On the Beach
by Ballantine Books
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (12 September, 1983)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (162)

Overrated book (rent from library.Don't buy!)
The premise of this book is a fascinating one:How people are living after a world war that mistakingly took place.This is what made me interested in this book.

However, the story moved painfully slow and I began to get disinterested in the characters.The dialogue focused on a lot of "small" talk and, at points, actually slowed the story down.

The only interesting aspect of the story is when the subs search around the Northern Hemispheres for survivors.Unfortunately, these scenes are few and far between.

I understand that the author was trying to capture the phychological composition of the characters, but he could've used more exposition rather than "useless" dialogue.

We already know that Moira is an alchoholic.How many times do we need to see her with Dwight at the bar having useless chit-chat?

The book intensifies, a bit, from the middle on but not enough for me to recommend someone to buy it.Also, I think there would've been more anarchy in Australia than the "perfect" world Shute portrayed.

My only friend is darkness
The basic story is that Albania sends a plane with another country's markings to bomb the U.S. and we retaliate. However this is not a pacifist (don't build bombs book). This is not a sci-fi book. It could be a speculative fiction or just speculative.

The story begins after the war is completed and radiation is now covering the world. Australia is the last place to be covered. You read how different people are about to meat their end, some with hope, others with reckless abandon. Still there are those like the US sub commander Dwight Towers is loyal to his country to the end by not allowing U.S. property in the end to fall into the hands of the Aussies.

The book was written in the Cold War Era environment. So many people think that it is about countries and war; others think this story is some anti war story. The reality is that it is a study of people meeting a sure end and how they react. Other readers will balk at the actions of the people in this story; yet when they meet the same situation we will see how realistic the characters are. Still others will balk at the predictability of the characters. Still this is how many people get over a crisis by being predictable. It is these characteristics that make this novel timeless. Someone else must think so or they would not have made an updated version for our not too distant future.

full of a lust for life
One of the most uplifting books I've ever read:belongs on the same shelf with "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," "Siddhartha," and "The Prophet."

I was really at a low point in my life when I read this.But, miraculously, this book put a spring in my step and got me right back on track.

Guaranteed to dispel even the blackest mood.This is a book to read just after you've been divorced, you've been paralyzed, your children have died, etc.

Truly inspirational! ... Read more

Isbn: 0345311485
Sales Rank: 11000
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Literary    4. Fiction / Literary   

Miss Manners' Basic Training: Eating (Miss Manners Basic Training)
by Crown
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 July, 1997)
list price: $15.00
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Reviews (2)

wicked wit and proper behavior
If common sense and courtesy overnight became the overwhelming condition of modern humanity, Miss Manners might seem in danger of losing her job.Of course, such a mental and social revolution is unlikely to occur; even so, she would hold onto her job due to the fitting, cutting remarks sent to those who are not operating under those two principles alone.There would still be enough stupid, petty people to fuel fher column.

If one hasn't read a Miss Manners column or book before, this slim volume is the perfect introduction -- it's all about eating, something most people get a chance to deal with every day.She answers questions regarding how to eat specific food items properly, who should be paying for a meal at a restaurant (clue: it's the one who said "I'll be taking you out to dinner"), and even touching upon the dreaded fork issue.I'll give that one away, too: you work from the outside in.

Even if you know all the proper behavior for mealtimes, Miss Manners holds one's interest by bringing up intriguing etiquette history facts - such as the handbook of etiquette rules that a teenaged George Washington wrote containing such tidbits as the fact one should not use silverware or table linens to clean one's teeth at table.And, of course, those who fight on the side of etiquette in all realms (such as family meals) find themselves bolstered by Miss Manners unanswerable arguments.

Even if you have read many of her books before, I would still get it, for it is the perfect size for reading on the subway or the occaisional lunch alone (never read while eating with someone else... except at breakfast time).It reads quickly, and one can skip around topic by topic.

Entertaining and informative
Any question you could ever think of, from where to put your napkin if you're intending to return to the table to how to properly eat pasta, is answered in this book. Incredibly useful, immensely intertaining (lettersto Miss Manners, as well as her responses, are sprinkled throughout), thisbook is a must for people (especially us adolescents) who wish to learnsomething that should never go out of style. ... Read more

Isbn: 0517701863
Sales Rank: 309833
Subjects:  1. Dinners and dining    2. Etiquette    3. Reference    4. Table etiquette    5. United States    6. Reference / Etiquette   

Miss Manners' Basic Training : The Right Thing to Say
by Crown
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (20 April, 1998)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
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Reviews (9)

Not up to Miss Manners' par
While this book is moderately entertaining and serves as a reminder to anyone who has forgotten how to stay out of other people's business and how to nicely keep other people out of their own, it's substandard for Miss Manners.There's a great deal of repitition and narrowness of approach, and because of this, the book is not as funy or as useful as it otherwise might be.

An armed society is a polite society
An excellent text. This broad really knows what she's nattering on about.

Think before you speak
Yes, this book is absolutely unnecessary for those who understand the principles of consideration and tact (which follows from consideration, actually).I don't know when honesty seemed to have become the principal virtue of life -- many people seem to think that the "honest" bit of "brutally honest" outweighs the "brutal" part.

Guess what.It doesn't.And Miss Manners tells you why.

This slim volume would probably not stop the tactless person from informing a young, grieving widow, at her husband's funeral, that her mother-in-law must feel this more deeply than her, for the death of a child is worse than the death of a spouse.Any person who thought for a moment would realize this is an extremely thoughtless thing to say.However, this may come in handy for the parent who is trying to come up with arguments for =why= their teenagers shouldn't say certain things.And it's definitely helpful for the people who are trying to be polite in the face of unbelievable rudeness (like the event I mentioned above.)

Miss Manners can be extremely cutting to those who deserve it -- those so self-centered that they care not what effects their words will have on others. ... Read more

Isbn: 0609600516
Sales Rank: 28374
Subjects:  1. Conversation    2. Etiquette    3. Interpersonal Communication    4. Reference    5. Self-Help    6. Reference / Etiquette   

Miss Manners' Guide to Rearing Perfect Children; For Every Despairing, Bewildered or Panic-Stricken Parent--Advice from America's Reigning Doyenne of Etiquette
by BBS Publishing Corporation
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 September, 1993)
list price: $10.99
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Reviews (3)

Best Parenting Book on the Market
Forget all those smarmy books full of buzz words and advice that will never work on real kids.Miss Manners knows what it really takes to raise polite kids.She also is so funny that you will literally laugh out loud while you read through this book.You'll read it straight through like a novel and you'll be so glad to have it on hand to answer questions that pop up.A fantastic baby shower gift!

Everything my Parents and Grandparents practiced on ME!
"Judith" as she is called so often (and improperly!) writes with such a playful tone that even my 12 year old wants to read her insights on Rearing Perfect Children. (She likes finding out just WHY I make her do certain things!) I grew up without such a book, but I assure you, each and every "rule" that Judith posits, is RIGHT ON POINT. My older cousin and I recently marvelled at how lovely our lives have been BECAUSE those same Rules were inculcated into us,time and time again, all of our lives. Neither of us has EVER had an awkward social moment, and yes, we each know how to be presented to Royalty, AND which knife is the fish knife and which is the oyster fork! (knowing the Rules early on makes life such a breeze-one never has to THINK about them--one is on auto-pilot from age 14 or so!

