Publishers Books

For somebody interested in art, a book with many pictures is easy to read and enjoy.

The convenience of the pocket edition is incredible and the quality of the images and analysis is excellent.

The Story of Art is a classic introduction to the history of fine art. The sweeping scope is matched only by the driven narrative that will fascinate the neophyte and the well versed. This book is THE introductory text for any study of art.

As his title indicates, in The Story of Art Gombrich presents the whole of western art history as a chronological narrative -- from prehistoric times on up to his own times -- clearly setting out everything from ancient sculpture to Renaissance painting to modern architecture.This book can change the way you look art.Intellectually and physically pure delight.

Having already been exposed to art history and criticism, I felt at times that this book was overly simplistic. (It was originally written for "young people" after all...) What was harder for me to appreciate were the frequent passages in which Gombrich gives vent to his own personal opinions (gushing on about Rubens for instance.) He makes a token effort to be objective but his Eurocentric bias toward the superiority of Classically-inspired Renaissance art is clear.

However, as an introduction to Art History and Art Appreciation, you could do a lot worse. Gombrich is easy to read, he states himself clearly, he presents the history of art (in Europe) as a steady evolution of ideas, rather than a compartmentalized series of Eras & Styles as so many academic textbooks do. He selected illustrations that most effectively elucidate his point. Useful as his book is, it would be a mistake to treat him as a final authority on the subject. _The Story of Art_ is merely an INTRODUCTION to art. Once Dr. Gombrich has opened the door for you, you should leave him behind and continue your explorations on your own, or at least with a different guide. Form your own opinions; that's part of the experience of art.

About the Pocket Edition specifically: The text is in the front (printed on very thin "Bible" paper) and the illustrations are in the back. Phaidon has provided two built-in ribbon bookmarks so you can keep your place in both sections. It's an interesting solution for making the book smaller. I can vouch for the fact that it's easy to carry around, since I took it with me on two trips while reading it, but the arrangement does have its drawbacks. Having to flip back & forth to look at the pictures as they are referred to in the text, and having to hold two places simultaneously while reading means that you have to use both hands. I like to read while I eat (yeah, I'm one of THOSE people) but found it was impossible with this edition. If portability and price are your top concerns, then this is the edition to get. Otherwise, shell out the extra $$ for the full-sized version.

I read this book years ago. It scared me so bad then that I would have to put it down and walk away from it to regroup and I have never forgotten it. I read it again recently and it scared the @#$% out of me as if it were the first time. I have never read a book that totally sucked me in and took me on such a freakish, disturbing nightmare into a killers SICK life. It's just plain old scarey, terrifying, horrific and captivating. You have to keep pinching yourself and keep saying "Its only a story...its only a story." If you like to get scared THIS is the book for you.

Thomas Bishop/Vincent Mungo is THE most heinous killer ever committed to print, all the more so because he appears to be an all-American, apple-cheeked, tousle-haired young man. He's a complete psychopath who believes he's on a mission to kill women. And what he does with the bodies ... well, the book leaves a lot of that up to the imagination, but it must be pretty awful.

The book is an epic, beginning a generation before the killer's career and bringing in a huge array of cops, reporters, psychologists and politicians (usually with self-serving agendas) who are part of the nationwide manhunt. The book is written in the dry, clinical prose of standard nonfiction, which makes it even more chilling. No purple prose at all. No book has ever better described the kind of horrifying childhood abuse (his mother is a real piece of work, as frightening in her own way as her son) that creates psychopathic killers.

Absolutely fascinating, but profoundly disturbing. I lent it to my brother, a tough customer, and even he was shaken by it. Forget Norman Bates and Hannibal Lecter. Vincent Mungo's the real deal.

In "By Reason Of Insanity" author Shane Stevens's 511 page novel depicts a scenario where the convicted rapist Caryl Chessman raped a woman prior to his capture and later execution in 1958. She did not report the rape, but she perceived that she had gotten pregnant from the encounter. Her husband was soon killed in an armored car robbery, but their relationship had been rocky from the start, and after his death, she began using her maiden name of Bishop, and her son was born as Thomas Bishop.

As her short life progressed, she slid into insanity, which included many beatings of her child. Finally, at age 10, Thomas Bishop committed matricide and he was confined at Willow, a local insane asylum, probably for life. In a brilliantly planned and executed escape, the 25 year-old Bishop began a nation-wide rein of terror, leaving a trail of murder and mayhem as he traveled east to New York City.

