I first came across this book in my high school library, about 1990. I fell in love with it.... Anyway, this is a beautiful book that features lots of Simon Marsden's infrared photos of castles, manor houses, spooky natural places, etc., from all over the British Isles and Ireland. A page or two decribing the ghostly phenomena associated with each locale is included as well. I spent nearly three weeks in Scotland seeking out some of the places in this book (and the book that followed, "Phantoms of the Isles"), but sadly, they didn't seem half as creepy in real life as they did in the book. I highly recommend anything by Simon Marsden...Happy hauntings!

i first picked this book up when i was 10 years old. I'm 16 now and i still can't put it down. This is, without a doubt, the most chilling collection of stories i have ever come across. The contents of this book are psycologically affecting as well imagination provoking. I truly cannot say enough great things about this book. If you havn't read it-PLEASE do yourself a favor, and get ahold of The Haunted Realm.

I've read this book probably 10 or 15 times, and I still haven't tired of it. The writing, the pictures, everthing is great! This is a must-read for anyone, even if they're not interested in ghosts or the occult. They don't come much better than this. That's just about all there is to say. Great book, must buy.

I have spent the last three months researching index funds for purposes of writing a professional paper, and this book is by far the best source of information on the topic that I have found. But it's more than that. In making the case for index funds, Mr. Simon provides a succinct, yet intelligible, description of modern portfolio theory and its place in the world of finance.

If you are interested in subjects like portfolio theory, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, the efficient market hypotheses, game theory, the Third Restatement of Trusts and zero sum games, and just the mention of people as diverse as Peter L. Bernstein, John C. Bogle, Warren Buffett, Alfred Cowles, III, Eugene Fama, Mario Gabelli, Elaine Gazarelli, Edward C. Halbach, Jr., Roger Ibbotson, Peter Lynch, Burton G. Malkiel, Harry Markowitz, John Neff, William F. Sharpe, and Rex Sinquefield causes you to hyperventilate, then this book is for you.

Don't let the tacky cover put you off (It would be more appropriate for "How I Went From Nothing to Being a Billionaire in Three Weeks.") This is a well-written and useful book.

Scott Simon's book thoroughly reviews the many advantages of index funds, and the disadvantages of actively managed mutual funds. Many of the standard arguments are presented--the cost advantage of index funds, the difficulty in picking a superior actively managed mutual fund in advance, etc. But, the author has managed to add a few wrinkles here and there. Did you know that investing in index funds can reduce your stress? Well, according to this book that is one of the more important advantages.

The book is well documented (as you would expect from a former tax lawyer). Of note is a chapter devoted to the "nuts and bolts" of index funds which gives thorough details about the operations of index mutual funds. The appendix also contains good descriptions of the major indexes.

This book is an excellent and comprehensive study of index mutual funds. By discussing the theories behind index funds, Mr. Simon makes a compelling case as to why they are a superior investment vehicle for most, if not all, investors. In short, decreased costs and decreased risk will create, in the long run, a higher return for invetors. Specifically, Mr. Simon states that index funds will outperform conventional methods of investment (stock picking and convemtional mutual funds) due to decreased management costs and taxes. Active management strategies (again, stock picking and convemtional mutual funds) churn a lot of fees and create many taxable events. Index funds, however, mirror the market -- no such acitve stock picking is necessary. Instead of employing expensive stock pickers and research teams to choose stocks, index funds use mathematical formulas to mirror the index. Instead of constantly buying and selling stock (and creating taxable events), index funds buy and hold. Therefore, there is an inherent cost advanatage in index funds. This cost advantage is especially significant when compounded over the long term. Also, because an index fund is more diversified that a typical portfolio or fund, the risk is lessened, thereby increasing overall performance. The book cites numerous studies and invokes Nobel laureates to support this diversification theory. A stock picker may have some big winners, but on average his losers will make him underperfrom the index, especially when the increased costs and taxes are taken into account. The book documents how some of the greatest investment success stories in recent years inevitably, over the long run, "regress to the mean" (i.e., fall back to the average). The logical and restrained message of this book sets it apart from many other investment books. These books promise results based on investment strategies that are risky or difficult at best and foolish at worst. Mr. Simon's stategies are simple, solid, and proven. In fact, the book cites numerous examples of major pension funds and companies now utilizing index funds. The book also displays a healthy skepticism for the traditional investment information delivery system, and shows why it is not in the best interest of the investment community to promote index funds. Compared to other books and articles on the market, this book is an extremely comprehensive, even scholarly, treatment of index funds. This book should be read by all would-be investors -- before putting any money into the stock market.

