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This book is the very best our family has every read for keeping our interest, not wanting to put it down. We are all adults-sorry no kids live here, unless you can see the kids in us. We're 67,67 37, and 31. Fifty Heroes could not be better. Succinct, excellent, accurate, wonderful in every way. We are going to give copies to our siblings for them to enjoy and to share with all their grandkids when they visit, copies to a couple neighbor kids, a foster grandson, the list will go on and on in time. Besides being succinct, excellent, accurate and wonderful in every way, Fifty Heroes is written so kids can understand and be inspired to be a hero/heroine right away. We cannot say enough about this splendiferous book. Thank you so much for all the toil, sweat, stress, and thoughtfulness you endured to produce this greatest book of 2001. All of us in the Patches household wish you both the very best in your lives and forthcoming publications. Sincerely yours, Roger and Joan

What a wonderful book - well written, entertaining, educational and even great looking! A perfect answer to that age-old summer question "What can I do? I'm bored." The book offers all sorts of activities to challenge and interest children. And it's not just for kids. I was surprised to read a lot that I didn't know about "real" heroes. I recommend it for the whole family.

Dr. Dennis Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe have written a book so inspiring and appropriate for children that this book should be in every classroom in the United States! Hard as if may be to believe, I have literally bought more than 60 copies of this book to share with parents and educators around the country. Every one I've spoken with who has seen and read this book has nothing but rave reviews to give it!

This book might be summed up rather simply rather than reading the numerous pages: truth is the search for yourself, and you won't find yourself while looking outside in the world. This is as simple as it can be put. Rose analyzes numerous paths for the reader to demonstrate how they all fail to meet some rather common sense criteria. His criteria are primarily: "elimination of concepts", self observation, self remembering, respectful doubt, development of intuition, and knowing the Real Observer. For those who don't have any particular beliefs, he doesn't go very far to tell you exactly what you should do. But if you take his logical analysis and common sense criteria to the point of negating everything, you may discover that everything in the world crumbles away like an illusion. And when the world crumbles away, you may discover something rather important. In particular, you may discover the pointlessness of the current existence you are in, find shattering depression, and then some illumination. Or, you may just jump to the marvel of existence. They are both sides of the same coin, after all. Buy it and read it, or begin looking carefully to see who you are.

What I find unique about this book is that it provides a method of discernment for spiritual seekers. Over the past 30 years or so, there has been a vast proliferation of esoteric spiritual groups, each claiming to provide access to ultimate truth. The individual seeker may be confused by the various claims, unaware of the pitfalls, and uncertain of what particular method to employ in their own spiritual search. "The Albigen Papers" is a "handbook" based on Rose's own search and the problems he encountered as he participated in and investigated various metaphysical groups. His search culminated in an enlightenment experience beautifully described in the poem "The Three Books of the Absolute" at the end of the book. Rose provides a refreshing "no holds barred" overview of the contemporary social and spiritual scene, the competing claims and inadequacies of various esoteric and metaphysical groups, and obstacles along the path. Near the end of the book, there is practical advice towards attaining higher spiritual awareness, including conservation of energy, the development of intuition, and "stopping the mind." Based upon his writings, my impression of Rose is that he is a very intense individual, and has no patience for "feel good" spirituality. He does not mince words in criticizing groups that offer "courses" in higher awareness for a fee. At the same time, he is very compassionate, and dedicated to helping seekers realize enlightenment in this lifetime, believing that "time is of the essence."

The subject of Zen has become very popular in the 1990's. Recently there have been many translations of Zen classics and new books by contemporary writers. When Richard Rose wrote this book he was among the first to recognize the value of Zen as a way for the mind to look at itself and as a tool to discover both error and truth. The Albigen Papers is written in comtemporary language that is at once clear and to the point. It attacks and deconstructs much of what we know or think that we know. It is one of those books that once read is not easily forgotten or dismissed. It have the potential to change the way you look at the world or the way you view yourself. The last part of the book is concerned with the truth that Mr. Rose discovered after many years of meditation and study of many different religious systems. He communicates this truth in a way that is both direct and concise. I think that this is one of those few books that has the power to change your life.

I enjoyed the writing style of Roberta Gellis. When it comes to historical romance novels it is hard to win me over--so many have tried but most writers fall short in winning me over. I don't exactly know what I am trying to say but I found this writer had what it took to snag me as a fan! I will look for more books by this fun writer!

