it made it easy to understand the material and the diagrams were great. The only annoying thing was how in the first few chapters it kept saying what was beyond the scope of the book and what chapter you will be studying what and when. Stick to the material.

One of my networking classes for IST required this book. I've read chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6, & 12. I actually enjoy reading this textbook and look forward to reading more chapters. Other students in my class enjoy reading it too.

It goes into just enough details about the electronics behind the scene but nothing to extensive. It also provides a great overview about networks, without over welling the reader with tedious facts. The book starts out about the OSI model and then walks the reader through each layer.

It is a great book and I would encourage any instructor seeking a textbook to test this one out, your students will be glad you did. *Also useful for someone interested in networking for the first time or someone who wants to see the whole picture.

I started this one volume history of the Civil War with a somewhat jaded eye as I am just finishing Volume One of Shelby Foote's Three Volume extravaganza on the Civil War, which is wonderfully "told" (seems somehow a better term than, written, as anyone familiar with his work will understand). Mr. Anders volume starts out just a little slow, but picks up the pace and interest level considerably by the twentieth page. Not everyone has the time to devote to a three volume, in-depth study (nor perhaps that intense interest level), but this is a book that can be worked into anyone's schedule. The writing is sharp, intelligent, and to the point. Obviously, a great deal of research went into the quotes, which at times makes you feel as if the participants are speaking to you about the events as they happen, from the elation of victory to the anger and sadness of a bloody repulse. The interworkings of Lincoln's White House and the cast of characters "Honest Abe" had to deal with are vividly presented. All and all, an excellent book, well worth picking up!

I found this one volume book on the Civil War to be excellent reading and thought provoking. It is concise and easy to read, but filled with interesting detail about the people who made the era what it was. The only failing is the lack of detailed maps showing the battlefields and the troop movements which are so important to understanding the outcome of the various battles.

The author quotes extensively from letters and other writings of the era to help the reader climb into the minds of those who were doing the fighting and the making the decisions. He is not afraid of looking into controversy. The loyality of Gen. McCelland is carefully called into question for example, but in a balanced fashion.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil War. It does not have the detail one finds in multi volume works on the war, but it is well done and filled with enough detail to hold the reader's interest from first to last.

The Civil War was not just a war about slavery or states rights but a war in which the objective was to maintain and preserve the union.Hearts in Conflict by Curt Anders describes in an informative and detailed way every aspect of the Civil War. Every battle from Fredricksburg to Gettysburg to Antietam Anders discribes in an historical, accurate setting along with exerpts from Generals journals.As you start to read this book you get hooked from the vary start from the opening chapter to the very end. I thouroughly enjoyed this novel.I love reading about history especially the Civil War and Hearts in Conflict is one of the best book I have read on this topic.

Throughout this book I learned alot of new information that I had not known in the past. The opening chapter I really got a better understanding of the reason and views of the southern states. I knew that most of those states in the south suceeded because they were pro-slavery and against the views of Lincoln and his administration.I learned though, the feelings of the southerners and understood the right of sucession. For Curt Anders a novel such as Hearts in Conflict expresses a serious moderate tone one in which when reading you actually get a feel of what is taking place and the events that have occured. In his chapter on The First Battle of Manassas Anders uses a first person tone as he takes the position of a confederate solider who witnesses General Thomas ''Stonewall''Jackson's triumph victory as he crushed the union army forces.

The characters in this book are motivated by religion and their belief in themselves. To me reading this book it seemed like every exerpt I read had to do with god in some way or the other. Most of the Generals, I know from study, as well as soliders were all strong believers in god himself and that only gods will will get them through this trouble war. The characters are also motivated by their victories in battle. Most of the characters I noticed, having won a battle moved on to the next confrontation only to win or lose that fight.

Anders captures the readers attention and seeks to give them the most informative and accurate information. He focuses on the crucial battles such as Fredricksburg, Antietam, and First and Second Manassas. He concentrates on the characters points of views and allows them to speak for themselves. I am an avid historian who loves the Civil War the most out of all of our great nations history. I feel that it was a war that made the United States what it is today. This is an insightful, informative novel about the Civil War. Certainly, a war that defined the United States and an important aspect of our American history.

The way this book is organized would normally make it a great study tool. The book is divided up by the tests needed to get MCSA certified.
However, I found that the sections just don't go into enough detail. When I took some 3rd party paractice tests I was asked questions that pertained to material that wasn't covered by this book. Plus, the pratice quiz that's on the CD has some errors.
I would only reccomend this as a supplemental study guide.

