There's not much plot to this book, but it's done extremely well. IT is made for reading aloud, with jumpy rhymes and repetition. "There's a moose on the loose!" Next page: "There's a moose on the loose and a bad-tempered goose!" And so on, until the bear also says "I don't care to a "pig who is big," "a snake from the lake," "a wolf from the north(what happened to the rhyme on that one?)," and a "teeny-weeny mouse." The latter gets our laissez-faire bear jumping back to his lair. As you can see, infectious fun. A good book for the small fry, read this one with drama! 16 pages, with simple pictures on each one.

The wonderful patterning of words and the rhyming text pull the young child's attention right into the story. The story is one the the child can memorize and begin repeating it as you read they really love the repetative aspects.

I really wish the author and the publisher would once again put this selection back into print.

I absolutly loved this book. It was the first Colin West book I ever read to my story time group. They laughed and enjoyed the book. I love the rhyming. The illustrations were colorful and wonderful. Simply a must for little children.

This book is not light reading. A good background in 20th Century military history as well as Clausewitz is necessary to get the most from this very impressive work. So why bother? What are the uses of Neo-Clausewitzian Strategic Thought?

In the post 9-11 world there is no better way in my opinion to understand the Al Qaida threat. Professor Gray published this work in 1999, but his views and methodology remain as important as ever.

The reason for this is that the grammar of war changes (the ways we fight it, the increasingly complex "elements"), while the nature of war remains the same. Politics and political goals have always been the core reasons for the violent struggle of wills between polities which we call war. That was true in ancient times and remains true today.

Following Clausewitz and Gray I think one could make a very convincing case that Al Qaida is waging war in three forms simultaneously-- guerrilla war, terrorist war and revolutionary war which all put heavy emphasis on the political. With this in mind our MAIN weapon against Al Qaida should be our foreign (political) policy, not an emphasis on high-tech, military responses against obscure targets, the resulting "colateral" destruction only hurting our political policy and playing to the goals of our enemies. Such are the nuances of Clausewitzian strategic thought, far from the "war-as-ideal Mahdi of Mass" strawman usually portrayed by the great strategic theorist's detractors.

Of interest also are Gray's appreciation of the contributions of John R. Boyd, his untangling of the confusion surrounding the term "Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), and his comments on the little known (or understood) impact of the Second Smuts Report of 1917.

In all this book is a great work in strategic thought of high intellectual merit. Of interest also is a recent article in the Spring issue of Parameters by Gray on Asymmetrical Warfare.

This is an outstanding contribution to strategic studies, a comprehensive placing of virtually all theorists and historians of war and strategy, and hugely thought-provoking. Yet Gray never forgets that practice is primary, noting the 'authority of practice over theory'.

He uses Clausewitz's method, defining strategy as 'the use that is made of force and the threat of force for the ends of policy': it is about objectives, effects. The nature and function of strategy and war are unchanging, though their characters change constantly. "Every war is both unique yet also similar to other wars." Strategy is in every conflict everywhere.

Tactics, by contrast, is the use of instruments of power in action. Strategy proposes; tactics dispose. "War is not 'about' economics, morality, or fighting. Instead, it is about politics."

Strategy's dimension are politics, ethics, military preparations, people, technology, time, war proper. Technological changes alter the character not the nature of war: "Technology is important, but in war and strategy people matter most."

Gray analyses strategy's components, its various environments, land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Seapower, airpower and spacepower function strategically as enabling factors: a war's outcome may be decided by action at sea, in the air or in space, but all conflicts have to be finally resolved on land, where people are.

He illuminates wars from the Punic to the Boer, but focuses mainly on the 20th century's excessive amount of war experience: wars between empires, still all too possible, and wars against nations, opposed by wars for national liberation and independence. He writes, "how truly heroic is Mao's message of eventual success through the conduct of protracted revolutionary warfare." Success can mean just stopping the enemy from winning.

We can check the quality of his approach by assessing the strategic conclusions it generates, despite his overmuch reliance on histories emanating from State Department and Foreign Office. He shows that bombing Germany before defeating the Luftwaffe was a costly error. He proves that the atomic bomb did not defeat Japan in 1945; Japan was already defeated. He praises the Soviet Union's prudent and successful practice of nuclear deterrence.

First published in 1999, this is an original tour d-horizon that is essential to any discussion of the theory and practice of conflict in the 21st Century, to include all those discussions of the alleged Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), the need for "defense transformation", and the changing nature of civil-military relations.

