MP

It is not uncommon for writers of britcoms to supplement a successful television series with a text-based adaptation, and such is indeed what writers Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay have done with Yes Minister (and its sequel, Yes Prime Minister). It is uncommon, however, to find such a good one.

Every bit as erudite and witty as the series upon which it is based, The Complete Yes Minister (originally published in 1984 and subtitled The Diaries of a Cabinet Minister), is ostensibly by the Right Hon. James Hacker MP (with Lynn and Jay serving merely as humble editors!). The year is 2019--and no this is NOT science fiction! Although Hacker kept a daily diary of his experiences and opinions whilst in office in the 1980s, the subsequent passage of time has resulted in the expiration of the Thirty-Year Rule. What this means is that the editors (who are writing from Hacker College, Oxford, by the way!) now conveniently have access to (and are able to publish) copies of all the memos and minutes written by Sir Humphrey Appleby (amongst others)--copies of which are included in the book, thereby providing us with a perspective other than Hacker's rather narrow (and, at least initially, innocent) one.

The book commences (as one would expect!) with the "Editors' Note." Lynn and Jay elaborate on the problems they encountered in editing the Diaries and how these were dealt with. Nevertheless, they admit it falls to us ultimately to decide for ourselves whether Hacker's account represents: "(a) what happened, (b) what he believed happened, (c) what he would like to have happened, (d) what he wanted others to believe happened, or (e) what he wanted others to believe that he believed happened"! The editors also include a note of thanks to Sir Humphrey (whose last days were spent in St. Dympna's Hospital for the Elderly Deranged!) for information gleaned from conversations which were held with him "before the advancing years, without in any way impairing his verbal fluency, disengaged the operation of his mind from the content of his speech."

The Diaries themselves are divided into twenty-one chapters (one chapter per episode) with 20 to 30 pages each (there are 514 pages in all). Of course there is dialogue (from Hacker's recollection), but the Diaries comprise so much more. The inclusion of copies of memos, letters, interviews, newspaper clippings, entries from Sir Humphrey's own diary, not to mention the recollections of Sir Bernard Woolley (from conversations with the editors) make for a far more dynamic, fun book than if the writers had merely presented us with the series' scripts. The format also allows for so much of Hacker's thoughts to be included--much of which we as viewers were never privy to. Finally, the Diaries are liberally annotated by the editors with helpful, humorously phrased bits of background information often pertaining to government workings or terminology--bits that are additional to the television series.

Of course, it is being a fan of the television series and having watched it with such enjoyment that makes this book (a UK publication) such a gem as we picture Hacker, Sir Humphrey, etc., in our mind's eye. But it is so creatively written, with all the original wit (and more), that it's a superb book in its own right--one which I'd recommend to anyone looking for an intelligent, hilariously witty, pun-filled book--one that also happens to offer a wealth of insight into the inner workings of the parliamentary system of government. For those, however, for whom this richly witty, intelligent series is a favourite, this book (together with it's sequel) really is a must-have, and I recommend it every bit as highly as the superb series upon which it is based!

if you like your humor understated and your wit dry (droll as humphrey would no doubt say), this book will be the best you have ever read. and it will stay that way.

the british civil service had a unique characteristic - it was not directly under the control of the political masters. this gave rise to a very interesting situation where the civil service and her majesty's servants were working towards entirely opposite ends. to the civil servant, imaginative and bold were the worst criticisms. change in any form was looked down upon - as we say here - "if it aint broke, dont fix it". the politicians (especially those new in office like hacker who weren't cynical enough not to care one way or the other) often came to office with lofty ideals of revolutionizing society and being the forefathers of a better tomorrow.

behind the curtain of civility, they (the civil servants and politicians) fought battle after battle. the art of realpolitik meant entirely diffent things to both sides. many of the battles went to the civil servants (Lord Humphrey being among the shrewdest) but at times Hacker (James Hacker - first minister and later Prime Minister) prevailed with his low cunning and fast realization that not everything was what it looked like.

each chapter is a revelation - the next time you read the news, you will see it in an entire different perspective after reading this book. action and motive are so far removed as to make the connection entirely unimaginable and the amount of time spent trying to do nothing seems at times appalling.

if slapstick is your cup of tea, stay away from this book. the humor is often less in what is said than in how it is said. the laughs never end. i have read this book 5 times now. the first time, you enjoy the humor for what it is. the second time, you start enjoying the situations, the broader picture, the political moves,and the sheer genius of humphrey. the third time you see how the characters develop. by the fourth time, it's like you're on crack. you cant explain it - you know what is going to happen next, you know the exact words. you still have to read it again. and again. and again.

