K Reviews

DB2(R) Universal Database V8 Handbook for Windows, UNIX, and Linux (IBM Press Series--Information Management)

Published in Paperback by IBM Press (2003-08-04)

Author: Philip K. Gunning

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Quick,, Handy Reference for a former DB2 for z/OS DBA

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-06

If you are coming from mainframe DB2, this is the book for you. Phil Gunning does a great job of explaining the many parameters and settings that make up DB2 UDB. Explanations are clear and straight to the point. It helped me to understand the DB2 UDB architecture and to get up to speed quick.

Good Tips from A DB2 Veteran

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-28

This book has helped my get started on monitoring and tuning my databases. Coming from Sybase, I had no idea where to start. I picked up this book and it guided me through all the monitoring setups and provided a monitoring and tuning methodology -- along with recommendations. This stays on my desk and is very handy.

One of a Kind

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-14

This book is really well organized. The section on logical and physical design was a good review for me. It reminded me how important a good design is to a successful database implementation. The SQL Tuning, Buffer pool tuning, and DB and DBM CFG tuning chapters have helped me take care of my problem databases and suboptimal SQL.

Good DB2 Tuning Book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-13

I found this book to be very useful in tuning SQL and bufferpools. I liked the chapter on Problem determination and the utilities section. All v8 utility enhancements are provided.

Straight and to the Point

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-11

The chapters on Type-2 indexes and MDC really helped me better understand how type-2 indexes improve performance now I understand what a dimension is and how to identify good candidate dimensions. The chapter on buffer pool tuning and Sort along with the DBM and DB CFG tuning tips have helped get my boss off my back!This is a great book by a DB2 Consultant.

Dear Mr. Blueberry

Published in Hardcover by Margaret K. McElderry (1991-09-30)

Author:

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Love this book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13

This book is sweet and educational. It is one of our favorites to read.

Perfection!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-01

An absolute treasure! Emily is adorable and Simon James perfectly captures childhood innocence and love for a special friend.

book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-09

This is an all time favorite in our preschool. Had trouble finding it until now. Great service. Good book.

Endearing for the young child/ Instructional for the classroom teacher

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11

Wow! This book serves a plethora of functions... From the very young they will be enchanted with the beautifully jewel toned colours on the pages... If your child likes ocean animals they will learn all about whales in this beautifully told tale of the growing bond between a young student and her teacher as Mr. Blueberry teaches and corrects her misconceptions of whales habits and habitats. It is a great vehicle to use in the classroom to teach letter writing, writing notebook, and several other writing workshop minilessons. Great literacy selection... My son who is 6 as well as my class of aged 10 and 11 year olds adore this book on many different levels... ;)

A lovely children's book

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-13

I've been using this book with my kindergarten and first grade to introduce text illustration. They absolutely love it. I get applause every time I read it.

The illustrations are beautiful watercolors inspired by Emily's view of what is going on in her back yard.

My favorite part of the book is that readers are not told conclusively whether there was actually a whale in Emily's pond. It preserves a bit of the magic of believing that Arthur the whale was real.

A wonderful book for boys and girls.

Destination Dissertation: A Traveler's Guide to a Done Dissertation

Published in Hardcover by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (2007-05-28)

Author: Sonja K. Foss

List price: $78.00

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Average review score:

We have a winner!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-04

I was fortunate to attend a workshop where Sonja and William highlighted several techniques presented in the book. I bought this book several months ago and it is not only helping me get through the dissertation, but has been an extremely helpful guide for writing articles for publication. It is easy to follow and the checklist for completing the dissertation process is very helpful. I have found myself picking up this book at various stages in the writing process and feel less intimidated in completing the literature review. A must-have book for doctoral students! It's a winner!

Best Book on Completing the Dissertation!!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-21

After reading Sonja Foss and William Waters's amazing book,I was re-energized by their clarity, energy, and road map metaphor they propose. I was so inspired by their approach, I decided to participate in their very successful Scholars Retreat (aka as Dissertation Boot Camp). It was as good, if not better than the book. After consulting with numerous dissertation writing texts and participating in various writing group sessions for graduate students and Assistant Faculty, I found Foss and Waters approach to be the most helpful. Their strategy gets to the heart of writing and finishing a dissertation. And if you're also a mentor seeking to work with undergraduate and/or graduate students with their research projects, this text will offer invaluable information on research and writing from multiple stages, ranging from initial conception of the project, to writing a proposal, coding data (which can include literature, ethnography, etc.), to writing successful chapters. And this advise is most beneficial to students (or any serious researcher), as well as lay professionals working on a book. While the book is surely intended for graduate students working on their dissertations, it will be helpful to other researchers and writers, and the numerous Professors and writing tutors committed to being good mentors.

