Miller does a nice job keeping the reader's interest and his presentation of the facts is clear and upfront. However, more than a few times he does go out of his way to present his opinion that the San Patricios where more likely motivated by personal benefit than a search for justice. Fortunately, he doesn't allow his opinion get in the way of the facts letting the reader make his own informed decision.

This book chronicles the rise and fall of the Saint Patrick's Battalion, "The San Patricios," a notable arm of the Mexican Army during the War of 1846-1848. Two hundred deserters from the U. S. Army joined the San Patricios and fought against their former comrades in five major battles. As detailed by the author, the history of the San Patricios is a woeful tale of angry, bewildered, naive, or calculating young men, from varied backgrounds, who deserted for a myriad of reasons and paid a fearful price.

John Riley, the Irish born originator and organizer of the San Patricios, was a soldier of fortune who survived all of his wars. (Riley had the distinction of serving three different national flags in the 19th century) Two-fifths of the San Patricios were from Ireland and the remainder from other European nations or the United States. All of the deserters had been privates in the U. S. Army and several were noted troublemakers.

The casualties suffered by the San Patricios at Churubusco on August 20, 1847, were devastating. Three hours after the battle had commenced, 60% of the two hundred and four men were either dead or had been captured by the Americans. Of the 85 San Patricios taken prisoner, 72 including Major John Riley were tried for desertion. All were found guilty except for one man who was judged insane. Fifty men were condemned to death by hanging, fifteen were to suffer lesser punishments, and five were pardoned.

On September 10, Riley and 14 men were brutally whipped and branded with a large "D." Sixteen of the condemned were hanged that day and four others the following day. The remaining men were positioned two days later on a scaffold overlooking Chapultepec Castle awaiting an American victory. When this occurred, 30 San Patricios were to be launched into eternity. A macabre chapter took place when the condemned men viewed the American flag being raised over the castle. They cheered with eyes uplifted and their loyalties reclaimed at the instant of their deaths.

The victory over Mexico was celebrated by the U. S. military and by politicians as it was the first war fought and won on foreign soil. It involved the first large scale amphibious landing of troops; it provided the U. S. Army with its first experience in occupying a foreign capital; and it crowned manifest destiny as the harbinger of America's future. Four officers who fought in the war became U. S. Presidents and forty-three officers became noted generals in the American civil war.

Mexico lost the war because the balance between politics and the military became unhinged and thus destroyed any semblance of strategy. This resulted in a lack of control on the battlefield. Few Mexican commanders had any idea as to what was happening during most battles. Their tactics were poorly conceived and doomed to failure although the bravery of the Mexican soldier was unquestioned. The difference between the two sides was the fact the President of Mexico also conducted field operations; a relic of European command structure unsuited for the innovative strategy employed by the Americans.

There were many reasons why American soldiers deserted during the Mexican War; the highest desertion rate in any foreign war fought by the United States. The reasons were varied: the severe regimentation of 19th century military life; the harsh and cruel punishment for the slightest infraction; the unpopularity of the war; the Catholic issue; economic enticements offered by the Mexicans such as higher pay, land grants, and higher rank; the widespread prejudice toward foreign born soldiers; and the lack of promotion or advancement in the U. S. Army.

The members of the San Patricios weren't cowards despite the opprobrious words heaped on them by the Americans. Their proficiency and bravery in battle elicited the highest praise from the Mexican Government, "...all the time the attack(s) lasted they sustained the fire with extraordinary courage." On September 12, the anniversary of the hangings and on every Saint Patrick's Day, ceremonies are held in San Angel, a suburb of Mexico City to honor these heroes of Mexico.

Robert Miller constructed his story from known data and from sources hitherto unread. He manages to combine, arrange, and connect a mass of facts with the insight of a very good historian yet his careful scholarship doesn't interfere with nor detract from an exciting tale. He writes with a flowing style so clear and alive that the reader is drawn into this book with pleasure. The footnotes, bibliography, and index are comprehensive and reflect a very thorough job. The battle maps are adequate. It's unfortunate no pictures or paintings exist in order to identify members of the San Patricios.