'Chesterman has written a tour de force that exposes the weaknesses of the arguments supporting a doctrine of unilateral humanitarian intervention in international society ... Chesterman rejects the claim that states have a legal right to act as vigilantes in support of Council resolutions, even if they believe that this is the only means to stop a genocide. The powerfully argued thesis of this scholarly work is that accepting this proposition in law is "a recipe for bad policy, bad law, and a bad international order".' -International Affairs

'a tightly argued and complex presentation, with numbered, easily referenced topics in the style of a doctoral thesis (which it is). A more textured work [than Christine Gray's International Law and the Use of Force], it is arguably a more interesting read for an audience that does not already have at ready access the historical background or international law perspective to this difficult subject. It is also a more accessible work for students, and decidedly less dry and fragmented than many standard international law texts ... Dr Chesterman gives us a fairly riveting review of the history behind the modern rise of humanitarian intervention.' -Books-on-Law

From the author: This book critically examines the right of humanitarian intervention, asserted most spectacularly by NATO during its 1999 air strikes over Kosovo. The UN Charter prohibits the unilateral use of force, but there have long been arguments that such a right might exist as an exception to this rule, or linked to the changing role of the Security Council. Through an analysis of these questions, the book puts NATO's action in Kosovo in its proper legal and historical perspective.

This is a very well written book on advertising. It is nice for a change to have heard of the authors! Usually when I read a review in another publication, such as Adweek, I am curious about the book but never buy it-this time I went ahead and bought it and I am most pleased. I am looking even more forward to the publisher's book entitled Inside the Minds: Leading Marketers - with the Chief Marketing Officers from Coke, GE, FedEx, American Express and other big names. It will be a very interesting contrast to the advertising side of the business.

This book is a must read for every advertiser-fantastic insight into the future of the advertising world. Adweek was right-this is a must read.

I have read close to 50 books on advertising throughout my career and this was by far the most innovative and thought provoking book I have read to date. I especially liked the chapter by Tim Love at Saatchi & Saatchi-but the entire book is full of insightful thoughts on where the future of the advertising industry is going. This is THE book to read if you are in the advertising, marketing or public relations industries.

When I read this book, Simon Ortiz's voice came from the pages. Simon Ortiz writes like he speaks and his stories are rich and beautiful. As a student of his I have had the unique opportunity of hearing many of these stories orally, but they have not lost their beauty and depth being written down. If you like this book, check out Simon Ortiz's poetry. You won't be disappointed.

Mr. Simon J. Ortiz's work, "Men On The Moon", is a collection of three earlier groups of his short stories. The tales are not just of contemporary Native American life but also of their History, and specifically their History with the, "Mericano".

The History of Native Americans cannot be written without the experience of loss, displacement, internment, and racism to mention just a few. The Native Americans are one of the Genocides that this Country is responsible for, and even though we who made read this History took no part in the atrocities, we also are the only ones who can make amends. Those responsible, the dead, are not terribly productive.

These stories are not complaints nor are they a cry for pity. They are each brief statements of fact that no matter how tragic maintain a sense of hope. Justice, fairness, acknowledgement of the crimes committed against them are perhaps some of the redress they illustrate/seek.

The book is not grim; it is full of irony, sardonic moments, and even humor. The short story that is also the title for the book is wonderful. An elderly man muses about the first information he sees on viewing his first TV. A series of questions follow with answers from a younger family member. If NASA had to answer these questions as put forward by this wise old sage, the groping for answers would be amusing, and the space program would be doubtful. I don't believe the Author was actually questioning the merits of the space program, rather illustrating how easily things may happen despite failing the most basic of queries.

There are stories of heroic service for the United States during her wars, and too there is a story of one man that went to prison rather than serve. I mention these as I found this book very balanced. This is not one Native American's list of complaints, rather a reasoned and balanced view of their History and what that History has wrought.

The book is great reading that communicates its message in an informal conversational way consistent with Native American Culture. It loses nothing to the extent its format is not structured in the traditional manner of, "scholarly", History. Nonetheless this man is a wonderful writer, a poet, role model, and eloquent representative for his people.

Last night I had a dream. It was about this unpublished book. I read it there and it was wonderfull

Don't be Fooled by other author's who write MAC FOR DUMMIES BOOKS. David Pogue is the Master Mac writer. Anyone else is a pale wannabee. This book helped me learn to use my Mac within a week and I didn't even feel any pain! It was fun to read and easy to follow. I'm ready!!! More, More, More!! Marilyn

If you read & enjoyed MAC FOR DUMMIES, you will Love this one. It is even funnier& more informative than MAC FOR DUMMIES. It will help you with all those questions you are afraid to call Apple about because you think they will write "DUH" next to your name in a secret Mac File and you will sound like the numero uno Mac expert at the next users meeting or in the office with very little effort on your part. Mr. pogue does all the heavy lifting & we benefit. Thank you for another great Mac book, Mr. Pogue. Keep 'em coming. Eileen

