Stephen Geoffreys Books

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

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

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

What does it say of a reader who, as an adult, reads 'Winnie the Pooh' for the first time - and - and - feels it one of the best novels he ever read.
So pristine, so perfect - would I have appreciated it as a child? Who knows (I was too busy feeding my literary hunger with comics). Anyway I have my copy of 'Winnie the Pooh' on the top shelf of my book case, next to the others I consider great (Ulysses, 1984, Great Expectations ...) for all to see.
And who can contest that for "I am a bear of very little brain, and big things bother me".

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

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

When I went to introduce my preschooler to Winnie-the-Pooh, I bought the big book with the complete stories and poems. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it wasn't quite right for my 3-year-old. Reading a story out of the original works takes a good 15-20 minutes, which is more than one can really expect from a preschooler or toddler. Also, the original Pooh is a bit like Sesame Street, in that there are phrases and indeed entire sections of the stories that adults will find amusing but which will just go over a child's head.

And yet, I didn't want to break down and go the route of the Disney-fied Pooh books, with their cartoonish illustrations and watered-down plots and characters.

That's why I was so pleased to find the Easy-to-Read series. There are six easy-to-read titles from two publishers. They are:

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees
Pooh Goes Visiting
Eeyore Has a Birthday
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Christopher Robin Leads an Expedition
Pooh Invents a New Game

Each book is based on one chapter from the complete works. These little books are divided into four chapters, although it should be no problem to read one from start to finish in one sitting.

The print is large and well spaced, and there are ample illustrations (the original drawings by E.H. Shepard) on every page spread to keep little eyes engaged in the story. Most important, the editor has removed most of the passages that aren't so kid friendly and has simplified the stories without giving them a Disney style candy coating. One could read the original story and then the easy-to-read version and get the same basic plot; when going from the Milne works to the Disney versions, the same is certainly not true.

I didn't give these books five stars because the editor retained some language and dialogue that may be a bit confusing for children in the intended age range. Nevertheless, these books are a wonderful introduction to a classic cast of characters for the preschool set.

This is our very first book on tape. My son is five and listened intently to every word. I can't wait to go on vacation and have him listen while we are in the car for 4 hours. The reader is very clear speaking. I am not able to talk while this is playing because my son really wants to listen to it. He loves to be read to. I wish I would have discovered this sooner!

What a refreshing change to hear Pooh in his native tongue! I am a great fan of Disney movies but Pooh is something special in this wonderful audio version of the timeless stories. My 5 year old listens to this tape all the time!

My 3 1/2 year-old son and I absolutely love this cassette on a number of levels! The acting is great: lively without being over-the-top, convincing without being melodramatic. The cast brings out the humor of Milne's writing beautifully. I have to admit that I was not a Milne fan before purchasing this; I just didn't 'get' it. After listening to this cassette, I realized why: Winnie the Pooh is marketed here in the U.S. as an early childhood character/series. But it's not. The stories, the humor, the characters, and the language all are aimed at children about the age of Christoper Robin, who must be atleast 5, *and* at their parents. Ie there are elements that a child would never get, but I do, and so both my preschooler and I understand at our levels. Other fantastic aspects: great sound quality, sound effects, choice of stories. One point: Because of the British accents and idioms, this products works best for a patient and interested child. Also, for the preschooler (such as mine), it required that I listen with him the first few times until he understood the storyline well enough to follow without me. But don't let this discourage you. From the start, my child enjoyed the different voices (especially piglet) and sound effects. The subtlety only means that he doesn't get bored with it -- after even the 30th time.

This little book is an exact reproduction of Chapter 2 in the original book, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, with illustrations by Shephard. All the charm of the original, in a perfect size for reading to littler kids, who can feel satisfied at having been read "the whole story."

This little book is part of a series of 10 such Pooh books published by Dutton.

The world has known the American West as the wild and untamed land of cowboys and Indians that Hollywood brought along with it's movies. The real story of the West is much more amazing than at first sight. Ward's story is beautifully illustrated with magnificent text that makes it a worthy successor to the movie series. He tells the story through the eyes of those who lived it and that is something very important in the history of the west. Without first hand accounts our knowledge would be vague, but this book captures the essence of all the west had and has to offer: adventure, a beautiful landscape, and a great mysterious past...

