Haunting--this book is raw and hontest. I can't get it off my mind. Will be visiting friends doing VSO in northern Ghana soon and am trying to get a copy for them as well.

I read a tattered, much passed around copy of Village of Waiting in my Peace Corps house in a village not far from George Packer's. I just returned in October 2001. Hard to imagine that after nearly twenty years, so much of what Packer wrote about Togo has not changed very much. . . Togo still waits. When people ask me about Togo, I'm still not sure what to say. I imagine Packer is still unsure. All I can say is that it is easy to give up on Togo, quite another thing to give up on its people. Packer's reflections of life in Lavie provide a lot of insight into the life of a Peace Corps Volunteer. This is a book that many PCVs either love or hate. Although it must be said that they seem to hate it when they arrive in Togo, and love it if they read or re-read it later, especially after leaving Togo. Many PCVs have complained that he was too soft, and couldn't handle it, but it is my impression that Packer really understood his reality and that is what made it so hard for him to handle it everyday. He understood the absurdity and hardship, and did not romanticize it. It made him angry. I know how he felt. I often wondered about the characters in Packer's book, as I zoomed through Lavie on my way up-country. Luckily, this new print has some follow-up on the many characters of his village.

For the longest time after reading this amazing and wonderful book I worried about George Packer - how he had gotten on, if he was successful, where he had gone, and if he had written more in the same lucid and painfully honest style he used in this autobiographical essay on his years in Togo as a Peace Corps volunteer. So it was with special joy today that I discovered not only that he's just written a major work (on American liberalism) that has been reviewed by the NY Times quite favorably, but that's he's written other works as well. Truly, Packer has an intellectual honesty that is extremely rare, coupled with an innate ability to put in words the deepest and most sincere and heartfelt feelings of Peace Corps volunteer and of those who have share the volunteer experience, particularly those among us who were blessed with service in Africa. The Village of Waiting is a "travel narrative", you might call it, that transcends the genre. Highly recommended.

I first got hold of this book back in 1982 (or thereabouts), and I loved it straight off the bat. It knocked Ringworld off the top of my All Time Favourite Books list. Great extrapolations, great characters (characters you really get to care about, even though some of them are pretty, er, "out there"), and some great solid adventures. I was at art school in Glasgow at the time, and found Dark Is The Sun such a great source of well defined, richly described people (and non-people), I picked it as a college project to illustrate the cover of the book and depict the main characters. Great fun. If you read and rate good SF and you haven't read this novel, buy it NOW!

PS: Never, EVER lend your books. I had a hardback first edition, sigh...

This really deserves to be listed in the best sci-fi of all time. The story is miles wide, delving into a range of ideas that leave you gasping for more. If you want to read something intelligent that has perspectives you've not come across before, and I mean REALLY new, then you cannot afford to pass up any opportunity to read this book. I've read it many times, and I don't let people borrow it (which really annoys them, because I constantly tell them how brilliant it is). Read this book. Read it again. And again. I envy you your first trip through the pages.

Farmer is the best science fiction author of all time and this book is a truly wonderful read!Definitely a book to read more than once, it is rich with adventure, excitement, and deep thought provoking philosophy. Imaging living in a far away future time when the earth is dying as the sun burns out. Society has become primitive again. There are great ideas in this book which is what one expects from Farmer, who has the most brilliant and original imagination ever.If you have ever read "to your scattered bodies go" or "maker of universes" then you will know what I am rambling on about.

...I had this man's collection! But, short of that impossible dream, this book is the next best thing. John Lanzendorf shares his more than impressive collection of dinosaur art with dinosaur lovers the world over. From some of the better know "paleo-artists" (James Gurney, Mark Hallett) to others I, personally, have only discovered thanks to this edition. It is an interesting expedition to discover the various interpretations of the same dinosaur by different artists; Tyrannosaurus, bulky or lean? Raptors with feathers? Amazing stuff...

