John Noble Books

i bought this book used because it has been out of print for several years now (2002 i think)...WTF? you would think that with Mexico City being one of THE MOST POPULOUS cities IN THE WORLD, they would print a new edition EVERY YEAR...not so...so other than that, i would recommend the book. otherwise look for more current info.

I bought several guide books to DF with me and I kept using Lonely planets guide more than the others. It was really the only guide book I needed. Save your money with other guide books and just purchase this one.

I have used this book through my trip to México DF last January 2002. As usual, it provides accurate information on maps, transportation, places to eat and things to do, but I feel that the evaluation of hotels has been made in a quite superficial way, sometimes giving the impression - specially on the budget side - that the author has jumped from place to place without taking much time to actually consider the conditions of the place being evaluated.

The Lonely-Planet Mexico City guidebook was truely amazing. It provided great information, with lots of detail. The maps were very helpful, especially the Metro map, because there were other Metro maps available in English- anywhere! The guidebook also provided useful information on cultural events, dangers, and food. If you are going to Mexico City, I highly recommend this book!

Good guide to discover the treasures, from prehispanic to modern times, hidden in the pollution and traffic. Despite the population and size, the city still welcomes its visitors. You can go from the traffic jams in Av. Insurgentes or Calzada Tlapan to the peace of a stroll in the Alameda Central or a visit to the lakes in Chapultepec. The guide deserves a place in your bag, though things change so fast in such place, so an update is needed in the hotels and restaurant selection.

It's a good book, very handy if you're going to Central Asia in 1996. Four years later, however, it ain't worth squat.

Come on Lonely Planet - give us a new version

Until recently, few westerners have ventured into the former Soviet republics of Central Asia; but there is a lot to see here: the Registan of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Alamaty, the fading Aral sea, and remote (and possibly dangerous) Tajikistan. While some of the travel information is dated, this is the most comprehensive of the guidebooks to this area that is available. So, if you venture on the Golden Road to Samarkand, this is the one to take!

The book was published in 1996. I travelled to Uzbekistan in 1997 and, already, many details have become obsolete. For e.g. I had NO problems with the police, there are MANY new bed and breakfasts and changing money on the "street" is more the norm. When I was there, the official rate was 80 Som to US $1.00. On the streets, it was 140 to the dollar. I did not change a single dollar officially.

I enjoyed this book very much. I also learned through reading it the many different ways that officers can become coppupt and how to notice corruption before it even starts. This is an excellent book and I do recommend it to anyone who is interested in corruption of police and their departments.

This book does an excellent job of introducing the reader to corruption, particularly what seems like inane and harmless corruption such as accepting free food from locals on your beat. It explains and expands on human nature, the desire to receive special treatment from those responsible for our protection or admnistration. I have also taken a class from Dr. Caldero, and I can say that a majority of the students in the class didn't understand his book at first, because they failed to see the danger in small or seemingly trivial corruption.

Excellant Book! A must read for all future employees of the Criminal Justice System. This reminds me of another book I just read and recommend, U.S. Customs Badge of Dishonor. Both of these books demonstrate just how tuff it is to be a cop.

After reading this book, I wondered whether the authors are or were cops themselves. At least one of them (Crank) isn't, and never has been. This makes sense, because the ethics cases presented in this book are bland and barely skim the surface of what we (cops) go through every day. On the face of it, the ethics questions seem reasonable. To those of us in the profession, they are laughable. Sorry, but this book is another one of those written by college professors who don't really understand the world of the cop.

The photographs are wonderful but the substance behind them just isn't there in all the chapters. The first chapter rushes to get the group together and the post band chapter rushes through the last thirty years. The best chapters are probably the ones up through 1967 with the death of Epstein. The band members clearly overworked themselves. It was sad to see the break-up in the making.

I bought the Barnes and Noble edition of this book and was not disappointed in the least.

If there was ever a Beatles pictorial that was a must have for the library, this is it right here.

There are dozens of previously unpublished pics of The Boys from the archives of London's Daily News tabloid. I sent it to a fellow Beatles freak and he was floored by the number of pics he had never before seen.

