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Book reviews for "Scott,_James_A." sorted by average review score:

I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (1992)
Authors: Martin Luther, Jr. King, James Washington, and Coretta Scott King
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AMERICANS SHOULD REALIZE THIS 'DREAM' TO THE FULLEST!
Dr. Martin Luther King's collection of writings and speeches, "I Have A Dream", brings aspiration to light. The events that surrounded the life and death of this true hero reveals the shameful fact that no matter how great the United States of America is today, it is one country that was nurtured with inhumane machinery: slavery, racism, injustice, Mickey-Mouse freedom, and Mickey-Mouse democracy. I hate to think about it, but it is an honest fact, which we should all come to terms with. Nobody can rewrite history.
The 256 pages that is "I Have A Dream" was enough to highlight the wickedness and the violence that were deliberately sustained in America, for a full century, after a bloody Civil War ended her tenacity on slavery.
One question that will always beg for answer is: How on earth did U.S. Presidents who presided over the ruthless color-bar era qualified for those Nobel Peace Prizes that they received? Knowing what life was like in the U.S.A. just a couple of decades ago melts my heart. "I Have A Dream" is a big eye-opener!

The essential King
"I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World," by Martin Luther King, Jr., is a fine collection of texts by this important figure. The book has been edited by James M. Washington. Coming in at less than 300 pages, this is a concise but meaty book.

Washington includes King's most important texts: the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"; the "I Have a Dream" speech; his Nobel Prize acceptance speech; "My Trip to the Land of Gandhi"; "A Time to Break Silence," his 1967 speech criticizing the United States war in Vietnam, and more. These writings and speeches cover King's great themes: nonviolent resistance, the African-American civil rights movement, etc.

Those seeking a more comprehensive collection of Kings' work should seek out "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr." also edited by James M. Washington. At more than 700 pages, this is a truly monumental collection, and includes much material not found in "I Have a Dream": the 1965 "Playboy" interview, transcripts of television interviews, and more. But for those who want a shorter text that cuts to the heart of King's life and work, "I Have a Dream" is perfect.

"I Have a Dream" reveals King to be a true Christian prophet, and a man with a global vision. As literature, these texts also show King to be the heir of such American thinkers as Henry David Thoreau and W.E.B. DuBois. Highly recommended.

Soul Force
In his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. used several techniques and devices that were central to the theme of the civil rights movement. One such device was his use of time-sensitive words such as "now" that served as instigators aimed at prompting immediate action. He asked his listeners to seize "the urgency of the moment" because he knew that his cause had garnered enough support to make the push toward total, unrestricted equality. He warned his opponents that they would not see rest until freedom was won; there were far too many people rallying for justice than could be ignored.

King also spoke about the importance of using "soul force" as opposed to physical force. He was determined to be guided in every action by the principles of relentless nonviolent resistance, similar to the ones lived and taught by Gandhi. He knew that his soul force, although seemingly tedious at times, would eventually triumph over every last obstacle of hatred standing in his way. Even though the country was still very much in a state of transition at his passing, King's soul force did indeed lead to the civil rights movement's success. To those members of our society still fighting for freedom even today, that success stands as a powerful testament that no matter how bleak the situation, nonviolent soul force can overcome unjust bias and discrimination. I believe that this is an important lesson, and therefore, I also believe that every American should read King's speech; it is clear that even today, we all still have something to learn.


The Egyptian News (History News)
Published in Library Binding by Gareth Stevens (2001)
Authors: Scott Steedman and James Putnam
Amazon base price: $22.60
Average review score:

