N Books

Well, they didn't, but it's a classic anyway.

This is a terrific book for anyone who wants to learn how great projects are visualized, actualized, and pressed through extremely challenging environmental circumstances. It's a source of inspiration for the dreamers and the practical alike.

If you want to read about architecture and engineering, you get only a small dose here. It's more about the capitalization, visioning and building. But that story is magnetic and wonderful.

Only thing they left out: that it was to this (then half-empty) building that Annhaeuser-Busch delivered the "first" case of legal beer to Al Smith at the end of Prohibition. Smith, the "wet" and the eternal optimist, exemplifies what this building was conceived to be: a vibrant and living testimony to the human spirit.

So, it stands to reason that it survives now as New York's essential symbol.

From the outset, the Empire State Building seemed to have had everything going against it. Although conceived during the 1920s boom years, most of the construction went on during the earliest years of the Depression, thereby putting the idea of high occupancy in the severest doubt. Its location wasn't ideal either. It was three miles north of the Wall Street district and a mile south of the center of the midtown business center. And it was ten blocks south of Grand Central Station and three avenues east of old Pennsylvania Station. The idea of mooring dirigibles was quickly scrapped after failed attempts. And sure enough, although the Empire State Building did get built, the tenants did not come. King Kong did, but he didn't pay rent.

John Tauranac describes all this and more in his exhaustive book, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: THE MAKING OF A LANDMARK. Written in an engaging style, Tauranac's book is as elegant and interesting as the subject itself, while his wit is as colorful as the characters surrounding the Empire State Building's creation. The book covers the idea for the building, Raskob's and Smith's supervision, the monumental task of the construction workers, and, most importantly, the survival of the building to become THE emblem of America's cultural and economic reach while become THE identifying symbol of New York City. The generous amount of photographs add to the understanding and enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent work that details the history of the Empire State Building. I was a bit surprised to find how much the author managed to pack into my paperback. Everything from skyscraper height restrictions to land leases and modern restructuring of ownership for tax purposes (and all the "interesting" stuff in between). If you buy this book and you're not from New York, do yourself a favor and get a map of the area. So you can follow along in the early chapters.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in not only the Empire State Building, but in New York City history of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Who would think that a building completed in 1931 at 1250 feet high would still be the tallest building in NYC in 2007 (of course, we can't forget the tragic loss of the taller WTC Towers). This book covers the quick construction of the ESB, but also covers the politics and history behind the building's location (the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel used to be at the corner of 5th Ave and 34th Street) and the people involved. This is an interesting book about an exciting time where anything seemed possible in one of the world's greatest cities.

I bought this book shortly after a trip to NYC in 2000, and found it to be an excellent history of one of the Big Apple's architectural jewels, the Empire State Building. It is full of intrigue, history, great anecdotes and one-of-a-kind photographs. If you're a visitor to Manhattan or a local resident, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

I am a huge fan of Derek Jeter's. That's why I chose this book. I gave it five stars because Matt Christopher described every part of Derek's life accurately. I had already read Derek's autobiography and in that book I learned that his Dad made him sign contracts. In these contracts with his father, Derek had to promise to get good grades -- or else he didn't get to play in any All Star games or anything. Later, dude!

This series in general, and the Jeter book in particular, are great for a 5-10 year old sports nut. I read this with our 6 year old, a chapter a night for a couple weeks.

It's well written and moves quickly.

It makes reading fun by being about something a sports fan kid will really enjoy.

And Jeter in particular is a good story because he's such an great role model for kids -- he crosses racial divides, espouses the virtue of hard work, respect and not taking anything for granted.

Highly recommended

It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan.

On the Field with Derek Jeter

On the Field with Derek Jeter is my favorite book because it is about my favorite player dreaming to be the player he is today! The setting is mostly on the baseball field. This biography is written by Matt Christopher and he has lots of good biographies. Derek Jeter is the main character and there are lots of people that helped him make his dream come true, like his dad! My favorite part is when he is assigned to the Minor Leagues! The book starts when his mom and dad meet. The theme of the book would be Derek Jeter's comes true. The book starts very exciting even thow it is very serious.
And I think anyone who is a baseball fan or a Yankees fan will love this book!
- Natatlie,9

The book I'm reviewing is At the Plate with Derek Jeter by Matt Christopher. I think this book deserves five stars. This book is a Derek Jeter biography. A problem that occurs in this story is when he's in high school. He almost gets cut from the team. This tells you how Derek Jeter became a pro baseball player. I would recommend this book to anybody.

