I Books

Experiencing Architecture, 2nd Edition
In spite of it's age the book is still like a bible for people interested in architecture and used a lot in education. The language is not too complicated, its not too technical and there are a lot of simple but good illustrations.

I like this book very much, while reading, you feel like being on the place that is described and feel the architectural sensation.

Yes, it's a must-have, yes u read it more than once and yes it is just the book for any architect or designer or anyone interested in the field..
This book introduces you to architecture...it's really enlightening especially to those who think that architecture is putting a couple of bricks together to come up with a building, `cause architecture is more than that, it's more or less like a way of living...
So that's why i highly recommend this book to 1st year students or those who are about to pursue a future in architecture..
but still this book is great for seniors and architects in general...
the only think n this book that needs adjustment is the display or the presentation...i know it shouldn't matter as long as the book is good...but just as a way to make the books more appealing especially for those who don't like reading all that much... but if you r the kind of person who doesn't mind that u'll enjoy the book all the same.. I really think this book should b taught in any architecture class

I am interested in architecture as a hobby, and as a potential career at some point in the future, so the perspective I had when reading this book was that of an informed amateur. I can't praise this little book enough. In its pages are the best explanations and analyses of contrasts, textures, shapes, and colors that I have seen in one single, condensed location.

Originally published in Denmark in 1959, and therefore lacking some of the more contemporary and postmodern design trends, this is an invaluable analysis of primarily European design through the mid twentieth century. This book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs (most of which were taken by Rasmussen himself) and a fair number of drawings, all of which greatly assist the reader with his understanding of the material.

Specific buildings mentioned are too numerous to list, but the run the gamut from St. Peter's basilica in Rome, to the haunting and sinister Palazzetto Zuccari (also in Rome), to the ultramodern Johnson Wax Company building in Racine, Wisconsin by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the very modern study in open spaces found in the Copenhagen Police Headquarters (one of my personal favorites.)

This would be a useful guide to architects, and is the single best introduction to historical architectural style that I have yet found. Anyone with even a passing interest in architectural design or history would love this book.

this is a classic book on how to deal with architecture.
it is not a graphic game, instead architecture is an experience.
to understand it means experiencing it with our senses.
thats i have learned from this book.

She's charming...and you can't help but love her. How cute it was that she thought she had finally met a real French person...oh well, Paris, Texas isn't very close to the Riveria, but as the book says, she did make a new friend, and that's a good thing too.

Really enjoyed this one, possibly the best of Nancy for us (--this is our third Nancy-book). I was surprised to find the Nancy stories so enjoyable. Was pleasantly surprised too to find this as a reader, and it has great story. My girls both like these (& this one), my non-fancy Tom-boy and my girl who likes to tell me that she likes girly stuff and boys stuff too! "I like Efry-ding!"

My daughter LOVES Fancy Nancy. This book is one of her favorites. She thinks it is neat to learn a couple of fancy French words. She says them all the time. It also has a couple of good vocabulary words for her in English. That's what's so neat about the Fancy Nancy books. They have great vocabulary words and they always explain what they mean. The illustrations are WONDERFUL!

I'm a 74 year old greatgrandmother and I purchase the Fancy Nancy books for my 7 year old great granddaughter, Jasmine, who is very fancy and looks alot like her as well. Jasmine's mother enjoys the books as well as they teach a child how to deal with problems in life. They have Fancy Nancy parties with boas and hats, jewelery and ribbons and fancy cupcakes and cookies and lots and lots of Fancy Nancy books - keep up the good work.
Barbara E. Stuart

My daughter is 6 and she loves Nancy. And now this new realease is cheaper and my daughter can read all by herself.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and receive the autograph of James McEachin at the American Booksellers Conference in Chicago. Seeing him in the corridors, I kept wishing I remembered his name--for I did remember his face from many of my favorite TV programs. So, once home, with "signed" bookmark in hand, I ordered the hard copy of Farewell to the Mockingbirds...having no idea what the book was about.

The slice of history called the "Houston Insurrection," as portrayed by James McEachin, will be one that I'll never forget. Each of you owe it to yourself and your families to read this new dramatic, perhaps fictional, but entirely believable novel.

