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As a new revert to Islam, this translation and the production quality of this book is wonderful from the design to the educational content. The Arabic language is made very easy to understand by using an english translation that does not leave your mind guessing and grasping for meaning the words are clear so the knowledge gained from it benefits the reader. During my purchase I did order two translations of the Qur'an from Amazon at the same time and this book is the one I use the most because the publisher really treated the Book with respect the whole presentation is beautiful and they really did a wonderful job to educate the reader about what they are reading. I highly recommended it.

Great scholastic piece of work. If you are interested in learning whats in the holy Qur'an, or just want a deeper understanding of it, then I recommend this for you.

Last year I was looking for a translation of the Quran that was both faithful to its spirit and yet still clear. I read many different translations and unfortunately I found them all unsatisfactory. They either used confusing archaic language, translated in an extremely partial way (without even noting where interpolations were used!) or else translated in such simple language that much of the spirit of the Quran was lost. Luckily one of my friends recommended this translation and from the first moment I read it I knew that it fit my needs exactly. I definitely recommend this translation for everyone.

Amazon as usual was able to give me this beautiful Qur'an that honestly is the best interpretation I have ever read. Though rare, this translation has been touted as the best english approximation to the Arabic that has been written. I have to agree. Even the pages are decoratated with beautiful calligraphy that truly accentuates the already present beauty within the pages of this translation. I am very excited to be reading it. Thank You and God Bless!!

This explanation of the Qur'an provides clarification of a religion which has been portrayed very poorly on the media, or better yet, of which the media is extremely afraid of. This commentary of the Qur'an elucidates that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy, unlike the way it is portrayed on the media. After all, news media's motto is: "If it bleeds, it leads." Mohammad Asad, an Austrian Jewish convert to Islam, is a perfect example to show that the arms of Islam are open to embrace people of any religion or race. In fact, just like in the case of Asad, the doors of Islam are open to those converts to reach the highest spiritual and intellectual positions in Islam, such as becoming Islamic scholars who are regarded as the inheritors of the prophets, according to one tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Friends in the Swiss government gave me this important review of American history and the foundational role that prayer has played in shaping and forming us as a people as well as the government of the United States of America.

James P. Moore Jr. has done an incredible job of writing this book and compiling resources from thousands of different sources on the history of prayer in America. Before writing this book, Mr. Moore looked for equivalent writings and the role and significance of prayer on American history and he could find none. So after seven years of writing this manuscript, he unearthed "a marvelous, hidden treasure chest." I agree and I would highly recommend this book as a treasured resource that I will continue to refer to in the coming years.

Mr. Moore puts prayer right at the center as he looks at history, faith, politics, literature, arts, entertainment, culture, music, sports, etc. in America. He says in his prologue on page xi, "Quite frankly, the story of American prayer is so powerful that it does not need to rely on anything but historic fact and reasonable interpretation. "

He recounts 16 periods of time in American history, primary themes and events during those times and within each, the key importance of prayer. He says it best himself in his introduction on page xxiii, " If American history can be likened to a great musical composition, prayer must be seen as an integral and powerful theme throughout the piece. At times it is softer; louder at others. It has its own rhythm, it own pulse. It is always there, fundamentally contributing to whatever melody may be playing." As Mr. Moore recounts in his introduction, G.K Chesterton's words on the vibrant spirituality and prayer life of the country, he wrote, " America is a nation with the soul of a church."

He meanders from before the early inhabitants up through the second term of George W. Bush. If you want to learn more about the past, present and the potential future of America, this book on the life of prayer is a good starting point.

Lovely book, but is the author quite certain of the attribution of the prayer poem that appears on page 312 of the book to one found in the pocket of a dead U.S. soldier in North Africa during WWII? This is actually an English translation of a rather famous Russian poem found in the pocket of a dead Russian infantryman during the Great Patriotic War (as WWII is known in Russia). The original Russian uses very powerful lyrical language that is lost in the English translation, where, for example, for purposes of achieving rhyme a colloquialism such as "calling a spade a spade" is used. Furthermore, one line in the poem is a dead giveaway that it is not American in origin. I doubt very much that an average young man in pre-WWII America had been told that God did not exist or that he had not been exposed in some way to the prayer culture that abounded in America at that time. The Communist Soviet Union, on the other hand, pursued one of the most aggressive religious persecusions known to man in the 1930s at the time when this young soldier author was growing up in an atheistic state. The reason for the poem's power lies in the fact that after years and years of indoctrination and lack of belief, the beauty of the night sky was enough for one individual to realize and recognize the connection with God he had been missing all his life. Framed in this light, the prayer poem achieves extraordinary pogniancy.

