Beautiful full-page color photos are liberal in this fine survey of Hassam's career as an important American Impressionist artist. Hassam explored Impressionist themes in a variety of mediums: many of his pictures have been hidden in private collections until now, others are on public display. Childe Hassam, Impressionist gathers many public and private holdings and adds a survey of the artist's life and times.

This book is a beautiful example of Hassam's many diverse styles. The book contains wonderful essays and photos with a chronology of Hassam's life. A great book for anyone who likes art.

This book is a beautiful exmple of Hassam's many diverse styles. The book contains wonderful essays and photos with a chronology of Hassam's life. A great book for anyone who likes art.

A favorite story as a child... Evidently this is where I developed my strange desire to eat chocolate cookies, while standing on a cobblestone street, listening to the rustle of silver leaves.

As an adult collector of children's literature, this book is one of my favorites, too. The adults in the town are uptight and concerned about the unnatural appearance of a cookie tree. The message is one of enjoying your blessings and also, I think, of not being afraid of the strange or unknown. Wonderful book.

The illustrations are wonderful and the expression on the adults' faces are understandable to even the smallest child. It's a great book to counterbalance all of the "danger" messages we give our kids.

A fantastic adventure - one of my favorite books as a child! I ordered copies for myself, my brother, my sister, and my mom. It is just as wonderful as I remember. The illustrations are superb, and the story is timeless.

This is a wonderful story, told as a fairy tale, about a king and his friends, each with a unique talent. They help each other using these gifts and are ultimately successful as a team in a situation where any one would have failed. The illustrations are old-fashioned but beautiful. The situations are interesting to children and make this a great introduction to longer fiction.

As a child in the mid 70's I can remember paging through this book for hours at a time before I could even read. The illustrations had a very overcast, eeriely beautiful, hazy atmosphere that haunted me (in a wonderful way) and still do today - thank god for Amazon's used bookstore search option! It reunited me with this old favorite & opon opening it for the first time in 20 years I practicaly had a religious experience from the nostalgia overload.

I enjoy reading Kurzweil because he's an adventurous thinker. This book is particularly fun because some other fine minds take him to task. Ray holds up well because he's a reasonable thinker. Although some of his predicitions seem outlandish, they may not be. You can't read this book without engaging in a lot of interesting visualization about the future. Some of it is frightening, but there is hope as well. Will the future runaway on it's own or will we be in charge? I don't know, but I'm sure thinking about it, now.

This is Ray Kurzweil's third book concerning the future of reductionist artificial intelligence design and it's possible effects on us in the decades yet to come. In THE AGE OF SPIRITUAL MACHINES, Kurzweil's previous book, which I enjoyed also, and this volume, he uses technological trends, including Moore's law and other tools, to show that a desktop computer will have achieved human level computational ability around the year 2020. Also, Kurzweil envisions that we will be able, sometime in the next few decades, to scan human brains and download that 'software' into these advanced computers to give them human level reasoning abilities, with the speed of computer neural nets, leaving humans behind, so to speak. Accordingly, it may also be possible to scan individual brains and load that information into an advanced computer (attached to a body of some kind), giving that person a sort of immortality. This is the gist of Kurzweil's argument, I hope I got it essentially correct.

What Kuzweil means by computers someday becoming 'spiritual' is that they may become conscious, and 'strong A.I.' is the view that "any computational process sufficiently capable of altering or organizing itself can produce consciousness." The first part of this book is an introduction to all of the above views by Kurzweil, followed by criticisms by four authors, followed in turn by Kurzweil as he refutes these criticisms.