This book is well organized and written. It would make a
perfect reference for a class project. There are vivid scenes
from the American West; such as, a majestic portrait of
the legendary Davey Crockett. The Devil's Tower is depicted
in a picturesque Wyoming scene. There are beautiful still
photos of a Snake Priest and Hopi dancer. The author researched
this work thoroughly. It is representative of the early
West. The purchase is recommended as a top rated historical
reference book well-suited for students of all ages and
backgrounds.

The promos for "The West" series on PBS seemed to imply that Ken Burn's following up to his incredible "Civil War" epic would be as good as the Civil War was.

And it was. Burns was able to capture the whole panorama of the history of the West, and left no stone unturned. Here was the saga of the pioneers, the cruelty of the buffalo hunters, the tragedy of the Native Americans, the bravery of Custer - and of Crazy Horse and Chief Joseph, the terrible "die up" where thousands of poor cattle froze to death in the Montana blizzards, and the courage and perserverence of settlers like the Loves. The musical score too was perfect, capturing every dramatic movement, every nuance just right.

And the book too, while perhaps not as comprehensive as Geoffrey Ward's earlier "Civil War" volume, provided the viewer with a superb text and many, never-before-seen illustrations. The reader can sense the drama of the Earps and Wild Bill Hickok, can hope that Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce reach Canada and safety (which they didn't) and feel the heartbreak when Joseph was cruelly denied the return to his homeland. The reader can also cheer for the courtship of the Loves, and almost live the toil, the disappointments, and the determination of that family through the text, the first-hand accounts, and the marvellous illustrations. I found myself getting angry over the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the Mormon scapegoating of the Paiutes; being sickened and almost in tears over the slaughter of the buffalo, and the old Native American woman's tale of how the last buffalo went into Mount Scott, never to return; and in appreciating how Buffalo Bill Cody and Theodore Roosevelt did their level best in trying to save the West that they loved - Cody through the Wild West shows, and Roosevelt through his conservation efforts.

It is all here in Mr. Ward's excellent text, and more. There may be other books on the West, but for the perfect introduction to anyone interested in Western History, or even for the grizzled enthusiast, this book is not only the perfect companion to the series, it is also a perfect coffee table pictorial history of a history and a lifestyle that is all but gone.

The West : An Illustrated History by Geoffrey C. Ward, Dayton Duncan has got to be one of the most "Can't put down" type of books I've had the wonderful pleasure of owning, ever! The illustrations, to many to count are of the finest quality I've ever seen in a book not to mention that the editorial choices were perfect. The photos depict the exact expressions that capture those lost moments in time... If you can get this book - buy it! It is for all ages and you could never grow tired reading it, as well. A certain coffee table type book! I rate this book a 5 STAR!

As a book based on a PBS documentary, it's a big coffee table affair with plenty of photos (I had the hardcover version). And there are some extraordinary pictures in there - while much of the period of history they're looking at (from November 1528 with a some shipwrecked Spaniards washing ashore on Galveston Island to the early 1900s) was pre-camera, much of it was post. Moreover there are maps, paintings and photos of relatively untouched landscape to illustrate earlier times.

That being said, there's also plenty of text. And being that they've consciously chosen to largely illustrate the time by retelling the stories of extraordinary and/or typical individuals of the times, there are many engaging and fascinating stories. C'mon, the whole interaction between European settlers and the native Americans is chock full of tragedy, adventure and colour - you'd have to work hard to make this sort of content boring (although it's been done). It's a very palatable way of reading history, not getting bogged down in statistics or alternate interpretations. Of course in their selection of material you're definitely getting only one version of events, and the bias, while generally subtle, is unavoidable. But, hey, given that I hardly had any version before, this gave me a lot more of an idea than I had.

You have to suffer the odd overblown essay thrown in here and there, where guest writers try to outdo each other for sentimentality and bogus psuedo-spiritual flapdoodle about (FX: turn the reverb right up) `The West'. At least it's not quite as silly as the religious fervour some attach to Baseball as some sort of sacred ritual - but it is still silly. Sure, the West is an amazing place, it's more than just some rocks and sand - we get it. You going on in with some gushy mysticism really just cheapens it - let it speak for itself.

Well, that's what I reckon anyway. But, as I said, the self-conscious attempts at grand writing are only aberrations, most of the time you are treated with amazing but true stories. If that's the sort of history you're after, it delivers.

