This book remains on the top of my list of favorites. My wife and I (both fans of the book) have made significant improvements to our financial status in the past two years since reading "The Four Laws". I mean significant! We've paid off $29K in credit card debt, invested the same amount in mutual funds, both are able to max out our 401(k) plans, have met our contribution limits to our Roth IRA's already and are planning our next visit to ski in Austria (...)! That is our story now. It was far from pretty before reading the book. It is important to note, like anything worthwhile, it takes goal setting, planning and follow-through to achieve. This book lit a fire that no other book could. In fact, about 10 of my friends have received a copy of their own as gifts from us. Simply a great feeling knowing that I can control my life and help others to achieve the same experience. Peace, love and happiness!

This is an excellent book. It is less than 120 pages. It reads like a story. Starting with man hacking his fake Xmas tree to bits and ending with financial freedom, a real friend, and a new lease on life! I loved it! I have sent copies to family members who have actually thanked me and implemented what they read! I plan to send out more this year. It's a funny, no-nonsense look at getting out of debt. I think I'll go and re-read it again!

I purchased the audiotape of this book and listened to it on my daily commute. The presentation of the idea was very simple and made me feel like I could follow their suggestions too! I sat down and worked out my tracking, target, trimming, and training goals and realized that with all of my debt...I could be paid off and debt free by April of 2003 (and I had lots of debts from just finishing my doctorate). I also mentioned some of the ideas in this tape to my 13 year old (that if a 15 year old puts $7 aside each month until s/he was 65...and received 15% return...that they'd be a millionaire at retirement). She, too, is excited about the rules given in this book.

I had wanted to read this book to gain an understanding of why Lindbergh's flight was so important. After reading this book, I found that out....and a whole lot more!

The book is highly readable and brings to life the Golden Era of aviation -- canvas dope-covered wings, dead-reckoning navigation, and seat-of-the-pants flying, and delivering the mail by airplane like the pony express. This was quite an exciting time, and the book brings this era to life.

The book is also significant in other respect -- setting goals and achieving them. Even this seemingly impossible task can be achieved with hard work, careful planning, and determination. If Lindbergh can do this, then you will get the feeling that you can achieve your own goals, however difficult they may seem.

In the flight across the Atlantic you get to know Lindbergh in the various stories he tells. The book's afterward tells much about his landing in France, the accolades he received, and actual technical flight and test data, as well as log book entries.

In the book's foreward his daughter says Lindbergh often said 2 things: 1) that he wrote the book to "Set the record straight". He achieves that, and a whole lot more, the book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1954. 2) that he often said to people who asked about his flight "Read the book". He spent something like 20 years writing this meticulously researched account. And who besides him would know more about this flight.

All I can say is to reiterate Lindbergh's own words -- read his book. It's fantastic!

The world embraced Charles A. Lindbergh as its hero in 1927 when he piloted his single-engine Ryan Monoplane, The Spirit of St. Louis, across dark waters, completing the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris.

THE SPIRIT OF SAINT LOUIS is an extremely well written book by an American icon. It not only chronicles Lindbergh's famous flight, but also faithfully tells the story of his early life as well. The book provides insight into the early history of American aviation and does so in an entertaining yet compelling format.

A few years ago, Scott M. Berg's biography of Lindbergh chronicled the life of the famed American figure. That book delves into the entire life of the aviator, including his darker days when he was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. THE SPIRIT OF SAINT LOUIS offers a different, more exuberant vision into the author's more youthful soul. I would recommend reading both books for a complete portrait of the man.

I love reading about aviation, and Lindbergh does an excellent job describing the flight. However, the more inspiring story (I think) is found long before Linbergh cleared the power lines at Roosevelt Field and went on his way. The St. Louis banker who took a chance on an unknown airmail pilot; the obscure aircraft manufacturer in San Diego whose management, engineers, and craftsmen poured their hearts and souls into a one-off creation that they would practically sell at a loss; the fact that Linbergh succeeded where world-famous pilots, backed by five and ten times the money and the best of everything, failed... even the most hardened cynic will want to stand up and cheer. Lindbergh's writing is detailed, yet very easy to read. Buy this book.