Overall, this is the best book on completing the dissertation. And if you can, I strongly recommend participating in the Scholars Retreat.

This book got me from "impossible" to "done"

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-07

This book actually changed my life. I am a doctoral student and I was stalled in the work of my dissertation due to some pretty serious life issues and I thought I was genuinely never going to be able to finish. I literally had hit a wall. I bought this book, feeling like this was a last resort, and decided to just surrender to their system. Why not just try? Their method detailed in the data collection and analysis chapter with the envelopes and labels is worth the price of the book. It led me step by step from a place of confusion to where I am now. And where I am now is on the verge of meeting with my committee for my defense. I am stunned. I went from "I have no idea how I'm going to do this" to "I'm done" in a matter of two months. It was this book. That's all I can say.

sure to become a classic

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-12

Foss and Waters have written a book that seems destined to become a classic about how to finish a dissertation in a timely manner. I can't even begin to say how helpful this book has been to me during the writing process. Unlike other "how-to" dissertation guides that seem to privilege study skills and research techniques, Foss and Waters go over the nuts-and-bolts of writing. My writing output has literally tripled since reading this book. Destination Dissertation is a must-have for any serious graduate student.

Get it DONE and get on with your life

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-01

With so many dissertation guides available, it's tough to know which one to pick. The unique value of Destination Dissertation lies in its suggestions for overcoming real-world road blocks in the journey. Foss and Waters provide concrete tips and actual examples for dealing with common problems like an out-of-control lit review, making sense of mounds of data, negotiating with advisors and committee members, slow and painful writing, and plain old boredom. This book keeps the reader's focus on a manageable plan for breaking down tasks and moving forward. Highly recommended for graduate students in the thesis or dissertation process who want to get it DONE and get on with their lives.

Doing Nothing is NOT an Option!: Facing the Imminent Labor Crisis

Published in Hardcover by South-Western Educational Pub (2004-12-21)

Author: Robert K. Critchley

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Average review score:

Insightful and Solution Orientated

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-05

As an already-successful author (Rewired, Rehired, or Retired? Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer 2002) and sought-after international speaker, Bob Critchley is eminently qualified to speak with authority on the labour market of the future.

Whilst not alone in ringing the warning bells, Critchley has much more to offer than an alarmist message ... and he couldn't make it easier for us. He goes beyond illuminating the impending labour crisis, he has the strategies and solutions too.

Company Directors, CEO's, Management and especially HR advisers need to have this book on the top of their "must read" list!

So how does an organization maintain and maximise a multi-generational workforce, remain flexible yet successful and also be seen as an employer of choice? Critchley's answer is clear ... "Doing nothing is Not an option!".

Exactly what to do is made abundantly clear in this eminently sensible and readable book from someone who has impeccable credentials and vast experience. Carolyne Burns, MD, Influence InterPersonal Profiling, Sydney Australia

a real wake up call!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-05

We all know the importance of trusted and experienced people in successful businesses......why then are they often overlooked in favour of the "new model" or the "grass is greener" scenario? Critchley really brings home the message that these people are key and will be absolutely key for organisations to main tain their position and advantage.The book is a must not only for HR professionals but also for all managers and company directors....from an author with extensive practiocal knowledge and successful experience of practising what he preaches.

Excellent Practical Guide to People Mnagement

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-01

Bob Critchley has produced an outstanding people management guide. The author's deep practical experience is evident as he shares his insights into effective management of people in all age groups. At a time when there is a growing shortage of talent in most developed economies, knowledge from this book can help put results on the bottom line in most business organisations. This book is easy to read and hard to put down! Colin Durand, The Insight Executive Search Group, Sydney Australia.

A wake-up call for business leaders!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-26

Bob Critchley's book provides a powerful and compelling argument for "thinking outside the box".

The population demographics are inevitable and organisations ignore them at their own peril.

Unless organisations adopt flexible ways of engaging employees and think laterally about how to maximise the contribution of every single employee, they are doomed to become victims of the demographic reality.

Critchley's book not only provides the evidence and demonstrates the inevitibility - but he also provides a compendium of ideas about how to respond.

