Great book. Well-written, humorous, well-plotted. I look forward to more books in what could be a well-done series. I'm a big fan of John Morgan Wilson's Justice series and while this is not as dark as those can be, it is well worth the read.

Blue Moon is one of those rare pieces I read in one sitting. The authors craft a story with good pace (the celluloid runs through your mind during the car chase to the Golden Gate Bridge) Having been interested in the Duchin story for years, the authors play with Peter Duchin's personal history and use it to wonderful effect. Just as Philip Damon prefers of his music, the book "swings".

Society bandleader Peter Duchin and Edgar Award winning author John Morgan Wilson team up and give us a smoothly written little mystery in "Blue Moon."

Set in the San Francisco of 1963, they blend history with fiction in an action packed noirish plot.

Celebrities and pop icons of the day from Joe DiMaggio to Andy Warhol---Jackie Kennedy to Jack Kerouac---Truman Capote to Willie Mays pop up along with a major part for Herb Caen.

It has the feel of Archy McNally meeting up with The Thin Man---snappy dialogue, complex plot, lotsa characters with agendas, many cocktails, dead bodies and an alto sax playing San Francisco Inspector who sits in with the protagonist's (Philip Damon) band.

It is an excellent amateur sleuth whodunit peopled with intriguing characters. The atmosphere of sixties San Francisco is truly captured.

There are many laughs along the way. "Blue Moon" is big fun.

Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces volume 17, German Jet Aces of World War 2, is an interesting account of the difficulties of introducing a revolutionary weapon system in the midst of a major conflict. This volume provides considerable detail on the German jet units and pilots, as well as the aircraft themselves. Overall, this volume is an excellent succinct history of the Luftwaffe's jet fighter units in the waning days of the Second World War.

German Jet Aces of World War 2 begins with a short introduction on the early German jet aircraft prototypes in 1939-1942. The most important issue addressed in this section is the torpid pace of the German jet development effort. Despite the facts that the Luftwaffe had flown a jet prototype in August 1939 and the first practical jet fighter (the Me-262) by July 1942, the Germans squandered their technological advantage by not beginning to form operational units until 1944. At that point, Hitler famously interfered with the jet program by demanding that the Me-262 be fielded as a bomber instead of a fighter. Few sources note that Hitler reversed his mistake six months later and ordered the Me-262 deployed as a fighter. Normally, Hitler gets the blame for fatally delaying the Me-262 program, but it seems questionable to assert that Hitler's 6 month delay was more egregious than the nearly 2 year delay imposed by the Luftwaffe hierarchy. Indeed, it is possible that without Hitler's backing none of the jets would have entered service before the end of the war.

The second chapter covers the earliest Me-262 units, such as "Kommando Nowotny" and Ekdo 262. These units were small in size and primarily established as operational test and training units, rather than as combat units. The third chapter deals with JG-7, the largest and most important user of the Me-262 in 1944-1945. The formation of JG7 was plagued by problems and although the unit conducted a few combat sorties in late 1944, it was not capable of large-scale operations until the spring of 1945. In March and April 1945 JG7 was able to employ 20-30 jets at a time instead of the previous scrambles of only 2-4 jets. The authors note that the combination of the fast Me-262 fighter and the new R4M air-to-air rockets posed a serious threat to Allied air formations over Germany. In all, JG7 claimed 500 Allied aircraft in the last two months of the war. However, the German jet units were rapidly whittled down by the relentless attrition of combat and non-combat losses. The American P-51 fighter pilots quickly realized that the jets were vulnerable in their long, slow landing runs and began to ambush them their airfields (15 Me-262s were lost in one such attack). Non-combat losses due to the finicky jet engines were high and the aircraft proved to have a steep learning curve even for experienced pilots.