The history in the beginning of the book pretty much sums up the careers of the greatest group in music history.

This is a keeper ... and then some.

The photos here are great, but the prose is so pro-Paul it's incredibly sickening. The writer's opinion just sticks out everywhere, making the reading very frustrating. Paul can do no wrong, and the other three can do no right. Harumph!

Two Nashville gentlemen who have mastered the task of teaching men to be gentlemen without coming across as stuffy wrote this splendid little volume on the art of the toast. As in the rest of the Gentlemanners books, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis set a tone that is not framed by rules but by consideration for others and deference to those who ought to be in the limelight of a special occasion.

The book uses a comparative method. On the left of each set of two pages is presented an appropriate toast for a named occasion. On the right is the kind of words that ought to be avoided in the same venue.

The result is a kind of training primer that does not so much offer boilerplate language as it does develop in the mind of the reader a sensitivity towards propriety.

This reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone, man or woman, who may be called upon to say a few special words at any number of public occasions and who would like to acquit himself or herself with both polish and appropriate deference.

I trust the movers behind the Gentlemanners series will continue their production apace.

If you're looking for an actual book, something along the lines of a chapter of Emily Post, this is NOT that. It's a lovely little card of a book; something sweet to tuck in a gift basket with a bottle of wine. If you're really going to make a toast for a special occassion and have never or rarely had the honor, I wouldn't suggest placing all my research here. If you have made a few toasts in your lifetime and weren't raised by wolves, most likely the content has already occurred to you.

This tiny book is large in its potential to help you acquit yourself well when the occasion calls for a toast. You find out what a Gentleman would do (in a somewhat exaggerated way that reminds me of my 5th grade ballroom dancing class) with a slight tongue in cheek. But the advice is basically sound: A gentleman "just says what's in his heart and lets the party proceed." The book offers "simple guidelines . . . not to be taken as strict rules . . . or as rigid models . . . ."

The introduction begins with key guidelines about when, where and how to toast. Some of them aren't quite explained (like why you should not toast before noon and not use a coffee cup), but then etiquette never did make perfect sense.

The heart of the book comes in 40 sample toasts for typical life situations (marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, holidays, religious events, and work situations). You could easily take any of these and redo it to fit your situation. Some of these are not as usual such as the "Not-So-Happy-Closing of a Business," "Lesbian or Gay Friends upon their Commitment Ceremony," "Religious Leader Retirement," and "Successful Candidate to Supporters and Staff." To me, the best parts of these toasts were examples of what not to do. These were hilarious. I won't quote any, but this book is worth it just for the humor in those examples! What they have in common is giving someone a little back of the hand in the toast. This behavior is usual among male friends, but can lead to serious hurt feelings on important occasions.

Although this book is designed for Gentlemen, I think most women would find the advice to be helpful for when they are expected to raise a glass and utter the appropriate words.

Interspaced among the sample toasts are bits of history (toasting was a way to show your guest that the wine wasn't poisoned and the Romans put toast in their wine to help get rid of impurities), other guidance (like responding to a toast, being a toastmaster, and how to toast as a teetotaler), and the right way to clink glasses (and especially what to do if your glass shatters).

Of special interest to many will be the classic, brief toasts that work for any occasion and a list of classic Irish toasts for those who are Irish or have Irish friends, relatives or acquaintances.

I've been in many situations where toasting was stressful. This book would have saved me on every one of those occasions while allowing me to acquit myself better than I did with my "original" efforts.

After you finish enjoying the book, take a friend, loved one or colleague out to lunch or dinner . . . and make a toast from the heart!

"Are men redundant parasites?" inquire authors of The Mating Game, John Gribbin and Jeremy Cherfas. With their bold claim that "men are parasites on women," the authors explore traditional scientific theories such as natural selection and asexual reproduction and dive into the difficulties of mating imposed by current social cultures. There is little doubt as to the vital role females play in reproduction and rearing of offspring, but how much exactly do males contribute and just how crucial is that contribution? In an attempt to uncover the evolutionary significance of sexual reproduction, detailed analysis of these theories is provided which is closely followed by numerous examples prevalent in the animal kingdom. Topics such as human reproductive anatomy and sexual dimorphism, problems and benefits of sexual promiscuity and homosexuality, and gender roles incite interest on behalf of a sexually intrigued generation as the authors plunge into a scientific discussion of the genetic advantages and disadvantages related to sexual mating.

