B Books

For anyone who has an interest in Egypt or ever wondered exactly who the ancient Egyptians were and why their dynasties lasted for thousands of years, Barbara Mertz's "Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs" is the perfect introduction. More commonly known to readers as Elizabeth Peters, Mertz is the author of the popular Amelia Peabody mystery series.

Long before she started her career as a best-selling writer, however, Barbara Mertz began as a trained Egyptologist, with a PhD from the famed Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, the launching pad for many successful Egyptologists. These credentials make her the perfect person to write this history, as she is able to translate the rich Egyptian history of the pharaohs into something more easily understood by readers with no archaeological background, except an interest in Egypt.

This is not to say that the book is always easy reading, although Mertz tackles her subject with a passion and humor readers are unlikely to find in any other, more typical history tome. She manages to bring the Egyptians of old to life, translating ancient hieroglyphs into fascinating stories of individuals, each with their own purpose, strengths and weaknesses exposed.

She opens up the fascinating world of tomb robbers and archaeologists (which some claim are not so far apart in purpose or behavior at times). She demonstrates how information is extrapolated from archaeological findings and illustrates how history is revised over time as new facts and theories come to light.

Despite the injection of personality Mertz brings, this can be dense material at times. For anyone uninitiated in the world of the Egyptians, there are more than 30 dynasties, each with several rulers, falling into 10 eras, dating from the Stone Age Archaic Period to the time of Cleopatra and the Roman invasion. The sheer length of time and individuals and events covered is staggering.

With repeating pharaohnic names, unfamiliar landscapes and place names, conflicting historical research and theories, the book can be overwhelming at times. Yet the reward for sticking it out (dare I even say, re-reading parts) is worth the time and effort expended. Frankly, I read this book twice, cover to cover, and the second time around, I finally began to get a real sense for the overall arc of historical time period covered. And I would hazard to say that it seems even more likely that dipping in again would yield even more historical treasure and understanding.

The richest gift that Mertz offers in her overview of Egypt can be found in the simple stories of the rulers described here, in illuminating for the novice the archaeological tricks of the trade (and weaknesses of such methods) used to determine exactly (or to the best of anyone's knowledge) what happened so many years ago. Mertz's infectious passion for all things Egyptian (well, except possibly pottery shards) can't help but influence her readers to want to learn more. Through her book, she has opened the door to her own exciting world, and readers can't help but want to share in that magic.

Christine Zibas, Book Pleasures

I loved this book. It's very well written and very informative - definitely not "dry" and "stuffy".

The book is interesting as well as fascinating with much information. Just what was needed to add to her Elizabeth Peters novels about Egypt.

I have been interested in Egypt virtually all my life, and have read many books about it over the years. The reason I bought "Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs" is because I knew that Barbara Mertz was the author Elizabeth Peters of Amelia Peabody fame - and Amelia Peters is a favourite of mine.

Dr Mertz combines her wealth of knowledge with her personal style of writing, which makes reading this book just sheer pleasure to read. The book is informative, easy to read and, as already stated, pleasurable to the very end. She provides a reading list for those readers who want to pursue the subject further, and I for one, will be ordering some of these very shortly.

Writing under the pen name Elizabeth Peters, Barbara Mertz started the Amelia Peabody series of tongue-in-cheek Victorian archaeological thrillers in 1975. But 11 years before then this trained Egyptologist published the first edition of "Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs".

Like many other books this traces of the history of ancient Egypt from the pre-dynastic to the Ptolemies. But Mertz brings her sense of humor to lighten what can be a dry series of lists of kings. She brings to life highpoints in the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, as well as the chaotic periods in between. Moreover, she lifts the veil and lets the reader in on many of the scholarly disputes, like those over the woman pharaoh Hatshepsut and the role of Nefertiti in the succession to her heretical husband Akhenaton.

It's also nice to see someone reveal the egomaniac Ramses II for what he was, a poor leader who lost the second Battle of Kadesh, and who covered his weaknesses by pasting his image everywhere.

