As and administrator that is looking to become a superintendent this book has given me the opportunity to look at what the role of the supeintendent is. The book lets you know that time is one of the hardest things that you are going to need to control but you need to master it and to serve academics and children's learning at all time. This is not just a how to book, but it allows you to reflect on what you may be doing or are going to do. One of my favorite quotes from the book is that "If you are not authentic, you will feel it deep inside. It will cause a wrinkle in your soul." The book also gives some very practical advice on interviewing. I appreciated the insight, the thought and the philosophies in the book as well as the practicality of the book.

I read this book because I was studying the economic changes brought about by the Reagan victory in 1980. I've seen many favorable and unfavorable mentions of the "supply-side" theory, so I was looking for an account from a true supply-sider. This book fits that need. It desribes the immediate intellectual origins of the policy (but not the fundamental long-term origins). It then describes the political battles that went on in the legislative and executive branches from 1978 to about the end of 1981. I enjoyed reading how the free-market Republicans, Keynesian Republicans and liberals fought it out behind the scenes. These battles shaped the relatively vague "supply-side" theory into a specific government policy. This book is a good view into those years and provides perspective to the more recent government tax and spending issues.

A good if somewhat dated book on telephone survey methodology.

Philosophy in general is a necessary tool to understand life and the purpose of it. This book takes a collection of the works that most greatly aid in this purpose to form a concauction of ideas that allow for greater understanding of philosophers and how they can and will relate to every person's life. The preface by Wolff is excellent and allows readers with a less comprehensive understanding of philosophy to still recieve valuble information, or readers with a thorough understanding to see another interpretation of these amazing works of literature.

After Silverberg's first "retirement," he returned to science
fiction with this book--constructed out of a series of novelettes
published by Fred Pohl in _If_. It is colorful, almost gaudy
science fiction; in a way, it seems to bridge Silverberg's pulp
work of the 50's with his more thoughtful work of the later 60's
and early 70's.

As is the case with most science fiction, it appears dated in
places. During the years 1964-65, when this book was written,
some of the concerns with mysticism and trancendence embedded in
the social unrest of the later 60's were already clearly in
evidence. Silverberg shows his awareness and sympathy for these
trends in this early book.

While the themes of the book are very much of its time, the
pure inventiveness points farther back, to works like
Alfred Bester's _Tyger! Tyger!_ (aka, _The Stars My
Destination_). The "Electromagnetic Litany: Stations of
the Spectrum_" is clever and funny and ingenious enough
in its own right to sway me in the book's favor.

The quality of the writing is more than competent, and sometimes
a great deal better than that. Silverberg, for all his excellent
novels (e.g., _Dying Inside_, _The Book of Skulls_, _Downward
to the Earth_), often seems to me happier at the novelette to
novella length. Thus a mosaic novel such as this one shows
him at his best advantage.

At the same time, despite its several excellences, the book
is not devoid of a certain immaturity by later Silverberg
standards. There are a few stock characters, as well as stock
reactions here. During the ten years after this book, Silverberg
showed us how much better he could do.

Still, all in all, I'm fond of this book. I *do* think it's
good entertainment of a high order. I'd really like to give
it 3.5 stars, because it isn't a masterwork. But it is diverting
reading, even if one isn't a devoted reader of Silverberg.

This is a botanical reference work on the trees of Southern Africa (mostly S-Africa & Rhodesia/Zimbabwe?). Its printing history speaks for itself. First published in 1977; second revised edition by Dr E.J.Moll in 1984, third impression 1988 (when 12 pages were added with updates on nomenclature); ninth impression in 1997. What can I add to that?

This is an identification key and reference work to Southern African trees, giving per species a short description, a distribution map and one (or more) line drawings of a detail, usually a leaf (sometimes a fruit, sometimes both. Upon occasion a tree habit). Names listed include full scientific name, in some cases synonyms, always an english name and usually an afrikaans name. There are close to a thousand pages of this, supplemented with over a hundred pages of color illustrations (both photographs and colored drawings).

Compared to some of the magnificently illustrated books on trees that are now available this work looks somewhat modest. However the absence of an abundance of photographs does mean that all these trees can be captured in a single binding of a handy size and weight, at a quite affordable price. [Might be due for an update, but I sure won't volunteer to undertake it. That would be a whole lot of work! ]

This is one of two versions of Elder B. H. Roberts' masterwork of theology. The other edition being published by Brigham Young University Studies. I have both, so I will be comparing and contrasting them later in the review.

