Games Books

An incredibly insightful book that details how to achieve long term career success through an actionable, commonsense plan that will pay dividends immediately. Mr. McGovern is very adept at presenting both the big picture of what it means to have "a career" and then outlining a process for getting there. And doing so in an engaging writing style that makes this great book an easy read.

Highly recommended!

I found this a very interesting and actionable read. I really liked the concept of a "Career Pyramid" as opposed to the traditional depiction of the "corporate ladder." I thought this was an innovative way to plan your career with the end in mind.

My only complaint is that after reading the book I logged on to Mr. McGovern's new website looking for the Pyramid Builder Tool mentioned in the Author's Note and couldn't find it. I sent an email to the author saying as much and received a reply that the book was orginally not supposed to be printed until January '06 and that the web team hadn't gotten the Tool up yet. Hopefully it will be functioning in the new year as I am anxious to see what it can do.

This is a great "manual" for the young professional who is looking to advance in their career. The author mixes practical advice with real life anecdotes that keeps you turning the page. Highly recommended!

Very sound advice and a must read for new college grads entering the work force. Follow these 'secrets' and you will outshine your co-workers who don't pay attention to their careers.

Wow! This book kept me turning the pages. Mr. McGovern shares his life experiences with his readers with eloquence and style. It's well organized and yet, easy to read. The book is written from Mr. McGovern's heart as he shares his real life experiences as a career expert. Not just another business book! I'm planning on giving one to each of my friends.

This book is an excellent resource. It is not, however, a casual read. The concepts in this book get very in depth and specific.

In order to understand all the adjustments and "tags" added to route packages, you must have a sound understanding of coverage schemes. For each route package the author goes into detail on what modifications (routes, formations, motions) can be used to exploit almost any coverage. This includes not only basic cover 0,1,2,3,4, but also 2 man free, cover 3 sky and cloud, banjo/triangle man coverage etc. As you can see, much of this will be hard to decipher if you do not have a fundamental understanding of these coverage schemes.

Another challenge that his book presents is how to incorporate these ideas into a pre-existing system. It may seem like a true "bunch" system is nothing but 4 WR's and a lone back in the backfield. This would not fit a lot of offensive systems, let alone personnel. Fortunately, this book dispels the single back myth, and includes many alternative ways to line up, both formation wise and personnel wise. For example, you could set X and Z to the left, Y in the tight end spot on the right, and an offset "I" backfield with the fullback offset to the right (strong). This does not sound like a bunch formation, but by simply motioning Z across the Y, you now have Z as #1, Y as #2, and F as #3 all frontside. This formation and motion would be achieved by the call: Larry Strong, Z 6. As you can see, this is pretty concise and simple.

My favorite part of the book is not the routes or adjustments, but rather the author's system for formations and motion. He uses a very flexible and consistent system that gives you a lot of freedom as a play caller. I have been searching for a formation/motion system that is numerical, short, simple, and intuitive and I believe the one presented in this book is one of the best I have come across. I highly recommend this book.

This book was well written with different rountes that can be run from the set. If the book has contain any run game it would be a complete offense.

Coach Andrew Coverdale and Dan Robinson have written a good book. It is full of diagrams and it is easy to follow. I am sure it will help a lot of coaches improve their passing game.

I recommend this book be used by high school coaches and above.


If you want to read a five stars book on passing read;

"THE EXPLOSIVE DOUBLE SLOT OFFENSE"

By Coach Tom F. Smythe

Just buy it. There are so many good ideas in here everyone who reads it will benefit.

This is perhaps one of the best technical football books I have read. Great diagrams and detailed explanation in a simple form make for a good read and easy installation instructions. A must for any offensive coordinator.

I've played pool most of my adult(and teenage) life. I've spent time on several tours and am always looking to learn something new. Byrne covers an amazing array of pool and billiard situations and does an outstanding job of diagraming and explaining the physics involved(Robert would insist that I give credit to Bob Jewett for this). If you think there's nothing in this book that's new to you you're most likely mistaken. Byrne's other books are outstanding as well. By the way, Bob...you've got the eight and one going to 7, bet high.:-)

I have read just about every book on this subject, there is no better book than this one! In fact, I recommend all of Robert Byrne's Pool & Billiards books and videos. He is an accomplished player, teacher and author.