Miss Manners makes you the PERFECT parent.
Did you ever wish your children were presentable in public?Did you ever wish they were tolerable at home?Then this book is for you!And if your children are already presentable and tolerable, you'll die laughing at Miss Manners' wit and wisdom.You'll reread this book every year and enjoy it every time.Before you know it, you'll be enjoying an outing to the mall with all your kids in tow. ... Read more

Isbn: 0883658380
Sales Rank: 326756
Subjects:  1. Bargain Books    2. Etiquette    3. Etiquette for children and tee    4. Etiquette for children and teenagers    5. Sale Adult - Reference   

Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Tranquility : The Authoritative Manual for Every Civilized Household, However Harried
by Crown
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (12 October, 1999)
list price: $30.00
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Editorial Review

The world gets more confusing every day, and now even our family life can be unbearably complicated. There's one person who knows how to keep her poise in any social situation, and, fortunately for the rest of us, she has condensed her household wisdom into Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Tranquility. Including questions from her column's readers, her delicately witty answers, and original essays on topics like "Child Rearing" and "Sabotaging Festivity" (one of these is a good thing, the other bad), the Guide is well-organized enough to use as a reference but also entertaining enough to browse on the way to grandma's house.

Miss Manners' style navigates the passage between refined and precious with ease, and is consistently endearing. She has correctly divined that the only way modern Americans will pay attention to etiquette advice is to couch it in gently humorous language, yet her seriousness pervades each sentence. Her advice on subjects ranging from resolving family feuds to surviving reunions to paying relatives for professional services is straightforward, unambiguous, and as pleasant as a flawless tea party. If you have a family, consider Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Tranquility your instruction manual. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Required Text
Should be required reading and taught in every high school (freshman year would be best) in the land. The World would be a far, far better place if this were so.

Thank heavens for Miss Manners
I've read some horrible "etiquette" books in the past few months, written by people who confuse fashion with courtesy and retaliatory revenge with civil public behavior. Miss Manners is the real deal. This book belongs in every household. Long may she wave.

firm yet gentle, humorous yet authoritative
Judith Manners does a marvelous job of presenting manners to the busy family of today, where courtesy and consideration could get lost in the shuffle of demanding schedules.She has a light touch but it is underlined with authority; she writes humorously but her topics are serious. Firmly, gently, and unerringly, she writes of how to behave in every situation. (She could have been the quintessential Southern Belle of an earlier era.)

As I learned in my midwestern girlhood, the most important rule of etiquette is to make people feel comfortable, to think of others, to be tactful and kind.Miss Manners has this goal in mind as she writes on such diverse topics as answering machines and call waiting, entertaining in-laws and dealing with family differences, and being a good house guest.Politeness and courtesy lubricate all social relations, and social relations may sometimes be taxing but are utterly necessary to our mental and emotional health.This is Miss Manners' well-articulated creed.

As a mother who has raised four teenagers, I especially liked her attitude toward laying down the law in adolescent years:Give your children something to rebel against, as they need this desperately.At some level they will recognize this as a sign that parents do care about them, and as they mature they will begin to realize that setting limits is what loving parents do.

This advice to parents about teens is a good example of the tongue-in-cheek wisdom of Miss Manners, presented in an entertaining way. Her book is lengthy but the pages fly by because of her light, friendly approach.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Isbn: 0517701650
Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Households    3. Reference    4. Reference / Etiquette   

The Beatles Anthology
by Chronicle Books
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (05 October, 2000)
list price: $60.00 -- our price: $37.80
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Reviews (208)

A legacy in literary form
A friend of mine got me this book for Christmas in 2000. This was an addition to my Beatles memorabilia(I got the 3 double-disc Anthology CD's and the eight-volume VHS tapes between 1995 and 1997 respectively). This "coffee table" book was authored by all four Beatles Paul McCartney,Richard "Ringo Starr" Starkey,the late John Lennon and the late George Harrison(Harrison was alive when this book went to press and came to bookstores). All four Beatles give their own life histories through the 1970 disbanding. Lennon tells about the death of his mother Julia who was run over by an intoxicated off-duty policeman. Lennon wrote several odes to her,those being entitled JULIA,MOTHER and MY MUMMY'S DEAD. The latter two songs were Lennon's post-Beatles compositions both appearing on PLASTIC ONO BAND,released in late 1970. This book is a revision and update of the 1964 Capitol Records album THE BEATLES STORY. Many people over the years have written books about the Beatles legacy but this item is the ultimate one. Lennon and McCartney first met in 1957 when Lennon was 17 and McCartney was 15. McCartney brought a few buddies to see John's band called The Quarrymen. After the concert,John and Paul had a nice get-acquainted chat and became fast friends. Paul joined the Quarrymen and a short time later,he recruited Harrison. These Liverpool,England lads always loved American Rock 'n Roll. McCartney was 14 when his mother passed away. TBS did not say how she died. McCartney's dad was a cotton salesman. Harrison came up the Beatles' legendary "mop-top" hairstyle. He recalled in an interview that one day when he and the other Beatles were swimming,they emerged from the pool with their hair over their foreheads. They decided they liked it,and it has remained. Ringo joined the Beatles following the ousting of Pete Best. Best didn't seem to be doing a great drumming job,according to John,Paul and George. Naturally mournful-faced Ringo was previously drumming for Rory Storme & The Hurricanes. The oldest Beatle,three months Lennon's senior,was called Ringo because of his passion for wearing lots of rings(four on each hand). Illness forced Ringo to drop out of school as a child(he had been in and out a few times). Ringo sought employment at an engineering company before his drumming career. In 1958,18-year-old Ringo received his first drum kit that Christmas. He's still drumming today although he sings more often. Ringo always loved to sing during the Beatles' performances,but preferred to leave the vocal work to his three fellow Beatles. Pre-Beatles,Harrison had a short-lived job as an electrician. He quit because he "kept blowing everything up". Lennon,who came up with "Beatles",caused controversy in 1966,telling a concert audience that the band was "more popular than Jesus Christ". The outrageous comment led to a bonfire in Alabama. Fans placed their Beatles memorabilia into the fire. This also led to the band abandoning touring and spending their business time in the studio. Harrison developed in interest in Indian music and culture. You can hear Harrison playing the sitar on songs like NORWEGIAN WOOD(THIS BIRD HAS FLOWN) and WITHIN YOU WITHOUT YOU. While recording the LET IT BE album in January 1969,the band gave a free concert atop the Abbey Road Studios roof. You can see a clip of it in the 1988 Warner Bros. documentary IMAGINE-THE DEFINITIVE PORTRAIT OF JOHN LENNON. What led to the Beatles' break-up was managerial and musical differences between Lennon and McCartney(the pair remained friends though). All four Beatles were already married so I guess we can say another reason why they broke up was because so they could spend more time with their wives. Lennon was already into his second marriage to Tokyo-born Yoko Ono. Lennon's first marriage to Cynthia Powell ended in 1968. That marriage brought Lennon's rock star son Julian who is now aged 42. Since the disbanding of the Beatles,all four members have pursued successful solo careers. I dedicate this item to the memories of Lennon,who was murdered in 1980 in New York City,where he last lived and Harrison,who succumbed to lung cancer in 2001.

