Foreign-market Books

I haven't read this play. I just wanted to note that I'm holding this edition in my hand, and it seems to be the full text of a 2 act play, with quite a bit of additional annotative material (all in French). I see no mention of "extraits."

Giraudoux writes this play after World War I. He brings Greek mythology into the text and foresights World War II through his comparison of Troy loosing Helene and starting another war to Germany having everything taken away after WWI like the Rhinevalley and any hope of glory. There is a lot of comedy, but more importantly a lot of truth into the future. It is an amazing story and a quick read.

This is a humorous and also serious ficticious story of the events surrounding the Trojan War. We get up-close and personal with the characters (Helen, Paris, Hector, Ulysses, Priam) and also other people that would have had influences, but are totally made-up ("le Geometre," "Demokos," "Iris," etc.). Though this book does not have a lot of war action, its fast-pace politics are entertaining enough. The passions these characters have are immeasurable. Don't read this book if you want to learn about Greek mythology or a factual re-enactment of Troy. Do read this book if you enjoy fiction/fantasy and want to brush up on your french ;).

if you're planning on reading it in french, I woudl recommend that you buy the full version, not the "extraits"

La Amortajada was an interesting story to read. María Luisa Bombal used a unique way to look back on Ana María's life by having her remember relationships with people as they honored her at her funeral. There were many memories that Bombal wrote for Ana María, but I think the two most important were those of her relationships with Fernando and María Griselda. Fernanado was her brother-in-law who was in love with her until she started obsessing over him when she wanted a divorce. He was, in a way, relieved when she had passed away because he was able to live his life freely once again. María Griselda was Ana María's daughter-in-law. She was a very jealous person. When Ana María was seeking a divorce she stayed with María Griselda and her son, Alberto. María Griselda was jealous of the time that Ana María spent in the house and with Alberto. However, after Ana María passed away, her spirit visited María Griselda. When this happened María Griselda acted like her daughter because she didn't have a mother. This surprised Ana María greatly. Overall, Bombal wrote a very interesting story about the life of Ana María. I recommend this story to the readers.

María Luisa Bombal chose a very interesting way to tell us about the life of Ana María. It was interesting to see how each person in her life thought about her as they honored her at her funeral. The two most interesting relationships to me were with Fernando and María Griselda. Fernando was her brother-in-law who was in love with her. She took advantage of his feelings and basically kept him on the back burner until her marriage began to fail. This is when she wanted to be with him, but he rejected her. He was, in a way, relieved when she passed away because he was able to live freely once again. María Griselda was her daughter-in-law. She was a very jealous person. During the divorce talks Ana María lived with María Griselda and Alberto. María Griselda was jealous of the time that Ana María spent at the house and with Alberto. After her death, the soul of Ana María visited María Griselda, and María Griselda acted like her daughter because she didn't have a mother. This greatly surprised Ana María. Both relationships were confusing, but turned out for the better in the end. Parts of this story were hard to follow, but overall it was a good story. I would recommend this story to all readers.

A timeless and beautiful piece of literature. So many feelings all packed in one short book. Anyone trying to connect with the universe that surrounds us must read this book. The main character, La Amortajada, defines for us in simple words the essence of our own existence and how we connect with the spiritual side in all of us. Death of our physical body only provides the opportunity to become one with Eternity.

En "la última niebla", Bombal no forja espacios de tiempo determinados, por lo que resulta interesante de leer todavía- aunque haya sido escrito hace más de cuarenta años- sin importar edad, color o sexo. Maria Luisa Bombal escribe también sobre pensamientos, sentimientos y sucesos en forma perfecta. La diferencia entre un sueño y la realidad resulta imperceptible e impensable a su vez. Una verdadera obra maestra de la literatura chilena. Lo recomiendo de todas maneras. Buy it even if you don't understand what I write before.

This dictionary is intended for people who don't need a dictionary. It is just so poor, half of the words I look up I just don't find them.

I recently traveled to Mexico with this book, and with the small paperback edition of Webster's New World Spanish Dictionary. I found that the Random House one is surely a Spanish English dictionary that works both ways, It is a reasonable size to take on a trip (for me, I travel kinda heavy), and I don't have a major complaint, but I found the Webster's to be better, more of a joy to use (I'm not sure I can explain how it can be more of a joy to use, but that's the way it struck me), and it had some words more clearly and applicably defined.

No real complaints for this book, it's just "not the way Mother used to cook!"

I'm very happy with the Sp/Eng dictionary. It's just what I wanted.