Sir Humphrey Appleby, Sir Bernard Wooley, and Rt Honorable James Hacker... this is simply the most outstanding work of humorous fiction that lampoons the British civil service and politicians alike.

Based on the diaries of the minister, the series has been converted to a wonderful teleseries, where the casting has been done by someone who truly loves the book and has imbibed the characters so completely, that on later readings of the book, the television characters appear to the mind.

The book is a series of short stories, which expose the careful interplay between the British civil service and the British politicians, the role played by media, the foriegn office, the various departments etc. It is a wonderful set of stories, where the English is truly masterful!! I remember reading each story with a pencil and dictionary while writing the GRE many years ago,... this and its sequel, yes prime minister, are books which should receive their space in your cabinet.

I dont know why this says - Limited availability, these books are easily procured in India where they are being printed.

Author has a flawless style of writing and presenting accounting. It has clear-cut examples with no gimmicks. This is a great resource for reviewing for comprehensive exams.

EXCELLENT TEXT BOOK FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ACCOUNTING

This text is written for the student. The writing style is, I believe, excellent. The problems are comprehensive. The subject material is comprehensive. I, for one, highly recommend this text.

This is the first History book that I found interesting. Not only does it give you good information... but it shows different views on events in history.

I have yet to finish reading the entirety of this rather extensive piece on the history of America, but so far have found this book to not only hold my interest, but to provide a wealth of important, and often fascinating information. I think all Americans should read this book because it teaches about the true foundations of our country. Some facts may be difficult for some to accept, such as the atrocities committed against the Native Americans, among others, but nonetheless they need to be told. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who really wants to learn about how our country came to be what it is today.

Este es un libro excelente, no pretende ser un manual de usuario,no pretende enseñar la historia de la programación visual, sino que va al grano y da las explicaciones prácticas que son las que el programador necesita para desarrollar sus tareas en forma eficiente. Enseña via un ejemplo la programación de tres capas en forma clara y concreta, explica como manejar stored procedures, también con un ejemplo concreto, trae un cd, con el sql server en versión trial (prueba) y con utilitarios variados dentro del mismo. Realmente, vale mas que los $ 20.- que cuesta. Lo tienen que tener si o si, después pueden comprar si quieren todos los de la editorial Wrox, pero empiecen con este!.

Román Hugo Bernachea cartelera2000@hotmail.com

En mi opinión, es un excelente libro, no solo para aprender como conectar VB a Base de Datoa, sino tambien te introduce en SQL Server, y lo más importantem la excelente atencion puesta en SQL, ADO y Programación en 3 Capas (muy bien explicado)

Es una buena introducción al concepto .NET de Microsoft.

Lo recomiendo no solo para desarrolladores VB , sino tambien para desarrolladores de Internet (ASP/IIS).

He comprado este libro, ya que tenía la versión anterior, y me encontré que es aún mucho mejor. Más info, más páginas, más de todo, y de las últimas versiones de soft. Entonces también copio aquí mi review de la edición '99: "Como ya conocía las revistas de computación que edita MP Ediciones decidí confiar en ellos al comprar este libro antes que otros de la competencia, y realmente me sorprendió la alta calidad del mismo. Está escrito en un lenguaje completamente sencillo para una/o que recién empieza con la computación. Lo compré en principio solo para aprender lo básico de la computadora, de Internet y de Word y terminé leyendo todo el libro y aprendiendo hasta a hacer planillas en Excel. Realmente lo recomiendo ya que tiene un poco de todo y en la cantidad suficiente para aprender muy bien al mejore estilo de esas lineas de libros for Dummies o Idiots, aunque no me considero nada de eso..:-) Muy Bueno."

