Games Books

Dark Matter takes place in the early 2000's AD Earth. It is a unique setting focusing on investigation, intrigue, and conspiracies rather than just gun fights.

This book is a great resource--from the Freemasons to the United Nations "New World Order", virtually any conspiracy or paranormal activity you can think of is probably described in this book.

It is also well organized including a good fast play adventure to introduce the setting, and a second, slighly longer, adventure at the end to get GM and players in the proper (and paranoid) mood. It includes some new skills, perks, flaws, psionics, and arcane and faith magic in addition to the great deal of history.

I can't recommend this setting enough. Written by two Giants in the RPG industry, the creativity & skill in this book is unparalleled. If you have any interest in the paranormal at all, it's worth it.

I must add that this is a GM only book. Players SHOULD NOT read this.

Monty Cook and Wolfgang Baur surely have MIB's knocking on their doors since this amazing game touches on so many important conspiracies, aliens, government plots, and secret agendas. If you are a fan of X-Files, Millenium, or anything paranormal, this is the game for you. Yes, it's set in the now dead Alternity setting (the d20 system's beta test), but the world is so rich and well researched, it can easily be applied to a D20 modern setting.
The creatures, NPC's, government groups, timelines, and zeitgeist make for a truly unique gaming world. And it all ties together. The explanation of how Dark Matter makes all magic, science, and alien beings come to Earth is creative and a cover all for everything a DM can imagine. Everything from mummies and sasquaches to gray aliens, men in black, and bering demons all exist with beautiful justification.
I've gamed for over 20 years, and this setting(mixed with d20 Modern rules if you can't get Alternity) is the best I've ever seen. Buy it now before it's gone forever--even if you don't role play, the research into the secret things around and beneath us is so accurate and thorough, you could teach a class from this source. In fact, I teach a college course on the paranormal and unexplained, and I've had to turn to this book for clarification on a few real-world dates.
A fantastic source, and I hope the rumors are true that Wizards is considering a d20 Modern remake of the setting. Cross your fingers...

I was heartbroken to learn that Alternity has been cancelled by TSR, and my heartbreak was compounded once I got my hands on Dark Matter. If you are a fan of any government conspiracy, unmarked helicopter, alien abduction, bigfoot type realms, this is the campaign for you. If you aren't a fan, you will be after you read it. I'm a regular conspiracy nut, and all the biggies are covered by Baur and Cook; their research was fantastic. Also, everything from vampires to greys and sasquatches and mummies are present, and they tie into the conspiracies beautifully! If you don't buy this one, you're missing out on one of the RPG finds of a lifetime. Well done to Baur adn Cook, poorly done to TSR for the cancelation. Get it while you still can...

Who should buy this book?

If you are a fan of Science Fiction and plan to GM a science fiction game then you will find a lot of benefit from reading this book. If you are a player then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you are buying it for your GM, in which case DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Inside are a million and one ideas for a Sci-fi game which will delight, intrigue, and possibly even frighten your players.

So what does it contain?

Lots and lots of detail is what. Ignoring the Alternity Fast Play rules for now and the small section on creating Dark Matter characters, the book is filled with descriptions, from the Hoffman Institute to loads of different conspiracies to the secret history of the world.

What else do you need?

The fast play rules are not adequate for a full camapign so the Alternity Players Guide and Gamesmaster Guide are probably essential. Otherwise all you need is your imagination (whatching the X-files, the outer limits, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer may help stimulate your imagination if decades of excellent science fiction hasn't).

Downsides?

As with any product this one isnt perfect, it assumes that the Hoffman Institute will play a part in your campaign (it does provide a small section on alternatives, though IMO the Institute is so well detailed that it would be shame not to use it in some capacity). It is also a little light on rules (though remember it is a Sourcebook rather than a Rulebook).

In Conclusion.

If you are getting tired of Fantasy or far future rpg's then this game might make a welcome change, and if played right can be a real pleasure to play. Dark Matter IMO might just be the saviour of the Alternity system (which is good news because the Alternity system is damn good).

After Willie's unbelievable catch, I was born over a decade later. As a result, I never visited the Polo Grounds. Mr. Hano painted an awesome picture for me. It was awesome to read about baseball in that era.

