Not so much a book as a maze. The main character, after having a really bad few months, goes to ground in a cottage in the English countryside. There he starts writing an autobiography which, for other reasons, he sets in an alternative post global warming UK. Sadly for the reader expecting a straightforward examination of someone having a breakdown the alternate version of our hero is also writing a fictional autobiography. The two narratives sort of merge - not in a "parallel worlds" way, but more in the sense that the two versions of the main character are actually writing each other into being. If you've ever seen that picture of a cube that can be perceived as either coming out of the page or going into it, depending on how you look at it, you might get an idea of how disorientating this book is. The last sentence of the book is the last sentence of the autobiography of the character living in the current version of England. Which he actually writes in chapter two. Perhaps more of a closing in spiral than a maze. It's structurally complex, but it's also achingly sad - the main theme seems to be loss - of family, of location and in the end of actual self. A desparately lonely book - it appeared, scared all the proper reviewers stiff and vanished.

Priest offers a dazzling account of nebulous reality, crumbling identity and schizophrenia. Unfortuantely, Priest like many others before him, has been incorrectly labeled a science fiction author. Nothing, especially in this case, could be further from the truth. Priest is concerned with the nature of our reality, the ways in which we as inhabitants perceive and interpret it, and the uses of fantasy. Without a doubt, "The Affirmation" requires a rereading and can only be helped by readings of related philosophy texts (see Berkeley & Dennet).

A young man whose life is going to the dogs (lost father , job, girlfriend...) retreats into a small country house to undertake a journey to self-discovery trough memory. It all ends in tears, as reality itself comes tumbling down on him. Underneath it all there is a terrible clarity of madness

A Victorian scientific romance set in the world of the Time Machine and War of the Worlds. A man and woman are shot off into Time and Space to find themselves on Mars before the invasion. Don't worry, I haven't given anything away that the cover of the book won't have. The book is rich in details, in the mystery of Mars and its culture. Everything you could expect from H.G. Wells himself (if he wrote 361 pages).

I absolutely loved this book! There are so many things to like about it...
--It's connections to both The Time Machine AND War of the Worlds.
--A beautiful feeling of love a man shows for a woman (from his point-of-view for a change).
--Countless twists and turns.
--True characters, true imagination.
Get a copy and cherish it!

I first came across this book in 1977 when I was only 19.

From page one I was hooked, starting off seemingly like a Victorian romantic Novel, it quicky becomes a Sci Fi mystery, then high adventure on a planet not to far away from our own.

You won't be able to put the book down as the plot unfolds, and becomes, well...hauntingly familiar.

Do try it !

A young man who struggles with the idea of priesthood would find himself alone, confronted by a host of important questions, which he may be afraid to ask others. This small book provides some basic answers to such questions. Christopher Duquin himself has been to the seminary personally discerning his vocation and grappling with these and similar questions. The basic aspects of a call to priesthood are dealt here in a simple and understandable language, in 172 pages. The beautiful cover design and the straightforward title question are assets of this book.

In seeking answers to the questions the authors refer to the basic books and documents like 'The Program for Priestly Formation'. The book is also abounding in quotes from bishops, priests, seminarians and laity who are serious about their vocation. The basic facts dealing with both religious and diocesan priesthood are clearly stated without any prejudices and preferences. This is the kind of book a young man should read even before he enters the seminary in order to discern his vocation.

I was very happy to finally find a book that could help me (and anyone else) discern the priesthood. The authors simply lay out the facts, supported by seminarians, priests, and laity, but never push you one way or the other. I found that this book helps you process the many questions swirling in your mind about discernment and come to your own conclusions. I would recommend this book to any one who is considering religious vocation because it gives a wonderful chronology of what to expect of yourself and others throughout the entire process (from first interest to retirement). This is a must read!!

A snapshot of Britain in the 1970s - the same yet terrifying different. What the author describes is always happening somewhere in the world, but not in Britain - it's far too old, too stable. We're safe here. Not in Chris Priest's imagination. Oh no.

Essentially, the author chronicles the desparate and frightened attempts of a family to survive in a barbaric civil war in south-east England. He tells you all you need to know - the grim realities - and not much more.

The fractured style of the writing, quite unlike anything I've ever seen before, reflects the shattered lives of the protagonists.

It's unavoidable that the book seems a little dated, but it's nevertheless a gem of a work. Short, sparing - no fat on this one - and disturbing. Seeming to me almost like a work of poetry in its own way.

If you see a copy don't miss the opportunity.