The story behind TWL is a little complex. Elder Roberts (1857-1933) was a prolific writer, theologian, thinker and a scrapper. Near the end of his life he produced a manuscript called "The Truth, The Way, The Life," which was to be a compact summation and extension of his theological thought. The manuscript was reviewed by a blue-ribbon committee, but was never published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints primarily for his advocacy of "pre-Adamites," and also speculation about God's progression in knowledge among other things. In the late 1960's, President Hugh B. Brown photocopied the manuscript and gave it to one of his grandsons, Edwin B. Firmage, with the instruction to preserve the book. Mr. Firmage donated the manuscript copy to the University of Utah, and then curator stand Larson decided to publish the book.

The copyright of the book, along with the three manuscripts of the book were owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so it was thought that they could publish a joint version, but the talks broke down, so Larson published with Smith Research Associates, and BYU Studies published their own version, with photo-static reprints of the three manuscripts.

The book itself follows the outline set by the title: Truth, Way, Life. Elder Roberts begins with a dissertation on the truth, and then goes into cosmology, with then-current (1925) science. He relied heavily on Spencer's "First Principles" for much of his metaphysics. He then discusses the nature of humanity, the Intelligences described in Latter-day Saint theology. He has a section that surveys ancient religions, with special emphasis on the Hebrew Religion. He concluded the first section with a discussion of creation.

The second section focuses on the Way. It covers the creation of Man, the fall, and then the history of the earth from Adam to Christ. The second half of the second section is a lengthy elaboration of Christ's atonement. This is probably the best part of the whole book; since the Atonement is the heart of Christian doctrine.

The Life is the third part of the book., and this section focuses on the "Sermon on the Mount," and the Christian's character. It concludes with a chapter on celestial, or eternal marriage, which is peculiar to the Church of Jesus Christ.

This book is really a condensed version of Elder Robert's "Seventies Course in Theology," and frankly I prefer the "Seventies Course in theology" to this one-volume version simply because TWL lacks the depth and detail that "Seventies Course in Theology" has. Roberts covered more ground and looked into the implication of things Mormon better than he did in the TWL. The only advantage TWL has is that it is more streamlined, focused, and refined in many areas.

Looking over the book, I really wish that Elder Roberts has acquiesced on the Pre-Adamites, and Progressing God issues. Except for these one or two things (in addition to the outdated science and metaphysics), it is a good book, and the chapters on the Atonement (which are word for word from the "Seventies Course in Theology") are superb. In fact, I think that the controversial chapters-and the controversy itself-- have eclipsed what was good with the manuscript.

One thing that Elder Roberts missed was elucidation upon "Eternalism." He devoted a chapter to Eternalism in his "Seventies Course in theology," be he overlooked this rater fascinating concept in this book. This striking doctrine is unique to the theology of the Saints and deserves a place in this book.

Regarding the two editions, the Larson edition is, bar far, the more readable version of the two, and follows closer to the pattern Elder Roberts used in his "Seventies Course in Theology." Moreover, it is in soft back, so the book is cheaper. This edition has commentary by Leonard Arrington and Sterling McMurrin, two staunch Mormon intellectuals, and fans of Elder Robert's work. I would recommend this edition to anyone with a passing curiosity of the book, the subject or the man B. H. Roberts.

However, the BYU Studies version has the better commentary, with articles written by Truman Madsen, David Paulsen, Andrew Skinner, and James Allen. Plus, this edition has the better index and helps at the end of the book, with a summery of Joseph Fielding Smith's arguments against evolution and pre-Adamites. Plus, this edition has an extension to chapter 31, which chapter was read to the Quorum of the Twelve, which rounds out Roberts arguments for pre-Adamites. This edition is less readable, with many strikeouts and spelling corrections. These are absolutely unnecessary for the layman and get in the way of getting Robert's ideas. For the very curious, I recommend the BYU Studies edition.

This is a good book in certain areas, but both editions suffer from having too much useless information. I would suggest a streamlined, layman version that combines the best of both editions. It would have the Larsen edition's format, which follows the "Seventies Course in Theology" with the chapter outlines and introductions, and I would not have any strikeouts in the text, and use the Larson diagrams. Just edit it as you would a normal book. I would use the BYU Edition's chapter summery in the table of contents, use its better index, scripture citations, and not worry about the minor variant readings. Follow the Larsen's edition of having "A Modification of the Orthodox View" back in controversial Chapter 31, and integrate the variant introduction the BYU Edition has in the appendix into one introduction. Also have the additional material in the BYU Edition that was appended to Chapter 31 (p. 318-322) put in as an appendix to that chapter. I would also silently update the astronomical information to bring it in line with the twenty-first century.

