Enterprise Books

I thought my opinion on this book, although favorable, would not change. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality the changes that were made from the earlier edition. I feel that chess books ideally should have the following characteristics; honesty, quality anotations, good explanations in prose, usefull topics and a well thought out layout. This book has all of these qualities and more. This book is most useful for those player who already study a lot and love to study. What John Nunn gives you is how Grandmasters look at positions and the amount they calculate before making their moves. It takes an ambious and diligent player to go over even one game. This book is very rare indeed.

I have both 'Secrets of Grandmaster Chess' and the earlier 'Secrets of Grandmaster Play' that Nunn co-authored with Griffiths. SGC has about 120 pages more than SGP. Much of this difference is spent in narrating Nunn's autobiographical and tournament details, which is itself quite readable. Some extra games and snippets of games are also given. Some of the analysis has been corrected and amplified, on the basis of flaws found by Dvoretsky and Yusupov, and also by checking the analysis using Fritz4. The book has been designed as a prequel to 'John Nunn's Best Games'. It is a more professional effort than SGP. However, it has to be said that SGP has a more pedagogic slant, and is more likely to be useful to the bumbling club player trying to improve his play (i.e. myself). This is because of the input of Griffiths, a worthy chess pedagogue whose every book I've bought.

But coming back to SGC. This book can be unequivocally recommended as a top-flight book. These are the games and notes of a strong, modern Grandmaster who plays mainline openings, and has a preference for complex, tactical chess. Nunn has to be considered the strongest, most professional chess writer currently around.

The book is most likely to be useful to players who are rated at least 1800 or 1900. The earlier SGP could be used with profit by players at least 1700, or perhaps even 1600.

This is a thoroughly revised update of the 1985 collaboration between John Nunn and PC Griffiths. It analyzes 24 games played between 1974 and 1985, in which Nunn took on and beat some chess giants including the Soviet grandmasters Polugaevsky, Vaganian, Korchnoy and Tal. The Polugaevsky game, played at Skara, Sweden in 1980, saw Nunn tear his opponent to shreds in just 32 moves - with the Black pieces, no less! The author describes this Bobby Fischer-like exploit as "a veritable witches' cauldron of tactics", and gives extensive notes showing the various possibilities at each move.

Nunn is one of the world's best annotators, thanks to his excellent calculating ability and merciless quest for objectivity. There is much to be learned from this book and "John Nunn's Best Games", which takes up the tale in 1985.

I understand that this is a book for the more serious player. Nevertheless, I (being a 1500-1600 player) enjoys it very much and, at least imagines, that I get playing beneits from reading it.

Of course, it is very detailed, but I think I can follow the discussions quite well. And, you don't have to go through every detail if you don't have the time. Sometimes, I also read it in bed before I go to sleep.

The anecdotes placed between the games are also worth reading.

I highly recommend this book!

I agree: Nunn's book is intense study material. Less-experienced players (like myself 10 years ago) will find it hard going because Nunn has not written a simplified "tutorial" work. What he does is extensively annotate various games he played throughout his chess career discussing openings, planning, tactics, etc. His notes are thorough, variations numerous, and the lessons learned important. I have to admit: I had an early edition of this book ten years ago, and gave it away. It was too hard. I wanted something light. Maybe I was lazy. Anyway, now I really enjoY this book, but be warned: it demands attention.

"Sensible Cruising" convinced me to buy a vintage 1972 Catalina 22' sailboat (swing keel) for $1000 (includes four sails, cushions, etc., but no trailer, nor outboard, which I didn't want anyway) ... the boat is in immaculate condition and is a fast, easy to sail, sailboat... it is moored in a marina along the Texas gulf coast ... best buy and best decision in recent memory! The authors' advice: to buy an affordable boat and GO SAILING was the 'turning point' in my sailing adventures! A dream come true ... there's nothing like messing about in boats!!! ONE HAPPY SAILOR, "Cap'n" Howard Jones

This book is one of my favorites, and I read a LOT of books. It is educational, inspirational, entertaining, and just plain fun. My copy is dog-eared, worn, and obviously repeatedly read. I have written a detailed review on SailingIsLife, so I won't repeat all that here.

All I can say is that this book not only educated and entertained me, it solidified my dreams about cruising to the point that my wife and I, and now several friends, have become real cruisers. Not the "World Cruisers" most people think of, but Practical Cruisers, as described in this book, who have taken a number of shorter cruises and who continue to take longer and more diverse cruises as our knowledge and confidence increase.