I am much impressed by this book and the decades of thinking that have gone into it, and will outline below a few of its many signal contributions to the rather important questions of how one must devise and manage national power in an increasingly complex world.

First, the author is quite clear on the point that technology does not a revolution make-nor can technology dominate a national strategy. If anything-and he cites Luttwak, among others, with great regard-an excessive emphasis on technology will be very expensive, susceptible to asymmetric attack, and subversive of other elements of the national strategy that must be managed in harmony. People matter most.

Second, and this is the point that hit me hardest, it is clear that security strategy requires a holistic approach and the rather renaissance capability of managing a multiplicity of capabilities-diplomatic, economic, cultural, military, psychological, information-in a balanced manner and under the over-arching umbrella of a strategy.

Third, and consistent with the second, "war proper" is not exclusively about force of arms, but rather about achieving the national political objective by imposing one's will on another. Those that would skew their net assessments and force structure capabilities toward "real war" writ in their conventional terms are demeaning Clausewitz rather than honoring him.

Fourth, as I contemplate in this and other readings how best to achieve lasting peace and prosperity, I see implicit in all that the author puts forward, but especially in a quote from Donald Kegan, the raw fact that it is not enough for America to have a preponderance of the traditional military and economic power in the world-we must also accept the burden and responsibility of preserving the peace and responding to the complex emergencies around the globe that must inevitably undermine our stability and prosperity at home.

Fifth, it is noteworthy that of all the dimensions of strategy that are brought forward, one-time-is unique for being unimprovable. Use it or lose it. Time is a strategic dimension too little understood and consequently too little valued by Americans in particular and the Western alliance in general.

Sixth, it merits comment that the author, perhaps the greatest authority on Clausewitz in this era, clarifies the fact that the "trinity" is less about people, government, and an army, than about primordial violence, hatred, and enmity (the people); chance and probability on the battlefield, most akin to a game of cards (the army); and instrumental rationality (the government)-and that these are not fixed isolated elements, but interpenetrate one another and interact in changing ways over time and space.

Seventh, the author devotes an entire chapter to "Strategic Culture as Context" and this is most helpful, particularly in so far as it brings forward the weakness of the American strategic culture, notably a pre-disposition to isolationism and to technical solutions in the abstract. Perhaps more importantly, a good strategic culture with inferior weapons can defeat a weak strategic culture with an abundance of technology and economic power.

Eighth, and finally, the author courageously takes on the issue of small wars and other savage violence, seeking to demonstrate that grand strategy applies equally well to the savage criminal and warlord parasites that Ralph Peters has noted are not susceptible to our traditional legal and military conventions. While he does not succeed (and notes in passing that Clausewitz's own largest weakness was a failure to catalogue the enemy and the dialog with the enemy as a major factor in strategic success and failure), the coverage is acceptable in making three key points:

1) small wars and sub-national conflicts are generally not resolved decisively at the irregular level-conventional forces are required at some point;

2) special operations forces have a role to play but lack a strategic context (that is to say, current political and military leaders have no appreciation for the strategic value of special operations forces); and

3) small wars and non-traditional threats-asymmetrical threats-must be taken seriously and co-equally with symmetrical regular conflicts.

At the end of the day, this erudite scholar finds common cause with gutter warrior Ralph Peters and gang-warfare iconoclast Martin Van Crevald by concluding his book with a quote from Alexander Solzhenitsyn: "In the Computer Age we will live by the law of the Stone Age: the man with the bigger club is right. But we pretend this isn't so. We don't notice or even suspect it-why surely our morality progresses together with our civilization."

The only book on historical magic that I have found more in-depth than this is the Golden Bough. And that is a actually a huge compliment to Colin Wilson. Wilson does a great job of descibing detailed historical accounts of almost all facets of the occult in a simple way that is both inviting and enlightening. He strips common cliches like vampirism and lycanthropy of their mythology and horror movie camp and puts the beasts were they belong: in actual human history, scientifically and psychologically defining them as monsters only in their relationship to society and the human condition. The most amazing thing about this book however is that, with all its history, it is more than a history of the occult. Wilson has a premise--a premise so well woven into the history he provides, so unassuming, that you barely notice it. But when you do notice it, you won't ever see the world the same again. I've read countless books on mythology, monsters, magic and the occult in order to (silly, I know) give myself an edge in life, open my mind to certain possibilities and see beyond the ordinary. Colin Wilson has undoubtedly shown me the most.

this is a very very interesting book, a very good introduction to the subject, very engrossing and entertaining i would say. it is also a true mark of wilson's grip on the subject, that every time i am reading this book, things start to happen to me!