An invaluable guide to any forward thinking HR professional.

A must read for people focussed organisations

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-18

Time marches slowly on and we all tend get caught up in our day to day and short term activities. Just like when global warming incidents started to occur. In isolation they meant little and then a pattern and explanation emerged. Critchley pulls together the signs in our demographic and employment changes. Dramatic shortages in skilled labour arise; a lack of investment in infrastructure becomes apparent; retirement and aged care issues start to be reported in the media; the funding of retirees becomes a federal budget issue; government start to create incentives to get people back to work. For those who run businesses other symptoms become apparent. So often the employer has to convince the prospective employee why to join them; the employer becomes aware of impending skill losses as older employees approach retirement age; people talk about not wanting to fully retire and having flexible arrangements; the employer can't find the right people.
Critchley's book suddenly pulls all these incidents and changes in attitude together into one easy flowing cohesive read. He paints a picture of why things are happening and what is likely to continue to happen. More importantly he canvasses what needs to be done for organisations to be successful in this environment. Many organisations pay lip service to people being their most important asset and often they have a short term focus. Critchley really sets down some ideas and a framework that organisations, who really do value people, will need to adopt to be successful in the long term. A must read.

Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II (G K Hall Large Print American History Series)

Published in Hardcover by G K Hall & Co (1999-07)

Author: James Tobin

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A remarkably good book about a truly remarkable man

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04

This is the story of an unpretentious, self effacing, little newspaper man, who once described himself as a "slightly used second hand man;" a man who through dedication, common sense, and a love for his fellow man and "the God-damned infantry," as they liked to call themselves, went on to become the pre-eminent war correspondent of World War II and likely of any other war -- past, present, or future. But, Ernie Pyle was much more than that. As the war wore on, Ernie, through his thoughtful and heart-felt reports from the European war zone became America's "everyman," a little fellow, who could be your next door neighbor, caught up in the events of war. Many of his readers came to see him more as a friend than as a reporter and, as America's situation improved, became more concerned about Ernie than they were about how the war itself was going.

Once known for his somewhat mundane traveling adventures, a column which he wrote for seven years prior to the war for the Scripps-Howard Newspaper chain, Pyle's reports from North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and eventually broader Europe took on a life of their own. His column spread to other papers and to a much broader readership. But this new found fame, and the prospect of fortune, never went to Ernie's head. He said that he was too old, he was in his forties, had been a reporter too long, twenty years, and had seen too much of the war to be impressed with such things. It seemed funny to him that he should be considering a deal worth $150,000 while soldiers were dying all around him on the battlefields of Europe for only $50 a month. Ernie didn't expect to live to see war's end anyway.

There was only one Ernie Pyle and it is unlikely that there will ever be another, for in his writings he caught the essence of the young men who were fighting and dying in war. His readers got to see what they saw, feel what they felt, and know what they hoped and dreamed of. And it was through his reports that the American people caught a glimpse of World War II and what their sons were going through.

This is a remarkably good book about a remarkable man; well researched and well told. In it, you will get meet the real Ernie Pyle and read some of the writings which won him praise and eventually the Pulitzer Prize. Among them are four of his finest: A Forward Airdrome in French North Africa (pg. 71); In the shadow of the low stone wall (pg. 133); Now to the infantry (pg. 262); and A Pure Miracle (pg. 271).

amazing story, wonderful details

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-26

This is a fascinating book, and this from a reader more into fiction than historical biography - but the best fiction writer would be hard pressed to come up with a character like Ernie Pyle.

A page turning look into World War II from someone who could have been your neighbor but was far more than what you would have expected.

I have no idea why a modern rendition of this story has not hit the big screen - it seems a natural, captivating story that would educate as well as entertain.

a life-changing read

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-19

this must be THE book to read on war - what it's really like in all of its aspects - his description of the beach, after D-Day was gripping and haunting and it has stayed with me many years later -

and how he relates the everyday and ordinary in war -

and how, in any group or organization, it's often a small percentage of the people who are carrying the load - that's just one example of the many insights and truths in this book that relate to all of life, not just life in a war zone -

and it is a great book for anyone to read - a stunning life achievement for ernie pyle -

America's Link to the Front Lines of World War II

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-08

James Toban has written a stunning book in "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II". Toban has succeeded in giving readers the rare opportunity to see the human frailties concealed within one of America's greatest and most valuable World War II correspondents.

