This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read!! Robin Jarvis does an excellent job of writing a gripping story about a small group of mice confronting an evil band of rats in the sewers under Deptford. It may also please you to know that the main character (and the hero) is a girl. It has lots of action and the climax is genuinely scary! If you like animal fantasy you will LOVE this book (though I should warn you that it gets near-impossible to put down!)

In the time when the earth was green and blessed by the lord of the mice- the green mouse, a young mouse called audrey is shocked at the dissapearence of her father. On what supposed to be the most important day for a mouse, turned into a quest to find her father- and the truth. In her way stands the thing all mice fear most- the Grail and the lord of rats, a half god, half demon that is held within it. The Dark Portal is definitley a book I would reccomend all people to read. This book is not only superbly written, but it also has a great story line. This story portrays a mouse who shows true bravery, and burning desire for loved ones, in the face of uncertainty and danger lurking benind every corner. This story has adventure, fantasy and a lot of emotions in it, blending together to make a masterpiece and I think is destined to be a definite classic.

This book is great! It all starts when the dark magic lures innocent mouse Arthur into the sewers. In the sewers you will find rats with mousepeelers instead of hands, rats wearing mouse coats as a trophy of slaughtering an innocent mouse, and a dark rat god. It will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense.

The potter's companion, is exactly that, a book containing a broad range of everything you need to know about making pottery from clays to glazes. There is something for both beginner and advanced potter: there are pictorial demonstrations of how to make something on a wheel as well as some breathtaking designs from experienced potters. The book itself has a lovely glossy feel and is beautifully presented - it is a joy to browse.

As usual a Birks book is complete. Pictures, detail instructions, and more pictures. Many ideas for the beginner and experienced potter. Large format and National Geographic quality will make any purchaser happy they ordered this book. The only subject not covered in detail is the building of a kiln.If you want to construct your own kiln this is not the book for you. However, all other subjects are thoroughly explained.

The image on the cover sets the tone here as Tony Birks lays out the basics of forming clay and developing beautiful, useful surfaces while inspiring us throughout with image after image of high aesthetic merit. Birks is an excellent writer and he presents information with clarity and colour in a simple and comprehensible manner (e.g. "Clay is weathered, decomposed granite and consists mainly of alumina and silica.") The written text is complemented with photographs of artworks, artists, and techniques, all produced in full color. There seems to be a "just right" amount of information provided in each section which motivates but doesn't overwhelm. Although not officially a text book (where's the section on hazardous wastes?), I recommend it to students since it is such a work of art itself. It's merits are underscored by a price which is half that of "official" but often less appealing ceramic texts

Adults...don't even THINK of the "I'm buying it for the kids" routine. Buy it for yourself and ENJOY it! This is an absolutely wonderful book. Yeah, share it with the kids, but enjoy it for yourself. Don't hide behind adulthood. The book is a wordless story about giving and about true character..doing good when you think no one else is looking. Destined to be a Christmas classic and hopefully, like one of his other books "The Angel And The Soldier Boy", a video as well.

This book is nothing short of wonderful. It took a long time for me to find a copy after first hearing of the book. Finally I found a copy in my library. Each time I read it I find some new detail. It is very disarming. I wanted to buy a copy and was very glad to discover the British paperback version is available through Amazon.uk. The paperback version is the same size. Reading it will be an annual treat for me. I also learned plans are underway for making a 20 minute animated feature of this story for BBC this Christmas. What a treat that will be! Just hope Knopf prints again and the VHS is available through Amazon.

I first came across this book when working as a nanny for two little girls. They received this book from their grandma for the holidays and I looked through it. This book literally took my breath away.

This book is the essence of "a picture is worth a thousand words". The story is told in pictures only, no words whatsoever, and I continue to find something new in the details every time I look at the pictures.

The story of a poor gypsy woman who uses her last bits of strength in a bid to stay alive on Christmas Eve. Destitute, no help in sight, she saves a Nativity set in a church when it is knocked over by a vandal, and comes to have her own life saved in return.