This book will meet and exceeds everyones expectations on the subject!

I had been playing pool for approximately 10 years before i read this book, 3 of the 10 years were in "a" leagues and competitive nine and eight ball tournaments. before i read this book, i was able to run one rack out of every ten, after reading this book my game improved 500 percent. i was able to consistently run 5 racks out of every 10. the book has very explicit instructions and absolutely superb illustrations and examples of several methods of setting up shots. i expecially liked the procedure for running a table, it has some very good advice and if anyone follows it and can shoot just a little bit they will be able to run racks. i can't say enough about the benefits this book has had for my game. in my opinion robert byrnes, is the best teacher of the game of pool bar none! i read this book in about eight hours. it's a page turner if you want to improve your game or even are thinking about learning how to play the game, this is the book for ! you.

I just learned about this NEW publication, which is a revision of the one I read "Byrne's Standard Book of Pool and Billiards", Copyright © 1987, 1978 by the same author Robert Byrne. I have read just about every book on this subject, and there is no better book than this one! In fact, I recommend all of Robert Byrne's Pool & Billiards books and videos. He is an accomplished player, teacher and author.

I have no doubts that this book will meet and exceeds everyone's expectations on the subject!

Outstanding information on basic and advanced technique.It tells you about draw and follow shots, and also english.It also gives you information on straight pool, eight-ball, and many other pool games.This is in my opinion, the only book on pool and billiards you will ever need. Robert Byrne has really outdone himself by creating this masterpiece. This book should be on the shelves of every pool and billiards player. This is by far the best book on pool and billiards ever written.

Tom Anderson's son Marc is destined for greatest. At only twelve years old, this young boy has an amazing arm that carries his otherwise mediocre team. So long as the boy has the right guidance and the right team to enhance his skills Marc will definitely become a superstar quarterback. So when a scout for a better team wants to give Marc the shot of a lifetime, Tom is willing to sacrifice almost anything: his marriage, time with his daughter, and even his son's health.

Anyone who has participated in sports or has children who participate in sports has probably met a man like Tom Anderson. He's not an evil man who purposefully pushes his child beyond his limits. Instead, he just sort of got caught up in the dream of his son attaining something he never had the chance to accomplish. Somewhere along the line, he just forgot to ask his son if it was his dream too.

Tom Anderson has football ambitions for his son and has a daughter with rare soccer skills. He struggles with perspective and balance in his aspirations. In Tom Anderson I saw lots of good and bad youth parents (including myself). The author skillfully keeps us involved in this family where the dynamics and conflicts of youth sports are played out. Tom Anderson spends about as much time and pages in sex scenes (almost exclusively with his wife) as he does in football. A real interesting combination that Dad's will enjoy reading. A very satisfying, well-told story.

I enjoyed the book.

The pages turned rapidly and I had that air flight moment where the taxi to the gate didn't take long enough and I had to be chased off the plane. It was a fun read. The characters have depth and complexities - not all good or bad. How do you know when it is time to step in and defy "the authority" and when do you continue to trust "the authority?" The story made me ask, "What would I do if I saw this happening?"

I played youth sports with my eight siblings in a small town and I now coach my daughters' teams. I recognize in the characters in the story, the personality of many parents that interfere, support, encourage and discourage young children in their pursuit of fun. At times the book brought knots to my stomach where parents knew what was "best" for their child-- whom was the "best" and was going to see to IT. What do you do if you were that kid? He knew he wasn't. I don't remember any parent stepping in to mitigate the trouble created by a misguided parent. My classmate suffered. Look around the stands, sidelines, and field, What do you see?

The book highlights and focuses the light on some of the most egregious actions that parents take in the guise of doing what is best. I would suggest these parents read the book and see if they recognize themselves. Opps - there is no time for those parents in the long-term plan for idling reading good practice time away.