James Toban present a picture of the complex Ernie Pyle; a man that entered the World War II carrying only a broken Remington typewriter and a deep desire to describe the life and hardships of the horrific world of the infantrymen to the American public. The reader will learn of the contradictory Ernie Pyle. The Ernie Pyle who despised war, but who could not stay away from the physical and emotional anguish of battle. The Ernie Pyle who loved his wife, but who continually left her behind to travel to the front lines. Ernie Pyle, the seemingly frail and terrified journalist who demonstrated his bravery by traveling to the front lines to be with and write about "his boys". Ernie Pyle, a genius for writing about the common soldier, but who needed constant reminding that he was the best at what he did. His articles became legendary and the hope and news link for Americans with loved ones in the front lines.

James Toban's "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II " is a must read for World War II readers and all readers who wish to know about the human spirit and about a plain old fashion brave American.

Ernie Pyle's War: Thorough and Entertaining Read

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-17

"Ernie Pyle's War" by James Tobin was a thorough read. Tobin described Pyle down to the very last detail, uncovering almost every aspect of his life. After reading this book, the reader had a clear view into Pyle's mind and was able to recognize the feelings he possessed about his professional and private life. The way Tobin intertwined Pyle's messages home with biographical details along with interviews of acquaintances, made this story an easy read. "Ernie Pyle's War" earned five "stars."
Tobin's style of writing was one reason this book was so effective. He used partial quotes from Pyle to title his chapters, which brought an immediate sense of intimacy to the story. Tobin began the book with a chronological introduction to Pyle. This style of writing, although typical for biographies, was well suited for this story and not at all cliché. Readers were able to become acquainted with Pyle as a young man and then mature along with him as he grew into an established adult. By describing Pyle as a young man, readers were able to understand more clearly why he was the way he was as an adult.
Tobin used vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Pyle in the minds of the readers. This was an important aspect because Pyle's physical demeanor was one of the main problems and/or benefits in his life. As a child and young adult, his size hindered his relationships. But, as a war correspondent, the people saw Pyle as more of a hometown boy rather than a studious journalist. This added to his success as a war correspondent.
After transitioning into Pyle's career as a war correspondent, the story line became more tedious. Pyle was in and out of combat and the surface facts of his life were boring. Tobin, understanding the paleness of biographical data, used Pyle's messages home to spice up the story. Like most people, Pyle's life was not what it seemed to be. Besides leading a "glorified" life as a war correspondent, he had major problems at home. Tobin showed the audience this by weaving together Pyle's biographical information with the messages he sent home. This gave the reader a sense of what Pyle was actually feeling. Using these messages instead of his columns allowed reader's to see the "real" Pyle.
Tobin uncovered personal feelings about his professional and personal life, which gave the reader a feeling of empathy toward Pyle. Showing that he did not feel like an outstanding reporter, let readers see Pyle was human. Tobin successfully showed the man behind the pen by opening up Pyle's mind to the audience. He did this by using Pyle's own letters and messages home that contained intimate details of his life. Without the added touch of Pyle's actual writing, the story would have failed to be as successful.

Flambards

Published in Hardcover by Peter Smith Pub Inc (1991-09)

Author: K. M. Peyton

List price: $16.50

Average review score:

Mt Bestest Book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-22

It was a timeless story.I was quite upset cause it wasn't all about horses.

make this one a classic.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-20

This is a very good book. Although it features horses it is not completely about horses. It is a strange--in a good way--study into human nature, from Uncle's disturbing rage to Will's defiance.>>Summary<

wonderfully written, timeless story

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-25

I first read this trilogy 18 years ago, shortly after I had seen bits and pieces of the series of the same name on PBS, and I was unable to put it down. Although the books are geared towards young adults, do NOT let that hinder you--adults of any age will find these novels appealing because they are well-written, the characters are fully developed and engaging, and the storyline, with its triumphs and tragedies, is timeless. They are the stories of Christina, a young orphan who is sent to live with her uncle because she is an heiress and he needs her money to continue the lifestyle he is accustomed to living. The story progresses as Christina grows up, learning to both love Flambards, the ancestral home, and yet despise the backward-thinking ways of her uncle and his eldest son, Mark. It tells of the rivalry between Mark (the favorite) and William (the second son) not only for their father's love but for Christina's as well. It illustrates how life was changing in England at the time (just before WWI), and the hope that those changes brought to many who felt restricted by hide-bound Victorian (& Edwardian) rules. I think that readers will be able to relate to Christina, William, Mark, Dick, Sandy, and Dorothy regardless of their age, or where you grew up. I do suggest reading them in their proper sequence, beginning with "Flambards", continuing with "Edge of the Cloud", and finishing with "Flambards in Summer". I have read these novels again and again, and have loaned out my copy of the trilogy so many times. The author has a rare ability to truly take you back to an Edwardian county estate and to draw you into that world through Christina and her cousins. The books are very emotional, and have touched me in ways that other books depicting this era do not. I think that the best word for them is "haunting". It is too bad that they cannot be rated as 10 stars.