A history lesson cleverly disguised as an Egyptian newspaper
The sudden death of Tutankhamen stuns the nation of Egypt and the question is whether the boy king died of natural causes or whether there was indeed foul play. "Boy King Murdered?" is the banner headline for "The Egyptian News," a creative way of tricking students age 9 and up into learning about Ancient Egypt from 3000 to 1100 B.C. Other exciting stories included "A Soaring Success!" as Zoser's pyramid sets a new tomb trend, "Wrapping It Up!" an in-depth interview with the royal mummy maker, and "Let's Party!" a beginner's guide to fashionable feasting with the chariot set. You will find all the traditional forms of journalism, from news stories and interviews to editorials and advice columns, all of which provide young readers with information about the history of ancient Egypt. Chief Scribe Scott Steedman also includes dozens of ads for Egyptians who need to have a boat built, buy a new wig or new Senet set, or want a job as a district governor or lady's maid. Other volumes in the History News series include editions on the Romans, Greeks, Vikings and Aztecs, as well as news of the Stone Age, Medicine and Explorers. Of course, once students see how creatively "The Egyptian News" has been put together, they will probably want to undertake a project like this for some other period of history. The combination of information and creativity is certainly irresistible.

creative way to present history
This book presented some events from Egypt's history in the form of newspaper articles. It was a very creative way to give children an introduction to Egyptian history. It presented lots of interesting informationa, and also some neat pictures. This book is good at sparking a greater interest in history in children while entertaining them at the same time.

This book captured my child's attention
As a homeschooling mom, I highly value books that inform my child about historical facts, while captivating them with exciting stories. I highly recommend this book as a supplement to any Egyptian studies. Written in "newspaper format", it is a joy to read aloud to my children. Using imaginative headlines and wonderful illustrations and photos, this book has definitely captured my child's attention. The plethora of historical facts presented are accurate and entertaining. I would recommend this book for children between the ages of 5-12.


Staying on (20102)
Published in Audio Cassette by Dh Audio (1986)
Authors: Paul Scott and Geraldine James
Amazon base price: $16.99
Average review score:

may even get you to tackle the Raj Quartet
If, like me, you've been meaning to read The Raj Quartet, but have been daunted by it's gargantuan bulk, this shorter sequel offers an ideal entree to Paul Scott's Anglo-Indian world. Here he takes what I understand are two very minor characters from the quartet, Colonel Tusker Smalley and his long-suffering wife Lucy, and makes their story the centerpiece of a sweetly elegiac comic novel.

The year is 1972 and the Smalleys have stayed on in Pankot, India even after Independence in 1947, less out of love of the country or it's people, than out of financial need and sheer spite on Tusker's part. Where the upper class Brits were able to just scamper home, the Smalleys represent the folk of the middle class, who felt that they had invested something in the colony and now deserved to get something out of it. As he explains to Lucy:

I know for years you've thought I was a damn' fool to have stayed on, but I was forty-six when Independence came, which is bloody early in life for a man to retire but too old to start afresh somewhere you don't know. I didn't fancy my chances back home, at that age, and I knew the pension would go further in India than in England. I still think we were right to stay on, though I don't think of it any longer as staying on , but just as hanging on, which people of our age and upbringing and limited talents, people who have never been really poor but never had any real money, never inherited money, never made real money, have to do, wherever they happen to be, when they can't work anymore. I'm happier hanging on in India, not for India as India but because I just can't merely think of it as a place where I drew my pay for 25 years of my working life, which is a hell of a long time anyway, though by rights it should have been longer.

But now, with Tusker's health in decline, Lucy has increasing concerns about her own future. As is, they have led a pretty precarious existence for the past 15 years, having been reduced to living in a hotel, the new owner of which is a ghastly Indian woman, who married the manager, Mr. Bhoolabhoy, one of Tusker's few remaining friends. The author etches a finely detailed portrait of his characters and in particular of the difficult marriage of the Smalleys. Tusker is an irascible curmudgeon straight out of an old British barracks. Lucy has been disappointed that their relationship did not fulfill her romantic ideals. These strains are exacerbated by the daily indignities they must now suffer as the last seedy remnants of the departed British Empire, looked down upon by the very natives they once lorded it over. In the final scenes of the novel, two letters are written which will change these peoples' lives, for better and for worse.

This is a very funny and ultimately a deeply moving story. The Smalleys are a couple the reader won't soon forget. I liked it so much, I think I may finally heft that colossal Quartet off of the shelf and give it a go.