Well,I did received this book for my birthday,and guess if I was happy!It is probably the best birthday gift I've ever received.
The title sounds exciting and suggestive,and so is the book itself. It features parts of the Lanzendorf Collection,which is the largest dinosaur art collection in the world. This 160-page book features about 20 per cent of the collection,but it is still amazingly much. Of course,it would be impossible to collect all dinosaur art beeing made today,but if anyone did,John Lanzendorf would be the one to do it. His apartment contains only dinosaur collectibles and artwork - no other decorations!That must be a really amazing home to live in!
With this book,I have the option to view some of the work hanging there. Although this book has some pictures of beautifull,triassic dinosaurs and jurassic ones as well,it focuses mainly on the cretaceous period,which is called "A Cretaceous End to A Lost World". And that is may be because most of the really fantastic dinosaurs lived during the mid-late cretaceous. There are a lot of pictures of T-rex,which is particulary my favorite dinosaur,and the most inspiring one in this book. Some of the other amazing dinosaurs featured here are Sinsauropteryx,Carnotaurus,Lambeosaurus,and many more.
It does have some inspiring,peacefull pictures of plant-eaters,although the pictures of theropods are the highlights.
Each artist has their own,unique style. John Sibbick has an immidiate sense of detail,and is one of the best. Luis Rey has a little sense of surrealism in his detailed,a little strange paintings. Mark Hallet has the classical style in dinosaur painting. John Bindon is the master of black/white dinosaur art.
Donna Braginetz always make it feel so real you believe they are really there!
Of course,the bronze sculptures makes a nice addition to the artwork,and they look very real. Must be nice decorations!
Over all,the combination of the artists`s different talents makes this book a wonderfull coffee-table book,and a unique collection of dinosaur art that should be a part of every paleontologist`s or dinosaur maniac`s library. I know it is quite expensive,but believe me,it`s worth every penny you spend on it!It has been very helpfull to me when learning to paint good dinosaurs,and the different talents makes me take little inspiration from every painting in the book.
So,if you like dinosaurs seriously,this is a must-have!No dinosaur artist should be without a copy of this book.

This is one of the finest dino-art books I've come across to date. Johns collection is by far amazingly complete in regard to his T-Rex's. Beatuful work by all the artists and excellent job of collecting them by John. Highly recommend this book for any collector.

The DK Read & Listen books and tapes are so well produced, I don't mind listening to the tape or reading the book over and over to my 5-year old. We liked the Robin Hood book so well, we also bought Oliver Twist. The tapes are great for the car.

Like most people, I've heard the Robin Hood story many times. No real surprise there! What makes this rendition unique is Mr. Gruffudd's wonderful voice, the book that doubles as a resource, and, of course, the wonderful story of a man more determined to do what was "right" over what was "legal".

Mr. Gruffudd just has a way with British accents. Robin's band of men apparently come from all over the UK - Cornwall, Irish, King's English accents (plus more that I couldn't easily identify) were used. And of course, Mr. Gruffudd's natural Welsh accent told the story.

The book was great. Lots of pictures, lot of sidebars of information. From obsolete jargon to modern pictures of people in costume, these pages in the book help to explain a lot.

The story, of course, is a classic. I would caution parents of sensitive children to consider editing the last chapter or so. Instead of ending the story with the "happily ever after" once Robin and Marian are married, this book follows Robin until his death at the hand of his cousin, who betrays him.

All in all, it was highly enjoyable. A definite recommend!

As a former elementary school librarian, I heartily recommend this audio book. It's beautifully read by Ioan Gruffudd (TV's Horatio Hornblower - more great audio books he's narrated!) and should be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners, even through high school-age students.

The book is a Dorling Kindersley publication, so it's chock-full of visual information and provides outstanding explanations of medieval culture, terms, and expressions. The subject matter ties in with several topics, including folk tales, British culture, adventure, and history. The tape and book should encourage lively classroom discussions.

I can visualize playing this audio book during classroom art time or as a reward. It could also be the inspiration for a classroom play. And, of course, it's a wonderful purchase for children or grandchildren for home enjoyment. Best of all, the price is quite reasonable and delivery couldn't be easier.

This is truly a wonderful book! As you read it you are able to take a journey into the lives of the characters. You not only read the book but you experience it. You experience a different culture, agony, and love. Although the book is about a woman with breast cancer you not only see things through her eyes you also see it through the eyes of her husband.
Anyone looking for a good book to read I recomend this one. Philip Belzunce is a great author. I love his writing style. I have read all three of his books. This one along with "What Really Matters is the Heart", and his newest one, a children's book "Once Upon a Doggie". My children love "Once Upon a Doggie," it's their favorite book.

Philip is a courageous Author! In Heart Shadows he shares an honest and heartfelt account of his experience in dealing with his Mother's cancer and death. Philip gives the Reader a most generous gift by laying bare the variety, layers and intensity of his emotions. In so doing, he allows each one of us to connect to our own dimensional decoupage of emotions.

Although many others have walked a similar path, such a process is still a singular journey. It was truly comforting and inspiring to read Heart Shadows and be reminded that in many ways one is not alone.

This work of the "heart" was emtionally energetic for me. The authenticity of the characters as they are confronted with difficult life challenges,that could happen to anyone,creates a sense of intimacy with the reader. The element of suspense was intriguing and dynamic. His writing style is lucid and lovely.

The profound insight of the author in understanding and describing the impact of a devastating illness on this couple, and all of their relationships, captured my interest. It is informative and educational, as he explores and offers to readers many possibilities of coping and healing.

The inspirational theme of personal transformation through painful experiences, coupled with the healing power of love, was spiritually enlightening for me.

