This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the Culinary Arts. Beginning with a brief story of the origins of contemporary cooking with Escoffier, going through Hygiene and Sanitation, Kitchen Equipment and utensils, covering all the necessary techniques for the future Culinary Professional, clear, step-by-step illustrations and excellent pictures, this is the most complete cookbook I have found. It combines both the French techniques with the collaboration of Le Cordon Bleu Chefs and the American influence with the expertise of the author. As a Chef Instructor, I will use this Professional Cooking as reference for all my future classes.

I am a student at Scottsdale Culinary Institute, an LeCordon Bleu school in Scottsdale, AZ. This book is the first that we are issued and is used as a standard reference throughout our twelve month curriculum. It may be somewhat confusing for the home cook as there are many industry terms used, and all of the recipes are scaled for large production quantities. Nonetheless, it will give you a great idea of how things work in the food service industry and start you off to better home cooking techniques as well.

I am currently enrolled in the Chicago Cook and Hospitality Institute in Chicago and this is the book that is required for all the classes I have taken thus far. It is an excellent text. It teaches both cooking and baking techniques. It is very clear and concise. The explanations in this book are great. The recipes taste delicious! I would reccommend this book for everyone with an interest in cooking and baking!

A book for the ages. There have been many people whom have stood up and pointed out misdeeds, injustices, and false representation. Sometimes these people face tremendous trial and trouble, especially when they probe deep into the fibers of the tightly woven fabric of such a lukerative and powerful institution as the Democratic Party. Mr. Perryman as an author takes a very unique approach at exposing very disturbing truths deeply hidden in the history of the Democratic Party. This thought provoking book is going to stir up a lot of controversy and trouble, and put Mr. Wayne Perryman in the hot seat. And rightfully so, how dare a man bring forth the notion that the Democratic Party has been anything but good to African American people? Truth is truth, Mr. Perryman's accurate research brings out the hard hitting facts. Read this book, get informed, and decide where your loyalty should be. In order to understand the tendencies of an institution, you must understand its origination. My eyes are further opened, this is a MUST READ for every person of all nationalities and political background. History and knowledge know no color or political party. Get to the truth.

I met Mr. Perryman last year as he was writing this book and was fascinated by the concept of a former Democrat black leader researching the connection between Afrian-Americans and the Democrats. I didn't realize that in the end the facts---Congressional and Presidential records, would show nearly zero advancements made under Democratic leadership and all of the major milestones achieved by Republicans. From slavery to voting to civil rights, Democrats promised, Republicans delivered and Mr. Perryman chronicles it all, backing it up with facts.

Unfounded Loyalty: The Blind Love Affair Between African-Americans and the Democratic Party, is a hard-hitting exposé of the Democratic Party's disgraceful history of oppressing Blacks.
While it exposes a tragic history of abuse of African-Americans, Unfounded Loyalty also reveals the Republican Party's largely unheralded record of supporting Black aspirations.

I highly recommend it!

WOW! What an eye-opening and mind-expanding experience and journey this book has been.

I thought I knew at least a little about the roots of my political party. But after reading this book, my whole perspective have been given a massive injection of truth and revelation.

Rev. Perryman is to be congratulated for this incredibly well researched and thoroughly referenced work.

And yes, it's a bombshell book. You will read and discover on almost every page, some new fact or gem of truth that time, the media, and the Left have attempted to wash away. Rev Perryman, brings back into the light the irrefutable truth of the history of the Republican Party and Black America.

If you are remotely interested in either, you should put this title on your MUST READ list, and should be a book that you give to others this Christmas.

This is a truly great book. By providing a detailed account of the major 'purge' of Cuba's intellectuals in the 1990s, the author examines and analyses the delicate and intricate relations between the apparatus and the island's renowned intelligentsia. Some issues (often taboo even for Western academics) are approached very directly and very balancedly, such as the blurred border-lines between research and espionage, and the relations between genuine intellectuals and Cuba's repressive apparatus - indeed, the same apparatus that occasionally purges them. The arguments contained in this book derive from genuine evidence of crucial importance, namely those would-be classified documents, which somehow leaked out of Cuba in 1998 and were published by the author, causing great embarrassment by the Cuban Government, and an uproar among intellectuals, artists and others. Over 100 pages of those documents are contained in the book itself. Altogether, this is excellent reading. It is extremely central to the study and knowledge of today's Cuba.