Whether it inspires you to cruise, or simply entertains and enthralls you, it is a book well worth reading, and reading again.

A cruising book for regular people. A must-read for those of us who have or plan to have a reasonably seaworthy 25ish-30ish foot sailboat and want to go on a reasonable sabbatical cruise for a reasonable amount of time, i.e. weeks or months. Much needed coverage of the middle ground between buying a hundred-thousand dollar yacht and sailing thrice around the world for 10 years, and weekend lake-camping in daysailers. The authors even address the sticky issues of leaving & returning, motivating us to go and explaining how life may be changed by a successful cruise. The hypothetical ICW-Bahamas cruise is $19.95 worth of info alone. Don't let the thoroeau quotes put you off; this is a very practical book.

What a relief to find a knowledgeable, experienced cruiser that doesn't expect you to spend a fortune to go cruising. His position is "whatever cruiser you have will do just fine," unlike some authors that project you need a Swan or similar. Furthermore, Casey encourages all of us to "get out there and do it," stop procrastinating and make the leap.

Casey offers very practical advice in selecting and outfitting a small, live-aboard sailboat for cruising on a modest budget. It provided a realistic and comprehensive guide to prepare the person for the experience too. I found this book a great resource when preparing a boat and my family to sail from Oregon to Mexico.
It is appropriate for readers who want to go sailboat cruising during regular vacations as well as those who are considering more extended voyages. If you are looking for another book to feed a dream to go sailboat cruising, this book is an excellent choice. It may also help you to realize that enjoying a satisfying piece of your dream may be more easily realized than you had previously thought possible.

I don't need to tell the story, enough has been well done of that.
But, I want to say I truly enjoyed reading Ms Styles' second book. It was as much fun as "Crossing Burning Bridges" but in a different way.
The research she did opened my eyes to another era of events in our country. Some rather mean ones. But in all the book was warm and I LOVED every minute of it. Only again, I didn't want to keep reading because I knew it would finally end. Can't wait for her next book.

In the mountains and skies beats a heart of one warrior. A Lakota warrior left to live without his sacred lands and family. This is his story of despair, hope, love, and eventual discovery of the true warrior/man left inside of him.

During the 1880s...

The Lakota warrior, Snake Catcher, is honor bound by a dying request from his brother, Hail Maker to return something to Paradise Valley Ranch. It is through his travels and subsequently meeting Susan Paradise, whose parents have left her the ranch that this story begins to unfold with drama, realisms, and heart-warming romance. Won't you travel through this warrior's story as Snake Catcher tells the history of his people, while falling under the spell of Susan?

Snakes in Paha Sapa is by authoress Cyndie M. Styles. This is a subject near and dear to this reader's heart: the plight of the People. Here is a novel steeped in true-life events with fictional romance blended in making it a wonderful and heartfelt reading experience. Styles truly wields a pen coated in a profusions of great writing and wonderful foresight. This new author's voice is outstanding! This is the type of historical romance that the reading audience in general can enjoy. It is devoid of profane language and sex scenes, while giving the readers background on the lives of the Lakota people.

Susan has an open and unselfish heart, yet she is like a velvet glove concealing an iron fist. Susan treats Snake Catcher with the respect and dignitary befitting any human being, whether they are white, black, or an Indian. Her friendly personality will endear her immediately to the readers. When Susan looks at Snake Catcher she see a man with a big heart, willing to learn and grow, but he is also afraid of the White man, and what they have done to him and his people. Can Susan's gentle soul change Snake Catcher's opinions? Can two diversely different individuals find happiness in the harsh lands of the White man?

Snakes in Paha Sapa is writing from the heart by author Cyndie M. Styles. It is romantic, thought provoking, lovingly detailed, and extremely well written. This reviewer found this novel to be profoundly refreshing and engaging to read! The ending of this story marvelously completes this tale of love between a Lakota warrior and a White woman, and how their lives play out.

Reviewed by © Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2006
Courtesy of Love Romances www.loveromances.com

More than a Western...more than a romance. This story of the native Americans' struggle for their rights living in this land is fully outlined in this book. It takes you to a simpler time but also a time that is harder to survive in. This story is very adventurous and has tons of "on the edge of your seat" reading. There are many subtle humorous moments as well. This is a heart-warming story of all the residents at the ranch and how each of them have their own stories of struggles. This story begins with true Lakota honor. I was indeed entertained and learned much about the Lakota culture.