Miller's book isn't about leaders, winners, or losers. It's about people with their strengths and their weaknesses; their virtues and their vices; and the realization that some people when beguiled by perceived glory, might take a final and fatal step in their lives. If good writing and careful scholarship are signs of a professional than Robert Ryal Miller is a stylish professional indeed.

I loved the book and God knows I love the Irish but nary a word written about the German contribution. The Germans, because of religion and persecution, had more in common with the Irish and the Mexicans than they did with their WASP comrades-in-arms. The Germans made up fifty per cent of the San Patricio Battalion, yet you never hear a word about it.

At 1773 pages, the "Manual of Clinical Microbiology" is a good (medium size) reference for a clinical or diagnostic microbiologist. It offers detailed information on both practical and theoretical aspects of the subject. Its authority is unquestionable. Pathologists, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and anybody whose business concerns infectious diseases will find the book useful.
The only setback is that it is awkwardly expensive. Many potential buyers would be enticed by cheaper alternatives: there are lots of them out there.

This book is comprehensive, well put together and thorough in all of its aspects. It is an invaluable text in the microbiology department. I and my workplace have a copy, and it is the most often refered text in our laboratory only Bergeys and Mandell come close. All aspects including bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, laboratory metheds etc etc are covered it is a one stop clinical microbiology text. I have no resevations in wholeheartedly recommending this book. The only thing I would add is that I would like to see it on CD-ROM

this is very good book , but u have to know the basic back ground of microbiology because , it give u the smallest detaile , and the unusuall things in microbiology, but it is the bible of clinical microbiology

Patrick Arnold has written a book that should be read by every man looking for a male mode of spirituality. By explaining and illustrating male spirituality using Biblical characters as examples of the Jungian and neo-Jungian archetypes (wildman, warrior, king, prophet, etc.), Arnold gives men a meaningful way to look at Christianity and our place in it. A welcome addition to my library and a recommended title for anyone wanting to investigate this subject.

This book is a must read for any man serious about pursuing a radical spirituality. Women who are interested in getting a glimpse of the innermost workings of men would also benefit from it. (WARNING: Many of Arnold's insights will likely be misunderstood/misinterpreted by spiritual neophytes).

This is a brilliantly written and researched work that pulls together Jungian psychology, mythology and the Judeo-Christian Tradition in light of recent Scripture scholarship. Arnold's unapologetic insights about the state of the Church and his biting wit evident in the descriptions of wildman, warrior, king, healer, trickster, magician and lover makes this arguably the most thought-provoking, entertaining and controversial book on masculine spirituality. As Robery Bly remarks in the Foreword, his description of the Trickster is particularly brilliant--I would add to this the Wildman and Lover. Arnold writes with tremendous depth, clarity and conviction of the wounds of contemporary men and all the innumerable ups, downs, precipices, pitfalls and paradoxes that the "hero" will inevitable face. His Bible-based archetypes serve as an excellent map for negotiating this labyrinth.

I would especially recommend this book to young men who are looking for mentoring or spiritual direction. And although a book may not be able to replace a real flesh-and-blood person, Arnold could be considered a "protective figure" that will help guide you along. HOWEVER, I would also add that those men who have not done their inner work or who lean toward fundamentalism will likely not benefit from this challenging book.

Arnold does a terrific job of reviewing basic psychological male archtypes in prominent male figures of the Bible. He uses real life experience, wisdom, and a dry sense of humor to give his tour. He tackles difficult issues facing men in today's society, and connects them with ancient traditions and mythology. It will be an eye-opening experience for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what makes men tick! If you have sons or work with young men, you will find this book to be a valuable guide for leading them into a healthy adulthood.

I really wanted to like this book. I spent a long time trying to justify Lindskoog. And then I realized I was spending a long time justifying Lindskoog.

I think she's right. Her evidence is overwhelming that Hooper has lied and deceived; has presented forgeries to the public and trodden on the name of Lewis. I don't think I will ever again purchase a Lewis book edited by Hooper- because of his forwards, and the possibilities of changes within the published manuscript itself.

