I must freely admit that I don't get this series about a millionaire/freelance detective gorilla who sometimes zooms around on a jetpack. The black and white artwork is pretty sweet, although sometimes the stylistic shifts are a little jarring. But the story-which is nominally about his quest to recover the "suspense jacket" in order to understand his pas-careens so wildly around, jam-packed with absurdity and digressions, that it's hard to maintain an interest. I would say it's worth checking out for the artwork, but don't even try to follow the story.

This could be one of the strangest comics I've ever read... it's reminiscent of the works of Grant Morrison and FLAMING CARROT, but draws a bit more from the world of MONTY PYTHON, THE KIDS IN THE HALL and Woody Allen. The story concerns a talking gorilla who happens to be a crime-fighting millionaire but spends most of his time drinking beer and playing RISK with his buddies, an odd assortment of half-witted sidekicks (though one of them, a chick who turns into a bird and looks a bit like EMMA PEEL is very cool). The gorilla, whose name is Kirk, is looking for clues to his past, of which his only clue is a series of odd visions in which he's a player for the BOSTON RED SOX. When he is presented with a strange case--to help uncover THE SUSPENSE JACKET, which allows the wearer to see the past and/or future--he feels it could be the key to figuring out his origin once and for all. The story is about as far from linear as you can get--Kirk and crew zip from place to place and scenes just sprout out of nowehere or end abruptly a la MONTY PYTHON. Takes a bit of getting used to (especially the scene where, without any warning, Kirk and a gang of 10-speed bicycles take on ninjas, guys in hot dog suits, and a giant penguin) but folks looking for a truly unique, truly hilarious and seriously "different" comic book will love SKY APE. The website... is a hoot as well.

This book is written by a noted authority on the subject (Ron Field) and is lavishly illustrated with over 150 colour and black and white photographs as well as artwork commissioned from leading military artists. This books is an essential reference source for everyone with an interest in military history, as well as collectors, re-enactors, wargamers and military modellers. This is an essential book for all with an interest in the Confederate Army of 1861-1865. It is a thorough analysis of the rebel Army at this time of the national crisis with chapters detailing the uniforms and equipment of the regular army, including infantry, cavalry and artillery,There are also chapters on the many colourful militia regiments raised to swell the Southern Army, including Zouaves.

In these volume of Brassey's History of Uniforms, Confederate uniforms are examined in terms of style, quality and color. What emerges is a fascinating glimpse at both governments' "make do" efforts, ranging from the exotic to the hilarious.

The description of the Confederate uniforms is arranged by state, detailing uniform variations and how each state met the challenge of clothing its soldiers,uniforms issuance from initial local supply through to state quarter master manufacture for South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland.

EX;Mississippi, for instance, was virtually destitute of cloth supplies by February 1861. But the state took over the textile industry and had its prisoners work making uniforms.

I would like to recomend American Civil War: Union Army by the same author Robin Smith and also a great book by another authority William C. Davis his book Fighting Men of the Civil War (Rebels & Yankees)

Finally, a complete, comphrensive FIELD guide to the birds of India! Gone are the days of hauling 2 or 3 hardcover bird books to the subcontinent just to be able to identify relatively common species. The drawings in this book are excellent, the descriptions very detailed, and the range maps very helpful. My two criticisms are that birders familiar with the common names in Salim Ali's "The Book of Indian Birds" will be confused with the revised nomenclature in this guide (based on the Inskipp's Indian Checklist); some changes are relatively minor, while others are so dramatically different (and frankly puzzling) that cross-referencing is a chore. The second involves the seperation of many of the range maps from the plates and descriptions, sometimes by many pages. This was due to the large number of species featured on some plates- there just wasn't enough room for the maps also. A better strategy might have been to put them all in the back of the book. But the benefits of this book far outweigh the shortcomings- my next trip to India promises to be more rewarding and productive bird-wise (as well as easier on my back)due to this excellent and overdue field guide.

LDAP directories are becoming more important for enterprise and commerce applications. This book fills a gap in the currently available books on directories in that it not only covers directory basics, such as namespaces, schemas, and various APIs, but also important subjects such as replication, synchronization, directory access security, and metadirectories. The last 7 chapters of the book concentrate on a diverse selection of case studies, which are always welcome when researching one's own directory strategy. Although books by Howe et al and Weltman & Dahbura are also excellent, they are either more verbose or more targeted at programming for Netscape directories.

More importantly, the focus of this book is how to use directories to build scalable, highly available applications, rather than simply using directories for white or yellow pages applications. It includes discussion of the directory standards, as well as the popular variations and extensions on the standards. For example, there is an appendix covering some different access control mechanisms used in several directories. The CD includes useful IBM Redbooks as well as programs that can be used with Active Directory or the included IBM SecureWay LDAP Directory.

The chapters are divided into relatively brief subsections that highlight the subject of the chapters well, making the book easy to read and reference. The sample programs are simple, but useful foundations to perform a variety of tasks using a directory.