The artwork is superb, I shared the book with people at work, all of whom said they would be going out to get copies of the book for their own families. This book is ageless, appeals to all, and will remind you and yours of the true spirit of the holiday season.

This book is no "Small Miracle."

It's truly a wonder that Pascal's Pensees are not more well-known. The paradox that is humankind is broken down, analyzed, and explained in clear, accessible snippets. I was a fan of this work BEFORE Kreeft did his editing and annotation. Man, two of my favorite writers, together in one book... truly a dream come true. If you're on this page reading this review, it must mean you're at least SOMEWHAT interested in this book. Let me help you along--this is a book well worth taking a chance on. It won't fail you. Get it now!

In this marvelous book, Peter Kreeft edits and explicates Pascal's surprisingly modern insights on contemporary life and powerful arguments for Christianity. Kreeft's organization of Pascal's Pensees allows a reader to begin with the problem of the human condition -- that we know we are capable of greatness, but find ourselves in a condition of wretchedness -- and to progress through Pascal's logical and compelling case that only Christ can save us from this state. Kreeft presents the essential Pascal, and adds his own explanation and commentary after each Pensee, to great effect. The book is like an intimate seminar on Pascal, with Professor Kreeft's illuminating lecture notes after each passage from Pascal. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

What is to be said about either Pascal or Kreeft? Geniuses in their own time. This book, as well as the PENSEES, should be required reading for anyone in an existential or faith crisis. Words do no justice; pick up this book (I couldn't put it down).

Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application by L.R. Gay and Peter Airasian is a wonderful textbook for assisting people who are writing a Research paper or doing their Masters thesis. Each chapter of this book is very understanding, well organized and written. This book goes through a step by step process of educational research, so that a person can fully understand what it is. It provides you with a variety of samples to help answer any questions you may encounter while doing your paper. This book was a great resource in helping me prepare for my Action Research paper.

L.R. Gay had a gift for making the complex topic of eductional research clear and comprehensive. This book was a well written, well organized, enjoyable text with user friendly format, instructions, and sample pages that were direct and instructional. Not only did I learn what research is but how to go about doing it step by step. I became both a consumer and a producer...

As the introduction to Educational Research states, "one out of every two introductory educational research students uses this book." It is no surprise that college professors use this text because it is well written. The material is both in depth and reader friendly. The text takes you though a step-by-step process of planning, conducting, and evaluating research. Anyone who is struggling with writing a Master's Thesis will find the book to be a most helpful resource tool. The material is presented with a straight forward approach (along with some humor), and the book also provides useful chapter summaries and actual research reports. From a personal standpoint, the book is just that much better because it was written by a woman in a time when a woman with a brilliant mind was considered to be dangerous.

While this book was written for a primarily American audience, it still made alot of good sense for me as a New Zealand mother-to-be. What she proposes is really very simple - moving away from the overparenting trap, including our children as part of our lives as women rather than our whole reason for being, allowing the parenting to extend beyond just the nuclear family and most importantly of all, elevating the role of the father as parent. Made sense to me.

No mother returns to work without some feeling of ambivalence. This book does a solid job of dispelling the myths of the benefits of the always available mother which society seems to call for and gives so many reasons why Mother's work outside the home is good for the whole family. I have read it over and over and find new jewels of wisdom each time. Ms. Peters speaks of the value of work with confidence and conviction while never losing her tenderness when voicing so beautifully the absolute joy which children bring to our lives.