Emerson N.J. fifth grade student

It came in good time and in great condition. I recommend it with no reservations.

I'm new to Economics and have done very well in the class so far because the book does such a good job explaining complex economic principles. My Professor follows the book exactly. He even uses the slides provided by the publisher. The student section the publisher provides is awesome too. It has flashcards, practice tests, powerpoint slides, etc.

One doesn't often come across a textbook that is as well written as this. I was able to understand the material; it presented everything clearly. The language/voice used was engaging, humorous, and easy to understand. I wish more textbooks were like this one. I give it an A.

This is one of the clearest--and certainly the most interesting--college textbooks I've ever had! I'm an older student returning to school and had to take econ as a prerequisite for an MBA program. I wasn't looking forward to it--tried it once in college years ago and dropped it because both book and class were so boring! I love this class (online, so no professor even!) and look forward to doing the reading each week. My school uses a "customized" version with with only about 2/3 of the chapters, and I'm buying the entire book so I can read the rest of it. Highly recommended!

This is a great book for Beginners in Economics. It has side notes and just about everything is explained very well. Perfect for the Econ101 Course.

Opinion: I've read alot of Neal Shusterman books and I've loved them all. The Eyes of Kid Midas didn't capture me the way the others did.

Summery: When Kevin Midas decides to follow a story that his teacher tells, he soon finds himself in a strange place. When he finds a pair of sun glasses, he soon realizes they aren't just any sunglasses. These sunglasses let him change anything he wants. Any thing he says is true! How cool is that? But with a few misplaced words here and there, Kevin changes two lives forever! Unless, he can get time going again!

The original paperback of this caught my eye in the used bookstore. The back cover summary sounded interesting, so I picked it up even though I could tell it was a "kid's book."

Well, that's what it may claim to be. But adults can enjoy this just as much. It's AKIRA meets CARRIE meets BRUCE ALMIGHTY meets THE MONKEY'S PAW. It doesn't pull any punches and could almost be classified as horror. The characters are, at one and the same time, both archetypes AND realistically drawn. That is a balancing act that is nearly impossible to pull off, but Mr. Shusterman does it.

Highest POSSIBLE recommendation, no matter your age.

Kevin Midas is nothing more then a major bully target for the school's big bully, Bertram Tarson. Then, just because of a gloomy camping trip, an urge to beat Bertram, lack of common sense, and a pair of glasses, Kevin finds himself in charge of the world. At first it seems like fun, but as time goes by it gets out of control. Can Kevin repair the damage he has done or has he made permanent changes in the world?

The Eyes of Kid Midas is a good book for people ages 8- 100. 100 if adults like reading good kids' chapter books. This book is also probably more appealing to people who like fiction, adventure, and suspense. I really liked this book for many reasons, but the main ones are that it describes things exactly the way they would be in real life if a boy had the power to rule the world. The other reason is it keeps you wondering so you can't stop!

I can't even remember what it was exactly that first caught my eye about this book way back when it was new. But I still have my original copy and have read it several dozens times at least, and it is still a great read. The book is both appropriate for the younger crowd, the main character being at their age and acting like they would, but also for the older crowd as well as the main character acts out everything we would have done at that time, heh.

I think the most important part about the book is it doesn't shy away from the conqsequences, and right to the end his actions have major ramifications on the world around him. The ending is nice and fitting, with one small concession after it all to put a small smile on your face, just a little nod to him at the end of everything he goes through that I thought was a nice touch.

The cover claims it was being made into a movie, but sadly those plans seem to be long... long abandoned. I still like to hope once in a while that the book would see light of day as a movie, with modern CGI I think the ideas in the book could be given full justice, but until that hyopthetical day, we will have this great book to tide us over.

Can't beat it for the price, I highly reccommend anyone pick this up and give it a try.

I remember purchasing this book in the sixth grade, and reading it quickly and eagerly. Quite simply, it's a wonderful book that contains profound themes in a package that's intelligent, yet easy for preteens to swallow. Abuse of power, addiction, loneliness, responsibility, greed, destiny....it's all covered in this novel. I heartily recommend purchasing this book. And guys? Don't spoil this book for other people in your reviews!