For anyone who has read the Peabody books, including the depiction there of Sir William Flinders Petrie (and his approach to feeding his staff), Mertz' homage here to the founder of modern Egyptology is interesting.

In her forward to this Second Edition, Mertz says she thought she wouldn't have to do much to revise the earlier work. But then, she adds, taking into account four decades of new discoveries proved to be a challenge. There are places in this book where she discusses post-1964 work, but the addition of the new material is seamless, with no sense of things just stuck in.

This is a delightful introduction to the fascinating history of ancient Egypt.

Vinita H. Wright speaks from the soul to the soul with her "ordinary" characters.

Her latest book "Dwelling Places" continues with such characters and will have you laughing out loud and weeping as did "Velma Still Cooks in Leeway."

The recipes in this book are a treasure as well. I too, checked it out at the library and want a copy of my own for the recipes.

I grew up in a tiny papermill town in Louisiana and this story, as well as "Dwelling Places", could have taken place there. For each character Wright has indulged the reader with I can name a real person from my life that could be substituted in their place.

I could see Velma - I could see Leeway - I could smell the cooking. Simply written truth - truth that helped me put my own life onto a straighter path. I even underlined some paragraphs. This is an author who has fought with life and herself - she KNOWS human nature!!! I've recommended this book to several people - some borrowed my copy and then loved the book so much, they bought their own. Now that tells ya' something.

In the past I have tended to stay away in general from what is characterized as typical Christian fiction b/c I felt overall that many Christian writers have a tendency to be overly-concerned with morality and making sure they have some form of the gospel presented which ends up turning the story into something that either isn't truly honest, or that people just can't relate to. However I am pleased to say that the tide is turning on this, and "Velma" is proof.

An eternal optimist, I still would periodically pick up a piece of Christian fiction to try it out again and, when I started in on "Velma" I was not disappointed.

Brilliant story, believable characters, honest, captivating, and I think there's easily something that everyone could find to relate to. It really surprised me, especially given that I didn't grow up in a small town (I'm much more of a city girl) so I wasn't sure how well I would be able to relate to something set in a Mayberry-type place, but I did. I actually found myself reading parts to friends to give them a taste of how great this book was.

I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read Vinita's future works. (As a sidenote, I have already read "Grace at Bender Springs" and "The Winter Seeking" which were also quite fab).

Velma Still Cooks in Leeway by Vinita Hampton Wright is a powerfully written Christian novel. After reading Dwelling Places by Wright, I dropped her an email complimenting her on it, and she replied with a kind email recommending that I read this book, because it was her favorite. I can see why. Any writer would be proud of a work of this strength. Velma starts writing in a journal to help make sense of her life and its events for the reader, but she comes to understand much more about her past and present than she thought possible. Wright's characters are so lovinginly developed; these are people that you want to know if your life. Even the minor characters have depth and design. The dialogue rings true and never distracts from the drama. Velma's conversations with Zeke especially are fraught with meaning. The reader finds them amusing, Velma annoying, and for Zeke they are embarrassing. Most writers don't achieve that level of strength in dialogue. It's another terrific book from Wright.

Velma Still Cooks in Leeway was a very satisfying read for me, a former Writing/Lit major and a small-town pastor. The story itself was worth telling and thinking about (a preoccupied pastor, prejudices, date-rape, escalating spouse-abuse, grieving, a genuine but stereotype-busting Christian, unfounded fears, founded fears, faithfulness, and God-at-work-in-it-all). But even more impressive than the story was the storytelling. I kept thinking, "This writing has VOICE!" Velma, the narrator, is one of those very alive, flawed but real people that I enjoy discovering in MY small town, the sort of person that you like whether you are a church attender or not. Wright's plotting is tight, highly structured, and full of surprises. A sense of dread becomes palpable right through the chuckling.