My Favorite Book

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-22

I'll admit it....I'm a Flambards Fanatic. I read this book in the early 80's, after seeing the series on television. I found the book at a local bookstore, loved every word, reread it immediately, ordered so many copies that the bookstore owner started calling me "The Flambards Lady". I was thrilled to be able to get another copy here at Amazon. This book is sometimes considered to be a child's book, but I think adults enjoy it very much. It's a marvelous, unforgettable story of love, loss, and picking up the pieces (or reins) and moving ahead. The series is available on VHS and DVD. I own both but prefer the DVD.

the most emotional book i have ever read

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-03

This moving story of the struggling relationships between Mark, Christiana, William and dick will touch the hearts of anyone who reads it. I finished reading the whole series a few days ago and i cannot forget the effect that these books had on me, i admit that i did cry at times. The book tells the story of christiana, an orphan, who is sent to live at the crumbling Flambards. It tells of her life and loves in the old manor. An excellently written story and a must read, especially for a country lass like myself!

The Great American Pin-Up

Published in Hardcover by Taschen (1999-01-01)

Author: Charles G Martignette

List price: $0.03

New price: $33.92
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Average review score:

Worth a 2nd look

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07

If you like this genre of art, this is a good reference with a wide spectrum of artists and good quality pictures. Nothing obscene, but a bit of titillating work consistent with the style. Good background summaries. Not an all inclusive or exhaustive reference by any means. If you want a lot of a specific artist then you need a book on that artist alone as there is too much out there for one book. This one makes a good coffee table book and is good for art/ fashion inspiration.

Swell book but with a caveat or two

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-09

Like most Taschen art books, this is a high quality publication, nicely printed and bound. There is a good deal of information and many paintings for the top artists (Elvgren, Petty, etc) and short bios and paintings for dozens more. The paintings are why you'd buy it of course, and the reproductions are excellent. Often the editors did not have originals to work from but that seldom shows. A very few of the larger prints of what must be reproductions are a bit blurry, but not many. However, I personally would have preferred fewer examples so that more of the paintings could be full page. Lots are, but in more cases the reproductions are quarter page and sometimes nine to a page. They are still very good due to the quality reproduction, but lose much of their impact. And impact, after all, is what pin-up art was all about. Still, there's something to be said for quantity too, and this 447-page book has hundreds of fine paintings. Two other quibbles. This hardback has a printed cover, rather than a paper cover, which to me makes it less classy as a display book. I know, I know, it's a pin-up book, but still. Also, like many art books, all the descriptions (the words) are in English, German and French. No complaint, but it's worth knowing in advance that many pages are dedicated to this duplication. That said, if the subject interests you, this is a must have, just like another of the authors' pin-up books for Taschen, Gil Elvgren: All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups (Taschen 25th Anniversary Special Editions).

OOP The Great American Pin - Up

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-18

Taschen's now out-of-print homage to the great artists has been a godsend for sourcing artists and their styles. These lost masterpieces of calendar art have been admired but tossed aside for decades; Leave it to outstanding art book publisher Taschen to assemble a great, great collection in three languages.

A stellar collection of styles, nicely arranged by artist. I'll also recommend Collectors Books' ELVGREN for an in-depth look at the process of creating those timeless images, but for the buck, this is a honey!

Loving it

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-30

I love this huge book. It gave me background on the artists that I wasn't expecting, and discovered new artists that I hadn't seen before. Covers a wide spectrum of styles too. It's my #1 coffee-table book.

In All Their Radiant Glory: American Fantasy Girls of the 20th Century

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-20

They adorned American calendars, magazines, and paperbacks: playful on water skis, glamorous in evening gowns, seductive before their bedroom mirrors, each one presented in luscious, candy-coated colors to beguile the sensibilities of the businessman, the mechanic, the G.I., the clerk. They were "Pin-Ups," artists' near-fantasy renderings of femininity designed to catch and hold the attention of the American male. They were also, unfortunately, disposable--disappearing into the trash when the calendar was out of date, the latest magazine edition released, the book cover worn to tatters.

