H Books

I came across this book by accident. Why I bought it is not clear to me - perhaps because I had never heard of the historical occurrence that inspired this novel. It turns out this may be the best resource fiction or nonfiction on the Pilgrimage of Grace. I truly did feel transported into another historical era and had to "decompress" when I finished it. The one weakness in this work is probably a necessary weakness. It starts slowly as the reader is immersed in the atmosphere of the era. I have given the book to two others who didn't persevere through the beginning saying they couldn't get into it. Hang in there - you will receive your reward!

This book is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. I found it in a used book store some years ago, and I suspect whoever sold it never read it. I have just finished reading it for a second time, and found it very hard to put down. It is a long book, but worth every hour that you invest in it. I too am surprised it is out of print. If you are interested in this period of English history, this will enlighten you. If you love novels with well developed characters, this will show you another aspect of that art.

In my 65 years of reading novels, this is one of the top three.

This is one of the best novels I have ever read. I'm a historian, and usually I find ample points for criticism in "historical" novels. However, Prescott's own training in and respect for history make this novel above criticism. It's difficult to describe my feelings for this book; the complexity of the emotions, the depth of the historical vision, the intensity of the characters' passions combine to produce a novel that is huantingly unforgettable. The religious themes interwoven with the narrative have created a story that is more intense and more meaningful than a simple account of the Pilgrimage of Grace as a political movement alone. For the discriminating, intellectually mature reader, this is a work that is prose-rich, thought-provoking, heart-breaking, and, in a word, exceptional.

This is technically a historical novel, but it is so much more. Prescott, an Oxford historian, does not write like an academic. Her craft is writing history, and she does it beautifully, but in this novel the history is totally integrated into the narrative. It is the story of a group of people living during the reign of Henry VIII of England, some rich and noble, some poor and unknown. It is an extraordinarily tragic tale, as Henry's actions establish him as the religious authority in England, as he dissolves the monasteries, brutally puts down a rebellion in the North of England and changes the face of the nation regardless of the impact on individual lives. It's about both human and divine love -- both a spiritual and a transparently human story. I am really surprised that this splendid book is out of print.

Jim Drummond's latest book, "Marketing's 10 Deadly Sins," is a must-read for any business looking to differentiate themselves, regardless of industry or market position. In the same style as Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki, Jim Drummond captures his audience with a light touch and strong sense of humor.

Many books on the current business how-to shelves focus on the How-To ... rather than the How-NOT-To. One of this book's Rules of Thumb regarding customer retention is "The closer to the front lines, the better the view." This may also apply to the author as he brings us to the front lines through his collection of case studies and experiences that illustrate exactly what companies should NOT do. For each, he provides a simple and effective avoidance strategy -- guidelines for corrective action that can be executed at any level in any organization. And hopefully we are still all open-minded enough to learn from the mistakes of others!

Not only is this a quick and fun read, but it stretches out beyond the typical marketing hype. For example, the author writes: "If you cannot dominate, compete or succeed in a niche, create one of your own." Compelling and challenging advice for anyone trying to develop more of an entrepreneurial approach within their business.

We've just placed this title on our recommended reading list for our entrepreneurship students -- and I would recommend you add it to your reading list as well.

Joann Rockwell
Entrepreneurship Education Programs Director
McGuire Entrepreneurship Program

Marketing's 10 Deadly Sins is a winner! The comprehensive, easy to understand and use tools so well described here can enable any one or any group to get to break through understanding on the purpose and execution of brand potential in this tough, consumer driven marketplace. I am buying five copies for business associates for holiday gifts.

Jim Drummond's new book is a must read for the business executive and entrepreneur. Whether you are just starting out, or you are a seasoned veteran, you will benefit from this book. Jim has a great way of explaining complex marketing issues in a simple manner. Jim captivates you with his wit and his real-world examples. Do not make the mistakes that thousand of business leaders have made. Read this book and find out how you and your organization will have an edge on the competition.

"Marketing's 10 Deadly Sins" is a real page-turner. For virtually anyone involved in marketing, advertising, or business in general, it's a "must read". Once you start, you won't put it down. The combination of object lessons and "real world" applications and examples makes the book not only informative, but a fast-paced, enjoyable experience. Oh, by the way, that flat spot on my forehead is from the many "I knew that" moments contained in the book. Very refreshing, indeed!