Not so much a book as a maze. The main character, after having a really bad few months, goes to ground in a cottage in the English countryside. There he starts writing an autobiography which, for other reasons, he sets in an alternative post global warming UK. Sadly for the reader expecting a straightforward examination of someone having a breakdown the alternate version of our hero is also writing a fictional autobiography. The two narratives sort of merge - not in a "parallel worlds" way, but more in the sense that the two versions of the main character are actually writing each other into being. If you've ever seen that picture of a cube that can be perceived as either coming out of the page or going into it, depending on how you look at it, you might get an idea of how disorientating this book is. The last sentence of the book is the last sentence of the autobiography of the character living in the current version of England. Which he actually writes in chapter two. Perhaps more of a closing in spiral than a maze. It's structurally complex, but it's also achingly sad - the main theme seems to be loss - of family, of location and in the end of actual self. A desparately lonely book - it appeared, scared all the proper reviewers stiff and vanished.

I discovered this book in the library. I read the first few pages and was captivated. Christopher Priest will introduce you to an impossible world - and make you believe it.

Years later, the book was out of print. I searched the internet to find a copy. When I got it, the book did not let me down, though I already knew its secrets.

Probably the finest sci-fi book I have ever read.

Imagine an encapsulated city trying to survive in a strange world where mysterious "optimum" is moving and the city has to keep moving on it's tracks trying to reach it. Every natural obstacle in this unfriendly environment has to be solved and the city has to keep moving or else... People in the city refer to the landscapes ahead as "the future" and to the landscapes behind as "the past." Everybody is working hard, for the optimum must be followed at any price... Is the ending of the book (which is one of the best endings in SF) going to reveal the real truth? What is the real truth anyway? The one you perceive? Or the other one, the one you can't see...

I was looking for The Glamour and noticed unfortunately that most of Priest's books are out of print...how sad, as most are truly original. I then noted that The Inverted World had only been reviewed 4 times and wanted to add my thoughts. READ IT. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Continuing right where the first volume left off (Black Panther: The Client, also highly recommended), Black Panther: Enemy of the State furthers the story of the exiled King of the African nation of Wakanda, T'Challa, also known as The Black Panther. Forced to stay in New York, lest civil war engulf his country thanks to crazed new ruler Achebe, The Panther becomes aware of a complex plot against him that I honestly can't even BEGIN to encapsulate here- It's just TOO confusing. (Not too confusing to follw, mind you; Just too much to be laid out here. You really need to experience it yourself.) The book hurtles along at a breakneck pace, rocketing towards a conclusion that may just be a little bit too over-the-top to fit with the rest of the book's tone (The giant deathtrap at the end just defied all logic), and writer Christopher Priest manages to tell an incredibly complex yarn, and not only make it a engrossing, but also humorous, suspenseful, and riveting. The art by Joe Jusko and M.D. Bright doesn't quite mesh with the chapters illustrated by Mike Manley, but that's a small beef, as all involved with the book do a top-notch job.

Marvel recently announced the cancellation of their monthly Black Panther series, which doesn't bode well for future collected editions, which is a damned shame. Black Panther isn't the kind of book I'd want to pick up on a monthly basis, as I think the stories are too complex to be rewarding in that format. They really deserve to be read in big chunks for best effect. Meanwhile, Priest is writing a new book for Marvel, The Crew. I'll be purchasing that book to see if he can create the same sense of wonder he did with Black Panther.

...and this book shows it.
Continuing the story layed out in Black Panther: The Client, Black Panther: Enemy of the State offers more of the brilliant writing and stunning art seen in The Client. Guest starring The Avengers and including shocking revelations about the Black Panther and his true motive for joining the team, this trade-paperback is not to be missed.
Enemy of the State collects issues 6-12 of Black Panther and is a must buy for anyone having read The Client. Priest weaves a stunning, thought-provoking political thriller, all the while making it funny and origional.
Do not miss this book.

Black Panther: Enemy of the State continues the story that began in the Black Panther: The Client TPB and collects issue #6-12 of the monthly series by Marvel Comics.

The Panther (a.k.a., T'Challa, king of the African nation of Wakanda) has discovered that while he was away from his homeland, he has become the victim of a coup. The madman, Achebe, has taken over, apparently with the help of the Panther's own stepmother. In the meantime, T'Challa must deal with assassination attempts, dirty CIA deals and the interference of his former teammates, the superpowered Avengers.

Christopher Priest's Black Panther is always one step ahead of his enemies. He's acutely aware of his opponents' motives and always seems to be prepared for any contingency. With the continuing (and often hilarious) narration of State Department liaison and Panther-friend, Everett Ross, we're taken on a wild ride as the Panther faces down his enemies one by one and battles to reclaim his lost throne.

The first few chapters are beautifully painted by the famed Joe Jusko and the last amicably illustrated by animation wiz Mike Manley and long-time comics veteran, M.D. Bright.

Black Panther: Enemy of the State is comics with brains, not just brawn. You won't be sorry you picked it up! This is hopefully just the second in a long line of future Panther trade paperbacks.

Black Panther is probably one of the least respected characters ever to emerge from the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby era of comics. He's been around forever, has a great pedigree, and has had some top-notch talents take a crack at him, yet he's never really been embraced by the readers. Looks like his time has finally come....