McEachin takes us back to the time of World War I, beginning in 1917, and takes the readers into the midst of the 24th U.S. Infantry Regiment (Colored) and, in particular, K (King) Company. For many of us, we have no idea of the "actuality" of segregation as it was experienced early in our Country's history. Within the confines of the Army structure, where all officers were white, and that allowed them to "act out" their emotions, Farewell to the Mockingbirds presents the story of those referred to at that time as "colored." It presents their reactions, their fears, and their anger at the treatment by those in authority. For me, one of the interesting points of the book was that the entire battalion, and indeed Black men from all over the United States, wanted to participate in the War...they wanted to go overseas and help defend their country. The Secretary of War knew they needed men of all colors and tried to move toward their full use; the "war," however, was also at home, as James McEachin tells the story...and the battle was ongoing!

McClellan is the main character...the First Sergeant who led King Company. Clearly a learned man, his love for the Army and the United States is well demonstrated. Only in the midst of the internal "war" within the Army does he come to make decisions contrary to those given by the commanding officers. And even then you realize that race is not the issue--saving the lives of his men is his primary objective. His commanding officer is white, a Quaker, and a man who clearly does not believe in war--neither the official one nor the one within the Army. Perhaps a stronger officer would have controlled and prevented what happened, but somehow I doubt it.

McClellan was a born leader and he had trained King Company to be soldiers. Instead, they were ordered to a construction post where their only jobs would be to support the white soldiers in their work. Yes, I'm glossing over the specific activities and happenings prior to the Insurrection. It is impossible to take certain acts and dwell on any one of them; you must visit Houston and become one of the Mockingbirds; only then can you weigh and evaluate what happened there.

Oh, and when you're in Houston, you'll meet Jody--a twelve-year-old boy/man who became a soldier in the King Company and later was one of the 13 men hung. Make sure you pay close attention to Jody from his first being "drafted" and finding his way alone to join the Army...you'll want to know him well by the time he stands on the gallows.

The story line, then, is that some part of a battalion of "colored" soldiers rose up against the civilians, the police, and other soldiers, and were later either hung, placed in prison, or dishonorably discharged. This is a part of our history. In Farewell to the Mockingbirds, James McEachin will take you there in an unforgettable, well-researched, and totally plausible narrative of that time.

At first, when I finished, I felt like I was siding for the "underdog," that I would have been the "first female defender," perhaps, that attempted to bring some right into the "mock" trial of the mockingbirds. Then I realized that, no, I was merely expecting that fellow Americans be treated fairly and equally, for indeed the war was there in the United States, no matter what was happening overseas. And I was glad James McEachin had written this book to ensure we understand who really were, and are, the mockingbirds.

This novel commands your attention from beginning to end--buy a copy. You will want to read it again and share it with others!

As we say now about Mark Twain, the future will hear, "another James McEachin". He has written the definitive book on man's inhumanity to man while, paradoxically, presenting a paean to the triumph of the human spirit. McEachin brings to life people to aspire to who have terrible failings and seemingly simple folk with hidden greatness. So many thoughts that have never been expressed and behaviour never before delineated. You will read word combinations you've not seen til now.

Mr. McEachin again reminds me of why he is my favorite author. His powerful words are overshadowed only by the human-ness of his characters. He is a master storyteller.

The actor James McEachin has enjoyed a fine second career as a novelist. This, his second novel, is an incredibly moving book about an unforgettable, yet forgotten, incident in our past. In 1917 the US Army sent a regiment of black soldiers to Houston, Texas. As could have been expected, trouble eventually occurred. Big trouble. A riot between white Houston police and the black soldiers which resulted in the deaths of several people. The result was the largest murder trial in American history, followed by the largest mass execution. This is an emotional book, written in the heat of righteous anger. But, Mr. McEachin never allows his obvious sympathies for the soldiers to descend into maudlin sentimentalism. The soldiers are fully rounded men, often troubled and flawed. Their actions are not made out to be more noble than they were. It is a book that reminds us of how far we have come in America, and how far we have to go. Most highly recommended.

I am a writer. After reading this book, I feel like a fraudcalling myself a writer. James McEachin's writing is that good, justbrilliant. When it comes to men of letters, somewhere, sometime, somehow, some way, James McEachin must be acknowledged and recognized as a national literary treasure or there is no justice in this world.

If you're looking at buying this, you know what Sin City is. This collection is an oversized printing with thicker paper and darker inks. It's a very high-quality product and at ~$25 an issue, not a bad deal. I could only give it 4 stars because I noticed that at least 2 pages of story are missing from the second book as compared to the trade paperback. I don't know if those pages were added to the paperback version and not in the original comics, thus not used here, or if they were removed for some other reason, but since they are my two favorite pages in the book, I'm a tad disappointed. I'm not sure if anything else is missing; those two pages were all I noticed.