"Little Me" is a lavish autobiography of an completely fictional (but wonderfully imagined) movie actress. This book is a witty parody of every self-serving and self-deceiving memoir ever penned by a movie star (and their "ghost writer"). On the surface all is respectability, but between the lines it's bawdy and gay and very funny. We are treated to hundreds of photos, including Belle's favorite leading man "Letch Feely" and her "pals" Carstair Bagley (cum Charles Laughton) and "Helen Highwater". One of the daffiest elements is the excessive use of "quotation marks" to set off "Hollywood lingo" -- all of which is very familiar to the average movie fan. (I recently discovered this same bad habit in a movie memoir entitled "A Cast of Thousands" by Anita Loos. She wrote it in the 50s, so I'm pretty sure Dennis was parodying her use of quotations.) Patrick Dennis got is so right that he even has Belle referring to her child as "Baby Dearest" -- and this was YEARS before the tell-all book "Mommie Dearest!" Read this book out loud and you and your friends will be laughing out loud!

Five stars plus! I am thrilled that Patrick Dennis' "Little Me" will be re-released in October. Bar none, this is the FUNNIEST spoof I have ever read. Although I liked "Auntie Mame," it pales in comparison to the tale of stage and screen star Belle Poitrine. I laughed out loud several times every page. I have lent this book to friends who share my enthusiam for this utter masterpiece of satiric "celebrity autobiography". The many photos interspersed throughout are wonderfully done also. Feeling down? Need a lift? This extravagantly witty book will do the trick! Put it this way: "Little Me" out-cartoons New Yorker cartoons. I have no higher praise! I would give the book ten stars if I could.

Five stars plus! I am thrilled that Patrick Dennis' "Little Me" will be re-released in October. Bar none, this is the FUNNIEST spoof I have ever read. Although I liked "Auntie Mame," it pales in comparison to the tale of stage and screen star Belle Poitrine. I laughed out loud several times every page. I have lent this book to friends who share my enthusiam for this utter masterpiece of satiric "celebrity autobiography". The many photos interspersed throughout are wonderfully done also. Feeling down? Need a lift? This extravagantly witty book will do the trick! Put it this way: "Little Me" out-cartoons New Yorker cartoons. I have no higher praise! I would give the book ten stars if I could.

This is a great collection of his work. There are few artists to rival his ability, not only in drawing the female form, but in capturing innocence, playfulness, and seduction all at the same time. He's been called the "Norman Rockwell of pin-up art" and in a way, it's a shame that he is limited to that category of art, but the comparison to Rockwell's ability is warranted. Some of Elvgren's advertising art is in this book too, and it is all well worth having.

If I was to choose a coffee table book of cheesecake and magically, could live on an island surrounded by the models in that book, I'd have to pass up Sorayama, Olivia, and Vargas, and go for Gil Elvgren, the collection being this 200+ page work that covers Elvgren's work from the 1930's to the 1970's.

The girls in Elvgren's paintings not only come alive, but seem more warm and human, innocent with a twinge of spice. So this is what they meant by "sugar, spice, and everything nice." Maybe because most of them are smiling, with those pearly whites showing. I could spend hours looking through those pages, forming stories around the paintings.

Many look like celebrities. In "Let's Go (1957)," the blonde getting out of a white car looks a lot like Marilyn Monroe. The girl in "True To You (Sitting Pretty) (1950)" also resembles Marilyn but with brown hair. And the honey in "Evening Out (1969)" reminds me of Geri Halliwell.

Okay, so many of the drawings can be construed as sexist. The particular theme on that being girls who get their skirt lifted up by well handles, pipes, fence rails, ladders, and elevator doors, revealing two very shapely legs.

Equally interesting are paintings that were repaints of earlier work. "In For A Tanning" featured a sitting nude girl holding her bikini with a black dog to her side. "Dumb Pluck" featured the girl in the same pose, except she was wearing a candy-cane striped bathing suit and holding a shovel, the dog still on her left.