The fourth chapter deals with several "oddball" jet units like Lieutenant General Galland's pick-up team JV44 and a small night jet fighter unit. Galland had been demoted from chief of the Luftwaffe fighter arm after criticizing Reichsmarchall Goering, and his punishment was to form a small squadron size jet unit. In JV44, Galland scored six "kills" in his jet before being wounded. The final chapter covers the other jet types (Me-163, He-162 and Arado 234), none of which were very successful or produced any aces. The authors include appendices listing all Luftwaffe jet aces, a table of victories claimed by each unit and the order of battle for jet units in May 1945. There are also 33 color plates of jets, all but 6 of which are various Me-262s. Unfortunately, the authors failed to provide either a bibliography or a list of the German sources used.

In sum, the Me-262 jet fighter accounted for about 735 Allied aircraft in the final months of the war. Yet was the Me-262 a potentially war-winning weapon if it had only been deployed sooner? "If only Hitler hadn't interfered," is the argument advanced by modern-day revisionists who assert that the Me-262 might have changed the tide of the air war. Actually, this account makes such claims appear doubtful. While the Me-262 was indeed a revolutionary aircraft with amazing potential, the Luftwaffe made serious mistakes in the training of new jet pilots (only a handful of two-seat trainer versions were built) and the jet engines suffered from severe teething problems. One of the Luftwaffe's top aces, Major Walter Nowotny with 258 kills, was killed by engine malfunction on his first combat sortie. While the Germans might have managed the program better and put more jet fighters into service sooner than occurred, the numerous hurdles would have made any effort problematic.

Hugh Morgan and John Weal in this volume primarily write of the people and aircraft in Germany's use of the Me 262 jet fighter during World War 2. There are many great black and white photographs from that era contained here, as well as lots of text about the history of the Me 262. Also, there are some color line drawings included of actual aircraft with their flight colors and a bit about the history of each. There is also a short appendice listing Luftwaffe jet aces and jet fighter units. In addition, the authors discuss the rocket powered Me 163 with photographs and it's history as well, and a few other jet powered German aircraft are briefly covered. I found this to be a fascinating read about very advanced aircraft for their time, sometimes misused by the Luftwaffe.

Usual excellent effort by Weal, who uses a time-based narrative to tell the "story" of the jet aces. In addition to the Me 262, the stories of some of the brave souls who flew the Me 163 are also told.

Lots of great photos and color profiles are included. If you are interested in the Luftwaffe this is not to be missed!

This is a truly fascinating and engaging work. The meaning of indepence from Great Britain is much more profound that one would think on first thought. With this idea in mind, Morgan penetrates to the fundamental ideas and characters of each three men. For both Washington and Adams, I must say that he is right on target. His account of Jefferson is also good, although I cannot help but wonder why Morgan spends some much time and space castigating the man for what he views to be his short-comings. Regardless of the actual merit of his criticisms, he clearly strays rather far from the subject of the work. Nevertheless, the piece as a whole is gem.

Edmund Morgan is perhaps the most readable American colonial historian. Best known for his books on the Puritans and colonial slavery, Morgan here presents three lectures on what three founding fathers thought about independence. George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson are three very complicated individuals, and no short lecture is going to completely explicate their ideas. But Morgan brings his typical verve and clarity to the subject, and speaking as a AP history teacher, I found them to be well worth my time.

I first encountered Morgan's wonderful book in a college history class (thanks, Dr. Bourdon!), but this is no dry academic tome (personally, I think that there is no reason an academic book has to be dry, anyway). The book's three essays--one each on the named presidents and their points of view on the struggle that produced this nation--are both insightful and pleasurable reading. For the casual reader, there is Morgan's gift for anecdote. His description of the personality conflict between Adams and Benjamin Franklin is hilarious, as is Adams' timeless description of the tedium of legislatures (some things really do never change!). That said, there is also serious analysis of these three men, and what each contributed, thought, and said, written with a critcal but respectful tone. It's hard to say which essay is the best, but those who despise Thomas Jefferson for hypocrisy should certainly read his section, and learn about his genuine, if tempered, idealism--a trait we could use more of in the 1990's. This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to broaden and deepen his or her knowledge of the origins of this country.