If you're like me, you might need a little bit of background on the title of Cyndie M. Styles' second novel, Snakes in Paha Sapa. Paha Sapa is the Lakota name for the Black Hills (located in South Dakota and Wyoming), which probably clues you in on the identity of the referenced snakes - they are of the white snake variety that spread westward across America in great numbers during the middle and late 19th century. The novel follows the rather extraordinary life of a Lakota warrior whose fight to reclaim the sacred lands of his people takes on new dimensions as his worldview is shifted by a remarkable white woman rancher.

Snake-Catcher was a great warrior, second only to his older brother. When that brother is ambushed and killed - and great numbers of Lakota tribesmen slaughtered - at the hands of white men, Snake-Catcher's world changes forever. Confined to a reservation, he watches helplessly as the American government reneges on its promises and allows prospectors to settle in Paha Sapa in pursuit of the gold discovered there. Having lost his entire family and his people's cherished lands, he has nothing left but the promise he made to his dying brother - to take a book belonging to that beloved brother to a lady named Susan Paradise in Sundance. When he is finally able to get permission to leave the reservation temporarily, he heads westward to Paradise Valley Ranch as fast as he can. Not surprisingly, he encounters trouble along the way, but the circumstances end up giving him a most enlightening perspective on white society in the wake of his arrival at Susan's ranch. He learns things he never knew about his brother, and he finds unexpected allies in Susan and her band of ranch hands and helpers (a mix of white, Indian, and Mexican cultures). Susan vows to join his campaign to reclaim Paha Sapa for his people, a legal campaign aided by another Lakota educated among the whites.

Susan has her own problems as an independent woman running her own ranch, and Snake-Catcher joins her battles just as she joined his. As you might expect, romance enters the picture eventually, which proves unsettling to both the Lakota warrior as well as the white woman, but theirs is a formidable teamship seemingly ordained by fate to work together for the good of others. Over the course of the novel, many years pass, ushering in a number of brand new elements to the lives of all those at Paradise Valley Ranch. It gives the novel something of an epic quality. Several times, I expected a plot point to be worked out in the end, only to see it resolved much earlier to make way for further turning points in the story. It all comes together beautifully to tell a most endearing tale of human drama.

Snakes in Paha Sapa is a most impressive second novel. In terms of subject matter, it is much different from Styles' earlier Crossing Burning Bridges, yet it retains the author's wonderfully flowing writing style, truly proves her standing as a natural storyteller, and amplifies the bedrock of very real emotions she manages to instill in virtually all of her characters. This is also a very educational novel for those of us who have never really explored the plight of Native Americans deprived of their land by a treacherous and sometimes exceedingly harsh American government. With its formidable mix of historical fiction, Western, and romance, Snakes in Paha Sapa makes for a wonderful, genre-crossing read.

This was the first western fiction book I have read, and I was hooked right from the start--not the "Cowoys and Indians" story I assumed it would be. I found myself reading long past bedtime, and I came to know and love the characters to the extent that I missed them by story's end. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Styles in the future.

As a startup leader, I've found that it's difficult to locate good advice. Much of the literature about starting a tech company is high on euphemisms and low on actionable advice.

Jackie's book, however, is great. She writes in a no nonsense style, with experience direct from the startup and technology sales trenches, and gives direct and frank actionable advice for startup leaders.

In a startup environment, sales is king - without revenue and traction from paying customers, a startup does not really have anything. Jackie describes why this is, and also outlines a proven sales strategy for startups. My 'Aha' moment came when she described why sales and marketing at a startup is different from all other environments. The traditional rules and sales processes do not apply - because they don't work!

I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in sales and leadership in a startup environment.

Let's face it. The odds of success are against most startups. Jackie Bassett offers budding entrepreneurs a chance to significantly increase their odds of growing a viable, long-term business. Her direct approach to addressing common business problems and providing practical solutions based on real world experience is invaluable. What's more, Jackie's book is an easy, one-night read. By morning, you'll be energized and ready to tackle any pressing and future business challenges head on. If your goal is to build a product/service with great demand, read this book.