GRADE: A-

Lovely, funny, and poignant
I would not rank this lovely novel with the Raj Quartet in power or scope, but it is certainly a delightful read. It is tragi-comic... comic in the characters Scott presents to us; tragic (or at least sad) in its portrayal of a marriage coming to its natural end.

superb
Out of all his novels, including those set in India, this is his greatest work. Funny, wonderfully written, and sometimes disturbing, this novel is truly brilliant.


How Firms Succeed: A Field Guide to Design Management
Published in Paperback by National Book Network (2002)
Authors: James P. Cramer, Scott Simpson, and Richard Swett Faia
Amazon base price: $27.30
List price: $39.00 (that's 30% off!)
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indispensable
How Firms Succeed transforms the poetry of architecture into the prose of practical management advice. This book offers solutions to the questions and problems that distract firms from their quest to provide excellent design. It should rapidly become an indispensable part of every architect's working library.

Must Have
How Firms Succeed should be on every Design Firm's must read list. It is the closest thing to a how-to manual in running a design firm. Anyone who follows the principles of the text will reap the rewards as their business grows.

Refreshing
Too many design professionals think that design excellence and financial acumen are mutually exclusive. Thanks to the authors of How Firms Succeed for putting this myth to rest. This book addresses the issues that, if practiced, will allow for both. One can only imagine the impact of a firm that provides best-of-class design and its impact on our communities.


Six Months Off: How to Plan, Negotiate, and Take the Break You Need Without Burning Bridges or Going Broke
Published in Paperback by Henry Holt (Paper) (1996)
Authors: Hope Dlugozima, James Scott, and David Sharp
Amazon base price: $14.00
Average review score:

Gave me courage to ask for a Leave
I was impressed. My girlfriend has been trying to get me to get out of the country for an experience that wasn't available here. I was given an opportunity to go on an archaeological dig in Peru and after fighting the negatives of leaving for 3 months, I was given this book and within 24 hours of finishing it I was in my bosses office with my initial proposal to go. It was great. If you want to know how the Leave went...I will let you know in August.

This is one cool book!
If polls are to be believed, nearly 70% of people with incomes of $40,000 or more a year (that's tens of millions of people out there) fantasize about taking time off from work (besides the standard 2-week vacation). Well, my wife and I were two of those people just a few years ago, feeling tired and burned out after almost 10 years in our jobs, and just basically in need of a break big-time. Plus, some friends of ours had taken a year off to travel the world, and we thought that would be awesome, since we both loved to travel and wanted to do a lot more of it before we "settled down" or got too much older. But how? I'm not saying it was simple or for everybody, but it CAN be done, and Six Months Off helped show us how.

Actually, my wife and I ended up taking MORE than 6 months off (by 2 months, to be exact). During our time off, we were on "Leave Without Pay" from our jobs, which we negotiated with our employers, but were still covered by health insurance. Mainly, we traveled: around Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. We also took immersion Spanish classes and lived with local families in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, took some time to travel the United States (mainly through Kentucky, Tennessee, and down the Mississippi River to New Orleans). We rented out our condo, put our stuff in storage, called the IRS to find out what we needed to do as far as taxes were concerned, and found someone (my father) to handle our finances/personal affairs while we were gone. In all of this, Six Months Off was a great help in planning, as well as in knowing what to expect in terms of expenses and a million other things, including adjusting back into the "real world" when our sabbatical was over! Budgeting (we didn't go broke) is important, of course, as is health care, insurance, and having a job when you get back (although some decide to just wing it and look for a job after -- or more accurately, IF -- they come back).

Basically, we probably could have figured most of what we needed to do on our own, but Six Months Off (and other resources, like friends) were extremely helpful in making things go more smoothly. Many people dream of taking time off to pursue a dream, but very few actually do it. Six Months Off shows you how you CAN do it, and leads you through it step by step. I strongly recommend this book, and I strongly recommend taking Six Months Off if at all possible! What an amazing experience!

The most complete sabbatical book ever
I found Six Months Off to be a phenomenal help in planning a sabbatical. The book gave me an an entire, but concise, philosophy or way of thinking about my sabbatical. The book also gave me a concrete and useful strategy for planning the sabbatical, covering ALL the bases from how to tell my boss to how to save money to places to help plan the actual time off and, then, finally for how I could re-enter the work force again. Truly phenomenal. The authors, led by Hope Dlugozima, have hit a home run with me.


