What would it feel like to be able to go back a couple of hundred years and experience in real life the magnificent vistas of the American west as they were then? Amazingly enough, this book of contemporary photography will magically let you feel that and then bowl you over with its message. It is simply the most moving collection of landscape images I have ever seen. The stunning beauty of these photographs of some of the American West's most spectacular vistas and the inspiration and purpose reflected in the artist's heartfelt interpretations of each image weave together a haunting sense of loss and, at the same time, a deep understanding of what we have done and must now do. It will be a long time before you make room on your coffee table for another book (probably about as long as it takes Mr. Williams to publish the next volume in the project). It will not take long, however, for you to make room in your life for its purpose. Thank you, Wayne Williams, for helping us see again with this important and beautiful work.

I have just spent an enchanted couple of hours visiting 'America's Vanishing Landscapes'. Wayne Williams has produced a visual feast and testament to the beauty of Nature. This book contains so many beautiful images, I felt compelled to write and reccomend it to you.
I am lucky enough to live by one of nature's rain forests in the West Indies. Everyday I am filled with awe and wonder by my surroundings. This book makes me feel the same way. What also impressed me too, was his mastery of the craft and it reminded me of Ansel Adams work. They have combined technological mastery of the photographic techniquies available to them; and have produced a vision that not only speaks to the senses, but also to the heart. This is a rare combination and achievement.

It's impossible to capture the grandeur and magnitude of beauty of nature in a photo but Williams comes as close as you can get in this amazing book. The greatest and worst terrorism is the terrorism against the environment. It dwarfs all the other forms. This book may give people the vision that is an antidote.

As a business administration student who is still learning the basics of a complex U.S. economy, and how it operates, Capitalism and Commerce provides an excellent insight on the moral values, limited government, and contractual agreements that Younkins claims are the foundations to a Capitalistic society.
Dr. Younkins is brilliant in his explanation of capitalism, and presents arguments that are routed in morals and individual choices. He supports these arguments with the writings of philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, and others that offer an insight that is both radical and logical in it's dealings. Dr. Younkins assumes a liberal stance as he explains free markets, negative freedoms, and government controls. He argues against "obstacles to a free society", that prevent one from having individual responsibility, and having the freedom to make individual choices. The book covers all the main issues as it supports the argument for a capitalistic society and true individual freedom, and examines the flaws of a liberal point of view. It is written without emotion, and offers a philosophical point of view that any person can appreciate.
Any student that is a business major should read Capitalism and Commerce. The book has opened my eyes to our economic system that we call Capitalism for better or worse. It shows one that people are human in nature, and that there must be more to a capitalistic economy than just a free market. This book should be part of every business curriculum in the United States, and will offer International students a raw look at Capitalism. Dr. Younkins offers an excellent point of view that is eye opening for anyone interested in business or the economy.

In "Capitalism and Commerce," Edward W. Younkins provides a clear and understandable defense of capitalism. The book covers such topics as: the individual, communities, the proper role of the state, law and justice. The author calls for a "return to the political and economic foundations upon which our nation was born." Dr. Younkins rightly contends that society should be based on a commitment to individual freedom, the free market, and the right to private property. It is through these methods that we can overcome the "obstacles to a free society." I recommend this book to any "seeker of the truth." "Capitalism and Commerce" is both well thought-out and well written. Finally, a book about economics that a student can understand.

In Capitalism and Commerce, the fundamental concepts of a free-market economy are thoroughly discussed and extensively examined. The book is written in a manner that is easily understood, yet remains extremely thought provoking through the presentation of its content. While seemingly written as a philosophy book, Capitalism and Commerce offers much more. Through commentary on morality, law, justice, the common good, work, and personal flourishing and happiness, Dr. Younkins creates a work that brilliantly articulates what many people have a difficult time explaining when it comes to the roots of capitalism. Each chapter builds upon the last; yet, Dr. Younkins has also cunningly written each chapter as an end in itself. Other works are referenced throughout the text, giving the reader a more concise description of the instruments found in capitalism. Also, at the end of each chapter the reader is greeted with a list of recommended readings, serving as a wonderful segway for further reference and/or enjoyment. Upon completion of Capitalism and Commerce, any person will have a clear and definite understanding of what it means to live in a capitalistic society; this, in itself, is priceless.