But she goes too far. The tone of the book can only be described as vindictive and paranoid. After reading it, I realized that not once did Lindskoog have a kind word to say about Hooper. She lambasted him throughout, and this is really too much. It would have been a much more convincing argument if she presented the errors he had made, as well as the positive contributions. It seems like throughout that almost everyone is against her, and though she lists some pretty famous people on her side, none of them are presenting arguments in support of her apology. All those who actually argue are against her. And some of her arguments are really quite specist. I really don't see the point of the arguments regarding homosexuality- she doesn't actually lay allegations, but seems to simply bring up that there are gay allusions in books produced by Lewis' posthumous editors. A better editor would really have helped this book- shortening it and making her case much stronger by removing those ideas that don't really relate to the main case of the book.

Her case is well supported, with copious footnotes and evidence: a scholarly work. I believe her. But I would rather have not read this work, because of the tone in it: it was not full of love.

. . .follow-up to Mrs. Lindskoog's earlier work "The CS Lewis Hoax".

Informed hobbits have known for quite some time that there have been serious issues of legitimacy and integrity surrounding the writings and literary legacy of CS Lewis, close friend and fellow Inkling of our own great Professor. In this volume, Mrs. Lindskoog continues to trace the history and lineage of Lewis' literary legacy and demonstrates that there has, in all likelihood, been a great deal of fraud and deceit practiced upon lovers of Lewis by a number of individuals who should have known better. Indeed, going a step further than her earlier work, Mrs. Lindskoog examines in detail several specific "myths" which have arisen concerning the life and legacy of Lewis -- myths which should now be considered "laid to rest".

This hobbit can only hope that Mrs. Lindskoog's book is widely read and disseminated among those of our fellows who truly loved Mr. Lewis and respected his legitimate work.

Mrs. Lindskoog makes a strong case in these pages. Eveyone who reads C.S. Lewis should be made aware of the case presented here...a case that is supported by excellent research and a mountain of evidence...a case that makes Walter Hooper deeply suspect as an editor and introducer of the works of Lewis, and more than that, suspect as a man of integrity. If what the book says is true, the way that Mr Hooper mistreated Warren Lewis and misrepresented people after they had died is truly shameful.

I read this book and one of the author's other books, "The Passenger." Davis writes well and obviously intimately knows the kinds of characters, places, scenes, etc, that background his novel. Perhaps it is me and not Davis who is at fault for not awarding this book five stars, but I feel it is missing something. You are whisked along, helter-skelter, through a plot with the requisite twists, turns, and roller coaster plunges... but I want more. I want it to MEAN something. This book is solid entertainment, so maybe I am wrong to want it to snare me at gut level as well as taking me for a damn good carnival ride.

Patrick Davis hit a home run with "The Colonel". I found it fast moving, full of suspense (the butler didn't do it) and a fast read. It is worth the price.

Patrick Davis has a real winner. You may think you know who dunnit but you don't. This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. Suspense from start to finish. I would love to see a new series started with Simon and Martin. You can throw in Amanda too. Bravo, great book!

Let me first echo the sentiments expressed by others and comment on what a beautiful edition the Univ of Nebraska Press has produced. The margins are indeed wide and the type very readable. This edition is easily held, the illustrations nicely complement the text and the binding is quite durable. The introduction by Joyce Carol Oates is helpful albeit pedantic. Also, those who've read the Univ of Calif Press edition of Frankenstein will notice some overlap between this introduction and the one that Ms. Oates wrote for that particular edition. Nonetheless, the introduction is valuable.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of those stories, like Frankenstein and Dracula, that seemingly everyone has heard of and believes they understand("mythopoetic " in the language of Joyce Carol Oates). Much like the aforementioned works, the actual details of the story may come as a surprise to those who assume they know the story based solely on the popular understanding. For that reason alone I think the book is worth reading.

Dr. Jekyll is a respected if somewhat reclusive London doctor who has, through the course of years of experimentation, managed to create a solution which brings to the fore his evil alter-ego. Unlike many gothic literary villains, Hyde is not imbued with superhuman strength or exceptional gifts of any kind. In fact he is of a smaller and less imposing stature than most men. What he does possess however is a complete lack of compunction with regards to others. Hyde for example ruthlessly runs down a small child who gets in his way. As is the case with Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll creates something that he can't control and which eventually destroys its creator.