Personally, I found most of the views expounded by the critics here to be either non-sensical, or 'beside the point'. One critic says that the life support functions of the brain cannot be separated from it's information processing function. Of course it can be, even the effects of hormones can be programmed into a downloaded brain, as well as other chemicals used by brains. Another critic states that possibly evolution is in error, and yet another criticism is that our machines will not be able to contact a divine entity and would thus be inferior.... give me a break, well...perhaps this is all true and maybe pigs will one day fly over the moon unassisted. I could go on and on, but this is the job of Ray Kurzweil and he defends himself admirably in the final chapters of this volume. Kurzweil does mention in this book that brain scanning machines are improving their resolution with each new generation, and eventually will reach a point where they should be able to image individual neurons and synapses in large areas, and allow the brain 'software' to be transferred to a suitable non-biological computing medium, my only criticism of Kurzweil here is that I think he should discuss this technology more, and where it is headed, his next book would be a great place for this.

One final point, it seems to me that when a new idea appears to be difficult and complicated to achieve, the pessimist says: "This is difficult and complicated, and may not work", whereas the optimist says: "This is difficult and complicated, but may work". Only time will tell for sure.

The work, inventions, and opinions of Ray Kurzweil in the field of artificial intelligence have captured media attention and the attention of philosophers and researchers in artificial intelligence. But not only is Kurzweil one of the most brilliant and controversial of all the individuals working in artificial intelligence, he is also the most optimistic. This optimism holds not only for the future technology of artificial intelligence, predicted by Kurzweil to give independent thinking machines in the next three decades, but also for its social impact. Kurzweil believes that artificial intelligence will work for the benefit of humankind, but that this benefit will depend to a great degree on his belief that humans will take on technology that will effectively make them cybernetic.

The controversy behind Kurzweil stems from his recent book "The Age of Spirtual Machines", which is a detailed accounting of his predictions and beliefs regarding artificial intelligence. Many individuals objected to his visions and predictions, and he answers a few of them in this book. In particular, he attempts to counter the arguments against him by the philosopher John Searle, the molecular biologist Michael Denton, the philosopher William A. Dembski, and zoologist Thomas Ray. With only a few minor exceptions, Kurzweil is successful in his refutation of their assertions.

But even if Kurzweil completely refutes the arguments of these individuals, and possibly many more against him, the countering of arguments will not by itself solve the problems in artificial intelligence research. The fact remains that much work still needs to be done before we are priveleged to see the rise of intelligent machines. Kurzweil is well-aware of this, for he acknowledges this many times in this book. He points to reverse engineering of the human brain as one of the most promising strategies to bring in the robotic presence. The success or failure of this strategy will take the mind-body problem out of purely academic circles and bring it to the forefront of practical research in artificial intelligence. The 21st century will thus see the rise of the "industrial philosopher", who works in the laboratory beside the programmers, cognitive scientists, robot engineers, and neurologists.

Each reader of this book will of course have their own opinions on Kurzweil's degree of success in countering the arguments of Searle, Denton, Dembski, and Ray. But one thing is very clear: Kurzweil is no arm-chair philosopher engaging in purely academic debates on the mind-body problem. He is right in the thick of the research and development of artificial intelligence, and if the future turns out as he predicts, he will certainly be one of the individuals contributing to it. He and many others currently working in artificial intelligence are responsible for major advances in this field in just the last few years. Their ingenuity and discipline is admirable in a field that has experienced a roller coaster ride of confidence and disappointment in the preceding decades. All of these individuals have proved themselves to be superb thinking machines.

A sepia tornado hurls Dorothy's house out at you. Turn the page and the glorious color of Oz comes to life as Glinda hovers over Dorothy. Out of the many illustrated pop-up Oz books, this one is done with actual photos from our beloved movie! The book even creeks as Dorothy renders aid to the Tin Man. 11 pop-outs (6 of them are hidden in the side flaps) makes the reader part of the movie while turning the moving pages and lifting the flaps to discover all the familiar things we've grown to love. Just imagine melting the Wicked Witch at your will with only your fingertips. And if that's not enough, pop the CD out of it's pocket and into your player and listen to Judy Garland sing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Besides being a warm memento of the movie, this book is FUN!! Check out another Oz-some book by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone "The Wizardry Of OZ", they make great companion pieces.