Folks, I bought my Mac, a copy of Macs for Dummies, and in just a week I was flying with it! I went back to the store and grabbed a copy of More Macs for Dummies, and have been having a ball with my Mac ever since. These books are NOT manuals, indeed, I read mine "away" from my computer, by taking the book to work with me and reading on my breaks. Each night, I'd try out my new-found knowledge on my Mac. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Every Mac home should have Macs & More Macs for dummies on their shelves. David Pogue is a delightful author; humourous, knowlegeable, and a fantastic teacher

Alan Levy does an excellent job documenting both the life of Weisenthal and of the killers he hunted. One of the most striking points is the change in the ideas and attitude of these war criminals from the pre- to post- war period. The continued complicity of governments in hiding these fugitives until today is unbelievable as is the existence of clandestine organizations such as Odessa, which directly assist them.

One of the most interesting parts of the book I found was about Kurt Waldheim and the struggle that former military personal have with admission of their involvement with the German army. Living in Europe, it is easy to assume the collective guilt of the older generation of Germans and Austrians, but much harder to imagine the choices they faced both during and after the war. We get to imagine it from both the side of master and slave in the course of this book. I am currently living in a former Communist country, where Stb agents (Czech KGB) and Communist party members were some of the first to profit from the change to capitalism, so I can clearly imagine in some ways how the post-war period was for both Germany and Austria. The inclination to forget the past and move on is great, and yet, at least here, the same "leaders" have managed to change outfits with such little protest. It is 12 years since the fall of communism and there have been so few investigations here of the crimes of former government officials, that the situation seems comic. The people of Czechoslavakia just as the Germans did before them, want to forget, and yet justice will only be done when people with Simon Weisenthal's courage and drive become involved.

Levy goes to great lengths to highlight the Weisenthal coda defining the difference between a war criminal and personnel who were aware and complicit during the time war crimes were occurring. Weisenthal placed a great deal of emphasis on both truth and morality in his work, but the author shows balance in pointing out that he didn't always get it right.

This is a great read and a book that is hard to put down. Highly recommended.

THis book is a good one for anyone interested in Jewish Self-defense. Wiesenthal is a legend. Having survived the Holocaust he became a great Nazi-Hunter. Documenting the crimes of the holocaust and seeking to track down the thousands of Nazi butchers responsible. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, keeping the memory of the Jewish dead alive as his sources tracked to globe looking for Nazis, who were hiding like rats in Latin America. This is an important work. Too often is the Holocaust viewed in a vacume. We hear little about the pursuit of justice or the pre-Holocaust era. Here is the story of the pursit of justice and the story of the notorious Nazi butchers like Mengele, Eichman and Stangl.

This book is also an investigation of the disappearance of Raoll Wallenberg and the questions of guilt of others associated with the Nazis.

A good read. Very pro-Wiesenthal. Enlightening as Wiesenthal has also investigated many other interesting things related to Jewish history, like the presence of Rabbis on COlumbus's voyage.

Wiesenthal, the very name conjurs up so many feelings and reactions. But few know the truth about his life, his beleifs and his crusades. THis book details the many aspects of this towering personality. His interest in the Jews that travelled with columbus, the disappearence of Wallenberg and of course his tireless pursuit of Nazi murderurs. Clearly a supporter of this great man, Levy details the hunts and lives of the Nazi butchers. An interesting account. All that I found missing was any details about the building of the Wiesenthal organization and details about the other Nazis rounded up.

THis is a book about justice. Too often we dont acknowledge the feelings of revenge. Here is a man who understood that he would dedicate himself to hunting Nazis, tracking them, forcing them to flee from place to place, just as the Jews fled from Place to place when hiding from their persecuters. Read this book, it is a must for any holocaust collection.

A true marvel. Not many writers come close. Nelson Algren is at the very top of the heap: original, compassionate, funny, insightful. You know, we read many books, and once we have finished with the book we toss it aside and forget about it. With Algren it's different. You read his stuff and can't help feeling cheated at not having known the man, not having ever had a chance to meet the guy. Wish there was a way to sit down and have a beer with the man, light up a stogie and have a good chat with the genius who created this masterful story collection. The writing is gritty and true, heartfelt. Brings to mind several other writers who had this knack of writing in this kind of honest, unflinching style: John O'Brien (Leaving Las Vegas), B. Traven (take your pick: Treasure of Sierra Madre, Cottonpickers, etc.) Knut Hamsun (Hunger), Eugene O'Neill (Long Day's Journey Into Night), Celine (Journey to the End of the Night), Kirk Alex (Working the Hard Side of the Street), Chester Himes (If He Hollers Let Him Go).
All of the above had their own style, of course, but the thing they had in common was in the balls they showed by not flinching away from the gritty, life lived by so many who weren't born with deep pockets, who didn't have it easy.