M. Pinderski

Simply, the best selling tool you'll ever use to build and grow your business. Ms. Bassett's insights are short and to the point, and backed with the intelligence of someone who has been there. There are few people in this arena who see the big picture. Don't waste your money on other sales and marketing books because this one sums it up perfectly.

Loretta Collins
The Sales Doctor, LLC -sales coach

I just read this book and was completely surprised to find that it suited an issue that my company is having right now to a tee! We're not a technology company per se...we're an online service for childcare. But we're launching a corporate program right now and Ms. Bassett's book just pegged everything that we have been facing...low sales and adoption rate. I can't want to use her book to turn everything around.

Don't be fooled by the unassuming cover...this book is chock full of great information, presented in a blunt fashion. Her points are solid, her stress on discipline noteworthy and her experience undeniable. I would recommend this book to anyone, and plan to send it to a few fell entrepreneurs today.

I'm a serial entrepreneur (and author of two books on nanotechnology) and know Ms Bassett personally. She's been a good advisor and follows her own advice, not least in this book. Entrepreneurs don't have time - so if you have something to say, say it quickly and say it directly. That's what she's done. I avoid most business books because they drone on for hundreds of pages, this one could be read in two hours and those could be among the most valuable you'll spend.

The advice is this book is invaluable for both entrepreneurs who have started companies (whether or not they are struggling) and for those who are considering starting a company and want to avoid some pitfalls. It is also great for product managers or department heads of bigger companies trying to establish new products.

Read and see why Ms Bassett is a force of nature.

Dan Ratner
Vice President
Sittercity.com

The great thing about Gordon Korman is that his books are suitable for nearly all ages. His wide variety of eccentric characters always keep the book delightfully entertaining. It is always amazing how a bunch of high school students can accomplish the amazing things they do, like utterly foiling the largest company in the world. This is my favorite Gordon Korman book, though "A semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag," and "Losing Joe's Place" were also excellent.

Son of Interflux is one of my favorite Gordon Korman books. It's great for high school aged readers (or just about everyone) because the main character, Simon, is in high school, trying to fit in. Simon hates being the son of Interflux because his whole life he has been around Interflux, and he seizes the opportunity to fight against Interflux. Not only is his battle funny, his friends and classmates are all unique and interesting, and his art teacher is hilarious and scary! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who likes other books by this author or anyone interested in a good book.

The characters of this book and their exploits will have you rolling with laughter, but underneath there's a very serious them: the control of industry over society. Best Korman book I have read.

It's so funny.I read it 5 times before I got bored.The pages kept falling out and I was afraid that the librarian would scold me.

One of the best books I have ever read! Filled with loads of comedy. The type of book you just keep reading over and over! Excellent author!

Laurel Delaney's book, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" is a one-stop reference for anyone wanting to start an export business, anyone who deals with exporters on a regular basis, and those who just want to improve their understanding of this "new" arena called the global marketplace.

Delaney has done an admirable job of covering all the bases, providing the exhaustive research that often halts budding global entrepreneurs from going beyond the "idea" phase. She tells it like it is, seemingly anticipating every question and concern. Reading this book is like having a consultant whispering in your ear at every step throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Delaney also helps the reader navigate the complex cultural differences that an exporting business confronts. All in all, this book encourages everyone interested in succeeding in the global environment to take a chance, dig in, and move ahead.

Like a Baedecker's guide, Delaney's work maps the journey to a profitable exporting business with directness, completeness and with a sincere affection for the subject.

An organized presentation that encourages everyone to set their goals, do research, and keep trying until you reach your goal. Plenty of examples and real life anecdotes.

I work for the Kentucky World Trade Center, and I had the opportunity to read Laurel J. Delaney's, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business." I think Delaney's book is an easy and quick read that directs and leads new comers to the world of business. The book is meant for readers who have no knowledge of the business world, and the export markets. The author guides the reader step by step from building a strong foundation to executing the business plans while learning and developing cross cultural business awareness. After reading this book, most readers will have quite an understanding of what export business is all about.

The book consists of eight parts that discuss different things like globalization, setting up the business, the money needed, developing sales and distribution, cross-cultural learning, etc. I liked the way Delaney shares some of her experiences she had with starting her own business. It makes it more believable and comprehensible.

The first few chapters walk the reader through the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to start a business. The first part of the book deals with the corporate, legal and financial issues, how much money is needed to start a business, finding a product and choosing a manufacturer.