This wonderful book is a voluminous history of the occult, using the principle figures in the western occult tradition such as Crowley, Paracelsus and Pythagoras, among others. Wilson includes excellent background material and puts forth a compelling theory of why the occult is the science of the future, when people will one day realise their true power and importance in the world. Mr. Wilson is annoyed at the current world-view pushed by existentialists and scientists that humans are no more than insigninficant accidents in an indiffernt cosmos. He postulates an emerging human ability which he refers to as "Faculty X", a faculty of clarity, direction and purpose which goes beyond the ordinary senses and proposes how this may be the key to future human evolution. Much emphasis is placed on the will's role in human development throughout humanity's existence and its continued importance in the future, as well as the importance of contemporary humanity's researc! h into the subconscious mind. Wilson disregards the hyper-skepticism of modern science, and even delineates how the philosophy behind such a view is now outdated, and how the resulting world view has become narrow and cynical. Nevertheless, Wilson is very objective and gives a very critical analysis of all occult phenomena -- powers which are the key for humanity's future growth.

Colin Wilson wrote this book because although he liked the basic ideas behind the "Lovecraftian" genre, he did not like the writing style of H.P. Lovecraft. His goal was to develop a well-written novel using the rules of the genre, such as making everything as real as possible in regards to references, events and places.

This book also deals extensively with the concepts that are more at home in a Frank Herbert novel, such as the limits of what it means to be human and what human beings are capable of. This book is part mystery, part science-fiction, part primer to Wilson's occult philosophy.

This is one of the best Lovecraft-style stories I have read. The suspense in this book is great. You never know what will be uncovered in the next page. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good suspense story.

Colin Wilson continues his exploration of "Intentionality" as a key element in his existential philosophy. If you liked The Mind Parasites, then you owe it to yourself to read this book (as well as The Space Vampires). His use of fiction as a vehicle to philosophical discourse is worth the effort to find these books.

This is a beautiful book which brought a lump to the throat of my Scottish husband (now living in the USA). This is the real Scotland that he and I (an English woman) both know and love. Highly recommended.

I do a little family history and wanted to know what the homeland of my possible ancestors looked like...Mr. Baxter makes me want to fly to Scotland and see it up close and personal. His photography is excellent and beautifully done and I couldn't be more pleased with the purchase.

Colin Baxter pushed his way up to the top photographers in my book when I saw this book! The way he photographs this lovely country is amazing! The love he has for Scotland shows in the way the photos are taken, printed, and arranged in this masterpiece of Scottish photography! It's one of my favorites in several books that he's published with his talent, definately on the top of the list.

My son (5 years old) loves this book. He likes for me to show him where on the maps we are and where we have been. He also likes to know where his extended family is located. (You have to love anything you can "sneak" some education in on.) It has excellent illustrations and interesting facts that will make this an enjoyable book for many years to come as my kids develope and expand their understanding capabilities.

Don't be fooled by the word "atlas" - this lovely children's book contains much more than just maps! Facts, figures, "fun" information connected to the part of the world you are perusing. Beautifully illustrated, extremely readable. Interesting even for the adults in this family. Its oversized (coffee-table) dimensions make you want to plop down on the floor with the book spread out before you, and just look for an hour or so. Or you can simply turn to the area of the world that you're interested in (or doing a school report on) and get a few quick facts.

This book is excellent for teaching your children geography and world culture. It is very reader friendly and extremely interesting. It touches on all parts of the world with the most relevant information. We bought it for our 6 year old son for Christmas and now find it to be a fabulous birthday gift for other children. Unlike a toy that gets played with for a month and then thrown into the toy box graveyard, this book will be a favorite for many years both as general interest reading and as a reference for school projects. Don't miss this one...at a great price too!

Phil Kaufman has lived a life most of us can only dream of, and lived to write about it! Although it's hard to believe he was that close to "Sweet Connie" and didn't catch nothin'!