The only complaint I've heard about this collection is the lack of bonus materials. While I do agree with the argument, I believe you still get your money's worth and more in this product.

I've done some price comparisons online before purchasing these books, and amazon.com definately has the best price out there.

The packaging of the collection is eye catching; flat black with red foil lettering. The pages are quite thick and durable, a necessity for those of us who want to read them, as well as have something that looks good on a book-shelf.

The story and illustrations are now in larger print, giving you a better appreciation for the body of work.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Sin City books, this is still a good investment if you are fan of graphic novels. I was a fan of the film, and figured to give the books a try. Rather than spend a fortune tracking down the comics I thought I would try this. Not only does this series include a story-line not included in the film, but there is further elaboration on what you did not see in the film.

This is a great collection; the stories are wonderful, the packaging is great, and the price is right for what you are getting. I hope they continue to put these out. I know I'll be buying more.

If you can't guess why, you mustn't have liked the comics or the movie...

If there is a series that deserves an oversized format, it is SIN CITY. Point. No question about it. All that fantastic B&W art of Frank Miller blows away my mind every time I open up those books.But there is a problem: NO EXTRA STUFF!No sketch gallery,no unused pages or something like that.Anyway,the final design of the slipcase follows the art direction of the entire series!Take it!

Forget all the other imprints of this masterpiece. Finally Dark Horse does justice to this great series with this marvellous set. Marv, Goldie and all the others have never looked better. Just the quality of the paper and the blackness of the ink takes your breath away (matches the E.C. slipcased sets in quality printing). Just look at the other pictures above: aren't these covers awesome? Also included are beautiful color reproductions of most of the series' original covers. I would even go as far as to say that this set isn't just for fans. The panels are "ready to be framed" ... But then you'd need to buy at least two sets.... joking...
When you're interested in comic book inking, page set-ups, art in general or how to bring a plot to paper, buy this. You won't be disappointed. You'll want to read this over and over again. Each single dialogue, sharper than a razor blade, the movements frozen in mid-air. This will truely leave you breathless and in awe. When you liked the movie, buy this. It lets you appreciate the detail and leaves you the time to discover what maybe got lost through the pace of cinematic story-telling. I didn't like the movie as much as these books. Why? Here I have the time to appreciate every single frame, to let the characters grow inside my head. The movie didn't leave me that room. To me it almost became a series of scenes filled with too much senseless violence. Not that the books are any less violent or that because they leave you your own pace in reading them, they'd prepare you for anything that you have coming your way. No way. I just think they leave you more time and space to appreciate what great art it is that you are looking at - and for what a great price.

This book is so funny, it had me laughing out loud. The Star Wars humor is great. When you say what in The Dark Side instead of What the he**, you know you have problems. This poor girl is everything society makes fun of, but yet you just have to love her. This book will have you holding your stomach from laughing and cheering for Rory. Two thumbs up!

I loved this book! It was such a cute story. If you like chick lit, light romance/comedies, then you'll probably like this book. The characters were loveable and I found myself not wanting the book to end. Shane Bolks is a great writer and I'm looking foreward to reading her future books. Please write more Shane!!!!

If you're in need of a laugh-filled romance with a side of highschool flashbacks, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated could be the book for you. Shane Bolks's debut is a hilarious look at a woman stuck in dating hell . . . until she reinvents herself for a shot at winning the heart of a demi-god of popularity from her past. Rory's attempts to force her Star Wars geek goddess personality and off-the-wall family into ill-fitting conformity will strike a chord with anyone who's ever tried to hard to fit in. The lead characters rang true, the romance is good, flirty fun, and the ending left me with a smile and a sigh.

Very highly recommended.

With a name like Rory Egglehoff, you can imagine what kind of "geek" this main heroine is supposed to be portrayed as. And sure enough, she is! Working as an accountant, Rory is currently dating a boring Star Wars geek, and although she herself is a non-boring Star Wars geek, the sparks just aren't there between them.

However, after Rory runs into an old crush from grade school - the handsome Hunter Chase, her best friend Allison convinces her to go after him. Rory decides to go through with it. The results that ensue are slightly disastrous but entertaining. Rory hides her true vegetarian, Star-wars-convention attending geeky self and begins to win Hunter over. But will it last? Will she succeed in getting the man of her dreams and in the process lose herself?