I have the Catalog of the British Museum Exhibition: "Forgotten Empire, the world of Ancient Persia" by the same authors. This book's text is essentially the same as the text in the catalog. The exhibition, and this book, mark a turning point in our appreciation of the legacy of the Ancient Persians in 'western' civilization. For too long the Greek texts colored western opinions of the Persians. This consise, clear, well-reasoned study begins to correct that biass. Oh - and the illustrations are exquisite!

The exhibition was absolutely wonderful with material from Louvre,British Museum,National Museum of Iran,my eyes were filled with tears as soon I walked into the exhibition rooms and I remembered my first visit to Persepolis(Parse) as a child.Cyrus the Great laid the foundation for an Empire based on tolerance for other cultures and traditions and the Great king and Persians demonstrated their desire for other nations to maintain their own ethnocultural traditions.I recommend this book specially to readers who wish to get the correct information contray to the repeated Macedonian propaganda and I hope this book will be available in Persian language for that group of my compatriot who have forgotten their glorious past.The name of the book describes my point of view.

This large and attractive book is the work of two scholars from the Department of the Ancient Near East at the British Museum - John Curtis, the Keeper of the Department, and Nigel Tallis, his special assistant. It was created to accompany an exhibition of the museum's holding, and acts as something of a catalogue. But, it is so much more than that.

What this book really is is a history of Ancient Persia, illustrated with many colorful pictures of Persian artifacts. Many subjects are covered herein, ranging from a general history of Ancient Persia, through the royal table, religion, imperial administration, and transport and warfare. And last, but not least, is a chapter on the legacy of Ancient Persia.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting book. It takes a very interesting look at certain subjects that are not adequately covered in most books - such as burial customs. Plus, I must say that the brightly colored pictures of the artifacts, such as Persian stamp- and cylinder-seals were worth the price of the book alone.

I think that this is an excellent book on Ancient Persia, one that is sure to please any student of ancient history.

I loved the book. There are hundreds of excellent quality photos, lots of descriptions, wonderful articles, and useful maps to help understanding the old Persia. It covers every aspect of life in ancient Persia: the government, the financial system and daily life. I have watched the photos every day and still want to watch them more. Articles are academically sound, easy to read and the book is well structured.

Another good thing about it is that, it reveals the bias introduced to the Ancient history by Greeks.

The book is an excellent introduction to the Persian Empire; the world's first true empire. From developing new forms of political administration, building roads that would inspire Rome, fromulating monotheism and fostering cultural tolerance, the Persians were innovators in every sense of the word. Sadly this world is all too often forgotten or only mentioned in passing. This is an excellent beginning for anyone interested in the history of Iran, whose people trace their roots- both ethnically and culturally- to the world of ancient Persia.

In the modern world, I teach in the following manner: I give a reasoned presentation of facts, concepts, and conclusions; if you are too dense to "get it," I provide illustrative stories.

In the ancient world, I teach in the following manner: I provide an illustrative story; if you're too dense to "get it," I provide a reasoned presentation of facts, concepts, and conclusions. But I will avoid giving the point; I will let you wrestle with the story for quite some time...or for the rest of your life. In the struggle, wisdom is attained.

Friedman returns to this ancient (rabbinic?) form of teaching--teaching the reader through parables. To spur thinking, cause mental anguish, and provide fodder for discussion on leadership, self, triangles, purpose, and the other elements of Bowen Family Systems theory, Friedman has created 24 fables, an interlude, and an epilogue--all intended to challenge, educate, and stick with the reader.

As with any anthology of stories, some works are better than others, but all come very close to hitting the mark and making profound points. The characters are only as developed as they need to be to make the point; in fact, the brevity and stilted nature of the fables are what give them their aesthetic charm.

Provided with "Friedman's Fables" is a discussion guide, helpful for pondering the fables solitarily or in groups. Beware, though. Also provided are the various fables' morals (or points)...for those who are too dense to "get it."

These stories are excellent tools in illustrating therapeutic points to patients. Ironically, Friedman addresses the drawbacks of the psychological profession, but is helping the therapeutic process. Great addition to any clinician's library.

This book of parables takes the reader into the world of family systems theory in such a way that family systems becomes not just a theory but a part of one's life. With the supplemental discussion guide, it is an excellent resource for introducing the concepts and ideas of family systems to groups who have not studied or read on the subject before. All in all, an excellent book.