An absolute must for anyone studying Cuba or communism in general. This book provides a fascinating account of the unknown secret struggles within Cuba's political élites. Thanks to classified documents he was able to obtain, this author - a young and promising Oxford and Cambridge graduate - puts us into the picture of the delicate and intricate power games at the regime's peaks. Thrilling throughout all its pages, and very easy to read.

In this book, Maurizio Giuliano has been able to collect material which may otherwise have been destroyed, on the secret tensions and divergencies among Cuba's political élites. It is the first time that this type of documents are published, enabling scholars and others to know more on this delicate issue. The stories of repression against Cuba's dissidents are no news, but the repression and internal purges within the élites are something very different, which can indeed tell us a lot about the prospects for change in Cuba 'from within'. This book therefore does a marvelous job. It constitutes an extremely valuable source, as well as fascinating reading with extremely astute intepretations and observations.

Just when you thought you knew just about everything that goes on in a NASCAR racing organization, Mr. Miller throws another card on the table. There are several books about NASCAR in general, and a handful that details the lives of only the highest profiled drivers. All of them are good books, but none have masterfully captured the heart and soul of the subjects like MEN AND SPEED.

The attention to detail is astonishing. So much so that the reader will feel like they are right there during the moment. I constantly had to remind myself that this is NOT a fictional account. It is not often that you find a book that won't let you put it down. MEN AND SPEED can easily be added to that prestigious list. Mr. Miller has found an ingenious way to bring this amazing year of Roush Racing's triumphs and struggles to all levels of readers. If you have never followed NASCAR, this is the perfect introduction. If you have been a fan for many years, this is the perfect companion.

Mr. Miller superbly takes his first hand experiences with the Roush Racing organization and paints a no holds barred picture of what goes on beyond what the television cameras show us each week. Through this book, one cannot help but feel closer to Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Jack Roush and all who support them, in a way that could have never been imagined. I found myself laughing at Jeff's comical antics and comments, feeling Mark's anguish over the fans and journalists who called him a quitter, calmed by the quiet, mild mannered Matt, agreeably frustrated along with Kurt about his performances and lack of meeting his own expectations, and left in absolute awe over this incredible machine that Jack has built and nurtured. I now have a better understanding of the addiction to speed.

If you have ever had any doubts about reading a book about NASCAR, let those doubts dissolve with MEN AND SPEED! You will not be disappointed! This is definitely a book that has been long overdue for NASCAR fans, Roush Racing fans and those just now discovering America's fastest growing sport! Kudos to Mr. Miller for a job well done!

As someone who is fortunate enough to be involved in the behind the scenes activities of stock car racing, I can tell you without hesitation that this is by far the best look into the inner workings of not only Roush Racing but of the entire sport of NASCAR. Miller has written an informative, exciting book about one of the most fascinating seasons our sport has ever known.

Miller was there when Earnhardt tragically died at Daytona and the controversy that followed. He was there when Kurt Busch, now a star in the sport, got his big break. He shared victories with Jeff Burton and anguished through the tough times with Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth. He witnessed first hand the trials and tribulations of Kevin Harvick. And he got to fly in a vintage WWII plane with Jack Roush. In other words, G. Wayne Miller was there and he takes you with him on an amazing journey over the 2001 season that you will long remember.

'Men and Speed' examines the true personalities of those obsessed with speed from one of the most interesting, entertaining, investigative writers I've ever had the pleasure to read. I highly recommend it to every fan of Roush Racing, NASCAR and especially to those who are only now discovering one of the most popular sports in America today. Buy this book!!! You won't be disappointed.