Fortunately, however, Charles G. Martignette and Louis K. Meisel have gathered together a wide array of these paintings and reproduced them in THE GREAT AMERICAN PIN-UP, a collection drawn from Martignette's own personal collection. And from 1920 to 1980, from Vaughan Alden Bass to Ted Withers, this book offers 447 pages crowded with full page, half page, quarter page, and inset reproductions of the best of the best.

The book opens with a series of essays on the subject--essays which are offered in English, French, and German translations and which cover the social trends and historical events that gave rise to the genre. The entries are listed by artist and ordered alphabetically, each artist receiving at least a small note and some, such as the legendary Vargas, considerably more. But this is all extra stuff: then as now, the real attraction is the art itself, and it is all beautifully reproduced in the full brilliance of original color.

Whether the portraits are bathing beauty cheesecake, sultry glamor, or ill-concealed nudity beneath transparent robes, what most marks the classic pin-up is a sense of playful innocence, and that comes shining through in this truly entertaining, colorful, and often beautiful book. If you are looking for a glimpse of the art, here it is--in all it's radiant and sometimes naughty glory. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space

Published in Paperback by Corgi Childrens (1978-08-25)

Author: Gerard K. O'Neill

List price:

Used price: $2.50

Average review score:

Memory update

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06

I'd read this book in college and wanted to read it again as part of my research for a new book I'm writing.

High Frontier

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-16

Very informative, well-researched, and interesting discussion of the potential for human presence in colonies in interplanetary space. One criticism is the lack of attention to the need for a human presence on the Moon, for astronomy, for tourism, and for raw materials for space colonization. Another criticism is that the author was overly optimistic about NASA; this is partly offset by more recent contributions.

Almost 30 years older...but not wiser

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21

I read this wonderful book as an undergrad in the seventies. I found out about O'Neill from Stewart Brand's journal of the time, "The Coevolution Quarterly". O'Neill was the outer space guru of the age, just as John Lilly was the inner space pioneer. I assumed, as an enthusiastic youngster, that there would be millions of humans living at L5 by now. Unfortunately, we have a government run space program that, like any government bureaucracy, is inefficient and at the mercy of inferior minds (Congress and the White House). Nevertheless, this book is a good read and shows what one professor and a handful of grad students can come up with. For present day forward thinkers, review the ideas of Bill Stone (Stone Aerospace).

A review of reviews

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-19

I'm writing this review of the review dated September 8th 2001, wherein the reviewer challenges us readers to implement the ideas of O'Neill's book RIGHT NOW.

I wonder if anyone took that challenge, or if we were all distracted by what happened 3 days later?

Looking back over the past 4 years, I think, like the other reviewers who have written since that fateful day, that those events and their consequences show us that getting off this planet, and what we will learn from the effort, is an idea that becomes more imperative day after day.

If anyone is involved in a "mini-biosphere" project called for in the September 8th, 2001 review, or knows of such, please e-mail me with contact info.

Congratulations to all who can see beyong the curve of our Earth, to the endless horizons of space.

The Classic!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-28

This is the classic proposal for the human expansion into space by the originator of the idea himself, Gerard O'neill. In it, he shows how space settlement could be done using boring 1970's technology.

A very good and thought provoking read, it is the ONLY space book that presented a plausible way for the rest of us (not just the "experts" and scientists) could go move into space in style AND the only one to show a semi-convincing way to pay for it all (space-based solar power).

The Honorable Imposter (The House of Winslow #1)

Published in Hardcover by G. K. Hall & Company (1993-03)

Author: Gilbert Morris

List price: $20.95

Used price: $6.67

Average review score:

Great book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06

Gilbert Morris Books are wonderful, with romance, history and a spiritual uplift and reminder that exceed most books I have read.

Great Start to the Series

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-08

I have been a huge Gilbert Morris fan for a long time. I seemed to have read every other series he wrote besides his most famous one, The House of Winslow. I am most drawn to his books due to the fact that he likes to take historical events and add to them. His knowledge or rather maybe just the research he puts into each book is what makes his books all the better.