I work part-time a local radio station, close to Yankee Stadium. After I read the book, I was able to contact Arnold. I wanted to interview him. I thought he would be too busy for me. He returned my call promptly! A week later, he agreed to do an interview. I was thrilled, I didn't want to go to sleep that night! I never performed an official interview before. This would be with an old-time baseball fan in NYC! One friday afternoon, we discussed the book in detail. Yes, we talked about Willie's catch, however, he emphasized to me he wrote the book as a fan. We discussed minute details such as: conversations with his wife the night before, bleacher fans in the Polo Grounds, Giant reserve player Joey Amalfitano taking batting practice swings that day, Dusty Rhodes pitch-hit HR to win the game, the Indian players during batting practice, intricacies of the Polo Grounds, the state of the game today, and his memories growing up with 3 ballclubs in the same city.

Speaking of living in the moment, Arnold was a pleasure to speak with.
This is not just another baseball book written in the 50's! A+ for Arnold!

ARNOLD DOES A GREAT JOB DESCRIBING GAME 1 OF THE 1954 WORLD SERIES PLAYED IN THE POLO GROUNDS. READING THIS BOOK I CAN PICTURE VERY CLEARLY, THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE THAT DAY. FROM THE TIME HE LEFT HIS HOUSE TO THE GAME ENDING HOMERUN, I WAS TOTALLY CAUGHT UP THIS DETAILED ACCOUNT OF "THE CATCH". HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM, THE GAME ACTION, AND HIS THOUGHTS ARE PUT TOGETHER IN THIS GREAT READ. A MUST READ FOR ALL GIANT FANS AND BASEBALL HISTORIANS.

Did you ever wonder what it was like going to a game at the Polo Grounds? This is an inning by inning description of Game 1 of the 1954 series that covers getting to the park, who was sitting nearby, and of course the game itself. It is told from the view of a fan who knows and loves the game, but avoids windy philosophy and theory. It is especially grand to read in the depths of winter when baseball is either a memory or anticipated. I can't recommend it too highly.

Although I was still 10 years away from being born when Mr Hano attended the first game of the 1954 World Series, I thoroughly enjoyed his telling of his experiences attending the game. As a baseball fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, and it doesn't disappoint. I could imagine myself being there.

The book is a classic and one I will read again. My ONLY disappointment with the book is that it ends so abruptly. The last out is made. He looks around for the lady in the red hat. She's gone and he mentions the fact that he never got a look at the face of the Cleveland fan and basically, that's it. Book over. I was hoping he would end the book with his getting home and speaking to his wife about the game, the way the book opened.

My other disappointment was in the afterword. I was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Hano is still living. He ran down the list of where are they now from the '54 Giants, which I enjoyed. I kept waiting for any other recollections he might have had about that game, the way baseball was then compared to now, etc. And I was also hoping he would mention what happened to his wife; if she's still living or not. But he did neither, but that's ok.

All in all, this book is one that will stay on my shelf for a good long time. Well worth the read!

This book captures what it is to be a fan better than anything else I've ever read. I often read this book in the Spring, to cleanse my mental palate of a long dreary Winter of football, basketball, the off-season noise of player contracts, and all else that is life without baseball actually on the field and in the stands. This book always does the trick. I once lost my copy (probably loaned it to someone who never returned it) and had to live without it for years until I found another used copy. Those were hard times. Now it's readily available and I can give it as a gift. Glory, glory, glory!

I know, this doesn't actually tell you about the book, but I'm too thrilled to bother with all that now. Just get it. I've never lent my copy to anyone without them coming back singing its praises...except for that mystery s.o.b who apparently liked it too much to return it.

This book adds more to mix than found in the earlier Delta Green Book and will expand the RPG experience further. I would highly recommend buying this book after getting the core book for Delta Green. Expands the conspiracies outside of the United States in both enemies and allies. Much more disturbing than the groups in the original Delta Green book and adds different plot angles. Very well written and compelling. A must have the Delta Green enthusiast

This product is awesome, but i don't receive form amazon, i buy from others sellers because the delay of order.

This order be canceled.