The Nephilim Seed: A Novel
Published in Paperback by Broadman & Holman Publishers (2001)
Author: James Scott Bell
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Edge of your seat thriller
This was my first experience with James Scott Bell. If his other novels are as exciting and fast-paced as this one, then it will definitely not be my last.

As a former fan of James Byron Huggins who has been turned off by his recent nonsense which has been passed off as readable fiction, I was refreshed to read a Christian sci-fi thriller that was believable, enjoyable, and lacking in space wasting sentimental drivel.

The idea of the Nephilim has intrigued me ever since my first year Biblical Hebrew class when we studied Genesis 6 and the idea of the Nephilim. A friend and I in that class discussed a Christian sci-fi novel based upon the Nephilim, but not in the manner in which Bell did it here.

"The Nephilim Seed" touched moral themes which are ever encroaching on our post-modern society, and I believe that Bell addresses those issues in a laudable, conservative manner. As science and technology continue in their present course, Christian values and morals will likewise continue to be attacked as outdated.

The Nephilim Seed
Jim Bell has knocked one over the far fences with this one! The characters fairly leap off the pages and the plot is, as in all of Jim's books, relentless. His theme is torn right off today's headlines as he has explored areas new to Christian fiction. Can a movie treatment be far behind? Get the "Seed", and bring it home. But a caveat...prepare to lose sleep for a few nights; it's that good.
So move over, Grisham..."The Nephilim Seed" cooks!

The Nephilum Seed
The Nephilim Seed is one wild ride through Scott Bell's illustrious imagination. I gave it 5 stars because I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do than race to the finish line of The Nephilim Seed. I was hooked on the first page; swept into every scene by characters so well imagined I'll remember them forever. I wanted to protect Lauren, hunt down her father, encourage her mother and go to the police academy so I could personally arrest Davis and all those involved in UniGen. If this isn't a movie--I don't know what is. Man! James, where's the sequel? Facsinating! P.S. Circumstancial Evidence, Blind Justice are great reads too.


The Abyss
Published in Paperback by Pocket Books (1991)
Authors: Orson Scott Card and James Cameron
Amazon base price: $4.50
Average review score:

Read this and you won't have to bother with the movie.
And that's a pretty strange recommendation to make for a movie novelization, it's supposed to be the other way around. Following writer/director James Cameron's recommendation to write a real novel based on his story rather than just write it in narrative form (which so many writer-for-hire types do) Orson Scott Card crafted a well thought out expansion of the film's story. In addition to having the pre-special edition cut sequences (which go a long way in explaining the abyss's residents motivations and such) Card also contributes some welcome background material for the main characters. In an interesting note about the novel's origins (it was written during filming) Card shares that Cameron actually had the principle actors read their individual character's background material from Card's early drafts to better understand the inner workings he wanted communicated in their performances. Highly recommended.

The best book I've ever read! Based on an incredible movie.
The novel of The Abyss by Orson Scott Card is the best novel I've ever read, including both novelizations of movies and non-novelizations. The best part about The Abyss is that it takes what is a great movie and then goes miles beyond. It goes into the thoughts of the individual characters, explains why they made the decisions they did, and how they feel about them. Most interestingly is into the mind of Coffee. How he isn't able to figure out why he's making the decisions he does, why he can't control his actions, and why, when he's thinking clearly, makes the choices he does. It makes him not out to be a bad guy, but a victim as well. Anyone that loves the movie should do themself a million favors and find a copy of this book and read it. Find several more and give them to your friends. It is incredible, and in as many ways as it can, will actually make you a better person. There is so much to be learned about working together, dealing with people, what makes people tick, and how to best deal with any situation. Orson Scott Card did a marvelous job. A definite read for ANYBODY. Fabulous, marvelous, extrordinary. I wish I could say enough.

A Novel that adds a whole new dimension to the Movie
The dusk jacket of this novel takes great pains to explain that this is "A Novel by Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Author Orson Scott Card based on an original screenplay by James Cameron." That lengthy description is important because it is trying to make it crystal clear that this is NOT a "novelization" of a screenplay, and to give you some idea what a unique and exquisite book you are reading. Card provides an entirely new dimension to Cameron's screenplay.