This is a great selection for a book discussion group.

I pencil in the date that I finish reading each article in James R. Newman's four volume, "The World of Mathematics" After a good many years, I now find that I am more than halfway through Newman's remarkable collection that spans 2500 pages.

Newman described his work as "a small library of the literature of mathematics form A'hmose the Scribe to Albert Einstein, presented with commentaries and notes". The topics have been chosen with care. Newman preceded each article with a thoughtful commentary.

The individual articles are not abridgements, but are reprinted in their entirety. Some articles are short, some quite long, some are easy reading, some are difficult, but few are overwhelming.

I have not systematically read section by section. I find that I skip around. Often, after Newman introduces me to some mathematical topic, I find myself sidetracked, exploring other books and authors. But eventually I return to Newman, select another article, and begin the cycle again.

The Newman collection was published in 1956 as a boxed set that occasionally shows up in used bookstores. More recently, the four volumes have become available in soft cover (a Dover reprint) and can be purchased individually.

What makes Newman collection so remarkable? The answer is great original papers, great authors, and wide ranging topics.

Imagine reading Descartes on Cartesian coordinates, Whitehead on mathematical logic, Weyl on symmetry, Dedekind on irrational numbers, Russell on number theory, Heisenberg on the uncertainty principle, Turing on computer intelligence, Boole on set theory, and Eddington on group theory.

I enjoy the biographical and historical articles scattered throughout the four volumes. I especially liked Bell's article "Invariant Twins, Cayley and Sylvester", The Great Mathematicians" by Turnball, and G. H. Hardy's "A Mathematician's Apology".

Mathematicians try to define just what is mathematical thought and how a mathematician creates mathematics. Clifford writes about "The Exactness of Mathematical Laws", Von Neumann on "The Mathematician", Weyl on "Mathematical Way of Thinking", Poincare on "Mathematical Creation", Newman on "Godel's Proof", and Russell and Whitehead separately offer their thoughts.

This is the "World" of mathematics. Newman's assemblage also includes a fascinating, eclectic mix of articles that I have not encountered elsewhere like "How to Hunt a Submarine", "Durer as a Mathematician", "A Mathematical Approach to Ethics", "Geometry in the South Pacific", and "The Vice of Gambling and the Virtue of Insurance".

I have had great fun wandering through this four volume set from section to section, article to article. I assume that someday I will finally read the last article. I expect that I will simply begin again. It would be hard to say good-bye to Newman's collection.

Carl Friedrich Gauss, a famous 18th century mathematician said "Learn from the Masters".

The World of mathematics gives us all this opportunity.

This monumental collection of articles from the Masters throws light on all aspects and areas of Mathematics and mathematical sciences.

Do you want to hear about Boolean algebra from Boole himself?
Do you Want to hear about Turing machines from Turing himself?
From Newton to Einstien, all the masters speak to you.

The collection is well organized into different areas of mathematics. Abstract algebra to Logic to Geometry and Physics
Thru a series of wonderful articles from the masters of the field spanning several hundred years, one can understand the Length and breadth and depth of the wonderful world of Mathematics.

You will slowley understand how mathematics is not just about numbers and counting and measurement. Will slowley begin to understand the unbelievable depth of abstractions it aims to capture. you will begin learning the structure and nature of mathematics..its approaches to modeling the intutive world and then..extend it! In a way you will learn what the mind is capable of and is ultimately trying to acheive!

A personal note: I started reading it during my undergraduate and after more than 10 years, still go back to it for more light. Thanks to Prof. Chandrasekar for recommending this to me.

This four volume set is a gem. I bought this treasure back in 1973 but I still go back to it at least twice a week. The writing is uneven because of the different authors who have contributed articles. However, the substance of the book is top notch. Starting with the number system all the way to the differential calculus and parts of game theory, the book is a treasury of mathematical delights. Just pick a chapter, and you are sure to be sucked in. Another point I wish to make is the design and layout of the books. There are no slick, extra large, shiny page designs here. Just plain 6 by 8 size pages with appropriate black and white diagrams. This is when books used to be more like friends, often in one's company, and much perused. It is truly a shame that this series is out of print. If you happen to find it somewhere introduce yourself!!

Al Capone was a real life mob boss from the 1920's and this is his story

from beginning to end. The author describes the man, Chicago, and organized

crime in the 1920's perfectly. It's almost like your with Al Capone on his daily

routs, on the streets and in jail. Money, booze, and women are what gangsters

desire and this is what the book is about.

The book was very written, and is very easy to read. The book seams like it

is at a sixth grade reading level with cartoons and hand written notes said to be

written by Al himself. It was in perfect order so you the reader could under

stand where the story was heading.