A must for any Beatles fan
I do not believe it is necessary for me to go into all the detail that prior commentators have gone into. Let me just sum it up: This book is a must read for any Beatles fan. After all, it is about the Beatles, by the Beatles.Well written and full of previously unreleased photos and copies of memorobilia such as letters, posters, etc. However, there are two criticisms that I have:

First, the book's format leaves much to be desired. It is physically huge and heavy and not comfortable to handle. The print is very tiny and there is much printed language superimposed on photographs, letters, etc.I would have loved to sit down with this book to knock it off in two or three reading sessions, but alas, that is impossible, because the book is so physically uncomfortable to handle and an eyestrain to read.

Secondly, while the content itself is admirable, I believe someone who is not already a Beatles fan and who is not already somewhat knowledgeable about the Beatles (and there may be 4 or 5 people on the planet who fit that category) this book may not be a good introduction to the greatest band in history.I would suggest first reading the Hunter Davies biography of a similar biography before tackling this massive Anthology.

couldn't have asked for a better book on the Beatles
To be honest, I have always liked the beatles music from as far back as I can remember late 60's. Anyway, in the mid. 90's when the anthology cd's came out and was on tv, I bought those and enjoyed them a lot.I just happened upon this book. I enjoy knowing the history of certain bands, and despite a few people saing you can read or have a hard time reading certain pages - it's not that big of a deal. You do have to take more time and read about 10 to 20 pages. Also how large the book is and how heavy. People will complain about anything. I like hardbound books best so thats what I got. If paperback doesn't bother you get that. One final complaint is that they brag and pat each other on the back - HELLO - I find the Beatles to be very modest considering how their music changed the world. Geat pictures, and great inside stories from the Beatles. Before reading the book I had doubts about reading a book in which the people involved write the book, because an outside view is also very good for certain reasons - I would recommend Shout, and I haven't read The Beatles ten years that changed the world, but the reviews are very good. However, you really need a great book on the Beatles by an outsider, and you need one geat book from the band and thats what you have. If you like the Beatles want to know the history - this is a wonderful book to get. ... Read more

Isbn: 0811826848
Sales Rank: 47411
Subjects:  1. Beatles    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Composers & Musicians - Rock    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Genres & Styles - Rock    9. Historical - British    10. Rock    11. Rock music    12. Rock musicians    13. Music / Reference   

An Incomplete Education, Revised Edition
by Ballantine Books
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 October, 1995)
list price: $32.50 -- our price: $21.45
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Editorial Review

You'll find everything you forgot from school--as well asplenty you never even learned--in this all-purpose reference book, aninstant classic when it first appeared in 1987. The updated versiontakes a whirlwind tour through 12 different disciplines, from Americanstudies to philosophy to world history. Along the way, Judy Jones andWilliam Wilson provide a plethora of useful information, from the plotof Othello to thedifference between fission and fusion. It's not a shortcut to culturalliteracy, the authors write in their introduction, but it's anexcellent "way in" to the building blocks of Westerncivilization: the "books, music, art, philosophy, and discoveriesthat have, for one reason or another, managed to endure." Think ofit as finishing school for your brain; study up and you'll gain alifetime's worth of cocktail conversation--as well as a new list ofbooks you simply must read. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Very informative and very funny
This book is both informative and funny.The authors have a real knack for entertainingly discussing a subject.There are so many humorous lines that it's far from the dry reading that this kind of book could be.

That said, it's not perfect:The subjects covered are all over the map; it really doesn't attempt to be some sort of broad, exhaustive educational resource (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just may not be what's expected).The text for some subjects feels sketchy and more like a vehicle for delivering a joke when more in-depth information would be appreciated.In general, the sentences run on much longer than would seem to be good form.The info is rife with the authors' self-righteous opinions, some of which likely does represent current conventional wisdom, but I don't know the material well enough to say.The humor may be over the top for some people.

For me, none of these issues was much of a problem.I love these kinds of books anyway, and the witty writing just made it that much better.After finishing it, I actually started re-reading it (which may be more because of early senility...).I would love it if they released a second volume which filled in some of the gaps and covered other subjects.

Nice idea, but jokey
Ok, admittedly I've only read the first 60 pages or so.Still, the accusations of "jokiness" seem apt to me.

Example:In their chapter on Economics, their definition of opportunity cost starts with, "The idea behind the old line, 'I could've had a V8.'", and ends with a comparison to podiatry.All that in a short paragraph which provides no contrast with accounting cost or discussion of the "Next-best" activity, thereby depriving the reader of the point of the concept.Methinks they try too hard or maybe not enough.

Those wanting a light but thrilling skim of human knowledge are advised to consider World Access by K. Petras and R. Petras.The authors of that tome write with enthusiasm and love of their material.Admittedly the Petras' goals are a little different: Jones and Wilson seek to brief the reader on the day's buzz.World Access attempts to give an overview of, "...the culture, history, and politics of the world outside the borders of the United States."

Still, any honest effort to write a one-volume encyclopedia deserves some praise.I'll probably return to AIE (I like juvenile humor as much as the next guy), but I hope to finish World Access first.

Some Reviewers are Causing Raucous Laughter Themselves
If you have little to no sense of humor -- don't read this book.The "flippant, sarcastic tone" is used by the authors for a REASON, and it isn't merely to "try to be funny." If you don't get THAT, then no -- you won't "get" this book.As far as it is possible to be an "admirer" of an inanimate object, then I suppose I am an "admirer" of _An Incomplete Education._And, this may come as a shock to a few book critics, but I have fond memories of the _ample_ amount of time that I've spent in university library stacks.No "radical professors" or "P.C. activists" wounded me, or even irritated me enough to run me off campus.I love learning, and I love learning to look at things from others' perspectives, which is one reason this book "works" so well.One reviewer here asked, of the authors' statements regarding different types of art, if WE are not "supposed" to -- ultimately -- decide what we deem to be "worth looking at?"Ummmm -- that's rather the *point*.If you don't "get" that, then please don't "get" this book and then publicly look down your nose as you type snide remarks aimed in the direction of us "low-brows" who have the audacity to find this tome delightful precisely because of the "treatment" that all of the included subject matter is given.It's called "writing style" and "authors' voice," and if you don't grasp the style and voice of these two authors, you will miss practically every point being made.Please take this under consideration, and if this is YOU -- then *please* don't waste your time, and then "our" time, as you take out your literary frustrations in public pixels.Thank you for your support. ... Read more

Isbn: 0345391373
Subjects:  1. Education (General)    2. Encyclopedias    3. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    4. Handbooks, vade-mecums, etc    5. Questions & Answers    6. Reference    7. Reference / Encyclopedias   

Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things
by Perennial Currents
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (27 September, 1989)
list price: $16.00 -- our price: $10.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (18)

Great for a Christmas grab bag gift.
One of the surgeon's I work for recommended this book so I bought several for grab bag gifts for Christmas.

It is a really fun gift for anyone.

Disspelling myths
Actually this book tears down many myths (including the idea that a man named Crapper invented the toilet). As for Versailles, the fact of the matter is (as any historian can tell you) it was largely open to the public and they did, indeed, pee wherever they liked. Perfume was popular note just among the French, but of all people who could afford it, because bathing was frowned upon.