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet, romantic novel with a likeable heroine and a fun story line that kept me reading. It carries a good message as well, about loving and being yourself above all else. Some of Rory's dating antics make me laugh out loud as well.

The only thing I had a problem with in this novel was that the main character kept saying "Creator!" and "Oh, Creator!" as sort of a curse. It got very annoying, and some people could find it offensive.

However, I recommend giving this a read if you are in the mood for a solid, sweet chick lit tale.

Like many people, Rory Egglehoff can't escape her past. Hers has resurfaced in the form of Hunter Chase: sapphire-eyed stud, true Jedi Knight, and lifetime crush. With a four phase plan in her pocket, she sets out to transform Icky Egglehoff into Princess Leia--someone worthy of godlike Hunter's interest. A quick change of wardrobe and a little social outreach later and she gets her wish. And more than she's bargained for.

Now that Rory has his interest, how does she keep it? She can't let him know that she comes from a family of hippie-liberal-freaks. Or that she's--gasp--a vegetarian. Or that she is a die-hard Star Wars fan, complete with collectors glasses and costumes. Or that she's kind of dating a major nerd loser who she just can't seem to break up with because sometimes isn't it better to be with a Wookiee than no one at all?

With her high school reunion looming, Rory makes the not-so-heroic choice of a once-in-a-lifetime date with Hunter over helping her sister, attending her mom's birthday bash, and comforting her best friend in the midst of a big-time break-up. But when it comes down to crunch time--or couch time, as in Hunter's--can she really take this chance with him when the Rory he's attracted to isn't the real one?

It takes a lot of courage to go after the man of your dreams. It takes even more to show him your true self. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly takes you on a laughter- and tear-filled journey as Rory learns this hard lesson and realizes the time has come to leave the past behind. Because the first step to finding love is loving yourself.

Pearson's memoir drew me in from the first page, as she relates her initial encounter with her future husband. "Gerald shone. That's the best way I can describe him. He shone."
Can't we all relate to that Kismet moment, the first meeting with "the one." When our pheromones come alive and propel us to pursue the OBJECT, the prize, our destiny.
The author's Mormon religion has instilled in her, early on, a desire for an "eternal marriage" much like her parents own union, which only ended at her mother's death.
Gerald, also a Mormon, and Carol Lynn, joked about Brigham Young's statement that "any young man over the age of twenty-one who is not married is a menace to the community."
After Gerald proposes, he decides to share a deep truth with Carol Lynn. Which is that he has had homsexual experiences, but has repented of his sins. He then promises her that she will be enough for him sexually after they are married.
She accepts Gerald's promise, as she'd always been taught that when tempted, boy's were weaker than girls. Their ensuing marriage brings challenges beyond the norm, as Gerald loses his battle against his homosexual cravings. Yet Carol Lynn's love for her husband never dies.
As an author and a human being, she shines. Her personal integrity, compassion, and capacity for unconditional love, awed me as a reader. I devoured this book in two sittings, fascinated by the true love shared between this husband and wife. She supported Gerald, even when he contracted AIDS, and brought him home to die with she and their children by his side till the end.
They both rose to bear witness to their highest selves, in spite of their horrific circumstances. This memoir is full of rare insights into the complexities of a romantic relationship, and to the human condition. It educates, entertains, and inspires. Kudos to Pearson's courage in sharing this extremely personal story. An awesome book by an outstanding writer.

I had heard of Carol Lynn Pearson's story, and I expected the story to be interesting, but I had no idea how much I would feel, and how many things I would have to think about (a lot, not just the reality of homosexuality, not just the many types and forms of love, but many many things.) I was completely unprepared to laugh, but I did, and I must say, the Pearson's were amazing people. Such strength, such energy, such a desire to be like Christ and do what is right. This story is incredible and incredibly written.