My biggest problem with the book is waiting for the next novel from Ms Wright. Grace at Bender Springs was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read but down a notch from Velma. I really do want an answer to my question, "Is Vinita still cooking?"

It is an excellent and enlightening book with much food for thought and a precise account of reality in malfunctioning organizations. Also provides suggestions for improving organizations and helping them act in an ethical manner.

With humor and "paradox" Professor Jerry Harvey does a great job in stimulating personal reflections about management. Among the several tales, see Management and the myth of Abraham ("every time a boss makes a stupid mistake, he sends his administrative assistant to try to rectify it"), my favorite Captain Ashok and the Concept of Grace ("Asoh told the truth, and we are starved for it") and Group Tyranny and the Gunsmoke Phenomenon (our behaviour is related to our fear of separation but we have a choice "when confronted with the possibility of group tyranny"). Enjoy your reading and start thinking.

The first time I heard about the Abilene Paradox was back in the early 1980's when Jerry Harvey made a video for use by the government in training management.

I had run into a recent management situation in which our Director wanted only agreement with her. I immediately began to search a reference on "Abilene" and management.

So, immediately, you can see how much this little video lecture influenced me. Over twenty years later, I still remembered the reference that was needed now in 2003, and it was called the road to "ABILENE" or something similar.

A quick search on my favorite reference site "Amazon.com" and voila: I found a book called the "Abilene Paradox".

Jerry writes likes he speaks but *OH* he speaks in such an amazingly entertaining way.

Jerry gives a lot of examples of things that can happen in the workplace that will bring you down a path to disaster. He is amazingly accurate in pointing out the potholes to avoid.

Although, he is a bit shy on things you should do, I highly recommend this book. If all you get out this is that "Yes" men or "Yes" folks are not conducive to good business, then you have learned one gem of management that you will value forever.

These "Meditations" provide great thinking into how to be a more effective manager. As "Meditiations", this is not a how to cookbook on management, or checklist. There are no promises of improved customer service, or increased efficiency. Rather, by reading them, your thinking about management will improve.

Two examples on the meditations:
1 - The Abilene Paradox essay talks about a family vacation to Abilene. Nobody really wants to go there, but everyone thinks everyone else wants to go there, but is affraid to speak up. The lesson is self evident, but the story conveys it in a manner much more memorable than a directive to "Create an organization with open communication"
2 - The writings of Elliott Jaques. Harvey introduces the concept of the "Requisite Organization", an idea developed by Jaques. This highlights the imnportance of understanding complexity (as defined by the time horizon of projects one is capable of thinking of) and designing an organization where that is the key component to success. That's a deep thought in today's quarter-driven business.

Reading and pondering these meditations will make one a better manager and leader. But it isn't spoon feeding, it takes some thought as well.

The Abilene Paradox... has been one of my favorite books for many years. Whenever I read it, I find something of value in it for whatever challenges I am facing in my work. Plus, it's just fun to read. The first essay (the actual Abilene Paradox) should be required reading for anyone who wonders why groups do stupid things. And the last essay (on teaching future managers to cheat) should be required reading for anyone who wonders how one simple change could make a huge difference in business education, making it more relevant and more solidly ethically based. Everything in between these two essays is worth, reading, too.

The best way one can prevent themselves from becoming a burden on their families as they age is making sure the money they saved for their retirement stays saved for retirement and is only used for that purpose. "Alive and Kicking: Legal Advice... for Boomers!" grants legal advice so you can keep your money so when you finally do go and kick that bucket, your family has something other than massive debts to remember you by. Tips on Living wills, scams and identity theft, caring for your own parents in your own advanced age, issues involving age discrimination, driving, sex, and more are covered. While treating itself as a law book first, "Alive and Kicking: Legal Advice... for Boomers!" isn't afraid to crack a joke or bust out a poem now and again, giving a different and attractive flavor, making it highly recommended for anyone who is rapidly approaching retirement age and wants to be prepared for it in the modern world. Also recommended to community library law shelves.