I really enjoy this book and come back to it for an enjoyable evening read. The book is organized by engine size (and separate chapter for Turbos of all years). The color photos are great. Published in England (printed in Hong Kong) with many photos of rh drive as well as lh drive cars. Does not include as many cosmetic details/differences as Mark Haab's book, but the well-written text covers the major functional changes and then a summary at the end of each chapters lists options, colors, chassis number ids, and the production data for each year and model.

This is one of the best books about classic Porsche 911s available. It provides detailed information and pictures of the specs (incl. interior & exterior trim, engine, available colors, option-lists and many more) of all 911 series. You want to know, which model exactly you are looking at, next time you see a classic 911? Read this book and you'll know.

This book presents a good overview (facts, models, pictures) of the Porsche 911 since its creation until mid 90's. It does include some vehicle numbers and performance data. But it is not a technical manual. I think its a good start from potential 911 restorers, to get acquainted with the 911.

I purchased this book only recently and tried it out over the past holiday. I can now heartily endorse it. Ms. Morgan has put together a collection of easy to follow recipes that will liven up your Thanksgiving table. Many look like your standard fare, but have been jazzed up with new preparation techniques. A perfect example is the Chiffonade of Brussel Sprouts. I have to have brussel sprouts on my table every year, but was so bored with them. I followed her technique for shredding them, then sauteeing - they came out like a warm slaw, perfectly cooked and offset with the hazelnuts - I had no leftovers at all! I will be making that dish again, for sure.

I primarily purchased the book for her section on vegetarian entrees and again, she did not let me down. The stuffed acorn squash was, as she stated, fantastic, and my vegetarian guest was thrilled.

I do have one complaint/suggestion: I wish that each recipe had said how far in advance each recipe could be prepared ahead. I believe in a book about holiday cooking, where most people begin to cook several days in advance, knowing how far in advance each thing could be prepared would have made this book ideal for anyone preparing the holiday feast. I have enough experience to figure it out myself, but not everyone does.

I believe this book is an excellent buy, however. If you like Holiday cooking and are looking to change things up a bit, you should buy this book. You will enjoy it, and so will your guest.

Morgan offers up a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes that are easy to make and (usually) don't require an extra trip to the store or a quest for some obscure ingredient. There are main course recipes for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, and she even includes ideas for leftovers. Best of all is the brined turkey, which is life-changing. I'll never eat turkey any other way.

In "The Thanksgiving Table" Diane Morgan has kicked Thanksgiving up a notch, maybe three.

Not only has she included recipes for some of the more traditional items for Thanksgiving dinner but she has some really interesting recipes that take the traditional and give it a slight twist, Shirley LeBlonds stuffing, for example. The twist isn't in the recipes alone but in some of the table treatments as well, burlap and corrugated cardboard on a holiday table? But it works!

"The Thanksgiving Table" includes a history of the first Thanksgiving, including the menu, how traditional do you want to get? It also includes a timetable that stretches back a couple of weeks before the event, so you aren't rushing at the last minute. I feel I must mention the recipes for leftovers, I can hardly wait.

Along with the fantastic recipes are some of the most incredible photographs I have ever seen in a cookbook.

This is a must have for all of us who enjoy entertaining on Thanksgiving. "The Thanksgiving Table" has something for everyone, a step by step for the first timer wanting to start their own Thanksgiving tradition, or it can be used to inspire us old timers with new ideas and a fresh perspective. Well done Diane!

This book is beautifully designed and laid out. But this does not work best for actually planning out a wedding. It works best as a wedding keepsake - similar to those baby books. It only leaves room for absolute notes. You should already know the location, the date, the dress, etc. by the time you make any notes in this book. If you are still searching for locations, caters, the bridal dress, etc. and you would like to make notes on the various places - you can't with this book. Yes, they leave room for "notes" but that becomes very disorganize. You only have room for ONE name/address for each important category. I'm still glad I bought it but I will still need to buy another real PLANNER. This book, however, is conveniently spiral bound and with a beautiful hardbound cover. Sections are divided with 6 tabs (very helpful). A single slightly-expandable pocket in the back to add extra items. Although no calendar - it does break things down with a "to do" list in a monthly planner and a space for your own to do list. In a place marked "vital information" it has just that. You can write the name, address, contact, phone, etc. of the ceremony, officiant, photographer and anyone else you can think of that are needed for your wedding. This IS a wonderful, beautiful and HELPFUL wedding book - I just warn that this is only for those who already know mostly everything about their wedding plans.

