This is a great book for people interested in acting and don't know where to start. It is written in a language that is easy to understand.This book takes you step by step, from just starting out to being an established actor. I would recommend this for all aspirating actors and actresses.

I think everyone should read this book. It only serves to make us realise how lucky we are and how we, especially in the West, can have nothing to complain about. The sufferings of the various women who in some cases had to fell trees in -50 degrees centigrade for 600grms of bread a day is inspirational. At some points I felt that I was ready fictional accounts as I found it hard to believe that mans inhumanity to man, or in this case, woman could be so mind numbingly awful - and for what.....truly terrifying. Exceptional read you will not be able to put it down and the strength of character of the women will stay with you long after you have finished the book.

I Teach Total Quality Management in Islamic Azad University of Iran. I use thise book for teaching. Thise book is a good reference for students.

I just completed review and reading of Porter's Bio. on Coltrane and I must agree with most of the positive comments on this book. I also found the comments regarding Dr. Simkins book to be a little unforunate, because I spent a lot time verifying much of Simkins work. However, I believe this to be the best book on Coltrane I've read. It compares with Bill Coles book which I also think is particularily good with respect to the musical analysis. As a musician, I was fascinated by the explanations on Coltranes' musical formulas and use of wonderful motifs. I have numerous transcriptions from Andrew White, but without the discussion of some of the mechanics it was difficult to understand how to apply the works. I wish Mr. Lewis would have included additional photos. I believe there is a wonderful opportunity for someone to issue a photo Bio. on coltrane which would be well received. I consider myself a Coltrane expert and own almost all legally published materials (some bootlegs too)on "Trane", but I actually learned some new "stuff". I recommend Lewis' book wholeheartly. This book will give you a real opportunity to appreciate Coltrane and understand how "bad" this "cat" really was.

Lewis Porter's bio of Coltrane is, so far, the best. After reading 4 bios of Coltrane, each new one more disappointing that the last, I've finally found a reliable source of facts. Mr Porter has done his homework: the chronology, at the end of the book, is worth the purchase alone. He does not get into interpretations, preferring to stick to the facts. He has also avoided the tendency to make Coltrane look like a saint, a tendency so common in other books about Trane. The musical analysis can be hard to follow if you're not familiar with musical theory, even though it looks as Porter has tried to make it as easy to understand as possible. This is the only biography of Coltrane worth reading.

And the layout is great too. With loads of musical examples, transcribed solos from Giant Steps, So What and more, plus some very fine pictures of Trane. It also has perhaps the most thorough analysis of A Love Supreme I've ever seen. And all material and things written in this book has a documented source, so that you know everyhting that stands there is true. All Coltrane fans shall rejoice over this book. And if you're not a Coltrane fan, you will be after you've read this book. Marvelous!!!!

Such a dismantling of the greatest team of superheroes on Earth...all by the mind of one of their own. This collects one of the biggest stories of the comic world in 2000. Also includes issue #42 and the JLA Giant 80 page edition. The story itself is top notch (Mark Waid at his finest...check out Kingdom Come if you want more proof of his finest). The story is logical makes sense (well, as much sense as you can be with this plot).The art can get bland at times, but it suits its purpose of moving the story along and conveying the action. And it's very economical, considering back issues would be twice the price (at least!). I would recommend this to anyone who has a interest in superhero comics or just want to read a interesting tale.

If I wanted to be chintzy and point out all the logical flaws, etc that plague this series, it would only be three stars. But I believe that given the fact that I've reread this story 20 or 30 times,means the overall story overcomes those inadequacies.
So much spoiler information has been given away already, I won't contribute further. Let's just say that this is one of the most important Batman stories anyone's EVER done. We receive more insight into his mind's inner workings, and get a hint that he's not that far removed from a guy named Frank Castle. Except for the "no killing" thing.
This story is also important because it both sets up and is influenced by Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. The reverberations continued through to JLA Divided We Fall and in other DC books in months to follow. This is an indispensible book.

Not since Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns do we get such an in depth look at exactly how far Batman is willing to go in his pursuit of justice. When his greatest enemy gets hold of his personal files on his Justice League teammates, the consequences spell catastrophe for the JLA. While not quite as good as some of Waid's best stuff, this story gives vital insight into the uncomfortable relationship that Batman has with the JLA. Tower of Babel is a vital story for anyone following DC universe continuity, with repercussions throughout the other mainstream superhero titles.