The year is 70 AD. Hadassah has been captured at the fall of Jerusalem. Taken to Rome, she is bought to serve the Valerian family. The Valerians are having their own problems. Decimus, the father, is very traditional, yet his children, Marcus and Julia, embrace all the decadence Rome has to offer. Hadassah wants to share her faith in Jesus the Messiah with this family, but she cannot find the courage to do so. Meanwhile, Atretes has been captured in Germany and taken to Rome as a gladiator. As their lives intertwine, they will all face problems that will challenge who they are and what they believe.

I just read this book for the first time, and can't believe I waited so long to do so. This is an amazing novel. The characters are strong, the writing is crisp, the plots are remarkable, and the detail given to ancient Rome makes it come alive. Every time I picked up this novel, I was drawn into its world and had a hard time putting it down.

This was my introduction to the books of Francine Rivers, but by no means will this be my last. I am looking forward to finishing this series and exploring her other novels. She is truly a gifted author.

The year is 70 A.D. A Christian teenaged-girl named Hadassah, (who is the only one left of her family at the fall of Jerusalem) is taken to Rome. Sold as a slave, she is to serve the wealthy Valerian family. The Valerians are having problems of their own. The parents, Pheobe and Decimus are very traditional but their children Marcus and Julia embrace all the plesures of Rome. Hadassah is torn by her faith: she wants to share it's wonders and love with her new family, but cannot find the courage to do so. Also, Atretes has been captured from Germania and is brought to Rome as a gladiator. As their lives intertwine, they will face problems that will change who they are and what they believe in.

Francine Rivers has truly created a masterpiece. The characters are so real and believable. The plot is remarkable, and the detail given to ancient Rome makes history come alive. I call this an inspirational, dramatic-historical love novel. The way that the author shows the love of God is beautiful.

I give this book 5 stars. It's a must-read, and I can't say enough about it. It's an amazing story that captivates you and touches your heart. It changes you as a person, it makes you think, and that's what I call worthy liturature. I give it my full recomendation, which is reserved for very few books.

A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers, is a fascinating tale of true love set in ancient Rome. Far from being a sappy love story, A Voice in the Wind combines action, mystery, romance, and history to form a magnificent novel you won't be able to put down. Rivers uses her excellent skills as an author to create an intriguing and thought-provoking novel written from a Christian perspective.
The protagonist, Hadassah, is a young Jewish girl captured in Jerusalem and forced into slavery. Purchased by a wealthy and affluent family in Rome, Hadassah begins her life-changing adventures. Hadassah's love for God and the joy she finds in serving others emanate from her and impact all those who meet her. One such person is Atretes, another main character. Captured and taken from his tribe in Germania, Atretes is forced to be a gladiator. He soon learns the tricks of the trade and goes on to become the premiere gladiator in all of Rome.
One of the wonderful aspects of this book is its characterization. The characters in A Voice in the Wind are anything but flat characters and Rivers portrays them exquisitely and realistically. Though Hadassah is the heroine, she still comes across as a plausible person with real struggles. The reader feels as if he or she can truly relate to the characters and that they are actual people.
Though A Voice in the Wind contains some characteristics of escape fiction, it is creative and original. Although not interpretive, the novel is full of meaning and expression. One theme in particular is portrayed throughout the book: Serve God, love others, and your joy will be complete.
A Voice in the Wind is perhaps the most enjoyable book I have ever read. Characters such as Hadassah and Atretes and the glamour of ancient Rome will captivate you and each page you turn will be a new adventure. Meaningful and thought provoking, A Voice in the Wind is also fascinating from cover to cover and I highly recommend reading it.

G Wayne Miller's amazing book the "King of Hearts" is a wonderful book that will captivate people from all walks of life.

For those of us who have been touched by Congenital Heart Defects and Heart Disease the book touches so many chords it is hard to describe.

Reading this book from a mothers perspective( my son had open heart surgery at seven months of age) truly gave me new insight into the brave and courageous pioneers of open heart surgery.

Surgeons of today can truly thank the pioneers such as Dr.Lillehei for his conviction to pursue the development of techniques that have been passed down through the years. Many of our children would not be alive today had it not been for his perserverance and determination.