Marketing's 10 Deadly Sins packs a ton of thought-provoking ideas into 181 pages !! I have spent my career measuring customer satisfaction for many of the companies Mr. Drummond uses as examples and I can assure you that his advice is right on the money. The Key Ideas outlined in his book can be held up for positive comparison to companies who do well (so say their customers) and identification of why other companies do not do well (so says their defecting customers). If you are a seasoned business person, this book serves as a reminder to lift your head from your reports and to see your products and services from your customers' perception. If you are a student, you will be served well by learning to avoid the 10 Deadly Sins.

A good basic classic book. Every watercolorist must have in their library

This book is not for beginners, but if you are searching for inspiration to move beyond more conventional approaches to painting in watercolor and acrylic, this might be a book worth owning. Edward Betts' observations are well-grounded in his academic experiences (at the U. of Illinois, where he went to grad school and later taught painting for many years, and at Yale, where he studied art history). As a result, he gently but insistently nudges his readers away from more traditional sorts of painting methods (although he still finds some value in doing that sort of painting from time to time, and he provides examples of such work). Betts advocates a much more experimental, abstract, painterly and, therefore, a more personal approach. Some readers may find that his painting style is not all that much to their liking, but if they keep an open mind, they still should find value in the ideas about painting that Betts articulates so well. These ideas have been around for quite a while now, but he does a fine job of explaining them to those readers who still think of painting in more traditional, illustrative terms. Betts challenges such painters to create art that is distinctive and inspired, rather than imitative and predictable.

What a wonderful book.
Better than a class.
Not a step by step kind of book, but one to give you good solid art
methods so you can explore in your own style.
It opened my mind.
I haven't been this excited about my work in ages.
Thank you Edward Betts for sharing your wisdom.

This work has been around since around 1993 in its revised edition. This is one of the better books I have found for those who want to push their skills and test their curiosity. Edward Betts has given us some real challenges here. The book covers such areas as sketching on location, sketching in the stuido, sketching from photographs, transparent water color techniques, mixed media, painting with a brush and even delves into the subject of abstract techniques. It should be noted that this work is not ment for the beginner and is, at times, quite complex. That being said, I cannot help but feel that those at any level can and will learn from using this work. I did enjoy the author's ability to go from water color to acrylic, covering both areas quite well. As with all art books, no single book can do it all, but, as with others, this is a great tool when used with your present knowledge and other works. This is a book I have enjoyed over the years and still use it. Recommend highly.

IF YOU LIKE EXPERIMENTING, THIS BOOK WILL GIVE ME SO SO MANY WAYS TO USE WATERCOLORS, ACRYLIC AND OTHER MEDIUMS TOO. I REALLY ENJOYED USING THE IDEAS AND DETAILED WAYS TO CREATE NEW WAYS TO PAINT.

Peterson does a good job of covering many mathemaical concpts in a well-paced narrative. This is an enjoyable book to read, even for those who don't like math. The author wisely steers clear of lenghthy equations and problems, and takes the time to lead the reader through the concepts in a way that doesn't require a background in math. Anyone with an inquisitive mind would appreciate this book.

Get this updated edition even if you have the paperback 1988 edition. There are quite a few updated topics in this edition. While I still prefer the four volume Newmann classic, "World Of Mathematics", this book gives a fast but full overview of the subject.

Beginning with the world of numbers one is enchanted chapter by chapter into the labryinth. Some effort is required on the reader's part but that is rewarded in full measure. It is something to ponder the sheer beauty of ideas and proofs. Patterns and their "invention" surprisingly correspond to aspects of nature.

The presentation here is excellent. I found this book a great joy to read. While much that is presented here I have read before, the work still gives me further insight on things that I missed. This book is a gem.

Not every topic in here is appealing to me--for example, I loved the chaos, fractals, and prime number sections and skimmed the sections on higher dimensions and topology. But the point is that Peterson gives a skilled description of each area of mathematics. There are enough pictures / illustrations and intuitive explanations / examples for a layman, but also enough "real" mathematics to inform one who has a decent background in math. And of course, the additional resources listed for each chapter would allow one to more formally pursue a topic that captures one's interest.

Overall a very fun read. And Peterson's brief treatment of the clash of computers with mathematical theorems is thought-provoking.

I have NOT read the updated edition yet but the original was quite good; surely the updated only improves upon it.