Como ya conocía las revistas de computación que edita MP Ediciones decidí confiar en ellos al comprar este libro antes que otros de la competencia, y realmente me sorprendió la alta calidad del mismo. Está escrito en un lenguaje completamente sencillo para una/o que recién empieza con la computación. Lo compré en principio solo para aprender lo básico de la computadora, de Internet y de Word y terminé leyendo todo el libro y aprendiendo hasta a hacer planillas en Excel. Realmente lo recomiendo ya que tiene un poco de todo y en la cantidad suficiente para aprender muy bien al mejore estilo de esas lineas de libros for Dummies o Idiots, aunque no me considero nada de eso..:-) Muy Bueno.

Un amigo me habia recomendado el Manual de Windows 98. Decidido a comprarlo, me encontre que habia salido la segunda edicion. Todo lo que le faltaba a la primera edicion, todas las novedades que fueron saliendo estos dos anios, esta aca. Ademas incluye un CD-ROM con la actualizacion entera de Windows 98, que ya trae el Internet Explorer 5. Muy buenas las explicaciones. Como me dice mi amigo "El Dr. Goldberger nos tiene acostumbrados a sus excelentes explicaciones de Windows". Veo que no se equivocaba. En resumen, muy bueno y sin dudas recomendable para todos los niveles de usuarios. Muy bueno el tratamiento de las funciones de Internet Explorer, el manejo de Outlook Express, y la siempre imposible tarea de configurar una cuenta de Internet. Las explicaciones sobre las opciones de configuracion avanzadas y las herramientas de mantenimiento es muy completo. Incluso trae un apartado con el detalle de las novedades de Win98 SE y una guia para cambiar toda la apariencia de Windows de maneras increibles. Una aclaracion: no necesitan comprar la anterior edicion, esta ya incluye todo.

Se puede lograr ensenarle a un principiante sin tratarlo como a un tonto? La respuesta es si. Este libro no cae en los habituales errores de subestimar la inteligencia de sus lectores, o explicar con tecnicismos innecesarios. Todo esta en la justa proporcion, para saber las funciones por su nombre, pero no para saturarnos con jerga informatica que nunca usariamos.

El libro nos ensena todos los principios basicos de Windows, desde la instalacion hasta una detallada explicacion de cada accesorio. Los comandos basicos del sistema de ventanas, las funciones de los menues, los atajos para aumentar la productividad, todo esta incluido. Dedicar tiempo a leer este libro significa ahorrar muchas mas horas de trabajo, sabiendo manejar cualquier parte de Windows (y por lo tanto cualquier programa basado en el se hace mas facil de manejar).

Ademas, nos introduce al manejo basico de Internet, los navegadores y los clientes de correo gracias a su explicacion de Internet Explorer y Outlook Express; al mantenimiento de la computadora con Scandisk y el desfragmentador de disco; a ahorrar espacio gracias a FAT 32 (sistema al que converti mi disco al enterarme como hacerlo sin riesgo, gracias a este libro); a solucionar los tan comunes problemas de impresion si tener que investigar las interminables paginas de ayuda de Windows.

Como ensenarle a un principiante? Con este libro. Gracias, Dr. Goldberger, excelente trabajo.

Pareciera que en muchos casos, las revistas y los libros sobre Internet y Marketing, satisfacen al autor, a la editorial que lo publica, y a un selecto grupo de expertos que deciden leer más sobre lo que ya saben bastante. Por eso, en mi humilde opinión de usuaria frecuente, curiosa y ambiciosa, no especializada en Internet, "Introducción al Marketing en Internet", de Fabián Feld, merece un comentario especial. Es un libro diferente porque logra achicar la brecha entre lo que sé y lo que necesito aprender para crear, diseñar, subir, mantener, difundir y evaluar mi propio sitio web (ya casi listo). Aún trabajando en esto sola, me siento acompañada en cada paso del proceso, a través de un lenguaje sencillo, claro, entretenido y fresco. (Como si estuviera interactuando con el autor y sus secretos de especialista). Se ofrecen cantidad de direcciones, definiciones, estrategias de acción, atajos, advertencias para evitar obstáculos, y básicamente un modelo de análisis y de trabajo, del cual me voy apropiando con cada consulta, con cada re-lectura. Empiezo a mirar cada página web, con menos inocencia y con un espíritu crítico más enriquecido. Creo que este material responde a lo mejor del espíritu de Internet hoy: Mucho contenido, abordajes multifacéticos y lenguaje accesible. Estoy convencida de que es un libro útil para todos.

