This is a very good book to get you started on issues such as encryption, public/private keys, message digests, certificates etc. The authors do know what they are talking about and I enjoyed going through it.

At the same time, I sometimes found repetitive text and code examples that are too elaborate. I find that most books these days try to cover too many topics and are unable to do justice to all of them. It almost seems like an obsession to achieve a certain number of pages or the buyer won't notice the book on the shelf. I'd probably blame the publishers and editors for that trend.

I would have preferred if the authors had added more depth than breadth to the book. For instance, I would have preferred if they had stuck to cryptography and skipped other aspects of java security. They possibly could have gone into further depth (behind the scenes) on the Java classes and their usage patterns. Also they could have dedicated a whole chapter or appendix to JCA and JCE, compared to the few pages they did.

But do not get me wrong, this is an excellent book which could have been made better by shortening some sections and elaborating some others.

I've never worked with security before, and found this book to be a GREAT introduction. Only under-average chapter is the one on JAAS. Furthermore a description of every term in the back of the book would have been great (believe me there's a lot of new terms in security for new newbie).

The cover of this book has photos of the authors, who have the boyish good looks of candidates for a 1990's boy band. The contents of the book belie the apparent youth of the authors. They both know the topic well and how to explain it. The not only know about how Java security works now, they also know about the quirks and peculiarities of the history of Java security. They don't seem to mention it anywhere in the book, but the authors created a nicely modified version of the GPL version of the Terraterm ssh client. Having read some of the Terraterm code I admire them for even making sense of it.

Unlike many of the Wrox technical books this is not a million page, multi author, multi topic tome but 520 pages that keep strictly to the title topic. There is plenty of information on the net about Java security but it is often hard to find and not explained well. This book goes right from the basics of explaining algorithms to giving substantial code examples for creating secure tunnels to manage database connections. I have read about public and private key algorithms several times in the past but the analogies used in this book really re-inforced my understanding. They explain the ideas behind some of the different encryption algorithms by using analogies with the characters in Hamlet the Shakespearean play. They go through the various permutations of how Hamlet could send a message to the king of England using a box locked with various key combinations. The analogies get longer and more involved with each algorithm, but they worked well for me.

Chapter 10 has a long example and explanation on how to create an SSL tunnel server, whereby they JDBC calls are redirected between a client machine. The idea is that you configure your client system to refer to a database on a local machine but the SSL tunnel server intercepts these calls and transmits them over the secure connection to the machine running the database. A matching program on the remote machine then redirects the calls to the actual database. This is a very similar concept to using an ssh tunnel, but you can run both portions on any machine that has a java system. This is a little like having a Java based VPN.

In one of my jobs we used the example code as the basis for a system for synchronizing files and directories between two different machines. This was an alternative to using rsync over ssh, as it it gave us operating system portability "out of the box". If we had not had the code from this book for the key ideas it would have either taken much longer, or we probably would not have started it at all.

One thing that would be good in a revised version of this book would be a step by step guide to installing SSL in Tomcat. It is not hard, and you can find how to do it easily on the net, but many people who buy this book will want to do it.

If you are thinking of putting Java applications on the web you will want them to be secure. Knowledge is the key to security and this is the shortest best informed route that knowledge. You probably need this book.

Laws of the Night contains just about everything you need to run or play in a Vampire LARP. I say "just about" because the number of contradictions and vaguaries make house rules a necessity. However, if you're a creative soul, I've found that this is really the only book that you truly need. If you're prepared to deal with situations that the rules don't cover and are capable of covering interpretations of the book's many contradictions, then you'll be fine.

It's fairly well-written and not too hard to reference. The photographs for the book leave a good deal to be desired. The models and scenes are corny and are a great source of amusement, but do little to contribute to the feel of the game.

If you're interested in LARPing, then pick it up. The mechanics are useful to know and can cover a wide number of games, not just Vampire. However, if like me you collect roleplaying games as interesting reads I'd pass it by.