King of hearts is a book each of us should read.....heart defects and heart disease touch so many lives and it is authors such as G. Wayne Miller who bring the history of heart surgery to the present day with such caring and understanding.

G. Wayne Miller encourages us to remember in our hearts the people whose lives were lost in the pursuit of the answers to the mystery of open heart surgery......the sons,daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers they all were someones loved ones.

Thank you for writing this book.........from the heart of a mother.

Being an adult patient with a congenital heart defect, I was looking for some kind of hope that surgery would be promising for me. After reading "King of Hearts" not only was I amazed at how far surgery had came and how much safer it is now than then. I could not put the book down for wanting to know more about the peoples lives that went through the surgeries and the young Dr.s that performed them. Looking at the faces of the people in the photo's in the book made me feel even more like a part of that history. But what astounded me most was the determination of Dr. Lillihei to continue with reasearch after all his set backs. I can honestly say that G. Wayne Miller has made what some would consider to be an educational history book so interesting that I wasn't able to put it down.

"King of Hearts" is an engaging adventure into the world of heart repair 50 years ago. Mr. Miller tells the story of Walt Lilihei, one of the pioneers of open-heart surgery, with spirit, accuracy and compassion. He is ever sensitive to both the goals that Dr. Lilihei had and the lives that were lost in the process. Instead of viewing these lives as just statistics, we see how they were people, loved and valued by their families, who had no alternative but to try surgery. Their deaths are respected and honored, as they went before the world knew what it knows now about open-heart surgery. But they were instrumental, as was Dr. Lilihei in teaching the world what it knows now about repairing the heart.

Although some stay away from biographies, "King of Hearts" stands alone. It is a fast-paced, exciting exploration of one man's search to radically alter the surgical options for heart disease. Once one picks up this book, it is difficult to put down. I confess to reading it straight through the moment I received it. The reader wants so very much for Dr. Lilihei to triumph, to find a way to save his patients. And Mr. Miller's style of writing is enough to keep any reader engaged. He writes with energy and with a no-nonsense portrayal of this great man. He skillfully avoids the overtly technical and instead writes for the layman reader, though I have no doubt that those in the medical field will also enjoy reading the story behind the facts they learned about Walt Lilihei.

I am reminded of Grisham and Turow in the reading of this text, yet Miller stands quite by himself as well, marking out an aggressive and fast-paced style of writing which tells both the facts and the emotions but never dips into pathos or excessive sentimentality.

As Mr. Miller points out, Lilihei was essentially as human as any of us. His faults and virtues are both explored in this excellent text. He is in essence the quintessential hero, and his story could easily be taken from the great Greek tragedies. As portrayed by Mr. Miller, Dr. Lilihei is man against nature, sometimes trapped by his own failings, and sometimes triumphant in his earnest attempt to better the human race.

And the fact that Dr. Lilihei succeeded in his efforts makes this book both triumphant and glorious. As with the modern day film "Rocky," one gets to cheer the accomplishments of someone who fought against the odds, while at the same time recognizing that these accomplishments were sometimes overshadowed by a questionable personal life.

"King of Hearts" stands as a contribution to the wonderful texts which tell of the indomitable human spirit, of the need for man to reach out and better man. It is as much a study of human nature as it is a retelling of the field of cardiology in the early days and the frustrations which doctors encountered when they had to let their patients die because no surgical options existed. This book surpasses a mere retelling or biography and instead becomes an example by which other biographies should be judged. In other hands, this subject might be dry and overly technical, but in Miller's telling it comes alive and teaches us all a little bit about ourselves and the human condition. Bravo to G. Wayne Miller for his extraordinary talent and for this extraordinary book!

Very highly recommended... but be certain all your lights are on when you open this beautiful but disturbing book.

Although Barlowe's searing INFERNO imagery is rendered in a somewhat less photographic, more "painterly" style than his earlier books I have, it's dead-on target for depicting this eternally skin-crawling, hyper-grotesque netherworld. Helpfully described by a sort of narrative text, the twisted inhabitants of Barlowe's raging nightmarescapes purposefully go about their unending torments with skull-shredding focus: their horrors make bizarre sense.