The title of this book is way out of the strike zone. You see "Who Invented the Game?" and you think this volume is going to be about the origins of baseball, a scholarly little attempt to separate the true history of the sport from the myth of Abner Doubleday at Cooperstown (certainly one of the greatest public relations stunts in history with regards to promoting a small town in the middle of nowhere). However, this book, based on the PBS documentary by filmmaker Ken Burns, is really a condensed version of what I watch every year just before opening day. Not that there is anything wrong with that; the companion volume to the "Baseball" documentary is a weighty tome and an abbreviated version written for younger readers is certainly a good idea. But then the title of the book should be something else (this has struck a raw nerve with me; as a teacher I require students to have a thesis statement that they prove in the body of their essay, which sort of requires them to be about the same thing, and I have the exactly same feelings when it comes to title). "Who Invented the Game?" will answer such burning questions as "Who played the first real game?", "Who invented the curve ball?", and "Why is the pitcher's mound exactly 60 feet 6 inches from home plate?" But the book is not organized according to such topics, instead following the same structure as the documentary series. Illustrated with dozens of photographs this book by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns with Paul Robert Walker might serve well to get youngsters who have not seen the entire documentary interested in checking it out. But for those who have watched all nine innings or read the companion volume, this is ground already well covered.

I've never met a Robert Ludlum book I didn't like, and this was no exception. It followed the usual Ludlum format: handsome athletic protagonist who is great in bed and can do almost anything, love interest who is intelligent and capable, and a plot only Ludlum could conceive.
Since this is FICTION, I don't expect reality. However, in previous Ludlum books, like the Bourne trilogy, I find the characters more believable. In this story, Ben is a banker, so his uncanny ability to get himself out of trouble and elude the bad guys is a bit of a stretch. But rather than making me want to snort and throw the book down, I think he must be a pretty smart guy, maybe somebody I might even know. As with all Ludlum books, it called me from the coffee table, giving me the perfect excuse to skip housework until it was finished.
If you like books in this genre, you will enjoy this one. Probably not my favorite Ludlum book, but entertaining.
p.s. I am saddened to hear of Ludlum's death, but think it is a good thing he isn't around to see Matt Damon cast as Jason Bourne.

Robert Ludlum, one of the most popular authors of best selling thrillers passed away early this year. With 23 novels, over 200 million copies in print, Ludlum's contribution to the genre of action thrillers is indeed worth reckoning.

I pay my humble tributes to this talented writer who has kept book lovers like me hooked to his writings for over 20 years.

As a reviewer and a critic, I have found Ludlum taxing the gullibility of his readers with his bizarre, outrageous plots, implausible storylines, and his constant fixation on "conspiracy by a super-secret, ultra powerful, underground organisation" which has been repeated so many times that it has become a bore.

Nevertheless, as a reader, Ludlum has never ceased to fascinate me with complex plots, twists and turns, fast paced action, violence, heroics, nerve wrecking drama,intrigue,nail biting suspense, and his ability to keep the adrenaline pumping, readers on tenterhooks, making his books "unputdownable"!

This book, the last of the author is another such thriller about a secret organisation SIGMA.

Ben Hartman, a young business tycoon from America on a holiday in Europe, gets caught in a web of intrigue and suspense when suddenly he is being persued by a gang of ruthless killers. He finds that his twin brother, who had died years ago in Europe in an 'accident', was privy to some secrets. His investigations make Ben aware of SIGMA. Ben decides to keep digging till he unravels the truth.

Anna Navarro, a beautiful young woman, is an agent of US Government investigation agency, on a mission to investigate a string of deaths in Europe of once powerful, influential, old men, discovers that a group of people are being systematically eliminated by an unknown assassin/s.She also finds that all the victims are members of an organisation SIGMA.

Ben and Anna, after a series of confrontations, decide to join forces and gang up to find out the truth. SIGMA in the meanwhile has managed to make both of them pariahs and wanted criminals being chased by law-enforcement agencies all over the world. Both of them are on the run now, SIGMA as well as security agencies are on the look out for the couple.What then happens doesn't need any great imagination....better you read it for yourselves.

The novel keeps you glued and makes an interesting reading. DON'T TRY TO THINK OR ANALYSE! Enjoy it, just as one enjoys mindless action thriller fillums of Dharmendra et all. This book too has its own share of incongruities, unexplained incidents and unanswered questions....don't bother , just enjoy!