Written for an older, more highly educated audience, the book may prove useful for science students, skilled professionals, and even those adults who desire a deeper understanding of our evolutionary roots. If subsequent discussion is the primary intent, the book comes highly recommended. However, as the authors attempt to explain concepts such as arrhenotoky, apomixis and automixis, the book becomes less appealing as purely a pleasure read.

The authors make well-founded claims based on scientific evolutionary and social evidence while at the same time provide information for arguing multiple viewpoints. Overall, The Mating Game is a very intriguing, well-written book which takes the reader from the mere definition of sex to its evolutionary purpose, concluding that maybe males aren't socially redundant parasites after all.

Looking for a book that's charged with lustful, descriptive love-making or the best positions to assume for the ultimate orgasm? Do want to learn how to attract a plethora of sexual partners? If you answered yes to either of the above questions then The Mating Game is not for you. John Gribbin and Jeremy Cherfas present the "other" side of sex in their book. This densely-packed text liberally expounds on the subject of sex using new molecular evidence of the close evolutionary relationship between human beings, chimpanzees and gorillas. With meticulous arguments accompanied by copious illustrations, the authors' present some of the more pertinent evolutionary reproductive principles, such as kin selection, Muller's ratchet, and the Red Queen model. The exhibition of science is not limited to evolutionary principles. The authors' successfully incorporate many central biological concepts, including cellular and molecular biology and genetics.

The information is presented in a simple and succinct manner, such that the layperson would easily be captured by their presentation of why sex exists. However, I believe readers should possess a background in some of the basic genetic, ecological, and reproductive disciplines to completely appreciate their views. The layperson, without an understanding of the basics, would definitely struggle in recognizing central biological concepts and become frustrated with having to look-up unknown material. I would most recommend this book for knowledgeable biology students that are looking for a link between many biology classes they have taken. This book allows the reader to incorporate information from all areas and challenges the readers' ability to combine major concepts and to think outside of the box.

The authors' claim that our evolutionary past is directly related to current human behavior is accurate in the fact that it is based on scientific findings; however, issues arise when considering all aspects to the evolutionary puzzle. Some of these claims are not complete and therefore do not support the theory that human sexuality is based on the mating behavior of chimpanzees. The genetic composition, behavioral, and sociological issues within each species must be considered and this aspect of the primates shows a difference.

Although simple and succinct, the writing style is sometimes unclear due to the number of examples used without great transition. The examples are definitely a strength because they help explain some more complicated aspects of biology; however, the continual use of examples was unnecessary at times and distracted from the point attempting to be proven. I found this to be a minor weakness in the book. The authors exemplified a great ability to present their theory and all aspects of their idea. It is obvious that a great amount of thinking and research was combined to create what I find to be a quality text. I highly recommend it.

If you have ever wondered why humans reproduce sexually, why sex is so prevalent, or how reproductive methods differs among societies and species, this book is a must read! In their book, The Mating Game, John Gribbin and Jeremy Cherfas differentiate sex from reproduction and discuss the two in context of evolutionary theory. In particular, the authors concentrate on the evolutionary advantages and benefits of sexual reproduction relative to asexual reproduction, concluding with a discussion on why the human race has yet to do away with redundant males. After all, "Males are simply modified females tailored to a particular role in the reproductive process" (64). The authors explain the different contributions of each gender to the process of sexual reproduction, focusing on concepts such as Muller's ratchet and the Red Queen Hypothesis to provide evidence for the long-term benefits of sexual reproduction. Furthermore, this book compares and contrasts the sexual anatomy and physiology of humans to our primate relatives while exploring shocking facts about sex along the way.