If Delta Green is the Best RPG suppliment ever, then this is Number 2. You get more bang for the buck out of this book for $40 than you do in 4 $20 books. It's very well written and is a great read as well. It is how a RPG SHOULD be written.
If you're a Call of Cthulhu gamer, then this book is a MUST! If you like horror, X-Files, etc...then check it out.

If you already have Delta Green, Countdown should be your next purchase (if you don't have Delta Green, BUY IT!!!). Countdown adds write-ups for PISCES (Britain), GRU SV-8 (Russia), The Skoptsi, The Outlook Group, Phenomen-X, Keepers of the Faith (Ghouls), and a new look at The Hastur Mythos. Add rules for the Gift (Psychic Powers) and international templates from all over the world and you have a book that would be cheap at twice the price!!

Pagan Publishing has done it again!!!

Well worth the seemingly hefty price. In addition to containing source material that benefits *any* modern-day game (e.g. details on international law-enforcement agencies), it includes expansions on things alluded to in the main Delta Green book, such as the Army of the Third Eye, and new icky horrors like the Skoptsi.

There is also wonderful information on ghoul society and on the "King in Yellow"/Hastur mythos, concluding with "Night Floors," which is in my opinion one of the best damn adventures ever written.

If you are looking to improve your golf, make this collection your first investment. It will be the best money that you have ever spent on your game. "Putting Out of Your Mind" and "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect" will make you a better player.

Great buy,

Excellent Cd's and have a vast knowledge regarding the Golf mental game. Great addition to anyone's collection

... and this set is a must-own for any golfer insteresting in improving ... until this stuff becomes natural and intuititve, it is very useful to re-visit these CD's from time to time to refresh the topics being presented ... to be honest, I wasn't impressed with The Golf Of Your Dreams (it seemed like a whole CD that only said "get a coach and get serious"), but the other three make this package worth every penny, and then some! Highly recommended! Cheers to all ...

I'd really had few expectations about something like a psychologist saying things about golf playing. But I found myself so nervous last amateur tournament I engaged, that I was about to try anything. What a surprise!! Not only my game has improved immediately, but, most important, I'm having much more fun. My government has charged me 60% import taxes but it worthed every penny.

Playing golf, getting lessons from the like of the great Dave Stockton(Mac O'grady system) and , attending the Masters for the last 10 years..none of that helped me like these Cds.
My attitude and direction for a better game helped me garner my 1st Senior National Championship 2007 (1st flight Costa Rica). Find a pro, learn the mechanical side, and most importantly, trust the Rotella Mental game!

I first met Steve when he came to give a wonderful presentation on Mongolia to our Navajo schoolchildren in Pinon,AZ. Pinon is in the middle of nowhere, no hotel, no place to eat, but I really wanted him to talk with our kids...he came trekking out with his falcon, wonderful dogs and his ever loving, patient, sweet wife! he was a hit! We distributed this great book to our community and they all came out - he signed books, ate and drank with us - it was wonderful! I got to hear many of these stories in detail - if you are a teacher - have him come to your class - well worth the time! Great read - even better in person - and can shoot a shotgun almost as well as ?

Stephen J. Bodio's Eagle Dreams is one of the best books I've ever read. By turns lyrically poetic, hilariously funny, dramatic, touching, and inspiring, this book is travel writing at its very best. Most authors cannot approach Bodio in terms of talent, in the way his masterful prose brings scenes and people (in this case, the wilds of Mongolia and the tribesmen who hunt with golden eagles) to life and puts the reader in the middle of the action. Fascinating, exotic story, beautifully told. Buy this book!

I was a junior in college when my dad sent me a copy of a new magazine he had started receiving at home called Gray's Sporting Journal. An English student and avid sportsman, I turned immediately to the book review section. Typically, I did not expect much from a sporting magazine's book review; seldom did these reviews actually convey much critical information.

This was the first time I read Steve Bodio's by-line. I read his review column, then went back and read it again, and again. In three pages, I knew this was a writer that deserved my attention. In fact, I had never read anyone who so passionately loved books and the sporting life, and who also wrote about those passions so beautifully. As Bodio himself once wrote about another writer: "He's THAT good."