Very helpful for my 1958 Land Rover restoration. It helps me to verify which part of my Landie's restoration to be self-made, and which part to be ordered. Now that my Landie's restoration done, I was very proud of my Landie. Thanks to the book.

I own several books on Series Land Rovers and this one is a much loved volume in my workshop reading and reference library. As someone who is currently restoring a 64, SWB, Series 2a from the rolling chassis up, I can say without any hesitation that this book is every bit the masterpiece.

Whether you are a novice starting out or an old hand looking for a good general restoration guide this book covers many areas in detail that some of the workshop manuals don't. This book is chock full of photographs with easy to follow text and is full of brilliant advice on all things Series Land Rover. I cannot recommend this work highly enough as I have found it fills the gaps that my other manuals don't.

Contents include detailed discussion of Heritage, Buying and what to look for in various models, the pitfalls of different models and the like. Section three gets straight into the Bodywork where the detailed photographs and text begin. This takes you right through every facet of the Series 2's body. There are notes on Series 1 restoration and mechanical restorations which are detailed and lavish with some exploded parts. Finally you are taken through a nice Interior and Electrics section and the book eases you down with information on Chassis numbering, Tech specs, Workshop safety issues, Development Milestones, Production Figures and so on. A Superb work that should be on every Series Land Rover owners shelf.

This book deals with all that happens between "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." One of the main charactures is Prince Xixor. He seems to be another of the Emperor's cronies. Like Darth Vader. Han Solo is frozen in carbonite. Leia and Luke are trying to find him and bring him back to "the land of the living." Anyone who enjoys watching the movies and reading the books should read this book without delay.

All right, Star Wars fans! You waited for the story of what REALLY happened between the Movies (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) and now you got it! Wondering "How did Luke all of a sudden become a Jedi Knight in Return of the Jedi?"? Or maybe "When did the second Death Star start?"? Well, here it is! And if you liked the game... You'll LOVE the book! Han Solo is frozen in Carbonite... Luke Skywalker is becoming a Jedi... And the Empire has the alliance in their grasp! What will happen? The suspense is endless. The battles in this book go into so much detail, you'd swear you were actually there! Pick it up... YOU WON'T PUT IT DOWN! The best Star Wars book to date! Experience Shadows of the Empire!

I thought this was a wonderfully written book. I thought that the author did a great job of keeping the tone and the wording of the book in harmony with that of the other two books. I have read other books that are about Star Wars, and it didn't feel like the story flowed the way it should in the hands of these new authors. This couldn't be said for Steve Perry. If I hadn't seen his name at the beginning, I would have thought that George Lucas himself had written it. If you are a lover of the Star Wars movies or books then you should read this book. It answers a lot of questions you might have about some of the things that take place in Return of the Jedi

"Rock of Ages" is the best superhero comic book story ever written. Part 5 was so good, I needed a cigarette.

Grant Morrison's talent on the JLA is that he handles all of the characters better than anyone else. His Superman is very Superman. His Batman is extremely clever and competant. The Martian Manhunter is patient and wise, Wonder Woman is strong, and Green Lantern is a bit clueless but very capable. This is pure fun the way superhero comics are meant to be.

This book is truely the best ever, as I said in my last review. I recently re-read this book, and I was blown away by it's amazing story line, brilliant characters, and superb illustration. I don't think that words can do this excellent book credit. If you only buy one thing ever, buy toilette paper, if you buy two things buy JLA ROCK OF AGES!

Rock of Ages is, in my opinion, the best part of Morrison's highly entertaining run on the JLA. The story is brimming with cool ideas and un-restrained day-glow heroics, and the whole thing has a rediculously FUN feel to it.

It's not as good as Morrison's mind-blowingly surreal work on Doom Patrol, The Invisibles and Flex Mentallo, but few things (in any medium) are.

A thouroughly enjoyable slice of superhero madness that captures the sheer buzzing energy of the best silver-age comics without ever feeling retro, this is a must for fans of OTT superhero action!

The format, color plates and essay about Porter's life are all well done. However, it seems to me that despite his excellent reputation, Porter at best is a mediocre painter who draws awkardly. If you already like him, buy the book. But if you are looking for good representational art, look elsewhere.