In the book's case, I want the next book to explore what happens to Marc and his Dad's relationship if Marc becomes the second stringer? Tom (Marc's Dad) couldn't handle it. Knowing what he was willing to do so far to get his soon the "right," the "best," opportunity, what would he do and how would he justify it? That is just one of the many untold stories the books sets-up. Marc's twin sister Katie has her own issues with her Dad's misguided help. Why does Katie always have to help and Marc gets to skip the household chores? I want to know more.

I recommend the book to anyone who has ever watched a youth's game. I am looking forward to the next book.

My husband used to coach little league, and I saw many parents as depicted in Don's book. It's a sad state of affairs. Don is an eloquent writer. The story seems to leap off of the page. I'm sure this is the beginning of a magnificent writing career for Mr. Albertson.

As I read this work my mind went back to the many football games and baseball games that I attended with my sons in their youth and I wondered how guilty I was in pushing my children where they did not want to go in these competitive sports. From birth we teach our children to do the best they can and sometimes we go overboard pushing them beyond their limits. In this book, Catch a Rising Star, we meet Tom and his son Marc who are thrust headlong into a game where winning maybe losing and losing maybe exactly what should happen.
From the beginning of Marc's life Tom pruned him to be a football star, but Tom never considered the factors of life that would play into his decision for the future of his son.
As life progressed, Marc indeed was superior to other children in this game, but Marc lacked the spark that was required to take it to the limit and Tom almost destroyed his son and family by foolishly trying to light the spark that was not there.
In this book our author explores the unrealistic expectations that many parents pile upon their children in sports and the destruction these actions can cause. The storyline pulls you in and craft-fully the author illuminates the part over zealous parents with an agenda of their own play in the life of our children's sports. Often to their destruction.
This is an eye-opening read done in an entertaining way and one that all parents, couches and those who overshadow our children in any competitive area should read.
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

Lowell does excellent work in this book capturing life at the Olympics, mixed in with family problems, and how athlete's aspire to greatness despite all the odds. It is superb. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Tori must have felt wonderful after winning the Olympics. This book was sad and happy. I wished that Tori could've somehow worked her strength past this awful disease and still have been able to skate. A beautiful heart- wrenching story.

This book was great and I liked the way it ended.The book shows Tori's feelings,and also had chapters on other characters insights.I give this book five stars,it was the best of all the books in the Silver Blades series.It's great!!!!!!!!!!

This book is about two skaters who have followed their dreams to skate at the Olympics. Melissa Lowell uses her imagination to create two skaters going to the Olympics instead of Kwan and Lipinski. This book is one of a three-book miniseries and of all of them I think it's the best! I'd give this book 5 stars, the first one for the drawing on the cover, the second one for the creativity of the book, third for the surprises, fourth for the adventure, and fifth for the humor. At the end there is a big surprise! Tori, who has a disease that can have her end up in a wheel chair, won the gold and Jill is in third. It was a great book. I'd recommend it for ages 7-12. I hope you enjoy the book!

This is the final book of a three-book mini-series. The end of every chapter leaves you hungry for more. It is about two girls trying to rising to the top of the world of figure skating. In Chance of a Lifetime, Tori and Jill are competing in the Olympics. Tori is skating with a serious muscle diease against all odds, and trying to be strong when all she recieves is pity. The other girl, Jill, finds out how differently alternates are treated at the Oympics than skaters competing. This book is sad at some points, funny at others, and really a thrilling book overall. It's a must for girls who love ice-skating.

I work in marketing, so my interest in this book was driven primarily by the section on advertising and games. I was not disappointed by the methods presented in the first third of the book. Not all of them are practical for a business with a modest budget, but there is definitely something for every marketer in there. The chapters on product placements in games and advergames both highlight some of the more inexpensive things you could do, which I appreciated.

The remainder of the book was very thought-provoking if "high concept." If you've enjoyed books like "Tipping Point" and "Predictable Irrationality" that paint big ideas and tell great stories, but don't necessarily spell out an action plan for you to follow, this book is definitely for you.

