This is the best series of books I have ever read! I also have the volume on Superman. What a great presentation of information that is fun to read plus "educational" for a true fan. I of course mostly remember Wonder Woman as Linda Carter on the t.v. series. This was my vision of the character growing up. This led the way for the brilliant work on the comic book incarnation in the late eighties. The work of George Perez was detailed, beautiful, and made me read the comic for the first time.

His run on the book, is still one of my favorite runs on any comic, past or present. The book also describes in excellent detail, the work of another landmark artist to work on Wonder Woman, Mike Deodato. Whose Wonder Woman was polished stylized and helped to update her look yet again, showing fans a new side to the character. The work that painter Alex Ross has done on Wonder Woman is amazing. You can see the Linda Carter influenece in how he paints her. Kindom Come, the book Ross did about aged DC heroes, showed Wonder Woman as eternally honorable, beautiful, strong and willfull character.This series made her a more enjoyable character. Even though I can honstly say I'm not a hardcore Wonder Woman fan, this book was excellent to help fill in the gaps in the character's history that to this point I did not know.

I recoomend this book, or any of it's counterparts to those who are interested in the myths and legends of some of this countries most eduring icons. I sincerely give my highest recommendations to this book.

I loved the two previous "Complete History" books byLes Daniels on Superman and Batman, but his book on Wonder Woman iseven more amazing. Maybe it's because she isn't as over-exposed asthose other two superheroes, but there are surprises galore in thishandsome book. The still-gorgeous Lynda Carter contributes a lovelyintroduction, and just wait until you read the story of WilliamMarston, Wonder Woman's unconventional creator. And the stunningdesign by Chip Kidd showcases totally awesome toys, original art andeven photos from a 1960s TV show pilot I didn't know existed. And weeven get to see the legendary never-seen "Star Riders"toys. Well, I could just go on and on. This is my favorite book ofthe year, and any fan of Wonder Woman (or Lynda Carter) will just haveto have it!

An absolute must-have for any fan of Wonder Woman. Everything about the amazin' amazon, from the comic book to Ms. Magazine to the Super Friends cartoon to the 1960s and 1970s tv show (yes, I said 1960s!), is covered. And the photos of her memorabilia are priceless. You'll even find some reprints of Wonder Woman stories from her various eras (Golden Age, Silver Age, Perez). And there's even a preview of the Alex Ross-painted Wonder Woman project debuting late next year. I do wish there were more of Brian Bolland's subversive covers (as well as current cover artist Adam Hughes's) and, of course, more pics of Lynda Carter presented, but those are just minor quibbles. Les Daniel's text is well-written and well-researched, and I guarantee you'll find at least one nugget of information that's surprising (not only about creator Marston's unique life, but also the section covering Robert Kahniger's tenure as writer and some surprising revelations from later legendary editor Denny O'Neill). And Chip Kidd's layout is wonder-ful (very reminiscent of his work on the excellent Batman Animated book). This book would make the ultimate holiday gift for any fan of the character, but to be honest, I'd hate to make a true fan wait that long to savor it. This book will have them *ahem* spinning! Now, if only some record company would release a soundtrack for the tv series!

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

To a student of Zen, it is unnecessary to introduce this book. For those folks reading about Zen for the first time, this is a collection of Zen and Pre-Zen writings. For the greater part, it allows you to explore with your own mind these great insights without a lot of left-brain interference. Oh yes, you get clues but no answers, because these must come from the fusion of the neurons in your own brain.

I will have to admit that I no longer lend this book to anyone. It never comes back. My copy is old and has notations on every page, thoughts that occurred to me. While I was reading it for the first time a few years back, I had a dream. In the dream, I entered an ancient house and walked down into the black basement. As I opened each of a series of doors in this darkness, I would reach for the light in the center of the room. Light after light popped on. I am sure I do not have to interpret this dream for you. That is exactly what happened to the darkness in my mind: light after light illuminated my world. I was so excited I could hardly breathe. It was the beginning of a long flight towards freedom.