If you are like me, you already have your A+ certification and are looking to pursue the MCSA certifications, this book is definitely the book for you. Gilster and Simmons have created a book that summarizes the essential knowledge for the 5 tests you need to pass to achieve that goal. Each test is covered in its own separate "book" so that you don't have to separate the information from one test from all of the others. Not sure that you shouldn't also look at Gilster's and Simmon's more detailed books on each test, but for those needing a bit more information, the other books would be a good idea.

I have used books by Ron Gilster to successfully prepare for a number of certification exams in the past couple of years. I also have a couple of Curt Simmons' Windows guides as well and have found them to be very to the point and informative.

So, it was a real treat to find an MCSA study guide by these outstanding writers. It was even more of a treat to read. Each of the "books" in the book covers one of the Microsoft or CompTIA exams required to complete the MCSA certification.

Like all of Ron's and Curt's books, this one is informative, to the point, easy to read, and entertaining all at the same time - something that cannot be said for the other "all=-in-one" books available.

Plus I'm sure this book will serve as a valuable reference long after I'm certified.

Reading this book produced three instances where previously encountered material was explained from a new and different point of view, the clouds parted, and I was bathed in the bright sunshine of understanding. Creation and valuation of hedging portfolios, reduced to their fundamentals, is now far less taxing to the memory. Explanations for the discretization of time and space now render previously mysterious numerical algorithms obvious in their intent. American options discused in a free boundry framework are far more intuitive than in the optimal stoping time approach. As much as I enjoyed the content, the occurence of numerous editing oversights was a considerable annoyance. This was even more surprising when I read the other customer review which indicated that one of the authors was an editor. Editors should be held to a higher standard and so I deducted an extra star!

Tavella and Randall have produced a compact, yet complete treatment of finite difference techniques in finance. I met Curt Randall in 1996 when his SciFinance software was in its infancy (though there is currently no connection between us). This software automatically generates C code to solve PDE's. That is an order of magnitude -- maybe two orders -- harder than just writing the code by hand. I inferred that Dr. Randall has a unique understanding of finite-difference methods for solving PDE's. For these reasons, I was very interested to see his book. For a more general treatment finite difference schemes, see Gordon Smith's 1986 book.

The mathematical motivations for all the techniques presented are given, with no wasted exposition. I liked the lucid analyses of stability, which many books in finance gloss over. I also liked the mention and partial analysis of a large set of solvers of sparse linear systems. having not followed the literature on jump processes in recent years, I was quite happy to see their treatment as well.

This book is all of what it claims to be, and no more. I do not recommend it as a textbook, or as a reference for those not already somewhat familiar with the subject, either from the mathematics side or the finance side. You will not get an explanation of what an eigenvalue or fourier transform is. The Lax Equivalence Theorem is cited, but not motivated or proven. No mention is given of when it might make more sense to use, say, a Monte Carlo scheme to find an option price. You won't find much economics in the book. But you will find a clear, correct, and useful analysis of more or less all aspects of finite difference schemes as they relate to solving contingent claims pricing problems.

The pricing theory due to Black Scholes and Merton is widely recognized as one of the most significant contributions of economics to practice. There are now many good introductory books surveying the vast literature on the subject. So what is needed is a book showing how to implement various models in practice. The book by Tavella and Randall is the first in what I hope is a series of such books. The authors are well known in computational circles: Tavella is the editor of the highly regarded Journal of Computational Finance and Randall is a Principal at SciComp, a leading developer of software synthesis technology for the finance industry. The authors focus on finite differences, which is an important generalization of the common tree approach, and thus is one of the most widely used numerical techniques in finance.

The book's first two chapters introduce the mathematics of financial derivatives in an intuitively appealing manner. For example, measure changes are introduced as a powerful tool without strong demands on the reader in terms of background. Also, linear complementarity is used in the context of valuing American options, again in an intuitive fashion. The third chapter introduces finite differences in the context of the familiar parabolic PDE governing derivative security values. It is in this and the remaining chapters that much useful material can be found. For example, the cell averaging technique in chapter 4 is a very useful device for dampening the error introduced by slope discontinuities which commonly occur in financial problems. The authors also give the first textbook treatment of the important class of pure jump models such as the variance gamma model, which are growing in popularity. The chapter on coordinate transformations gives the finite difference version of what some finance people term the adaptive mesh method.

In summary, this book is a must-read for anyone seriously interested in implementing derivative security pricing models. I hope the authors plan to follow up with a more advanced version which can cover such interesting topics as multi-grid, hopskotch, operator splitting, and the like.