Excellent dictionary for anyone attempting to learn the language. I am constantly using it for my college spanish class.

I guess I'm in the minority here. I was extremely dissapointed with this book. The writing is plodding, and I kept waiting for some good war stories, insights, or ideas and never got them.

Sure, there are words on the page, so he must be saying something. It wasn't anything particularly new, original or really useful. Or memorable for that matter. He does include some personal stories, but they elicit a shoulder shrugging, "So what?".

Invest your money elsewhere.

Mobius is certainly a guru for people like me who do analysis on emerging markets. People were questioning the viability of emerging markets investing as an asset class just a couple of years ago due to contrast between the boom of US equity market and the gloomy performance of MSCI. Doubts also come from the debate on the "high alpha or just high beta". Some even go further to say that "either the companies (in emerging markets) have been integrated into global markets or the companies are not worthy at taking a look at all". So what's the virtue of investment market as an asset class? Does it matter? What kind of investors are the fit for this asset class? How?

I am a firm believer in what Charles Ellis as well as David Swensen have said about the alternative investments philosphy. In "winning the loser's game", Ellis eloquently, humorously while ruthlessly concluded that "it is harder and harder to beat the market" for market is yourself or people like yourself. It is a pity that he didn't talk about emerging markets. Mobius went on to explore the markets to share the knowledge on this young while dynamite asset class. It is still too early to draw a conclusion on this-we'll wait and see. Nevertheless, It is great that somebody is there waving to you and say "hay, you might want to try this and it is fine".

Mobius on Emerging Markets demonstrates that the author is more than just a fashion guru. The book is a well-written and compelling read; I read nearly all the 364 pages in one day. It is logically structured and gives the reader an enlightening introduction to emerging markets; this is supported with clear graphical and tabulated statistics.

The book is divided into three Parts:

1) Emerging Markets

Origins of Emerging Markets Macro Economic Trends in Emerging Markets

2) Country Reviews

Emerging Market Overview (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Southern Europe)

3) Investment

Investment Strategies and Investments Evaluating Stock Picks Stock Exchange Characteristics Risks My View on Emerging Markets

Although I was initially sceptical of Mark Mobius I must thoroughly recommend this book and congratulate Mark Mobius on his well-deserved success.

If you are considering investing in emerging markets `Mobius on Emerging Markets' is his best advertisement yet.

I enjoyed this book, I was planning an Alaska trip, and now will include Canada.

RVing into Canada's Arctic Written By Liz and John Plaxton

Reviewed by Mrs. Pat Regan, Kelowna, BC [former-citizen of Norman Wells, NWT]

If you've ever longed to explore Canada's beckoning north country, RVing into Canada's Arctic by John and Liz Plaxton will be a friendly and helpful companion for your journey.

As you tour along Yukon, Alaska and Northwest Territory highways, you will be able to refer to the well documented and clearly presented information pertaining to many communities as they appear along the route you've chosen.

Through "tried and true" experiences, John and Liz share their recommendations for RV sites, RV service shops, museums, churches, and interesting curio shops. Other essential information include "the best" grocery stores (with price lists), the finest and not so fine northern "eateries", and the cleanest laundromats.

This adventuresome duo in their Class C motorhome have explored many less frequented roads and have discovered, to their pleasure, some amazing camping, fishing, wildlife observation and bird sanctuary sites.

Some short histories on several communities and their colourful characters are included.

Liz and John share their memoirs of participation in many northern activities: golfing under the Midnight Sun in Dawson City and volunteering for the Great Northern Arts Festival and stick-gambling with the locals in Inuvik, to name only three.

This book, whether used as a reference or read for pleasure, is truly refreshing.

Artistically written with vividly picturesque descriptions of scenery and wildlife, complemented with many fine photos, RVing into Canada's Arctic will be as beneficial to you as "having a good friend who's already been there" travel at your side.

by Peggi MacDonald, a full-time RVer

John and Liz Plaxton tell it like it is in their newest book `RVing into Canada's Arctic'.

They rave about the great places they saw and provide an interesting account of the many joys and beautiful sights they encountered while exploring Canada's North. Their many photos - both black & white and colour - complement the written word of each great adventure. They also include a few not so good points like a dusty or poor roads and scenery or weather that was less than perfect.

Even if you can't make the trip right now, reading the Plaxton's travelogue will take you on an armchair adventure to places most us will never travel.