A nation-wide magazine was running a special edition on Bishop, and thus enters our hero, the hard-charging and experienced reporter Adam Kenton. I generally don't care for books which glorify lawyers, politicians and especially reporters which are generally both lazy and clueless and rate right up there with used car salesmen and aluminum siding telemarketers. But Kenton's character was an exception. With skilled and well thought out snares and traps, Kenton tried to first correctly identify Bishop, and then run him to ground. The narrative depicted his many defeats and minor victories as he fought his way towards the climax of the story.

Mechanically, the book was difficult to read in some areas and was too long as a result. As an example, in each of the towns Bishop visited, the author felt the need to describe in minute detail, exactly where he was in the town which was of no interest except to current or former residents of the location. There was also an excessive use of our character's dreams; word-filling narrative, which the reader quickly learns to skip on through.

With that said though, Stevens' clever and well-laid out plot carried the day. A solid 4 1/2 star effort and the reader's time is well spent with this one.

This is an amazing book when looking into the insane mind. The political aspect is mainly ignorable but the main function of the writing is very worthwhile.

I bought and read this book when it was originally published way back in the 70's and after all these years I have yet to read another serial killer thriller type book that equals it. Why this was never made into a movie is beyond me. If Silence of the Lambs gave you the chills and you enjoy serial killer thrillers then you'll love this. It's no doubt the Grand Daddy of them all! Belongs in the Hall of Fame for serial killer novels...highly recommended!

I use this Bible for daily devotions and study. I have purchased and given a copy to ten others. Enough said.

You haven't read your Bible until you've read it chronologically! When I began to do this, it began to give me a better understanding of the story line that we so easily miss...

I love reading this Bible, especially the gospels, it puts them into one story of Jesus.

The Narrated Bible puts the Bible in chronological order making it much easier to follow and understand. For example, the Gospels are intertwined to tell the story of Jesus' life. As you read the book of Acts, each epistle is included at the time it was written. This is wonderful to help anyone understand the Bible story.

I am really enjoying reading this Bible. It has helped me understand the Old Testament in a new way by fitting the books together in a logical fashion. I understand better the sequence of events.

I highly recommend this Bible as a supplement to your existing one.

This book shares stories from Ms. Kinkade's experience of communicating with animals. And each chapter delves into specific areas, where you can also learn how to communicate with animals especially your pets. I've tried it myself and it works but it needs practice. But the great benefit of this book is that you learn how to "talk" to your animals even in just a one-way communication, how you could tell (for example) your cat to stop scratching your sofa. Very helpful, funny, and very touching.

I loved this book because the author clearly loves what she is able to do, takes us step-by-step through her processes and is a personable writer. Concepts like these can go "airy-fairy" pretty quickly but Ms. Kinkade's humor keeps us rooted to an earthy plane as our hearts and minds soar into the quantum possibilities beyond the realm of our 5 senses.

I highly recommend this book for it easy to put into use methods and optimistic musings of its upbeat author.

Interesting book. I think it was a good overview of what the author does and a good attempt at describing how she does it. I wonder if it would be possible to commmunicate with animals without involving all the spirit guides, goddesses and guided imagery she deems necessary? Sometimes I questioned whom she was communicating with: the animal or the contacted spirit guide talking for the animal . I'm truly not sure communication with animals is something you can learn from a book. I appreciated the lists in the back on recommended foods and products that are not tested on animals.

This book is well written, concise, easy to follow, a good guide for anyone who wants a better understanding of how animals and people can and do communicate.

This was a very informative book - Amelia Kinkade did a very good job at explaining how to talk with animals. A lot of what she said I could relate to, and with her style of writing, easy to put in focus. Her chapter on "crossing over" was especially well written and informative. This is one of the only books on this subject I've read from cover to cover, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding and trying to "talk" with your pet. I have not been able to "talk" with my animals, but that's my problem - I have difficulty finding "quite" time in my life. After reading this book, I would be very interested in attending one of her training sessions, if she comes to a town nearby.

My sister-in-law recommended this book. At first I was skeptical, because other "Chiristian" fiction I've read was pretty watered down and sappy, but this is a really good story with real life applications. Not preachy, or syrupy.

I'm definitely a fan of Dee Henderson books, and this one is a good read, too. My only complaint is twice at least in the first half of the book a comment was made something like "the tension in the air was palatable". It's supposed to be palpable. Palatable means something tastes good. I enjoy the story, but such glaring errors like this make it hard to concentrate on it. I hope she's no longer using the same editors as the ones that checked this book.