I must have been living in a cave all this time. I just stumbled upon this book and found it to be absolutely incredible. I then came to the website to see what others had to say and loved to read how much this single volume has maent to so many. Count me as one of them.



I found the author's writing style to be very inviting. I felt as though he were talking just to me rather than to some big general audience in some impersonal way. The material in this book is stunning. I loved the vignettes that were interspersed with the prayer life of America since the earliest times. Honestly, this book is just stunning.



I am an Asian-American, born and raised in Japan. I came to the United States originally to study and now am a successful businesswoman who finds herself shuttling between both countries. I found in this book the chance to understand Americans in a more intimate way. Thank you to Mr. Moore, the author, for this incredible gift to me and to so many others.


I just wish that my parents, who speak no English, could read this book. Through it they would learn why I have come to have an affection for the American people - a very different impression than the one in the world media these days.

I have been beside myself over the way our government has been behaving in the Middle East. Over dinner last night my friends echoed the same concerns and misgivings.


It was then that I told them about One Nation Under God. This is a book that I finished a few weeks ago and loved from the very start. It gave me a perspective that I really did not have about the incredible spirituality of our country since before its inception. It is masterfully written.

Coincidentally I picked up the July issue of St. Anthony's Messenger and found the same opinion, which I have attached. Thank you to James Moore for this extraordinary contribution to our country for years to come.




IF ASKED to describe the United States, would the first adjective to jump into your head be "prayerful"? After perusal of James P. Moore, Jr.'s book, it would seem that no other description is as accurate.

From the Native American inhabitants to the modern era of immigrants practicing myriad religions, we Americans have been a praying people. Moore is neither a historian nor a clergyman but a professor at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He has produced an impressive study of the effects of prayer on virtually all facets of American life.

In 16 chapters, Moore thoroughly documents his text with excerpts from the writings of the individuals chronicled or those of firsthand witnesses, which necessitates 34 pages of Notes and a 15-page Index. Readers will find no legends here.

Early explorers were deeply religious and mandated how their crews would pray daily. Christopher Columbus was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, as were his sponsors, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. In Jamestown, Virginia, in 1610 a law was passed that all residents should attend morning and evening prayer services, enumerating the punishments to be leveled for absence.

The Founding Fathers, Moore writes, used prayer as "a coalescing tool to bring together widely disparate colonies, communities, and churches." At the First Continental Convention, after the report of a British incursion in Boston, the delegates prayed "for America, for Congress, for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially for the town of Boston." John Adams wrote in his diary that the prayer and emotions expressed were "as permanent, as affectionate, as sublime, as devout, as I have ever heard offered up to Heaven."

Every president has acknowledged the existence of a higher power in his inaugural address; admittedly with varying degrees of belief and, possibly, for ulterior motives. But all presidents, sooner or later, would call upon and acknowledge this power to aid in carrying the heavy burden of office.

John Carroll, the first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States, inaugurated prayers for the country's leaders to be recited after Mass on Sundays to allay suspicions that Catholics were loyal only to the pope. Carroll composed a special prayer on the occasion of President Washington's birthday in 1794. Carroll was foresighted enough to request permission of the Holy See to use English for all Mass prayers to help integrate Catholic immigrants.

Publishing in the United States began with The Bay Psalm Book; a hymnal was the first songbook. These overtly religious writings were followed by uniquely American poetry, prose, drama, art, dance and architecture executed by talented people using their expertise to praise the Almighty.

The Jazz Singer, the story of a Jewish cantor, was the first talking movie. The first American opera to be written and staged was George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, which has songs like "Oh Doctor Jesus" and "Oh Lawd, I'm on My Way."

The chapter entitled "The Dreamers: The Legacy of Slavery" alone is worth the price of the book. Dealing largely with Frederick Douglass, a slave who was able to buy his freedom and work for the release of other slaves, the narrative is spellbinding in detailing the role that prayer played individually and communally in the life of a slave.

Many unique spirituals were introduced to the country and the world in 1871 by the touring Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, and the response was overwhelming. Andrew Ward, music biographer, has said the spirituals "not only declared faith but carried news, raised protests, expressed grief, asked questions, made jokes, lubricated a slave's never-ending toil."