This book is about raising healthy children. This is not meant to be a political or controversial book. It deals with the real issues all parents face when confronted with wanting to raise your children and having to support your family. The author's theory is that fulfilled parents raise independant, self-reliant children. There are examples of families that use many different strategies to raise their children successfully, without guilt for the time they spend at work. The author talks about the satisfaction that BOTH parents get from caregiving. Unlike the family dynamic of the 1950's, if the mother is sufficiently supported in child rearing by the father, she can parent effectively herself without becoming burnt out. In addition, the children benefit from having 2 involved parents, rather than just 1 or 1 1/2, and the father gains from having a closer relationship with the children. At the same time the parents have the satisfaction of working and supporting their family together (or however it works best for that family). This book helped me quite a bit. I don't know how I will feel after my child is born and my maternity leave is over. My husband has always promised we would share all work in raising our family but I just couldn't give up the power of running the house. I didn't believe he could do the job as well as I would. This book explains that dads don't do things the same way as moms. They do them differently, and the kids benefit from both parenting styles. This book gave me the courage to trust him to do his very best, just as I know I will.

I bought Gerry Conlon's book after seeing the Jim Sheridan film "In the name of the father," which had little to do with the narrative Conlon set down. In particular I was struck with the conflicts the filmmakers made - between Conlon and his father, between Conlon and his lawyer, and between Conlon and the IRA members who did the bombings Conlon was convicted for - when the conflicts Conlon described had to do with the Irish prisoners vs. British prison officials.

A year ago when I had access to an aggregate news group I looked up Mr. Conlon - he's apparently a broken man, unable to adjust to the outside life, broke, wishing he were back in prison. Has he been vindicated by the English Courts? Has he had any recompense? Do the families of the Guildford Four accept his innocence? I'd like to know who the victims are here.

This book was incredible. It's difficult to believe the such injustices happen. Basically, this book is about a troubled 'youth' who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and was sentenced to jail along with other members of his family. When the book is over, you feel a sense of relief, yet you can't help but feel anger towards the criminal justice system.

You must read this book,even if you're not Irish it will break your heart. You will ask yourself will it ever end ? The British have made miserable the lives of so many. Gerry Conlon and his family are owed a great debt by the brits for their suffering and loss. I have great compassion and pity for anyone that has lived under the tyranny of british rule. More than politics, this is a tale of family honour.

The authors have put together perhaps one of the best and most complete books on marketing via e-mail on the market today. Note that I said "marketing via e-mail" and not spamming via e-mail. The authors actually address this issue and how to use e-mail marketing in a positive manner where it will be welcomed by the recipient and not instantly deleted. Hans Peter Brondmo is an authority on this issue and is one of the owners of Post Communications, which uses e-mail marketing extensively.

The book details how to move from traditional marketing methods to an Internet based marketing system that concentrates on the efficient and positive use of e-mail. It not only covers how to use it to obtain new customers but guides the reader step by step in how to effectively use e-mail to create and maintain customer loyalty and positive relationships.

Many books' subtitles are misleading. Not so with this book: "The New Rules of Internet Direct Marketing" and "Email Strategies for Creating Profitable Customer Relationships." Brondmo does indeed deliver in abundance what these subtitles promise. He suggests that, "After reading this book, you will gain insight into powerful strategies and hands-on tactics for turning...initial buyers into profitable, loyal, and engaged customers." He then observes that his reader is provided with two books in one: "A guide to thinking and a guide to doing. It's organized into four parts."

Part I Using Email to Engage Your Customers

Part II Taking a Strategic Approach

Part III Implementing Customer Dialogue

Part IV Looking Ahead

"If you are an executive looking for an overview of how email marketing will impact your business, you'll want to read Parts I and IV carefully and skim Parts II and III. If you are a manager responsible for implementing and operating email marketing programs, you'll probably want to read the entire book, focusing especially on Parts II and III." He then offers a brief description of each part. Later, Brondmo offers several key points re customer orientation: data drives relevance, relevance drives engagement, relationships are at the core of customer sustainable commerce, and building trust is an imperative. He concludes the book with an assertion that "Profitability and sustainability of all Internet business hinges on engaged customers, and there couldn't be a more perfect time to get engaged with them than today.? How? You'll find the answer in this book, one of the very few published thus far which suggest the best strategies and tactics to create profitable customer relationships with Internet direct marketing.

Hans Peter Brondmo's "The Engaged Customer" is a must for Internet marketers. Whether you're an experienced Internet marketer or a novice, this book will be prove to be of enormous value.