I first read about Phil Kaufman in the book, Hickory Wind: The Life And Times Of Gram Parsons by Ben Fong-Torres. I wanted to learn more about Phil and his friendship with Gram Parsons so I bought the book Road Mangler Deluxe. I'm glad I did. After reading his book I think he's one of the most interesting people in the music business. He's done quite a few things in his life. He's been an actor, an unsuccessful drug smuggler which lead to his time in prison, he was an executive nanny for the Rolling Stones and he's been a road manager for The Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Frank Zappa just to name a few. He still works for Emmylou Harris. He's known her since his days with Gram Parsons. He even knew Charles Manson. He first met Manson while serving time at Terminal Island prison in Califorina. Phil was there because of his previous drug bust. I think Manson's crime at this time was forgery. After both were out of prison Phil produced a record album for Charles Manson called LIE which was released in 1971. By that time Manson was back in prison because of the Tate/La Bianca murders. Road Mangler Deluxe is full of great stories about Phil Kaufman's colorful life. Gram Parsons was lucky to have Phil Kaufman as a friend. We should all be so lucky.

Comments and criticisms are welcome by the author.please contact me on rdmangler@aol.com be honest..but be gentle...thanks. road mangler deluxe(phil kaufman)

Years ago, I felt that I needed to get a book on prayer. This book caught my eye, at a Christian Book store. I thought that it was seven steps to effective prayer, ie. fasting, Bible Meditation. But instead it is seven awesome biographies, of inspiring men and women of the Lord. Each biography gives just enough detail, without being boring. The enthusiasm is catching and will inspire you to pursue the Lord to a greater level.

Personally, I was especially inspired by the biographies of David Brainard, Charles Finney, John Hyde and George Muller.

Read this book and be blessed. It is unfortunately out of print, however, it can be sourced as a used book through Amazon.com.

It's a shame that this book is no longer in print. It gives the biographical sketches of George Muller, Hudson Taylor, Praying Hyde, Charles Finney, David Brainerd, Rees Howells, and Madame Guyon, focusing on how their prayer lives enabled them to have fruitful ministries.

If you don't know who these folks are, this book is a good place to begin...when you can find it.

It was personally uplifting to read true accounts of these seven prayer warriors. Absolutely amazing to realize the true miracles that God performed for these individuals. Made me realize that some of the "happenings" in my own life were likely miracles that were lovingly sent.

While much has been written about the engineering and management decisions that lead up to Challenger explosion, the mission, the Challenger crew and the whole Teacher in Space Program have received much less attention. In this book, the author, Colin Burgess, only devotes a few pages to the accident and focuses primarily on the teacher in space program, Christa McAuliffe, her teaching and NASA experiences and of course the aftermath of the accident. Since the book was written well close to fifteen years after the accident, it avoids much of the sadness, anger and the like which dominated many of the early works on this subject. As a result, the author gives us a wonderful book about the life and times of Christa McAuliffe and the Teacher in Space Program. There is also closing chapter on the next Teacher in Space Candidate, Barbara Morgan, who should fly sometime this decade.

As someone who lives across the street from the Johnson Space Center (JSC), it is quite obvious to me that the author spent a considerable amount of time researching her life and experiences at JSC, since all of the places, buildings, etc., are named correctly (using the names in 1986), located in their proper places and the astronaut training she received is as it should be. In other words, not only are you getting a wonderful well written book, it is also well researched.

One final thing to add, the book contains 32 pages of color pictures and all royalties from the book go to the Christa McAuliffe Fund.

This is not the first book written about Christa McAuliffe- but it may well be considered the last word on her. Many previous books have concentrated on the technical aspects of the Challenger explosion that took her life. Others were written about her as a person, but were written so close to the time of the disaster that it was hard for them to be objective and see her life and achievements in their entirety. With the passage of time, it has been possible to set the Teacher In Space Program and Christa's life in their true historical context, and Colin Burgess has here done an admirable job of doing so. The politically-inspired events that led to a teacher being offered a seat on a spacecraft formerly reserved for those with piloting or science tasks to undertake are outlined by Burgess with objectivity and clarity. But what comes through more than anything from this book is the remarkable strength of personality that McAuliffe had, making her the perfect person for a space flight, and how that strength has meant that, even after her death, her plans for space education have gone ahead. It seems that her mission to educate and inspire people to dream about spaceflight and act on those dreams was fulfilled even though she never made it into space. Burgess, having already authored an important body of spaceflight books, has added a work guaranteed to inspire and motivate anyone.

As a friend of Colin's, I normally would disqualify myself from reviewing one of his books but I feel that I had to comment on this book.

Colin has done a great job of cutting through the usual American sentimentality whenever the Challenger crew are mentioned and has done a great job in telling us about Christa. However, the book is not just about Christa. The ill fated Teacher in Space program is described in detail as is the launch and the short flight of the Challenger shuttle.

A worthy addition to any space library. Teenagers in particular will like this book.

Kate