Alinor (The Roselynde Chronicles), by entertaining storyteller, Roberta Gellis, is an engaging historical romance. The characters are easy to connect with and the plot for the lack of a better word just plain FUN...If you are a reader that enjoys historical romance with bite then this is one book you won't want to miss! I had a lot of fun reading this one!

With this second volume in the Roselynde Chronicles, Roberta Gellis continues the story of Alinor of Roselynde. Again she provides the reader with a classic, excellent and intelligent historical novel with that wonderful heroine! Alinor starts in 1206, the seventh year of the reign of King John. We find Alinor in an extraordinary situation (for Alinor that is). Simon's death, three months before has left Alinor widowed and her daughter Joanna and son Adam without their father. Alinor is still struck with grief, but the arrival of an old friend, Ian de Vipont at Roselynde will bring changes (how brilliantly Ms. Gellis draws the grieving Alinor). Ian, who was already introduced in Roselynde (and who is only a year older than Alinor herself) was Simon's squire. Like another reviewer already has noted, Ian is a fully realised character with his strengths and flaws. He became immediately very dear to my heart. Ever since from the first moment that he clapped eyes on Alinor, Ian has loved her. But he would not let that come between his friendship with Alinor and Simon (expertly Ms. Gellis shows the strength of friendship). With Simon dead and Queen Alinor too (she died in 1204, and could protect Alinor and her family against her son's wrath), King John prepares to take his revenge on Alinor. Ian can now realise his dream, which is to marry Alinor and provide her, Joanna and Adam whom he deeply loves too, with safety. The politics, intrigues and events are again magnificently described. King John's attempts to get Ian killed and to force Alinor into an unwanted marriage come to naught. As Ian realises that adoring Alinor all those years is one thing, but living with her is quite something different Alinor's declaration, at one point, that she loves Ian as a young woman loves a young man is very touching. Simon will never be forgotten and always be a part of her, but with Ian she has found her second great love.

As for the Roselynde saga, this will continue with Alinor's daughter Joanna in the third volume of the series which is entitled 'Joanna'.

by stardustraven

This is the book so many Ryden fans have been wishing for! Perhaps it my affection for big-headed children or otherworldy pink skies that makes Ryden's work so wonderful to behold. His art transports me back to my childhood that was filled with smiling rubber animals, Barbies and the Colonel's chicken. I can't walk through the meat department of Safeway without thinking of Mark Ryden and grinning to myself. Even his monsters, mutants and oversized insects are as benign and charming as his portraits of Lincoln. It is a magical yet vaguely disturbing world Mark Ryden brings to life, full of bees, bunnies, his son Jasper and a dog named Jesus.

Mark Ryden's work has appeared on the covers of Communication Arts, Juxtapoz art magazine and Rolling Stone. His art is currently on display at the Earl McGrath Gallery in NYC. ...

This book is so wonderful! I have been a huge Mark Ryden enthusiast for several years now, and anxiously awaited the release of this book. It is everything I hoped it would be and more. Although there are *only* a few paintings missing from this masterpiece,there are many I have never seen before. They are all nicely put in chronological order as well. It even includes some sketches and pencil drawings. I would highly highly recommend this to anyone. He even already has another book already coming out called "Bunnies and Bees". Very spectacular.

A glorious compilation of Mark Ryden's work. Includes beautiful one to a page prints of his best paintings, drawings and photos of the things that inspire him. A virtual feast for your eyes!

Mark Ryden is definitely a master artist for our age. His paintings are intricate and surreal, seeming to pull the dreamworld into the real world and representing it in such a way that is both charming and inexplicably bizarre. It is like stepping from the innocence of your childhood and finding yourself in an imaginary land where cute bunnies butcher meat and angelic children with luminous eyes hold the hand of a miniature Abe Lincoln and seem to say "this is normal".

Michael Whelan's style is gorgeously captured in this state-of-the art book. If you are a fan of Michael Whelan's airbrush art or his private collection, you will find something in this book for you. It includes most of the passages paintings, the more famous covers (even the loathsome fuzzies), and many of Michael Whelan's unpublished work. The latter is what makes the book worth buy - I wish the book contained more of it and less of the cover art. I recommend this book for any fantasy art collector.

This book is truly a work of art!