The greatest part of this is you do not have to learn to meditate. Each teaching brings you closer and closer to solving the problem of your mind, that is, relating conscious to preconscious awareness, into your every day living. It offers the flesh and bones of Zen. The marrow is your discovery of yourself.

"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" was the first book to bring Zen Buddhist koans to America. It is also the best. The translators have left these wonderful stories and teachings speak for themselves. If you have never read koans, they are bewildering stories that defy logic and shock the reader into a higher state of consciousness. They are especially wonderful to read after meditation or church. They are ancient stories, often describing the strange interactions between monks who challenge each other's claims to enlightenment. They seem as playful sparring of the mind, heart, and soul.

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones came into print in the 1950s, when I was a child.

I first discovered it in 1970, when I was a young man. One of my secretaries lent me her copy, and I kept it for myself.

I bought this edition last year, as a middle-aged fart.

I figure I've owned at least a dozen copies over the years. Some have been gifts from friends. Others, I've purchased for myself.

I stole only the first copy, because I didn't want to run up against any karmic Repeat Offender Rule.

It's the kind of book that seems to "walk away". Someone will see you reading Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, and they'll ask to borrow it.

That's the last you'll see of it.

Guaranteed.

I've read it many times, often in a single sitting.

I still remember the first time I sat down with it, and how it gave me a shimmering look into a world I had known little about--Zen Buddhism. At times, I still get back my "Beginner's Mind" when I re-read one of those Zen stories that I now know almost by heart.

I cannot explain the why of that.

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones contains perfect jewels of ancient stories that provide insight about life, about the world. Most of them are a half page in length--perhaps 100 words.

The neat thing about this particular edition is that it's very compact. You can slip into into your pocket, say, when you're going fishing or hiking.

It's inexpensive, too. So you won't be out a lot of money when a friend asks to "borrow" a copy and "forgets" to give it back.

Dr. Hill, who was on the staff of NASA's Langley (VA) facility, presents a wonderful assessment of possible UFO propulsion methods. His assessment is based on reports of many UFO observors (calls to NASA were generally forwarded to him), as well as some of his own personal observations of UFO flight (such as seen in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia). Some of his ideas, such as "force-field" technology, aren't particularly easy to understand by someone accustomed to considering more conventional propulsion techniques, but I admit that it seems most consistent with the data he presents (such as the way automobiles often tend to lose traction when flying saucers hover nearby/overhead).

For anyone interested in UFO phenomena this is an excellent treatise by a professional aeronautical engineer. Perhaps the best available at the moment (better than any I've seen). Better ones will probably only appear after various governments of the world decide to end over 50 years of UFO pseudo-denial.

Consider that many paleontologists find that the best place to go fossil hunting is in a museum. The reason is of course, that many field collectors from the past have stored incredible fossil finds in museum archives, while having little or no time to evaluate the data and draw conclusions. What could this possibly have to do with Paul Hill's fabulous book? Mr. Hill did what real sceintists should do...he sorted through historical UFO data (including his own sighting) and looked for mechanisms and the patterns inherent to that data. By applying his own form of "back engineering" to these UFO cases, he sought to determine the power source(s), electromagnetic byproducts of those sources and other important aerodynamic components intrinsic to UFO flight characteristics. The results of his back engineering provide incredible information from "seemingly" insignificant details, much in the same way that Sherlock Holmes deduced Watsons' whereabouts by the mud on his shoes. Other physical scientists take note: All that UFO researches have asked of you for years was to look at the data, much as the late Dr. Hynek suggested. Finally, Paul Hill has done it. I know there are other scientists (personally) who are continuing to investigate using the same stringent scientific methods used by Paul Hill. I applaud you, as do all meaningful UFO researchers. For Mr. Hill, I would say that it was too bad the climate of yellow journalism did not allow the release of this important work before his death. The press in this country is veneer. But, over time, veneer peels up to reveal the oak. Take heed, read Unconventional Flying Objects. Think.