When Kelly says a delirious "I love you" to her deceased husband's best friend and Navy SEAL Commander, Bear, neither of them can ignore the words to avoid the consequences. Kelly wakes up in the hospital after Bear rescues her from drowning only to realize what a horrible mistake she's made in revealing her feelings. Neither character seems anxious to acknowledge Kelly's declaration because they don't want to hurt the friendship they have. Bear's active duty status doesn't help matters, either. But what else can you do when you are both so crazy for each other?

This novel contains the best, most extravagant first date I have ever heard of! There are also flashbacks of military operations that add depth to the story. The suspense plotline is very well prepared. But the true gems that warm your heart are displayed in less flamboyant sequences where everyday life happens: painting the kitchen, SEALs coming home to a fridge with food in it. This is a superb book!

A wonderful story and great dedication to our service men and women.

Dee Henderson has once again written a fascinating book. It is well written, absorbing, and fast-paced, yet contains none of the lurid details less skilled authors use to attract readers. It realistically shows the struggles Christians face when dealing with adversity.

It's been 15 years since I first encountered this book - part of a vocabulary challenge in the sixth grade. I still remember most of the stories, and I must have infuriated my parents using each word incessantly as I learned it. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This animated book gives children a new way to learn the definitions of words. It was highly recomended to me, and I loved it!

I love this book.This book is one of the best books ever.The reason why I gave this book five stars because its funny and senstive. My favorite word was laxcity.Laxcity means that you dont even care about whats gioing on.I think that this book is good for all ages. I hope that you read this fantastic book.

I use this book with my third grade students. We read a story per week. Many of their parents tell me it becomes a topic of conversation each week as the child teaches Mom and Dad a new word. It is fantastic.

This book is one of the best books I had ever read in my life.I would recommend this book to every one because its funny and great.

I loved this one growing up. Really. Amelia Bedelia always choose the funniest possible interpretation of words, and her name rhymes! What's not to love?

The one thing I'd be concerned about is that a lot of the usages in this book are going to be unfamiliar to your young kid. I don't think many of us say "draw the curtains" anymore, and even if we do, we probably don't often talk about "trimming" steak (with or without lace!) or "dressing" chicken, at least, not around our kids. Maybe we should, but we don't.

So this book might be better saved for read-aloud time than read-alone time.

I remember reading these books years and years ago! I'm in 10th grade and it's been more 5 years since I was in elementary school and yet when I go work at my old school I go back and read them again!

A fun (and funny) book which will delight kids with Amelia's well-intentioned but mistake-laden chores. Kids feel empowered because they are 'smarter' than the character and are able to cheer her on. In the end, Amelia's good deeds overpower any mistakes she makes.

I recommend this book for any child who is beginning to read on their own!

This is surly a kids favorite since I was a little girl! We join Amelia Bedelia as she starts her first day of work for the Rodgers. They rush off shortly after she arrives, but they've left her a list of things to do. Should be a snap, as all the tasks are simple and clearly stated...but that's what you think...Amelia Bedelia begins completing each chore in quite a literal fashion...drawing the drapes and much, much more! Younger kids (1-4) will like the silliness of it and beginner readers and more savvy grade schoolers (5-8) will like that's it's simple and clever/silly too! I recommend it without reservation! I'm sure Amelia will be with us, teaching fine lessons about the words we use and the many means they can have for generations to come!

A great, witty book that my 4-year old loved. Made her think about the different meanings of words.

The author raises several intersting perspectives in this book. In today's hectic stressed-out world, it is sometimes helpful to stop and reflect upon what one is trying to accomplish, and how one is going about it. This book helps in that regard. A good read.

I found it very inspirational, and it will make me take a closer look at my `ways of life' as they are today. I couldn't read the book fast enough ... was sorry when it ended! Family and friends are key - I wouldn't be where I am without them! What seemed so important before, will probably be questionable in the future.

Go make a circle ... I can now relate!

Brown's work is entertaining, instructive, and coldly honest all at once. He makes the very salient recommendation to find those things most important in life, i.e. work, family, friends, and play, and integrate them as soon as you possibly can in the name of Venn Efficiency, and personal satisfaction. The book caused some introspection as to the integration of the spheres in my own life, and the choices that I have made, and continue to make. And as Tony points out, I own my choices, so to ignore the above, is at my expense, while also MY fault.