I first went through this visually and spiritually cacophonous, masterful work on Christmas day. What contrast: listening to carols about angels from Heaven, while staring at demon-shrieking souls in Hell.

Final note; don't miss the deliciously caustic JUSTITIA OMNIBUS at the bottom of page 2.

Barlowe seems to have drawn his visions of hell directly from some deep, primordial ancient memory within us. His illustrations are haunting beyond measure, and seem to resonate with a subconcious picture of what many of us must think the hell of religion and legend must be like. His illustration style departs from his work on Expedition and his other earlier work. His style in Inferno has an ephemeral quality, leaving the distinct impression that there is still something just beyond the edge of perception, beyond the ink on the page. The text makes a perfect accompaniment, providing palpable texture to this world of Barlowe's. As dark as the subject matter is, this is a beautiful book and should definitely be in your libary.

Depicting an artist's descent in to hell, Barlowe's Inferno is a richly stunning masterpiece. This hell is not a simple pit of torment, not limited to one religions preconcieved notions, and definitely not a place you would want to be. Everything about it screams of human suffering as the souls of the damned are cruely ground down in to the very stuff hell is made of. One of the other reviewers mentions that the depictions lack sympathy for the souls of the damned, but indeed how can you have sympathy for the souls able to wonder when every brick of the behemoth structures surrounding them is itself a soul, when the very dirt is constructed of souls so old and torn they have become agonized fragments of dust. From the Demons Major and Minor with their regal stances and manor bearing witness to their once grace filled state, to the lesser demons completely alien and yet frighteningly recognizable, to the bricks that stare at you with their sorrowful imprisoned eyes, this book is simply captivating.

right here in the pages of this book. Dyer talks about the need for present-moment awareness and the importance of living life on your own terms.

Basically the book can be boiled down to a few simple ideas:
1. Be your own best friend and cheerleader.
2. Don't let someone else's bad day become yours.
3. Don't be afraid to try new things.
4. Don't blame your heredity, race, sex, locale, or family for who and what you are today.
5. Don't be in awe of others, especially those in authority.
6. Remove guilt from your life as quickly as possible.
7. Enjoy sex as the gift from God that it is.
7. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

I remember when I first read "Your Erroneous Zones", I felt as if I had always known deep down inside the very things I was reading. It helped me break out of some ruts, particularly with regard to some past incidents and view them in a whole new light.

One drawback in the book and it is a small one, is in the area of relationships, particularly marital ones. There are going to be times that one partner will want to give up something for the other. There will be times that one partner may be dependent on the other and there is nothing wrong with that. Especially if both parties are in agreement and consent. There is a certain amount of freedom that you give up in order to be in any substantial relationship. I think Dyer over-stresses the idea of complete personal autonomy in a couple of places, but thinking readers can pick out and adjust the ideas to fit their own lives.

The important thing to remember here is that each of us is unique with our own set of talents and desires. Although we live in a world that sometimes does its best to break us down and take away our individuality, WE are the only thinkers in our own minds and we have the right and obligation to be ourselves so long as we do not infringe on the rights of others.

I know as the years have gone by that Dyer has gotten into more esoteric and spiritual modes of writing and lecturing and gained a whole new following through those pursuits, but as far as I'm concerned this is the best book he ever wrote. This book will work for you regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs. It was the first and best of its kind. The ideas are as timeless and fresh as they were twenty-five years ago: Enjoy being yourself.

I read this book when I was fourteen. I am now seventeen. Wayne Dyre told me the truth in this book about life, the TRUTH that requires no logic because it is so simple. At the time I read the book, the truth was something that the adults I knew and depended on had lost long ago, and which I was in desparate need of. Thanks to his book, my life took a turning point. Rather than feeling confused by the strange and painful circumstances surrounding me, I learned how to see them clearly. I saw past the surface of problems and to the core of what made people tick. Dyre, in ERRONEOUS ZONES, relates his understanding of human defense mechanisms and how they effect others, and how you can deal with the people around you that use these mechanisms as weapons. Best of all, you can learn how to destroy your own. And once you do this, and you stop functioning from your ego, your problems will become clearer. Don't get me wrong. Magical solutions is not what this book offers. It does, however, offer a sane perspective on living with your problems. And the trick lies in the fact that the perspective and the solution are one in the same thing. This book's message will open the door, but you must step inside. It is a great book. Please read it for yourself. And if it affects you (as I know it will) in the same way it affected me, give it to family and friends. They may be defensive about accepting, from you, a book that they feel is "self-help," but after having read ERRONEOUS ZONES you'll understand why they resort to this type of reaction. READ IT, AND PASS IT ON!! the truth is rarely so evident as it is in this book. And i've read a couple of his other ones, but this one was by far the most powerful. Dyre really gets it. Maybe you will too.