This book is geared towards a readership with a basic background in the sciences who enjoy questioning biological concepts. Yet, if you lack general knowledge in the area of basic biology but are interested in these topics, do not be discouraged! Gribbin and Cherfas do a great job explaining complex biological issues (such as natural selection, the different types of reproduction, and the different mechanisms that produce genetic variation) that assist any reader to comprehend. Thus, while this book serves as a good refresher for a biology student, those lacking a science background will learn about biological processes in an easy-to-read fashion while finding most of the discoveries interesting and amusing.

While I used this book to spark discussion in a college level, biology seminar class, its intended uses may be much wider. Because of its ability present textbook information in a way that is easy and fun to read, this book would compliment the library of any student interested in basic biology, particularly genetics. Yet, the simple layout and excellent flow of this book allow for it also to be read simply for enjoyment.

The facts presented in this book were very accurate and supported by a lengthy list of references for anyone interested in further research. The strengths of this book were it's its easy-to-read, different presentation that most people prefer over an ordinary textbook. In contrast, however, the basic, easy-to-read style of this book might bore some who are interested in the topics discussed but experts in the area of biology.

Overall, the quality of this book was superb. Its easy-to-understand flow and clear and concise descriptions provided an excellent review of what I have learned in the past four years as a biology major. I only wish I had been given this book earlier!

John Selby's book "Stonewall Jackson as Military Commander" is a fine work about the exploits of Jackson in the American Civil War. From his rise to fame at First Manassas to his final great victory at Chancellorsville, Selby looks at the campaigns that defined Jackson as a military leader. While it is a bit dry at times, and there are a couple of typos (Fredericksburg began on December 11, 1862, not December 13), this is still a solid work about one of history's greatest leaders. Still, it doesn't match up to James Robertson's "Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Myth, The Legend," but no book can. Overall, it is a fine addition to anyone's collection of historical biography.
Grade: B+

John Selby, a Sandhurst alum and Englishman, analyzes Stonewall as a military commander. He takes apart and critiques Jackson's strategy, tactics and decisions in the pivotal sites and conducts a post mortem on those decisions through the eyes of a trained military strategist. The book is totally absorbing and readable but immensely valuable as well because it features 15 maps and a plethora of pictures and drawings of battlefields and locations to provide additional perspective. If you are interested in Jackson's decision making from a battlefield standpoint then consult this book. Political and personal dynamics are not absent but not the focus of this work.

~Stonewall Jackson as Military Commander~ is candid tale of the military career of the late Confederate General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. At First Manassas, Jackson defiantly held his ground, and led a climatic charge through Union lines. At that battle, he earned his name "Stonewall" from General Bee: "Look there is Jackson standing like a Stonewall." Jackson was a devout Christian, a West Point graduate, and a veteran of the Mexican War. He briefly taught at the Virginia Military Institute before the war began. John Selby has sketched a terse military biography of Jackson's career during the War Between the States. This book follows the legendary general from "first blood" to the campaigns in the Valley, the Seven Days campaign outside of Richmond, the Maryland campaign, Second Manassas and Fredericksburg. The book climaxes with Jackson's daring sneak attack on the western flank of Union lines at Chancellorsville. At twilight Jackson was tragically shot by his own men and died a few days later. Jackson was a brilliant strategist, and his military genius continues to be studied throughout the world. Jackson was a potent weapon, because of his dramatic flank marches and surprise attacks, he confounded the Union forces. Jackson had stung the Union forces psychologically, as Union commanders were overly cautious. Many have speculated that Jackson's death completely dashed southern hopes of victory.

John Selby astutely and succinctly captures the military genius of the late Confederate General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson with amazing clarity. Overall, this is a fairly good military biography. The strength is its brevity perhaps. Though, it neglects Jackson's role in the Mexican War, and focuses entirely on the War Between the States. If you want a more comprehensive biography of Jackson then perhaps James I. Robertson's biography is what you are looking for. I've never quite finished Robertson's book, but it is definitely the standard bearer.

This book examines the Canary Islanders in three parts. Firstly, the author compares the physical anthropology of the islanders, particularly in comparison to the ancient inhabitants northwest Africa. Secondly, the prehistoric (i.e. pre-conquest) culture is examined, with a great deal of archaeological evidence considered. And thirdly, the travails that the islanders were subjected to by the French and Iberian invaders of the Fifteenth Century are recounted.