I finished Changing the Game last week and the insights it contains have already helped me improve my work. The authors provide well researched real world examples of companies using the innovations and methods from the games industry to drive productivity and customer engagement. It's an entertaining as well as informative read. I strongly recommend this book to anyone in marketing, web development, video games, and training.

Whether you work in gaming already or not, this book is an excellent survey of the state of art at the intersection of business and games. Its a rare report that can bring you seriously up to date in a couple plane trips worth of reading. And if you think that games don't apply to your business you're likely to be surprised at some of the serious applications in place today.

Whats really interesting is that some of ways games are being used now really highlight good management practices in general. For example, when see the amount of "productivity" gamers generate in response to clear goals and rewards it will make you think about what a drain poor communication may be in your office.

I got a chance to review an early version of this book. David and Ethan did a great job of presenting all the important ways today's businessperson needs to think about games, whether in terms of advertising, training, recruiting, etc. The businesses which will do the best via games will be the ones that actually take the time to understand what makes games unique and compelling - see the case-study on Burger King's game - and not just another new form of media to be exploited. A game exists somewhere between the player and the developer, which means the "communication" never belongs to anyone - a tricky proposition for many corporations, I'm sure.

I picked up this book on a whim, and ended up blowing through it in a night. The writting is clear and the cadence enjoyable. The authors deliver insightful recommendations and thought provoking examples to help anyone - from the smallest start-up to the largest of corporations - think about how games can better their business in many ways.

Having played games for at least a decade, I was suprised at what I didn't know. The depth of passion in this space is obvious and the depth of research equal. And best, more than a dry reference, this book reads like a dialogue between you, the reader, and a couple good friends.

If you're looking for ways to expand, enhance, drive, or build momentum in your business, this text is a great resource.

I don't know what happened to my copy of this book but it disappeared many years ago. I've been waiting years in the hopes that it would be re-printed. Now I'm hoping that Amazon can find me another copy. It is unquestionably the best book for beginners and intermediate chess players. Mr. Fine presents the material in a simple, easy to understand method.

There are simpler intros to chess. The Bill Robertie series is modern, easy to follow, and very effective, and eminently suited to the casual beginner. But nothing comes close to Fine's one-volume opus in terms of completeness, utility, and yes, depth.

This is *not* a book for the casual beginner or the dabbler. It is for someone who, from the outset, is going to be serious about chess, perhaps someone who has played a few games with serious players in informal settings and now wants to learn "real" chess.

The book is not easy. Information is densely packed and requires care and attention in study. There are some drawbacks; the age of the original edition (now approaching 65 years) means that the opening lines are very dated (though the principles are not), and the book uses descriptive notation (I don't see this as a problem, but the beginning reader will have to learn algebraic at some point from a different source).

Still, the presentation of ideas is in a class not to be found elsewhere. Fine gives 10 rules for the opening, mid-game, and ending; and practicing and following these rules, and the rest of the material in the book, if done diligently will over time probably lead the reader to the 1700 or better play class. That's pretty darn good for a single 185 page book which assumes no prior knowledge.

As expected from Fine, the endgame chapter is superb.

One especially useful feature is the presence of numerous practical problems to test mastery of the material.

The reader must take this book seriously and study diligently to benefit. This is no "royal road" to chess. It is a pathway to success paved with quality stepping stones composed of old-fashioned hard work. Not so amazingly, that method continues to pay off better than any other!

It is fortunate that this book is easily and inexpensively available on the used market, and you can have a copy delivered to your door for well under $10. It's a fantastic investment.

Four stars instead of five simply because, as mentioned above, the age of the book makes the opening lines very dated.

I consider this book my bible of chess.It includes ten rules for the opening game, ten rules for the middle game and ten for the end game.My copy of this bible is worn out. I urge a reprinting so that all levels of chess players will benefit. Remember chess is "the game of kings and the king of games."