This wonderful book was recommended to me by a good friend who told me, "it helped me learn how to knock my old habits." I thought it was worth a shot. I picked up a copy at the bookstore & started reading... The first thing I have to say is: thank you Wayne Dyer! Your Erroneous Zones is a guide for everyone. We all have habits developed in our growth years that are influenced by our society and parents...most of these habits are what keep us in a detrimental "comfort zone" that pervents us from embracing the true happy, loving self we really are. I have circulated my now worn and dog-eared copy to all of my friends and family. The wonderful life choices they are making now are thrilling to me because I know they have used this book as a guide to teach themselves self-love & self-worth. So have I. Thanks again Wayne!

This is a first-time read of one of Randy Wayne White's books. He's highly regarded in mystery circles and is from the talent rich Florida area (Carl Hiassen is my favorite). In TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS he doesn't do anything to tarnish his or Florida's reputation.

Doc Ford is a marine biologist who captures sea creatures for laboratories around the world. He becomes involved in a mystery that began 15 years earlier when a gifted girl found a 400 year old medallion and was later found hanging, supposedly by suicide. After her grave is dug up, Ford becomes deeply involved with a wide array of unforgettable characters. The father-son duo of rich politicians in search of higher office are the main villains set square in the sights of acid-tongued Ford and his uncanny intelligence and physical ability to get out of trouble. He doggedly pursues those who interfere with his attempt to solve the mystery and find the medallion. He cleverly disposes of his enemies in unique ways that are creative and permanent. This was a fast and entertaining read, well worth the time on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Randy Wayne White does indeed deserve the crown of successor to John D. McDonald. You don't realize how much better White's fiction is until you read Tim Dorsey or one of the other South Florida wannabes.

Doc Ford is at it again with his nutty sidekick, Tomlinson. Unlike "North of Havana," where Tomlinson's eccentricity becomes a nuisance, "Ten Thousand Lakes" makes the loveable hippy a nice contrast to Doc's more subdued (and ultimately lethal) manner.

The plotline, about a Spanish medallion with a cursed and spotted history, moves along briskly with an action-packed finale. Doc Ford's penchant for violence stays within the realm of believability and his survival tactics are exciting.

A fast and satisfying read.

Mr. White has the ability to capture the atmosphere of Southwest Florida as well, if not better than Jimmy Buffet does through his many songs.He is a master story teller that takes the reader along for a ride, with you being next to Doc Ford from Page to page. This book, was impossible to put down. Mr. White's ability to make the reader understand the effect of uncontrolled civilization on the barrier islands; to the fury of an approaching hurricane, leaves one, with a great admiration for the man, his imagination and intellect. I encourage all to read Ten Thousand Islands, and then continue the adventure with the entire Doc Ford series. I can hardly wait for his next work, fiction or non-fiction. Randy Wayne White truly loves Southwest Florida and his work shows it.

Wow! What a book. This book is great because it easy to read and simple to understand. Dr. Dyer has laid out 10 secrets that can only help make your life more enjoyable and allow you to identify with the inner spirit which is YOU.

Dr. Wayne Dyer has made significant contributions to advancing the course of peaceful, full lives through some wonderful writings. "10 Secrets" may be one of his best works to date.

The power of this book lies not in the words, perse, for many of his thoughts in this book are buried in others of his treasures. The power of this book lies in combining these thoughts together towards a powerful result. Each secret is loaded with wise information, and each one is both independent but related on the others. Reading this book is like looking at a masterful weaving, you can admire the handiwork up close, as well as stepping far back and taking in the whole view.