Ed Friedman provided his readers and students with more than information about the human condition. He has given them a way to think, not just what to think. This book of fables, as the study booklet that accompanies it makes clear, is about life questions. A great deal of what one can know about life and self depends upon (a) where one stands when asking questions, and (b) the clarity and orientation of one's questions. The greatness of Ed Friedman is the clarity with which he has engaged the world. His "Generation to Generation" is a powerfully clear treatise on self and systems that has had a profound effect on thousands. I am given to understand that his daughter is arranging for editing and publishing "A Failure of Nerve" (available since 1999 only as a bound manuscript, loosely edited). Ed Friedman learned systems theory from Msurray Bowen (1913-1990), and his variant of Bowen Theory remains one of the clearest and most compelling expositions of the power of Bowen's work. "Friedman's Fables" is a testament to what can be done with Bowen when one thinks about the human condition with freedom and creativity, informed by the discipline of the most mature theory of human functioning today.

Friedman's Fables are a resonant statement by a very quiet man. Ed Friedman was that quiet man. He constructed a modern use for the ancient form of allegory, first used in King Solomon's written works, to drive home difficult-to-accept truths and ethical principles, in a group setting. His "fables" are the outcome of his many years of psychoanalytic work in very large congregational groups, and in my view, are a work of genius. Each fable deals with a different aspect of the group unconscious, and facilitates a ready demonstration of the inevitable group acting out that results from the return of the repressed.

The Complete Angler - Izaak Walton and Chalres Cotton

This book deserves a place in a collection of great angling books, such as those of John Geirach, Henry Middleton and Scott Waldie. It is really two books and an odd sort of middle section on property rights and fishing (funny how some issues have not changed much since the late 17th century). It has some wonderful discourses on not just fishing but the lifestyle and philosophy of fishing. There are some sections and descriptions that can be tedious but they minor compared to the overall wonderful dialogue of the majority of the book.

The first section is written by Izaak Walton and, to me, was Canterbury Tales-esque, is it's older English language (which is entertainingly preserved) and its format. Three travelers - a fisherman (angler), hunter and falconer meet. In the course of discussing the merits of their activities the angler convinces the hunter to come along fishing with him (after seeing a hunt with hounds). Over the course of a few days on the rivers of England, the angler turns the hunter to the quiet joys of angling. He goes through the fish in England and all the baits and methods of fishing for them as well as how to prepare each of them. I had never through of carp of chubs and fish to eat, but after some of the descriptions in this book, I may have to give the a second look someday. The first book is as much of a celebration of the social and contemplative nature of angling as it is descriptions and methods of fishing. Interspersed are encounters with the local farmers, milker and inn-keepers as well as the talking over of the days activities among friends. But the highlight of this first section, and in my opinion the entire book, is the parting words of the angler to the hunter of how angling is a life philosophy that departs sharply from the hustle and bustle of the capitalist life. The first book is replete with references to early Christianity and its admonitions against looking to wealth for happiness.

There is an odd middle section about property rights and fishing which serves as a rather odd bridge to Charles Cotton's section. This book focuses on fishing for trout and graylings in a small section of England. If found the wordy descriptions of the flies by month to be tedious and the lack of philosophical discussion of fishing to be a little disappointing of an end.

Five days of fishing along the river Lea which joins the Thames near London is the background on which the cheerful narrative of The Compleat Angler is laid. The splendid civil conversation of Latin named Piscator, Venator, Auceps, Viator, and Piscator Junior is a joy to hear. Shakespeare was just publishing his first work when Izaak Walton was born in 1593 in Stafford. Walton retired in his early fifties and traveled about rural England visiting friends, fishing, and writing in his easy-going fashion. After publication of The Compleat Angler in 1653 he continued to add to it in his leisurely way for the next quarter century. Samuel Johnson praised the book in the eighteenth century and later Charles Lamb recommended The Compleat Angler to Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 'It breathes the very spirit of innocence, purity, and simplicity of heart,' he noted. 'It would sweeten a man's temper at any time to read it; it would Christianise every angry, discordant passion; pray make yourself acquainted with it.'
The Compleat Angler is a true classic of English literature that owes it's esteem not to advice about fishing but to Izaak Walton's pre-occupations and exquisite manner. Subtitled The Contemplative Man's Recreation the pages glow with delight in the hills and dales, woods and streams of the beloved countryside. Walton conveys a message of meek thankful fellowship and peace to all "honest, civil, quiet men". 'The Compleat Angler is not about how to fish but about how to be,' said novelist Thomas McGuane. 'Walton spoke of an amiable mortality and rightness on the earth that has been envied by his readers for three hundred years.'