El libro "Introducción al Marketing en Internet", de Fabian Feld, llego a mis manos, en el momento en que, conjuntamente con otras personas, estabamos estudiando el lanzamiento de un Sitio de turismo en la Web para Latinos. Si bien los desarrolladores que estan preparando el mismo nos informaban sobre los distintos aspectos y caracteristicas tecnicas de la futura pagina, la lectura del libro nos ilustro ampliamente sobre los principales componentes y conceptos a tener en cuenta para una exitosa Web. Especialmente en mi caso, que como profesional estoy a cargo de la gerencia comercial y financiera del proyecto, la lectura de los distintos capitulos del libro, me puso en conocimiento de aspectos tecnicos y estrategicos minimos y basicos, como el significado de las herramientas de internet, los sitios mas exitosos, la promocion en los buscadores, el e- commerce en el pais y en el exterior,etc.; todo ello en un lenguaje claro y comprensible para los "no tan" especialistas del tema.

En resumen, para mi y mis allegados, dicho libro nos resultó un gran asesor, al que recurrimos sin dudar.

Para todos los palm-users, que como yo, alguna vez empezamos a dar los primeros pasos en esta plataforma, para los que no supieron como hacer una cita, configurar un calendario, o simplemente, para aquellos que desean sacarle el maximo provecho a su organizador, pues bien, este es su libro. Esta escrito en un lenguaje simple y ameno. Estan enfocados con claridad los puntos mas importantes, tanto para los principiantes, como para los que tienen alguna experiencia con estos equipos. Abarca desde conociones basicas como uso del calendario, contactos y demas, hasta manejo de internet, mails y algunos consejos para hacer nuestra relacion con estas "pequeñas", mas facil. Lo recomiendo como herramienta de consulta y para los que se inician en este apasionante mundo de palm.

Para todos aquellos usuarios de palm, que alguna vez no supieron como realizar una cita, que se preguntaron como hacer para solucionar algun problema concreto o simplemente,como un servidor, darse cuenta que solo estaba utilizando un 10% de las capacidadades de su organizador.......bien, esta guia de supervivencia no debe faltarle. Esta escrita claramente, en un lenguaje ameno, y abarca desde las mas simples tareas diarias (agenda, calendario, contactos) hasta cosas mas avanzadas como el manejo de mails e internet. Soy usuario de la plataforma palm desde hace meses, y debo decir que encontre en esta "biblia", muchas herramientas para hacer que mi 3III sea imprescindible.

As a student I found this book easy to understand. It is extremely practicle and interesting.

This text is the first to take a management perspective on Integrated Marketing Communication. It does a wonderful job, using brand building as its foundation.

This book is strongly recommended in the education for medical students in the University of Lund. That's why I read it. It's perfect as a startup book for your pre-clin medical studies. It's not deep enough in the physiology part (although anatomy and especially histology is very good) but the integrated approach is really terrific and it makes you understand in a whole new way. If you want to become a good doctor, you should absolutely buy this book, or borrow it a least in your library. The first integrated anatomy & physiology book I've read that's deep enough for medical students. Good work Seeley.

I had the pleasure of not only getting to use this text in my A&P class but I was taught by Dr. Seeley at Idaho State University. Great text with great explinations. I am still using it as a resource in Physician Assistant training.

I am sure that people who have read this book will agree that this product is the means of excellent basic Anatomy and Physiology. I have found figures and data tables very clear and easily understandable. Excellent Summaries at the end of each chapter beautifies this product. Clinical facts given from time to time are as interesting and knowledgeable as "Develop Your Reasoning Skills" Problems. This book deserve a chance from every Anatomy student. I conratulate the authors and highly recommend this book.