This book was a WIZ of a WoW!

As you open each page, you see these incredible 3-D Pop-Ups! Plus you have hidden pannels to search through, AND a fun 7-minute long CD of song excerpts from the soundtrack of the movie (the Overture, "Over The Rainbow," etc.)

The kids will love it : IF they can get it away from the adults, that is!

This is a must-have book by the world's foremost OZ Experts -- Enjoy!

I was excited when I heard this book was in the works, and am now thoroughly pleased and thrilled to see its results! This book is magnificient; such a fresh, original way to pay tribute to MGM's classic 1939 film. The 3-D elements of this book really allows the reader to interact with it. A terrific job by both the authors and folks at Intervisual Books.

One might think that the book is lacking something with only ten pages, but that is NOT the case. Each turn of the page is jam packed with beautiful imagery from "The Wizard of Oz". This includes exquisitely designed mechanical pop-ups, gatefolds, and mini-windows to open up with plenty of pictures of our favorite Oz characters and scenes. Also, the authors did a fine job in retelling the classic movie with a simple, elegant writing style.

From the moment you open the book you get to experience the imagery of Oz leap off the pages right before your very eyes. Get whisked away from Kansas with a 3-D tornado and watch the Wicked Witch melt. You can almost feel the wind against your face and hear the cackle of the old crone as she meets her demise.

Another fun and fine point about this book is the 'extra' CD which accompanies it. The author's claim it will let you 'click your heels to the beat'. Well, don't be surprised if your feet are marching to the beat. And, if it weren't for having to hold the book in your hands, you'd probably be slapping your knees, too!!

This is another exceptional Oz contribution from Jay Scarfone and William Stillman. They've pretty much covered it all ... historical research, collectibles treasury, and now a trip down the lighter side of the yellow brick road with a visually extravagant three-dimensional edition of MGM's classic movie. This book will be a classic in its own right. I highly recommend everyone buy two copies; one to 'play' with and one to keep!

I have found that this author has taken information and research to the next level. She has helped me understand ALL aspects of fitness plus a LOT about anti-aging and natural hormone balancing. She clearly understood the problems of HRT long before the public was given this information. It's easy to understand with many ways to motivate yourself. She actually teaches you how to become your own personal trainer, so I got rid of mine and saved a bundle. This is not a trendy book, but one that I have highlighted heavily for future reference. This is solid, well researched "information for life" and I already feel and look so much better. Can't recommend it highly enough.

24 Hour Turnaround is 8 books in one! It covers every base of weight loss, fitness, aging, hormones, sleep, diet, motivation, meditation, yoga and more. Easy to read (but includes the research if you want to learn more). Provides easy to follow steps to start to change your life immediately. I have never been so motivated and able to stay on a program. Finally exercise makes sense! The author gives you an exercise perscription that makes exercise easy - not painful. The Definition Diet teaches us how to go and find food we like to eat instead of someone elses favorite food. Most importantly I learned how and why these changes will effect my life. I have lost 16 pounds and I feel great. My entire family is on the Turnaround!

This book is so good, that after 20 years since reading it, I remember the joy it brought me. As a young reader, the Danny Dunn books opened up a whole world to me.

Danny Dunn was my introduction to the excitement and wonder of books and turned me into a voracious reader. In this book Danny once again acts without thinking and creates a substance that will defy gravity and send a space ship (and himself as well) into outer space. Delightful and intriguing.

I saw this book in the store when I was seven and had to have it. I read it over and over as a kid. All of a sudden 23 years later I was walking down the street and I remembered the name of the book and the great pictures too. I can't wait to read it again.

This story of a child's acceptance and trust in the midst of adult rejection and scoffs is a classic morality tale. Mercer Mayer's wonderful illustrations combine authentic Chinese painting styles with familiar "Little Monster" type characters. If Little Monster was human and Chinese, he'd look like this!