This little book is an exact reproduction of a chapter 5 in the original book, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, with the original illustrations by Shephard enhanced by judicious watercoloring. All the charm of the original, in a perfect size for reading to littler kids, who can feel satisfied at having been read "the whole story." Also good for children just starting to read all by themselves.

Beautifully bound and illustrated, this little book is part of a series of 10 such Pooh books published by Dutton. Don't confuse these "storybooks" with the even smaller and abridged board-books.

This amazing dramatization of the Pooh books is performed by a marvelously talented group of British entertainers who truly bring the Pooh characters gently and lovingly to life. As for this tape, I finally got this figured out. This is part of a four-tape program that represents the complete two-book Winnie-the-Pooh story collection, except the stories are out of order (probably so that they would fit equally on the tapes). Book 1, "Winnie-the-Pooh," is represented by "Pooh Goes Visiting" (stories in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10) and "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (stories: 5, 6, 7, 8). Book 2, "The House at Pooh Corner," is dramatized by "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (stories in order: 1 2, 4, 3, 9, 10) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (stories 5, 6, 7, 8). When stories that depend on previous information are out of order, it gets confusing. My suggestion: Get the "Winnnie-the-Pooh" / "The House at Pooh Corner" gift pack, which is also four tapes (the same recordings), but in the proper order.

[This is a review of the Hodder/Headline audiocassette version] I learned to read by listening (again and again and again and again) to a pair of well-loved and well-worn LPs of the Pooh stories read by Maurice Evans. I always considered them the finest Pooh audiobooks ever recorded. Up until now! Now there's this wonderful series of fully-dramatized adventures of Pooh featuring a brilliant cast of wonderful British actors: Stephen Fry ("Jeeves and Wooster") as Pooh, Geoffrey Palmer ("The Madness of King George") as Eeyore, Judy Dench ("Shakespeare in Love") as Kanga...and best of all, the *incomparable* Jane Horrocks ("Little Voice" and Bubbles from "AbFab") as a squeaky, alarmed, and altogether adorable Piglet. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate these fine recordings (and there are plenty of adult Pooh fans out there who will *love* these versions). Accept no substitutes: this is simply the finest Pooh audio series yet created...... There's more than just this one tape in the series, too. The series includes "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (ISBN: 1840322195); "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (ISBN: 1840320524) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (ISBN: 1840322268). Type the 10-digit ISBN number into the Amazon search field to go directly to the webpages for these cassettes.

Any one who loves Pooh, his freinds, and their crazy adventures has to read this book. After Christopher Robin describes his encounter with a huffalump Pooh suggests catching one. Then he and his freinds get themselves into something bigger than they expected!

A remarkably erudite book, with illustrations, done up in a very readable style. Each section explores the authorship, contents, history and geography, and language of the book in question. Only 100 pages, but full of scholarship.

This would be a much better series in a copleat box set of the radio series. It would be even better (5 Star rating) if the first two portioins of the radio brodcasts were availble on CD in the USA.

I look foward to listing to the first two sets of CD's when they become availble.

Tom

Sometimes people get stuck of something they like and expect the next effort to be the same. Other time people get mad at the new effort for being the same as the last.
Personally I find the Tertiary Phase has all the same of the old and great new stuff to enjoy.
This version of the book "Life, the Universe and Everything" harkens back to the original radio shows. Most of the original cast is back as well as small tribute to Adams by using some of the voice over he used in a book on tape. There are great elements such as the party the never ends, The man who gets an award for the most gratuitous use of the word #@%@%$%, the kriquett warriors, bistro math(a mathematical method that is based on how to split up a check at a restaurant) and such. It is a great buy and I recommend trying to get the first two parts as well.

This BBC radio performance is fantastic. A disasterously incomprehensible last act does little to diminish the return of Hitchhikers in pure form. The return of the "real" Arthur Dent and friends (Simon Jones et al) is a welcome and amazing experience, and the soundscape is a perfect match to the original Hitchhikers' series from so many moons ago -- which is really amazing when you consider that the old series was put together on old fashioned magnetic tape. The sonic environment of the Hitchhikers universe is as curious as you may remember it - and even a bit improved upon, as more advanced stereo means you can even hear characters circling one another, or running about through the swishy tall grass of a field trying to catch a fast-moving couch, or engaging in repartee with their other head (for those who have more than one).

