Excluding Knuth's opera (another dimension), this (AHU) is about the other and only renowned classic algorithms book, deseverdly I'd say, together with Cormen-Leiserson-Rivest's (CLR) "Introduction to Algorithms". With the difference that the first and only edition of AHU has been written 16 years before the first (of the two) editions of CLR.

The two books are quite different in the language and formalism used: more formal and mathematical inclined AHU with respect to CLR. I'd say, the very classic style of his authors who have made history in the CS literature with their books (particularly 2 on algorithms and data structures, 2 on Computer Theory, 2 on Compilers, 1 on CS foundations): as these books have been used in most universities around the world for decades, they've proved to be real milestones in the education of thousands of students.

The books differ also in scope, since AHU is certainly not an encyclopedic collection as CLR does, with his roughly 500 pages against 1000. In spite of this, I'd point out the following: my textbook on Algorithms was CLR, but when we got to Complexity Classes (P-NP and theory behind) we "had" to switch to AHU for the simple reason that CLR did not almost mention at all Turing Machines nor Space Complexity, without which is certainly possible to learn e.g. about NP-TIME completeness, but without which, such a path would equally certainly miss some foundamental topics of Complexity Theory.

All in all, then, imo the book truly deserves 5 stars (and perhaps it would deserve a second, updated, edition too ... possibly, imho, through a bit less revolutionary revision job than they did with "Introduction to Automata Theory, Language and Computation").

As a final note, those looking for a more applicative and self-reference than an educational introductory text, could have a look at the two-volumes opera by the former Knuth's pupil, Robert Sedgewick (possibly the more consolidated C or C++ versions).

The book elaborates thoroughly on the basics every programmer should be familiar with. If you are into software development, and have found some unfamiliar concepts in the book description - that's a sure sign that you need this book on your desk.

This is yet another classic from the Aho Gang!

It sets up a very formal framework for discussing alorithms, beginning at the beginning..an abstract mathematical model of a computer. and builds up the rest of the book using the model for implementation as well as quantification.

A solid framework for the analysis of algorithms is setup. The necessary mathematics is covered, helping in measuring an algorithm's complexity..basically the time and space complexities.

Then it goes on to deal with designing algorithms. the design methodology, with elaborate examples and exercises.

It should be admitted however that this is a solid text for the mathematically oriented. Thats the reason for the 5 stars!

If you want to go a little easy on the formalisms try
"Computer Algorithms, Pseudocode" by Ellis Horowitz, Sartaj Sahni, Sanguthevar Rajasekaran. I found it more pragmatic.

My father was born in Fannin County, Texas in 1910, the birthplace of John Wesley Hardin. I grew up listening to stories of Hardin's exploits and was pleasantly surprised to run across Steppen Wirth's book, John Wesley Hardin: Suppressed Memories. Many of my father's stories of Hardin came to life and old memories resurfaced.

The various biographies about Wes Hardin are little more than a retelling of his autobiography. Some authors go on to vilify, and some glorify Hardin but none really gives any insight into Hardin's personality. There isn't any reason for anyone to write
another biography on Wes Hardin unless new information is uncovered and that is doubtful. That's why a book like Steppen Wirth's is refreshing. He is not limited to rehashing Hardin's autobiography. Like one Reviewer put it: "The line between what is real and what the author has crafted from imagination is difficult to see." In Steppen's book Hardin steps from the pages, you can feel him breathe. You can almost touch him. The softer side of Wes Hardin, his deep love for his wife and close bond with family and friends moved me. Just when I started to feel empathy for Hardin the author reminded me of Hardin's willingness to kill. I admit there are parts of this book I think are too graphic for my taste. I wonder about the necessity of such violent detail. I have never understood why men have to kill each other but I've never understood war either. Most women don't. I realize Hardin's world was a different world, a world where you had to stay alive during that horrible period after the Civil War. I know anti-Union sentiments were still strong in my father's youth.

This title is a welcome addition to the Hardin list of books. Steppen's prose is vivid and strong. I became so engrossed I read the whole thing in one sitting. I will read this book again and look forward to more books by Steppen Wirth.

This book tells the story of the meteoric rise of master gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, a legend by the age of eighteen, who dazzled outlaws and lawmen alike with his extreme daring and phenomenal skill with firearms. The author, Steppen Wirth manages cleverly to interweave crystalline paragraphs, reminiscences, letters, journals, and newspaper accounts to recreate this intensely human story. Eminently fascinating...a colorful, and inventive book, but not one for the queasy.