Paul Hill spent almost his entire career with NASA directing research projects. His credentials are impressive. NASA's official stance on UFOs was, "They don't exist." Hill says he saw one, reported it to his then boss, and was told to forget it and do his job. He did the latter but not the former. His book, written after he retired, reviews well-documented and investigated events from around the world. Since many of the people reporting the events are not hillbillys or crackpots but credible professionals, his approach is, "Assuming that these people are not loonies but are telling the truth about what they saw, how could these phenomena be explained using our present level of scientific knowledge?"

He takes one event at a time, and examining the reports and hard evidence where it exists, eliminates various suggested explanations if they don't fit. He doesn't answer all the possible questions that one can pose, but he does conclude that nothing the objects do violates any of our accepted scientific principles or the laws of physics. The propulsion system that he says fills the bill is a "focused force field". Although we admittedly haven't the foggiest notion of how to develop a focused force field, the scientific principle is sound. Gravity is a force field. We have electrical and magnetic force fields.

Hill also delves into advanced--but accepted--theoretical physics to explain how interstellar travel would be possible without exceeding the speed of light. The bulk of the book is written for a lay audience. Any normally intelligent, reasonably well educated person can follow it. He includes several appendices, however, which are crammed with mathematics far too arcane for me to digest.

It's a fascinating book, light enough to be enjoyed, but too heavy to skim. In the way that some people go to church "just in case", this work should be read, "just in case". I heartily recommend it.

This is one of the most profound and sensational books I've ever read. It brings to light the "dark side" or the "left hand", so to speak, and illumines us as to how the "dark side" is as valid a part of God and Creation as the "bright side" is. It describes the journeys of the Tantric adept Aghori Vimalananda through realms of existence far removed from the mundane world, and hidden from most of us. Reading this book (and the other two in this series) can cause a radical change in the concepts we've formed about the universe, God, life, death and everything.

Vimalananda is the pen-name of a great Aghori master (his real name is not revealed for very good reasons), who had the privilege (or rather the grace obtained because of his past karma) to meet some of the greatest masters of all times and achieve phenomenal spiritual growth through the grace of Smashan Tara, the Great Goddess of the burning grounds. The chapters on "Ma" and "Shakti" describe the motherhood of God so wonderfully that one cannot help but fall in love with the Divine Mother in spite of her frightening disposition. The chapter on Mentors describes the eternal Guru-disciple relationship and also brings to light some of the very devious ways adopted by Gurus to test their disciples, among many other things. The chapter on Aghora brings illumines us as to how even the "forbidden" substances such as meat, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and such can be used to accelerate spiritual progress if used in a proper way along with the guidance of a Guru. The chapter on Avishkar is all about possessions, whether it's by a low-level spirit or by a high-level deity, and after reading this chapter, you would (hopefully) no longer be misled by people claiming to be incarnations of deities, since the mechanics of possession would become clearer to you.

The chapter on spirits is absolutely sensational. The astral world consists of many realms, and different types of spirits live in different realms based on their karmic qualification and level of evolution. Many people seem to think that they can extract work from the spirits and achieve whatever they want, without realizing that it can drag them into a dangerous trap, if they do not have an adept Guru to protect them. Considerable information is given on different types of spirits along with their descriptions, in the bright as well as the dark realms. It's a very objective account that brings to light various types of spirit contact, along with their pros and cons, and also tries to show how we can cultivate friendship with even the lowest forms of spirits and take advantage of it for attaining spiritual progress.

The chapter on sex is the longest and perhaps the most illuminating, and I have no words to talk about it....you must read it for yourself....it brings to light some of the deepest mysteries of sex, relationships, marriage and such never heard of before!

A word of caution though: If you are a purist with black-and-white standards, then you may find the information presented here to be very disturbing, so it might behoove you to stay clear from this book. But if you're a truth seeker who desires to discover the reality behind this mysterious cosmos, then this book is certainly for you.

This book packs real power and can cause a permanent change in your life and your very approach towards it.