Questionable Facts
I heard Panati speaking on the TV show "Modern Marvels" last night, and he repeated as fact the old myth that the palace at Versailles did not have so much as a single working toilet, and that guests would have to relieve themselves in the stairwells, which caused quite a stench and was the reason why the French people of the era used so much perfume.This absurd myth is easily disproven by a simple visit to Versailles, where the tour guides will readily show you the toilets of the era (while wondering aloud why so many American tourists have been misinformed).The idea that the sophisticated French elite of the day would relieve themselves in stairwells is also rather absurd on its face.I was amazed to see Panati repeat that hackneyed myth with such earnestness.I would have a hard time believing anything written in a book by someone who seems to state myths as facts.Another reviewer (who actually read the book), noted other factual distortions.Come on, Panati!!This stuff isn't so hard to get accurate! ... Read more

Isbn: 0060964197
Sales Rank: 110487
Subjects:  1. Curiosities & Wonders    2. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    3. Reference    4. Trivia    5. Reference / General   

The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics
by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 2005)
list price: $22.95 -- our price: $13.97
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Editorial Review

First published in 1969, this reissued collection of illustrated lyrics for 200 Beatles songs will be a treasure for any fan of the Fab Four. Editor and Beatle-buddy Alan Aldridge states in his introduction to the original edition: "What I have tried to do is present a book [that] is as entertaining to the eye and the imagination as a Beatles album is to the ear." Indeed, he more than succeeds, creating a lavish pageant of art and music that embraces not only the Beatles but also the psychedelic spirit of the entire era.

In 320 photos and illustrations, renowned artists offer their interpretations of various songs. "Help" is visualized by Ronald Searle; "Fixing a Hole," by Tomi Ungerer; "Glass Onion," by Peter Max; "I'm So Tired," by David Hockney; and "Oh, Darling," by Ralph Steadman. Aldridge also contributes his own trippy illustrations, which reflect the bold, bulbous, cartoons-on-acid style of 1960s poster art. This rich compilation also has brief quotes from the Beatles explaining the origins of the themes and lyrics of certain songs. For example, despite the buzz that "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is about LSD, according to Paul, "What happened was that John's son Julian did a drawing at school and brought it home, and he has a schoolmate named Lucy, and John said, 'What's that?' and he said 'Lucy in the sky with diamonds.'" Band members also share their thoughts on superstardom, including this now weighty comment from John: "I don't intend to be a performing flea anymore. I was the dreamweaver, but although I'll be around I don't intend to be running at 20,000 miles an hour trying to prove myself. I don't want to die at 40." It can't bring them back, but The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics can take you on a long and winding road of nostalgia. --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Where are Ringo & George?What were they, Stealth Beatles?!
I was delighted to see this book is still in print.The illustrations, ranging from line drawings to wonderfully Psychedelic Sixties from artists such as Beatle John Lennon to Peter Max add a touch of whimsical charm to the written lyrics.The songs are not arranged in alphabetical order or chronological order, which gives the entire book a free-formless and free-flowing feel.

I was highly displeased that Harrison and Starkey tunes were not included; rather, this book should have been more aptly titled "Illustrated Lyrics of Lennon & McCartney."There is just no excuse for omitting masterpieces such as "I Want to Tell You," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Here Comes the Sun," to name three.

As much as I enjoyed the book, the omission of Harrison and Starkey and the seemingly random placement of song lyrics has cost this otherwise excellent book one star.

Handsome book, but why the snubbing of Harrison/Starr songs?
Overall, this is a nice volume which augments the lyrics of the Beatles with striking and memorable illustrations, particularly from editor Aldridge, which very well capture the spirit of the Beatles' music. However, the book contains one serious shortcoming: its inexplicable (and unexplained) leaving out of almost all of the Beatle numbers not written by Lennon/McCartney. This means that such indispensible songs such as "Here Comes The Sun", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Something", "Old Brown Shoe", and "Octopus's Garden" (among others) are conspicously absent from this collection. Why? Instead, we get at least a dozen Lennon/McCartney compositions that were never actually recorded by the Fab Four, as well as Lennon's three most famous songs from his early solo career.
Another drawback is that the lyrics are presented in a seemingly random, haphazard order as opposed to any kind of a chronological or even thematic one.
A wonderful concept well-executed, but must be docked points for incompleteness because of the missing Harrison and Starr songs.

Let It Be........and don'tbuy
Illistrated lyrics my a$*....Personally, I was a bit dissapointed with this book.Let me get one thing straight, I do love art, paintings, drawings etc, but this book is full of the most obscure pictures of random things that are totally irrelevent to the song, let alone depicting the lyrics.
Don't get me wrong, I am absolutly mad about the Beatles and there music, the lyrics and songs, and of course their handsomely good looks (hehe) , but this book just made it seem like someone took a whole bunch of meaningless doodles by un-notorious 'artists'and stuck them beside imagary, story telling lyrics.If you want to learn background about the beatles' songs, this book will take you nowhere .However, if you ARE looking for some unattractive illistrations and incorrect lyrics to beatles songs,you've found your match.Sobefore you buy, think about it....LET IT BE for your own sake, and your wallet's ... Read more

Isbn: 157912058X
Subjects:  1. 1961-1970    2. Genres & Styles - Rock    3. Lyrics    4. Music    5. Popular music    6. Rock Music    7. Songbooks - Popular    8. Texts    9. songs   

George Lucas in Love
by Red Hill
Average Customer Review:
DVD (21 November, 2000)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

A hilarious and affectionate parody of both the Star Wars films and theOscar-winning Shakespeare in Love, George Lucas in Love providesmore wit and intelligence in eight minutes that most full-length feature filmsdo in 90. It's 1967, and George Lucas (Martin Hynes) is only three days fromgraduating from film school. The "agricultural space tragedy" he's been workingon isn't going well at all. Taunted by his asthmatic rival (who wears a blackcape), flummoxed by his adviser (who speaks in backwards sentences), he's atwit's end, until inspiration arrives in the form of the comely Marion (LisaJakub), the leader of the student campus rebellion who sports a distinctlyfamiliar hairdo featuring twin buns. Funny without being too in-jokey, andclever but never full of itself, George Lucas in Love is a perfect example ofthe short film parody: it never wears out its welcome. Can't catch all thereferences? A fun-filled enhanced version of the short, like a Pop-Up Video,points out all the allusions along with facts about the making of the short, anda 10-minute, behind-the-scenes feature details the creative process frominception to the success the film received upon its release.

Included on the DVD are three additional short parodies--Swing Blade(which the makers of George Lucas in Love cite as their inspiration),Film Club, and Evil Hill. Swing Blade is a blissfullyshort, truly inspired melding of Sling Blade and Swingers, with aBilly Bob Thornton look-alike trying to make it on the L.A. singles scene, andFilm Club is a goofy take on Fight Club, but with independentfilmmaking taking the place of bare-knuckle brawling ("I want you to shoot me,and make sure you give me lots of head room."). Only Evil Hill, whichpurports to tell you how Dr. Evil of Austin Powers became trulyevil, loses its momentum in its 10-plus minutes, as it attempts to mix AustinPowers references with both Notting Hill and the Marilyn Monroemythos. Sometimes imitation isn't the sincerest form of flattery. --MarkEnglehart ... Read more

Features

• Color

Reviews (122)

Very funny
This video is a very funny send-up of George Lucas and his films. Just long enough to keep you wanting more, and just short enough to keep from getting boring. The sight gags are fast and furious in the story of Lucas writing Star Wars as a term project in college. The other movies on the disk are OK, and not as funny.

This should be proton-torpedoed out of existence.
Let me first say that I certainly wouldn't buy it. I'm not a die-hard star wars fan, I'm more of the "big-fan-but-wouldn't-dress-up-as-a-SW-character" type.