This book is just the beginning of Gilbert Winslow's family line. Gilbert joins a group of religious separatists in order to find out some information for a very high Lord of England. While the group's strict ways surprise Gilbert he comes to have a strong connection with some of them. Will Gilbert betray the group that seems to accept him as one of their own?

I absolutely loved this book; it was a great start to the series. I did not seem to want to put the book down, but to continue reading so that I could find out what happens next.

Follow Gilbert Morris as he spins the tale of Gilbert Winslow and the beginning of the New World!

Recommended with reservations

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-11

In this book a young man is hired by an English lord to spy on the Separatists living in Holland, particularly to discover the whereabouts of William Brewster, one of the leaders of the religious dissenters. Gilbert Winslow's task will lead him to travel on the Mayflower, and have to determine where his loyalties truly are. This is book 1 in the incredibly prolific House of Winslow series

This book is . . . nice. Not especially challenging, thought provoking, or whatnot, but nice. I like history, don't mind the religious undertone, good times had by all. Morris is a Christian author, but I've found that his stuff is generally not the `religion shoved down your throat repeatedly" variety, and since I'm a sucker for the nice romantic stories it's a win-win situation. So I would recommend it with reservations

Don't Start Unless You Wanna Be Hooked for Life

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-02

This book kicks off one awesome series. Gilbert Morris may be a bit long winded at times, but his characters are interesting, the history's cool, and the plot twists sneak up on you.

Gilbert Winslow sets out to spy on the Puritans, loses his heart and more to a Puritan and becomes a better man for it.

This is a great book...

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-18

This is a remarkable story. It is full of history and I learned a lot about the ways of life of the puritans from reading it. You will meet the characters you find in your history books in a way you never knew them before! I read it very quickly because the characters were so well developed and the plot exciting. The romance was wonderful, but this isn't a romance novel so it wasn't overdone. This is the first book in the House of Winslow series and it tells the story of young gilbert winslow who takes on a job as a spy to turn in one of the leading puritan pastors. It follows his journey on the Mayflower and the lives of the settlers. This story is captivating, simply put. Will Gilbert be able to turn in the innocent man even after he has come to love the Puritans? Will he go back and Marry Cecily and forget all about dear Humility? Everyone should read this book.

Moominpappa at Sea (Puffin Books)

Published in Paperback by Puffin Books (1974-03-28)

Author: Tove Jansson

List price:

Used price: $4.84

Average review score:

One of the best Moomin books (for adults!)

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-06

I was getting to know a song by Charles Trenet, one about a rained-out fairground populated by semi-human monsters, and it flashed on me that it reminded me of one of the Moomintroll stories that had made a fine, somewhat creepy, impression in childhood. Turned out I was remembering "The Hemulen Who Loved Silence" from "Tales from Moomin Valley". That story, proved to have indeed featured a rained-out fairground -- well, not just rained out but spectacularly destroyed by flooding, something that happens frequently in Tove Jansson's books. that story proved to be just as great as I'd remembered, and maybe better as it had psychological insight and satirical wit that I suspect I didn't entirely grasp as a kid. I soon found myself reading one Moomin book after another.

They all have wickedly funny moments, they're all fanciful, they're all subtle in some way. But some of them are really aimed at kids and, despite their considerable charms, can wear thin at times.

Moominpappa at Sea is a really great one for the adult reader. Yes, it has all the fancy and fun of a children's book, but....good lord! it is wonderfully complex. very funny, psychologically perceptive, at times very creepy. Where, say, Moominvalley Midwinter is a series of loosely connected episodes, everything in Moominpappa at Sea fits together very cleverly, from the first sentence to the last.

the plot hinges on Moominpappa's vain, poignant quest to have his family feel like they still need him. Moomintroll on the other hand is making some kind of adolescent transition, getting away from the family, bonding in the dark on the beach with a strange creature.

Exquisite

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-11

Jansson is one of the only authors I've ever read, for either child or adult, who can so deftly put her fingers on life as we experience it - the mood shifts, the disappointments and inner worlds and longings, the quirks and kindnesses, the tangible atmosphere of the seasons and the weather and the seaside... by God, she's got it, and with a few flicks of the pen, she can realize them fully and make us feel them too (even when her protagonists are fictional, round little "Moomintrolls" off for a month on a mysterious windswept lighthouse island.) Astonishing. A book to read and reread by anyone in grade 4 and up, especially in August and September (though anytime will do.)