May the Cosmic Mother bless you!

This book is truly outstanding. It is like Autobiography of a Yogi but goes far beyond what the beginning seeker needs to hear. It covers all facets of life and discusses spirits and many other celestial beings and their activities. Robert Svoboda has established his credibility with his intelligent and well written books on Ayurveda and Jyotish. I highly recommend this book to anyone fascinated by the spiritual realms.

"Aghora At the left hand of God" is a book I would surly recommend for anyone on the spiritual journey. I feel it is necessary to be open minded and trust divine intuition. The portrait of Aghori Vimalananda's life is very straight to the point, and may make one's lacking in faith a bit frightened. Or on the flip side, it may just be the divine spark needed to ignite the spirit of faith within you. If you trust, "that still small voice within", and your guru you will be able to gain great inspiration and perspective from this wonderful book. Anyone, who knows anything about eastern philosophy can relate and grow from Aghora. It will take you through realities not many were meant to know about, at least not until the moment of death maybe.

Jai Jai Sri Sri Mata Amritandamayi!

I read this book once when I was still little and I haven't been able to get the story out of my thoughts. I had been looking for it in a passively dreamy way and two weeks ago I discovered it at a used bookstore in Duluth, MN. It's so wonderful and I am again regaining the tangle of imagination that I had enjoyed as a little girl. I wish so much that it were easier to get ahold of this author's books and information about his writing.

I know that I sound like all the other reviews, but this story took me back to my childhood. I originally checked the book out at the library when I was young and read parts of it each night to my little sister. This was a special time for us and this story transported us to everywhere the doll went. We are older now and have grown somewhat apart. I recently found this book and ordered us each a copy. It is a great read as adults just like when we were younger and we will always have that bond between us. It is such a magical story that I can't wait to hand down to my children.

The first time I read the book, I was young enough to love the adventure and fantasy of dolls coming to life. When I read it a few years later, the true craft in characterization and study of human nature in the dolls come to life are spell-bounding. Simply one of the best books I have ever read, and, like the Narnia chronicles, only gets better as the reader gets older.

This book is an excellent tour through history of astronomy and astronomers quest to uncover our place (and time) in the universe. Ferris goes into quite a bit of detail and does not treat his readers with kid gloves. There are many interesting anecdotes about various astronomers and Ferris sometimes gives mini biographies of the more interesting/eccentric of them. Ferris starts with the greek astonomers such has hypocratus, goes through copernicus, kepler, galileo, newton, and then onto the astronmers of the last 200 years. But in his final section, he also talks about how the geosciences, and the theory of evolution began to give us a better perspective of where we fit in the universe not just in space but in time. The last chapters are devoted to the cutting edge of science - quantum physics. Ferris reports discoveries up to the point practically that this book was published! All in all, a good read for anyone interested in science and particularly in Astronomy.

This book is an excellent tour through history of astronomy and astronomers quest to uncover our place (and time) in the universe. Ferris goes into quite a bit of detail and does not treat his readers with kid gloves. There are many interesting anecdotes about various astronomers and Ferris sometimes gives mini biographies of the more interesting/eccentric of them. Ferris starts with the greek astonomers such has hypocratus, goes through copernicus, kepler, galileo, newton, and then onto the astronmers of the last 200 years. But in his final section, he also talks about how the geosciences, and the theory of evolution began to give us a better perspective of where we fit in the universe not just in space but in time. The last chapters are devoted to the cutting edge of science - quantum physics. Ferris reports discoveries up to the point practically that this book was published! All in all, a good read for anyone interested in science and particularly in Astronomy.

One of the most enjoyable books I've read. Ferris has sparked my new-found interest in science and physics. I liked this book even better than "A Brief History of Time".

Frog and Toad have been around for years - I think of these asthe first series books my older children read. Once a child startsreading (with Frog and Toad Are Friends), the second, third and fourth books are welcome friends themselves.

This book, published in 1971, is the second of four. Toad is a bit negative and nervous, and worries about rules, while Frog is often cheerful and dedicated to alleviating Toad's fears and doubts.