Many industrialists felt called upon to aid the religious cause: Andrew Carnegie purchasing 7,000 organs for churches and schools, the J.C. Penney Foundation providing funds for care of retired ministers and Church workers. Military leaders encouraged prayer and often led by personal example.

Most of us will have lived through the events recounted in the last five chapters, culminating in the second inauguration of George W. Bush, but there are still personal and often touching new insights here into the personalities behind the media reports. Yes, Moore exhibits some political favoritism, but seven years of research utilizing and reproducing primary resources on prayer from virtually every religious sect is a blockbuster publishing event. This historical compilation is as readable and accessible as a novel.

I just want to put my two cents in and let readers know what a joy this book was for me to read. Honestly, it is one of a handful of the best histories of America I have read, and I have read hundreds over my lifetime. The author interweaves spirituality and history in a very straightforward way. While endearing, it never becomes sappy or over the top in any way. I intend to see that firends and fmaily get copies as gifts. It's that good and relevant for a wide swath of people. Congratulations to the author and publisher.

This is a great book, which arrived quickly and in great condition, that I will be giving to our 8 year old niece. Great seller and happy holidays.

Delightful stories of the Hundred-Acre Wood and all of its lovable characters. Pooh and friends have quite a few adventures (or misadventures) in this collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The stories remind me of childhood, making them special each time I reread them. I wouldn't even be able to choose my favorite chapter in this book -- each one is full of wonder, laughter, and Pooh.

The charming and timeless story of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, their friends and their adventures. I truly enjoyed this more than I thought I would. After all the years working at TDS where we had the Disney version of Winnie-the-Pooh shoved at us from all directions, I'd taken to having a distinctly soured view of the bear and all his friends.

It occurred to me one day that I had never actually read the original, and thought maybe I should give that a chance, and am glad that I did. It's a simple and direct story, and proved to be a joy to read.

My 2 1/2 year old loves this! It is soooo much better than letting her watch tv as this uses her imagination. I'm very happy I bought this.

This book was such a sweet little something to come home to at night. This book isn't just for kids, but for adults too! relax and enjoy!

Full of good info. May help take my game to the next level and hopefully beyond.

Bought several hold-em books. This is by far the best. I keep re-reading different parts and learn something new each time. Chris Ferguson's chapters are especially helpful, informative, and easy to understand.

This book is a great way for inexperienced tournament players to understand what is supposed to be going through their heads whenever they're playing a tournament. Probably the best thing about this book is that you see that there is not only one way to play correctly. You get to see things from different perspectives, and I think that is a great way to learn. Overall this book is a must have for a poker player that is looking to get into tournament poker.

I was a poll watcher on election day this year, and since there were long chunks in the middle of the day when nobody was voting, I brought this book along with me.

Wow. I've probably read about 40 poker books in the past three or four years, and this one truly rivals Harrington and Gordon's volumes as a great read, with immediate practicality.

I was worried when I bought it that it would just be a rehashing of all the tips that Full Tilt gives out on their website from the pros, but it was nothing like that.

Ferguson, Matusow, Forrest, Lederer and more gave great information about styles of play that they employed, but the great thing was, there was contradiction among them, showing obviously, we each need to find out what's best for us. I think Ted Forrests' chapter was incredible, easily my favorite. This book also has chapters on the the non hold'em games, and with HORSE and other tourney's gaining more and more popularity, I found these extremely valuable.

This is one of the best poker books out there.

Michael Craig (ed.), The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide: Tournament Edition (Grand Central, 2007)

"Comprehensive" is not the way to describe this book, but I'm not entirely sure what is. Why is it that so many poker books are so... imposing? This isn't quite the doorstop the two Super/System offerings are, but it certainly aspires-- well over four hundred pages. As with those two books, this one contains a number of chapters contributed by a number of different high-profile poker stars, among them Mike Matusow, Howard Lederer, and Huck Seed. Unlike most of the poker books I've seen recently (and like the Super/System books), The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide doesn't limit itself to Hold'em, taking on such esoteric subjects as Omaha/8. There's even a Razz chapter. (Thus the presence of Huck Seed, most of whose WSOP bracelets have come in Razz events.)

