Robinson is the premier researcher on the life of Charles Chaplin, and this book is the result - a fact filled, balanced book that allows equal focus on Chaplins films and personal life. Most books tend to focus on WAY too much personal life and innuendo, but Robinson avoids this problem, and makes a good book that truly encompasses the entire life of Chaplin.

Robinson's book includes a well detailed filmography, scripts from several early Keystone films, excellent appendices, and many rare pictures. My only complaint is that many of the pictures could be printed much better, and larger too.

Superb reading!

This book, though thicker than brick, is a swift and fascinating read. You'll wish you'd known old Charlie, you really will. Robinson doesn't care for those who don't care for Chaplin, and that's a little too evident. It's hard to blame him. Overall, a stupendous piece of work.

This book is for the TRUE Charlie Chaplin fan. Everything about his movies is in this book. Very fascinating to read. I really enjoyed this book.

This book I really enjoyed, it really sparked my interest. I hope that many people read this book and enjoy it, like I did.

I read to children weekly at Border's Bookstore and they love this book! It is so much fun to read and the children really get involved in the dilemma the boy has: trying to repair the bear's toothache. The portrayal of Dad is hilarious and all too familiar to parents. It is a delightful book your child will not soon forget!

We accompanied Juancho, our two and a half year old kid, to his dentist last week and we chanced upon this great children's book by David M. McPhail aptly titled, "The Bear's Toothache" on the dentist's book shelf.

The book, richly illustrated by the author, is about a boy who cannot not go to sleep. He finds a bear with a toothache outside his window and lets him in. What follows is a hilarious sequence as the boy proceeds to help the bear remove the aching tooth. They raid the refrigerator and knock over a lamp that sends the father to the room to investigate. Still sleepy, Dad doesn't see the bear hiding under the bed. Finally, the bear jumps off the window ledge with a rope tied around the tooth. The scheme is a success and the bear leaves the tooth to the boy for him to keep under his pillow. What a riot.

After reading the book, we laughed aloud with Juancho who by that time was all set for his own adventure with the dentist.

As an elementary educator, I highly recommend this book for both teachers and parents of young children. The power of reading over watching television has substantial research and ultimately confirms that reading is a powerful tool. David McPhail is my hero when it comes to writing and illustrating text. His delightful message is not only for Emma the bear, but for all children. Read Read Read.

David McPhail's "Fix-It" is a charming way to introduce reading to beginning or relunctant readers. Emma wakes up one morning to find the television set not working. Her dad, mom and even the repairman are unable to fix it. When the T.V. problem is finally solved, Emma no longer cares. She has found an equally enjoyable activity, reading a book. Although this book could be considered a "baby book" by more "experienced" readers, preschoolers should be able to find this book appealing. The message that the book is trying to get across to children is great. The illustrations are soft and help tell the story accurately. This book has charm and should be enjoyed by a variety of children.

David McPhail's Fix-it! is a charming book. The illustrations are clear; the text is simple. It is good for pre-readers and beginning readers. The book promotes reading with your children.

What if a balloon was so big it carried you away? That's what happens to the poor little boy in this story when his parents buy him a balloon at the zoo. What follows is a wonderfully imaginative and beautifully illustrated adventure packed full of wild animals and hair-raising situations.

My daughter loved this and has asked us to read it to her many times. It's delightful for parents, too, which is always a plus for the story-reader!

Oh how I love this book! Open it up and right away the illustrations capture your curiousity, they make this book what it is...........fun! Children will laugh, hisssss and growl right along with the story as the little boy lifts off high in the air dangling from a big red balloon. His adventures with the zoo animals are exciting and somewhat suspenseful as he meets face to face with a long, slithering snake (with fangs..oh my!). This is great storytelling for groups of children who will eventually recite the main dialogue "that's good. No, that's bad" before you can even get the words out. After reading it add some dramatic play by acting out the zoo animals and then get to the art supplies and draw your own adventure! Have fun!