This duo have the ability to visit a little known place and find something special about the area. In Tsiigehtchic, Yukon they watched ravens play in the breezes sweeping up the river. Many RVers by-pass similar scenes because they don't look beyond the obvious. Simple things that help build memories can be part of everyone's everyday RV excursions if they slow down their travels. John and Liz definitely feel they need time to 'stop and smell the roses', as the saying goes.

Although their off road jaunts may appear a bit rustic, John and Liz demonstrate time and time again that unbelievable sites can be found everywhere.

Reading the Plaxton's travelogue with an atlas in hand made it easy to follow their extraordinary journey.

John writes the first portion of the book but Liz's diary which follow provides daily observations, neat places, small quick change of plans like an emergency hair cut or dealing with the dust, and food costs and fuel prices. Her quips bring to life each day of their journey. Both writers include the great, the good and only OK events in their portion of the travelogue. The Plaxton's added five additional diaries and articles at the end of their publication; John states these extras provide more balance to their recorded activities.

The Plaxton's enjoyed an incredible journey, but unless you travel in a small older RV, plus you are a knowledgeable mechanic, you may want to rethink following their many off road side trips in your RV. The Plaxton's and I have discussed this and agree to disagree on this point. I recommend a safer and more enjoyable alternative would be to park someplace with several other units, like in a gravel pit or, better yet, in a recognized campground. Use your toad (towed car) or tow vehicle to visit many of the fascinating places the Plaxtons stopped at on their off-road trips.

Liz and John don't hesitate to become involved to add interest to their excursions either. While in Inuvik, NWT they volunteered to work during the annual Great Northern Arts Festival ten day July extravaganza. The festival named them "Super Volunteers for 1998".

By reading John and Liz's book before you go to northern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, you can discover some of the many neat places they researched and add them to your itinerary. This couple has the ability to take the reader by the hand on their adventuresome journey and alert you of what you could include in your itinerary and what side trips you may decide to bypass. I could go on and on about the special hints the Plaxton's include in their travelogue.

This entertaining, informative book is well worth reading either as research or to assist in planning your next trip to visit Canada's North.

This book met a lot of my expectations by being very portable, very well-illustrated, and full of good descriptions of the merchandise one is likely to find in London and Paris flea markets. "Antiquing" is a very visual experience for me, and having plenty of photographs to whet my appetite for the various shops was a real plus. The book was useful too in helping me plot which days to attend which markets. Even if the merchandise changes and vendors sometimes move, there is enough general information that stays constant for this to be a useful guide for several years. The two-for-one format--London and Paris in one book--is also fun. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the maps could have been better. Otherwise, a great resource!

Antique and Flea Markets of London and Paris is a book serious shoppers will love. While spending several summer months in London, I have visited a number of the markets described. The authors are right on target, and the photos are enjoyable. I learned about many features I've missed, and read about several new places to try on the next trip. The book realizes that shoppers are people, not machines, and tells a little about the market's surrounding area, especially places to stop for a snack and a rest.

I'm not as familiar with Paris, but if the Paris section is even close to being as accurate and useful as the London section, it will save shopping time and hassle across the channel, as it will in London.

This is not "the" book for your trip if you need a complete guide book. If you like antiques and markets, however, you will love this book.

I have used the 1980 edition of this book. The main thing I liked about it is that it provided both the Pinyin and the romanized transliteration, which I assume is Wade-Giles. Each English word also includes the simplified Chinese character to help when trying to communicate with Chinese friends.

What I didn't like about it is that it is very basic and I would often find myself going to a more complete dictionary to find many words, but hence they would only give the Pinyin. Having both transliteration methods in this book made it much easier for me to get close to the correct pronounciation.

My Chinese friends found the list of words in the simplified Chinese characters by stroke count too limiting. They would often prefer to use a more complete dictionary...or their handheld translation computers.

This book is very helpful for beginners to get started on useful vocabulary and by filling in needed words for today's word usage from other sources. Some words may be outdated for todays usage, but will be understood by "patient" native speakers. Column format especially helpful for self-study on Eng-Chin, Chin-Eng (in Pinyin) and reading Chinese characters (caution: simplified characters used). Caution on some mispels and column misprints, very few though. Zai Jian.

Penniless and without her passport, Chellie Greer's stuck working in a seedy club with no means of escape - until Ash Brennan walks in. What's such a powerful, irresistible man doing in a place like this?

Ash offers her a way out, but Chellie has to wonder exactly why he is rescuing her. Does he really want to protect her, or is the price of freedom...her body?