You might not think an account of a couple who divorces due to homosexuality could be a memorable love story, but this one really is. I read this book many years ago, and was so moved by it. Carol Lynn Pearson is a remarkable woman. She writes this book with such transparency of her emotions. The love she had for Gerald Pearson before, during, and after their marriage is so rare. They truly were soulmates, but couldn't be married and both be happy. I started out by reading other books by her, especially about women in traditional church. She is Mormon and I was, at the time, too. I grew up Catholic, and that church and the Mormon church both put limits on what women can do. In in the Catholic church women can't be priests, and in the Mormon church, they can't hold the priesthood. She writes about the bewilderment of that inequity, the same way she wrote about her bewilderment of her husband deciding to live as a gay man, and the struggles he had with that decision. I have felt similar struggles trying to find a place as a woman in traditional Christian churches. When I tried to talk with others about my feelings about feeling less as a woman in the church, I was told I shouldn't feel that way. The way she writes about people who feel disenfranchised by policies and religious tenets made me feel like FINALLY someone gets it. I actually called her on the phone many years ago to tell her to tell her how thankful I was that someone else understood about being a woman in a tradtionally male dominated church, and she was so generous and gracious on the phone to talk with me for a few minutes, so I could tell her thank you. The compassion she has for people who feel like outsiders, and how she treats those people, is what I think of as true Christ-like love. I highly recommmend this book for anyone who ever felt like they don't belong. She went through a very difficult time and showed unfailing love, just like Christ would do.

Carol Pearson is a wonderful writer. I felt like I was right there with her she relly pulls you into her life and feelings. I only hope that Carol has found love and happiness with a strong, straight loving man, which she deserves. She treated her husband Gerald with compassion and sympathy, something not a lot of other women would do. The only thing that bothered me was Gerald's insistance that his children call him "gerald" and not "Dad" since he was the children's biological father. I sincerely hope Carol and her children have found closure, peace happiness and love: they deserve it! A wonderful book!

This is the first book I came across that truly captured what it is like to be gay and married and it was written by the straight spouse. Of course, that was years ago and now I have come out of the closet and have found my voice and know what is in my heart. But back then I was deep in the closet and this book was a godsend. Thank you, Carol Lynn, from the bottom of my heart. It was wonderful to see in words what before I had only felt and not understood. However, I wished I had read your thoughts and feelings about being a straight spouse more carefully. It would have given me so much insight into what was going on with my wife. It took me years to gain that insight on my own. But back then it was all I could do to handle my own pain.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only is it interesting to read, but is full of facts as well. We share the characters emotions, yet at the same time, learn the realities of raising a guide dog puppy. This book will interest both children and adults but is also a wonderful way to become informed about guide dogs, their trainers and recipients. I know this book will do more than just entertain, it will challenge and encourage people to act and get involved in such a wonderful project.

This short and very readable children's book will appeal to adults as well and should be required reading for anyone contemplating raising a guide dog puppy. It is heartfelt and informative, all at the same time. The tendency towards excessive sweetness is offset by the blunt facts that this is a tough task and not to be undertaken lightly. It certainly opens your eyes to what is involved but succeeds in not discouraging you from taking on the challenge. The research behind the story makes it accurate so the reader gets the true picture. Armed with this kind of knowledge and the genuine emotion which comes through little Diego, the reader is more likely to want to proceed and many may contact the Guide Dogs associations around the world because of this simple little book.

Based on a true story, Hello, Goodbye, I Love You: The Story Of Aloha - A Guide Dog For The Blind by Pamela Bauer Mueller is the story of a twelve-year-old young man named Diego Escobar and Aloha -- the dog he raised from puppyhood. At eighteen months, it was time for Diego to send his beloved canine companion off to guide dog school for formal training and a productive future as a guide dog for the blind. The heartbreak of letting go, and the joys of little miracles fill the pages of this compassionate true story which is especially recommended reading for dog lovers.

A well written, moving story of a seeing eye dog and the
sacrifices people make when raising them. A good book for
any age. This should inspire others to do the same.

In the world surrounding Washington DC, where social might makes political right and the those heir to the electoral thrones are chosen from among the strangest of bedfellows, this is a story of one who did not play the usual games. With a host of unseemlies that seem unlikely but in normal life but are all too likely in the circles of intrigue, Harris paints a picture of what happens when honor plays by the rules written and not the rules understood.

The United States is the last among the major world powers, and well among the nations of the second world, to have never had a women in the highest seat of power. Could such a story as this be the reason behind it? What would it take for one lone woman, playing by the rules, to rise by her wits and wiles without losing either her convictions or her life? Read Here Am I and find out.

The author of "Here Am I" did an excellent job developing interesting characters with whom I empathized as a fellow professional.
The storyline is imaginative and carries the reader's attention well.
Overall, "Here Am I" is an excellent novel.