A lot of it's stuff you've read before, but it never hurts to hear it again, and-- especially if you've spent most of your time reading about Hold'em-- there's much to be learned here as well. Personally, I think it's worth the price of admission just for the Omaha/8 chapter. ****

great books for the kids and adults alike...reminds us of how easy things are today. cars tractors lights computers ect....

My daughter loves this book series. It was also much cheaper then buying it from the bookstore which I love, I have gotten several books and things from Amazon.com and have always been very pleased.
Thank you

This is a very substantial paperback book set, with beautiful color illustrations, and well worth the price tag. However, I have just two comment regarding this set: 1) My 9-year-old daughter told me she prefers not to have pictures so she can imagine the characters the way she wants to, and 2) compared to the other Little House series, these books are much heavier (thicker pages), which is hard for her to hold up for long periods of time when she is reading in bed. The other books are much lighter, less tiring for her to hold. If you are looking for a library quality paperback that you are going to read to your children, then I highly recommend this quality set. If you are looking for a set for a young reader to read on her own, you may want to consider a less weighty set.

The books and color pictures really are wonderful. The downside to this set is, and it's been mentioned before, that these are only the first five books.

Giving this to our daughter for Christmas. Nice to pass along to our kids.

'In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging',
by Ilchi Lee & Dr Jessie Jones;

I reckon most of us have readily accepted brain vitality from the standpoint of "use it or lose it".

The joint authors of 'In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging' have however come up with a new mantra:

"Use more of it or lose everything!"

In fact, the foregoing book is the lead author Ilchi Lee's second book, which I am reviewing.

His earlier book is 'Principles of Brain Management: A Practical Approach to Making the Most of Your Brain', which I have already reviewed on Amazon.

In a nut shell, 'In Full Bloom' reiterates the lead author's five-step 'Brain Education System Training (BEST)' methodology, originally featured in the earlier book, which seeks to enhance human potential through a variety of mind-body training methods.

Apparently with the timely participation of Dr Jessie Jones, an expert in gerokinesiology (the specialised science of the ways in which exercise & aging interact), the new book now amalgamates the physical & mental activities into a more wholesome holistic program designed to promote & sustain successful aging.

The book is obviously targetted at senior adults, even though many of the exercises illustrated in the book are applicable to both the old & the young.

As a dedicated practitioner of Brain Gym for more than fifteen years, I am already familiar with quite a number of the exercises, which seem to be simple variations of what I have learned & applied over the years. The 'Cook's Hookup', known as 'Wrist Twist' in the book, is a case in point.

All the mind & body exercises in the book have been dove-tailed to suit the original five steps of 'BEST' as envisaged by the lead author Ilchi Lee: Sensitising, Versatilising, Refreshing, Integrating & Mastering.

Again, I must say that there are no ground-breaking or thought-provoking stuff, especially if readers are already familiar with the pioneering work of Arthur & Ruth Winter, Dharma Singh Khalsa, Lawrence Katz, Andrew Weil, just to name a few.

Interestingly, from the standpoint of building posture, strength, flexibility, balance & endurance of senior adults, I have noted that there are many parallels in the recommended fitness exercises with the work of clinical physical therapists Marilyn Moffat & Carole Lewis, writing in their book, entitled 'Age Defying Fitness: Making the Most of Your Body for the Rest of Your Life'.

Nonetheless, what I like most about the book is the reasonably vast collection of well-illustrated integrated exercises for mind & body, mostly drawn from a variety of complementary & alternative domains, a sort of East-West synthesis.

For me, I generally concur with the soundness & validity of the principal premises of the authors, as exemplified here:

- we have the power to control at least 70% of our aging process through the lifelong choices we make in diet, exercise, mental health, learning & relationships;

- we can make proactive, conscious choices to help our bodies & brains remain healthy & vital into our senior most years;

- more importantly, our brains are infinitely adaptable; physical wellness, lifestyle, weight, diet, & exercise are far more significant factors in long term brain health than genetics or age;

- best of all, age is not a choice; healthy living is;

Luckily, to my pleasant delight, the nutrition aspect - food & your brain - is touched on in this book, which I have highlighted as "missing" from the earlier book.

In my view, the two authors have appropriately ended the book with a great 'Afterword: Embodying the Jansaeng Lifestyle'. (Jangsaeng is a Korean word that roughly translates as long life vitality in respect to the passage of time.)

The 'Walking Yourself Young: Jangsaeng Walking' as illustrated in the Appendix is a good take-away, at least from my perspective.

