Prof Carol Clark and Prof Robert Sykes in their 40-page introduction put the English translation of Baudelaire in a cultural perspective. Excellent example of translation studies.

I took a cobol class in which this was the text. Now I am on to an advanced level and am seeking serious supplemental material. This book has far too many grammatical errors in the examples, which causes serious problems for the beginner. The author also skims over material that needs to be covered more in depth and on occassion states that the concepts behind some of the programming are over the readers head, which left me with the feeling of being spoken over. Given all the errors in this book I have a hard time believing the author was a career programmer. This book is very expensive, probably because it contains the fujitsu compiler. For the person who truly wants to learn the language I would suggest looking at competing books first.

I have taught COBOL for a number of years and have always used Grauer Villar & Buss. This new edition, although commendable in adding Microfocus Cobol, lacks true Mainframe focus. A few years ago there was an accompanying small book that greatly added to the mainframe concepts - but is no longer available. However, the flow of the book, the explanations, examples and summaries have proved to be an excellent textbook for professional training, especially when accompanied with appropriate JCL and CICS textbooks. Still above all, I rate this at the top of COBOL books - but don't agree with the authors assumption that the mainframe is no longer a relevant part of COBOL programming.

This book is a great resource for the beginning or intermediate Cobol programmer. Very clear explanations and abundant examples aid understanding. The authors favor a "hands on" approach which encourages the reader to try out the concepts in each chapter. The example code is included on the CD (along with the input files for the exercises) which is a great timesaver.

The authors are careful about pointing out differences between Cobol-85 and Cobol-74 as they arise. While this may seem to be a minor point with the advent of the latest Cobol standard, it is helpful to those who work with older systems that are not fully Cobol-85 compliant.

The Fujitsu Cobol environment comes along with the book. The Fujitsu compiler is a big improvement over the DOS-based compiler and editor that came with the second edition. An appendix provides some step-by-step examples to help the reader get up to speed with the compiler.

The book is weighted more towards micro computers - if you are working in a mainframe environment, you will probably want to find additional references on JCL, CICS, etc.

The book may not be the best choice for someone who has no previous programming experience, but for readers who have some background in programming (in any language) and are interested in learning Cobol, this book & compiler set is the best resource I've seen for Cobol at this level. I strongly recommend it.

i think it should be easiier to get this info

This book presents a lot of very practical information about the basics of formulating a 900 number concept, evaluating the concept, getting started and marketing. Particularly someone with no marketing background could benefit from some of the promotional/advertising tips.

However, the book was last updated in--I believe--'96. It basically predates the Internet as we know it. Most of the companies mentioned in this book seem to have gone out of business or have exited the 900 number business.

900 ain't what it used to be. This book was written during a different era. I only wish there were an equally sober and well done, but more up to date resource ...

MoneyFAXX is based on the Knowledge presented in this outstanding Book! Robert begins with the very first steps in this biz and makes you a Pro; if only you listen!END

In defense of this book another reviewer has written that it will "expand (children's) ideas of other cultures, histories, and possibilities." But what sort of ideas will they get? Nothing in these illustrations looks right - not the clothing, architecture, or landscapes, and definitely not the people! Not only will children receive a completely incorrect impression of Korean culture and peoples, but in fact the inaccuracy of these illustrations, and the obvious failure to do even basic research, shows a lack of understanding and a fundamental disinterest and disrespect for "other cultures." This sort of ignorance used to pass decades ago, but in 21st century, in our smaller, shared world, it is simply unacceptable.

Another reviewer has written that this book can "expand (children's) ideas of other cultures, histories, and possibilities." But nothing in these illustrations is right - not the clothing, architecture, or landscapes. Not only will children receive an incorrect impression of Korean culture, but in fact the inaccuracy of these illustrations, and the obvious failure to do even basic research, shows a lack of understanding and a fundamental disinterest and disrespect for "other cultures." This sort of ignorance used to happen decades ago; in this day and age, in our smaller, shared world, it is unacceptable.

Readers beware and do not buy the book. This book meets Eliot Singer's definition of multicultural fakelore. Yes, King Sejong is credited for inventing Korean Alphabet but this book is a fictional creation by the author and the traditional community is totally unaware of it. Korean Americans I know who have read and seen the book is equally horrified that this book is being sold as a Korean Legend when they have never heard of such story. Other reviewers talk only of how the story can inspire others and how wonderful the illustrations are ignoring the fact that it is titled as a traditional legend of Korea when it is not. The title should be changed. My excitement of finding a book about Korean Alphabet quickly turned into a huge dissapointment. Please vote with your wallet--do not waste your money.

Clearly these authors have never been in a classroom in the last ten years! Activieis are outdated; current research on constructivism lacking.

I need to have this book for my class.