It is extremely thorough in its coverage of e-mail marketing from planning to vendor selection to analysis, and this book goes deeper into exploring customer relationships.

Buy it.

Given the highest rating in its December 2000 MarketingToday.com review.

Plunkitt was a king in a world that needed benevolent despots. In a place like turn of the century of New York before Keynesian economics and the Welfare State, Tammany was the only relief the poor knew. Plunkitt reveals with refreshing honesty the seemingly rough and coarse manner with which one needed to play the game of politics in his town. However, one must look at it in context. This was a different time from our own, and the reader must imagine whether a person of Plunkitt's demeanor can last in the information age political world. Then again, the book also illustrates how many of the problems Tammany had still exist today.

I originally read this book in undergraduate school as Political Science major, and had to go back and find a copy because of the profound affect it had on my psyche. George Washington Plunkitt was a "stereotypical" politician. You know, the one who says what he needs to say to get elected; but once there does what's necessary for his party.

Comparing his comments to the actions of present day politicians, I don't think there are many differences. Everyone does a little grafting and civil servants are still "civil servants." Understood?

As with any politician, Plunkitt "seen (his) opportunities and (he) took 'em." This is a must for anyone interested in any realm of politics.

I first read this highly informative, often hilarious book for Intro to Political Science back in college. In this short tome are pearls of wisdom about politics and human nature still relevant 100 years later. Plunkitt, high atop his regular boot-black stand in NYC, declaims to his biographer, Riordan, a life spent in the political machine known as Tammany Hall, with such disarming honesty that is nearly non-existent today. Plunkitt's diatribes on "honest graft vs. dishonest graft," "Brooklynites Natural-Born Hayseeds," and the evils of civil service exams are outright hilarious. I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in politics.

There are a select few authors that I look forward to reading. Peter Cameron is within that group. The anticipation of picking up one of his books is exciting, because I know I will be in for a very good read. And this latest book is no exception.

Reading this book, I had no idea where Mr. Cameron was going to take me. The characters are rich and the plot absorbing. And half-way through this read, I thought that wherever he would leave me really didn't matter. While the destination was awesome, my journey was equally satisfying.

I highly recommend this book (and any of Mr. Cameron's other ones as well). He writes so well. Using a minimum of words, he is able to tell the story so vividly, far better than a lot of other authors who use paragraphs upon paragraphs to describe a scene. There are writers who write stories, and then there are authors, such as Mr. Cameron, who write literature.

Don't miss this one!

I read this wonderful novel after reading Richard Eder's rave review in The New York Times. For once, a critic's hype was absolutelyl justified. I haven't read a more beautifully written and satisfying -- not to mention howlingly funny -- novel in ages. Peter Cameron gives you everything you want from a novel (or at least everything I want): amazingly complex and sympathetic characters, a gorgeous depiction of scene and event (it's no wonder Eder claims the book would make a fantastic movie -- you can almost see the movie as you read the book, it's so vivid and alive), the smartest, wittiest, most moving dialogue of any contemporary writer, and a hurtling plot that encompasses all sorts of human questions of morals and manners and love. The book is a light as a summer breeze, but has considerable depth -- it is explores its moral quandries with the sort of effortless, sure touch of E. M. Forster. My tastes may be old-fashioned, but I didn't think people were writing novels like this anymore: smart, beautiful, supremely moving. No cynicism or authorial ego here. Yes, it's conventional, but wow is it a wonderful book.

I just read Peter Cameron's new novel after reading its glowing review in the New York Times. I'd read and enjoyed his other novels and short stories, and so I was happy to see that he had a new novel out. This one is more light-hearted than his other books but doesn't sacrifice any of the elements that made the other books satisfying to me. His elegant writing and almost uncanny way with dialogue is still on display. Most important for me, though, is the way Cameron manages to convey so much about his characters in such few words. Each of the characters is interesting and unique. It's a really fine book.