Not as funny as the original series? Perhaps, but Douglas Adams' books evolved through the years, becoming more philosophically searching (his fascination with the possible comedic implications of quantum mechanics on mere mortals) and less slapstick. And frankly I am pleased that this evolution in tone is carried through to this radio rendition. Though make no mistake, this series is still a comedic romp.

I've just listened to this Teriary Phase and am immediately ordering up the next two Phases courtesy of Amazon.co.uk. It saddens me that author Douglas Adams is no longer with us, but his cast and crew have made the best possible gift of his talents to the rest of the world through this performance. Bravo.

When I found this item on the audiobook rack at my local bookstore (the one with the cafe stapled onto it) it took me at least an entire minute to figure out what it was I was looking at. I thought it must be a reissue of the original radio episodes (from 25 years ago) or a new reading by somebody or other. Gradually it dawned on me like a sledgehammer through molasses that this was an all-new radio series based on the third Hitchhiker's book performed by the (surviving) original radio cast, four years after the untimely death of author Douglas Adams.

"Mine," I judged as soon as I sorted out just what the hell it was. I was delighted to find that Stephen Moore was still alive and had returned to voice Marvin the Paranoid Android again. Peter Jones has unfortunately passed on, but makes a posthumous appearance in this new series, as does Douglas Adams himself!

From the moment I popped it in my CD player and began listening to it, tears bubbled into my eyes. Here again was that wonderful old theme song (an Eagles tune, isn't it?) and, my God, the same BBC announcer from 25 years ago! Okay, so I first heard the original shows fifteen years ago, but still, did I expect to ever hear another series?

Ultimately I've loved this Tertiary Phase. Adams wrote the first episode (before getting distracted by Hollywood again) and the entire series is well done. The music and sound effects are all you could hope for. The original cast is again brilliant and sound almost exactly as they did 25 years ago. The new cast members are excellent as well, with Richard Griffiths (Mr. Dursley from the Harry Potter movies and Swelter from Gormenghast) taking over the role of Slartibartfast. I've listened to the whole thing four times now, and like it better with each listening.

The worst I could say critically is that the pace is the tiniest bit sluggish, the performances the slightest bit geriatric, the energy just a little less than the original shows, and the humour, well, a tad bit less. Not enough to affect my rating however. I've been dying to know if the BBC was going to do adaptions of the final two Hitchhiker's books...

...and they have! The Quandary and Quintessential Phases have already been broadcast, with the same cast and producers as the Tertiary Phase. They should both be available commercially within the next six months or so. Just enough time for me to have another bath.

I've been a fan of Hitchhiker for a long time, so naturally bought the CDs for Tertiary Phase.

I only heard the first two CDs of the set, and haven't developed the interest to finish. Why?

First, note that the original person who did the voice of the guide died, and the replacement just doesn't compare - at all.

The plot seems to be zany for zany sake, and not funny. The talking mattress doesn't help the plot but is more of a distraction.It's like the author just hobbled the book together in a hurry to make some easy money. I don't think his soul was in it. Too bad, because I would have loved for the series to go on.

This certainly ranks up there. My other choices for 2007, hands down:

1) How To Ace Your Way Through College & Still Have a Life
2) The MLA Handbook
3) Fiske Guide to Colleges

Dr. Vernon M
Cambridge, MA

Get out the highlighter and post its if you have a college bound child is high school. This is the best book I've read on the grueling process of college admission. It is specific in it's suggestions for every type of student.

Great book. We learned a number of admissions tips and strategies that helped our son get into college.

We will certainly hold on to the book and reference it when our sophomore starts filling out her applications.

This book is right up the alley for all those helicopter parental micromanagers out there in cyberspace. If you are one then great, this is the book for you. If you are a student, pass on it as it speaks to only the parent. There are much better student guides out there than this. The book speaks to what active role(s) the parent should take to help get their child into the right college. I bought it thinking it would be a great guide for students and parents alike. It is not. It is a guide for omnipresent, low hovering, fueled up Moms and Dads. Good luck kids! May you find out who you truly are at the campus of your dreams - hopefully far away from your "life coaches".

The best thing about this book is that it tells you what colleges NOT to apply to. It shows you how to match your GPA/SAT scores with colleges that are looking for students in that range. If your GPA is 3.2 and you want to go to Stanford, you are not going to get accepted so don't waste your time, emotions and money applying there. Look for colleges who take 3.2 GPA students. It also cautions you against applying to schools whose GPA range is way lower than yours. The authors suggest that you will be bored in such a school.