I still think the Abyss is James Cameron's best movie, Oscar winning block busters aside, although that other film certainly proves water is his natural element. Displeased with the "cursory, mediocre, often inaccurate, and sometimes downright reprehensible" novelizations he had already read of his films, Cameron determined there would be a NOVEL. In a totally unique process, Card worked from videotapes of the film as the editing progressed, updating his manuscript as scenes were changed, added or cut. In addition to covering everything you see in the film version of "The Abyss," Card made two significant contributions to the story in his novel.

First, he wrote chapters focusing on the three main characters of Buddy, Linsey and Coffee. Each chapter goes back to when they were kids and relates the seminal events that made them the people they grew up to be and brought them to the setting of this story. Cameron was so impressed with these chapters that before filming began he gave them to Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (and you have to wonder what Michael Biehn would have done with the background on Coffey). Second, Card works in the entire story from the side of the alien beings, explaining what they are doing and thinking even when they are not around the humans on Deepcore. Things that you wondered about in the film (How could Coffey survive that great depth and cut the right wire?) will be made clear and the additional scenes add great depth to the film (intentional pun).

It is because of this added dimension that I think you will best enjoy this book after you have seen the film and more specifically the Special Edition or Director's Cut of the film. Of course, I can certainly appreciate that fans of Orson Scott Card might pick up "The Abyss" without any care about the movie. This is not a bad thing either because Card is a first rate imaginative writer, as he has proven from "Ender's Game" to "Enchantment." If you loved the movie, you will love the book. You do not want to miss out on this one.


Peter Pan/Changing Picture and Lift-The-Flap Book
Published in Hardcover by Viking Press (1992)
Authors: Edmund Caswell, James Matthew Barrie, and Scott Gustafson
Amazon base price: $15.95
Average review score:

Review for Peter Pan
You will laugh, cry and be confused when you read this book. This book can teach you that what you think is good is not always good.

There is a boy named Peter Pan. He sprinkles fairy dust in Wendy and her two brothers. Then he shows them how to fly. He takes them to Neverland and shows them to the Lost Boys who live there. Wendy becomes their mother. She makes up rules, like any other mother would do. The boys have to follow these rules. Everything was fine until Captain Hook came with his crew to where the boys and Wendy were. While Wendy and the boys were at the lagoon, where they go every day after dinner, they see a girl named Tiger Lily, princess of her tribe. She was captured by Smee, one of Captain Hook's men. Then Peter saved her. A few days later Wendy and the boys were on their way to Wendy's house when they too were all captured by Captain Hook. Then Peter saves them. Then the lost boys, Wendy and her brothers go home. All except for Peter.

It is mostly about what the people in the book think is right with childhood. The kids in the book think that if you grow up it is bad, but in our case it is actually good.

Peter Pan is a violent book not really made for children under the age of 10 but people 10 and up can read it. It is violent because of the language that is spoken and the idea that killing could be fun. Also, the vocabulary is very difficult for children under 10 to understand. Even if you're older it is difficult to understand.

Overall, it is a good book but watch out for the violent ideas if you are reading it to little children.

A classic
This is an utterly charming work. It has been retold myriad times, but nobody else has done it as well as the original teller, J. M. Barrie.

It's difficult to know what to say about a book like this... everybody knows the story. But I guess that unless you've read this book (not just seen a movie or read a retelling), you don't really know the character Peter Pan, and without knowing the character, you don't really know the story. So read it.

By the way, if you enjoy this, you probably would also like "Sentimental Tommy" and its sequel "Tommy and Grizel", both by Barrie. There are differences (for one thing they're not fantasy), but there are also compelling similarities. Anybody who found Peter Pan a deep and slightly bittersweet book would be sure to enjoy them.

-Stephen

Become a child...again
When talking of literature, people tend to look solely at books they read today but forget what they used to read, namely the ones we read as children. It is a common misunderstanding that children's literature is to be read by children and children only, but when we come to think of it, which one of us are not children, at least in our hearts?

