Of the two reprint volumes (Greek and German Philosophers) that Oxford has published of its Past Masters series, I think all of the individual essays (except the one on Plato) are reprinted currently in its 'Very Short Introduction to...' series. So these volumes are a good deal because i think the 'Very Short Introduction' series are 10 bucks each. As well as being very clear and concise introductions by world renowned scholars.

I was already familiar with Nietzsche but I enjoyed the skilled manner in which these authors condensed the profound ideas of these philosophers into explanations feasibly understandable to beginnners in philosophy. There were certain concepts I could not agree with in the works of these great men; however, I admire the systems and ideas they developed in their works.

These are highly admirable overviews by some of the best of the current set of the philsophers examining past greats.

This must have been a difficult book to put together. The editors would have to have found not one, but four great authors from which to put together introductions for the hardest authors in all philosophy.

He succeeded. This book makes immediately explaicable two of the hardest authors in all history- Kant and Hegel. I was amazed at the level of commentary in this short a work. It is almost impossible to pull this easy an introduction off. My hat is off to both Scruton and Singer.

The other commentaries and introcductions were as good as they come. Because of the ease of Schoepenhaur and Nietzsche, the authors had more room to give reasonably complete explanations and ruminations on their lives. Janner and Tannaway both make superb additions to these traditions, both commentaries worthy of being works in themselves.

This is four times a good book. My respect to all the authors, and my full throated call for people to read these books.

Hercule Poirot was a short, fat, dapper detective who solved his cases by exercising his "little grey cells".

"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" was Christie's fourth Poirot novel, while "Murder on the Links" was her second. In both Christie adopts the motif of narrating the story from the point of view of someone who undertakes to assist Poirot in the solution of the mystery. Christie introduces the cast of suspects, gives each of them a dark secret and a motive to lie, and piles up the circumstances in such a way that the flying fickle finger of suspicion points to every one of them at some time or another. She compounds the confusion by supplying false leads and deliberatly glossing over hot clues.

In each case Poirot holds his cards close to his vest, tantalizes the reader/listener with cryptic comments, and finds the most inconsequential-appearing facts to be highly significant. Eventually Poirot airs everyone's dirty laundry, explains his chain of deductive reasoning, reconstructs the crime in all its improbable complexity, and gets a confession. The stories are less mysteries than they are sliding block puzzles. Though extremely short on realism, they are long on entertainment value.

Although the BBC radio play had excellent production values, audio cassette may not be the best way to enjoy a Poirot mystery. I listen to radio plays as I drive on business, and I find the Poirot plays hard to follow because of the large cast of characters and the complexities of plotting. Poirot could probably be enjoyed more readily in print. You could then read, re-read, take time out to mull over the complexities, and follow the story much better. Probably the best way to enjoy Poirot would be to read the story first, and then listen to the radio play.

The mystery is beyond our imagination. The background and characters truly victorian, and above all the narrative very gripping! Oh! I am re-reading and every time I enjoy even though I know the mystery! Once again, Poirot at his best with his passion for order and method.

As a Christie addict, having read all of her Poirot and Marple stories many times over, I can only say that "Roger Ackroyd" stands out as the best of the best. Even now, knowing the ending, I enjoy rereading the book, with all the delicious and subtle (but misleading) hints to the grand conclusion. And to the first-time reader, the ending comes as quite a surprise. The fabled Miss Christie leads the reader down so many lovely garden paths before the perfectly logical denouement! Delicious! The audio version is beautifully performed, and does proper justice to the book.

Oscar Wilde entirely dedicates this play to the exploration of the way a woman can be saved from destruction in this society of appearances. A woman was the victim of an imbroglio in the past and abandoned her daughter. This woman comes back and the daughter ignores her relation to her. She is brought back into societry by the daughter's husband who knows the truth but does not want his wife to know it. But there is some kind of malediction that flies over the heads of these women. The daughter nearly does the same mistake as her mother but she is saved by her mother who accepts to be tainted in her daughter's place. Bus Oscar Wilde must think there is some kind of reward for a good deed and all is well that ends well, and this play has a happy ending. In spite of all the melodramatic sentimentalese atmosphere, Oscar Wilde definitely explores in this play the great disadvantage of a woman in society. Men can do nearly all they want. Women are extremely limited and have to walk a very straight and narrow line. Oscar Wilde seems to be ahead of his time as for the fate of women: he seems to aspire for real equality for them, though he shows in all possible ways that this is impossible in his society.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

My first experience reading Oscar Wilde... and certainly not my last.