This is another beautiful story set from the series, but I have to admit that the voice of tigger is a bit annoying, other than that we still like it and it is definitely worth buying it, ...even if you prefer to skip the stories including tigger.

I love these tapes. My preschooler loves these tapes and has since age 2 or so. My sister gave them to me because she and her kids love these tapes. First of all, Winnie the Pooh is simply the best toddler/preschool character out there, as he's funny and not scary or naughty, (or loud), and they use lots of words and do things which are new and fun and interesting for your toddler/ preschooler. Second, this dramatization is unbelievably good--entertaining to adults as well as kids, the perfect mix of humor and gentleness. Another reviewer has said Tigger is annoying--I completely disagree. Tigger is FINE. I wonder if this reviewer has encountered Disney Tigger--now there's annoying! We have taken these tapes everywhere and now of course have lost or broken most of them so I HAVE TO buy some more. There are alot of books and tapes out there you can take out of the library--JUST BUY THESE

When I went to introduce my preschooler to Winnie-the-Pooh, I bought the big book with the complete stories and poems. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it wasn't quite right for my 3-year-old. Reading a story out of the original works takes a good 15-20 minutes, which is more than one can really expect from a preschooler or toddler. Also, the original Pooh is a bit like Sesame Street, in that there are phrases and indeed entire sections of the stories that adults will find amusing but which will just go over a child's head.

And yet, I didn't want to break down and go the route of the Disney-fied Pooh books, with their cartoonish illustrations and watered-down plots and characters.

That's why I was so pleased to find the Easy-to-Read series. There are six easy-to-read titles from two publishers. They are:

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees
Pooh Goes Visiting
Eeyore Has a Birthday
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Christopher Robin Leads an Expedition
Pooh Invents a New Game

Each book is based on one chapter from the complete works. These little books are divided into four chapters, although it should be no problem to read one from start to finish in one sitting.

The print is large and well spaced, and there are ample illustrations (the original drawings by E.H. Shepard) on every page spread to keep little eyes engaged in the story. Most important, the editor has removed most of the passages that aren't so kid friendly and has simplified the stories without giving them a Disney style candy coating. One could read the original story and then the easy-to-read version and get the same basic plot; when going from the Milne works to the Disney versions, the same is certainly not true.

I didn't give these books five stars because the editor retained some language and dialogue that may be a bit confusing for children in the intended age range. Nevertheless, these books are a wonderful introduction to a classic cast of characters for the preschool set.

After my introduction to this ensemble cast with "Pooh Goes Visiting," I looked forward to the rest of the series. But this one is a bit of a let-down. Be warned that the stories are, or seem to be, out of sequence. Contrary to the title, only two, I think, are about or even contain Tigger. And the voice of Tigger is REALLY annoying. Really. But the rest of the cast continues to bring a gentle wonderfulness to the Pooh stories -- so much so that it's well worth the annoyance of Tigger. Get this one, but don't miss the other, better ones.

This amazing dramatization of the Pooh books is performed by a marvelously talented group of British entertainers who truly bring the Pooh characters gently and lovingly to life. As for this tape, I finally got this figured out. This is part of a four-tape program that represents the complete two-book Winnie-the-Pooh story collection, except the stories are out of order (probably so that they would fit equally on the tapes). Book 1, "Winnie-the-Pooh," is represented by "Pooh Goes Visiting" (stories in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10) and "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (stories: 5, 6, 7, 8). Book 2, "The House at Pooh Corner," is dramatized by "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (stories in order: 1 2, 4, 3, 9, 10) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (stories 5, 6, 7, 8). When stories that depend on previous information are out of order, it gets confusing. My suggestion: Get the "Winnnie-the-Pooh" / "The House at Pooh Corner" gift pack, which is also four tapes (the same recordings), but in the proper order.

When I went to introduce my preschooler to Winnie-the-Pooh, I bought the big book with the complete stories and poems. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it wasn't quite right for my 3-year-old. Reading a story out of the original works takes a good 15-20 minutes, which is more than one can really expect from a preschooler or toddler. Also, the original Pooh is a bit like Sesame Street, in that there are phrases and indeed entire sections of the stories that adults will find amusing but which will just go over a child's head.