I cant wait to get to the next fork in my road.

Instead of waiting for the movie, I did have the opportunity to read Mr. Brown's book on the train ride into work. As I took in the thought provoking verses and awesome photo's (would love a copy of the GG Bridge one)I looked around at my fellow commuters and thought...how many of these people spend the time to think about Venn Diagrams and intersections in life. Great book that I plan to pass around to other family and friends as required reading. Looking forward to the movie - I see Owen Wilson in the lead.

I finished Happy Guide last night...and I loved it! I grew up in rural NC and can identify with just about everything in this quick read. I just watched a close friend die after a two year battle with cancer. And Brown's prediction was bang on - my friend didn't change; in fact, his characteristics were more obvious than ever. This and so many other similar experiences have told me that we aren't promised tomorrow, so I have learned to live each and every day as if it might be my last. I have tried hard to tell everyone who means anything to me exactly how I feel about them...all the time. No words should go unsaid. My mom died when I was 13, she actually committed suicide. There are many words I wish I had said to her, but didn't. Just one of my life lessons. Anyway, in the spirit of Al Gore, I would say Brown's 'Happy Guide to a Short Life' is full of 'inconvenient truisms', which made me laugh and think. My wife was trying to watch TV and I kept busting out laughing and reading sections to her. She finally said, "That book sounds great - stop reading to me - I want to read it myself." Mr. Brown's book, IMHO, is much better than Ms. Quindlen's!

I loved this book as a child and now my 2 year old loves it too. This book tells the story of Harry, who hates baths. He hates them so much that he buries his brush and (temporarily) runs away from home. He plays and gets so dirty that his family thinks he is a different dog entirely. The story is sweet and simple enough for my 2 year old to enjoy, but not so simple that it's boring or babyish.

This book was my Daughter's favorite when she was a toddler, I must have read it a thousand times! She just had a Daughter of her own and I thought she might like it to read to her little girl.
Ben

I absolutely adored this book when I was little, so of course I was pleased when one of my first graders picked it up at the school library and beged me to read it for our class read-aloud this afternoon. Since we have recently discussed thinking about characters' emotions as we read, this was a perfect exercise--the text never actually says just what the cute little dog Harry is feeling during his adventure of getting dirty. And if you think about it, his tale is quite poignant. Anway, comprehension lessons aside, my kids were glued to the story and we had a great discussion afterwards. The writing is brisk and fun and subtle, leaving plenty to the readers' assumptions. The black and white pictures are adorable, detailed, and full of expression. Really, not many people write like this anymore.

Harry the Dirty Dog was undoubtedly a favorite of my children 25 years ago. I read it over and over. Despite the repitition, I also love this book. There is a rhythmn to the prose that makes it as fun to read as it is to listen to. I'm thrilled to see it again so that I may purchase it for my grandchild.

Our household has the whole series of the Harry books and I wouldn't have it any other way! I found an old copy at the local library and the first night I read it my daughter didn't make a PEEP she was utterly captivated and shes 2 and a half for 3 months she'd call "Harry Harry Harry" just like in "Harry by the Sea". If you love dogs, you'll love Harry!

Very detailed guide for how to use you D40x camera. It gives you information easy to follow for beginners as well as pros. It has helped me to know some short cuts that are excellent for when you are in hurry to take that great pic.

Great book for using your D40. The Dummies book for D40 is better, but this book is worth it as second book.

This is WAY better than the 'manual' that comes with the D40. In my humble opinion, this should be included in the box!!

If you purchase a Nikon D40/D40X you will want to be certain to purchase this book too...especially if is the first time you have used a SLR camera and are totally green to the photography lingo!!

This book explains it without making you feel like you are being talked down to!!

This is the perfect Nikon D40/D40x guide for anyone unfamiliar with DSLRs. I had a somewhat basic understanding of my D40's controls before I bought this book and reading it has made such a difference in my pictures. Highly reccommended!

This is an excellent piece of work, very thoughtfully organized and well written. Nikon should distribute a copy of this book along with the camera, instead of their user manual.
I ordered a copy as soon as I ordered my Nikon D40. The book came first so I had some time to read before I got my hands on the camera. The Nikon user manual never got a chance to open. This will be the best investment you make besides the D40 itself. When you look at the results of your shooting, you will thank yourself for buying this book.