Secondly, I wouldn't actually call this a movie. It's more of a string of scenes, each containing one or more rather lame Star Wars "innuendos". After it finished (all nine minutes of it), it left me asking : "So the point of that was what, exactly ?".

The sheer cheesiness of it all is extremely off-putting and kills any entertainment value it might otherwise have had quicker than a lightsaber through the heart. Forget the cheesiness of "Scary Movie"- that was forgivable because it was genuinely funny; this isn't even slightly so.

There is just one thing I can say about this collection to it's credit : It avoided the "I am your father", "Nooooo !" cliche (but only just). I swear, if I hear that one once more I'm going to go and bay at the moon.

The funniest 8 minute short ever!
"George Lucas in Love" is the funniest eight minute short movie that I have ever seen.What if George Lucas, the creator of the "Star Wars" movies, had a muse, like "Shakespeare in Love" suggests that the Bard did?Well, imagine George Lucas living in a dorm at USC, struggling to create a short picture.And then the fun begins.This short is laden with layer after layer of inside jokes.I've watched it over a dozen times, and each time I see another joke that I missed before. ... Read more

Asin: B000053VC0
Subjects:  1. Science Fiction   

I, Robot
by Spectra
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 November, 1991)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

In this collection, one of the great classics of science fiction, Asimov set out the principles of robot behavior that we know as the Three Laws of Robotics.Here are stories of robots gone mad, mind-reading robots, robots with a sense of humor, robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world, all told with Asimov's trademark dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (167)

Nay, Robot:A Half-Cooked Novel


I, Robot as a whole is fairly entertaining.Isaac Asimov's direct, factual prose and dry humor are enough to keep the reader reading.However, it lacks the pizzazz that could have made it an enchanting novel.

The book is a series of short stories that always come back to the present - an interview with a famed "robo-psychologist", Dr. Susan Calvin.In the beginning, the novel is mildly entertaining.The first chapter, "Robbie," is about an exemplary nursemaid robot and its loving playmate, Gloria.After reading the first chapter, I thought, "Ok, maybe I'm in for a good, rewarding book."

Then something began to happen in the next few chapters.It might have been the lifeless, simulated conversation between the characters.Two of the characters, Michael Donovan and Gregory Powell, work for U.S. Robots, the most prestigious manufacturer of robots.They always suffer the brunt of technical difficulties, such as robots gone wild, robots that refuse to listen to orders, and all-powerful robots.Asimov has the intriguing storylines, but he doesn't develop the characters onto the next level.For example, Donovan and Powell gripe and moan about their workload and jobs, but to the reader, the complaints seem clichéd and unnaturally animated.Even halfway throughout the novel, the reader still is not able to visualize them as real people.The characters do not have the substance that makes them likeable; they might as well be robots themselves.

The robots also get annoying.The first story, "Robbie," is about a prototype robot in the late 20th century.Then, in 2000 and beyond, Asimov gave robots the power of speech.God might just as well have given Adam and Eve a whole barrel of apples; the robots get so irritatingly obnoxious and pedantic, but are still too robotic to be acknowledged as intelligent, "thinking" beings.For example, a robot that can read minds aptly communicates his ideas, but after a while, his words get preachy, and the novelty of a talking robot wears off.

Something happens to Asimov, too.At first, he seems genuinely eager to perfect a story about robots and the dawn of a new, technological world.But along the third or fourth chapter, he apparently becomes disenchanted, because all that remains is the technical jargon of robotics, nonsensical dialogue, and lame jokes.He makes a revival with "Evidence," a story about an alleged robot politician, but kills he kills the burgeoning possibility of a promising novel with the next story about complicated global robot supremacy.It leaves the reader lost.

There isn't much to say about Asimov's ability to draw the readers into a story and make them stay there.This isn't the kind of novel you'd curl up with and read with oblivion.If Asimov could be given a label, I'd say he is "mathematical."His descriptions of robots are all flat, toneless, and very formulaic.This book is one-half robot versus humans, one-third U.S. Robots business, and the rest just bland, Asimov-style prose.

Nay, Robot: A Half-cooked Novel
I, Robot as a whole is fairly entertaining.Isaac Asimov's direct, factual prose and dry humors are enough to keep the reader reading.However, it lacks the pizzazz that could have made it an enchanting novel.

The book is a series of short stories that always come back to the present - an interview with a famed "robo-psychologist", Dr. Susan Calvin.In the beginning, the novel is mildly entertaining.The first chapter, "Robbie," is about an exemplary nursemaid robot and its loving playmate, Gloria.After reading the first chapter, I thought, "Ok, maybe I'm in for a good, rewarding book."

Then something began to happen in the next few chapters.It might have been the lifeless, simulated conversation between the characters.Two of the characters, Michael Donovan and Gregory Powell, work for U.S. Robots, the most prestigious manufacturer of robots.They always suffer the brunt of technical difficulties, such as robots gone wild, robots that refuse to listen to orders, and all-powerful robots.Asimov has the intriguing storylines, but he doesn't develop the characters onto the next level.For example, Donovan and Powell gripe and moan about their workload and jobs, but to the reader, the complaints seem clichéd and unnaturally animated.Even halfway throughout the novel, the reader still is not able to visualize them as real people.The characters do not have the substance that makes them likeable; they might as well be robots themselves.

The robots also get annoying.The first story, "Robbie," is about a prototype robot in the late 20th century.Then, in 2000 and beyond, Asimov gave robots the power of speech.God might just as well have given Adam and Eve a whole barrel of apples; the robots get so irritatingly obnoxious and pedantic, but are still too robotic to be acknowledged as intelligent, "thinking" beings.For example, a robot that can read minds aptly communicates his ideas, but after a while, his words get preachy, and the novelty of a talking robot wears off.

Something happens to Asimov, too.At first, he seems genuinely eager to perfect a story about robots and the dawn of a new, technological world.But along the third or fourth chapter, he apparently becomes disenchanted, because all that remains is the technical jargon of robotics, nonsensical dialogue, and lame jokes.He makes a revival with "Evidence," a story about an alleged robot politician, but kills he kills the burgeoning possibility of a promising novel with the next story about complicated global robot supremacy.It leaves the reader lost.

There isn't much to say about Asimov's ability to draw the readers into a story and make them stay there.This isn't the kind of novel you'd curl up with and read with oblivion.If Asimov could be given a label, I'd say he is "mathematical."His descriptions of robots are all flat, toneless, and very formulaic.This book is one-half robot versus humans, one-third U.S. Robots business, and the rest just bland, Asimov-style prose.

Let Us Play

As hoards of readers know better than I, this novel is a Landmark Pilot for a Landmark series.

Offering one of the most auspicious cultural statements about evolution of human toys and tools, this book begins oh so appropriately with child's play. Gloria, an 8 year old girl is playing Hide `n Seek with Robbie, the robot, her playmate, protector, and pondering giant ... who has a telling weakness ... a storytelling weakness.

The one thing Robbie is not is pompous. But, he is ... a ... sensitive kind of "guy." The relationship between Robbie and Gloria is as endearing as it is frightening. In this game of youth, Asimov has set the stage and seeds for a blossoming of the purest type of friendships, and the most devastating type of heart breaks, between man and his mechanical creations which expand his capacity for ease, time for leisure, and protection from harm.

