Covey et. al provide perhaps one of the best comprehensive compilation of information regarding gangs. They discuss gang formation drawing on the research of Miller, Spergel, and Klein. They also address the cultural aspects of gangs and they provide a chapter on gangs in other countries, although the literature is relatively bare in this area. Although it is an academic book, laypersons interested in subject matter will benefit by reading it.

It's such a relief to have the Siete Partidas available in this attractive, reasonably priced set. The venerable Robert I. Burns has given it a wonderful general introduction and the index increases its accesibility even more than the very clear translation does. No more ploughing through paragraph after paragraph of Old Spanish, in 19th-century print, to get to the enlightening and even entertaining ideas that so well characterize the 13th century and give sociological background to any kind of medieval research.

I love the author's style of writing. The book contains the stories about the Little People, the Steel-lo-booch-go-gee that were told among generations. The author uses the storytelling device to present the stories. I was fascinated by the stories of the Little People and their connection to children and healing. I would highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.

The Medicine Bow Mountain Range is in southeastern Wyoming, and this book gives a very good chronological history of this area. The authors begin with the earliest known evidence of man inhabiting this area, then move on to talk about how the Indians,fur trappers and mountain men influenced this part of the west. William Ashley paved the way for the Overland Trail, Jim Bridger helped to explore this region and John Fremont mapped this part of the west. Chapters on the logging, mining and grazing industries are also very interesting. The railroad had a major fundamental part in the development of this area. The authors also talk about the Medicine Bow National Forest and how till this day, it is still trying to be a land for multiple use. I really enjoyed this book, there is a lot of history here.

"Method of Rhetorical Criticism: A Twentieth-Century Perspective" remains one of the standard collections of essays in the field. The primary reason for this is that for each critical perspective, from the traditional to the postmodern, the editors provide an essay laying out the theoretical premises and then a second one which puts that particular critical theory into practice. So, for example, the Dramaturgical Perspective is covered in Bernard L. Brock's "Rhetorical Criticism: A Burkeian Approach Revisited" and then the theory is applied in David S. Bridsell's "Ronald Reagan on Lebannon and Grenada: Flexibility and Interpretation in the Application of Kenneth Burke's Pentad." This format works very well with students, both undergraduates and graduates, because whether they are more comfortable with the abstract theory or the critical application, they can use the one to better understand the other. Furthermore, included are some of the most honored essays in the field by not only the editors but Lawrence W. Rosenfield, Ernest G. Bormann, Walter R. Fisher, Karlyn Kohrs Campbell, Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Celeste Condit Railsback. Unless you can put together your own packet of essays for your students, this volume will serve you well in providing a foundation for a class in rhetorical criticism.

The six major categories of rhetorical criticism covered in this collection: (1) The Traditional Perspective, which includes the Neo-Aristotelian Approach (and Marie Hochmuth Nichols classic look at "Lincoln's First Inaugural") and the Historical Approach; (2) The Experiential Perpspective consists of the Eclectic and Epistemic approaches; (3) The Dramaturgical Perspective covers the Dramatistic Approach, Fantasy Theme Analyais, and the Narative Paradigm; (4) The Sociological Perspective presents the Sociolinguistics, Generic, Social Movements and Feminist approaches; and (5) The Postmodern Perspective has both the Constructionist and Deconstructionist approaches. These sections are bracketted by an introductory essay on rhetorical criticism and a concluding piece on "Decisions in Rhetorical Criticism."

This is a well-written book explaining the history of the Middle East. It provides the historic basis for understanding the current situation and tension in this region. James Bill is an excellent writer, and a well-known expert on the Middle East. A great book!

Two Words: Extremely entertaining. A fascinating, yet often untold story. Hollywood will most defintely be calling.

--Joey

Robert Scott is a master in taking the finest of details and spinning them into a fascinating and easy to follow storyline. I found the Prologue somewhat off putting but fortunately stayed with it and soon became entranced and horrified at the same time with the telling of the multitude of horrific crimes commited by this demonic duo. I have lived in the areas mentioned in this book and even know some of the officials involved. It was very, very strange to be able to picture most of the places mentioned in the book and to know I had either seen or been to some of the places mentioned. It made the book all that more real for me. I came away from reading it with a new found awareness that is both disturbing and enlightening for me. NO ONE IS SAFE from having this happen to them. It is such a ramdom crime of violence. There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being a victim but Fate plays such a big hand in life, for good or for evil. I will be more vigilant for myself and warn people I care about. This book has made a difference in my life.

Blattberg & Neslin's book is the best book I have come across which deals with sales promotion planning and analysis. Unlike most books which content themselves with conceptual approaches to the issue, this book, deals extensively with the analysis (i.e. modelling). If you are involved in Sales promotion (especially in packaged goods), the book will be the most important addition to your bookshelf