Parts two and three deal with market research and developing sales and distribution. Both these sections contain detailed information on trade shows, World Trade Center, and cross-border contacts. Transport options, pricing the product, export license requirements, and after sales service is covered in parts four and five. The last two sections of the book inform the reader about cross cultural learning, international business travel tips, cross border alliances and big emerging markets. Japan is discussed thoroughly in the last chapter as well as, the top ten emerging global business markets of the 21st century.

Something very useful, which I particularly admired, was the list of global resource centers for starting a contact list and the guidance on how to use the World Wide Web for market research. Delaney has provided the reader with various useful web sites at the back of the book, which allow the business to expand worldwide.

My firm provides help for companies interested in entering and/or expanding international trade, and this background allows me to state that Ms. Delaney's book offers clear guidance for companies interested in global business, with illustrative examples from her own career. She takes the reader from "Why should I export" to cross-border alliances in one of the most "readable" books on this topic.

In addition to excellent coverage of key topics such as translation, pricing, shipping and methods of trade finance, she also devotes a chapter on how to best use the Internet as both a research tool and as a method of promotion for your product. Also of note are the samples of a number of critical documents relating to exporting (packing list, standby letter of credit, etc.).

The insights she offers are applicable to entering any new market, and are also valuable for firms and individuals to assess how ready they are to take that big step. In fact, I have been using some of her advice and annecdotes in the newsletter we send out to our own readers.

Wow! This is a beginner's guide -- with an expert's range and scope. Intensively detailed and complete, this lively volume maps out just about everything you would want to know about international marketing. When you finish, you'll have seen what a lot of work you have ahead of you, but you'll feel like it's within your reach, step by step.

My favorite chapters were the ones focusing on preparing your product for export and on marketing a service business in another country. They really made me aware of all the details you've got to think through if you want to succeed overseas, and also of how exciting it can be -- you've really got to put yourself in the place of your customers and see through their eyes, and consider their customs, practices, and product-service needs. For me, that's the most fascinating thing about international business -- the chance to make contact with different cultures, broaden your horizons, and become a real world citizen. Also, read the special section on Japan -- makes you feel like you're there looking over Japanese shoppers' shoulders at the mall!

The chapter on after-sales service is fun, too. It talks about "shock marketing" -- the art of seizing the opportunity to pull a standout customer service coup and really put yourself ahead of the pack. Makes pitching your product and servicing your accounts sound like an adventure!

This is overall a practical, enthusiastic, and inspiring book -- you'll come away from it feeling revved up for action as if you've just walked out of a Tom Peters seminar. It's also smack up to date with chapters on the Emerging Markets and Internet commerce. If you want to poise yourself to enter the global marketplace of the 21st century, reading this book is a great place to start!

I used to work with Salim and would highly recommend his book

If you are thinking to start or have already started a small business in New Jersey, this book is definitely for you. Written in simple, yet concise text, this book is easy to follow, easy to understand, and yet full of all the information you could ever need to start, run, and be successful at your business in New Jersey. Use this book as a reference tool for tough situations, or read it thoroughly before you get started, either way, this useful publication by Salim Omar will guide you, lead you, and take you around all of the business mumbo jumbo. Full of wisdom and true experiences, learn from others and get this book today.

Everything that is essential to starting, maintaining, growing, and exiting your business is covered in this one, must read book. Salim Omar wirtes in a concise and easy to follow method that makes this book an easy, yet compelling read. He provides the reader with the foundation to run a successful business, as well as, the strategic insight to aid in planning, decision-making, and implementation.

Keep this book handy. You will find yourself referring to it for many years to come. This book will help you reinvent your business and, ultimately yourself.

" This book should be mandatory for any person new in business, and it should be read and reviewed by veterans. I highly recommend this book. I have given it to some of my patients and they love it!!"

"Straight Talk" gives you the "big picture" from a true entrepreneur, and the "small detail" from a CPA who knows his stuff. The mix is extremely valuable, full of wisdom and experience. It's easy to read, with sophisticated concepts translated into easy-to-understand possibilities. I found myself taking notes throughout the book and realized that my business had just gained a terrific new tool. Best of all, you get GREAT marketing advice at a price you'd never find from a marketing agency. Take the advice and your business will definitely grow!