One of the best books any child, young or old, can read is Barrie's Peter Pan. Although written in the past century, it has something for any generation at any time. Its humorous views at the world from a child's mind left me rolling over the floor, laughing; the exciting storyline kept me busy with reading until the end; and the serious undertone made me think of whether the world wouldn't be a better place if we realised that deep down, however deep, we are in fact all children. So if YOU are a child, which you most certainly are, get yourself a copy and enjoy your ongoing childhood.


Transformation of a Common Man: The Brian Scott Story (The Play of Life
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (2002)
Author: James E. Frazier
Amazon base price: $30.95
Average review score:

Wisdom from the least likely of places
I have to admit expecting NOT to finish this book. It's such an oddity, unpredictably moving from the mundane to the profound. I kept waiting for the, "we will save you" promise from the alleged extraterrestrials, or for the, "Brian Scott is our only hope" admonition. I kept waiting for the usual cliches, or the little inconsistencies and contradictions that would place this book next the works of "the literature's" shucksters and fantasists.

But it never happened. Over 700 pages later, I finished the book and found myself inspired and awed. It's hard to describe why.

The story is somehow real and mundane, despite the fact much of the book is utterly incredible. It's not a very well polished book. There is no glossy coating, everything is there in all its coarse detail, from bitter domestic disputes to failing friendships, love affairs, etc. But the story is riveting and frequently moving and frightening. It delves into dangerous territory (e.g., aliens and demonic possession) without preaching one explanation or another.

And when it's all over, what's the bottom line? There is no easy way out. To grow in wisdom, we each have our own work to do. Brian Scott's story shows that we need balance. We have to live in the world and yet grow in spirit. These two, united, allow us to realize our greatest potential. Everything we need is right here, with us now.

In Brian's case, he had some extraordinary guides and was privy to amazing insight and revelations. But it all boils down, ultimately, to you and I. We can travel the dark road of stagnation and fear, or strive for growth and transformation. Brian made his choice, and life continues. We, too, have our choice. Let this book guide and inspire you to choose the right path.

I will never forget this book. It still lingers in my heart and mind, and will likely remain there.

Awesome Book. Great Story!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is a non-stop rollercoaster ride. This is the tip of the biggest Icebergs ever seen. It starts out slow but picks up speed like no book I have ever read. I know Brian Scott personally and he is the most honest man I have ever met. He is very down to Earth these days. He is very open to talk to about all of the things that have happened to him. The story has not ended yet. We are going to South America this spring this June to retrace Brian's steps of his Transformation. I highly recommend reading this book then send me an e-mail and then let's talk.
With All the Respect: Jim: Bachurski

Transformation of a Common Man rocks!!!
This is one of the most eye-opening books I have ever read! Jim you did an outstanding job of bringing Brian's story to the public. Very interesting diagrams that Brian has drawn found within the pages, especially the Photonic Matter drawing superimposed on the Cuzco time clock, found on page 537.

Fascinating the Quantum Displacement passages staring on page 350..."The displacement of time, by the mind at nous 4, allowing matter and energy to be transported through space."

quote:

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From the Earth, the water and the people, I am.
From the Island of the Sun, I have come, and I wish to return.

I am Viracocha--I have knowledge of the People from my existence here, and within.

My promise shall be kept--I shall comply to the people, within.

With the first light of the sun, on the day of December 22, 2011 A.D., and from the Island of the Sun, I shall return.

I am Ticci Viracocha, from the People.

I am the spirit of the People, and of the Earth.

I am from the Earth--

Viracocha.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Nous Laos Hikano"--The God-Mind Returns to the People, indeed.

Thank you Brian for finally getting this message to the common people. You are a remarkable man in every way. You have literally changed my life, opened my eyes, and set me on an inevitable path.

I have turned over my rock and like what I see. A small, good thing, yes?

Peace and love Brian.

From a future hill walker.