One of the most enjoyable romance novels I have read in a while. I was genuinely interested in the growth of the heroine and the hero, too. Most of the change that Chellie goes through is prior to the begining of the narrative, but its effects are felt for the first time within the time frame of the novel. Ash, our blond former military hero grows from a man ready to judge a book by its cover to a very convincingly in love hero. More so than most romance novel heros I really beleived him when he declared his love. And the way he does it really had me turning the pages for more. The sexual tension is very beleivable, and I am glad that Chellie is a strong enough character to really stand up for herself, as is Ash who does not dissapoint me in the end. A man confident enough in himself to let Chellie be herself.

I was left with a very happy feeling at the end of this book and I am ready to look for more books by this author, in hopes they are as enjoyable.

I have been using Beyond the Basics French for about a week and I've found it very useful--it is definitely worth the time and money. It is not for someone with no background (hence, their "The Basics" I'm guessing). In grad school I had twelve hours or French (six studying abroad in France) and this course has been not only a good review but has built my vocab and, thank god, explained some grammatical/idiomatic stuff that I'm sure we covered in class but that didn't quite click with me b/c I'm not wonderfully adept at learning a new language.

If you've had at least 101-102 French, you should be fine with this. My only complaint is that some conversations aren't spoken slowly enough for me, but putting this on your iPod or mp3 makes it easy to back up a little be as often as you need to.

If you don't have a great intro/intermediate French dictionary, Harper Collins' French Beginner's Dictionary is the best I've found.

I've used Living Language courses since high school. My opinion is that they are overall the finest way to be introduced to a foreign language.

They use sentences grouped by grammatical function so that one learns (unconsciously) the grammar along with the vocabulary. There also is supplementary grammar if one wants to dig more into the machinery of the language.

I still benefit from having had my first introduction to Spanish from these courses. Now, having decided to review my univerisity French, I find this is still the finest CD on learning basic French.

Recommended.

As a student of Spanish, I like to read novels written in Spanish. Generally I choose books written for young adults so the vocabulary will be easier. I highly recommend the Harry Potter series by the way.
Even with the simpler vocabulary I find myself having to look up certain words. Unfortunately many times the Collins Dictionary didn't contain the word I was searching for but I could find it in my other dictionary, the Langenscheidt's Pocket dictionary. It is smaller (but thicker) than the Collins which is more of a standard paperback book size.

I bought the Collins based upon reviews I read on Amazon, but definitely feel the Langenscheidt's is superior.

My Master's thesis was a review and rating of Spanish-English dictionaries. I find this dictionary, like all the other Collins dictionaries, to be a good choice.

Here are a few of the factors which distinguish a good bilingual dictionary from a bad one.

To begin with, ignore certain publishers' marketing ploys such as entry and translation counts. They say nothing about the value of the words chosen.

The first valid factor to consider is lexicographic technique. A bad dictionary simply lists translations. Take, for example, the entry in the Cassell's Spanish Dictionary under the English headword loop: "lazo, gaza, nudo; ojal, presilla, alamar; anillo; recodo, comba, curva, vuelta," etc. For the English reader writing in Spanish, this is hopelessly inadequate, as the dictionary provides no clue as to which translation to use in which situation.

Compare the treatment of the same word in the far superior American Heritage Spanish Dictionary. "(length of line) lazo; (coil) vuelta; (bend) curva; (circular path) vuelta, circuito; (fastener) presilla" etc. Here, the user is given glosses in the native language to assist in identifying the right word for the context. Example sentences are also a tremendous help. Collins is excellent in this respect, presenting good information to guide users through the semantic and syntactic complexities.

Second, a good dictionary should maintain an up-to-date lexicon, including such cultural and technological additions to the language as "baby sitter," "hostile takeover," "software," "flash drive." Collins is a leader in this respect; its frequent revisions are more than mere window dressing and do a creditable job of covering the most recent additions to the language.

Third, idioms, slang, and cusswords can present real problems to the language learner, and a dictionary needs to handle them in a clear and frank fashion. This dictionary gets it right, giving stylistic equivalents for translations as well as clear advice to the user.

One complaint about Collins dictionaries is that they often presents Britishisms without labeling them as such. Revisions have only partially corrected the problem. For this reason, I would not recommend this dictionary to native Spanish speakers in the US.

Be careful when you choose a bilingual dictionary, as some of the choices--Cassell's and Vox, for example--are downright terrible. The field of large dictionaries stays relatively static over time, and the best choices in it by far are Oxford, Collins, and Larousse. The field of small dictionaries, on the other hand, has many more players. While not the only good choice, Collins is a dictionary most users would be pleased with.