It appears that Adrian Yeo aka Dr Yeo Ning Hong, author of 'T.H.E A2Z Diet', which I have already reviewed earlier, has shared the same idea of a walking journey of 10,000 steps in order to increase general fitness.

There is also an interesting 'Senior Fitness Test' at the back of the book.

To end my review, all I can say is that, if readers are looking for a highly readable book that integrates &/or combines the wisdom of Western processes & Eastern practices on the fountain of health, happiness & peace, then this book will do you a great favour.

[Reviewed by Lee Say Keng, Knowledge Adventurer & Technology Explorer, December 2008]

A senior moment - forgetting something that should be obvious. Is it inevitable or can the mental decay of age be avoided? "In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging" looks at the brain and how it ages, revealing that the loss of brain function as one gets older does not have to be the destiny of all seniors. Encouraging a program to keep one's brain in tip top shape much like one would work a muscle, "In Full Bloom" is a seminal guide for anyone getting up there and fearing losing their mind. Especially recommended for community library health collections.

As soon as I heard this book was published and available, I ordered six copies from Amazon.com. To my surprise I had to wait as they were already sold out. I have given all six to friends, organizations, and a club. This book is true, simple, and life saving. Every exercise is celarly illustrated, easy to perform and needs no special equipment but ones body. It fully debunks brain myths that many of us grew up with and allows us to understand our responsibilities in aging gracefully, creatively and retain our faculties at the same time. I highly recommend this book for all adults to understand how their lives can be more rewarding and fulfilling. More power to the over 60.

As a practitioner of Hatha yoga with 10 years of experience, I was thrilled to find this book which shows what I would call a "martial-arts style" yoga. Ilchi Lee makes Eastern philosophy and exercise accessible to Americans in a way that we can understand and apply to our everyday lives. Thank you!!! I'm 42...not a senior... and I find the exercises in this book a great way to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Great illustrations and descriptions.

This is a short story about a `friend'. My `friend' spent most of his adult life as an unhappy individual. This `friend' hated the work he was doing but stayed with the same employer for 25 years. He didn't particularly care for his neighbors but is living in the same house for 17 years. He didn't want to keep in touch with friends or relatives unless he absolutely had to.
During his 30's and 40's, he was always complaining about his health and the aches and pains that conveniently kept him home from work and was also a good excuse to avoid keeping in touch with friends and family. He spent too many days going from doctor to doctor and hospital to hospital, throughout his life, only to get the same answers to all the tests he subjected himself to. The tests were all negative, but this `friend' was not convinced that there was nothing wrong with him.
This `friend' was living a self-fulfilling prophecy. He had used his failing health as an excuse for so long that he had convinced himself that he was really sick. Instead of being happy that all the test results were negative, he complained that the doctors could not find the problems, which made him feel sicker.
Finally at age 58, this 'friend' went to see a doctor who happened to be of Korean origin. After another round of tests with still negative results, this doctor told this 'friend' that he was in good health, in fact, he was in very good health. The doctor recommended that he should get into an exercise and diet program before long or his health would start to deteriorate. The doctor suggested that he should look into a Yoga program which is both physical as well as educational.
So this `friend' found a Dahn Yoga Center only a few blocks from his home. He gathered enough courage to go upstairs and speak with the Instructor. After a 20 minute initial exam, the instructor was describing all the ailments this 'friend' was experiencing, and he was right on. After an introduction to the Yoga exercise routine, this 'friend' attended his first Yoga class the same evening. Although he was always skeptical and doubting everything in his life, something about the Yoga class made him feel different. He continued with the classes and participated in educational programs called B.E.S.T.
The instructor recommended the he read a book named; In Full Bloom: A brain Education Guide For Successful Aging, by Ilchi Lee and Doctor Jessie Jones. This book helped this `friend' to understand how he was creating his own problems and how to start to correct his physical and mental balance back to a healthy body and mind.
If you didn't guess by now this `friend' is really me. At age 58, I am now able to realize that my negative outlook was causing my aches and pains. It all took place in my head. For over 25 years my constant complaining and whining brought myself and everybody around me down.
Just to be able to write this story shows how much I have changed. In one year I lost 14 lbs., my aches and pains have gone away, and my attitude has changed from negative to positive.
But writing this story serves another purpose. If anybody reading this story has the same or similar attitude, I urge you, I'll even beg you, don't wait for your life to pass by without changing how you feel. Get a copy of: In Full Bloom, and / or visit a Yoga center near you. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the rest of your life. It's never to late to change.