Mr. Cavell's McLuhan in Space is an important academic examination of Mcluhan's provenance and legacy; and that praise is also its chief handicap, for its style will please only those in the ivory tower. And that is too bad, because his assessment of McLuhan is accurate. If it fails to escape the formal dialectical style McLuhan eschewed, it does describe the method McLuhan used in sympathetic and insightful terms. The theme here is the resonant interval, in and between different sensory spaces, and between discordant, seemingly unrelated ideas drawn from physics and rhetoric. Cavell handles the first easily, and casts profound hints about the second. He does not leap himself, but traces the trajectory of many leaps McLuhan made; or, if you prefer, he solves the crime after it has been committed. For those who need proof of McLuhan's importance it is a valuable work.

This LaHaye offering didn't arrest me like his, 'Revelation Unvieled' but is an inspiring and wonderful read. God's persona is the books real theme, prophecy second.

While in structure and content up to par with other Adobe books, this book should be taken off the Amazon shelves! It is completely out of date, and you can download the newest version of the PDF specification from the Adobe web site -- free of charge!

I eagerly awaited the next installment in this series, but have to admit I was disappointed with "The Indwelling." Although it "reads" very well, the book only covers three days. The consequences of the wounds suffered by the Antichrist are either not mentioned or are not biblically accurate, something that surprised me coming from these two biblical authorities. There was the usual jetting around the world we have seen in the previous books...one wonders where DO they get the money for all the jet fuel and planes they wreck?

Their new headquarters needs a better explanation. Either it has a roof with solar cells, or it doesn't. If it has been cut in half, how can a helicopter land on it? The hero, Capt. Steele, was left as a simpering, indecisive leader. How and why did this happen?

I found it long on detail, but not the helpful kind. Get it and read it, but don't have high expectations.

As many of you have also done, I waited for months to read this next addition to the Left Behind series. While I found the "action" to be somewhat lacking, the book flowed very nicely. To make the prophetic facts seem more real to me, I enjoy keeping my Bible next to me and looking them up as they occur. One important thing to remember about this series is that it is FICTION based on FACT of what will happen when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes again to claim his children. You can make fun of the characters as much as you want to, but what would any of us do who were put in the same situation? This is a battle of good vs. evil; if you lose, you die. While dying as a Christian means eternity in heaven, I can't think of anyone who actually looks forward to death. During the tribulation, the only two things that will matter will be witnessing for Christ and survival. I praise Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins for their lifelike casting of the Trib Force. Here are perfect examples of sinners, just like me, who were saved by putting their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The authors are not afraid to make the characters human, like Rayford and Chloe. Both had strong, sinful desires that show them for what they are -- sinners saved by grace. I can't wait until this fall to read the next book. Hopefully, Jesus will return before then and we, who are truly born again, can leave this old world behind. I also highly recommend Are We Living in the End Times. This is written by the same authors. If you are like me, this book will send chills up your spine when you see how close we truly may be to the rapture! Hopefully, it will spur you as it did me to be a better witness for Christ!

If you read this book primarily to find out who killed Carpathia, chances are you will find yourself somewhat disappointed. The book does answer this question, however, you have to wait after the very detailed plot and character development before this mystery unravels.

The tribulation force is now scattered and facing several dangerous challenges. The battle between the tribulation force and the Global Community Forces take place in several different areas:

*Rayford must escape Isreal while giving himself a spiritual inventory.

*Tsion Ben-Judah gets a glimpse of battle in the spiritual realm through a series of dreams.

*David, Annie, Mac and Abdullah are on the front lines of the war as they battle for the tribulation force right under the enemies nose

*Buck Williams investigates the mysterious disappearance of Chaim Rosenweig

*Leah runs into another believer who has an inside track on Hattie's location

All of these subplots initially develop separately as communication between the body of believers is temporarily severed. They then come together and the plot climaxes as Fortunato seems to gain more political and supernatural power. Does Satan take possession of Carpathia's body and ressurect it? This question is answered near the explosive end of the book.

Tim LaHaye's and Jerry Jenkins' talent for excellent character development and incessantly intriguing story lines is manifested in this book. You must be patient and appreciate the details in order to fully enjoy it. The authors know how to tease you enough so that you keep reading. Although a lot of question are answered in this book of the series, it creates new questions that will make the reader hungry for the next book "The Mark!"

Attorney Casey Jordan strives to be the best, and with her looks and talent, she will achieve her goal.

When world-famous law profesor Eric Lipton is accused of murdering one of his students, he chooses a former student, Casey, to defend him. Turning down another case to represent Lipton, Casey knows the risks involved...what she doesn't know is this case could cost her her life.

Donald Sales, father of the murdered student, wants justice, and his brand of justice knows no bounds.

A shocking discovery sends Casey on a journey to catch the killer, but with several suspects, and a few more bodies, she must go outside the law to stop the madman.

"The Letter Of The Law" is a fast read, with plots twists no reader will expect.

Tim Green has written his breakout bestseller, proving he has all the story telling skill to join the ranks of John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, etc.