As a Hardin fan I read this book with great curiosity. In fact I read it four times and each time I found something else to like about it. Steppen Wirth effectively conveys the many sides of John Wesley Hardin's complex personality. It is truly a work of art. I highly recommend it.

In his own time, gunfighter John Wesley Hardin was one of the most feared men in Texas and the Southwest. Author Steppen Wirth has created an unusual yet enteraining book about Hardin by combining fiction with facts, eyewitness accounts, and old photographs from the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s. The line between what is real and what the author has crafted from imagination is difficult to see. And that is a key factor in the charm of this work, now in its second printing. Mr. Wirth, a Texas native, lives and writes in Montana.

Heitzenrater's book is the best single-volume work on Wesley. He has, in an accessible prose, documented Wesley's life and the foundations of the Methodist Movement better than anyone before him. It utilizes the sources that are the foundation of the older biographies, such as Wesley's journal. More importantly, however, it effectively utilizes nontraditional sources for understanding his life. He creatively and effectively uses Wesley's theological writings, the writings of contemporaries, and conference minutes to more fully tell Wesley's story.

Heitzenrater is the Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Duke Divinity School. He is widely recognized as the foremost expert on Wesley's life. He is also the current editor of the Works of Wesley; he has taken that role since Outler's death.

This is a superb book by Richard P. Heitzenrater. The narrative moves us through the many seasons of John Wesley's ministry, noting significant events and conflicts along the way. But this is a book that is very much limited to a focus on Wesley. It is as though a spotlight is on our protagonist and everyone else is given only minor occasions for sharing in his light...or being heard in the darkened background.

The strongest criticism of this book is that it defies its own title -- there are no PEOPLE called Methodists in this book. For one of the most profound and popular religious movements since the Reformation, it is amazing that Heitzenrater has neglected to include a portrayal of the people themselves. Who were these people? I am not talking about Wesley's aids here. I am talking about the common folk who made up the lion's share of the movement. There is no mention in this book of women's spirituality (in a movement made up of approximately 60 percent women!). There is no discussion of the social factors surrounding the rise of Methodism. So much of the story is missed.

Nevertheless! This is an excellent introduction to the topic of Wesley and Methodism...it is only that it could have been so much more.

Richard Heitzenrater's book, although at times extremely heavy reading and subject matter sometimes difficult to appreciate at first blush is an excellent example of drawing the "historical" into the same sphere as "contemporary" subjects.

This is an excellent book for those seeking to gain a greater and more informed understanding of the sometimes difficult relationship betwen Wesley and the early Methodists - they were not always on the friendliest of terms.

A book highly reccomened for those wishing and willing to read a heavy but non-the-less readable book.

Congraulations to Richard Heitzenrater.

I like elegant language, and I don't like violence. JWH's autobiography has none of the former and plenty of the latter, yet it is exactly right for what it is, the autobiography of a notorious gunfighter who thought the easiest way to solve any problem was to kill the problem. You only had to look cross-eyed at Hardin, and you were a dead man. Yet, as John Wesley tells his story, every one of his forty-odd killings was justified. The reader almost feels sympathetic...

....

That aside, this is a wonderful book. it is not well written, but Hardin never claimed to be a writer. This is the only known autobigraphy by an actual American West gunslinger, and Hardin, according to both himself and history, was one of the greatest.

There seems to be a fair amount of exaggeration and plain old tale telling, but I think you'd find that in any autobiography. This is both an insightful view into a time long gone and an entertaining read. If you've ever watched a western, read one, or just plain pretended you were an outlaw when you were a kid, then you owe it to yourselfd to have a copy of Hardin's book on your shelves.

Gunfighter is the autobiography of famed western gunfighter John Wesley Hardin. It was 1868 when John killed his first man at the age of fifteen and became a wanted outlaw. He took up a life of cattle drover, gambler, and killer whose bloody trespass through Southern states after the end of the Civil War brought him into contact with Wild Bill Hickok, the Texas Rangers, an emerging Ku Klux Klan, lynch mobs, bounty hunters, and assassins. His journal/autobiography ends abruptly in 1889 and was first published in 1896, a year after his assassination and remains the only extent and authentic autobiography of a western gunfighter. Out of print for the last four decades, this new edition of a western classic is enhanced with an informative introduction by Mark Manning and highly recommended reading for western buffs and students of American frontier history.