The first time I heard about this book was when I watched the movie, a really good movie. I was really impressed about the feelings and experiences of the characters. I know Danielle Steel is a good writer; I really love this book... At the end, I almost cry because the end was very sentimental and depth.

I read this book over 10 yrs ago and it is one of the few I have actually read more than once.

This earlier book of Danielle Steele's is one of my favorites. The main character is an interesting and strong woman. The story is filled with suspense, danger and of course, romance.

I love this book!!!!!!!!! This is my all time favorite book.
Buy this book you will not regret it.

While Steel's books may not hold high literary status, her books are popular, and reading The Ring is one of her best efforts.

Steel, through her well honed writing skills, takes the female character through several love relationships starting with a character that she learned to love against all odds. Her love of a German Nazi solider, and her love of another, finally leads to finding the greatest love of her life. Read the book and you'll find out how love does endure through all situations and finally wins out. One of her best books.

This is an awesome book. I laughed and cried. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. I highly reccommend this for all US citizens - whether you are associated with the military or not. It gives an understanding of what the military members and their families deal with, and who they are.

This book really gives you a taste for how it is in Iraq...I think everyone should read it...especially Pres. Bush.

This book was very moving. I laughed and I cried. There were sad stories and poignant stories and many positive stories. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a real look at how the military and their families feel about going through these deployments. I also recomment it for families going through the deployments now. I have learned a lot about what my son may be going through and may not be willing to share with us right now.

I am a military wife. My young daughter and I survived 12 months while my husband served in Iraq. This book was absolutely amazing. I cannot come up with the words to describe how much this book meant to me. I don't know about other spouses, but no matter how much my husband and I talk, it is not easy for him to communicate his thoughts or feelings on his service in Iraq. It was even difficult for him to describe his life over there when asked directly. I think a lot of it is him trying to protect me, but also, his brain does not work that way. He was there, he did what he had to do as a soldier, end of story. This book brought me insight into my husband. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me sick. It made me angry. It made me happy. It made me joyful. It made me all of these things at the same time. I am so thankful to the organization(whose name escapes me right now) that made this book possible. It is a book that touched my heart and soul. I will never be the same, and I am greatful for that. It is in know way a "light" read. I read it quickly, as I do everything, but because I was hungry to read more, to know more, to feel more. Do not read it without a box of tissues next to you.

I am a NCO in the army and have been to Iraq 4 times and this book sent chills through my bodie many times with the pure honest look at war. Most of the stories are reflections of events that any service member will identifie with. Then there are some events told in this book only a select few will truely grasp. This is a must read if you would like a insight into the mind of a Military member who has been deployed. I cant recomend this book more then just get it read it and prepair to get choked up. I know i did

If there's one thing Bertie Wooster should never do, it's make elaborate plans to bring estranged lovebirds back together.

And he demonstrates just why in the second full-length Jeeves novel, a screwball disaster saga that sees Bertie confidently trying to fix people's lives. Of course, things go horribly wrong, and Wodehouse's arch, nutty look at what happens next is an absolute gem.

When Aunt Dahlia summons him to Brinkley Court for a prizegiving, Bertie sends his newt-fancying friend Gussie instead -- especially since Gussie is enamoured of a girl staying there, the soppy Madeleine Bassett. But when Bertie hears that his cousin Angela has broken off her engagement to Tuppy Glossop -- and his aunt is in need of money -- he rushes down to assist all his relatives and pals by advising them to feign such sorrow that they're unable to eat.

Unfortunately his plan falls through, and they manages to enrage the cook Anatole to the point where he storms out. Even worse, the prize-giving is a disaster and the wrong people end up engaged -- and pursued by homicidally angry exes. Only Jeeves' formidable brain can somehow save the day -- and Bertie's behind.

P.G. Wodehouse made a pretty good living off of spoofing the upper crust of England, and the subtlely intlligent servants who bail them out. "Right Ho Jeeves" is a prime example of his writing -- some small mistakes rapidly balloon out into a crazy tangled mess, which only an intelligent manservant can rescue Bertie from.

Much of the book's charm comes from its complex plot and series of disasters (such as Tuppy's homicidal rampage). And as usual, poor Bertie finds himself the object of young ladies' affections -- in this case, the appallingly goofy Madeleine thinks he's madly in love with her, when she's not rambling about fairies and bunnies. If there's a flaw, it's that Jeeves' final solution is a bit limp.