My aunt gave me this book for Christmas the year it was published -- I was five.

I read and reread it throughout my childhood. I still read it once and a while and always think of it fondly. Because of the illustrations, I do know what a dragon looks like.

This book was excellent, a few pages were torn out when I read it in a local liobrary in Australia but I was still able to understand it. I love the Wizard of Oz and this books was absolutely thrilling it was extremely enjoyable. This book explains how the producers cast all the actors and includes information on the films and books. It is a great book.

There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The Jay Scarfone,John Fricke manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

There are many, many books out there about the making of everyone's favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz". There aren't any I've seen that I wouldn't recommend, but if you are looking for pictures, pictures, and more pictures, this beautiful coffee table size book is a great place to start. Pictures, both in color and black and white, of every aspect of the making of the movie fill this attractive volume from cover to cover, and the text, by Oz authority John Fricke is all-encompassing. Although released for the 50th Anniversary of the film's 1939 release, it is still relevant 13 years later, and a great book for the collector or casual researcher. It has yet to be topped.

I cataloged this book for a university library's curriculum lab, loved it, and bought it for my 21/2 yr. old daughter in 1973. My daughter adored it, but, unfortunately, years later she loaned her copy to a friend who never returned it. She's been looking for another copy since she reached adulthood. This is the first children's book that I know of that shows a female in the classic heroic role, typically assigned to males, and the first that ends with the the female and the male as equal partners. The ending has a delightful twist and the story will be appreciated by either gender.

A classic fairy tale setting is turned inside out in this story of strong-willed princess Petronella, brought back into print after more than 20 years by startup children's publisher Moon Mountain Publishing.

In the kingdom of Skyclear Mountain, three princes are always born to the king and queen--until the day when the youngest prince turns out to be a girl, Petronella. When the time comes for her elder brothers to go off to seek their fortunes, everyone expects Petronella to stay home and wait for a prince to turn up and marry her. But Petronella has other plans. She sets off on her own quest, which brings her to the house of Albion, a sinister enchanter. There she finds a prince, Ferdinand of Firebright, apparently in need of rescue. Ferdinand isn't exactly what Petronella expected--in fact, he's a bit of a boob--but she sets out to save him anyway, with results that delightfully confound the reader's expectations.

Jay Williams, author of more than 80 books for children and adults, didn't set out to write a feminist fairy tale. According to his daughter, he was simply responding to a request from his children to think up a story where the princess, for once, took an active role. But Petronella, first published in 1973, came at just the right moment to be embraced by the women's movement. Its portrayal of an assertive female protagonist and reversal of gender stereotypes--relatively rare in children's fiction at the time--won it wide attention, and it was much-reviewed and extensively anthologized before falling of print (and out of fashion) in the late 1970's.

These days, strong heroines and gender reversals are commonplace, in children's fiction as elsewhere, and Williams' scenario no longer seems radical or even particularly surprising. Far from diminishing Petronella's appeal, however, this shedding of political baggage makes it possible to see just how charming the book really is, with its engaging characters, amusing dialogue, clever situations, and flowing, supple prose. The lavishly colorful illustrations by fantasy artist Margaret Organ-Kean perfectly capture the story's momentum and the sparkling wonder of its enchantments, and give vivid form to the personalities of its characters, from fiery Petronella to sinister Albion to lumpish Ferdinand.

It's an altogether lovely new edition of a book that very much deserves its return to print.

Strong-willed and resourceful Princess Petronella goes on a quest to rescue a very odd prince from a mysterious enchanter. Overcoming perilous challenges with courage, kindness and talent, Petronella makes a daring escape with the prince -- but has she rescued the right man? The enchanting watercolor artwork of Margaret Organ-Kean is a perfect visual showcase for Jay Williams gender bending, highly recommended fairytale for young readers ages 8 to 12.