Henderson gives us the finest book on the theological and practical underpinnings for this institution that became to hallmark of early Methodism. Church leaders and scholars often point to the Wesleyan class meeting as the best model for how small group discipleship can be done. But, almost as often, key points of Wesley's purpose and method are overlooked (or ignored), causing people in the church to miss some of the most significant elements of genius in what Wesley put into practice.

D. Michael Henderson's book is about going back to the roots of the class meeting in order to genuinely understand what the early Methodists were doing and why. This book would be of particular use to those interested in contemporary small group ministry -- or those with an interest in Wesley or early Methodism.

Superb. This book gets my highest recommendation.

Henderson's book gives real insight as to how John Wesley used small groups and community groups in giving England and the world back to their Creator. Must read for pastors and church workers.

In the introduction of this work, Oden is careful to distinguish his efforts from those of Outler. Oden notes that he is primarily a systematic theologian and that Outler was primarily a historical theologian. Hence, Oden writes, "My method is primarily systematic, Outler's historical." The bottom line for the reader is that you can either pick and read through Wesley's works trying to remember where he addressed certain subjects or you can pick up a copy of this book. Throughout this effort, Oden quotes from and abstracts-in contemporary prose-Wesley's writings subject by subject and then orders it all in a systematic fashion proving the overall consistency, width and depth of the material Wesley covered throughout his lifetime. In addition, Oden heavily references each subject and topic so that you can then read the context from the material he drew from. Of further interest, Oden offers suggested reading should a topic peak the readers interest to the point that they would like to learn more from other Christian thinkers. At the back of the book Oden provides both Scripture and subject indexes. Hands down this is an invaluable reference for topical Wesleyan studies and it is the closest you'll come to a systematic theology written by Wesley himself.

This book is a must read reference for any Methodist or Holiness pastor whose tradition values what John Wesley has wrote. Thomas C. Oden gives a Biblical framework for what Wesley wrote in a manner that is far easier to deal with than Wesley's journals.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of what John Wesley wanted his Methodists to believe, this is a good place to start. Most of these 50 sermons were included in his Works (an official collection of his writings put together by Wesley himself), and they were intended to help guide those in his movement in understanding the basic theological ideas that he considered important. This anthology adds to the official selections a few selected by Outler from among Wesley's uncompiled sermons. These also give us an interesting look into Wesley's heart and mind.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that each sermon is preceded by an excellent introduction. This sets the sermon in context and provides a clearer point from which to begin trying to understand what Wesley is saying. This is an excellent collection compiled by superb editors.

John Wesley was the founder of Methodism, and this is a "best of" collection of fifty of his sermons, organized chronologically so that you can follow the development of his thought from 1730 to 1790. The sermons are long and dense but carefully crafted, and the theology is powerful and nuanced. Many of the sermons deal masterfully with what I think is one of the toughest but most important juggling acts in Christian theology: maintaining both (a) that our salvation comes entirely through the overflowing grace of God and is in no way merited or achieved and (b) that it is vitally important that we do good, partake of the sacraments, read scripture, pray, and all that good stuff. Other sermon topics include religious bigotry, religious zeal, the use of money, the repentance of believers, and the omnipresence of God. If you're interested in Christian theology and won't be too put off by Wesley's dry, dense writing style, I highly recommend this book.

"John Wesley: A Theological Journey" is an excellent introduction into the theology of the founder of Methodism. What I most enjoyed about this book is how the author shows the changes in and development of Wesley's beliefs. This alone helps explain why different denominations claim Wesley as their theological inspiration while having strong disagreements from one another.

Collins helps us gain insight into the fact that John Wesley (who was 88 when he died) was always growing and developing his thought. There are times when some of the theological issues that Wesley struggled with may not seem as relevant today (the difference between dispositions and attitudes is just one example). However, what is intriguing is to see first hand through his letters and sermons how Wesley developed.

Collins is also careful to show where some modern interpretations of Wesley either ignore later changes in his thinking or take his views out of context. A good example of this is Wesley's insistence that the Christian life needs to be inward and not solitary. Collins claims some have misquoted Wesley and said that for Wesley the Christian life "was principally, if not exclusively, concerned with public religion and the social order."

Because this book is so well documented, it makes checking the original sources easy! Therefore, the reader can find out for herself/himself the accuracy of each quote. This actually inspired me to read a number of Wesley's sermons so I could determine for myself what Wesley was saying.

This is a must read for anyone wishing to understand who John Wesley was and how his theology developed over his lifetime!