Steve Bodio is a cult writer, a characterization I once heard Bodio himself acknowledge. Those of us who make up this cult cannot figure out why he isn't better known. Quite possibly it is because he is a naturalist who remains an unapologetic hunter, a hunter who would rather discuss natural history than the latest camouflage pattern, and a writer who ignores current fashions and writes about subjects like falconry, pigeons, catfish and wild freedom.

This latest book, on Mongolia, is a wonderful travel book that one hopes will introduce Bodio to a new and expanded readership. "Eagle Dreams" traces Bodio's fascination with the eagle hunters of Mongolia to the realization of the dream during the course of two trips.

Calling "Eagle Dreams" a travel book is perhaps unfair; it is not easily placed into a neat category. It is a travel book, a sporting book, a nature book, a "sense of place" book-but none of those categories convey its real spirit.

Bodio has a naturalist's keen curiosity, conveyed through vivid descriptions of everything from eagles to malaria. He has a fascination with even the more common creatures, writing of the magpies and pigeons he finds with a delight that seems as if he is seeing these creatures for the first time. He captures Mongolia's interesting history, its nomadic culture and the difficulties of travel in a way that is humane, engaging, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.

Of course, there is a lot of falconry here, with fascinating writing about the eagle hunters of Mongolia, their methods, their birds and their lives.

Bodio does not take his travels for granted, in stark contrast to the writers of many modern travel books. His travels to Mongolia are the realization of a dream, and he conveys just what it is like for a lover of words and ideas to finally stand in a place one has imagined deeply. I suspect many of us who grew up dreaming of travel that seemed so beyond our means can relate to this; I have never read any writer who conveys this feeling better. His observations on the "sountrack" of such experiences are worth the price of the book.

This book is a good introduction to Steve Bodio, capturing his love of animals and wild places, his opinionated (and true) observations on our society's maddening political correctness and Puritanism, his embodiment of a well-lived life (again, to paraphrase him on another subject, I'm not sure that he is making much of a living but what a life!), his literary musings that lead one to believe he has read EVERYTHING, and a writing style that is just a joy to read.

Ultimately, this book seems to be saying, that, even in an increasingly tamed and conformist world, there is still quarry to hunt, books to read, birds to watch, adventures to live. It's not a message you'll find in many travel-to-unusual places books. If for that reason alone, read this book.

This book came in with others on Mongolia I had ordered a month ago and so I thought it was just another aspect of this fascinating country I am presently dedicating my attention to. Instead, as usual, generalization is not for human sprit. Opening the book I found out this naturalist grew up in New England as I did, he has italian chromosomes and is a novel Federick II. Immediate simpathy arised. So I dived into this unknown ornitological world (by the way I am scared of birds and I live with terror of an annoying pidgeon that once in a while comes into my kitchen).
First, a notation on the language which is fantastic. I am amazed that such a talented writer writes only about nature and birds and is not better known, but I will surely get my hands on some other books of his.
Second, the cultural milieu that brings the reader to the opening scene (of the eagle actually killing its prey) builds up during the narration and is one of the main subjects of the book. We get an excursus through Marco Polo's travels, Vadim Gorbatov's art work, Andrew's dinosaur discoveries, David Edwards beautiful fotographic images (by the way visit his site and enjoy the eagle and horseman pictures), practically into the author's mind. His references become our references and his dreams ours. One of the fascinanting aspects of this book is the closeness even layman can achieve to the eagle hunting subject.
Third, the book is travelogue or explornography (as the author puts it) and so a get along tale, that as always has the power of getting you to the last page with the curiousity of what is coming up next.
This work is enjoyable, mind and heart raising, didactic and cultural. Truely it can be offered as a gift to curious and encyclopedic friends.

I don't hunt or fish or tramp around in the wilderness but, despite that, I was entranced by this book - couldn't put it down. To me, it's a story of how one person, in this case a brilliant and engaging writer, managed to achieve a dream he'd held since childhood. Bodio is such a fine (and funny!) storyteller that he makes one of the world's most exotic places accessible without making it a bit less exotic. Hunting with eagles in Mongolia doesn't have to be your dream for this book to be one you'll treasure, just like you didn't have to fish for trout to love "A River Runs Through It." I highly recommend this book.

Kantar is exceptionally readable, with a sense of humor which makes a difficult subject enjoyable. He goes through much material, but quite thoroughly and clearly. It's a book that needs to be studied - not merely read - but a good student will gain enormously from Kantar's work.