Some were risque even for their time and the more amusing ones are beach shots where the girls get into distress, such as having their beachware stolen by a dachsund (Taking Ways, 1950) And his nudes were never full frontal, only seen from the rear or side, the sole exception being "Harem," an undated painting of an innocent maiden captured by Arabs.

It's when looking at his work during the 1960's and 1970's, that yes, the models have changed with the times and despite having Elvgren's signature style, their hairstyle are with their times.
Other notes: the paintings are clearly better than the real-live model replications hands and legs down.

So, my favorites? That's a difficult one, as the models are oh so cute, but I'd have to settle for "Well Picked," of a girl in yellow dress wading in a pool and picking up a lily flower, "Golden Beauty," of a Diana Dors-lookalike, "Surprise Package," where the girl wrapping the X-mas present is clearly the title object, and "Lazy Days," of the girl lying leisurely on the summer grass.

Proof that too much of a good thing is better, and that too much cheesecake can be good for one and not be fattening. And with all apologies to the Beach Boys, "I wish they all could be Gil Elvgren girls!"

This is an absolutely fabulous book and is a must for all Elvgren fans. An extremely comprehensive picture archive combined with a highly informative text. Gil Elvgren's work is brought together and to life.

Most writers of history - even the commercially successful ones - make the same mistake. They write books that are mere chronological recitations of fact and minutiae, with little regard for narrative. But Charles Slack deftly avoids this trap. His subject is seemingly arcane - the discovery of the vulcanization process for rubber. But, perhaps because he is a former journalist rather than an academic, Slack never loses his grip on the storyline that makes the life of Charles Goodyear so compelling. Goodyear, we come to realize, is a true American hero, who worked doggedly to solve one of the greatest riddles of the industrial age, triumphing in the end over charlatans who fought to deprive him of the money and recognition he deserved. This is a great read about an overlooked chapter in US history.

Charles Goodyear's do-or-die quest to solve the riddle of vulcanization is a compelling slice of history and an American industrial triumph that will now not be forgotten. Among other things, Charles Slack should be commended for recognizing the value of Goodyear's contribution to society and for bringing the inventor's 19th-century to life so lucidly and with such good humor. Among the fascinating camioes here is that of the great lawyer and orator Daniel Webster, who represents Goodyear and helps him claim his rightful place in history against greedy usurpers in the U.S. and Britain. As Slack cleverly observes, "Webster the actual man rattles around in the attic of our national memory as a famous but oddly hard-to-place New England statesman, who gave important speeches on matters that . . . have long since receded into the historical haze." Slack has proved here that he is one of the fine new writers of serious but popular history who are helping to clear away that haze, and helping America to better appreciate its national heritage. The Wall Street Journal called Noble Obsession, "utterly absorbing." Add to that remarkably edifying. Well done!

Most writers of history - even the commercially successful ones - make the same mistake. They write books that are mere chronological recitations of fact and minutiae, with little regard for narrative. But Charles Slack deftly avoids this trap. His subject is seemingly arcane - the discovery of the vulcanization process for rubber. But, perhaps because he is a former journalist rather than an academic, Slack never loses his grip on the storyline that makes the life of Charles Goodyear so compelling. Goodyear, we come to realize, is a true American hero, who worked doggedly to solve one of the greatest riddles of the industrial age, triumphing in the end over charlatans who fought to deprive him of the money and recognition he deserved. This is a great read about an overlooked chapter in US history.

Paul: A Man Of Grace and Grit is an extraordinary work detailing the life of the apostle Paul. The book outlines and explains the biblical and cultural history and signifigance of the life and times of Paul in a way I have never before discovered. I cannot recommend it enough. The book presents history mixed with important lessons mixed with timely analogies. It is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike. I guarantee that reading it will affect your outlook on life and make you feel uplifted as it did me.