The inhumanity that the fictional Hyde displays can be seen in the non-fictious world on a daily basis. As such, there is a realism to the story which is missing from many horror stories past and present. The fact that such a short and captivating work exists in an attractively packaged edition makes this one classic that will be a joy to read for all.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a clasic so, naturaly, I had high expectations. I certainly was not let down. It has a totally unique style with much detail and extensive writing. Yet, this novel is a very quickly read novel, unlike other excessively detailed books like Dracula. This book is not boring. This book is fun. It doesn't ruin the plot with too much detail like other books. Other fantasy books are usually not even close to realistic. Whereas Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is close to being conceived realistic. This book has a general morbid feeling to it where other fantasies are sometimes cheerful and happy. Robert Louis Stevenson is a realy good writer in my opinion.
He uses a very wide range of vocabulary. Stevenson uses many 19th Century terms that seem weird and different to me.
One thing bad about his writing is his punctuation. He uses way too many semicolons and comas. He makes one sentence out of six or seven sentences.
This book was not the best book I ever read, but was not the worst either. it was mediocre. however It was miles ahead of Dracula. Dracula is boring, whereas Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is fast paced, quick, and fun to read. its pritty morbid which is kind of a down side, but Since it is very short it is a good book on my list.

The University of Nebraska Press edition of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is beautiful! The illustrations by Barry Moser, woodcuts that progress chronologically through Dr. Jekyll's life as it is described in hints throughout Robert Louis Stevenson's story, are atmospheric and evocative; a picture of a boy being guided by his father, for example, echoes Dr. Jekyll's comments that he has a "fatherly" interest in his alter-ego, Hyde, while Hyde has a son's "indifference" to the father; the cover illustration is a portrait of Dr. Jekyll's father destroyed by Mr. Hyde on a rampage.

Joyce Carol Oates's introduction is worthwhile, especially for those readers who know the story, as most English-speaking people do, in its basic framework, but who have not yet actually traveled the dark road with Dr. Jekyll and his friends.

It is a pleasure to read a classic book in such a carefully crafted edition. Too often books such as this are printed in cheap editions with narrow margins and lousy type; this one fits comfortably in the hand and is easy on the eye as the reader is drawn into this allegorical nightmare.

This review refers to the University of Nebraska Press edition only.

The cleverly titled "Satanic Gases" is a remarkably interesting book. Those of us who follow the greenhouse issue have been peppered with hot rhetoric and ad hominem attacks on the motives and the credibility of the authors. For example, see Ross Gelbspan's book, which makes the preposterous argument that these two authors have somehow convinced the entire nation that global warming isn't a threat, while the 2,500 scientists can't counter them.

But what comes out of The Satanic Gases is far different than boilerplate rhetoric--from either side. It is very highly referenced (so much for the argument that the critics don't publish), comes with the endorsment of the past presdients of the National Academy of Science, the American Physical Society, the past director of the U.S. Geological Survey, and the past director of the Board of Agriculture of the National Research Council.

The argument made has considerable internal consistency--read it for yourself and compare it to others and you may come to the same conclusion. But, moreover, Michaels and Balling provide a neat explanation as to WHY the issue has been overemphasized that breaks new intellectual ground and seems difficult to refute. In addition, the book is surprisingly evenhanded (considering the opposing rhetoric) taking on misconsceptions about this issue whether they are from the right or the left.

That's what makes this book different, and is why you should read it. I've read Stevens and Gelbspan and Gore's new edition (Satanic Gases is currently outselling all of them) and they just aren't as interesting, amusing, factual, or intellectually challenging. This book is a sleeper that is going to have a lot of staying power.

At the outset, I have been a global-warming-as-disaster agnostic. But I have followed the arguments for years and try to read everything that comes out, and I try (but maybe fail) to not "prejudge" if I know something about the authors etc...I also look at reviews with I hope an open mind.

That brings me to The Satanic Gases. The argument is really very simple: The planet warms, partially from human beings, but humans themselves cannot stop what they are doing and in fact have been adapting to this all along. But extreme scenarios get play from a political process that only funds our most lurid problems and a media that exists to sell media (surprise!). In fact, though, future warming is likely to be near the low end of the range, unless almost all scientific models are wrong to the core. This argument is made in very convincing fashion in this book.