I am a new Nascar fan and looked to this book as a way to get behind the scenes of one of the sport's best teams. It was great! A highly entertaining read, the reader gets "backstage" passes into the life and times of the Jack Roush racing team. You get an inside look at what it takes to be a driver, the highs and lows, and also learn that being a driver is not all roses. This is a particularly tough year for the Roush team and the reader can feel the unfulfilled expectations and frustrations. In fact, not one of these talented drivers had the kind of year that was anticipated.
A superb book for both Nascar fans and people who enjoy going behind the scenes and learning about how an industry works.

Ancient Coin Collecting (1996) by noted numismatist Wayne G. Sayles is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the often passionate and rewarding hobby of collecting ancient coins. The discount price offered by Amazon.com makes this book a must buy for anyone contemplating the purchase and study of ancient coins as art and as a hobby. Basic information such as numismatic terms and their definitions, and the processes involved in how coins were made, is followed by descriptions of several ancient cultures and the coins commonly attributed to them. The author then spends considerable time to outline where to find ancient coins, how to buy them, what to avoid when considering a coin for purchase and lists numerous sources throughout the text for learning more about them. There is a very useful section on attribution, determination of authenticity, and finally, tips on beginning organized collections that will increase both in monetary and asthetic value with each addition. Although this book is titled volume I and five other texts are apparently to follow, Ancient Coin Collecting stands on its own and may be the only book of its kind necessary to spark a prolonged interest in this fascinating hobby and for some a lifelong pursuit and passion.

As a collector over 30 years on Chinese and modern world coins, it's an adventoure for me to probe a totally different field of coin collecting - the western world ancient coins. What I need most is something to show me the way, to give me an outline, to guide me to the right direction, as well as to keep me interested at the unfamiliar new world.

This book serves my needs exactly as it starts with very basic but substantial introduction to the ancient western cultures which are not familiarized by an oriental like me. Then there are good references provided, among them I appreciated most the last part of Chapter II, "Ancient Coins and the Internet", and also Chapter VI, "Numismatic Literature". Those information show a beginner to a broader view and an easier access in continuing his collection interest.

I would say the most fancinating part of this book is surely Chapter VII, "Identifying Ancient Coins". It's systematically arranged thus I can get a clear picture of different categories of ancient coins, together with fundamental history background of the coin issuers. That is, indeed, far more interesting than just reading a coin catalogue.

For anyone who intends to start ancient coin collecting, this is the book to start with.

In about 200 pages with over 200 photos in 10 chapters and 6 appendixes, Wayne Sayles masterfully brings together in his own unique and engaging style a wonder ful introduction to the ancient coin collecting hobby. The writer is the former publisher of the most popular magazine dedicated to the hobby of collecting ancient coins is written from the vantage point of an enthusiastic collector who knows.

The first chapter is a general history, the second forms the core of the 6 volume series - it outlines the Greeks, Romans, Roman Provincial, Romaioi ( Byzantine ) and Non-Classical cultures who made the coins that are part and parcel to the ancient coin hobby. The third speaks to the Antiquarian tradition, the fourth and fifth are sort of "news you can use" about clubs, shows, the market and the emerging internet's role in this hobby as well as other topics. Chapter six is about coin literature which is this author's strong suit as a former numismatic publisher and it lists by specialty a good bibliography of books to buy that are the standard references for that section.

The seventh chapter goes into great detail about identifying ancient coins and is copiusly illustrated and chock full of easy to read tables, charts and lists that are in eye friendly fonts, some books make you squint but not this one.

The eighth chapter chapter is more of the "news you can use" sort of info, it is focused on how to collect. Mr. Sayles shows some ways to collect thematically and tackles cleaning, slabbing, grading and authentication. The ninth chapter talks about aesthetics - the coin as a work of art. The tenth and last chapter ( one page really ) speaks to the hobby's former problem of it being a "Robinson Crusoe" hobby, the loneliness that used to be felt until the advent of the internet.

This book is full of personality and avoids the snares of some other introductory works like lengthy quotes printed in dead languages, eye reddening fine print and a lot of obtuse verbosity in general. This book could be just as easily digested by a precoscious 6th grader as it could by a seasoned classical coin lover steeped in years and experience. My only wish is that when it goes into a second edition that it include some topical index in the rear for speedy reference that more traditional reference works have. Otherwise this book is extremely well executed and it will be a long time before this book is replaced by a worthy successor. Mr. Sayles has done well by the hobby with this book.