John Wesley: A Theological Journey was delightful to read. It is reader friendly and yet very thorough. Both the life and thought of Wesley are explored with great depth and yet with remarkable ease, all of which is attractive for all kinds of readers. I appreciated the straightforward comments made in light of an honest regard for the successes and failures in the life of John Wesley. The development of the theme of holy love is artfully composed and well documented. I highly recommend this book to those wishing to grow in their understanding of the founder of Methodism or who are seeking an engaging invitation to a vibrant and enduring theology.

Frederick Dellaenbaugh was a young man when John Wesley Powell tapped him to participate in Powell's second trip down the Colorado River. Powell had made the journey already a few years before, so the second voyage was less pure exploration and more science; the crew included Almon Harris Thompson (called affectionately "Prof." throughout), a professional geographer who also happened to be Powell's brother-in-law. With several boats and men of widely varying experience, the expedition sailed the Green river (thought at that time to be the upper Colorado) to its junction with the Colorado, and the Colorado itself as far as the middle of the Grand Canyon. Swirling rapids, maggotty food, blistering heat, sudden blizzards beset the adventurers, who still though it all made their geographical, geological, and ethnographical observations which resulted in (among other things) the first maps of the four corners region and the Grand Canyon (reproduced in the book).
While wild adventure, humor, and a real sense of the Old West permeate the book, there is a certain sadness, too. The Native Americans whom Dellenbaugh encounters are people clearly already defeated -- fearful, distrusting, sad. We catch glimpses of the Navaho trying to accommodate themselves to the new reality of white (especially Mormon) settlement, creating new networks of trade focused on growing frontier towns. But the seeds of the end are planted already in the irrigated fields of the Mormon settlers, and sometimes it seems as if the natives knew this too. Also, the topography through which the explorers travelled has now partly vanished behind the dams that have ruined Glen Canyon and other stretches of white water and canyon scenery. No one can now do what Dellenbaugh and his companions did; the sense of loss hovers unintentionally about every page.
Dellenbaugh was a keen observer (though perhaps a bit naive) with a talent for making even the monotony of running rapid after rapid spellbinding. One does feel that he may have veiled some of the conflicts that must have arisen in two (non-continuous) years of isolation, though if so this trait is refreshing in a world where we now expect everyone to tattle on everyone else. Every now and then just a shimmer of impatience with one of the crew seeps through. But the real hero who emerges from this book, somewhat surprisingly, is not the leader Powell -- the young Dellenbaugh seems never to have gotten close to him -- but rather the Prof., who rises to every challenge with decency and humaneness, and of whom Dellenbaugh seems to have been genuinely, and for good reason, in awe. Like Powell he is buried in Arlington Cemetery. He deserved that honor, but where he lives is in the pages of this book.

Love and respect for the Green and Colorado Rivers is greatly enhanced by Dellenbaugh's narritive of the 2nd Powell expadition. Well written, accurate history, and spell binding from start to finish. An adventure that can only be partially accomplished today is TOTALLY available in "A Canyon Voyage!"

At the time of the 2nd voyage down the Colorado, Dellenbaugh was on about 19 years old. He didn't write the book until many years later. What a wonderful/spellbinding look at the most beautiful place in North America (The Colorado Plateau). Not only that but I found it extremely hunorous as well. Great Great book!!!

I've read about many Old West-type lawmen, and John Sisemore is definitely one of the most interesting...his zeal for the job was unparalleled. Many of his arrests were recorded in local newspapers, so we know he spent a great deal of time chasing moonshiners...a typical assignment for U.S. marshals at that time. But few did it so doggedly and with such success. I particularly liked how the author weaved family members and townspeople into the story and showed how a community fought for law & order and how the results of that battle shaped the entire community for generations.

What a joy to read this book!!!! So much history and excitement. John Tom Sisemore is my great-grandfather. I remember reading newspaper clippings about the murder but was never provided this much information of the incident and the events leading up to it. Mr. Harris has done an outstanding job of honoring the life and death of a wonderful lawman. One of the best books I have read in a while.

This is a very good biography of a man that history had nearly forgotten. A historical review of the a lawman that "cleaned up the town" during the prohibition period, was feared by criminals throughout the region of Northern Louisiana and died in the line of duty...a murder which remains unsolved to this day!

If you like reading about tough, no non-sense lawmen of the west or historical accounts of Texas Rangers, you will really enjoy this book. This man had character, integrity, and a single-minded focus on upholding the law. He usually worked alone, most times outnumbered and rarely was outwitted by his adversaries.

This should be a required reading for students in Louisiana schools...they should revere and remember the heroes that help build their state.