Charles Swindoll's Paul: A man of grace and grit is a fascinating look at one of the New Testament's biggest
contributors. Saul of Tarusus or better known as Paul the apostle is truly a man of grit. Born in a Jewish family.
A devout follower of Judaism. A man devoted to Jewish law and persecuting Christians. Swindoll fleshes out Saul from the book of Acts
in great detail. Saul persecuted Christians as Hitler persecuted Jews during the 1940's. Saul was a man who violently
opposed to Christ, his teachings, and his followers. He hunted them down. Tried them, and stoned them.
Odd that such a man would end up not only worshipping Jesus, but also writing some of the most beautiful words in the New Testament and spreading the gospel.
How strange that such a man who spewed forth such hate toward Christians would turn around and write such a beautiful
testament to love (Letter to Corinthians).

Swindoll's Paul is presented in 22 chapters, that cover everything from Paul's beginnings, meeting with Christ risen, to his ministry, and finally his death. Each chapter refers and reflects to appropriate bible passages, mostly those from Acts.
What was surprising was that each chapter also ended in a reflection. For example, chapter 2: The violent capture of a rebel will, covers Saul's encounter with Christ. Here a violent man is converted into a spokes person for the very person Saul hates the most. Amazing really.
Swindolls refers to this change as "Kicking against God's goads". "To kick against the goads" was a common expression found in both Greek and Latin literature, which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. Goads were typically made from slender pieces of timber, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. Farmers used the pointed end to urge a stubborn ox into motion. Occasionally, the beast would kick at the goad. The more the ox kicked, the more likely it would stab into the flesh of it leg, causing pain.
Saul's conversion may not have been quick, but with Saul's previous violent lifestyle and Christ haunting words, those words may
have been the "goad" that pushed Saul into Paul and a past of hate into a future of preaching the gospel. Swindoll ends the chapter on a wonderful reflection on what "goads" you? Is God goading you perhaps?
Are you holding onto some rebellious attitude that perhaps the Lord is goading you to let go of?
Each chapter has a reflection like this. Each chapter not only brings us closer to how Paul lived, but also asks us to examine our relationship with God, our loved ones, and even ourselves.
This book is # 6 in the series. I'll have to pick up the previous books, and sincerely hope that Charles Swindoll adds a #7 in the series.

I have had few heroes in my life. This book has brought one home to me. I hung on every word. My book is filled with tabs and notes. The world of Paul is not so much different from what we live today. Searching for God and the Truth, this one book has given me new hope and reinforced the faith I am growing in. Charles Swindoll was able to blend his experience and the experience of others in the study of Paul without distorting the word of God. At the end of 22 chapters I found a new beginning to my life.

I love the Pearl Oyster Bar and go everytime I visit New York City. Just like Mario Batali says on the back cover, it's the best lunch spot around. So when I saw this in Amazon's cooking section, I was thrilled! This book is summer, the beach, and the ocean, which you swear you can hear in the background as you read. What a great story! I can't imagine not being allowed to stay in a hotel because I'm Jewish. As for the food, have made half dozen or so of the recipes already and they have turned out really well. The chef has great tips for cooking fish and gets to them without a lot of daunting culinary verbage.

I have been wanting to learn how to cook fish at home but have been afraid. This book made it so easy---it's filled with luscious shellfish recipes and SIMPLE instructions for cooking and grilling fish. Have already made the lobster roll, the scallops she made on the Today Show (hey, Al, they were the perfect golden brown!) and the shortbread. WOW! It's also a great read, the stories are delightful. Never been to Maine but now we're planning on going for Memorial Day!

Lobster Rolls and Blueberry Pie is more then just a cookbook, but a wonderfully blended compilation of stories and recipes from Rebecca Charles childhood in Maine. The stories give context to the food that is described here and motivates one to experiment with this type of cuisine. I have never spent a summer in Maine, but after creating a few meals with the book and sharing some of the related stories with gathered guests, I feel like I have insight into this historic American culture. A must have for any cook or foodie!

I borrowed this book from the library and found it so captivating and enjoyable that I plan to buy. It is definitely a book you would likely read more than once.