Apollo 15: The NASA Mission Reports, Volume One
Published in Paperback by Apogee Books (2001)
Authors: David Scott, James C., Dr. Fletcher, Apogee Books, and Robert Godwin
Amazon base price: $13.97
List price: $19.95 (that's 30% off!)
Average review score:

Only One Flaw.
The Nasa Mission Report series are FANTASTIC products. I cannot more highly recommend them. BUT: they only have one flaw. Getting the CD-Rom out of their tight package on the rear page runs the risk of badly damaging the back cover if you're not careful. And that's what I unfortunately did to my copy of Apollo 15. I suggest using a sharp letter-opener very carefully to pierce and open the seal at the top of the CD-Rom's plastic sleeve. What's this book/CD-Rom like? The range of documents and video clips is excellent and the photos are not too bad, but I've seen clearer versions of some of these pictures elsewhere. The video of "In The Mountains Of The Moon" is disappointingly fuzzy and pixelated, unlike the rest of the clips which are very good. Roll on Volume Two!!

The NASA Mission Reports
From the press kit to the technical crew debriefing and everything in between, this book thoroughly describes the Apollo 15 mission. This mission was the first to use the Lunar Rover, the first to venture into a lunar mountain range, and the first to do major geologic work. This book uses the archives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to document all aspects of the mission. The accompanying CD-ROM contains hundreds of images of the moon, hours of video of the moon walkers, and other interesting information about the mission. The press kit contains all the information given to reporters, including a step-by-step breakdown of the mission; this offers readers a complete, highly detailed study of the Apollo mission. Almost a third of the book is a transcript of the technical debriefing, interesting both because of the personal details of the mission rarely seen by the public and the interactions between the men who were on the mission. This book, along with the others in the series, forms an excellent technical history of the manned space program. General readers; lower-division undergraduates.

Another Great Book From Robert Godwin And Apogee Books
This book appears to have been released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission and contains a great deal of information about this extremely important lunar exploration mission. This mission was the first extended duration lunar exploration mission (3 days on the Moon's surface) and featured the lunar rover, which greatly extended the area that the two astronauts could explore. This Apollo mission is considered to be one of humanity's greatest voyages of exploration. David Scott commanded the Apollo 15 mission and contributes a few introductory pages.

The book opens with the usual NASA mission press kit. Unlike the earlier Apollo 14 press kit, this press kit is significantly larger, due to the increased emphasis on the scientific exploration of the Moon. The next portion of the book contains an excellent section titled "On the Moon With Apollo 15." This section focuses on the geology of the Hadley Rille/Apennine Mountains landing site, the science experiments that will be conducted on the surface and the equipment and tools that will be used to accomplish these tasks. This portion of the book was published separately by NASA in 1971 and a used copy now sells for around 25$. The next section of the book, the Pre-flight Mission Operations Report, presents an overview of planned timelines (work plan), while the next section, the Post-flight Mission Operations Report, presents the actual timelines, points out the discrepancies between the two timelines and describes any problems with the hardware

The crew debrief section, which is about 100 pages long, contains the crew comments and feelings about various parts of the mission and for the most part avoids the technical language that many of the NASA documents include; however there are several sections where the crew practically talks in acronyms. The crew debrief contains crew comments from the suiting up phase to the landing, plus comments about the training (did it or did not help the crew). Dave Scott and Jim Irwin dominate most of the crew debrief, since most of the questioning and mission focused on the lunar surface operations; however, Al Worden has a lot to say about his photographic survey of the moon and his deep space EVA (the first one ever conducted). I always find the crew debriefing quite enjoyable, because it is the closest thing to being there and you get two or three first had view points of various aspects of the mission.

The enclosed CD (be careful it is hard to get out) contains a lot of color and black and white photographs, several NASA films and an extremely interesting feature on the development of the Lunar Rover.

Some general information that might be useful.

1) These reports are just scanned-in documents from previously released NASA press kits, etc., In order to preserve the spirit of the original reports, all typographical and grammatical errors have NOT been fixed.

2) Proceeds from the book goes to "The Watch" an asteroid impact research project of the Space Frontier Foundation. In other words, Apogee Books is making very little off the sale of US government produced books.

3) Many people have asked why the post mission reports are not included. Since NASA has published many books with hundred of pages (The NASA SP series), and the data from these missions is still being analyzed, it would be impossible to do.


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