Another wonderful thing about this is in it's brevity. This is an easy book to sit down and read in one setting. The power is, however, to not read this book quickly, but deliberately. Dyer has so many important thoughts in each secret that it takes time and effort to ponder the depth of his sentences. I would advise you to read this book at least twice. First, read it all the way through. Upon that initial reading, you'll feel a tremendous, immediate sense of peace. Then, go back for further study, read, memorize, learn.

It's impossible for me to state my favorite secret, for all of them really lend themselves to self-empowerment, and allowing me to take control of my life as I never thought possible. The book's style lends itself to looking like a book you'd just give someone for a gift. Look beyond that, and look for the honesty deep inside.

Buy this book for yourself, and for any friend you know needs a little peace in their lives. It's worth the journey!

If you take a minute to go through my other Amazon.com book reviews you may find surprising that I'm reviewing this book and actually giving it the maximum rate. But I was certainly caught by surprise one Sunday evening, already preparing for the long week ahead, when I turned on the TV and saw Dr. Dyer on PBS right on the beginning of his 10 Secrets special. I was riveted to my recliner and even found myself writing down the ten secrets as they were presented.

Regrettably I didn't make the pledge that night that would help funding my local PBS station and as an appreciation gift would give me a copy of the book. But I kept thinking about the ten secrets and ended up buying the book. It took me just a few hours to read it for the first time and it was a very pleasant reading experience. Now I'm going trough it at a much slower pace taking time to reflect on every secret and trying to apply it to my daily life.

Dr. Dyer transmits on the book the same serenity I had seen on TV. The book itself transmits good feelings with its cushion cover, pastel tone pages, and bugs and birds drawings.

I tend to disagree with the title of ten secrets for success and inner peace. I would get rid of the success part since at least on my point of view success reminds me of the rat race, greediness, competition and getting rich at all costs. I would be happy only with the inner peace.

I don't share Dr. Dyer religious beliefs but it doesn't really get in the way of enjoying this book. It's certainly a great gift for just about anybody and a great book to read over and over again. 5 well deserved stars.

Leonardo Alves, Tucson Arizona, July 2002

This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid just starting out to read Science Fiction. It's sort of like one of those "real" nature books with drawings, habitats, and biological information, but it's all about aliens from major Science Fiction authors. You figure the authors of this book have got to have a lot of information to put something like this together. For those of a puerile nature (or those who read a lot of Niven's rishartha), they even have some alien species' mating habits. In the middle there is a scale diagram of all of the aliens' sizes which was my first exposure to the wonderful world of the metric system. Buy it, read it, in will enrich your Science Fiction library

The premise of this book is: The authors have taken various characters from various science fiction works and have visualy recreated them and write about some of their culture from what is in the books. This is one of the best Science Fiction art books I've ever read!!! and if you've read some of the books that these aliens are recreated from it's even better!!!! Colorful pictures, explanations, and even a couple of pages showing the comparative sizes of each of the aliens!!!!

What a great book! Barlowe is a wonderful painter of aliens. I have been looking for this book for years, ever since I saw it in a science magazine. Some of the best illustrations in the book are those of the "Cryer", the "Old One", the "Pnume", the "Medusan", the "Sirian", and the "Overlords". The only problem with this book is that the pictures make you want to read the books they are from, and 99% of these books are out-of-print! Urghhhhhh!!!!

The recruiting process is so confusing, that athletes and their parents (who are going through the process for the first time) need to learn the reality of recruiting. This book explains the problems with getting your child noticed and how to overcome them. Plus, it was written by a former college coach who knows first hand what recruiting is like.

Everything you ever wanted to know about athletic recruiting when your high school coach doesn't do it for you. And here's a hot tip. You can go one better than your high school coach, Mom and Dad. Check out the opportunities at West Point. Almost everyone there is a scholar-athlete, and all on full scholarship plus getting paid [...] a year! And, best of all, if you get hurt, you don't lose your scholarship! To find out what West Point is really all about, read Norman Thomas Remick's book, "West Point". In conclusion, Wayne Mazzoni did a great job. His, "Athletic Recruiting & Scholarship Guide" is the book that tells you everything you need to know. (Unless you become interested in West Point).

I work as a high school guidance counselor and was told to learn as much as possible about the recruiting process for sports. I bought all the books on the market and this one was BY FAR the best book out there. We bought copies for all our student-athletes.