The basis of the book is a story of pagan religion & magic in France -- it is told from the point of view of the main character (a child) who grows up seeing horrible violence and wonderful magic. He learns about life and love and the wonders of magic and the world. Ann Chamberlin tells the story with such clarity that you can picture what it was like during that century, you can picture the fantastic situations as they happen -- a wonderful writer! Any fantasy enthusiast will enjoy this story. Wonderful book!

I look forward to book two with great enthusiasm!

Merlin of St. Gilles' Well blends Arthurian legend with the story of Joan of Arc's rise. History, fantasy and action blends in this opening book which represents the first of a focus on Joan of Arc. Here a boy's vision of a Maid and her powers slowly evolves to reality against a backdrop of change and discovery.

It's not an easy feat to write a fantasy novel that will stand out from others, but that is exactly what Ann Chamberlain has done. She has adeptly managed to seamlessly blend truth, fiction and myth in a story that transports readers to another time and place. Although there are instances where the names and places were a bit confusing, it was easy to overlook that and focus on how skillfully the story was told. It read more like history than fantasy and at times I had to remind myself that the spells of magic in the book were fictional...or weren't they? That's what Ms.Chamberlain makes you think and feel. At some points in the book I felt the influence of pagan rites (for lack of a better term) and realized that she had successfully woven it into her story and managed to show it in a better light than others have previously done. In this story the heretical and heathenish behavior unfavored by the Catholic church was shown to the reader to have origins of good intentions--something that I'd never seen before in a book. Ms. Chamberlain's storytelling also was successful in creating characters that were extremely likeable and/or despicable. I pitied Jean Le Drapier and also liked and disliked Gilles, his milk-brother. I have yet to make a determination about his character until the next book, which unfortunately won't be out for several months. For me, this book is exceptionally good and I'll be sure to put it right next to my other favorite trilogy: The Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams.

Charles de Lint has the most amazing way of weaving magic into everyday life. He has done it again with this novel, drawing elements of reality and blending them with folktale to create a rich story of a woman's journey. It's a hard book to put down

This was the first Charles de Lint book that I read (several years ago) and it is still my favorite. I just finished re-reading it for the umpteenth time, and it never gets old! He is one of the most imaginative writers I've read. (I mean, a fiaina sidhe halfling who plays saxophone in a rock band! )His characters are so vivid and real, that you feel like you've stepped into Faerie yourself! This one's a must!

This is a whole new level for urban fantasy. Fast-paced and hair-raising, "Jack" has twists and turns that will keep you reading long past your bedtime. Jackie is one of the livliest characters I've ever read, and she drags the rest of her world into all of her adventures. Many of the characters in this book are drawn from traditional folklore, but De Lint gives them fresh, human (or not) faces. He has the power to make you believe in his world; you won't want to leave it.

This is one of the finest collections of pin-up art from the talented artists that brought these beautiful women to life. These were very risque for their time but they were a true celebration of women. This is the kind of open mindedness and genuine appreciation missing from today's society. Women are wonderful, intelligent, beautiful people and life would be a tragedy without them. There...I said it!

This is an excellent overview of the genre, on an artist-by-artist basis, from the classic era of the mid-twentieth century. All of the artists here are deserving of recognition, though only a handful of them are truly well-known and adequately documented in print elsewhere. All of the many artists here are well-represented; the reproduction is flawless, and the commentary is intelligent and well-researched. The original edition is my point of reference here, so I can't vouch for this one fully, but it appears to have maintained the integrity of the earlier printing and is a very handsome production as well.

I simply want to echo all of the positive reviews of this book. It is a visual feast; highly informative; and a wonderful value. As one reviewer previously noted, the book's only major shortcoming is the lack of picture titles.

By virtue of being so comprehensive, this book provides an excellent starting point for assessing the importance of pinup art in our country's recent history. No matter what you might think about the moral implications of its racier subject matter or its value as "serious" art, you cannot deny the stunning achievement of the artists represented in this volume. Almost without exception, the women depicted in this volume are endearing, sexy and spunky. The author and the publisher are to be commended for bringing this unprecedented volume to print.