Sadly, the book is written in a dry, academic style. Also, the author begins the book convinced that the original Canary Islanders were northwestern African rebels exiled to the islands by Roman authorities in the Second and Third Centuries, and very little contrary evidence is even mentioned. And, as a third complaint, while the author mentions several ancient references to these "Happy Islands" (e.g. Pliny), he fails to examine them in any detail at all.

However, this book is an absolute goldmine of information on the pre-conquest Canary Islanders, and stands alone in this field. If you are interested in the ancient Canary Islanders, then you must read this book!

The Canary Islands, once believed to be the remains of Atlantis, are a major forum for discussion of cultural and biological evolution. The unusual appearance of the 'native' Canary Islanders (blond, tall, pale eyes) was noted by the Spanish invaders of the 15th century and has been extensively debated for some time.

Mercer's book is essential for a fuller understanding of the inhabitants of the prehistoric (=Prehispanic) Canary Islands. Social, biological and cultural evolution (based on archaeology) are all discussed, in addition to contemporary Spanish writers' commentaries on the prehispanic inhabitants. The geology, geography and natural history of the area is also reviewed.

Mercer is an exceptionally incisive writer, wide ranging in his approach but nonetheless extremely perceptive and rational in his analyses. This book, published in 1980, has not to my knowledge been bettered. Essential reading for both scholars of the Atlantic Island groups and anyone who wishes to look beyond the trashy 'Blackpool in the Sun' image presently suffered by the Canaries.

I wonder if the author has ever read the definitive book: The Origins of Consciousness - that explores the Bicameral Brain of man from ancient to present, by Julian Jaynes, Professor. If he had he would realize that "hearing voices, seeing gods, etc." is all right hemispheric function in the human consciousness. Nothing less, nothing more.

This fanciful tribute to an ancient lore and culture of the Celts was interesting but as far as using the cards and gaining any insight, the text is so confusing that I am left absolutely unsure of what I am supposed to be focusing upon and no further enlightened than before.

I had hoped for the Superconsciousness of the Celtic Runes, and in this I was sadly mistaken. The art is very lovely and fascinating, but the relevance escapes me when combined with the text. This is what is so confounding to me about this well intentioned work. In the end, it all sounds like hogwash, and I really don't think that is what the author intended.

I couldn't disagree with the last reviewer more. I find this oracle charming in its exploration of celtic imagery and shamanism, as well as being insightful and thought-provoking. The text and the beautiful illustrations on each of the cards present a metaphor that appears to me to invite the user to explore the deeper meaning.

I use a number of different oracles on a regular basis to help others, as well as for personal guidance and reflection. While it may seem more direct to just receive a simple message, the true nature of the evolutionary journey involves reaching more deeply within ourselves and discovering where the symbols within the images and stories are leading us. This is what this oracle does for me. Each card invites me to explore its current meaning for me on my journey. I enjoy it each time and appreciate having the symbols for further reflection.

This is a book of short stories, a format I have never been particularly fond of. I personally use them to fill in the time between finishing one book and starting another and as medieval murder mystery stories are one of my favourites I was happy to acquire this one.

There are thirteen short stories in this book by some of the best medieval mystery writers around at the moment, including Michael Jecks, Margaret Frazer, Peter Tremayne, Edward Marston and many others. So within the cover of one book we are re-introduced to such old favourites as Sister Fidelma, Cadfael and other characters from the pens of these authors.

Murder Most Medieval is the best anthology of detective stories I have ever read. What makes it unusual is the uniformly high quality of the stories it contains. Each story is superb, beautifully written and skillfully plotted. Yet each story embodies its own author's style. The stories also differ from each other in in content; they are about different periods in time, about different kinds of person, about different ways and walks of life. I rarely like anthologies, but this one is truly extraordinary. The authors deserve much praise; most of the stories make me want to rush out and find other works by those authors unfamiliar to me. The editor deserves much praise as well for putting together such a unified and excellent work.