Rebecca is a wonderful heroine - tough, vulnerable, smart, straight-talking, great combination of business woman and politician.
The book is a brutally honest portrayal of the dark side of big-city politics and the best-ever account of crime & corruption in Fairfax County government.
The book is packed with action, plot twists - just can't put it down.

I spent my teen years growing up in the DC Suburbs just across the bridge from Alexandria, Fairfax and other surrounding cities/counties in Clinton, MD (Prince Georges County.) We all lived completely immersed in the heavy politics and day to day drama of living in the shadow of our nations capitol. Those were the "Marion Barry" days if that name rings a bell! I returned to the area later in 2000 to serve my last year as a military officer in the halls of the Pentagon where I had an extremely close up view of the inner workings of Washington Politics. This book generated many memories of my days as both a young person and experienced military officer in the DC area. As a well trained and evolved military leader I could relate well to and appreciate Rebecca's qualities. She truely was the hero that we aspire to be and/or look for in our leadership at many levels of government. The truth about the ugly side of politics will hopefully serve as enlightenment and a wake up call. The read was riveting and I spent every moment of free time I could spare on it from the time I turned the first page until finished!

Intelligently written and discriptive. The book does a good job of painting a picture in your mind; which is what a good novel should do. Smooth read. The story is realistic and would make a good TV drama. Can't beat the price. I will purchase the paperback version as well when it comes out.

I have been reading philosophy for a long time now and occasionally, when I talk about it to my friends, I get asked where one can start when it comes to a massive subject like philosophy. Before this book, I would have a hard time pinpointing a good source for a newcomer because most books out there are either boring and dull college books or books that are way too complicated and wordy for anyone without a background to enjoy them.

This series turned out to be perfect for starting a journey in philosophy or brushing up on your ancient Greek philosophy - where it all started. It is a pity that it does not include some Eastern thought schools that are very important to explore but I suppose it had to limit itself on some scale. It is easy to comprehend, laid out rather nicely and often enough refers to former chapters so you don't lose the thread. Not only does it give paragraphs of good translations of the original texts from Plato and Aristotele etc, but it also enriches these thoughts with its own neat and current examples.

I highly recommend it. It was a very pleasant read.

This item was in very good shape and came to me in no time. It was shipped the same day of the purchase and i got it 2 days later.

This book offers an excellent summery of the basic teachings, understandings, and doctrines from Thales of the pre-socratics to the late Classical period in Rome (Epicurus, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, ect). The History of Western Philosphy Series is an excellent addition to the mind and bookshelf of all scholars who maintain interest in the evolution of the human mind. This specific book goes well hand in hand with F. M. Cornfield's "From Religion to Philosophy (A Study in the Origins of Western Speculation)."

This book, 'The Classical Mind', is the first volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

Jones states that there are two possible ways for a writer to organise a history of philosophy -- either by addressing everyone who ever participated in philosophy (which could become rather cumbersome if one accepts the premise that anyone could be a philosopher), or to address the major topics and currents of thought, drawing in the key figures who address them, but leaving out the lesser thinkers for students to pursue on their own. Jones has chosen the latter tactic, making sure to provide bibliographic information for this task.

This volume, 'The Classical mind', starts and ends in ancient Greece. Plato and Aristotle are well featured, to be sure, but the pre-Socratics and the post-Aristotilean thinkers are also discussed in great detail. The first chapter deals with a number of thinkers whose names are well-known to those who study the history of science as well as to philosophers -- Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras -- showing the interconnection of disciplines that recurs again and again throughout history, but never again so closely as in these opening days of Western thought.

Jones gives a general history lesson along with the history of the development of thought so that the reader will understand the social and historical context in which ideas developed. Plato and Aristotle both came out a context in which Greece was a fairly violent place much of the time, with warring factions and city-states variously dependent upon and warring against each other.

The discussion of Plato largely deals with his theories of knowledge and metaphysics, with an additional chapter on subsequent topics such as ethics, politics, religion and art. Similiarly, Aristotle is dealt with in two chapters, with the major topics of metaphysics, logic, ethics, politics, aesthetics, and other issues addressed. At the end of each of these sections, Jones gives a general critique of the philosopher's main ideas, and in the final chapter of the book, sets the stage for further developments, particularly in terms of the decline of the Golden Age in Greece. In some regards, all subsequent Western philosophy vacilates between Plato and Aristotle, so a thorough grounding is important.