Writer Christopher Priest (Quantum & Woody) has done the seemingly impossible, and made The Panther interesting! Rather than just concentrating on his crime-fighting, Priest focuses on The Panthers role as King of the African nation of Wakanda, a phenomenally wealthy Country caught up in a brutal civil war. When The Panther leaves his troubled Nation to avenge a child's murder in Brooklyn, he finds himself caught up in a web of political intrigue and Supernatural terror.....(Although, come to think of it, The Panther isn't really TOO terrified; He's a pretty cool customer.)

As Priest explains in his introduction, his goal in reviving The Black Panther was to make The Panther a distant, mysterious character; He succeeds admirably on that front. By keeping the reader from being privy to the inner workings of King T'Challa's mind, he becomes an almost mythic figure of menace and mystery. His final showdown with Mephisto is unforgettable. The art (By Mark Texiera & Vince Evans) is great, and fits the mood perfectly. The only problem with the book is one that seems all too common for Marvel trade paperbacks: A double-page spread is misprinted; Instead of being printed on facing pages, you have to turn the page to see the second half. Doesn't anyone proof these things? Other than that, Black Panther: The Client is a phenomenal read; I highly recommend it.

Priest's reinvention of Black Panther is the finest comic book currently being published anywhere, and the five issues contained in this trade-paperback make up the best story of the series.
Whether you read comics or not, Black Panther: The Client is an absolute must read. This is comics at their best. If you are not reading this comic, or if you are not reading comics, I dare you to buy this book. You will not regret it.

Writer Christopher Priest takes the super hero comic and turns it on its head in his landmark BLACK PANTHER series. This volume collects the first five issues of the current monthly comic.

The Black Panther is the king of the fictional African nation, Wakanda. Wakanda's claim to fame is that it is the world's sole source of vibranium, the most rare and valuable metal on Earth due to its ability to absorb sound. Occupying the space between the proverbial rock and hard place, the Black Panther, a.k.a., T'Challa, is a crafty leader who is always 10 steps ahead of all his would-be detractors, assassins and infiltrators.

"The Client" tells the story of the Panther's arrival in New York City to investigate the murder of a little girl who was the beneficiary of a Wakandan charity. It turns out that the Panther's enemies sought to lure him away from his wealthy nation with this heinous ploy. From there the mystery unravels with the Panther as the protagonist, and the narrator, Everett Ross, a U.S. foreign affairs agent who draws the unlucky task of escorting the Panther during his stay here. Ross is plucky, sarcastic and downright funny. His narration keeps the book light even though the themes are often very dark.

Priest uses out-of-sequence storytelling to simulate Ross' narrative, much in the manner that the film, Pulp Fiction, is told. It makes sense. After all, when we tell stories, it's very rare that we tell them in a linear fashion from start to finish. Ross bounds from one snippet to another. The reader puts the story together in the process.

I highly recommend this story and consider it one of the very best comic stories of the last five years. If you enjoy it, as I think you will, look for the sequel, BLACK PANTHER: ENEMY OF THE STATE, which should be coming out in November 2001.

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.

For anyone interested in the beginnings of the marine oil and gas industry, Offshore Pioneers provides a good general history. Since this book was commissioned by Brown & Root, you should expect a certain level of bias. Brown & Root's achievements are obviously highlighted while their defeats are understandably downplayed. This history includes the significant roles of other participants, though mainly in relation to Brown & Root, either as competitor, customer or co-venturer. Beginning with the first baby-steps in offshore exploration (long platforms connecting shore to site), this history lesson progresses to the innovation and ingenuity necessary to explore and exploit hydrocarbons from new environments, such as Lake Maracaibo, the Bay of Campeche, California (short lived program though it was) and the North Sea. As an offshore service analyst, I constantly seek out information on the industry, whether current or historical. Brown and Root did play a large role in the development of the offshore oil and gas industry, from constructing the first platforms out into the Gulf of Mexico, engineering massive North Sea structures, laying pipe in several environments, building construction barges and performing project management. My father had worked for the company for 25 years, and I had already developed an appreciation for their can-do attitude and willingness to work in any environment. If you're looking for a history of the industry's humble beginnings, this is a great book to read. However, Brown & Root ceased being a major force in the offshore energy industry during the 1980's, so don't expect to find any recent history in this work.

This is the history of Brown & Root's Marine Division. Drawing heavily from their knowledge of building warships during World War II, Brown & Root installed the first oil platform out of sight from land off the coast of Louisiana for the Kerr Magee Oil Company in 1947. This was Brown & Root's entry into the offshore construction market. They kept building and installing platforms in increasing depths of the Gulf of Mexico as well as venturing into offshore spots around the world, such as off the coast of Alaska and the most famous offshore location of the North Sea. The book details many of these large well known projects as well as Project Mohole, the cancelled program to drill into the Earth's core from an ocean drill ship. Brown & Root was a participant in this project. An interesting book for anyone who has worked in the offshore oil industry or has an interest in it.