And there we have the essence of an intriguing possibility for humanity's potential.

Written by one of the most amazing geniuses of our time, Asimov's robot stories expose this scientist as a genuinely humble man with the strength of character of a saint and the creativity of a God. This capacity becomes evident as the scientist/author portrays the evolution of interplay, enmity, and intimacy between organic and synthetic intelligence.

It all begins here.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the adventurous trail of this author's series of novels about a synthetic intelligence evolutionary "project" somewhat parallel in theme to the organic intelligence evolutionary "assistance" which Arthur C. Clark posed in 2001, when his ape picked up a discarded, deteriorated femur and went wide-eyed in realization that the power of his hand had just been extended beyond his wrist, beyond his fingertips, into his wildest dreams.

These sci-fi-giant guys dream BIG. And, we win the result.

I envy anyone beginning the long, soul-surging journey with I, Robot as Book One, and with Isaac Asimov as a playful genius guide.

Signing Off With Gleaming Red-Eyed Envy,
Linda G. Shelnutt
... Read more

Isbn: 0553294385
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    4. Science Fiction    5. Science Fiction - General    6. Science Fiction - High Tech    7. Short stories    8. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

Thinking Physics: Practical Lessons in Critical Thinking
by Insight Pr
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (August, 2002)
list price: $32.95
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Reviews (12)

Very Useful Book
No, this isn't a perfect book.Some of Lewis' explanations are a bit vague and some are incomplete but despite these minor flaws this book does a wonderful job of explaining important concepts of physics in very simple terms.

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.Oh yes, it's a fun read too!

teachs you how to think about physics problems
I like this book because it has interesting and motivating physics problems that can be solved without math, just with carefull thinking on the truly physical aspects and principles. I do not mean that math should not be used in physics books, nor that all physics problems can be solved without math, but problems that do not need math are also very interesting and should be taught, and this book is very good in doing that. I think high school should use this book (as complement to conventional books) because it would have great effect on kids's mental habits. One thing I do not like from this book is that answers are upside down. It deserves 5 stars.

Honest and clearteaching
It's amazing the capability of being clear and to get to the right point. Ingeneous! I recommend for every one who search for learn physics, even those who already studied it! ... Read more

Isbn: 0935218068
Sales Rank: 136385
Subjects:  1. Physics   

Cinematherapy : The Girl's Guide to Movies for Every Mood
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 March, 1999)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
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Reviews (29)

Not too bad...
This book was cute and had its good points, such as rating the movies with the best clothes and apartments and the cute little quotes, but it also had its drawbacks. First of all these girls are just a little too fond of the metaphor-they use it in almost every review and it gets annoying after awhile. Also they review entirely too many "chick flicks." I like them as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need a good action flick. Also they review a lot of old movies that are really hard to find. I'd have liked to see some newer ones. And finally, they criticize a lot of the movies based on whether they portray their female characters as strong or not. All in all, it was just ok, and I believe you'll have to try it to decide for yourself, but I do recommend their other book, "Bibliotherapy."

Awesome!
I absolutely adore this book. I work at Bath and Body Works and we carried this for a few months. Every time I worked, I found myself skimming through this. I finally broke down and bought it. I'm so glad I did! It's absolutely fab. No matter what mood you're in, this book has a chapter devoted to it. I've used it on many a night before going to the video store. I've found some of my favorite movies that way! Every girl should have this swell book :)

Warm and Fuzzy!
It's a sin to worry, and with this book you will get a prescription for the right movie to view, and the movie will advise you on what action to take to overcome the obstacle that you have. Time heals all wounds, and this book will also heal. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440508509
Sales Rank: 143740
Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Cinema/Film: Book    3. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    4. Motion pictures and women    5. Motion pictures for women    6. Performing Arts    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    9. Video recordings    10. Videotapes    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Performing Arts / Film / Guides & Reviews   

Advanced Cinematherapy : The Girl's Guide to Finding Happiness One Movie at a Time
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (26 February, 2002)
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Reviews (2)

Better than the popcorn!
Run of the mill movie guides can only pale in comparison to this smartly written foray into both great cinema and positive relaxation.Though chapters feature both tried and true and newer releases, there are plenty of suggestions I'd not yet seen.The selections are not pigeon hole throwbacks that yield to stereotypes.In fact, a diverse range of tastes, styles, identities, and cinematic flavors are encouraged, from petticoat classics to indie edge.Extra points for the talent of the writers.Their annotations are clever, descriptive, and obviously well researched.The knack for picking up on subtle nuances nudged me to look at vids I thought I knew-- in a completely different light.I especially enjoyed the "Freudian Slip Ups" (where the authors crack the whip with wicked-fun, exacting blows).

Better Than Before
Advanced Cinematherapy : The Girl's Guide to Finding Happiness One Movie at a Time is pretty much like the orginal Cinematherpy, in the fact that it delivers movies for every emotion possibily known to women. But for those who had a bone to pick with the orginal book (many people complained that the movies listed were ones they had already seen),or if you adore movies from a long ago by-gone era, you're in for a real treat! And for those who perfer modern stuff but are tired of watching the latest Oscar winner, don't dispair: there are lots of good indie movies/movies made for cable/movies that were actually good but no one saw, too! The movies listed in Advanced Cinematherapy range from the 30s to the 90s (although the focus is more on older films) and have every type of genre possible: screwball antics, old-fashioned drama, modern day black comedies, movies that turned legeands into legeands, and well...just plain great movies in general.
My only complaint is that too they didn't include some of the better films, such as Moulin Rouge, Bus Stop, Dirty Dancing etc and instead included movies like The First Wives Club. C'mon, do we really need that? Still, all in all, a good risk if you want something new. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440509157
Sales Rank: 23352
Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    3. Motion pictures for women    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Personal Growth - General    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Video recordings    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Performing Arts / Film / Guides & Reviews   

Bibliotherapy : The Girl's Guide to Books for Every Phase of Our Lives
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (06 March, 2001)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
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Reviews (14)

a book to help you find more books!
I like this book. It does not promise to be a complete reference, nor does it purport to be a literature course of any kind. It offers to be a friendly and casual guide, and that is exactly what it is. There are 13 chapters, distinguished by topic: bad girl books, exploring our sexuality, hearing your inner voice, coming of age, mother issues, existential crises, taking care of business, midlife crisis, political, bad hair babe, martyr queen and embracing your inner light books. The approach is breezy and mildly informative, though one does wonder why it is "our" sexuality but "your" inner voice. Each chapter begins with a one or two page humorous essay followed by reading suggestions, each with a paragraph or two of description and comments, a couple of humorous discussion questions, and a miscellany of quotes, facts and reminiscences. The first chapter, for example, "When You're Ready to Embrace Your Inner B!tch: Bad Girl Books" features Moll Flanders (1722), The Scarlet Letter (1850), Gone With the Wind (1936), The Portable Dorothy Parker (1944), Auntie Mame (1955), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962) and Too Good for Her Own Good: Searching for Self and Intimacy in Important Relationships (1990). Also included are a list of bad girls to invite to a girls' night, Notes from Nancy's and Bev's Reading Journals, and quotes from a number of bad girls, including Cher and Carrie Nation.