The eminently talented Michael Whelan showcases his treasures in this large-size, full-color coffee table book.

With his superb attention to detail and boundless imagination, MW has created fantastic worlds. Here, he catalogues his numerous book covers (all genres of Science Fiction, and all genres of Fantasy, and other areas), paintings, and assorted works (he paints not just for a living but for his own enjoyment, evident in the many small sketches included throughout the book).

MW himself describes each piece. He isn't an artist who simply creates a cover when commissioned; he reads the text of the book he will be making a cover for. This is what makes his book cover art so wonderful. In my mind, his cover art for "Catspaw" and "The Snow Queen" are every bit as memorable as the stories they were made for. He details everything minutely: the curling edges of a drying leaf, the dust stain in a fold of clothing, a nick on the blade of a warrior's battle-ax, a snarl in a lock of hair, the markings on a spaceship lifting off from a background launch pad, the clearing sky reflected in a dangling pane of broken glass, the frayed edges of a worn rope attached to a forgotten bell. And that's just the little stuff in the background.

What sets this book aside from other art books is the fact that this book is made for people who like to LOOK at the art. Nearly half of the pieces featured here are full-page size, with the text/description and sketches, studies, details, alternative concepts on the facing page. Too many art books tend to squeeze pictures into small squares on a page. None of that here. The colors are sharp and vivid. The edges are sharp and crisp. The paper used is heavy glossy paper. There are three chapters (interviews, introduction, technical aspects) printed on heavy parchment-like paper. The book itself is clothbound in matte midnight black, embossed in gold. The publishers spared no expense in making this book.

And here's something I haven't seen in other art books: the 85+ full page plates are indexed in a back section of the book. Shrunk down to B&W postage-stamp size, you can glance through to quickly find your favorite picture.

The work represented here covers everything from dragons, winged lions, medieval castles, futuristic alien castles, strange aliens, bustling spaceports, nature settings, warriors of every type, humans and much more. Each picture is worth a thousand words indeed.

The paper cover/dustjacket features "Passage: The Avatar" (the breathtaking blue ruins) on the front and "The Summer Queen" on the back, both are featured inside the book. This is a plus, as many times the dustjacket art is counted among the represented work.

Very highly recommended.

I have taught Art in High School for 30 years. Micheal's work in this book is absolutely the most creative and detailed I have ever seen. His pictures take into many dreamworlds. You will want to get lost in these paintings. Every inch of Micheal's canvases are detailed with great skill. You won't want to put this book down!

Given the previous high reviews of this book I was hoping that this might replace Grimal's and a cultural atlas in a college history course on Egypt. Sadly it cannot. The essays will interesting and focused still are too general in some areas such as women and religion where it seems that there is no change over time in Egypt. That simply isn't true. In other sections, change is suggested but it isn't explained. Overall too little time is spent on each subject to justify its separation from the whole. A good solid introduction to the basic chronology and traditional history is covered in only 20 pages! I was so disappointed in the book that I'm returning it for a refund. I have specific and general books on Egypt already and this adds nothing to them. On the bright side, if you like a very general book then you should like this one because it is organized by topic and has very nice images and decent maps (not as good as others I've seen however).

This is by far the best book I have yet found on the subject of Ancient Egypt. Generously illustrated and excellently written. A seductive, beautiful work that towers above the dozens of other major books I've read on Egyptian archaeology and ancient culture.

David Silverman, author of several fine books as well as Curator of the Egyptian Collection at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, has made a major contribution to the literature in this comprehensive, engagingly written and well-illustrated volume. I have to admit a bias, since I studied hieroglyphics in one of his classes at the University of Chicago a while ago. His enthusiasm and knowledge shine forth in this mature work, which draws on the talents of the best people in the field today. I would give this book a ten-star rating!

This book is a must read for anyone interested in a history of Germany. Not only does Manfield give an impressive story of the Krupp dynasty, but he also provides a broad history of the events that led to the unification of the German states, German international affairs, the interlocking relationship of German industry and government, a good history on the iron industry. The writing style is smooth and easy to read - Manfield also provides the translation of German words into English which is very important to readers not fluent in such a language - it seems that most other writers assume the reader to be fluent in French, Italian, German, Russian, etc. Don't be mistaken in thinking that this book is only about the history of Krupp - it is much more - it is an impressive work on the rise of the German Empire.