Let me start off by saying that this is not a work for the layman or the mentally lazy. It deals with several outstanding mathematical issues in so far as they relate to our understanding of the universe. The writing is erudite, refined and continually interesting. Subjects as far-ranging as knot theory (I didn't know it existed), fractals, prime numbers, multi-dimensions, shapes, hyperspace - it's all here with a large number of illustrations and drawings including several color plates of fractals produced by computer.

The journey begins.Attention Passengers!We first arrive at Numeralis..

What a way to start the journey to the world of Mathematics.You open the book and start reading it.True to the title he takes you to a guided tour into the world of Mathematics considering each pillar of Mathematics as a country on its own.
I have a read a four Volume series on the World of Mathematics by Newmann and I did wonder how beautifully the Mathematical areas with its own *Scenic beauty* has been described.But when I read this one,Yes ! I did get a feeling of having travelled to Mathematics World visited each place and had a good insight into each one.
Ivars Peterson starts the journey by first visiting the Number World.He names this as the "Prime pursuit" and then slowly into the *theory of mathematical spaces* -topology and minimal surfaces.Wait!I hear you asking if it is all about pure mathematics.Certainly not,then and there to make the passengers feel comfortable ,just like a real guide ,he introduces the usefulness of the concepts in the emperical world.Be it quantum computing-the century's scientific thirst or the age-old yet golden primes ,the journey is very smooth ,no harsh surprises what one would term as mathematics of the mathematicians.This one is for the layman..A cool and lucid entry and exit in the world of Mathematics.
After reading this book you will wonder,"have I visited so many *places* " but you will feel that you have learnt so many Mathematical stuffs,what this world is all about and mind you ,all these without even the slightest fatigue:)

A must read Popular Maths Book!

I was devastated when Flower was killed. This book is a wonderful chronicle of the WHiskers clan and I cherish it

It took me a while to get this book, having to buy it from one of the secondary dealers on Amazon, but it was worth it. I enjoyed finding the extra background info about Flower and her family. The book goes so much deeper than the TV show does. I've checked other websites and none of them even have a listing for this book so if you want it, better snatch it up now!

Great book not only as a memorial to Flower, but also as an educational tool regarding Life in the Kalahari for all creatures that do their very best to survive the harsh but mesmerizingly seductive Kalahari. The book is like a family story for the Meerkats, especially Flower's family. It starts from when her mother gave birth to her and tells of Flower's heroic tragic death. This book is a keeper.

This is an amazing book about some amazing little creatures!! If you are a Meerkat Manor fan, or just a meerkat fan in general, you will absolutely LOVE this book!! It is the life story of a meerkat named Flower...the leader of the Whiskers clan of meerkats on Animal Planet's "Meerkat Manor" show. She is one absolutely awesome little lady and a formidable leader. This book, about this little meerkat will truly inspire you.

This was truly an excellent book about these incredible little animals. It covers the entire life of Flower, from her birth to her tragic death. It also mixes in general information about meerkat society in more detail than the TV show can possibly cover. The author writes in a manner that is almost detached, and very unemotional. While he does care deeply for these animals, he doesn't try to romanticize their lives and presents them as they really are.
I was especially interested in reading this book to learn the truth of Flower's death. I was very disturbed when I heard that the show was a set-up and the events were skewed by editing. This book sheds light on what really happened to her. Her death is tragic enough; I don't understand why the show would give us such blatantly false information. For those of you who don't know the real events surrounding Flower's death, I won't spoil the ending for you. Read this book for answers.

I love this little book and use it so often. I even bought another one for my best friend!

Eugene Peterson has done a wonderful job of locating and organizing the promises of the Bible. A quick way to find solace and help when needed or to be reminded of the things God promises to us.

The Message paraphrase is really good for young people. This little book is a great value, cost effective. I have the opportunity to mentor through the largest non profit in Michigan dealing with teenage girls in distress www.vistamaria.org. The Message Promise Book has been helpful in that commitment.

What I especially liked is the ease of this little book, and its conciseness, right to the point. I have gifted it a couple of times. This book is a great tool.

I keep this little book on my desk for quick reference - when I need a prayer or someone calls me with a challenge in life, it is such a blessing to be able to answer with scripture.

The Message Promise Book is a collection of God's promises given to Christians taken from the Message. (The Message is a recent translation of the Bible into today's language.) The promises were organized into topics so you could find what you needed to hear quickly. I found this selection of God's promises to be wonderfully encouraging and easy to understand. I bought one for myself and later bought another copy which made a great gift.

A good workbook for MS people. I am a visual person so this book helps me organize my thoughts and work through principals. Has been very helpful.