But Wodehouse's writing is what really makes the book timeless. It's arch and wry, whether he's describing basic actions ("He leaped like a lamb in springtime"), or goofy dialogue ("But if you were a male newt, Madeline Bassett wouldn't look at you. Not with the eye of love, I mean").

Jeeves and Bertie are the perfect comic team -- Bertie is proud, goofy, and not terribly bright, while the quiet Jeeves is a towering intellect with wry wit. And they're backed by a colourful, small cast of nutty aristocrats, schoolboys, sharp-tongued aunts and cousins, newt-fancying fish-faced men, and a girl who talks about how "every time a fairy sheds a tear, a wee bitty star is born." Yech.

"Right Ho Jeeves" is a hilarious, tangled farce of love, money, jealousy, dinner jackets and the mating rituals of newts. Absolutely priceless, from start to finish.

"Right Ho Jeeves" was first published in 1934 in the UK, though was first published in the US under the name "Brinkley Court". The book is set in England and features Wodehouse's best known creations : Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves. Bertie is the book's wealthy, good-natured and rather dim narrator. He's a member of the "idle rich" and, rather than having to work for a living, lives off an allowance provided by his uncle. He spends much of his time in the bar-room of the Drones Club, is fond of the occasional wager and has an appalling dress sense. Luckily, Bertie has Jeeves, to look after him. Without Jeeves, Bertie's life would be a mess : he makes an excellent hangover cure, his bets usually win and is intelligent enough to rescue Bertie from nearly any situation. He disapproves of Bertie's more garish items of clothing, and will - occasionally - take it upon himself to deal with the offending item.

The book opens with Bertie's return from Cannes, having spent two months on holiday with his Aunt Dahlia, his cousin Angela and Madeline Basset - Angela's best friend. Arriving back at his flat, Bertie is surprised to learn that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been a frequent caller in his absence. Gussie, an old school-friend of Bertie's, is something of a reclusive character : he doesn't drink, looks rather like a fish, prefers country life to the city and is a noted newt-fancier. Gussie has apparently fallen in love, and has - wisely - taken to visiting Jeeves for his advice on how to win the young lady's heart. However, following a disagreement with Jeeves about a white mess jacket purchased in Cannes, Bertie decides to take over Gussie's case.

By sheer coincidence, the object of Gussie's desires is none other than Madeline Basset - who, after the trip to Cannes, has returned to Brinkley Court (Aunt Dahlia's stately home). Bertie sends Gussie off to the stately home in question - though his motives aren't entirely noble. As well as spending time with Madeline, Gussie will also be delivering a speech at the local grammar school's prizegiving day - a job Aunt Dahlia had intended for Bertie. However, when word comes through that Angela has brokern off her engagement with Tuppy Glossop, Bertie and Jeeves race off to the countryside to offer their support. Naturally, Bertie's attempts to ease smooth things over land everyone in a great deal of bother.

A very easy and enjoyable read.

got the blues? melancholia got you in its grip? the prospect of death got you down? jeeves to the rescue! nothing like a good wodehouse read to cheer one up. problem is, the man wrote just short of a million books, and not all of them are good. so where to start? right here, with this book. of all the wodehouse books i've read, this is my favorite, the most consistently entertaining. just what the doctor ordered to smash you in the funny bone and get a smile going on the old face.

If you love Monty Python, Faulty Towers, and the like, you'll love RHJ. The glowing reviews on this page are spot on. This is timeless stuff. And Cecil's reading (if you incline towards the recorded version) is terrific. Laugh out loud funny. I adored every moment!

It is rare that I derive such pleasure from a book, but Right Ho, Jeeves, gave me a delightful surprise. Not only does Wodehouse make an art of the satirical novel, but in the process wraps the reader up in the witty speech of Bertram Wooster and his strange arrangement of friends, family, and butler. Bertram, or "Bertie," as he is commonly known, stumbles through the entire novel with the idea that he alone must bear the weight of being the sole aid to his friends' problems. Despite several attempts at a kind reprimand from Jeeves, his personal servant, ("I beg your pardon sir... What I intended to say, since you press me, was that the action which you propose does seem to be somewhat injudicious."); Bertie continues to give it his best. Among other things, Wooster implements the best intentions while attempting a match between old friends, but with little success: "All he had to do was propose." "Yes, sir." "Well, didn't he?" "No, sir." "Then what the dickens did he talk about?" "Newts, sir."