And yet, I didn't want to break down and go the route of the Disney-fied Pooh books, with their cartoonish illustrations and watered-down plots and characters.

That's why I was so pleased to find the Easy-to-Read series. There are six easy-to-read titles from two publishers. They are:

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees
Pooh Goes Visiting
Eeyore Has a Birthday
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Christopher Robin Leads an Expedition
Pooh Invents a New Game

Each book is based on one chapter from the complete works. These little books are divided into four chapters, although it should be no problem to read one from start to finish in one sitting.

The print is large and well spaced, and there are ample illustrations (the original drawings by E.H. Shepard) on every page spread to keep little eyes engaged in the story. Most important, the editor has removed most of the passages that aren't so kid friendly and has simplified the stories without giving them a Disney style candy coating. One could read the original story and then the easy-to-read version and get the same basic plot; when going from the Milne works to the Disney versions, the same is certainly not true.

I didn't give these books five stars because the editor retained some language and dialogue that may be a bit confusing for children in the intended age range. Nevertheless, these books are a wonderful introduction to a classic cast of characters for the preschool set.

[This is a review of the Hodder/Headline audiocassette version] I learned to read by listening (again and again and again and again) to a pair of well-loved and well-worn LPs of the Pooh stories read by Maurice Evans. I always considered them the finest Pooh audiobooks ever recorded. Up until now! Now there's this wonderful series of fully-dramatized adventures of Pooh featuring a brilliant cast of wonderful British actors: Stephen Fry ("Jeeves and Wooster") as Pooh, Geoffrey Palmer ("The Madness of King George") as Eeyore, Judy Dench ("Shakespeare in Love") as Kanga...and best of all, the *incomparable* Jane Horrocks ("Little Voice" and Bubbles from "AbFab") as a squeaky, alarmed, and altogether adorable Piglet. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate these fine recordings (and there are plenty of adult Pooh fans out there who will *love* these versions). Accept no substitutes: this is simply the finest Pooh audio series yet created, beating by a *far* distance the Alan Bennett and (ugh!) Charles Kuralt versions. There's more than just this one tape in the series, too. The series includes "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (ISBN: 1840322195); "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (ISBN: 1840320524) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (ISBN: 1840322268). Type the 10-digit ISBN number into the Amazon search field to go directly to the webpages for these cassettes.

This amazing dramatization of the Pooh books is performed by a marvelously talented group of British entertainers who truly bring the Pooh characters gently and lovingly to life. As for this tape, I finally got this figured out. This is part of a four-tape program that represents the complete two-book Winnie-the-Pooh story collection, except the stories are out of order (probably so that they would fit equally on the tapes). Book 1, "Winnie-the-Pooh," is represented by "Pooh Goes Visiting" (stories in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10) and "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (stories: 5, 6, 7, 8). Book 2, "The House at Pooh Corner," is dramatized by "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (stories in order: 1 2, 4, 3, 9, 10) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (stories 5, 6, 7, 8). When stories that depend on previous information are out of order, it gets confusing. My suggestion: Get the "Winnnie-the-Pooh" / "The House at Pooh Corner" gift pack, which is also four tapes (the same recordings), but in the proper order.

For lovers of books, there isn't a resource more handy - a choice selection of titles with brief descriptions of the more important ones on all sorts of subjects from religion to history to hobbies but heavily listing towards literature. The selections highlighted in red boxes are brilliantly chosen - you know the folks doing the choosing are eating the right type of cereal when they choose Guy Davenport's essays for special mention. The newer edition isn't nearly as good - the decision to change the fonts was mistaken and the choices of boxed, important titles isn't nearly as pitch-perfect as before. But get this edition if you can - it's one you'll lug around with you and dip into for inspired suggestions on what to read next.

Reader's Catalog is a large collection of entries, divided by subject, for books on a wide variety of subjects. The goal of the book is to be a reader's advisor. If you need a recommendation for a book on Islam, or Thai Cooking, or Geographical Place-Names, you can start here and get some titles, and, likely, some descriptions. Also ISBN's and publishers are given.

It is certainly nice to have such a comprehensive set of professional book reviews and comments.

The book is large, and the paper is very thin. After normal wear, it will not stand up on a shelf unless supported by other books. If it sounds like a good addition to your collection, you might want to make sure you've got a good spot atop the bookshelf to lay this paperback tome.

ken32