My best friend gave me this planner as a gift when she learned I was engaged. I was so delighted with the beauty of the pictures and layout that it made me happy just to thumb through it. It was helpful as an organizer (especially for a not-too-organized person). But the thing I loved about it the most was the style of the photography. I am in love with black-and-white photograpy, and I knew that I wanted the pictures of my wedding to be different than the typical, cliche photographs. This book inspired the style of my photographs,and they came out to be breathtaking images that I have received numerous compliments on. My brother is proposing to his girlfriend soon, and I plan to order this book for her.

This book is not only beautifully laid-out, with lovely photos by John Dolan, but it's useful! It makes wedding planning simple and organized - at a time when emotions can take over. Use the charts and then take time to appreciate the fine craft of the subtle tones in the photos to catch the moments of peace and grace in an important day.

This is a book that was a required text for one of my Lit. Crit. classes. I sold it back at the end of the semester and have had to borrow my prof's copy about 4 times this semester for papers for other classes. It is really helpful for writing any English paper (even for non-critical papers). I am excited to see it again and here it is the same price as a used copy at school.

a great introduction that leads up to present day. using five of the greatest works of literature as examples, the text fully explains and demonstates who each movement and theory operates and can be effectively implimented. highly recommmended.

I used this text to teach introductory literary criticism to my high school seniors for over six years. The examples in the text are excellent, and the characteristics of each approach are clearly established. It is my first choice as a teaching tool, and I think it would be equally effective for a college student working independently. I give it my highest rating.

Intrigued after reading the previous reviews, I went and purchased this book first, even though I believe it is the 3rd of the series. I won't go into the plot but I will say that the author develops his characters in such a way that you feel as if you really know and care about what happens. Excellent pace to the story. Had me turning pages to find out what happened next. Enjoyed it so much I went and bought 2 of the other novels in the series. Recommended.

I really enjoyed this third Benjamin Justice novel. Ben is such a wonderful character, and now that he has turned 40, things are looking up for him. He's got a new job at a Public Broadcasting Station writing a documentary series on AIDS and bare-back riding, a very controversial new trend. Justice and his new associate producer go looking for the episode's producer, Tommy Callahan, who hasn't been heard from in over a week. Tommy is later found murdered. It's from this point on in the story that Ben gets involved in solving this mystery, and his life gets turned upside down, and backwards. At the same time, Ben is struggling with his love life, infatuated with Peter, the associate producer ( a blond beauty) and Oree, a sophisticated gentlemen more his own age.

There's always plenty of surprises in John Wilson's novels, and this one is one of his best. You just can't wait to get to the end to find out how everything is going to turn out. And the characters are always so well-developed you feel like they could be your friends. I read his last mystery, "The Limits of Justice" first, so now I am working on his previous three. It's best if you can start from his first one, and read the whole series in order, although each book stands on its own. If you like mysteries, you'll really enjoy this one, I did.

I like this series because the most difficult questions are raised and the author faces them with honesty and fearlessness. He isn't afraid to take us all the way down the darkest corridors of ourselves or of the society we have created. I read and re-read all of them and ask myself the same questions, Justice asks. What is desire? If we follow it, where will it take us? What is honesty and when is it useful, when distructive? How do we deal with the persistance of slings and arrows, especially as we get older? And the terrible reality of not knowing ever, really, why we do what we do. Wilson asks more than this, following the answers relentlessly toward often ambiguous conclusions. These books are thought provoking as well as entertaining. Tough stuff, but irresistible and memorable.