The MS Workbook: Living Fully With Multiple Sclerosis
This book is wonderful. It helps me to focus on what is important and to rethink the ways I have been doing things. It is a great handbook for those with those who have been recently diagnosed and with those who have been struggling with everyday life.

I agree with the other reviewers here, this is an excellent guide for those with MS. The workbook is separated into 15 chapters that are filled with great information dealing with the disease. It is also fairly new (2006), so it reviews some of the newer medical information for MS.

I also like the worksheets that are spread throughout the book. Some deal with coping with the disease, questions to ask your neurologist, insurance issues as well as many more topics. These are a great addition and will help anyone who feels overwhelmed with their diagnosis.

I reccomend this book to anyone who has the disease and needs some help dealing with it. I actually wish they would give a copy of this when you are diagnosed. It is that good.

One of the better MS books I have bought. Full of information for yourself and your caregiver!

This book has a lot of useful and supportive information. Very well done. However, if you are newly diagnosed with limited symptoms or a "benign" case you may want to hold off purchasing the book (or purchase and store for a later time) since much of the material seems more relevant to those with advanced cases. For example, all of the talk about wheelchairs, major cognitive dysfunction, applying for disability etc. can be scary and overwhelming for those struggling to come to terms with a recent diagnosis.

This is such a nice book that depicts the last part of the movie vividly (make sure to collect vol. 1~4 for a complete set). It's nice to have watched the movie first, and then own the book so you'll enjoy and understand the whole story even when there's no dialog. I can watch the movie over and over again, but with the books, I get to review any part of the movie any time and any where I like, and it's very lovable for all ages, boys or girls, guaranteed!

My Neighbor Totoro is great! It is a very humorous story, filled with many cute characters! The totoro series would be great for anyone looking for something to read, or just for laughs. It is truly a magical journey in every page.

very good magical story but what the heck is with BATH-TIME.in the end they all take a bath..together!i mean the dad and the two little girls..whats that teaching kids? is it teaching us its ok to do that??i dont know? but anyway beautiful pictures and a good story to tell before bath-time..i mean bed-time.

my kids loved this movie and were thrilled to get this book. In english and japanese. lots and lots of wonderful pictures. one warning first book in a series of several.

kids love this story cross the boundaries, even adults enjoy it. This is one of Miyazaki's most well known books, hard to get it now. I'm sure this story will be loved generations after generations. If you have a Japanese friend, ask him/her!

To begin with, several adjectives to describe this wonderful book: 1.) candid, 2.) inspiring, 3.) poetic, 4.) instructional, 5.) spiritual, 6.) humanitarian, 7.) humorous, 8.) compassionate, 9.) courageous. From what I gather, it took Capra approximately three years to write this book, and what book it is. To be honest, this book is perhaps one of the best pieces of work we might ever have about the legendary director, the course of the twentieth century, and the people who have helped shape the film industry. This book demystifies the often deified directors, actors, moguls that ruled Hollywood during the golden age, reminding us of the universal bonds of humanity that link us all to each other. In many ways, it reads like a Frank Capra movie -- life-affirming to the end. For the younger generation (X'ers and Y'ers) who might question the values of their fathers' generation, this book is a must read. Underline this fact several times because when Capra takes you into his fold and shares his world, it is an experience you won't likely forget. Most history books seem to be written with a detached sense of objectivity from an supposedly impartial historian. The results of such labor is often an uninspiring book that keeps the reader at arm's length from the fascinating history, often boring the reader to no end. No so with Capra's autobiography. Capra reminds the reader that people are still simply people, no matter what generation, no matter which occupation. There are always going to be saints, martyrs, bullies, intellectuals, clowns, idiots in every walk of life. Such an example can be seen when Capra served in World War II and was privy to a touching moment with the great Admiral Nimitz. The old war hero had just come back from seeing three thousand men he had sent off to war -- some of them now without limbs, others without faces, yet all of them saluting him and thanking him from the bottom of their hearts. Nimitz broke down and wept, his shoulders so burdened by the sadness of his men's suffering. Hitting his desk over and over again the Admiral cursed the war with ever fiber in his being. After a brief moment to recompose himself Nimitz thanked Capra for being in the same room... allowing one tortured soul to connect and draw strength from another. Personally, it is easy to find yourself laughing when he laughs and crying when he cries. Like all classic works of literature, this book is so fresh in content, that it inspires the reader to look into his/her own heart and find the beating pulse of humanity and to take pride in the fact that one such as Capra was able to do so much through his films. I look forward to reading this book again and again. And perhaps, others will agree and do likewise.