Each volume ends with a glossary of terms, and a worthwhile index. The glossary warns against short, dictionary-style definitions and answers to broad terms and questions, and thus indicates the pages index-style to the discussion within the text for further context. The one wish I would have would be a comprehesive glossary and index that covers the several volumes; as it is, each volume has only its own referents.

This is minor criticism in a generally exceptional series. It is not easy text, but it is not needlessly difficult. The print size on the direct quotes, which are sometimes lengthy, can be a strain at times, but the reading is worthwhile.

W. T. Jones' first volume, The Classical Mind, is a fantastic introduction for studying ancient philosophy. His work is fairly clear and not very difficult in terms of being able to understand his explication of various philosophers and theories. That is, Jones does not write to other philosophers; he is writing to would-be philosophers or students. Jones considers important aspects such as the timing and events surrounding the philosophical theories in order to demonstrate that these ideas do not develop ex nihilo. They arise because of important questions or issues developed in the relevant cultures.

This work covers quite a few people. Of course, it is not exhaustive on every thinker; nor is such even possible since many of the writings of people like the pre-socratics do not exist beyond a few manuscripts. In any case, Jones starts with them (specificaly Homer and Hesiod), through Thales, to Plato, to Aristotle, and up to the skeptics (e.g., Carneades and Sextus). From time to time, Jones will comment upon some of the positive and negative (or implausible) aspects of each of the theories provided. Sometimes his objections are good; other times, they can be answered. For instance, Jones treats Plato's argument for the Forms as a transcendental argument and he applies Stephan Korner's uniquness argument against Plato (c.f. Korner, "The Impossibility of Transcendental Deductions"). Jones doesn't refer to Korner, but it is the same point. I think Plato could *in principle* answer Jones.

There are a couple areas where I think that Jones has misinterpreted some of the early thinkers. For instance, Jones treats Aristotle as only holding to the intellectual virtues as being eudaimonia (for an alternative view, see Cooper, John M. "Reason and Human Good in Aristotle"). Also, Jones gives a traditional analysis of Parmenides. Patricia Curd offers an alternative analysis in "The Legacy of Parmenides." Both of these thinkers challenge the traditional views that Jones sides with. In any case, that's a head's up for readers who have not done exhaustive reading on these philosophers; just something to keep in mind when reading Jones.

Finally, I think that Jones often uses far too long of quotes from other people. At one point, he quoted Plato for an entire three pages (8 size font!). Jones could have summarized the point and added a footnote. Nevertheless, this is a great textbook for studying ancient philosophy and it deserves five stars despite my harsh disapproval of some of his analyses and writing style :)

And it continues to be useful. Korzonas writes in a very appoachable manner with excellent layout of techniques and ingredients. I hoped for volume II, but appearently it isn't to be. If you're just starting out this would be an excellent book to add to that "basic brewing equipment" kit you're purchasing! It will take you through from "What is this for?" to "Hey, let's brew this!". Excellent book. Full marks.

I love to teach myself. I started out with Charlie Papazian's book. That book was very helpful and pointed out a few things I might not have instantly associated. After my first 5-gallon batch I had more questions about the process as I was looking for finer details on the different stages. The Papazian book is definitely an excellent resource.
When I got the Korzonas book I thought "Here I go just doubling up and not expanding." How wrong I was. It expands on the basics to an intermediate level. There is definitely a wealth of information in this book.
I can't wait to see what Volume II will be like.
I will say these last things and let you on your way.

Armed with only 4 things you will always brew excellent beer.
1) The Complete Joy of Homebrewing (Charlie Papazian)
2) Homebrewing Volume I (Al Korzonas)
3) Informative local Homebrew shop or Homebrew Club.
4) Love of good beer!!

Remember C. Papazian's beautiful mantra "Relax don't worry, have a homebrew."

This is a good resource for beginning/intermediate extract brewers but it has no information on all-grain brewing.

I have read a lot of books and other things relating to brewing but this is one if not the best I have read.To call this a bible is not an understatement!.Well worth the read.If your a beginner please read this very good book!

If I could only buy one book for homebrewing, this would be it. I have most of the "basic" books, and have studied for & passed (with an 80) the BJCP exam, so I've read a bunch of homebrewing books. Al's book is the most complete I've seen. The details on hops & yeast types are exhaustive. Although this one is titled Volume 1, I don't see why any more volumes are needed for the typical brewer. Al has an enormous amount of information in these pages, but his style includes jokes and thus it is quite easy to read. You will not regret having bought this book.