Wilde's sardonic wit and ineffable satire had me enchanted from page one. Wilde writes with devastatingly appealing witticisms, and with a style and cleverness matched by few other authors. It is said that he is one of the more oft-quoted authors in the English language, and I now understand why.

In addition to axioms and aphorisms of pure genius, the plot both captivates and surprises the reader. Lady Windermere discovers that her husband has been cheating on her, and a folly of misunderstandings and poor advice then unfolds; all the while satirizing society.

This play is very interesting to read (according to me). I saw a lot of hypocracy and snobery of people in this play. But a lot of peole said that the plays of Oscar Wilde have no satire, means, there is no factor of politics, socials,etc. I think, what he wrote in this plays and other plays had something to critize the people in that time. I want more information about Lady Winderemere's Fan, I mean what is the background of Wilde wrote yhis novel. Is there any important effects so that he wrote this first play?

This is a wonderful, warm and personal look into the lives of Roy Rogers, the King of the Cowboys and Dale Evans Rogers, the Queen of the West. This book gives the stories of Roy's life from his humble beginnings in Duck Run, Ohio and Dale's start in Uvalde, Texas to their present lives in Apple Valley, California. The stories of their joys and hardships are very touching. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is fan of Roy or Dale as well as anyone who wants to read an inspiring story about the Hollywood couple who are heros in real life just as they were in the movies. The only suggestion I would have for the next edition of this book is that it needs an index. The stories are so wonderful you'll be wanting to see more photos and hear more of Roy and Dales personal stories

This book is a MUST for anyone who is a fan of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Trigger of course! Only three things could make this book better; An index would be a nice addition, MORE of Roy and Dale's own stories about their lives and lots more pictures

This is a wonderful, warm and personal look into the lives of Roy Rogers, the King of the Cowboys and Dale Evans Rogers, the Queen of the West. This book gives the stories of Roy's life from his humble beginnings in Duck Run, Ohio and Dale's start in Uvalde, Texas to their present lives in Apple Valley, California. The stories of their joys and hardships are very touching. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is fan of Roy or Dale as well as anyone who wants to read an inspiring story about the Hollywood couple who are heros in real life just as they were in the movies

I wasn't sure what to expect with this anthology, but I found myself enthralled from beginning to end. Nnedi Okorafor's "Crossroads", Seth Lindberg's "Atropos", and James Dorr's "Madness" were special delights.

A great mix of chilling, horrifying, and otherwise entertaining stories.

This is a great compilation of magic, madness, culture and creativity. All of the stories were pretty satisfying, some of them terrifying! There are some writers here that are going to go places. Watch for the authors of the two longest pieces, Nnedi Okorafor (her story is called Crossroads) and James S. Dorr (he wrote a story called Madness).

This was the first woodworking how-to book I bought and it has been very informative and I reference it often. With many helpful photos, the author does a good job of explaining all of the basic woodworking fundamentals (how to 4-square wood, how to cut joints, different projects, etc.). There is also a balance between using machines and hand tools. Recommended.

Looked over the book in a local bookstore and was intrigued by the furniture designs found in the book. Picked it up and found that the projects were as simple to make as indicated in the plans. Would highly recommend the book for weekend workshop hobbyists who want woodworking projects that are challenging and rewarding to work with.

The book is published by National Geographic, so it goes without saying that the quality of the photographs is superb. But to look at this collection of space-born images is to never see the earth in the same way again. All the contintents and oceans are covered and even the Aurora is documented. The astronauts who took these photographs are some of the luckiest men and women on (or off) the earth, and this book will show you why.