What I liked about the book is the vast amount of useful information on all areas of planning for ones over age 50 years. And its a book that my son who is under age forty, found interesting, because it discusses issues that many people may never have thought about. It also is a book that dispells the notion that becoming sixty or older, means getting 'old' and unable to do many of the things we love doing in our forties or fifties. Cannot recommend the book enough.

Who would have thought that serious and important legal and financial matters could not be dished out with generous helpings of humor? This book clearly proves that theory wrong. An easy read, the authors never skip a beat when it comes to thoroughly discussing what readers need to know about boomer legal matters. I've recommended this book on many occasions.

This book is a humorous treatment of the serious business of the legal aspects of aging. Chock full of useful information and every page is entertaining.

Whether your reading preference is poetic, humorous, pragmatic, or just plain down to earth, Hegland and Fleming cover difficult legal issues in a way that makes you want to keep reading! This information is must to have in every home, whether yet boomers or not!

I bought this book for my son with the anticipation of next buying the Besty and Billy book. He enjoys it and I liked it too. I'm sure it can be easily read by a beginner.

Carolyn Haywood wrote "B" is for Betsy in 1939, but this story of a young girl's first year at school is timeless.

Betsy is an only child who is not looking forward to the first grade because Old Ned, a hired hand on her grandfather's farm, has shared unpleasant memories of the school he attended in his youth. Betsy soon discovers, however, that her own experience will be quite unlike Old Ned's. Her teacher is kind and friendly, and the classroom has neither a switch nor a dunce cap. Betsy quickly befriends Ellen, a little girl in her class, and Mr. Kilpatrick, the police officer who helps the children cross a busy street on the way to school.

The children in Betsy's class build a model of a Native American village and watch tadpoles turn into frogs. The first graders assemble a Thanksgiving basket for a poor, elderly woman who makes her living by selling pretzels, and give a circus performance for the sixth graders, which is enlivened by a visit by an organ-grinder and his monkey.

Outside of the classroom, the adventures continue. Betsy saves her money to buy Ellen the perfect birthday present. She rescues a lost dog and is given a cocker spaniel puppy. When Betsy goes to her grandfather's farm for the summer, she is thrilled when Ellen joins her.

This gentle story is timeless, and only a few words betray the fact that it was written nearly seventy years ago---for example, the word "policeman" instead of "police officer" or "Indian" instead of "Native American".

The children are occasionally naughty, but their transgressions are mild and their contrition sincere. The adults do hold the children accountable for their misbehavior, but are helpful and understanding instead of harsh.

This is an excellent book for children who are ready for chapter books, but are too young or sensitive to handle books with frightening or disturbing themes.

Carolyn Haywood's books were written in the 40's and 50's, yet they are timeless in their appeal. The stories about a spunky little girl and her loving family, friends, and school life are great to read aloud and a equally good for a child starting longer chapter books. This is the first in a series of books about Betsy and her friends, so there is lots more fun to look forward to when you finish the last chapter!

I would recommend all of Carolyn Haywood's delightful Betsy books but only with their cute charming short dressed illustrations.

I was 7 years old, in the second grade when our teacher read the book "B is for Betsy". After our teacher had finished the book I checked it out myself to read again. Within a couple of months I had read through the entire twelve book series.
The story is of Betsy and her childhood adventures. You will meet her mother, father, grandparents and friends in this delightful story. The storyline is innocent, clean and wholesome the way childhood should be. I also love the illustrations which were done by the author as well, they are beautiful works of art which fuel a child's imagination.
This is the best book series for young children. I would also recommend the other books written by Miss Haywood. You can find them listed on the Amazon website or your local library. They are a delight to children of all ages!