This is surely one of the earliest books available to the modern angler. But it's worth distinguishing 'anglers' from 'fishermen'. I take 'anglers' to be people who go after fish for fun or sport or pleasure and 'fishermen' to be people who go after fish for work.

The first thing to be said about Izaak Walton's book, is that it is a play followed by a text book. The second thing, is that it's in a foreign language even to the English, because it was first published in 1653 when the author was 60. A ripe old age in England in those days.

Walton was essentially a biographer. He got paid for it - often commissioned as a good artist might. He wrote 'The Life of Donne' - a poet who even I've heard of. He's alleged to have been a prosperous merchant, but it doesn't really matter. Great angling writers like Richard Walker were engineers. Old school writers like George Skues, were public school educated solicitors in London practices who took the train to the chalk streams of Winchester in Hampshire at weekends, tying flies as they went.

The play concerns three people who meet by chance and get into conversation about their interests. They're travelling at a walk, and so they lighten their journey with convoluted conversation. Before long, it develops into a bit of a competition. Walton is the angler (Piscator). Another gentleman is keen on falconry (Venator) and yet another is keen on hunting (Auceps).

If you tire of 17th century banter, skip forward to the chapters on each particular species of fish, which will ring true immediately. To me it's a revelation that these friendly old fish will still fall for the same tricks as Walton was playing on their ancestors over 350 years ago.

Three hundred fifty years ago Izaak Walton wrote of the curious blend of inner peace and giddy excitement which the amateur naturalist finds at streamside. He invites us to stroll with him through the countryside, discussing the mythology, superstition, and the science of England's aquatic fauna. It is an unrushed journey, though we often arise at sunrise, and the author introduces us to many of the local inhabitants. Indeed, if our fishing is successful, we might exchange our catch for the song of a pretty milkmaid. The Compleat Angler is a brief book, and Walton's intent is to hook the reader, and encourage him to try fishing for himself: "I do not undertake to say all that is known...but I undertake to acquaint the Reader with many things that are not usually known to every Angler; and I shall leave gleanings and observations enough to be made out of the experience that all that love and practise this recreation, to which I shall encourage them." Interestingly, Walton starts off on the defensive, since the fisherman's passion was even then caricatured. By the end the reader has joined the "Brotherhood of the Angle," making artificial flies and enjoying the poetry of fishing: "The jealous Trout, that low did lie, Rose at a well-dissembled fly." To the modern ear Walton's literal belief in naturalists' old wives tales may seem humorously anachronistic, and it comprises a remarkably large part of his affection for his subject. We are also frequently reminded of the book's timeline with comments such as "...the Royal Society have found and published lately that there be thirty and three kinds of Spiders," while we now know that there are thirty thousand species of Arachnids. And the Brotherhood of the Angle is a genuine fraternity to Walton, "...I love all Anglers, they be such honest, civil, quiet men." The prospective reader must also be disabused of the misconception that Walton was a purist for artificial lures; he strongly recommends worms, minnows, and live flies. In Walton's watery world there is no dry humor, only fresh. Following his description of the twelve most effective artificial flies he says, "Thus you have a jury of flies likely to betray and condem all the Trouts in the river." And here he compares the beautiful coloration of a living trout to...well, you'll see: "Their bodies [are] adorned with such red spots, and...with black or blackish spots, as give them such an addition of natural beauty as, I think, was never given to any woman by the artificial paint or patches in which they so much pride themselves in this age." At the risk of taking some of the surprise out of the book, I here present a sample of Walton's fishing secrets: "Take the stinking oil drawn out of Polypody of the oak by a retort, mixed with turpentine and hive-honey, and anoint your bait therewith, and it will doubtless draw the fish to it." I would guess that Walton wasn't much of a cook, however, and I do not recommend his recipe for eel (partially skinning it, packing the viceral cavity with nutmeg and anchovy, cutting off the head, slipping the skin back over the body, and sewing it together where the head formerly was, then barbecuing it on skewers). Walton's affection for fish and fishing extends beyond the aquatic nobility of trout and salmon, to the often ignored commoners: gudgeons, sprats, bleaks, herns, tench, roach, umber, loach, and sticklebag. And as for the importance of fishing in Walton's world: "I envy not him that eats better meat than I do, nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy nobody but him, and him only, that catches more fish than I do."