What amazes me is that it seems you either agree with these guys, citing the obvious plethora of facts and figures in the book, or you disagree and attack personally. This itself bumps my review of this book up one star.

But, more important--and I hope I am not wrong here--it's beginning to look more and more like Michaels and Balling were in fact the correct prophets about the ultimate (non)-resolution of this issue. They have been screaming this from every available mountaintop (some supplied by industry, others from their University positions--major institutions like ASU and Virginia don't hand out Full Professor from cracker jack boxes) for years now.

I give this book 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)as a result. More evidence: A few months ago Nova/Frontline had a global warming show in which the entire second hour was devoted (without credit) to precisely Michaels' and Balling's proposition: you can't stop it, and you can't even slow it much, so why try? The July Atlantic Monthly is even more telling. A huge piece by Daniel Sarewitz and Roger Pielke concludes 1)The science will never adequately support policy, and 2) We can't do much about it anyway, and 3) We have adapted if we have enough money, so maybe we ought to help poor countries with infrastructure. Pielke was a Democratic staffer for the late (of Southern California) congressman Brown's Science committee.

Hey, those are the same arguments Michaels and Balling make in Satanic Gases, only based upon mountains of data.

It's rare to see (what I used to think) were caterwauling naysayers turn out right, but I am very close to moving off the agnostic fence as a result of The Satanic Gases. It probably doesn't hurt that the book is very well written--I have seen in local papers several Op-Eds by Michaels and he is a very hot, entertaining writer for a scientist, almost like the "Anti-Sagan".

I was curious about global warming. This book answered many of my questions and I'll re-read it and buy a couple of copies for my friends.

Other than my small complaints that I wish it had expanded more and discussed in greater detail on historical evidence of climate change (such as archaeological evidence of ice ages and warm periods like when dinosaurs populated the planet) and focused more on the Sun's impact on the temperature of the Earth, it was an excellent book. I am now searching for more data about the effects on weather from natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires, which were only discussed briefly in this book but increased my curiosity.

I found the explanation of how global climate models are designed to be the most educational part of the book. I appreciated the point that the weatherman on the local news has a very hard time predicting the temperature twenty-four hours or a week from now. That puts a prediction on what it will be like 100 years from now into a better perspective. The discussion on El Nino effects was interesting as was the exposure of some scientists tendencies to select data that best fit into the theory du jour to make their conclusions more dramatic. Although the authors didn't say it, an intentional omission of data or evidence seems the same as a lie to me. I wasn't upset about global warming, I live near Phoenix, what difference does it make if its goes from an average high of 110 to 113 one hundred years from now? But now I am upset about global warming because it seems like a big scam and some very good intentioned people are being seriously fooled.

The book is not a light read. I found I could only take a couple of chapters at a time and it wasn't something to read with the TV on or other potential distractions. I read most of it on a stratosphere warming, transcontinental jetliner when South Carolina was being frozen like never before in December 2002.
This is an important book to read, if you don't know many facts about the topic, you'll get 'em.

My first quick perusal of this book lead to a mild sense of disappointment, but the more I studied the pictures, the more I came to appreciate their artistry. And while the pictures may be from the '60s and '70s, some poses seem very 1950's style. I would also prefer one picture of each model--and therefore more models. But the pictures are of high quality. All in all, a real Mel Roberts fan-either for eroticism or nostalgia-might easily enjoy his videos much more

Wow!! Does this book ever recapture those seemingly inncocent days of the 60s and early 70s?

Some wonderful models, wonderful locations and most of all a wonderfully bright and sunny California sky. Most of the photos have a warmth of light that simply glows from the page..

This book is like the Beach Boys but in photographs and not songs. The images convey a simple innocence and enjoyment. The haircuts and clothing takes you back to those easier, less frenetic times.

The poses range from the very formal style of the 1950s, to the informal 'snapshot' from 1979. The models are, for the most part, not the hulks seen in so many American physique photos, but rather more evryday types of guys. The emphasis is on the young, and if you have a hunkering for the blond surfer type, you won't be disappointed.

Well worth buying.