It is no secret that Mr. Porter was a rogue of twentieth-century art. Where abstraction and "modern" themes ruled the endeavours of most contemporary artists, Mr. Porter returned to classical figuration. He did, however, have something new to say. Spike sifts through the strata of Mr. Porter's life and connects them well with development of his work. He helps the reader understand Porter's unique vision amidst his tumultuous and, at times, bizarre activities. To an untrained eye, Mr. Porter's paintings may appear to be the work of a mere amateur. However, careful analysis of both this text and the color plates, not to mention actual museum visits, yield a wonderful fruit: a more lucid appreciation of one America's greatest painters to date. That is reward enough in itself. If the work of Mr. Porter captures you, investigate Morandi, Diebenkorn and the Bay Area Figurative Painters, and the contemporary landscape painter, Neil Welliver. Enjoy.

An intimate gem of a book with Porter's biography threaded through luminous paintings of portraits and landscapes. A book I treasure and recommend to any painter, especially plein air painters, for both inspiration and to add to the shelf of resource books. When I purchased Wolf Kahn's book, Porter was listed on Amazon's "customers who bought this book also bought:" I'm glad I went for it. A great recommend! nhammerart@earthlink.net

In this new take on the original story of the JLA, writer Grant Morrison describes the battle with the alien hyperclan that forged the union of seven of earth's greatest heroes...well...he fails to please...

The story is fast paced but the characters have ghostly roles that lack depth & the power to attract. Superman has grown his hair in a silly style, WonderWoman is as always abscent from the actual events...Aquaman & the Martian Manhunter are denied their distinctive introvert qualities...The Flash is supporting cast & the Green Lantern is a casual bystander. Only Batman shines in a good plot & his actions are drawn to make a difference.

Morrison offered the JLA some decent stories later on but this is not the way I like to remember the start of the team... the enormously superior JLA: Year One is so breath-taking it renders Morisson's tale(& its lame artwork) rather artificial...

May be necessary if you are a completist & wants to have all the issues of the JLA...I can't find any other reason for having it...

This is the big one! The magnificent seven together again - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. Now the JLA is truly THE world's greatest superhero team (sorry, but JLA can kick X-Men's butt any day, the same goes for the Avengers, and any Image superhero team). The characterisation is spot on. Superman acts the way I've always imagined him to be - the heroic leader, but one so full of humanity despite his otherworldly origins. The interaction between Flash and Green Lantern is funny, humorous and just plain fun. Martian Manhunter, as portrayed by writer Grant Morrison, is something of an outsider fitting in. And Batman, oh my favourite hero, is captured perfectly as he takes down the entire Hyperclan (invaders from...that would be telling...) all by himself, in a style that is very Batman. Penciller Howard Porter's art style captures the splendour and grandeur, the epic feel of the superheroes and does them justice. By the end of this 4-issue collection, fans will rejoice in the return of THE ONE AND ONLY JLA!

For several years, DC Comics allowed one of their most venerable and hallowed team books to languish. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, the last comic to tell the stories of DC's premiere super team, had become populated by castoffs, also-rans and never-will super heroes who would do much better sitting in the back issue bins than they would on the racks posing as Earth's mightiest defenders.

Now, in JLA, DC has brought back the core seven: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter. Most of whom comprised the original Justice League way back in BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28 in the early Silver Age of Comics.

Avant-garde comics writer, Grant Morrison takes the helm in this new JLA series and begins his run of wild, over-the-top, blockbuster epics featuring DC's mightiest. I don't want to spoil the secrets of this first tale, but suffice it to say there are some great twists and turns in the story. Morrison draws the reader in by pitting our heroes against a menace that seemingly can't be beaten because the public at large doesn't WANT them to!

Anyone who's ever wanted to fly like Superman, worn a bath towel around his neck to play Batman or loved the DC heroes in any way shape or form will love this book. Morrison has an uncanny ability to pull the reader's strings with these characters. You find yourself rooting for them uncontrollably as they face down a menace that only THEY can see and understand even in the face of widespread disdain by the public. They're heroes because they choose to be. Not because of the fame or fortune, but because it's in their very being.

Howard Porter, while not my favorite artist by any stretch of the imagination, is good at visually telling Morrison's epic story and great at conveying the personalities of each and every JLAer. If you missed out on this series when it came out, here's a cheap way to get the back issues (they're getting more expensive by the day!) and read one heckuva terrific comic story.