Despite all that man has done to harm the environment, many of the photographs give you an eerie sense of what it might've been like to look down on the earth thousands of years ago, seeing only a beautiful collection of shapes, colors and clouds. Some pictures of the African desert and its coastline will leave you breathless.

A wonderful collection that beats satellite imagery any day of the week.

Astronaut Jay Apt, with the help of geographer Justin Wilkinson and climatologist Michael Helfert, has assembled a book full of pictures of Earth taken from orbit. These photographs were chosen from over a 145,000 that are available from the NASA photographic library and focus on many different aspects of our planet's geology and climate. The large coffee table style format and the high quality of the reproductions allows this book bring out the stunning features of our home and is welcome addition to anyone who is interested in space photography, especially since most of the book is photographs and very little text.

The book is divided into sections covering each continent, the Pacific Ocean and the aurora. To show the range of Earth's geology and climate, each section highlights the major geological features found in each region and if appropriate mankind's influence. To further emphasis to geological diversity of the planet, occasional surface photographs that correspond to an orbital photograph are also included. For example, in the section on Africa, there are photos of the Nile, Nile cities, the Sahara desert, various coastline features and cloud formations. The only portions of the Earth not covered are the North and South Poles, since the shuttle does not fly over these regions. There is also one extremely interesting two page map spread which shows the location of each one of the 268,000 photographs taken by the astronauts.

This book is one of my favorite space photography books and I look at it often and each time that I do I always notice something different. This is a great book and well worth the price.

Truely a magnificent piece of work to wiew the wonder of God's creation leaves you in awe of the beauty of the Earth. I pick it up regularly, for maximum enjoyment choose times where you are not rushed so you can drink in the superb pictures. A book no household can afford to be without.

Truth is stranger than fiction, for these stories are totally absorbing. The Day I Met God causes the reader to re-evaluate his own life. In my case, it made a profound impression upon me. I hadn't yet finished it, when I realized that it was time for me to follow the examples in this book. It's about time--I am 81 years old.

THE DAY I MET GOD is filled with inspiring and amazing stories of people who had an encounter with God....even the most unlikely of individuals. There's a story for everyone in this book. It will reach anyone and soften the hardest heart! If you have a friend who is need of God's healing power or truth, this is the book for them. These stories will lead them to God! I particularly was moved by the story of the young man was robbing a man who agreed to give him his money, but told the burglar that he needed to give his heart to the Lord. There's is no doubt in mind that this victim must have prayed for the man who robbed him, because he was later led to the Lord. The criminal was really haunted by the man's words until he gave his life to the Lord. I won't spoil the surprise of how he turned his life around! A great evangelical tool, this is a book that Christians can give to their non-Christian friends without fear of offending them. This book''s gentle stories speak loudly of everyone's need for God and also it shows how we are all individuals and how God meets us not just where we are but in such a special way that it validates how well he knows his children.

Bought the book last week and we are passing it around the house-everyone wants to read The Day I Met God, we have nearly worn it out! Theis collection of stories will touch your heart and move you as you see God's faithfulness. Get an extra copy for a friend!

The Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh...in his 100 Acre Wood Eden...are celebrations of friendship and loyalty. Maurice Sendak's WHERE the WILD THINGS Are, startlingly glimpses into fun; adventure and beckoning unknown dangers inhabiting the seemingly guileless imagination of children. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT might be thought to complement these major modern works of CHILDREN MYTHOLOGY. "How Toys become Real..." is subtitle and theme of this superbly crafted fable about LOVE: its promise; pain and overwhemling power to miraculously transform. Like all great fairy-tales, cuentoes and parables, the story is Once-upon-a-Time simple. It can be read to any child over three, and read by any child eight or older(3.5 g/e). It is told from point of view of a "really splendid, fat and bunchy Velveteen Rabbit...with coat spotted brown and white...real thread whiskers...and ears lined with pink sateen." The toy rabbit "quests" the love of his playmate master(BOY)that can...according to Mentor and friend THE SKIN HORSE...grant REALITY.
"When a child loves you for a long, long time...not just to play with...but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL."