This book is great fun to read out loud to preschoolers and young school children. Sound effects are written in (bang, whoosh, plop), so you don't need a lot of imagination, just a lot of expression. It is the story of a boy whose parents buy him a balloon at the zoo (that's good), and it lifts him up and away (that's bad). He is deposited in the jungle and meets a variety of helpful and not-so-helpful animals there. The illustrations are delightful, and it has a happy ending. It shows kids that you can have all sorts of adventures in the big wide world, and you can always come home to your loving parents.

To appreciate this is book of art you have to be able to look past all preconceived ideas of cemetaries and dying and look further into a higher realm of spirituality. The monuments featured in this book speak of something other than death - they speak of the person that lives on and the people that are left behind to remember them. Looking through the pages I felt a connection to another world that was very much alive. When you look at each picture you can feel the emotion. The monuments whisper to you from beneath the vines and the algae that threaten to keep their secrets forever. Looking at all of this one must wonder why so many feel the need to express their grief in such a manner? When I look at the pictures, the beautiful aged monuments tell a story of their own and possess their own mortality, especially the ones that mimic our image. Seeing their bodies covered in snow or their faces that have aged like our mortal ones instill a sense of fragility among the living and the dead alike. There is no escaping the inevitable and if you could just look past the marble and granite you would see the souls that are trying to tell you their story. After I read this book I longed to see Pere-Lachaise in Paris. I finally got the opportunity five months ago. Being there was the most surreal experience I have ever had. I found many of the monuments shown and I have to say David Robinson's photography speaks to us in a way that no spoken language can. Pere-Lachaise is over 105 acres of remarkable ethereal beauty. Cemetaries are usually thought of as the land of the dead but this book will show you how alive death can be. After you view this book you will not only see beauty, you will feel it. And if you are one of the lucky ones you will realize that cemetaries are alive and if you listen closely, you will feel what they have to say.

Cemeteries are like galleries of the dead, mausoleums and tombstones etched with the intricacy of a sculptor's chisel. Art of the Cemetery is a gorgeous visual journey into some of the most elegant and quaint gravesides around the world. Horror writer Dean Koontz reflects upon mortality while discussing his personal insights about death, and speaks about the sense of quiet charms that permeate cemeteries from New Orleans to tiny cemeteries hidden away in corners of the world. The pictures in the book represent lavish and sometimes forgotten memorials, and serve as ceremonials to the dead, whether the dearly departed are famous graves buried within Paris' Pere Lachaise cemetery or unmarked tombs decorated in simple yet loving care. Many of the tombs are studies in beauty, and photographer David Robinson's pictures paint an ethereal eye over many of the locations, giving testimony to cemeteries as artistic havens of extraordinary form and decadence. Koontz explores the perceptions of death and the afterlife by reflecting on the history of cemeteries, his eloquent words giving a sense of humanity to the imagery of death. The pictures show remarkably beautiful cemeteries, such as the Montmartre in Paris and the Jewish cemetery in Prague. The idea of transcendence is evoked through the pages, with images of exquisite emblems of wreaths and personal items left on graves to remember the dead. There seems to be a story behind many of the grave sites shown, which makes the book a fascinating exploration each time it's looked at. While the book does depict symbols and artwork of the silent world of the cemetery, it's not a somber portrayal that will sadden. The book's depictions of angelic statues and carven marble resting places serves to uplift the common misconception about death as a final end. To view the pictures and epitaphs from tombs of lovers and children is to visit an unknown soul's home, leaving your thoughts like flowers at their feet.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this collection. It was far better than I expected. I am following James Robinsons' Starman trades as they come out and I like them, but I'm not crazy about them. I expected JSA to be as good or maybe a little worse because it just doesn't get the same critical acclaim as Starman. When I read it, I found it to be a lot better and even better than JLA. The characters are all interesting although Sand is probably my least favourite. Its got the best of new and old, some icons and some obscure characters. It has a similar link with the past that Starman has, which is always good because it takes advantage of DC's rich history, which is too often ignored. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when they revealed who the new Dr Fate was, but given time he may grow on me. And anyway, at least the helmet and medalion are back! I liked reading about the fate of the original Sandman and this comic is also making me like Wonder Woman (Hipolyta) more! The bad guy is a little [ineffectual], but the plot makes up for it. I also think that it offered a plausible excuse for JSA to reform.