"A List" is a funny story remembered long after reading it - Toad has a list of things to do, and anything not on the list can't be done. He loves to do something, then cross it off. But what happens when your list blows away, and "run after the list" wasn't even on the list. Worse, you can't remember what else was on the list. Frog is such a good friend, he just sits quietly with Toad as he struggles to figure out what to do.

In "The Garden," Toad would like to have a garden like Frog has, and with Frog's encouragement, he starts one. He tries directing the garden to grow, until Frog (hearing all that shouting) gives him some advise on how to nurture a garden.

"Cookies" is probably one of the best stories. Frog and Toad make cookies, and they are so good that they can't stop eating them. They determine its about will power, and in the end they end up with no cookies "but we have lots and lots of will power." Frog says.

"Dragons and Giants" is about Frog and Toads fears and how they deal with them. "We are not afraid!" Frog and Toad screamed at the same time. A funny story that children will like.

The last story "The Dream" is a bit deep - Toad is asleep and has a dream about starring in a play, while Frog sits in the audience and shrinks almost to non-existence.

The stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to hold a story with an amusing message. riendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to hold a story with an amusing message.

I read this book when I was 6. To this day (32 years old now) I can still remember the book like it was yesterday. They were good friends experiencing everyday dilemas. Frog and Toad were my childhood favorites.

My 4 1/2 year old daughter loves all of the Frog and Toad stories, but this collection is my favorite. The stories are funny and are the perfect length for bedtime reading. Highly recommended!

All too often, books on the Craft seem superficial. One is left with the feeling that there is a deeper mystery that is not being explained, a richer, darker, more passionate way to approach the Old Religion. The works of Starhawk and the Reclaiming Community stand apart from this depressing state of affairs. Each one unearths deep emotion and is filled with insight. This is the real thing, and that reality is felt bone deep.

"Twelve Wild Swans" is no exception. The lessons are based on an old, somewhat unsettling fairy tale. This story is approached from three different directions that enhance eachother. The most important thing, in my opinion, is the stress the authors both put on the seriousness of commiting one's self to the Craft. Witchcraft is a life altering journey, and that journey should not be embarked upon as a fashion statement. The Outer Path sections make this especially clear.

As a book that stresses dedication and a deep commitment to the Goddess, "Twelve Wild Swans" takes its place as a classic on par with, if not exceeding, "Spiral Dance". Thank you Starhawk and the Reclaiming Community!

...Well, sort of. No late night howling at the moon or camp songs, but this book is organized in a way analogous to camp. There are excellent tools in this book, for beginners to advanced Witches. In fact, I think it is one of the few books really suited for the intermediate to advanced Witch. This book could sustain one's personal work for quite a long time, if needed.

I do find it interesting to read the comments of the reviewer who mentioned the "rabid feminism." I certainly don't perceive this book to be that way. In meeting Starhawk and reading her work, I've never percieved her as a "rabid" feminist or man-hater... interesting how some men think anyone who uses "she" and "her" instead of "he" and "him" as generic pronouns is rabid. I've been putting up with books with a generic male audience my entire life! I guess I'm not really sure why some men are so offended by the book addressing a generic female audience instead.

I believe this book is an incredible, valuable addition to the available literature on Witchcraft, and I strongly recommend it, both to women and (secure) men. ;-)

Blessed be!

In 1979, Starhawk set the bar for Wiccan/pagan instruction with her book _The Spiral Dance_. Now she and coauthor Hilary Valentine have raised the bar with _The Twelve Wild Swans_. Where most other books focus on the basics of solitary and small-group Wiccan ritual and magic, this one also delves into the training of a priestess for group (especially large-group) ritual and political action, as well as the self-healing exercises and challenges that few in our community have written about openly. The layout is very friendly: the three paths are constructed to be independent while still allowing for easy movement among them, and the text is filled with wonderful examples and anecdotes gleaned from twenty years of Reclaiming's ritual classes and Witchcamps. The authors assume nothing, beginning with the basics of ritual work (grounding, casting circle, invoking) and using these basic concepts and techniques to build their more advanced lessons. An advance warning: the exercises are not always easy, particularly in the Inner Path - you will be challenged to examine yourself in uncomfortable ways, to ask hard questions. Go for it! Learn who you truly are, and why - it will inform your life, not just your ritual practice. This book is the perfect manual for both solitary and group study; I can't wait to dig into its exercises with my own group. An instant classic that belongs on the bookshelf of every serious student of Wiccan ritual.