After having read so many of Ludlum (nearly all of them),one thing that bothers me is that, even though Ludlum names many well known persons, Corporations, agencies and incidents, how come nobody has even tried to sue him?...What if, some of his wild theories are true?...One shudders to think of the possibilities!

This is the vintage Ludlum. Ben Hartman,an American investment banker has replaced his late brother in the firm. While in Zurich
an old college friend tries to kill Hartman killing several
innocent bystanders. This sets off a wild chain of events.Enter
Anna Navarro a field agent for the Department of Justice who is
investigating the deaths of several old men.They come into possession of an old secret file that links everything into an
organization called Sigma.Ben and Anna are being stalked by a hired assassin who is very good at what he does. The books spirals into a colossul conspiracy. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat.A very good book to read. You will enjoy it.

I have been reading Ludlum for the better part of 25 years. I've read virtually all of his novels. I even suffered through the film version of "The Osterman Weekend". However, while reading "The Hades Factor", I couldn't help but wonder how much, if any, of this mess was written Ludlum and how much was actually written by Gayle Lynds who is listed as co-author.

According to this book, the world is divided into three groups. Group one is made up of an apparently large number of people who would participate in the murder of millions if it would make them rich. Their method of mayhem is the random release of a deadly virus. Since they have no real way of controlling the means of spreading the virus, it means that any of their family or friends could be infected.

The second group is even larger. It is made up of people who are so stupid, they probably deserve to be infected. They are incapable of seeing any relationship between the sudden spread of an unknown virus and group one who will make billions through the use of a "miracle cure" that they just coincidentally happen to have.

The third group is a handful of people who are the heroes of the story. They include a doctor who happens to also be an army commando, a British spy who is sort of a senior citizen version of James Bond, and two characters who are mandatory for this type of book, a beautiful CIA agent and a computer geek. Talk about clichés. The doctor is named Jon Smith. I guess the originality in there was dropping the "h" from his first name.

For those of you who don't know, Ludlum has had heart problems the past few years and has had surgery. Perhaps it has taken something out of him. Perhaps his medical bills have caused him to license out his name to Ms. Lynds. I noted that there is another installment of the adventures of Dr. Smith coming out soon that lists a different co-author. Perhaps Ludlum has decided that he should be more careful about who cashes in on his readership.

Three people in different parts of the U.S. die suddenly and dramatically of a bizarre, unknown virus. What connection could there be between them? And how can this virus be stopped before it claims more victims?

That's the set-up for this collaboration between thriller-meister Robert Ludlum and relative newcomer Gayle Lynds. This is something new for Ludlum, a series written in conjunction with other authors (ala Tom Clancy's Op-Center books). This is to be the first in a series of adventure-thrillers about a government action squad called "Covert One." I'm withholding judgment on the concept until more books come out, but for now I'm cautiously optimistic.

The story is solid, although familiar. It's obviously reminiscent of Richard Preston's "The Hot Zone," along with dozens of thrillers. That's not to say it's bad, though. I enjoyed the swiftly-moving plot, and found the characters to be interesting. The protagonist is Lt. Col. Jon Smith, a medical doctor, expert on killer viruses, and all-around man-of-action. He's a fairly typical lead character for a book of this sort. Smith is interesting enough, though, and smarter than the norm, which was a nice change.

Even better was the character of Smith's sidekick, Martin Zellerbach, a computer genius with a rare form of autism. I hope he returns in subsequent books because I found him fascinating.

This reads like Ludlum-lite, featuring his brand of paranoid action and suspense, but without the depth of plotting and sophistication that characterizes his best work. It's noticeably different from the rest of his output, although maybe that's a plus given the quality of his last few books.

"The Hades Factor" is recommended for thriller lovers and anyone looking for an exciting summer read.

I absolutely loved this novel from Ludlum considering I have never read anything of his before. This book kept me enthralled from the very first page and would let go.

Lt Col Jon Smith (USAMRIID) is trying to investigate the death of his beloved Dr Sophia Russell, who was killed after doing some detective work on a very rare virus that seemed to be kiliing random people across the world. This virus had Ebola-type symptoms and after Sophia goes digging into what sort of virus it is and where it comes from, somebody thinks she is better off dead.

Smith enlists the help of 2 friends to uncover a myriad of missing documents, doors slammed shut and unethical scientists that seem to love making terrible viruses and trying them out to see what would happen, but the question is why??

I thought this was a sensational read, not too heavy and very well written. Being a research biochemist myself, I love the way Ludlum incorporated todays technology into a suspense thriller that was able to keep me up all night! Excllent piece of fiction, Mr Ludlum, I will definately be reading everything else that you have written!

Highly recommended!