I have been coaching chess at the high school and middle school level for 13 years. The teams I have coached have between them 6 state championships and 2 runners up. Chess the Easy Way is THE book that I use as an outline for teaching my players how to play good chess. There is no book that is better! Ten essential rules are given for the opening, middle game and end game. These rules are illustrated and expanded with examples. Fine's logical treatment of all of the basic endings is superior! There are class A (1800-2000) players that could benefit from the information in the endings section. As far as strategy goes, Fine offers all of the essential plans for each kind of positional advantage. For example, "If the [opponent's] pawns are absolutely weak, head straight for the endgame." Or, "If the opponent's king is not safe, the plan will be to attack him." There are others, of course. These rules of strategy are simple enough, but to the typical player under 1400 or so they are essential guidelines and prevent the aimless wandering in hopes of finding the right course in a game. It was a revelation for me to read these ideas so many years ago and give logic and order to my games! Thank you to the late GM Fine. If you find a copy of this book and you are a beginner to an intermediate player (under 1600) buy this book and feel your confidence grow as does your understanding!

Fine's Chess the Easy Way is somewhat mis-named. Although the text starts from the rudiments and could be used for self-instruction by an individual who has never played the game before, the tone and point of view are no-nonsense and tell the reader immediately the book is intended for someone with much more than a casual interest in the game. I first was given this book when I was a child. It would probably be more appropriate for a serious high school player. Beginners should be warned that Fine's text takes no shortcuts. He starts at the beginning level but then educates the reader to the level of a confident club player. This presumes that the reader invests the time needed to play through all of Fine's examples. Sometimes it's hard going: Although Fine's writing is clear he does not spoon-feed the reader. Anyone willing to spend the time will be vastly rewarded. I agree with other reviews I have read in this space stating that his examples of openings and some of the illustrative games he chooses are badly out-dated. This is accurate but immaterial: The fundamental principles Fine communicates are timeless. A good re-printing of his book would of course have to change to modern chess notation and would benefit from larger diagrams. Otherwise I think the book could be re-issued unchanged. Those who especially need information about chess openings can seek it in other texts. This is a gem and deserves wider readership.

I'd like to give this novel three and a half stars. It is entertaining and well-written, but lacks that spark I would call "literature." Maybe I'm expecting too much.

I found the characters, Fast Eddie and Arabella, to be mundane and the plot as it developed to be predictable.

I like the premise: The late-middle-age sort of has-been pool shark who is making a come back--both in life and in his chosen "profession." Most of us late-middle-agers have been there. Not so much the come-back--that is a fantasy we hold on to--but watching the youngsters by-passing us and wanting to keep our fingernail grip on whatever talents and life we still possess. So in this sense The Color of Money is right on the money in terms of wish-fulfilment for elderly has-beens. Nevertheless, as I said, it is all a bit too pat and predictable to really satisfy the yearning for some glimmer of hope.

Frankly I liked the eponymous movie better even though it has very little of substance in common with the novel. I feel that the movie better gave a sense of desperation and doubt, and the outcome seemed less of a certainty than it did in the novel.

Also I do not play pool or have any interest in the game. I have never played nine ball and do not intend to. When I have watched pool occasionally on TV it did not strike me as a very worthwhile activity to devote one's life to, so I found it hard to identify with Eddie Felson.

This novel has interesting descriptions of academic life in the lower rungs of academia which are not too unrealistic (this is something I know about), and an excursion into art marketing. That is something I know nothing about but found interesting.

The message of the novel and film adaptation are essentially the same:
if you deny your true self, you will be left feeling empty and unfulfilled in life. You cannot give in to fear or society's definitions of who and what you should be at any point in your life. Scorsese and writer Richard Price took a lot of liberties with the story for the film adaptation. I like what they did, but I found the novel The Color of Money compelling for somewhat different reasons.

Tevis does a wonderful job of updating his Fast Eddie Felson character from the original novel, The Hustler, and the opening scenes in this book where Minnesota Fats "coaches" a middle-aged and tired Felson are outstanding. I have even more appreciation for Fats than I did in The Hustler, and it's unfortunate that Scorsese and Price choose not to include him in the movie.

Tevis has a great understanding of what drives certain people to excel at something as opposed to just getting by in life. The winner's mentality is at the heart of this novel -- as it was in The Hustler -- but now the idea is centered more around not giving up, despite what society tells each of us about what we can or cannot do (based on factors such as age, etc.).