I found this to be the best book to improve bridge for an intermediate player. I've read it four times and learned from each chapter each time. Since one plays defense on half the hands, it provides the best time investment to improve one's bridge play. It is also an entertianing read. I have recommended it to the bridge players I mentor.

The book focuses on leads, signals (Attitude, Count, Suit Preference), and how to card (what card to play in 2nd or 3rd spot), rather than general defensive principles.

The content is excellent, well presented (humorous!!), and best of all, has lots of quizzes. None of this skimming a section and figuring you know it, the quiz will let you find out for certain.

2 warnings:

1) make sure your partner is using the same techniques, otherwise you may get worse results. Its not that the ideas in the book are radical, they are mainstream. But if pard doesn't understand your signal, they may do something weird and you will be worse off.

2) The book is a bit technical (5 situations where this is a suit preference signal. If Dummy wins with a Q then signal count, otherwise ... If you can see the X in dummy then pard will know to do this, else that, etc.
You will need to reread it several times, and probably make notes.

VALUABLE STUFF, but ONLY as part of a partnership that understands each other.

Kantar today is more noted as a bridge instructor than a bridge player. But one must remember that he is both and his latest book demonstrated both the instructional and practical sides. It is (as usual) clear, concise and ro the point. I like Kantar's prose, his ease of explanation and the way he sets just the right tone. Of course, he discusses the bid, the opponent and, most important, keeping track of the play while counting the cards (the one thing that separates the professional from the amateur). Good book with tons of examples.

This is a great book on defense, because Kantar covers almost every intermediate situation comprehensively and give you black and white rules for every situation. He doesn't in this book consider varied leading/signalling conventions but just gives one way to play, but that's fine as he explains his method clearly and shows why he recommends everything he does. I'd recommend it to every player.

Harvey Coleman's words in this book are good for a life time! I've heard him speak and read the book multiple times! Great insites!

In my last position I made this mandatory reading for everyone on my management team. In my view, this book is one of the most enjoyable and enlightening pieces of business literature on the market. The information is laid out in a very clear and concise fashion that anybody should be able to follow. Amazing how the formal educational system always misses out on this level of information.....

Refreshingly candid, Harvey J. Coleman's, 'Empowering Yourself...' has the courage to outline the true course of upward mobility.

I have used this book in the past and is a valuable HR resource for me.

My 17 year old son's teacher gave this book to him to read. My son shouted about how he wanted to be a level 6 and his life goals have changed. I was so surprised to see my son act this way because he is very shy laid back person with no sense of direction. Within a few weeks my son order two items off an auction website and created his own business. It was like he was a new person on a mission. I asked him about the book and researched it, then ordered it myself.

What do you know! I too was changed for the better. I am very interested it striving for the top more than ever. I do see things differently now on all levels. This book has really changed my life and I enjoyed every page. I have loaned it out many times and was informed by others they can't believe no one have told them about this book.

If you want to really know about life levels, and understand the HUMAN race more, this book is for you. When you first read it you think it is all about business, however you will learn it is really about life. If you want to play this game of life or not you are stuck in it and you may as well understand how to win.

Besides the Stannard,this is the book to have on Matchbox.
Great for starters and long time collecors.

Excellent book. I was looking for this for a long time. Now I can check out my mini cars and find the best cars and prices I can get.

Its a big book and plenty of clear colour photos of so many examples throughout.covers every era of Matchbox toys.This type of book is superior over the wide but short books printed by this publisher.There is so much information here no matter whether you are devoted collector or just love looking at the old toys you had.This book will please most people.Its good value and high quality.

This is a great reference book, full of details and history about evolution of Matchbox toys. If you love Matchbox, this is a must. Charlie Mack is a true expert on the subject, and this is for sure the most complete and updated information about the subject. The only complains are: cover picture is not representative at all. Pictures are excelent but could be larger for the "reg. wheels" and "miniatures", and several rare cars and boxes are ommited (no space probably). However, "Tomart's Price Guide for Hot Wheels" have a much better and contemporary graphic design and many more pictures in a smaller book, and also with more description of individual models.