Despite the playful banter, colorful characters (such as a sensitive French cook), an inept yet lovable narrative voice found in Wooster, and of course, Jeeves, behind all is an incredibly clever satire on the "upper crust," so to speak. Although, admittedly, many readers cannot associate directly with the early-middle twentieth century, one cannot help but feel the idle, privileged and somewhat clueless lives of the English aristocracy seep from the pages of Jeeves. Wodehouse does a wonderful job of capturing the lives of people who have nothing better to do then dabble about ridiculously in the lives of one another.

Indeed, Wodehouse does much to reflect the over-privileged lives to which Bertie and company cling to so humorously. However, what might have become a novel filled to overflowing with hilarity and drama is brought back down to a more substantial level with the constant subtle humor and patronization brought in by Jeeves. "Jeeves, don't keep saying `Indeed, sir?' No doubt nothing is further from your mind than to convey such a suggestion, but you have a way of stressing the `in' and then coming down with a thud on the `deed' which makes it virtually tantamount to `Oh, yeah?' Correct this, Jeeves." The nature in which Bertie and the rest are virtually ignorant to Jeeves' little jibes such as this shows clearly the statement of Wodehouse, how the aristocracy is too self absorbed to notice even the slightest. In short, this is a wonderfully clever novel, which keeps the pages turning with quick wit and snappy humor. I highly suggest it.

Very much enjoyed this book. Loaded with fascinating pictures and images. Stays out of political opinions or posturing. Highly recommended.

This book broadly covers the organization and History of Hitler's elite enforces providing the reader with great amounts of information on this subject. It hides nothing especially the attrocities.

A must read for those interested in this subject.

Many good things can be said about this book. I sought out this book after reading the `Complete Idiot's Guide to Nazi Germany' and found that it had very little information on the SS. I was surprised at the number of photos and pictures in this book. That was the aspect I liked the most. The overall layout of the book was nice with detailed information on the formation of the SS, day to day tasks, subdivisions of the organization, equipment, atrocities on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, and the foreign legions. However, I feel the book could have used more information on the Gestapo, the SD, and the Einsatzgruppen. The Waffen-SS was given plenty of coverage in regards to its individual divisions and campaigns on the two fronts. I would have to say too much information considering that this was supposed to be a book about the entire SS. The sections on the Waffen SS were excellent, without a doubt. The book should have been given a different title which stresses this fact. Overall, the book was easy to read and flowed well with plenty of fascinating information. The author seemed a bit quick to defend the Waffen SS and some of the atrocities it is accused of, constantly stressing the fact that on the whole they were soldiers like those in the Wehrmacht. Though this may or may not have been true, opinions like this should have been kept to a minimum. The book would have been better if the information was just presented and then proceeded to let the reader decide for him or herself.

This book is an awesome collection of written material along with rare, powerful photos and diagrams. A standout feature, and my personal favorites, were the illustrations of particular uniforms, medlas,ceremonial decorations, propaganda posters, and weaponry that you don't find in alot of WWII references. Overall, this a great book and a must for WWII enthusiasts.

Comprehensive, profusely illustrated, reader-friendly, concise, nice size edition and clear in its exposition. In about 250 pages Mr. Williamson covers the whole history of these special troops, in all their aspects. Reviewing all its divisions, commanders, foreign nationalities that were incorporated into them, the weapons, the battles, their most talented fighters, etc and without losing the thread of his story: a most remarkable thing. Of course this is no eulogy of the SS, it tells of the barbarities committed as well as the acts of true heroism in battle by some of their soldiers. This is a great history. One can follow their main divisions from their inception long before the war, and how they grew in size and experience parallel to the national circumstances of Germany herself.

The role played by Himmler's crackpot ethnic theories were debunked by sheer necessity of man force: many of its finest soldiers were indeed non-Germans. One feels compelled to read more about this ignominiuos personage, Himmler, as he really was a weird (and evil) guy. On the positive side are outstanding acts of sheer valor and heroism of some soldiers who really deserve to remain in any military history of this war. Some passages of course overlap with the Wehrmacht, since they fought side by side many times, but both the detailed analysis and the wider scope of the SS role are present in this book. Nothing relevant is missing here. A great history book and an engrossing read.