Walton uses the perspective of an enthusiastic angler to promote a lifestyle of reflectiveness, gentle humor, and appreciation for nature. The book is easy to read, despite being first published in the 1600s.
The Coachwhip Publications reprint edition (ISBN 1930585209) is inexpensive and contains Cotton's "Part 2," written at Walton's request for the fifth published edition of "The Compleat Angler."

This book is a must for Dodger fans, and the best of its kind.

But by 1957, Ebbets Field was no longer a suitable ballpark for a major league team. The park and its neighborhood were deteriorating, there was no public transportation, and attendance had been steadily falling even in their pennant-winning years (the previous review notes that the powerhouse Dodgers were drawing around 10,000 fans per home game). Renovation was not an option because there would be insufficient additional revenue projected to cover the cost. The Dodgers simply could not stay there. But Walter O'Malley did not want to leave Brooklyn.

In reality, he wanted to stay in Brooklyn and build a brand new ballpark at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush, near public transportation. Walter O'Malley was not the villain of the piece; rather, it was Robert Moses, then the most powerful man in New York City, who refused to let him do so, insisting that he build instead in Flushing Meadows (where Shea Stadium stands today). They would no longer have been in Brooklyn, and O'Malley naturally refused. He left reluctantly, narrowly choosing Los Angeles over Minneapolis. In doing so, he brough Major League Baseball west of the Mississippi, and forever changed the game. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame (plenty of even tougher businessmen are), but East Coast writers like Roger Kahn and misinformed fans like the one who posted that he "hates O'Malley" to this day have blocked his entry. Shame on them.

I liked this book ... it's one of the better street-insight books from the Brooklyn-as-the-center-of-the-baseball-universe genre, and I got a better feel from this book than from any other of what it would have been like to see a game at Ebbets Field. But as usual with the Brooklyn revisionists, the book ignores the fact the Brooklyn Dodgers were a doomed franchise from the time Walter O'Malley was thwarted in his effort to obtain land for a new ballpark.

Few, if any, owners in the major leagues then or now would have remained in a rotting ballpark with no parking in one of the worst neighborhoods in a dying borough. The Dodgers' attendance in 1955, their World Series title year, was just over 1 million, almost a 50 percent drop in only eight years, and if any other franchise had suffered a similar attendance drop, it would have taken wing also. The Dodgers also had to deal with the Milwaukee Braves phenomenon, which is mentioned hardly at all as a factor in the Dodgers' departure, even though it played a very important role.

McGee, and other self-styled Brooklyn historians, also glosses over the fact that Ebbets Field was a very dangerous place in its final years, with many beatings, assaults and robberies - many of them racially motivated, the Jackie Robinson experience notwithstanding - inside and near the ballpark.

Brooklynites of that era claim that the Dodgers leaving killed Brooklyn ... it's my belief that Brooklyn would have killed the Dodgers if they'd stayed at Ebbets Field much longer.

At any rate, this is a well-written book, but I'd like to see someone write a Brooklyn Dodgers/Ebbets Field book that isn't an exercise in Pollyannish literature. If you're sick of hearing about Brooklyn as the fulcrum of society as we know it, don't bother with this book.

Even though I grew up a Senators fan, having lived in Washington, DC., my parents, both of whom are from Brooklyn, instilled in me a love and respect for that grand old city/borough. I was born on October 16, 1956, 8 days after Don Larsen's World Series perfect game, but this book brought me in a time machine, allowing me to sit with Charley Ebbets as he planned to build this park, talked strategy with Uncle Robbie, laughed as the three Dodgers ended up on third, cried as those close chances in the World Series of the 1940s, cheered for Pee Wee, the Duke, Gil, Oisk, Campy and Jackie, booed Walter O'Malley and cried as the wrecking ball wiped out a landmark. Read this book today, immerse yourself in an era that was simpler, more neighborly, more alive. Take those memories and share them with all people, your kids, grandkids and their kids. Keep the memory of Ebbets Field and the Brooklyn Dodgers alive forever.