This book is a good read for anyone who likes old gangsters, prohibition, and

Organized crime. I liked this book because it wasn't strenuous to read and had

great info. about Al Capone and his gang. I give this book a four star rating.

It's not a five star rating due to the lack of information on his wife and kid.

Al Capone and His Gang by Alan MacDonald is a great book about Al Capone. It describes his life in a comic book way. It also tells about his bootleg career. The quote I like best is, "I love my job,thats what I'm good at," because I don't see how anyone could think killing is fun. This book also reveals Al's secret diary, and it's the number one source for gangster slang. I like this book because the life of Al Capone is really interesting and full of surprises. I recommend this book to teenagers who love biographies that are suspenseful and full of surprises.

I liked this book because I learned a lot about gangs and their code words like "bump off" which means to kill someone and I really liked the comics on most of the pages. It was a gang book with comedy instead of gore. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in Al Capone.

This is a balanced work of historical detail and personal experience, well written and a great read.

Ardery's account of his life as a B-24 pilot is excellent. From all the training it took to simply get into the planes, to combat in the skies over the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, Ardery's account is an even-handed account of what a bomber pilot's life was like.

The chapter about Ploesti is especially fascinating. James Dugan and Carrol Stewart used Ardery as a source for their book on the subject, and the details of Ardery's part in the raid offer some really interesting stuff. Especially intruiging is the background and fate of Medal of Honor winner Lloyd Hughes, who was flying on Ardery's wing when when he perished.

This book is really good stuff; Steven Ambrose's "Wild Blue" pales in comparison. Ardery doesn't place himself on a hero pedestal, he merely tells of his experiences in a very interesting and easy-to-digest style.

This outstanding autobiographical recount of Ardery's WW2 experiences ranks amongst the top in this genre. Follow his career through flight training and initial assignments, trials, tribulations and finally, a combat assignment. Ardery, his crew, and their B24 participated in several critical and unprecedented bombing missions during the war, including the infamous Ploesti raid. His recount of flying into a virtual "wall of fire", which was the defensive flak being levelled at their bomber, is one of the most horrowing experiences written to date. In addition to this book, those interested in the B24 should definately read Thomas Childer's "Wings of Morning : The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II" which stands alone as the absolute finest piece of literature written to date on this subject.

Phil Wylie was a marvelous fisherman and he delighted in sharing the sport with his readers. Wylie never received the recognition he deserved as an author and it is hoped that more of his titles will be reprinted for a new generation. His humanity shines throught on every page he ever wrote.

I don't fish. But the short stories told in this book are great. If you enjoy great writing and stories with good overtones, then you'll enjoy this book. First read it when I was about 15. I still pick it up and read it at least once every year. I'm mid-40s now.

Set in the 30s and 40s, these short stories chronicle the working lives of two charter boat sport fishermen and their customers who sail out of a Miami, Florida fishing dock.

A great perspective on life in those times and better days in this country. A feel good book even for someone who isn't a feel good kinda guy. I'd loan you my copy, but I don't want to part with it. A book I'd want my kids and their kids to read.

Filled with many personalities and twists, but always with a good ending.

I love this book! Each short story holds your absolute attention, not only for the great fishing, but also the entertaining life lessons each new character brings. You don't have to be interested in fishing to like Crunch & Des, but if you are, you'll appreciate it all the more. I highly recommend this book. I'm buying copies for friends.

Western Christianity, particularly in the United States finds itself in spiritual doldrums. Most people would affirm their belief in God but are not quite sure if God is still hanging around. Philip Yancey provides a wake up call for those who suffer from such spiritual malaise. As a Christian journalist, he has found God in places where we would never expect. God is very much in the world working through men and women in reconciling them to him and one another.

This wonderful collection of essays provide us with a close up view of God's presence in our world. They also deal with those issues which confront our faith and enables us to respond in a spiritual and intelligent manner to those who question us.Divided in six parts, Yancey shows us God without looking, in the workplace, in the headlines and yes even in the institution called the church. His work is inspiring and will make you take a second look at God in your life.

Mr. Yancey provides an approach to God that is no less powerful for its quietness. I was profoundly moved by the stories of those lives which have been lived on the fringes and yet have made such a huge impact for the kingdom of Heaven. This is a must read for those needing to see God in their own lives.

First of all, I like the title of this book. So many people think that God is only present in church or at meetings where miraculous, supernatural things occur. Philip Yancey has found the presence of God in many places, from the squalor and oppression of Chilean prisons to the spiritual and moral neediness of post-Soviet Russia; from the wonders of nature to the basement from which he writes his books; from the writings of Shakespeare to the life of a little-known servant of God who lives to minister to the poor. Plus, his discussion of grace and forgiveness in chapters 34 and 35 is as good as I've read on some tough issues. Any book by Philip Yancey is not to be missed, and this collection is one I'll be going back to again and again.