One of My Favourite Childhood Books

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-23

My parents used to read the Moominbooks when to us when we were young, and they made a lasting impression on me. For me, Moominpappa at Sea was probably my favourite, along with Comet in Moominland.

Given that the books were originally written in Finnish the translator has done a fantastic job to make the stories incredibly readable and finely nuanced in English. It's possible that the books appealed to us kids so much because they come out of a European culture quite distinctly different from most of the English and American stories we were used to.

The chapters are the right length to read aloud one at a time to kids. (Good for bedtime stories in the summer holidays, I seem to recall!)

I was fortunate enough a couple of years ago to take a ferry across the Gulf of Finland from Stockholm in Sweden to Turku in Finland, and the little rocky islands in the Gulf are almost exactly as I imagined them from the book...

Magical Moomins

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-21

The good news is you don't have to be a child to be enchanted by the Moomins. The bad news (for me) is missing out on these delightful stories when a child. I always try to begin the Moomin tales in the middle of the day because I know I won't stop until the end of the story.

Moominpappa decides they all need an adventure, and he is most desirous of "taking care" of everyone so Moominmamma can rest and all can be safe and protected. They set sail on an evening in late August to a small island in the Gulf of Finland planning to live in a wonderful lighthouse. The island is strange, bleak and barren. The lighthouse appears abandoned and is locked. The Moomin family consisting of Mamma, Papa, little son Troll, and Little My all go about practical tasks of settling in, first a search to locate a key. The living quarters in the lighthouse are at the very top only to be reached by a rickety spiral staircase. Much to Pappa's dismay, the light is out, and he cannot make it work. The fall storms begin (Pappa never explains why he didn't begin his adventure in the spring) and the life on the island becomes terrifying as well as bleak.

Though the Moomins get angry at one another, they are unfailingly polite and cooperative with the exception of Little My who is a cheerful, cynical pragmatist. Mamma & Pappa are very permissive parents, but always interested in what Troll and Little My are thinking and doing. The author very gently shows how perhaps there is a downside to sleeping and eating when you want, sleeping where your fancy takes you, and going on any adventure that occurs to you. There is delightful comedy where the Moomins throw a birthday party for The Fisherman, and he discovers all his "presents" belonged to him in the first place.

Come, enter the world of the Moomins! You might want to stay!

Tove Jansson's guide to the family

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-13

I first discovered this book at the age of about 12 or 13, already older than the average moomin reader, but having read most of the others. It was obvious that this was no ordinary moomin book, and neither was it strictly a children's book. In fact it is a masterly observation of family dynamics, mid life crises and the human condition, but mixed with a mysterious and fantastic magic that leads to spine tingling excitement and making one question how we know what is real.

Every psychology student has something to analyse in every character, and anyone who ever had a moment of doubt about the meaning of their life has something to ponder. What father with a teenage family would not relate to Moominpappa's melancholy, feeling that his life is without purpose now his family appear to be independent, his urge to be needed, to be able to protect them? What homesick traveller could not understand Moominmamma's longing for her garden, (and its magical transformation which you will have to read for yourselves). The description of her homesickness brings tears to the eyes. And what put-upon mother could not identify with her delight in being able to disappear from her family just long enough to stop them taking her for granted? The glimpses of the fond, but no longer passionate relationship between Moominmamma and Moominpappa, and Moominmamma's endless patience for Pappa's foibles, their need for their own roles, and his inability to understand her own needs says more about the maried state than plenty of far more learned texts. We will all be able to identify the same dynamics in our own families and relationships.

Meanwhile Moomintroll's adolescent emotional awakening must bring nostalgic memories of first love to we adult readers, but must surely mystify the average 8 year old. Younger children do not usually have a developed enough sense of other people's individuality to understand the complexities of what is driving the Moomin family to their peculiar dispersal.

The allegory of the frozen Groke could represent so much - I feel a thesis coming on - but I think represents how people get into a vicious cycle;cut off emotionally because no one interacts with them, and becoming ever more reclusive and antisocialin a vicious cycle. She makes us think about how we subconciously excuse ourselves for avoiding the lonely, scared, mentally ill, etc among us, for fear we may be "tainted" them.

Although I'm sure children will enjoy it at one level I recommend it highly to everyone, particularly if you are in a life crisis. I have lent it to nearly all my close friends and no one has yet not enjoyed it thoroughly.

Anyone who enjoyed this book should also enjoy Moominvalley in November with a similar selection of odd characters who we will all recognize among our own aquaintance.

K Books