THE GREATEST BALLPARK EVER is a paean and a song of love to Ebbets Field, home of the "original America's team," the Brooklyn Dodgers, from 1913 to 1957. Author Bob McGee writes a detailed and crisp history of the team and the place, but far beyond the FACTS surrounding the history of the physical structure of the park, and the men who played there, he manages to capture---amazingly enough, and very well---the SYMBOLOGICAL importance of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their home in the American, and particularly Brooklynite, psyche.

Of particular joy is the fact that McGee refuses to fall for the revisionist dreck presently being touted by the O'Malleys and their supporters, that "The Big Oom" had no choice but to hijack the Dodgers from Brooklyn in 1958. He relegates their arguments quite properly to the floor of the horse stall where they (and Walter) belong.

If McGee's symbologizing of Ebbets Field sounds awfully highfalutin', it isn't. McGee loves the IDEA of Ebbets Field, and in communicating that love, recreates the ballpark in words, an almost impossible task, considering that, like much of his reading audience, he never experienced the reality. That he could succeed at all is a measure of how fine this book is. THE GREATEST BALLPARK EVER comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

---Order me dogs and beer. Here comes the Duke of Flatbush to the plate---

What differentiated this book from the countless others witten about the Brooklyn Dodgers was the author's attention to small detail. Now being from Brooklyn myself I appreciated this. The references to Steeplechase and the clown with paddles, Jim McElroy bring the Torre brothers to games at Ebbets field, the old Washington Park, Jack Kaiser, etc. For the average baseball fan outside of Brooklyn this is a great way to experience what once was. Even though I was only 6 when the Dodgers left and never saw a game at Ebbets Field the only logo's I display on anything I wear are Brooklyn Dodgers hats or shirts. You can't believe how many compliments I get. McGee in his writing really connects the Dodgers into the everyday life of every Brooklynite. I could only imagine what it must have been like (neither of my parents were sports fans nor did I have brothers or sisters). Growing up on the streets of Brooklyn you never had to worry how much junk food you ate because you would constantly burn it off playing stickball or basketball in the schoolyards. I find it interesting the players lived right in the neighborhoods, todays players live in castles and mansions, how could they ever connect to today's fan. I read this book very slow in order to digest every detail, there are plenty to digest. I highly recoomend this book to anyone baseball fan or not to get a glimpse into what was the "greatest place in the world" to grow up in. I only regret the Dodgers were not there when I could have appreciated them. I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book signing and if he is ever in your area make it your business to meet him. The only thing better than the book is actually meeting Bob McGee.

As someone who needs a concise, complete reference on a daily basis, I recommend this book as a wonderful 'base' book for hand surgery. No, it is not absolutely complete in every category (syndactyly repair comes to mind...), but it does really touch on the important considerations for the major categories in hand surgery. Much like 'Plastic Surgery,' originally edited by Converse, this book is the standard by which all others must be measured.

I have never had any problems with Amazon's service, deliveries are always on time and the book is exactly what they offered. The book is great, with state-of-the-art management of hand injuries. I definitely recommend it!

The books arrived on time, just a corner of the two books was a little twisted. That's not very important but for the price ...

this is the most complete and useful textbook i use, and so are surgeons around me

As a member of the Danish Society for Surgery of the Hand, I have spent a lot of time browsing this text-book which has become the bible of many hand-surgeon world-over. The book is a complete listing of diseases in the hand, and covers everything about it. This book not only covers the diseases but also includes the most wanted "author`s preferred method". Drawings are good and easy to apply on patients. This bible will always be the backbone of my handsurgery.

excelent transcriptions, and wait for purchase first part

Guns N' Roses Complete, Vol. 2 is a must buy for GNR fans and guitarists. This book contains 28 songs from M(Mama Kin)-Y(Your Crazy) including: "Mr. Brownstone" "My Michelle", "Night Train", "November Rain", "Paradise City" , "Patience", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and of course "Welcome to the Jungle".