I am fortunate enough to call both Bob & Phil my friends, and I was there at the Chinese restaurant the night they left.........and the night of their triumphant return home! The book is awesome. I'm not a big college sports fan, but I was entertained thouroughly by their "amazing stories" of food, beverages and collegiate hijinks across America. Every parent should read this to know just how their hard earned money is being spent at schools and universities nationwide! It is a must-read for college football fans, and even those, like me, who were only interested in the "fun"!

This book does to college football what Pavarotti did to opera. The authors have captured the essence of tailgaiting, partying, and eating Chinese food in the back of a rundown limo. Reading this book is like being on tour with the authors...What's next? Movie? Play? Book on college tennis? I can't wait to read their next work.

This book is truly amazing. what is better then reading a book about football, college and saturdays. a must read

I received this book as a gift and it will always be very special to me. I know it will be a book I will read more than once. The story line is interesting and fun. The characters are lovable and wonderful each in their own way. It would be hard for me to choose a favorite, because there is something in each character I connected with, even Haddoxes. And as for Clover Bay - well, I can only say I would love to live there. I can't wait for the next book from Dr. Haley.

The entire family loved this book. It kept you captive from start to end. I didn't want to put it down (just had to know what was going to happen next). I'm only sorry it took me so long to place my review because I truelly enjoyed this book. I am anticipating the release of the next book.

Wow, what a wonderful and great book! I really did not want to read another new hopeful author but for a promise to a close associate I determined to give it a quick perusal. So out of obligation, I finally picked it up and could not put it down. After placing several inquiring to noted colleagues in New York and Hollywood, I learned that the author has several other books out there to be published and this one to become a movie soon. My sources say that he is the hottest new author in years. I look forward to the other books and the movie. Haley is certainly in a league of his own. I am now a fan for life.

This book is amazing and far outpaces the nearest competition in the 'lets imagine if' category of illustrated science fiction. barlowe's artwork is center-stage and exquisitely detailed. my only complaint is that the book should have been at least 3 times larger...i wanted more creatures and siphonovores! maybe barlowe will read this and get to work on a re-visit to darwin or another new planet (hint hint!)

Barlowe has created a detailed world full of amazing flora and fauna! The incredible art work in the book is amazing and will let your imagination fly! The only two things that would top this book would be a sequal or a movie!

I'm a fan of science fiction, but before reading this book, hadn't been too exposed to sci-fi art. Barlowe is a gifted host in the fantastic world of science fiction art. I read this book over a period of three or four days, and couldn't wait to get back to it. The pictures are amazing, and the story is gripping. Barlowe is an incredible artist and storyteller, and I hope to see more of his work in the future! Highly recommended.

If you read one book on the Little Bighorn make it this one. I read it in one sitting . . .couldn't put it down. Sarf has given an easy to read, level account of the events leading up to and including the battle. Clear and easy for the novice to follow and yet broad enough for the avid buff. A great over all account of one of the darkest days in American history.

Here's where to start if you want to read just one book on the Summer Campaign of 1876 against the "off-reservation" plains indians. This paperback from 2000 is a reprint, with a few minor corrections of misprints, of the 1993 hardback edition. The only actual new text is the "preface to the revised edition," dated May 1999.

Sarf's approach is even-handed, and he has a real eye for telling details and for vivid quotes from participants and eyewitnesses. Boxes set apart from the main text give needed detail and background, particularly on individuals participating. A great deal of exotic color is provided by the various indians who rode with both sides in the conflict. For example, riding with General Crooke were The Other Magpie, a beautiful female warrior, and Finds Them And Kills Them, a transvestite who dressed and lived as a woman except during battles! You don't encounter soldiers of that calibre in most military histories!