Visited The Rock this July, bought this book at the bookstore, This book was a great book made me feel like i was actully there. The auther Tells a great story. Suggest to everyone

This book was a terriffic read, concise and very well written. I was waiting for my plane in the O'Hare airport and had bought it for my dad in San Fransisco. I was 9 years old at the time and I read the whole book on the way home. I could not put it down. The bond that the author creates with the reader is magical. You find yourself in the cell where the hostages were kept. You hear yourself screaming at others to find the key. How the plan could break down at the last was incredible. If you enjoy history, then this book is for you. If you cannot see the historical importance and literary genius in this piece, then maybe you should blow your mind on cable television.

this book is in my view one of the most engaging books you could ever read.I say this for two reasons- first the mood of the book is such that it keeps you reading it over, secondly the account is actually written by someone who had first hand knowledge of Alcatraz.But i also liked it because of the depth........ all in all a good read for anyone[save children on account of the swearing]

Ernie Lageson, is the son of one of the prison guards injured in the failed escape attempt about which this book is written. There are many versions of stories told about Alcatraz the details of which vary by accounting. Being a stickler for correct facts I appreciate the attention to accurate detail paid by the author when writing this book. He not only tells the story with precise accuracy he does so as a skilled story teller weaving a web and drawing you in. If you only read one book about this particular uprising, make sure you chose this one. You won't find an accounting more thoroughly researched nor more intelligently written.

Author Ernest Lageson provides us with an account of the 1946 attempted breakout at Alcatraz prison during which time his father was a guard at the institution. He provides the reader with the details of a well-planned attempt by inmates to vacate "The Rock". The best laid plans go sour for the strangest reasons, and this plan went awry because a guard decided to keep a key to the recreation yard in his pocket because he was to reuse it shortly instead of returning it where it belonged. The inmates were unable to locate the key and their plot was foiled. The author provides us with details of the personalities of the inmates involved and their frustration when things began to go wrong. Author Lageson was a schoolboy at the time, and he expresses his agony in not knowing whether his father was alive or not. Conflict between Warden James Johnston and his associate, Edward Miller, in resolving the takeover is gone into detail with Warden Johnston appearing as confused as to what to do to rescue the guards in the cell block and quash the uprising. According to the author, Johnston had his facts wrong, also, when providing details to the press. Having just visited Alcatraz last week I wanted to read this book and was able to visualize the inside of the prison. I found this book very interesting to read. I can't imagine a reviewer who found it to be boring. I would highly recommend the book to you.

I was fortunate to see the two Frans' lecture in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park over a decade ago where they discussed their new book and showed slides of the bonobo apes. I found it all quite intriguing and purchased my autographed copy there.

The most fascinating part was that bonobos love sex. They have sexual encounters multiple times per day with many different partners (except mother/son) in all types of positions yet have the same amount of offspring as other apes. An amicable lot, compared to the aggressive chimpanzee, bonobos tend to have sex to rectify disputes as well as for the pure pleasure of it. The bonobos are a matriarchal group, taking their cues from the females versus typically the males. I thought it was interesting that we humans are now reevaluating whether it is indeed the aggressive, patriarchal chimpanzee that we evolved from or the sensual bonobo ape.

Frans Lanting captured a photograph of two bonobos having missionary style intercourse, she on her back with her arms over her head and with the biggest grin on her face! A gorgeous book, gorgeous animals.

Although I love learning about animals just because I love learning about animals - this book brings many important issues to the forefront - issues which directly relate to humans and human culture. For that reason, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any curiosity about human behavior - especially as it pertains to sex. While Dr. de Waal is careful to avoid generalizations and anthropomorphisms, you will have fun drawing your own conclusions!

Most people are familiar with chimps but few have heard of the bonobo, but we resemble them behaviorally more than any of the other great apes. Also I recall reading once that we have the greatest genetic similarity to bonobos. I forget the exact figure, but humans share something like 99.5 percent of their genetic material with bonobos.

De Waal teamed up with internationally acclaimed nature photographer Hans Lanting to produce not only a very scholarly but very readable and interesting book, and a visually very striking one as well.