You will have the most fun with this volume of Mel Roberts' work, if you pick it up without any expectations. It's been over 20 years since Roberts' work has been available to the public, and the collection here is different than any other collection of his work in the past, which mind you, were put out by the author with whatever funds he had available. This time, the guy's got a small-press publisher behind him footing the bill, so there's a sleekness to the presentation that never existed before.

What I loved the most about this book was not the models, or the settings, though both are beautiful and interesting, but the most intriguing element for me was that Roberts' work seems to have captured an innocence of a "time," a time which will never be again. So many photographers today are trying to photograph that "retro" look, and failing miserably at it. Mel Roberts has done it because he was there doing it, capturing the essence of the 1960s, in the 1960s. Besides, the whole thing is very erotic, a must have for serious collectors. I've already bought 3 prints from the book and plan to buy more! Bravo! to Mel Roberts and whomever (FotoFactory Press) had the inspiration and intelligence to bring this man's work out of the woodwork!

First, I am familar with the 6th edition, so my comments concern that edition. I have both learned from (as a student) and taught from (as an instructor) this book. The book's strength is in formal or deductive logic and not informal or inductive logic. (Although it covers inductive logic and critical thinking). This book should not be used by someone who is looking just to argue better, but is much more suited to an academic setting at the level of a senior in high school or college freshman/sophmore. I am not saying that it is a hard read or too technical, as a matter of fact, it is quite basic, but it is too dry for the average reader and you would simply not pick up the information from simply reading it; you would have to work the problems and interact with others who are also reading the book.

Being more familiar with Hurley's FOURTH EDITION, I will relegate my comments to such. This introductory text delivers a formidable subject in an easy-to-ingest manner. His explanations are easy enough for the novice while strong enough to remain a decent reference work for he who only occasionally must call back to to a definition of some fallacy or another.

A really great introduction to logic and the many complicated terms and concepts logic includes. Easy reading for people who have never been introduced to logic before. Includes plenty of exercises with selected answers for self-testing. High quality book, and high quality content. Hurley makes logic understandable and easier to study.

My only experience with Robert Crais was reading DEMOLITION ANGEL. I discovered that aside from DEMOLITION ANGEL and HOSTAGE, he has a series of books starring Elvis Cole, a California Private Investigator and his partner, Joe Pike. Unfortunately, I started to learn about the characters in VOODOO RIVER instead of THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT.

Cole is sent to Louisiana to investigate the adoption of a well-known television actress. He later discovers that the actress (as well as her birth mother) was being blackmailed. There is a second story involving the trafficking of illegal aliens which I ended a little to conveniently. One does not get to know much about the characters in this book. I had no idea what was Elvis' past, age or even a physical description. I heard a lot about Joe Pike but people keep telling me to read LA REQUIEM, to know more about Pike.

VOODOO RIVER is formulaic in which the action tells the story and just ignores the characters and their motivations. I acquired Elvis Cole's first appearance (THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT) and I hope with this I might change my mind about Cole and get to know him a bit better. Crais has a lot of fans in Texas.

To know Elvis Cole is to enjoy him. Once again, Craig brings his excellent dialogue, intriguing plot lines and sense of humor to life. Crais writes as well as anyone in this genre. Additionally, each time he takes on different topics in which to set his mysteries. In Voodoo River Elvis takes his "world's greatest detective" agency to Louisiana and enters the worlds of adopted children growing to middle age and immigration. Despite the change in locale away from LA, Mr. Crais does not a miss a beat. If you are an Elvis fan this is everything you have come to expect. If you have not yet met him, you will enjoy him and look forward to finding another Elvis book. Crais' writing style enhances the telling of terrific story lines.

Too bad the Booklist review gave everything away! There should be a law against the tell-everything review, whether book or film. Part of the enjoyment in reading Robert Crais's mysteries is how he builds his story. It's called suspense. Since the plot has been served up, the only other things to discuss are setting and characterization. As always, the characters are unique and colorful (and the bad guys couldn't be worse villains!) -- and Voodoo River stars an ancient and deadly snapping turtle who figures importantly in the climax (but I won't tell you any more!) This is the installment in which Elvis Cole mets the woman who may become the love of his life, Lucy Chenier. A fast-paced and exciting read.