Those of us with a long history in the live-action roleplaying genre remember the days of "Masquerade." I myself own every version of every Mind'e Eye Theatre product published, and one can easily see this book's vast improvement over the original game. The disciplines are certainly much improved, and a good stab was taken at Mob Challenges.
However, I feel the need to point out a few problems with the book. More than afew exist, but I'll get back to that.
Firstly, Storytellers and players should make perfectly clear which rules they'll be following. Make notes of specific pages, as the book is ridden with contradictions.
Secondly, rules vagaries still exist everywhere. As though contradiction wasn't bad enough, the rules thoroughly fail to cover even the most likely permutations. While White Wolf has a long history of "purposeful vagary," this might sometimes be qualified as sheer laziness.
Lastly, it should be pointed out that while the rules allow characters to be much more powerful overall, this is totally untrue in crossover games. The new Laws of the Hunt Revised allows mortals to out-Trait 11th Generation Kindred. Think about it for a minute.

In summation, this is an excellent book, but I must suggest that anyone running a game using it make very clear which rules and permutations you're using, and allow players access to your notes on Discipline use. My organization produced four pages of vampire system specific rules modifications and additions as well as a 53 page rule book covering the basic systems like Abilities, damage and Merits & Flaws. While this may not be a requirement of your game, some notation is almost certainly needed in any environment.

This is the new edition for minds eye theatre covering vampires in the world of darkness. A must for any vampire fan or live roleplayer, since it contains the core rules for play and all the information needed to set up or play in a game. For experianced players, the system has been revised and while broadly similar to previous editions, the changes made have been heralded as improvements over the faults in the 2nd edition rules. In brief, the best larp system's newest edition, which is an all round improvement on previous editions. Essential.

it's a good story. and i like the fact that we are told the story from Judas' point of view. you get to see the politics surrounding christ and you see that judas isn't evil, just a man, a patriot. but the writing style is boring, slow, and dull.

The idea of telling the world most famous story from the point of view of the most hated character in history is brave and good. Judas, the man Dante put in the last and most hideous circle of hell -that destined for the worst traitors- is here just a man, but not a mediocre man. By the time when Jesus was already preaching, Israel was in political turmoil (hasn't it always been?). Several political factions were conspiring against Roman rule. Of them, the zealots were one of the most radical.

Judas, apparently, was a member of this group and, simplifying Caldwell's plot, seems to have sincerely taken Jesus as the future King of Israel. This he would accomplish by political and revolutionary action. As Jesus refuses to take real action to depose the Romans, Judas gets disappointed and finally betrays the man he thought would lead them to victory, but instead kept on saying strange things, uncomprehensible for a man of action like Judas. I think no one can take away from Caldwell (a writer I don't really like) the merit of having written the story from Judas's point of view, in a reasonable and plausible plot. Just for that, it is worth reading it.

Anyone who enjoys reading, fascinated with Christianity, or simply is Christian themself will take pleasure from this detailed, descriptive, accurate depiction of the Life and Death of Jesus Christ. While the termonology might take you off guard at first, and while I agree an previous understanding of the segmentation of Judea and the way in which it was positioned under Roman rule during the life of Christ can help, there is no requirement to take an apprecation from "I, Judas." Personally, at a time in my life when the world did not make much self, this book was one of the first things to interest me in the Person of Jesus Christ, and since then I have become a deep and committed Christian, and a future priests. The authors are in my deepest thanks and gratitude.

I have two "Clanbook: Tremere" books -- one is the 1994/98 edition and one is this 2000 edition. While the feeling of the book is different as one reviewer states because it is told from a different viewpoint, the facts, the information, and the descriptions are pretty much the same. In terms of new paths and new rituals, I found "Blood Magic" and "Guide to the Camarilla" more informative. I think the new view of this book follows very neatly into the overall changes in the tone of the game books. Something very useful are the examples of character design and info on how to fit a "Mind's Eye Theater" player into a table-top game or the reverse. Frankly, our game is a bit of both -- I have had some really really great players/actors so it gives me reason to continue collecting and reading the books for this game. I just feel a bit like this one wasted some of my money because so much is a repeat.