JSA is one of the best comic titles in print today. This volume collects the first issues of the series. DC has taken its classic hero team introduced during the 40s and modernized it with extraordinary flair.

While steeped in history, Goyer has written this story arc so the reader isn't required to be versed in 60 years of comic adventures. References to the past are made where necessary or flashbacks are cleverly used and well integrated into the story. The story itself is spectacular as these retired heroes, attending the funeral of an old friend, decide to reform the world's first super team to search for the next Dr. Fate.

Sadowski's art is simply breathtaking. There is astounding attention to detail that brings the illustrations alive. He also gives a realistic picture of these aging super beings. They have been around for decades and a paunch here and a wrinkle thrown in there are in sharp contrast to the typical pysically perfect, six pack abs hero that never seems to age.

Not only would I highly recommend this book, but its follow up trade paperbacks and the series itself. This dip into history is time well spent.

The Justice Society of America was the premiere superhero group of the 1940s. Now, Wesley Dodds--once known as the crime-fighter the Sandman--falls victim to an old foe who is looking for the Fate-Child, the baby that will grow up to inheirit the mystical garb of Dr. Fate. The elder statesmen of the superhero world gather at Dodds' gravesite. Jay Garrick, the Flash. Ted Grant, Wildcat. Wonder Woman. Hourman, who carries within his synthetic makeup the remnants of Rex "Tick-Tock" Tyler. Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern who now goes by the name Sentinel. Dinah Lance, daughter of the original Black Canary. While attending the funeral of their old friend and comrade-in-arms, the surviving members of the JSA as well as young heroes witness the death of Fate, the man who currently carries the weapons of Dr. Fate. They are attacked by undead warriors Sentinel names as the Sons of Anubis who strive to take the weapons from the dead man. That murder and attack, following so closely on the heels of the death of Wesley Dodds, unites these warriors old and new and brings them face-to-face with a villain that has lived for ages.

David Goyer has become an author of repute. He wrote the screenplay for BLADE and BLADE 2, starring Wesley Snipes, in the movie adaptation of the Marvel Comics hero. He's also written NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D., DARK CITY, and THE PUPPET MASTERS. James Robinson, the co-author of this graphic novel, has written THE GOLDEN AGE, LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT: BLADES, TERMINATOR, STARMAN, VIGILANTE, and LEAVE IT TO CHANCE . Artists for the first graphic novel gathering the first five issues of the on-going series are Scott Benefiel, Stephen Sadowski, and Derec Aucoin, with inks by Mark Propst and Michael Bair.

A combination of nostalgia and stunning story-telling enhanced by some of the best comics artwork in the business, JSA: JUSTICE BE DONE succeeds as a treat for the eyes and the heart of the long-time comics follower as well as newbies who take an interest in these legends. Goyer and Robinson's character interplay and dialogue works together to bring a depth to the story as well as a richness to their imagined world. The narrative on the panels is taut and driving, voice-overs for the action that explodes from the pages. The full page splashes of heroes like Hawkgirl and Dr. Fate are absolute treasures. Long-time fans of the JSA will enjoy the way the new authors pay homage to Gardner F. Fox, the first of the writers for the series back in the 1940s, when they split the group into teams to send to missions in different parts of the world. That was very much a Gardner Fox plot device. And they play fairly with Roy Thomas, the scribe for INFINITY, INC., who created the character of the Silver Scarab, Hector Hall.

JSA is one of the best books currently being done in the market. Goyer, because of his training in the film world, possess a cameraman's eye for shots, and Robinson's skills lead him into deep and rich characterizations. They compliment each other, but standing apart on different projects shows that each writer is nearly equally as skilled. Readers will note that the writers obviously have a good time playing off of each other. This graphic novel compliation of the first five issues states the JSA's purpose, to thoroughly entertain the reader and dazzle him or her with gorgeous artwork. Comics lovers who haven't yet tuned into the JSA will find this volume is the perfect place to start.