Nick Gonnella

Casey Jordan is the best defense lawyer in Texas and is looking to stretch that claim to best defense attorney nationwide. To that end she likes big, headline making, provocative cases, those with the biggest clients and the biggest risks. When Eric Lipton, nationally known criminal law professor, is accused of brutally murdering a former student, he hires Casey to defend him and she's thrilled. Though a tough case, Lipton was arrested leaving the country with the victim's bloody underwear in his luggage, it's just the kind of headline grabbing, career advancing trial she likes. And Casey does an admirable job, tearing apart defense witnesses and even laying suspicion on the victim's father. Just before the jury foreman reads the not guilty verdict, Lipton leans over and whispers into Casey's ear..."I really killed her". Now as other bodies begin to pile up, Casey is caught in a real bind, her duty to her client as an attorney and her need to see justice done. Tim Green has written a fast paced, page turner with well developed, interesting characters, powerful, riveting scenes and enough twists and turns to keep you off balance and guessing to the very end of the book. As a practicing attorney, his knowledge of the ins and outs of our criminal justice system, lend real credibility to the story. The Letter of the Law has it all, great characters, an action packed tight plot and a very satisfying ending with a few surprises thrown in.

Unlike his previous novels that are set in the NFL arena, Tim Green takes you into the inter workings of the legal system. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride.

Eric Lipton a famous law professor is accused of a bizarre murder, the evidence is stacked against him. Enter Casey Jordan, his former student whose beauty is only surpassed by her brains. Lipton picks Casey to defend him knowing that she has the ability to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the twelve jurors selected to judge him. Casey takes the case thinking is will launch her into the national spotlight and give her the recognition she desires. She gets more than she bargined for, not only is she fighting for justice, she is fighting for her life.

The roller coaster ride begins and you are left trying to figure out who the guilty and innocent are. This is an non-stop thriller that is the best work from the author to date.

Loved the book, couldn't put it down.

I must admit that The Drowning People has some redeeming qualities. Mason writes well and presents a thought-provoking criticism of British upper class society. He creates various characters whom I found very interesting. None of them is even remotely likeable, and the central tragedy of the story made me hate the characters even more. I was intrigued by the idea of whether or not insanity is genetic in the Harcourt family.

However, I found several problems with the novel. The plot is trite, unoriginal, and predictable. The Drowning People is celebrated as a thrilling murder mystery, yet I failed to see the suspense in it. Once the murder occurs, it becomes all too obvious who the true killer is. In addition, I was annoyed by Mason's extreme long-windedness. At times I felt that I was the one who was drowning, having to make my way through so much excess writing. Mason easily could have written the same story in half as many pages. Finally, I felt the entire drowning metaphor was overused.

Nevertheless, The Drowning People is, for the most part, entertaining to read, although the reader shouldn't attempt to take it too seriously. To me, the most impressive aspect of the novel is that Mason was only eighteen when he wrote it. He has much time for improvement, and his future novels will probably be better.

I still can't believe this is Richard Mason's first novel. What a delight to read! I found his prose very pleasing, especially his vivid descriptions of people, places, and sensual stimuli (like smells). I also thought his story very engaging, his characters well developed, and the plot well done (though I got tired of his clues teasing since it reminded me of watching a made-for-tv drama). I was a bit disappointed that I figured out the entire plot way too early (when Ella confides to James that she stole Sarah's love away for fun), but I did enjoy the way the remorseful old James allows us to tour his varigated feelings and thoughts as he remembers the details. What worried me most about the book was its ending: James get's away with murder. It left me uneasy that the author left us with James feeling somehow heroic in his taking justice into his own hands (like too many people are doing in the news today), in meating out Sarah's punishment (even though it may have been well-deserved), without himself (his actions, his morals, his accountability) being subjected to anything more than his own private, face-saving, self-inflicted trial where he is both prosecuting and defending attorney for himself, juror of one, and judge of one. No one (other than the reader) ever finds out what he did to anyone! I prefer more the P.D. James sort of justice like in her recent A Perfect Justice. I also wonder at the irony of Sarah's death in terms of the Harcourt curse that now passes--with the title and castle--to her daughter, whom I assume also has daughters. Perhaps Mr. Mason has a sequel in mind? All in all I would recommend this book highly and everyone in my bookclub (The Routy Readers in Belmont, MA, USA) thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Mason's first work and hope he continues to write many more.

Richard Mason should be proud. It is hard to believe that a 20 year old university student can produce such sumptious prose in his first novel ('The Drowning People'). The words flow beautifully. Not only is it an effortless read, the prose is on par with the best of today's fiction writers. So yes, I loved this book. However the story itself isn't exactly flawless.

The story is a about a love triangle (actually, a quadrangle) set in modern London. A talented violinist falls in love with a troubled young woman with a bizarre past. The bane of this woman's existence is her identical cousin (..hmmm, sounds like 'The Patty Duke Show'). Further complicating matters is the relationship of a (very close) male friend. Sounds like a soap opera? Well, it actually works better than it sounds. A bit contrived, but thanks to the prose it is all compulsive reading.

Bottom line: a fantastic debut of a promising writer. Recommended.