Felson's midlife crisis is the bane of his existence, and it is only the acceptance of who he is and what he loves to do that can deliver him from his ennui. Relationships and suburban comforts are merely distractions for Felson. He needs to get back into the game that made him touch greatness when he was in his 20s.

For fans of The Hustler, this is a great compliment. If you've seen the movie a bunch of times, you will still discover a fresh story here. The angle is a bit different, and Tevis' perceptions about what it takes to rise about mediocrity are priceless.

Classic novel by a classic writer.

I'm a big fan of the movie, particularly the first restaurant scene with it's triangle of small timer, scheming girlfriend, and semi-retired hustler. But, thought the book was MUCH better. I enjoy his writing style, and although the ones I've read were on short side (Hustler, Queens Gambit, and COM), he always seems to draw me into the story. His writing is always anchored in the drama of recognizing/overcoming the psychology of self doubt and making ones way to redemption and/or self improvement. Highly recommend the book.

If you enjoyed the movie "The Color of Money" try the book from which it is loosely based. Not giving anything away, there is no Tom Cruise character, nor his movie girlfriend. If you are an "early to mid-boomer" you may especially relate to this work even if your eyes glaze over at the mention of "pool". If you read/saw "The Hustler", even better.

I have to admit I'm a fan of Scorcese's film sharing the same title, but these are two completely different stories. I was shocked at how little the two have in common, which is almost nothing.

Tevis's book paints a very different picture of Fast Eddie in the 80's. Tevis shows us a dejected man who let years of his life just pass by idly while he ran a small pool hall, as opposed to Scorcese's Fast Eddie who had become a successful liquor salesman (ironically, Tevis's Felson failed as a salesman). Not only that, the Vince character (and his t-shirt) does not really exist in Tevis's book - Felson does not take on a prodigy at all. Even Fats is back in the book.

All this drivel I've written here is to encourage you to read the book. A completely different story than what the movie offers, but one more plausibly in line with The Hustler (the book). As usual, Tevis is deft at writing the intricacies of pool and the psyche that surrounds it.

I frequently buy instructional books about basketball, and this is the best one I have ever encountered. It is very thorough and covers all aspects of the game.

More for coaches or for parents of players. My kid didn't read it, but I did and found it helpful in explaining points of the game. Good buy, but don't expect the kids to read it.

This book is a must for all coaches. It will improve you skill as a coach and help your players be winners. I love this book I will share with the others.

Stan Caldwell
GERMANY

I really liked how the book was layed out. Easy to find the information you wanted. Very informative, easy to read and understand.

As a basketball coach who reads a lot of books, coaching materials, and so forth for personal use and for my hoopsu.com reviews, I have read many so-called 'guides to basketball'. Some are decent, but most of them are so basic and watered-down that you could learn more watching an 8-year old in her driveway. The Complete Guide To Girls' Basketball is not one of those books.

The Complete Guide To Girls' Basketball is far and away the most complete book I have read on the basics, fundamentals, and strategies of basketball. This is a great book for coaches at all levels; girl's or boy's. Coach Mullaney didn't just slap some notes between a book cover; he obviously put forth a lot of time and effort writing this book. It is extremely well organized, easy to read, and simple to understand.

The main thing I like about this book, in comparison to many of the other 'guides', is that it goes well beyond the basic cookie-cutter information. The basics are discussed, but Coach Mullaney goes further and describes more in-depth and pertinent topics, ideas, and drills. That is why this book is not only great for the first-time coach, but also for even the most experienced of coaches at all levels of play.

I also really enjoy Part One of the book, where Coach Mullaney guides you through developing your own plan, philosophy and communication skills. This is an area I would have found invaluable when I first began coaching.

The Complete Guide To Girls' Basketball also details offense, defense, and special situations by breaking down all the skills involved and teaching how to perform them effectively. The drills section is also very well put together with over 200 exceptional drills - with easy to follow diagrams. All facets of the game are touched on so you can use these drills to help prepare yourself or your team.