We have enjoyed reading "The Symbols of Christmas" with our son. It has helped us teach him about Christ and the meaning of Christmas. He can still enjoy Santa and Rudolph, but now understands the true sacrifice Christ made for us. We highly recommend this book to teach your child about Jesus and all that makes Christmas so special.

This book is not only an enjoyable reading, but an excellent teaching tool about "Reason for the Season." Taking the common items associated with this blessed holiday, the author paints a beautiful picture of our loving saviour that will forever stay with you. Written for all ages, I would give it to anyone--any age--and know it was a wonderful gift for them to enjoy!

This book is a MUST HAVE for every family with children. From reindeer to mistletoe, the author has brilliantly related symbols of Christmas back to Biblical scripture. This is GREAT for taking the 'commercialism' out of Christmas and back to the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

This book is written for all ages. Bible verses are used to give Christian relavance to most of the common trappings of the commercial side of Christmas. Helps remind you to keep Christ in Christmas.

I think this book keeps true to form with the teaching method of Jesus. He used cultural things to teach spiritual truths. That is what Robert Adams does in his book "The Symbols of Christmas." Christmas is the greatest season to point to who Jesus is...and Robert takes the popular symbols of Christmas and shows us how we can tell others about Jesus. This is more than a great book to give...it is also a great tool.

My kids loved this book and thought the body part names were hilarious. My daughter asked me to read it to her three times the first day we got it. She took it to school the same week and had her teacher read it to the class. They all wanted to make the acorn dinkleworms. One of the best things about it is the promotion of good character in children.

Laura Tracy

The creative words are easy for any beginning reader to sound out and the story teaches them a valuable life lesson as they read along! This book is more than a one-time read and includes a great recipe so you and your kids can be Wignuts for a day! Our family cannot wait for Tale Two!

I'm glad to have Deborah's book in my library to read to my granddaughter. The author doesn't talk down to children. The kids in my class laughed out loud at the funny names for body parts and did not miss the message of standing up to bullies in the right way. Thumbs up!

This is one you don't want to miss! There's a message for children and grown-ups alike.

My boys loved this book! They especially loved the funny names and descriptions of the characters. I loved that the book had a good moral lesson. I definitely recommend this book!

My supervisor is the first guy who recommended this textbook to me. After I read it... oh god I told myself, it is very useful for me as a PhD candidate in Finance. I would recommend this book to you guys, it is really good basement of 'Corporate Finance'.

Thanks Amazon.com. you did a good job delivered this textbook to Australia less than 3 weeks, unbelievable!!!

anyone familiar with finance and economics will know that jean tirole needs no intro. find the research agenda getting a bit stale? this is the perfect pick me up.

This book is the best enchiridion for any kind of studies in finance. All students are advised to read it;they will find it useful, not only due to its deep and scrutable meanings, but also because it awakes profound questions to the reader and urge him to make his own research on a sector in finance which is still in its infancy.
This handbook helped me a lot with my dissertation, as it concentrates in its pages various and many topics on corporate finance.

Even a few years ago the theory of corporate finance was relatively simple. To be sure, everyone knew that the models weren't perfect. The close cooperation between favorite trading partners and/or between companies and their governments, the impact of taxes, currency issues, and a whole raft of financing instruments that never existed before has forced drastic changes in the basic theories of corporate financing.

This book employs a single, elementary model in order to illustrate the main economic insights. While this approach doesn't take into account all of the various extentions that more complex models might give, it is much easier for the student to get accustomed to one model and then to modify it as circumstances warrent.

This book is aimed at the advanced undergraduate student, or more likely one at the graduate level. While not nearly as mathematically oriented as some books, this one does include enough that the student should consider calculus as a prerequisite.

All in all, this book does a supurb job of developing a theory that reflects the real world as it exists today.

Tirole's book is one of the very few formal texts to cover corporate finance theory. It is structured around a few basic models which are changed/extended in myriad ways in order to illuminate this or that topic. This allows the reader to cover a lot of ground with minimal investment.

I have taught a master's level finance course based on the notes that the book is built on and found it a pleasure.

I found it useful to cover some basics of principal agent theory before covering Tirole's material, as some knowledge of information economics is assumed. Laffont and Martimort's book makes the transition smooth as they essentially use the same basic two action two outcome setup as Tirole's first couple of chapters.

I very much doubt that a superior book will appear on the shelves for some time, that is of course, until Tirole decides to update his text some years from now.