As the title suggests, every guitar riff, arrangement, rhythm, lick, solo, and fill is fully transcribed, note-for-note, in music and TAB! From the timeless intro and solos of "Sweet Child O' Mine" to the wooing acoustics of "Patience", it's all here, fully transcribed to learn. The transcriptions themselves are of the best quality money can buy and include all of the guitars in each song, not just rhythm or lead. As a bonus, the lead vocals are also included and make following the music much easier. Basically, all your GNR needs are found here and in Volume 1. (By the way ,if you are debating, buy Volume 2 first because, by chance, most of GNR's hit-songs begin with M-Z--as listed above)

It is worthwhile to note that when I say 'perfect', I mean it subjectively. There are people out there you critique the book's accuracy. However, all of these arguments are inconsequential. For instance, I heard someone say that on the final two notes of "Mr. Brownstone's" signature riff, Slash uses a 1/2 bend instead of a hammer-on as the book denotes. To this and similar claims I respond with: Who Cares! They both sound the same, both give you the same pitch and sound, and you play it so quickly it really makes absolutely no difference. Most of the "Inaccuracies" claimed of this book are equally trivial, and depend on what each person perceives. To be fair to critics and any claims I have not refuted or heard I will compromise that % 99.99 of the book is accurate.

Now, while the transcriptions themselves are out of this world and need no further discussion, I have a word of caution. Be prepared to work hard for them! Despite the inclusion of the lyrics, it is very hard to follow the music at times (I can read music and still go through hell at times). And this is only made worse by the fact the pages are as crowded and hectic as the beaches of Normandy; any notation denoting a coda or repeat is easily lost in the jumble of rhythm slashes, fill and riff signalers, chords and other special notations. You will find that making sense of it all is a task in and of its self, and thus learning a new song can be annoying as you try to follow it all. I would be willing to pay more money for a thicker book if the authors would write out all the parts on the same staff all the time, instead of resorting to the short cuts they take.
For example: the book will often say "Play Riff A" over the staff, referring you to an obscure rhythm piece written out two pages back, which you now have to hunt down, recall, then flip back to the original page, figure out how it fits and play...etc. This and other similar little short-cuts are ANNOYING! Would it kill them to simply write-out bloody "Riff A" again where it is supposed to be played?

That said, if you can't read music (or read at all), this book will be very hard to follow. Yes, it includes TAB, but without the musical knowledge it will be hard to know what is going on. Also, for any would-be-Slashes-and-Izzys out there (including myself), none of these songs are quick and simple to learn, so if you are only a casual guitarist or fan, don't waste your time and money. You will need patience and skill to play what's in this book because, after all, this is a note-for-note transcription of Slash and Izzy's playing. If you are easily frustrated or bored, this book isn't for you, and you would be better off buying one of the more simply arranged books available on Amazon. But if you really want to rock-out just as GNR did for whatever reason, by all means BUY THIS BOOK! You will find yourself learning not only the songs, but tons of musical techniques and skills.

Guns N' Roses Complete, Vol. 2 is a fantastic buy if you are looking for the perfect guitar transcriptions of many GNRS songs. As long as you are willing to go through the long hours of practice and some frustrating layout issues, this book will rock you world with its priceless contents! (Conveniently priced under $20)

Well there are only a couple of things I have to say. Those things are:

1. Guns n roses what else do I have to say?

2. If you are a big fan and what to play their songs, buy this along with volume 1.

3. Guns n roses rule.

4. buy it

5. this is an ordinary tab book and it's of one of the many classic bands.

6. the notes are PERFECT so you do not have to go searching for them on the internet for hours to end up with the wrong notes.

7. has lyrics to help you find your way

8: Hoped it helped and pushed you over the edge to buy it.

Finally I can learn the songs how they're supposed to be played. I've downloaded and printed so many different versions of tabs of some of the songs in this book and most of them just never sounded right. This is a great collection of songs, I have the tab book for use your illusions II and I really didn't want to go out and buy all of their other album tabs seperately. This was the perfect solution. Excellent collection.
Just don't expect to be playing these songs the day you get this book - Slash isn't human, some of this stuff is impossible.

From the humble beginings of Reckless Life and It's So Easy through to their transition into the best rock band on the planet this book covers every song from the Gunners first 4 albums, unlike "GNR For Easy Guitar" everything from fills and intros to solos and riffs is covered.

Full of detail and top notch tabbing, the two volumes of Guns N' Roses Complete are the definitive guide to Izzy and Slash's guitar playing. I searched for these titles for many weeks and could not have been happier when they were delivered. Make sure you grab your copy of these hard to find titles before its too late. Over 45 songs in total are covered (22 on the first and 28 on the second)

To conclude if you buy any GNR tab books, make sure you get these two, plenty of songs and a good price