One's unsurprising complaint with a book like this: I want more. There are only 6 or 7 recommendations in each chapter. It's clear these authors are well read, so I would have liked more actual book and author recommendations, particularly ones I'd never heard of. The books that were recommended were interesting and appropriate choices I thought -- there was one I'd never heard of, a couple I'd never got round to reading, a couple I'd read many years ago, and a couple where I thought 'Oh yeah, I should read that'. I enjoyed reading about books I'd already read and appreciated being reminded of the ones where I'd let myself be satisfied with the film, but would have liked at least another five I'd never heard of. There is a lot of humorous filler, which works because the authors are good writers and funny, but the next edition needs more reviews. Also, putting the selections in chronological order would lend some historical context. Complemented by a good index, this is not a book to read straight through, but rather to be perused as the mood hits.

As for previous critics' claim that the book falsely purports to be for young women -- that would have been "Grrrl's Guide to Books", wouldn't it? The unnecessary meanness suggests some unresolved issues with mom. You know what? You'll like her again some day.Reread Chapter 5 and give her a call.

It is all in what your take is ...
I enjoy this book.But I also take it in a slightly different way than some of the other reviewers.I have never "read" it as a total book.I have taken it a section at a time by how my moods are or where I am in my life.These books have made a difference to the authors during different periods of their lives.Hopefully they can for someone else, too.I really wish a book like this had been around when I was a teenager to give me a good head's up start.I keep it with my reference books and turn to it time and again. Sure, I have read a number of the books already, but it is great to know I have good company.Besides, there were a few I had forgotten and returned to them for a good read.Or I even used "The Diary of Anne Frank" as a starting place to continue learning more about Anne and her writings, as example. Some authors I checked for more of their work. For the previous reviewer who complained about the "girls" aspect and the authors being middle-aged or as old as her mother ......... women can be "girls" at any age ... it is all in the attitude, girlfriend. ;-)

Don't waste your money
I fortunately checked out this book from the library so I can't complain too much about the price.I read constantly so I thought this book might give me some ideas on some new books to read.I couldn't have been more disappointed.Most of the books suggested are predictable choices - books that most voracious readers read long ago, like "Gone with the Wind" or "Diary of Anne Frank" to use two examples. I got the impression they were getting kickbacks from bookstores to sell some of these books.Their "cutesy" writing gets old after a few chapters and I didn't agree with a lot of their observations.If you can, check this out at the library and wait for someone to write better book selections. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440508975
Sales Rank: 130047
Subjects:  1. Best books    2. Bibliographies & Indexes    3. Bibliography    4. Books & Reading    5. Books and reading    6. General    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Psychology    9. Psychology Of Literature    10. Reference    11. Self-Help    12. Women    13. Women in literature    14. Literary Criticism & Collections / Books & Reading   

The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein
by Tor Books
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (15 November, 1999)
list price: $27.95 -- our price: $27.95
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Editorial Review

Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) was one of the most influential SF writers of any era (four of his 31 novels won Hugos, and he was the first to receive the Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Award). The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein gives newer SF readers and fans a less-known side of his work and opportunity to savor crisp sentences filled with telling detail, sardonic observations of character, and engrossing tales.

The stories, originally published in the 1940s and '50s, showcase Heinlein's science-fictional approach to fantasy. Though magic works and the supernatural underlies ordinary life, the reader is always firmly anchored in a lawful reality. The setting is the USA, sometimes in the mid-20th century, sometimes in a near future, always featuring very American characters. It's just that the salesman sells elephants and encounters fictional characters and ghosts ("The Man Who Traveled in Elephants"), the reporter covers a sentient whirlwind that collects old newspaper ("Our Fair City"), and the bartender is a time-traveling recruiter ("All You Zombies"). The ambitious, young California architect builds a house where doors and windows open on many places--but not to the outside he came in from ("And He Built a Crooked House"). And the paranoid patient's reality is saner than you think ("They"). The three novellas: "Magic, Inc.," "Waldo," and "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag" are vintage Heinlein; the last is a Lovecraftian tale of an amnesiac who hires PIs to find out what he does all day--what they uncover isn't illegal but is supernaturally evil, and Hoag is neither perpetrator nor victim.

These stories feel a bit old-fashioned, but no one ignited the sense of wonder in readers better than Heinlein. This collection offers a golden opportunity to sample a master at his best. --Nona Vero ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Thumbs Down
Heinlein, best known for his science fiction, was over his head in the fantasy genre.He has many die-hard fans that are loath to criticize any of his stories, but believe me, the fantasy is second rate at best. Try Jack Vances Lyonesse trilogy for high fantasy at its best.

Heinlein, a Master of Fantasy
Robert A. Heinlein is considered one of the greatest, most influential writers of all time in the genre of Science Fiction. He was a master of weaving fantastical tales of wonder and depth that often left the reader reflecting upon its social relevance to society as a whole. He had the ability to blend elements of both Science Fiction and Fantasy to create imaginative new worlds that were drastically different, yet strikingly similar to our own world. Though Heinlein was chiefly known as a writer of SF, he was also quite an accomplished fantasist.

"The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein" is a collection of eight of his best fantasy stories and novellas. In this book, the author of such books as "Stranger In A Strange Land," "Starship Troopers," and my favorite, "Have Space Suit, Will Travel," fully displays his unique ability to write about the mundane, ordinary people like ourselves and bring them to life in vivid, tales of fantasy and the supernatural.

The stories of this collection cover a broad range of themes, from the tongue in cheek portrayal of an average businessman dealing with demon troubles in "Magic, Inc." to the eerie tale of a man believing that the whole world is plotting against him in "They--" to the provocative and touching story of an old man rediscovering love in "The Man Who Traveled In Elephants." Heinlein's style is distinctive, straightforward, and strong. He easily achieves what so many of would-be writer's like myself yearn to, which is to paint pictures with our words. Once you've read this book, you'll understand why "The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction" says that Heinlein "...rewrote US SF in his own image..."

If you're specifically a Heinlein fan, a lover of Science Fiction and Fantasy in general, a writer aspiring to write in this field or merely a reading enthusiast (personally, I qualify for all of the above), this book is a wonderful addition to your library.

Some good short work of Heinlein's
I love Robert Heinlein's work.This is a repackaged set of sort stories previously published in Waldo and Magic, Inc. and The Unpleasant Profession of Johnathan Hoag.

So beware! Make sure you don't already have these works -- but if you don't, get it quick. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312872453
Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - Contemporary    3. Fantasy - Short Stories (Single Author)    4. Fantasy fiction    5. Fantasy fiction, American    6. Fiction    7. Fiction - Fantasy    8. Heinlein, Robert A. - Prose & Criticism    9. Short stories    10. Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary   

The SFWA Grand Masters Volume 1
by Tor Books
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (05 August, 2000)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
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Editorial Review

Three cheers for Tor Books! The SFWA Grand Masters, Volume One, is a terrific idea: a collection of stories by the Golden Age writers (in this volume, Robert A. Heinlein, Jack Williamson, Clifford D. Simak, Fritz Leiber, and L. Sprague de Camp) who established the fundamentals of the science fiction genre ... the writers who first dazzled the world with their brilliant ideas and sent our imaginations zooming into the future. Representative short stories from each of the writers--such as a tale of the ever rich and strange world of Nehwon from Leiber--are accompanied by a sample of each writer's nonfiction, an overview of their life and career by Pohl--who knew them all--and a recommended reading list. All together, this volume is both the perfect way to introduce someone just discovering science fiction to the classic writers of the field, and ideal for veteran science fiction readers to remind themselves just why they love the genre so much. "With Folded Hands," anyone? --Blaise Selby ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Another Bust for Fred Pohl
It is extemely difficult to select stories from five of the greatest SF writers (add Clarke and Asimov and you have the top seven) of the 20th century to give the whole volume a negative, downbeat tone, but Fred Pohl has managed it.If you like your stories upbeat and hopeful for the human race (in the editorial fashion of John Campbell) this book is a definite "save your money."I have been reading these authors since the 1950s, and I can't imagine a worse set of choices.