There are many similarities between bonobo behavior and humans, and ways in which they differ from other apes. Females have higher social standing in bonobo society compared to chimps, and high-ranking males never stay that way for long unless they have the support of at least a high-ranking female or two.

Females also cooperate more than in other apes. They have been observed working together to drive off an aggressive male, which doesn't happen in chimps. Females are also very social, and seek to establish alliances with other males. This can come in handy in various ways. For example, during the mating season, if a a male the female doesn't like wants to mate, she can effectively rebuff his attempts by getting her other male friends to come to her aid. They even resemble us in their sexual behavior, since they are the only ape observed to use the missionary position during sex, which they do about half the time.

This is just a small sample of the many interesting and thought-provoking things I picked up from reading this book. Overall, a fascinating and very visually appealing presentation on this little-known and understood relative among the great apes.

This is a ground breaking book which forces humans to realize that not all of the great apes are violent as chimpanzees have been pigeonholed. It ultimately questions our humanness in relation to our 2 closest relatives: chimps & bonobos. Humans have characteristics of both, then why do many humans believe human nature is violent? This book gives us a mirror to see ourselves in.

This book is wonderful in that it is one of the few scholarly works entirely devoted to pygmy chimpanzees, except for Randy Susman's edited volume (1984) and Kano's (1992) book. Interesting to the layperson, graduate student, and published scientist, Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape is not only filled with good information and beautiful glossy photos, it suggests new and interesting ideas to developing academics. A book like this is well worth the 20 dollars and is a good addition to the library of anyone interested in great apes.

Tony has a gift he gives freely to all. He has the ability to speak directly TO THE READER. It is as if you're sitting across from him and having a conversation. 'It is estimated that about 95 percent of people can be compared to ships without rudders.'--Earl Nightingale. Tony's book is the rudder for my ship. Tony, thanks for sharing!

Great inspirational book. Helps you realize you can be better than you think and don't stop until you get there! Each principle has different applications in your life and in aggregate, create a recipe for success! Highly recommended!

Many books describe great ideas but few give an actual process to follow. Tony's book describes processes that are based on his education and experiences. Interwoven in these experiences are descriptions of family stories and strong values. He has inspired me.
Thanx, Tony
JB-MBA Pepperdine Class of 2000

The title alone should give you a hint that this is no ordinary 'self-help' book. It's filled with humor, compassion, and sincerity, which is fitting from an author like Tony Magee. Reading it is like chatting with an old friend. I laughed out loud at the stories he used to illustrate his points. I can relate to many of his experiences and therefore, I'll remember the lesson I learned from each. This book belongs in the library of anyone who wants to give their life a boost...no matter where you are in the journey to achieving your dream.

Once I picked up Tony's book...I could not put it down. It was a great read. I have read a lot of self help books but Tony's perpective ..his rags to riches story is a true American success story. I would make this a must read for anyone who wants to dream..and needs a blueprint on how to do it!

Thanks Tony!

This book was easy to read and understand. It should be read by every young person in children's home, in the foster system, in juvenile detention, and those with an incarcerated parent. Even those of us who never suffered any of those hardships, can learn an important lesson in forgiving those who have hurt us.

Wonderful book. Would recommend this book to any age group. Very touching and inspiring story.

Castaway Kid is a wonderful autobiography for anyone similarly struggling in life with circumstances beyond their control. If you think adult struggles are overwhelming, think how you'd be able to handle them as a child, when age works against you as you try to improve your situation with intelligent questions for the only adults supposed to take care of you. This is an inspirational Horatio Alger story: the kind of story that reminds you how well you have it in a free society, but where people still make mistakes and others suffer as a consequence, notwithstanding the best of intentions of some who want to help.
Full disclosure here: I also went to school with Mr. Mitchell at Guilford. But I had only a limited knowledge of his childhood and the circumstances of his parents and the two grandmothers. The details in this book were things he certainly kept private in the dorm and on campus. And I never would have guessed how irreligious he was until his epiphany. I like to think that some of the friendships he made at Guilford helped stabilize his renewed faith in mankind, even if only secondary to his faith in God. All his struggles as an adult obviously pale compared to what he had to go through as a child. But as an inspirational and motivational story, it is a very pleasant read, indeed.