"The Arms Of Krupp" is the incredible biography of a powerful and incredibly rich and powerful family that was central in the advent and progress of European history for the more than four hundred years they presided as an almost imperial force within the boundaries of what is present-ay Germany. Certainly no other non-royal dynasty engenders such controversy and hotly expressed differences in opinion than does the multiple generations of this critically based family so critical to the development and technological capabilities of the German war machine. Of course, no one could do a better job at providing a definitive historical biography of the Krupp family than William Manchester. This is truly a magnificent book, a spellbinding story splendidly told by a master of English prose, rendered in a flawless, comprehensive, and objective treatment of this fascinating, often outrageous, and sometime imperious string of Krupp family member who ignited the wars raging in Europe in terms of their ability to provide the motherland with such complex, ingenious, and technically superior weapons of war.

This is, in fact, considered a masterwork of history, an eminently readable and elegantly stylish work by Manchester, a master of the trade. Manchester, a retired history professor at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, is widely regarded as one of this country's preeminent biographers and historian. The Krupp dynasty was extinguished in 1967, when the last surviving family member passed away. With his death the legacy of a four hundred year span of contribution to the European armaments industry came to an end, and so brought to a conclusion a tradition spanning wars and quite profoundly influencing outcomes of European history for centuries. The Krupp Arms conglomerate was technologically innovative, devising new weapons such as a superior cannon to an anti-air vehicle weapon designed to counter the reconnaissance capabilities of aerial observation balloons to exotic and much more capable submarines, which they then built for over four decades.

In so doing, they became fabulously rich, and rose to become extremely influential and exceedingly conservative voices within the realm of German political circles. No German leader could hope to marshal the resources or the weapons of war necessary to mount a military campaign without first gaining the trust, confidence and support of the Krupp family, which then cleverly and cynically manipulated this influence to vastly enrich themselves. During World War One, their cannons helped to flatten the French city of Verdun, and at one point succeeded in lobbing projectiles into Paris from as distant a location as some eighty miles away, an unheard-of innovation at the time. Aiding the Third Reich in its secret rearmament effort after the end of the First Word War, they provided a much advanced tank design that eventuated in the Panzer tank, used subsequently so successfully in Hitler's blitzkrieg through France in the summer of 1940.

They were quite influential within the German society as well, having armed the forces of Kaiser Wilhelm for battle before World War One, and then surreptitiously backed Hitler financially in the so-called terror-campaign" of 1933. Incredibly, the Krupps participated in the war crimes of the Third Reich, even controlling and operating more than 130 concentration camps during the war. Afterwards, they help to rebuild Europe in the eventual development of the European Common Market. This is a truly fascinating book written with all of the usual style and substance one come s to expect of William Manchester, and it is certainly a book I can highly recommend to anyone with an interest in European history. Enjoy!

Seeing what this book was about, I thought it had no chance of holding my interest. However, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Manchester really makes this history read like a first class novel.

Ambush at Ruby Ridge is a must read for all young people not to anger them but to educate them as to what can happen when we let Government to go out of control. I feel this book weighed both sides of this issue but no matter what, the US Government came out on the losing end of it. Alan Bock has shown what can happen when we, as citizens, allow the Government to do as they feel fit giving a new meaning to the importance of showing up at the polls and putting capable people into office that will correct these kinds of problems. These type of Ruby Ridge incidents are showing up far too often in our Country.

The photographic section in the middle of the book picturing Sammy Weaver's classmates with targets pinned on their shirts shocks one into the reality that "yes, this really did happen. A fourteen year old was murdered, his little arm shot completely off." The family dog's dead carcass has multiple tank marks from being repeatedly run over. Bock is fair in pointing out that the Weaver's had a different point of view, but hey, isn't that why our forefathers came to this country? It requires some concentration to follow all the documentary but what an amazing chronicle of the great injustice done to this family by Big Brother! Bock is very courageous and I wouldn't be surprised if the government bans the book. After all, the first thing Hitler did was to kill the real journalists. Refreshing in a time when journalists are afraid to speak out for fear of government retaliation. Direct coverage of the true events surrounding Ruby Ridge trials, great photographic section!

Hard Truth - Sad Fact

The book tells the hard truth that the government messed up.

The FBI deliberately took the law into its own hands, giving its people what amounted to a "shoot on sight" directive.

The fact that the administrators escaped prosecution is a sad one.