Excellent Breadth of the Genre
firstly, this book is from the "golden age" of science fiction - generally, the time span of the 1950s - late 1960s. of course, there is quite the sf debate to be had as to whether this was really a "golden age" or not, but that's left out of this review ;) there are three volumes, each containing assorted works by five grandmaster award winners.

essentially, the grandmaster award "may not be awarded more than six times in ten years" and is given to a contemporary (re: living) science fiction author.

heinlein's stories are very good - they take up approximately 1/3 of the book, though. "the roads must roll" was quite dated, and definitely the worst of the bunch; though that alone is completely relative, by itself it wouldn't have been nearly so bad. the rest of his stories are magnificant, and he remains arguably one of the best science fiction writers to ever put the pen to the paper.

jack williamson, clifford simak, l. sprague de camp, and fritz leiber all produce fantastic stories for this anthology, as well.

one of the best aspects of this anthology is that it offers stories which may not otherwise have been discovered. frederick pohl does an appropriate and respectful job introducing the authors, and his love of the genre is apparant. this book should not be overlooked and is one of the most valuable science fiction short story anthologies i have come across. highly recommended.

Entertaining, Humorous, and Thought-Provoking
I'd been frustrated by the "Golden Age" because it is often written or talked about and is often impossible to find, even in used bookstores. Heinlein can still be found, but even works of his, some considered classics, are out-of-print. Anthologies of those times are difficult to find, and modern anthologies often throw in a "Golden Age" story as an afterthought.

This anthology is different. Each of the authors featured in this volume (Heinlein, Williamson, Simak, de Camp, and Leiber) were the "Golden Age".

With the exception of two stories by Fritz Leiber ("Sanity" & "A Bad Day for Sales") whose pessimism put me off, each story in this volume captured and held my attention throughout. The themes of these stories inspired my own speculations, and unlike much of modern science fiction, the entertainment value alone makes this volume worth purchasing.

Frederik Pohl has written succinct, informative introductions and recommends further reading which has sent me to the used bookstores already. More importantly, however, he has chosen great stories and has let the authors speak for themselves.

Personally, I would recommend "The Year of the Lottery" ( a humorous story about the ultimate bad day), "With Folded Hands" (inhuman "perfection" taken to the extreme), all of Clifford D. Simak, and "Gun for Dinosaur" (30 years ahead of Jurassic Park and infinitely superior). However, cracking this book at any place will lead to good results. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312868804
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction - Anthologies    5. Science Fiction - General    6. Science fiction, American    7. Short stories    8. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

The SFWA Grand Masters Volume 2
by Forge
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 2000)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $25.95
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Reviews (2)

Good for exposure...
...to older authors.If you read Gardner Dozois' anthology, you get a lot of the new writers, but this is where I first read some of Bester's work--great stuff.

Nice sampler for a beginning SF reader.
I'm the first to review this book. Hope this will be helpful to would be buyers.
This book is not very interesting for an advanced SF reader. Why?
Writers featured in this book are Asimov, Bester, Bradbury, Clarke and Norton. Good and popular writers, but their work is still very easy to come by. Want stories of Asimov? Buy his two-volume collection. Same for Bradbury, who has a very nice one-volume collection, and for Clarke and Bester. The stories in this anthology will tell you that these writers deserve to have a single-author collection on your bookshelves. Why buy stories you already own?
For starters then. Buy this book. Some stories in here are classics, others are mere filler. They point out to you their writers' vision. Still, it's your decision. The truth: There are better anthologies out there.
Whatever your decision, do check out the first item in this series. It's somewhat better.
I appreciate this series. A good Idea. You won't throw your money away. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312868790
Sales Rank: 579534
Subjects:  1. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction    5. Science Fiction - Anthologies    6. Science Fiction - General    7. Science fiction, American    8. Short stories   

What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained
by W. W. Norton & Company
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 2002)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $16.35
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Editorial Review

Why do recipes call for unsalted butter--and salt? What is a microwave, actually? Are smoked foods raw or cooked? Robert L. Wolke's enlightening and entertaining What Einstein Told His Cook offers answers to these and 127 other questions about everyday kitchen phenomena. Using humor (dubious puns included), Wolke, a bona fide chemistry professor and syndicated Washington Post columnist, has found a way to make his explanations clear and accessible to all: in short, fun. For example, to a query about why cookbooks advise against inserting meat thermometers so that they touch a bone, Wolke says, "I hate warnings without explanations, don't you? Whenever I see an 'open other end' warning on a box, I open the wrong end just to see what will happen. I'm still alive." But he always finally gets down to brass tacks: as most heat transfer in meat is due to its water content, areas around bone remain relatively cool and thus unreliable for gauging overall meat temperature.

Organized into basic categories like "Sweet Talk" (questions involving sugar), "Fire and Ice" (we learn why water boils and freezers burn, among other things), and "Tools and Technology" (the best kind of frying pan, for example), the book also provides illustrative recipes like Black Raspberry Coffee Cake (to demonstrate how metrics work in recipes) and Bob's Mahogany Game Hens (showing what brining can do). With technical illustrations, tips, and more, the book offers abundant evidence that learning the whys and hows of cooking can help us enjoy the culinary process almost as much as its results. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Reviews (31)

An excellent read, if not entirely comprehensive
Most semi-competent amateur cooks will find this to be an informative and entertaining read.It will likely appeal to fans of Alton Brown's Food TV show "Good Eats".

As well as explanations of many foodie things that you will never see explained in run-of-the-mill cookery books, it includes a decent number of fairly straightforward recipes.

It is broken into many short sub-chapters, making it easy to read in bursts of 3 or 4 minutes.

What it is not, is a comprehensive explanation of all kitchen science.If you are looking for a manual of cookery science and techniques, or a book aimed at budding professional cooks, then look elsewhere.

The not-so-mysterious mysteries of the kitchen...
I was hoping this book would be better than it was. I anticipated curious kitchen trivia that would astonish and befuddle, I found commonplace definitions and run-the-mill advice. This book has nice solid information but it is nothing that will knock the socks of any self-respecting well-read foodie. If you cook a lot you'll likely know all the scintilating explanations Wolke has to share with you. The book is well written but aiming for a lower level of audience than I expected. A good gift for a very new foodie who has just discovered the culinary craft.

Only for real amateurs
If you know absolutely no chemistry, have never read a cookbook, and have no powers of observation, you might like this book as a just-about-adequate introduction. But for a better-written, more interesting start on kitchen chemistry, try Arthur Grosser's "The Cookbook Decoder" or Hillman's book (sorry, can't remember the title)or "The Inquisitive Cook by Anne Gardiner and Sue Wilson.Then move right on to McGee. The rest is history! ... Read more

Isbn: 0393011836
Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Essays    5. Food Science    6. General    7. History    8. Methods - General    9. Miscellanea    10. Reference    11. Science    12. General cookery    13. Popular science