This book is not just about "Communicating God's Truth to Our Changing World," but also about better understanding the world we live in today. The author delves into various facets of the modern (American) life to show "Who We Are," (chapter 3-8), and "How We Think," (chapters 9-14). While doing so, he shows not only how deeply our culture has gone into a sort of postmodern chaos, but also gives examples of how he has been able to reach out to non-Christians and see their lives' changed for Christ. Henderson has definitely been affected in his writing by his mentor, the author of the foreword, Haddon Robinson, named one of the top ten preachers in America. This is mostly positive, including Dr. Henderson's "Concepts Worth Remembering" and "Recommended Reading" lists that are at the end of every major section. This book is very readable and helpful for any Christian who may want to know the current culture better as well as how to present the gospel of Christ in the 21st Century. I enjoyed the book for these reasons, but did not feel it was exceptional enough to warrant 5 big stars. However it is very good and any pastor or lay person who is actively involved in the life of their church would enjoy it.

In high school speech classes, we were taught to "know your audience." As an apathetic high schooler, I didn't really care what she meant, but it eventually made sense (once I actually decided to think about it). You wouldn't use sock puppets to explain math to accountants; you wouldn't use in-depth power-point presentations to explain math to first graders. With this in mind, why do many Americans still try to talk about Jesus using the methods used thirty years ago? Why do we use Christian "jargon" to explain Christianity to those outside the faith?

Henderson, as you might guess, contends that modern American Christians must change their approach to sharing the faith in order to fit modern America. The pattern of Henderson's book is straightforward: he examines a particular aspect/mindset/value of modern Americans; he then gives ideas about how a Christian might share Words of Eternal Life with such an American. Henderson's prose is both straightforward and enjoyable. He gets right to the heart of the American mindset, then illustrates it with descriptions from scenes from popular movies, personal anecdotes, jokes, etc.

In all, Henderson does the modern Christian a great service in writing "Culture Shift." Jesus tells Christains to tell others about him ("Go, therefore, and baptize all nations...") and Henderson can help us along the way through this book. Highly recommended.

Jason Cruise Founder TodaysPreacher.Com

There are a lot of bad books out there today!! There is nothing worse than spending money on something that you can't use; but, this is not one of those books!!! Henderson's book was super, in my opinion. He is certainly up to speed on today's listener. He uses a constant theme throughout the book which he deems, "God's Word to a _______." For instance, Chapter 6 deals with "God's Word To A Distracted World"; Chapter 8 deals with "God's Word To A Disconnected World." This helps you see how God's Word can reach such a target.

In this work he covers the average person sitting in your audience; what has made them the type of listener they are; their different thinking patterns, etc. David Henderson sat under Haddon Robinson, the "teacher of preachers." You can see Robinson's solid, Biblical influence on Henderson; and, I think this only adds to the credibility of the author.

David Henderson knows how to help you "gain a hearing" with a crowd. The book really helped me better understand today's audience, and techniques to help reach them. I'd really recommend that you read this book ... I think you'll be a better preacher because of it!!!

Preach On Friends ... Jason Cruise

I write in response to the guy who felt "totally ripped off" by the chapter in this book on dealing with irrational attacks.

I can't tell whether he's baiting the author to see if he'll follow his own directions, or if he's simply throwing a childish tantrum that illustrates the excessive and irrational attacks people often have to suffer. Either way, he obviously didn't get it, and although he calls himself a "fairly nice, sensitive, compassionate person," his letter makes that difficult to believe. Perhaps if he had read the whole book and used the practical exercises, he would have seen how helpful this book could be.

This book opened my eyes to a lot of important insights into how my "niceness" has undercut my integrity and effectiveness as a person. I'm impressed with the substance and clarity with which it's written, and especially the fact that I couldn't find any "psychobabble." I'm also impressed with the balance of theorhetical understanding and practical information. It's been of tremendous help to me. I cannot recommend it too highly.

I was recently interviewing for a job and was called in for EIGHT interviews. The stress was on! Duke helped me to see the big picture, to focus on what I wanted and needed, and not be bogged down with needless baggage that some of us "nice" people carry with us.

This book has helped me with personal relationships at home and with friends, has refocused my attention to my communication methods so that I use clear and succinct wording, and it has helped me see that nice guys can finish first.