The Summer Campaign of 1876 is distinguished by the almost staggering military incompetence displayed by the U.S. Army leaders. Apart from Custer, who generally seemed to know what he was up to, and the canny Nelson Miles, virtually every commander in the field seemed to be clueless, cowardly, vacillating, and in a couple of cases (Gibbon comes to mind at once) apparently paralyzed by mental illness.

Well-written and extremely readable. If you have ever wondered how Custer really got into that very bad fix, this is the best place to start your quest for understanding, and Sarf also offers a good annotated list for further reading.

Wayne Sarf has researched all the master historians in the past and present to provide a fascinating well written history and objective book on the LBH and Sioux Campaign. The book tells the complete history of the campaign from its inception to its finale, Custer's and the Sioux's as a free people. Sarf quotes both the participants concerning their actions in the campaign as well as perspectives of major historians. He also offers his own views based on the historical record and logic. An important example is his evidence and commentary concerning General Terry's June 26th rendezvouz which is pure fiction and self serving. As Sarf well proves, Custer acted judiciously and appropriately based on the information, circumstances and the expectations provided to him in synch with all the military commanders . Unfortunately for him, the circumstances changed once he was committed to the attack. Wonderful perspectives including side bars on the military participants, weapons and Native Americans. Also includes a readers guide for additional reading including critiques and some cheeky comments.

My sister got me hooked up on Randy White's Doc Ford novels this summer. I am from Sarasota so it was interesting to read about action and adventure occurring in an area that is close to home. This is the first Doc Ford novel and although I liked it it is not my favorite.

Doc is an ex-NSA officer that has returned home to SW Florida to start a new life. He is a marine biologist (his front while being an NSA operative) who is the owner of the one man operation Sanibel Biological Supply. He lives in an old stilt house on fictional Dinkins Bay that also serves as his lab. Close by, at Dinkins Bay Marina, are his neighbors and friends. His best friend, Tomlinson, who reminds me physically of the character Jeff Bridges played in The Big Lebowski, lives on a sailboat at the marina. The two are opposites that author White has said in an interview represent his own coming to terms with his logical (Ford) and spirital (Tomlinson) sides.

This novel has Ford rescuing a dead highschool friend's small boy from a group of radical terrorists in a Central American country. Ford's NSA past is revisited as he sets off to save the boy with the freespirit "hippy" Tomlinson by his side. This novel has a twist for an ending and like all White's Doc Ford novels gives you a history lesson to boot.

White was a saltwater guide and does a wonderful job of explaining different mysteries the Gulf in that part of Florida holds. He also knows the ins and outs of a marina's micro-community and does an excellent job of describing how it feels to live with a group of boaters on the water. Also, White has done a great deal of research on the Calusa Indians of Florida as well as the ancient peoples of Central and South America.

As I said, this is not my favorite Doc Ford Novel. My favorites were Captiva (dealing with the Net Ban issue) and Heat Islands.
But it doesn't matter which one you start off with, if you like one, you'll like them all.

One of my favorite authors has always been John MacDonald with his Travis Mcgee sreies. The only problem is because of MacDonald's death there isn't anything new. After reading a newspaper paper article I decided to try White and his series about Doc Ford. Doc lives in Florida in Dinkins Bay. White has given Doc a personally that is kind of laid back but he is always on the edge of something new, sometimes a new lady to consider. This guy addes a new demension to the term of getting lucky with ladies in Sanibel Flats. Randy has included a very funny section in the book about a baseball game in the middle of a jungle. All Doc wants is to have his life continue from one point to another without a lot of problems, fat chance! With his friend Thomlinson, one of the strangest but most interesting people that I have seen in a book. Doc uses all his talent and abilities to get in and out of problems throughout the book.
If you are a fan of John MacDonald or just enjoy a good adventure story with people who aren't superhumans you'll enjoy Randy Wayne White. He's the kind of guy who lives next door.

The best way to read this page turner is by actually being in Sanibel. Sanibel is indeed still Florida'a Florida. This is the last unspoiled place in Florida and Randy Wayne White captures it in all its glory. In addition, he brings forth yet another Doc Ford adventure with its many twists and turns. This is an intelligent person's mystery series and the perfect way to escape on a hot, lazy day.