Tombstone 1881. A brief clash of wills, commonly known as the gunfight at the OK Corral, became indelibly etched in the American imagination. Loren D. Estleman takes this familiar story and fleshes it out into a whopping good yarn. But beware! You don't gulp "Bloody Season" like a hastily eaten meal; you savor every bite of this well-written tale. From the opening page of Doc Holliday hacking over a sink on a crisp October morning to the closing narrative regarding the outcome of "Season's" principal players, you'll be hooked by Estleman's exceptionally well-penned, descriptive prose. If you think you've been to Tombstone, think again. You've yet to relive its graphic past until you've been there during the "Bloody Season."

The first sentence of Bloody Season grabs you and the book won't let you go: He was dying faster than usual that morning . . . Estleman introduces Doc Holiday with those painful words.

Then with careful detail, he dismantles the fiction of the OK Corral, replacing it with fascinating reality. I used to sip well whisky in saloons in Tombstone back in the early 70s. How I wish I had Estleman's vision when I was there.

I have been privileged to read many books on the Troubles in Tombstone from S. Lake's larger than life treatment to A. Barra's recent offering. I found Estleman's treatment, the novelization, to be refreshing while very informative. He gives a certain life to the principals of the ever popular 1881 incident rather than the stiff renditions of the facts.

I did a search on amotivational syndrome because I am experiencing it and found this book. I know many people who can't quit. Or quit and resume - from personal experience I have to inform you that marijuana can be highly addictive, distorts reality, and at least for a few days after stopping using it (I stopped eight days ago)I have felt great difficulty in getting motivated. Marijuana creates a feeling of well being, safety and intellectual stimulation, but also creates a delusional system (everything seems possible and amazing). Be careful ! I don't need to do scientific studies. I am unfortunately living proof. And I am outwardly a highly succesful person.

This book is a timely antidote to all of the B.S. that is propagated by those like the last revewer.

Drug addiction "counselors" are the absolute worst, most biased source of information about marijuana you can find. These people deal with drug addicts and other mentally disturbed individuals on a day in - day out basis and have usually lost all contact with reality in regards to the "drug use" of the vast majority of the population in the real world. There is absolutely no harm in smoking a joint now and then (the actual pattern of use by just about everyone who smokes pot in the real world.) Personally, I find the experience quite valuable in finding new ways to appreciate music, art, food, and sex. "Psychologically addictive?" Not NEARLY as much as television. "Physical withdrawal syndrome?" Nope. (The REAL get-your-kids-hooked drug pushers are the [legal and government-subsidized] tobacco companies.) "The 'astronomical' human toll of traffic and industrial accidents?" NOTHING when compared to alcohol. "The economic costs of marijuana's (so-called) amotivational syndrome?" Believe me, television is WAY, WAY, WAY more "amotivating".

Marijuana is the only illicit drug that is used across all social, economic, ethnic, age, occupational, and regional boundaries. It was originally made illegal for racist and political reasons and it is ridiculous that it remains illegal. Get this book, read it, then loan it out to everyone you know.

Whether you smoke pot or not, read this book! Anyone who wants to hold their own in a conversation about marijuana (be it legalization, medical uses, or whatever) will value from it.

I'm still in high school so I'm all too aware of how biased and slanted the war against drugs is. Since 2nd grade, I was told the dangers of smoking marijuana: amotivational syndrome, loss of intelligence, increased agression, etc. Sure, we've come along way since "one toke and you're a slave," but they still use a lot of scare progaganda. Instead of letting us make our own decision, they divide us: the potheads and those against it. Those students who begin to oppose marijuana, do so without knowing its medical benifits or its contributions to civil society.

Lynn Zimmer's book is a great antidote to this. Pure scientific data conserning marijuana use. The myths of physical addiction, amotivational syndrome, memory loss, and crime are clearly and scientifically debunked. This book is by no way preaching marijuana use either. Zimmer delivers the good along with the bad.

I recommend this book to people of all ages who have heard all the government/educational propaganda and are ready to see marijuana for what it really is. Believe me, I went through the D.A.R.E. program with did nothing but increase my curiousity in drugs. Marijuana has many medical, social, and healing values, but many are turned off by what they hear from those all too common sources. This book is a quick read and a great start to an objective look at the value of marijuana.