As the owner of both the 1997 1st edition and this newer 2004 3rd edition, I am disapointed. In order to fit 7 years of new photos into the same size book, the photos were digitally shrunk and subsequently distorted and blurred. But worse, the 1st edition had 198 pages of photos, the 3rd edition has just 159 pages of photos. Bottom line, this makes the photos tiny, blurred and distorted. Also, the paper stock (thickness) was significantly reduced so although the newer edition has just seven more total pages, the first edition is significantly thicker and heavier. So if you do not collect Mattel Matchbox, purchase the 1st edition (also it does not appear the prices between the 1997 and the 2004 price guide have changed). By the way, the 1st edition is a great book!

Uncage Faces of Sigil is my Personal fav of the 3 Sigil Books but for a DM running Sigil this is the must have book. I really like the art work and the way the book is written. Gives the DM every thing you need to run a good Campain in the city of doors.

Its an excelent book for players and DMs, there are complete and interesant descriptions of every faction in sigil, and it makes every player to understand the ideology of his faction, i recomend to read the interviews with the factols they are excelent.

This is one of the golden books of Planescape. The descriptions of the factions, the factols and their activities are great. Much cheaper than the other Planescape books (being 160 pages). It's filled with full-color art by DiTerlizzi and has everything you need for the low-down on the Factions. I don't think I'll keep talking about this book, just get it. You won't be dissappointed.

This book expands upon the factions so much from the box set. Besides DM stuff like stats for the factols and other important factioneers, it gives tips for roleplaying and excellent detail on the philosphies. Because the factions are central to the entire Planescape feel, it is extremely important to know them well. Even if your campaign has already been through Faction War (as mine has) I would definitely suggest buying this. It is perfect for bringing up past events and seeing what the future holds for these philosophers with clubs.

I just started reading this book yesterday and it is the best planescape accessory out there. Ever wondered just who the Factols are and what they act like? Is one of your characters having trouble playing a dustman? Want to visit the shattered temple but don't know whats there? Ever wondered where the Sighners came from anyway? Just how should those bleaker NPCs act? How do I join the anarchists? Or maybe you just want expanded faction abilities or want to know the personal plans of one of the factions. All these things and more are included in the Factols Manifesto. Along with a huge collection of great art that you won't find anywhere else including maps of each faction headquarters and a portrait of each factol! Bottom line this is a must buy. If you're a DM and don't have this book yet shame on you!

This book had a lot of really wonderful ideas, however, most of the crafts are for older children and my party was for 6 year olds and younger. I made the fairy braclets for the girls myself as it was a little time consuming. For kids 8+ this is a wonderful book with some really cute ideas.

for all who love fairies or crafts, this is a perfect book. Great ideas, wonderful processes and beautiful products!

I bought two copies, one for my 9 yr old daughter and one for her friend. They love it and have had the most fun with these creations. I do recommend a little adult help and guidance with the different crafts.

We used this little book as the basis for a flower fairy birthday party for a six year old, and it was a huge success, and considerably less expensive than renting Little Gym or another insitutional party place.

We made several decorations and the gorgeous flower fairy wands.

All of the projects would probably require adult assistance for a child under 10, but they are really lovely and worth any effort.

I bought this book, along with Sweet Pea's Garden: Special Things to Make and Do ~ A Flower Fairies Friends Book & How to Host a Flower Fairy Tea Party, to help me with my daughter's fairy birthday party. The crafts are exquisite as well as resonably easy to do. Most items can be easily found around the house or your nearest craft store. I love the crafts in both this and Sweet Pea's Garden. Both books are easy to do although I think Sweet Pea works best for our smaller fairies while this book would be perfect for an upscale girls tea party. I loved the little stories and the illustrations that were woven through the book. The only thing that dissapointed me was that there weren't any recipes. If there had been three or four little recipes that would have rounded out the book perfectly. I fell in love with the little cake in the picture of the table setting at the beginning of chapter three. The crafts included invitations, bookmarks, wings, skirts, fairy dolls with a fairy land playground, jewelry, etc. My favorite crafts were the playground and the blooming tableware. Both were made to decorate my daughters table and they were absolutely beautiful. This made for a magical day. Oh, and there are instructions for a Violet Choker by Heidi Boyd at the DIY website.