Writing from the gut. Algren lives. Read THE NEON WILDERNESS, and give some of the others a try as well.
This is writing for people who love books and love to read. Shut your TV sets off and pick up a good book--and you can start right here, with Algren's story collectiion.

Algren's writing in this collection of short stories has very lyrical and often nightmarish quality. It is both beautiful and brutally frank. Algren paints a unapologetic picture of Chicago and it's people with his wonderful sense of humor and irony. Read this book if you want an unblinking look at people at their best and worst.

One of the most beautiful collection of short stories I've ever read. I am a devoted Nelson Algren fan, and if you read this, you'll understand why. This was a man who understood Chicago, who had the balls to plunge the murky depths of her society and find astonishing beauty. The blue imagery of his work is evocative, breathtaking, and genuine; it makes me mourn and long for a Chicago that no longer exists. The masculinity, the authority, the depth of Algren's identification with the rejects, the drug addicts, the gamblers, the hookers make WILDERNESS a superb work of art. This man tells it like it was; no glamorizing, no condescension, only the most profound understanding and a multi-layered sense of humor that, to paraphrase Hemingway (a huge Algren fan), makes you feel as if you took a punch. I haven't read the NEON WILDERNESS in a long time, but the mere mention of it makes we want to re-read it, especially the first story, "The Captain Has Bad Dreams." I also recommend BOSS by Mike Royko and just about anything by Studs Terkel.

Nigel Bruce's Watson is a loveable bumbler--quite a contrast to Conan Doyle's capable but unimaginative Watson. The stories tend to be somewhat contrived and suffer in comparison to the BBC productions of original Doyle stories in which Clive Morrison starred as Holmes. The organ music gets monotonous, and if I weren't already a teetotaler, the wine commercials would make me take the temperance pledge. Despite all that, the productions are wonderfully entertaining. Basil Rathbone's Holmes exceeds Clive Morrison's overacted Holmes as the day exceeds the night. The chemistry between Bruce and Rathbone is perfect, and the simple stories move swiftly to their satisfying (if somewhat obvious) conclusions. Although Holmes purists tend to hate Nigel Bruce's Watson, I found him to be irresistably likeable. I'd want Doyle's Watson guarding my back in a tight spot, but I'd rather sit by the fireplace and swap stories with Bruce's Watson. I particularly liked the host's introductory visits with Watson in which Watson sets the stage for the mysteries.

having been born 30 years after the recording of these great radio classics, i feel like I was there during the original broadcasts. Basil rathbone and nigel bruce are surpurb in there roles as holmes and watson. a must have for any sherlock holmes fan.

peel your eyes away from the idiot box and use what's left of your imagination. buy this now!!!

Brilliantly paced writing that was brought to full fruition by the Lemmon/Matthau team in 1968, though I would have loved to have seen Art Carney's "Felix".

The third reel is weak mostly in comparison to the gargantuan strength of the first two. If I am not mistaken, Neil Simon himself has said as much. The film is superior to the play ( an amazing feat of adaptation).

Personally, I have no use for the sequel. Nor would I have welcomed "Mona Lisa II - If you thought La Giaconda was enigmatic - Just Wait!" When art is perfect, leave it alone.

As an aside, Comic Chemistry's review displays perhaps the most pretentious writing I have ever seen. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the screenplay, and above all, the original film.

Neil Simon's The Odd Couple I and II are the two funniest plays of all time. This wonderful book which has both screenplay's is a great read. It is also fun to read along with the book watching the films and then reciting the dialogue with a friend. Cheers to Simon!

When you read something by Neil Simon, especially these two great installments, don't expect for the material to solve any problems or make you see the state of world differently. To me, that's simply not what Simon's work is all about. When you watch two movies like The Odd Couple and it's sequel, I think the main thing you need to do is laugh - and with these two you'll do plenty of that. The comedy translates very well from the page to the stage and/or screen - but one of the main things that makes something like The Odd Couple work is the chemistry between the actors - namely Jack Lemmon or Walter Matthau. While the first Odd Couple grew claustrophobic inside Oscar's apartment, the second covers road trip territory and sends the two characters out into the world. Although the first was a product of the mid-60s, it didn't display the counter-culture revolutionary feel, and even though the sequel was written in the mid-90s it doens't retain the crass indulgences brought on by many writers of the times. These two works are very innocent in what they convey, and the comedy is light and broad, yet sometimes retaining a darker, more succint feel to it. These are scripts about friends and friendships and male-bonding - and they succeed in making us laugh and loving the characters we're presented with.