"Winnie the Pooh" and "House on Pooh Corner" were two of my favorite books growing up. When I came across this 75th boxed anniversary edition, I just had the get it. Keep in mind, this is just the same great stories in new packages. "Winnie the Pooh" has gold trimmed pages and "House on Pooh Corner" is trimmed with silver. I recommend this to anyone who hopes to pass on the love of the original Winnie the Pooh characters to any young ones in their lives. I know I definitely will.

I think this book suitable for everyone not only for child but adult also can read it. My friend and I love this book and try to collect the whole of Pooh's series. But I think .. The house at the Pooh corner also lovely while The Tao of Pooh was very difficult to understand for child. However, I love it!!

I recieved this book (and its companion, the color edition of "The House At Pooh Corner") as a gift. I cannot speak more highly of them both. Unlike the editor at Horn, who found that the colorization detracted from the illustrations, I find exactly the opposite -- that the color lends depth and detail to the drawings, which are completely untouched otherwise.

The paper is crisp, semi-glossy, and brilliant white; the cover and page edges are guilded; the typeface is sharp and crystal-clear; and the full-color endpapers are truly magnificent.

In all and every way this is a truly magnificent and sumptuous edition -- with perhaps the single exception of price. And even then, with such a marvelous work, that is to be expected!

I bought this book in 1996, and I've lost count of the number of times I've read it. It spoke to me at once and has become a great friend over the years. For me it is the most profound of his books, from which I get something new each year. There are hidden depths that appear only when you have experienced enough and reflected enough on that experience.

Wilde's style, as ever, is populist and jokey, but the message is uncompromising: you have to take complete responsibility for your life if you want to avoid repeating old patterns that cause suffering, if you want to put ego in its rightful place. He is very good at exposing the ego-gratifying and change-inhibiting nature of (most) organized religion. Wilde uses ancient Daoist teachings and insights as his starting point, but gives them a contemporary flavor. His idea of the God Force may sound New Agey but, in spite of first appearances, this is no milk-and-water spirituality.

And yet, even as I continue to cherish Wilde's work, I come increasingly to the view that he is one-sided in discussing what he calls the God Force: the Dao, the Divine Essence, God, etc. Although he is not a conventional New Ager, he strikes me as naive in assuming the universe to be necessarily benign. Single-mindedness and purity of heart (difficult as they are to achieve) are not enough; we often do not get what we bargain for. One should approach the living God with fear and trembling and limitless humility. The tone of this book is a too light, too bright, too self-regarding; there is not enough of the otherness of God (even the God-within-us), of the shadow we do not see and most certainly do not want. Perhaps Wilde knows more from his spiritual explorations than he tells the reader here, and maybe this book already serves a valuable purpose. I am certainly grateful for it.

If you like Stuart Wilde, this is a must have. I have read this book twice and discove new ideas each time....it will change your life!

From an "in love" woman's point of view, Stuart Wilde gives the reader the ability to find an amazing amount of courage and quiet innerstrength to deal with the emotional ups and downs of new relationships. As we all know, men and women function extremely differently on emotional levels, and I for one would have reacted wildly during the difficult times had I not read Stu's book. Instead, for the first time in my life I have discovered that silent observation can be an immensely powerful tool enabling sensible discussion to follow after the heat of the moment! The strangest thing is that I read it through quickly once (with lots of chuckles by the way), and without even a thought back to the book, I am aware of having become a much stronger woman.