Adorning this story is the wonderous art of illustrator Donna Green. In this 1995/98 edition, the "picture book" is illuminated with beautiful oil, acrylic, and lush pastel paintings that glow, and shimmer Life-like and LOVE-like. It is beautiful art work intrinsically conveying Margery Williams' mythical message to the young and young-at heart. (10 Stars)

Daughter Anna (now 19 years old) loved this book. It was her favorite above all others. As we sorted through some old kid things for give-away purposes, we stumbled upon this old, well worn copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit." She insisted we keep the book for HER children.

This was her book that Mama (me!) had to read to her again and again and again. As soon as the last word was read on the last page, it was "Mama, please read it again!"

(how I miss those days, by the way!)

The book also has a powerful message about Love that children understand and cherish.

This is a wonderful book. No child should be without their own copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit."

This is a heartwarming story about a toy rabbit filled with sawdust that wants to be real. He realizes what the meaning of "real" is when his owner, a young boy, gives him the answer for which he searches. My wife bought this book for me last month. I missed it as a child. I've learned the lesson in this book in traditional ways, by trial and error. I would have loved to have this treasure as a child and thank my beautiful wife, Lori, for giving it to me, now. Only real love has any meaning or longevity, at all. I ask you readers to not pass up this gem of a book. It is a must for children and adults alike.

"Nathan," the autobiographical story of Nathan Ballard, is the moving narrative of a man who has lived with cerebral palsy much longer than the usual life span allows someone in his condition. The reader is given a world-wind look at the trials and accomplishments of Ballard's life. The book immediately engages the reader and teaches him or her not to feel sorry for the disabled. Ballard has accomplished much more in his life than many people who are in perfect health. He is multi-lingual and has participated in many national activities regarding the well being of disabled persons, including the panel which helped create the Americans with Disabilities Act. Overall, "Nathan" is very easy to read and gives great detail of each period in Ballard's life. However, the book does tend to skip from one point in time to another. This can be discouraging to the reader in several instances, where it jumps quickly from childhood to the present. The character development in "Nathan" is exceptional. Readers quickly feel as though they know Ballard, his family and his friends. "Nathan" will truly open your eyes to the life of a disabled person. It is amazing to hear a first hand account of how people in wheelchairs are actually treated by their peers. Ballard is a fixture on the University of Alabama campus and is very friendly and positive to the students. As a student at Alabama, I know the author and his determination to succeed in his writing career. A screenplay is currently being written on Nathan, and he is now working on a book of poetry.

Many a year ago, when Nathan approached me on the University of Alabama campus to read a book he had spent 20 years writing, I did not think much of it. After spending that weekend reading what then were mere pages in a box, my life has forever been changed. My perspective on life and my attitude toward life has been irrevocably altered. Nathan's brutal honestly and total willingness to sacrifice his all to make a differnce resonates on each page as Nathan's story is brought to life. I wish everyone could read this book. Is it a literary masterpice, probably not. Will it change your life, I bet it will. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you and lift you up, this is the one. And, as one that has been blessed to have gotten to know the man behind the book, yes Nathan is the real deal!

This guy is something else. I heard about him from a friend who read a story of his friendship with Dave Matthews online somewhere. When I bought the book, I thought there would be something about DMB in it. They are mentioned at the end, but this book is what it claims to be. It's about Nathan Ballard. What an interesting life. The book reads well, it is full of surprises and keeps you guessing.

I had no idea what life for a badly disabled person was like. The writers do a fantastic job of spelling out what the experience "feels" like, inside and outside. Nathan is honest about himself. He doesn't spare self-criticism. To me, that makes him more human. He's funny, too. I can see why Dave must like him so much. The dude has been through a lot.

The middle is a little lengthy about some lady who tried to rip him off and steal the book, but it doesn't detract from the story too much. If you are reading this, then by all means buy it. It's a great story. When I finished it I gave it to my mom.