An interesting book with great insight into the Tremere Clan. A must have for all who play Tremere

This books recounts Tremere history yet again. However, unlike the original CLANBOOK TREMERE- a classic source book, revealing the secrets of a mysterious clan- here a young Tremere narrates. Since most player characters tend to be young Tremere getting a sense of just how much such a character would know is very helpful. There are sidebars from a more ancient Tremere, hinting at how the narrator has been influenced by propaganda. (This assumes some background knowledge. You can find that in both the original CLANBOOK: TREMERE and TRANSYLVANIA BY NIGHT. The Tremere legend develops further in NIGHTS OF PROPHECY and TRANSYLVANIA CHRONICLES IV: DRAGON ASCENDANT.)

While Clan Tremere is still highly organized and authoritarian, the description of Tremere society here allows more freedom. It's now possible to play an anarch Tremere with no clan contact and easier to imagine what interests more traditional Tremere would have beyond clan business. Basically, there's less internal politics and more to make Tremere playable in a mixed coterie. However, there's still detailed description of Tremere organizational structure. There's also a bit about the destruction of the Tremere antitribu and (now that they're gone) details on how the curse marking the antitribu worked. (Gee, thanks.)

There are many good features- Tremere derangements, merits and flaws, a generous Thaumaturgy section with new rituals (some repeated from the original, some important to Tremere operations) and paths (one revived from DARK AGES), as well as explanations of how Tremere use clan disciplines, an all Tremere coterie, notable Tremere and character templates including spooky occultists and anarchs. MET statistics are often given. The only failings are small organizational problems (we hear about the "Transubstantiation of Seven" long before there's any explanation of what it is) and the need for familiarity with other material to appreciate the full picture.

Don't let the title fool you, this book has nothing to do (unless it served as inspiration) with the hit song by DC Talk. In fact, it doesn't have much to do with Jesus, freaks, or Jesus Freaks. The book was written in the 1960's and has aged rather poorly (hyppies were the newest form of youth rebellion). The book stresses the themes of compassion and tolerance, lessons which never can be emphasized enough. However, it does so with universal/Unitarian values, which are not what Christianity is about. Jesus was compassionate and was full of tolerance, but Jesus was not a universalist; all ways do not lead to Heaven as testified by Jesus himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the father except through me."

The book is rather short, but is not an easy read. In fact, in most places it is rather boring. However, there are a few good stories and some very interesting poetry. Also, although the book is dated, its age serves a useful purpose in exploring how the Church dealt with all the changes that occured in the United States during the 1960's and early 1970's. Overall, a boring book with little purpose outside of historical research.

This book is full of the true reason of christianity, we all can get a lot out of this collection of short stories. If everyone could read this book the christian church would be a lot closer to God. This book emphasizes high points of faith, and low points of todays church. Great for youth groups and teens. If you only read one book ever read the bible, but if you read two read this one.

A great book. I was intoduced to LARP role playing through Laws of the Acension, and I havn't looked back. The book can be a bit confuseing for new player who hasn't ever played either table top or LARP before. Perticulary if you're a table top player trying to make the switch to LARP. It's not easy. But if you read the book, and have a freind or two near by who can help you out with character creation, then it's a great buy. I wouldn't suggest it for a new player who can't ask his or her freinds about it.

But if you know your stuff, and if you find mages interesting, and you want somthing other then Vampier intruge and Werewolf blood baths, try Mage, it's not only a great mix (if you want a blood bath, then you can have one, if you want a socail game then by all means try it) but the best part about mage is it's flexability. Mage allows player to play almost whatever they choose, and if your into crossover game with other types of supernaturals, then mage is great for that too.

So if your a newbie, I'd try somthing diffrent, however, if you know your LARP and you want a change of pace, try Laws of Ascension. It's fun and truly interesting.

This book is the best Minds Eye theatre book I have read yet. WHile it does have some minor problems in it, overall it is simply beautiful, though i HIGHLY suggest any prospective players or buyers also get a copy of mage Revised, and a copy of the Tradition book they plan to play in. Great work, White Wolf, it was wort the wait.