Frank Capra's superb autobiography provides loads of fascinating information about the film industry during a thriving period, when he was one of filmdom's most popular and successful figures, as well as about the mindset of this intriguing man of accomplishment. What is refreshing, along with his basic candor, is that despite his enormous success he retains a humble and highly humane touch.

Some of the most humorous anecdotes of "Name Above the Title" involve madcap, always colorful Columbia boss Harry Cohn, who took his Gower Street studio from the ranks of "Poverty Row" to the that of a giant. Capra helped significantly with box office smashes such as "It Happened One Night", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington","Lost Horizon" and "Meet John Doe." It took awhile, but the Capra film which has soared to top spot in the hearts and minds of the public was the 1946 release starring Jimmy Stewart, "It's a Wonderful Life." The star was so enthused about the story that he pitched it personally to Capra after driving over to his house. Capra relates the time that he begged Cohn not to drop a struggling young cartoonist from the Columbia payroll, predicting that he would be sorry. Capra was right as the cartoonist was a young, meek Iowa farm boy named Walt Disney.

One of Capra's great contributions was directing and producing the excellent World War Two documentary series "Why We Fight." He tells about being called into the office of Army Chief of Staff, General George C. Marshall, who asked him to undertake the project. "But I've never done a documentary!" a surprised Capra replied. Marshall pointed out that he had never run an army before either, and that the American way during the critical war period was for citizens to learn jobs with which they were previously unfamiliar. Capra saw Marshall's logic and the rest is history.

This autobiography is fascinating enough for the interesting information about Capra's life. What makes it even better is that you are reading the revelations of a good man who did his best to instill positive values into his films, and to help in his distinctive way to make America a better country.

I have read many, many books on Hollywood and auto/biographies in general and this book ranks as one of the best ever. It is a very entertaining book that doubles as a great history of Hollywood through its golden age. Capra interacted with Hollywood's legends and reports in a funny, candid and emotional way his dealings with the likes of Harry Cohn, Sinatra, Disney, Monroe and many more stars of the thirties and forties. Do not think the book is dated: yes, some of the names are meaningless to us today but the perspetive and lessons contained in every single page are timeless. this book tells you better than any others how movies are made or should be made...

From the opening chapter which describes the incredible saga of how this man (as a young child) and his poor Sicilian family managed to come to America, to the end of his inspiring life and his brilliant career when he suffered cluster headaches so severe he could barely function, but kept his head up, this book captivated me. Capra exemplifies the American Dream, where a poor immigrant can become anything he sets his mind to be. Especially significant is his pure and honest soul. This book is SO inspiring.

I cannot figure out which is more amazing and inspiring: the man, his films, his life or his autobiography.
Every autobiography will pale in comparison after you read this one. Frank's book should come with a
warning that he will open your mind, transform your relationship with films, and ultimatley find a place of permanent endearing love in your heart! Friends don't let friends go into the Light, without reading this book,
as I am sure, it is required reading in Heaven!

Frank's biggest fan, Vaishali, author of "You Are What You Love."

Mr. Rogers creates a great book for young children who've recently become big sisters or brothers. There is a fair representation of some of the things big siblings might be feeling especially about sharing their parents. The color photos are good, but the clothing everyone wears is dated, fortunately little ones don't mind when you read it with them. This is a really good book for new big siblings.

As one might expect from a book authored by Fred Rogers, this is a sensitive and frank account of changes a family undergoes with the arrival of a newborn.

This book is a wonderful way to help an older sibling prepare for, and adjust to, a new baby. And as the baby gets older, she or he too will enjoy the interesting photgraphs of family members working and sharing together. It's a great book.

The New Baby is a book that discusses the feelings that older siblings can have toward a new baby. In the typically simple, direct style that Mr. Rogers uses on Mister Roger's Neighborhood, Fred Rogers helps a child understand that both the baby and he/she are special. He also offers the assurance that parents have enough love for every child in the family.

The book has warm photographs of family members interacting with babies. These are useful in discussing what it will be like to have a baby in the house. I think this is an excellent book to read with children who are soon-to-be brothers or sisters.

We received this book as a gift when we were expecting our second child. It is a great book for parents to read to very young children who are expecting their first siblings. The only drawback is the dated pictures. If they were updated, it would be flawless!