Too often we read about children lost in the system and of others who have been so beaten down that they never recover. Thus I found this book to be a refreshing change. Filled with hope, Rob eloquently shares his story of surviving and thriving, against all odds. I know people who lived in Princeton and have confirmed the details of Rob's story. Thank God for the Gigis and Nolas in the world who care for kids like Rob. Thanks, Rob, for baring your soul.

Having been in the service of serving abandoned, behaviorally disturbed children and adolescents for 32 years, I was able to reminisce and find memories explicity tied to this book. The messages are accurate, profound, and direct. The chapters relive one man's story but the themes are multiplied by the number of kids in care from yesterday to the present and the stories are wide and varied. There are many stories in the lives of children from both yesteryear to this present day and age.The names change and the faces are different but the broken body and mind are still evident today. When one reads this book you become acutely aware of why behavior, emotion,identity, can go awry. All of the clinical terminology which labels children in placement existed then and still does today. What is remarkable and I have seen it over and over is that there are those who "will" to live, who "will" to grow, who never give up. Out of all the chaos emerges a Rob Mitchell and there are numbers upon numbers who, in spite of the many abuses and neglect, rise to become vibrant creative human beings like he has. This is a story of one of them. And, of so many of the children I have seen rise out of their pathology and into health, I have also seen a remarkable closeness to an abiding faith. Rob Mitchell is a man of that faith. Castaway Kid is just one of many castaway kids. What a wonderful read.
David Carlson MSW, LCSW

If you ever wanted to know anything about this massive airplane you will probably find it in this awesome book. The book will take you back in time to the development and life of the greatest of bombers. The book is not just a bunch of statistics either. It is not a boring narrative, but is full of all kinds of fascinating stories and incidents that went on in the life and times of this great airplane. It is printed on fine glossy stock and has many wonderful pictures from all through the years of the Peacemakers existance. Highly recommended!!!

An extremely well written book. It tells you all about the B36.
The authers use of parts written by "Those who were there" is an object lesson to other authers.
It is A verey large and heavy book whivh should be on all aircraft lovers
bookshelves.
If you live in europe it is half price too.

that is defintitely the best book about the big stick of the SAC. tons of pictures and in-depth text! highly recommended!!!!!

Good reference on the B-36 Peacemaker. Well illustrated with black and white as well as color photographs. Many cut away drawings and diagrams. Lots of background development. Good historical as well as technical information. Lacking in material on the FICON and Parasites fighter programs

It is silly to try to fault this book.

I recall being impressed, as a kid, with the Harleyford books from England--"The Supermarine Spitfire," and "The Focke Wulf FW-190." For their time, they were very good indeed.

But they cannot begin to compare with this massive book on the B-36. It is in a class of its own.

First the sheer size of this beast. Its huge, and its all about one airplane, the B-36.
Granted, you have to be fascinated with the B-36 to buy it, but if the monster bomber fascinates you, doing better would be impossible.

There are chapters on everything. The book covers B-36 defensive armament, payload, service with SAC, service in movies, the "revolt" of the Admirals, and on and on. Incredible detail.

There are more photos than you can count. There is a section of color photos. Some are very good, and quite unusual. You have not have seen them before.

I recall the B-36 as a kid. I remember one flying over my house--and being amazed by the size, noise, and sheer presence of the aircraft. I have always loved the B-36. It takes me back to a better time. I will admit that I look to the past with great nostalgia. I often look back to the days of cars with chrome, Davy Crockett caps and rifes, Ike in the White House, and the B-36. This book will take you there.

It was fun growing up in a country which not only made, but made operational, a plane like the B-36. Wow, that was, and still is , special. And so is this book.