The title says, 'The Complete Guide to Girls' Basketball', which it most certainly! If you coach girls basketball, this book is must-have addition to your library. If you coach boys basketball, I also recommend this book...there are so many great ideas in here it is worth checking out! If you want to improve your coaching knowledge and coaching skills, The Complete Guide to Girls' Basketball deserves a look!

"Hal: Bury her naked? My own mum? Its a Fruedian nightmare!"...or something like that. Too bad his own death was an act of violence too

This collection of (the late) Joe Orton's plays is amazing. Not for those who are easily offended or whose feelings are hurt. Orton, who was described as a "poor Oscar Wilde," lived up to the name. His plays are fast paced assults on everything that the British hold dear. There is no respect for religion, custom, death or social norms.

Satirical and full of quick wit, Orton's plays attack British culture and spit on everything that the "respectable person," would hold dear.

Orton does not hold back anything and could come on a bit strong for a conservative reader, but my suggestion is that any lover of drama and theater should own and read these plays.

Beaten to death by his male lover in 1967, Joe Orton has been rediscovered as an intriguing look into the mind and soul of a man who lived ahead of his times. His plays are fascinating and have so many layers that you can enjoy them repeatedly. He also wrote a screenplay for the Beatles, which was never filmed (according to the dustjacket). Now wouldn't that be interesting!

Although he is considered among England's greatest playwrights, today Joe Orton (1933-1967) is better known for the way in which he died--his head beaten in with a hammer by his long-time lover Kenneth Halliwell--than for his works. It is a bitter and ridiculous irony that might have been lifted from one of his own plays. It is also a great pity, for Orton was a comic genius whose plays equal the best of English with from Congreve to Wilde to Coward. And if you like your comedy with an ample edge of mean-spiritedness, brutality, cruelty, and flat-out viciousness, Orton is the man for you.

THE COMPLETE PLAYS is not as complete as the title implies, for the text leaves out several titles that never received any production during Orton's lifetime. Still, it does collect the major titles, and that in itself is enough to earn it a place on any serious play-reader's shelf.

Originally presented as a BBC radio program, THE RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR presents the story of Joyce, an unmarried woman of dubious background who is now under the control of Mike, an older man who has mysterious assignations that lead to a fateful encounter with a boy hairdresser named Wilson--whose lover (or brother, depending on how you think about it) may have been a victim of one of Mike's covert operations. It got Orton noticed, and his next effort would truly put him on the map: ENTERTAINING MR. SLOANE was and is one of the salaciously funny comedies ever brought to the stage, the wickedly funny tale of an aging sex-crazed woman and her homosexual brother who use their father's murder as a means of blackmailing a young thug into their respective beds.

THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THE ERPINGHAM CAMP, and FUNERAL GAMES have much to offer but are actually minor titles in comparison with the two plays that critics consider great masterpieces: LOOT, a bitterly savage farce concerning a robbery, a death in the family, and the uses to which you can put Mother's coffin (not to mention false teeth) in a pinch; and WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, set in a psychiatrist's office in which everyone has truly gone round the bend.

Orton was a master of language that forces you to laugh even as it cuts you like a straight-edged razor across the throat; you can't help but laugh even as you collapse bleeding to the floor. Even so, it is worth pointing out that plays are really written to be performed rather than read, and this particularly true of Orton; unless you have a very strong background in theatre you may do better to wait for your local rep company to take up the challenge.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Tragic, brutal things happen to the characters in these plays. But none of these people is particularly likeable, so you can't really care. It's all just as well for them, in some ways, and it's all in good fun. The characters manipulate each other, lie to each other, steal from each other, screw each other, kill each other, and deny that they do it. Everyone here has the ethics of a doorknob, and it's all pretty enjoyable.

The last one, "What The Butler Saw", got a little bit too ridiculously farcical for my taste and went on too long, but it has its moments; and otherwise they're all pretty good to read.

I can also recommend the introduction. Joe Orton lived his own life very much like the people in his plays (which makes you wonder how much of his material was supposed to be comedy). Even his death was true to form: his envious lover, actor Kenneth Halliwell, bashed in Orton's brains with a hammer just prior to doing himself in with 22 sleeping tablets.