Thanks, Duke. The book is great

I have an admission: I can't process Duke Robinson's book as fast as I would like. That's because it contains vast insight into how we would-be nice folk trip over ourselves. So, I'm reading it slowly and taking time for reflection.

But I'm also trying new behaviors that the author suggests. For example, I've started saying "I'll have to get back to you" when my own reactivity kicks in. A simple suggestion, almost common sense. But it helps preserve important relationships and gives me time to come up with a calm, healing response.

If you feel a need to be perfect, if you lose yourself into other people's problems, if you sputter in the face of ambush, if you have trouble saying what you want, this book is for you. It offers practical, down-to-earth, doable ideas that work.

But be warned: the author will help you envision the climb toward more authentic niceness, and he will provide some handholds. But the work will be up to you. If you're like me, you will find his suggestions difficult to pull off. But the effort will be worthwhile.

Always being "nice" looks so good from the outside, but oh, the pain that is there inside. Duke Robinson's touching book guides you through simple, yet challanging steps to relieve that pain forever.

My first intention was to read this book as a self-help guide in learnng how to deal with my mistakes. I found my "niceness" in many chapters and immediately began trying some of the suggested changes. They do work and I feel better!

Being a believer that continuing education is a lifelong process, I want to share this book with others. Using the author's study guide, I plan to introduce "Good Intentions" to an adult study group at my church.

Cyril Robinson was clearly a gifted and scholarly historian with a prodigious vocabulary and complete command of the English language. Unfortunately, not all the world's readers share those abilities. The result is a rambling tome targeted at academicians, not the masses. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that, but why do it? Greek history is a rich tale full of important lessons on the development of our own democratic society. It should be available to the layman. Robinson, however, chose to saturate his bloated prose with an overabundance of "henceforths" and "hithertos," using long multi-clause sentences that force the reader to reread passage after passage in a constant struggle for comprehension and retention. The sheer number of dates and difficult names of people and places are hard enough to follow without adding puffy, upper-crust verbiage.

Well-educated readers--especially those with some background knowledge of the subject, will probably enjoy this impressive book. But for the average reader just looking to tone up on the basics of Greek history, this is going to be a yawner. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.

When I first became aware of this book many years ago, I passed up the chance to read it because I thought it was going to be a bit too scholarly. That was a bad mistake. About a year ago a friend of mine who downloads audiobooks from Audible let me listen to a portion of this history. I was so hooked I decided to buy the cassette version. This narration is far and away the best history I have ever heard in a recorded form. Contrary to one of the reviewers, I take strong exception to the assertion that Robinson's language is difficult. He writes beautifully. If you're just not up to good English standards...too bad. This is a marvellously narrated piece of ancient history that will live forever and should definitely have a place on the shelf of any amateur historian who values honest writing and clear thinking. I am thankful I came across this great work.

I wrote an Amazon review for Professor Robinson's book, History of Greece, back in 1997. I still consider it to be one of the most entertaining histories I have ever come across. In fact, I liked it so much, I recorded it. It's a book worthy to be read, (and heard) over and over.

Smokey Robinson is not afraid to honestly and frankly outline the events that have transpired in his life. One has to appreciate the clarity and detail he uses in expressing the downfall of his marriage and his drift into drug use. Clearly a movie should be in the making.

David Ritz is a Fantastic writer period and he does a Wonderful job with Smokey.now Smokey Robinson is one of The Greatest Artists ever.He has Written songs that are Timeless&are Musical Treasures.this Book is Very to the Point about the Highs&Lows of The Life.also Motown The Beautiful History of a Black Owned&Operated Label that was The Soundtrack for Many Peoples Lives.this is a Must Read.Also About Him&Berry Gordy which is History unto itself.A Great Overview not only on a Musical Genius&Legend but also a Very Together Brother.A Brother who Overcame alot and is still Bad to this day.

From page 1 until the end of this book my eyes kept reading and reading and thanking God that this man is still alive today to give us his talent and energy and love. Smokey has come a long way from the 1st page of his biography. This is one you cannot put down. Believe ME.