This book is a nice history tool. Whoever who was there at the eighties would remember the epic "Colas war" between Pepsi and Coke. You could have a lot of insights about advertising, diversification and marketing at the time with this book. Problems are: (1) This is obviusly biased, for Enrico couldn't write a book granting any victory to Coke; (2) What happened next: Goizueta became sort of brahman of the business community of America and the main topic of Enrico's book (the debacle of New Coke due, according to him, to Coke's despair because of the excellent performance of Pepsi which in turn lead to this well-rememberede disaster) has became a classic case of how a leader turns a catastrophe into a golden opportunity. Of course, debacle it was when the book was written and I bought all the insights of Enrico, but almost 20 years after it doesn't seem such a problem at all. At the end, in spite of this book, considering the market value of Coke and the results of its planning, probably it was Coke's army leaded by Goizueta who won the war if it was a war at all, since nobody call like this any more.

While reading this book, I actually felt like I was in Pepsi's corporate headquarters, in Purchase New York, listening in on their strategic planning and implementation. Roger Enrico wrote this book when he was just the president of Pepsi USA. He tells a great story of the underdog going to battle with the giant. Today Enrico is the CEO of Pepsi CO, and responsible for the spin off that created the new company Tricon. Reading this book will emphasize one's understanding of the importance and value of having a good mentor. Also, after reading Enrico's accounts of the "cola wars" one may never want to watch television or go to the movies again, because all of the real life drama is created by the competition that corporate America thrives on. Enrico points out that Pepsi alone sells enough soft drinks in a year to float an entire armada, and then proposes the question "why?" As he says, water is a lot cheaper and booze provides a better kick. Its all about great marketing. Once I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down.

Wells has a beautiful way with language, and it's unfortunate how short this novel is and how flat certain passages are. I believe Wells was trying to convey how Simone felt disconnected to her family and to her own passions through the language, but somehow it just didn't connect for me. I think the story is marvelous and full of potential. I was reminded of Violette Leduc's "Therese and Isabelle" somewhat. And I heartily identified with the idea that through forgiveness for familial abandonment one finds peace and passion. I hope Wells only improves from here.

The Price of Passion was hands down, well, at least one of them, the best erotic novel of this or any year. Jess Wells explored the satisfaction of a fully lived, fully passionate life with her best writing ever. A gorgeous novel, guaranteed to keep your finger on the button. Jess Wells has always been an extraordinary writer, but with The Price of Passion she moved into the rarified circle of the great authors, those who can capture a character, a setting, an event, an emotion, with complete care and utter mastery.

My copy is nearly a year and a half old, and amazingly, looks "almost new". Of everything I own, it's the only item that gets abuse, and abuse it gets. It gets dropped, laid open with other books on top of it, etc. I use it constantly. I must. I'm a terrible speller.

Rarely do I look up a word that's not included (and I look up some obscure ones !), and it has lots of extras. The "New Words" section is funny. It has everything from "Abs" to "Yada-yada-yada"..."Guide for Writers" (I should read that someday !)..."Avoiding Insensitive and Offensive Language" for the politically correct out there..."Glossary of Business Terms" if you need to figure out the fine print on a document, and much more.

The words entries are in a bold clear print, making them easy to find, and the quality of the paper is excellent and of a good thickness (I have many dictionaries with paper so thin the print on the reverse side is visible).
It's a sturdy little volume, ideal for daily use, and it's bright red and yellow cover makes it a cheerful one too.

With 60,000 entries and fine clear typeface this 7 X 4-1/4 X 1-3/4 portable is just the ticket for the reading table. Its beautiful glossy, dark red cover makes it a nice accent piece as well.

Unfortunately it does not travel well, since the cover and binding can not take much abuse. For the briefcase and the beach, the Langenscheidt Pocket Merriam-Webster (also 60,000 entries) with its slightly smaller size, sturdy binding, and flexible yellow plastic cover is better suited.

The book is short and to the point .It is covers the important features of analysis in a very practical and easy manner allowing anyone and everyone to make almost absolutely correct deductions with very little practice.I feel the it only lacks the depth of the subject and proper explanations for the conclusions but then probably it would have required the book to be much more detailed and the simplicity of the book would have been robbed.