N Books

very useful reference book for inspirational creativity.

There was nothing written on this true master of Art Deco metalware, and this book is as comprehensive as a book can be on an artist. Written with respect, admiration and love for the Art Deco style and the metal craft. Cannot be surpassed. Nothing missing, nothing redundant.

I am a practicing metalsmith of 35 years. This much needed book covers it's subject from every perspective. It will become a valuable asset to historians, collectors and craftsmen. My only critique is that Joan did not include a picture of Brandt's stamp and other ways of varifying his work from fraud.

The author has produced a comprehensive work covering this great Art Deco artist and the exciting era in which he flourished. Joan Kahr's tremendous depth of knowledge and understanding comes through on every page of this beautiful book.

This book is a "must have" for any fan of French art deco/art moderne style. It is beautifully researched and written. The wonderful photography only made me long for more.

This is, in my opinion, the best single volume available on the military campaigns of the Arab-Israeli wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973. If you are looking for a balanced overview of the military campaigns of the four wars, this is the book you want. This is a 600+ page book packed with details about all aspects of the fighting. The campaigns are described from both a strategic and operational level. There are also more than forty maps, three line drawings, and more than 100 photos. The skirmishes (military, political, and irregular) between the wars are also described in detail. There are two things in particular about this book that I really liked. First, this work is not a thinly veiled attempt to glorify Israeli military successes, like virtually everything else written in English on this subject is. Both sides are treated evenly and fairly. Second, Dupuy explains the political causes for each of the wars as well as the campaigns themselves. Much of what is written about the causes of each of the wars (and they were all different) is little more than self-serving propaganda (on both the Arab and Israeli side), and although the combatants similar, the political situations that led up to each war were very different. If you don't know who Trever Dupuy was, a few minutes of searching on the internet would demonstrate both his knowledge of military affairs and his fecundity as an author. This book contains a cold, balanced analysis of all four wars: what all combatants did right, what they did wrong, and why they chose to do what they did. The discussion of the '73 war is particularly enlightening. It is my belief that the great improvement in the Egyptian army between '67 and '73, their well executed strategic plan, and their initial (and largely unexpected) successes they had using Soviet equipment had a profound influence on American military thinking throughout the rest of the Cold War and beyond. In any case, this is a great book, and I would have to say that it is outrageous that it is out of print. If you feel that you want to learn more about the Arab-Israeli wars from a balanced source, this is unquestionably the place to start.

The best documentary book I have ever read on the Arab Israili war. The book covers all the wars from a totally unbiased angle, and shows each and every detail throughout the war. I read the translated version fro Al-Ahram strategies center in Arabic, and I can't wait to get my hands on the original English one. Althugh I read the book, it is a must to have on your shelf. Simply it is a great reference

I've been reading military books for 14 years and this book is very good. Highly recommended

This book is a great reference for the Arab-Israeli wars. Although it is rather old (written in 1978), it is probably one of the best books on the subject. The book is very well documented and the author gives probably the most balanced and least biased account of the wars

This book is remarkable for what it is not: it is not a diatribe, it is not political, and it is not biased. It is a steadfastly-neutral account of the Arab-Israeli wars of the past sixty years and reflects the integrity and professionalism of the author. He is absolutely dedicated to presenting the perspectives of both sides of the conflict. It is meticulously researched and contains extraordinary detail about all military aspects of the conflicts. The book does not stray far into the political or diplomatic realms, and anyone interested in the personalities of the conflicts should look elsewhere. This is a professional military history that, while intended for a professional military audience, is accessible by most any reader with at least some basic knowledge of the conflict. Finally, at the risk of being repetetive, it is fair and unbiased, which is truly extraordinary, given the nature of the conflict. If you can find a copy, get it, and if you are the publisher, re-print it. Please.

Australian theologian Peter O'Brien is a highly respected Pauline scholar who (in addition to this book) has also written commentaries on Colossians/Philemon and Ephesians, in addition to books on the Biblical theology of mission.

This commentary on Philippians is part of the New International Greek Testament Commentary series, a series that places a heavy focus on the original Greek text of the Biblical book in question and use insights gained from this linguistic/grammatical study as a launching point to comment on theological and historical content.

The structure of this book does not differ much from other Biblical commentaries. Several pages of introductory material (e.g. questions of authorship, recipients, major themes, outline) are followed by the commentary proper: a translation of the pericope, notes on textual criticism, and extensive remarks on the pericope. What sets this commentary apart from others is 1) the above-mentioned emphasis on the Greek and 2) a high degree of interaction with other New Testament scholars. This reader especially enjoyed the emphasis on the Greek--not because I have an intrinsic love of the languages (I don't!) but because O'Brien thoroughly lays out and defends his translation, then uses this translation-defense in order to draw out theological/practical/Pauline remarks. As he does this, he often lays out the arguments of other scholars and points out the pros and cons of each--not in a way to set up straw men, but to show why one particular choice is the best among plausible explanations. The end result is that I have much confidence in and respect for O'Brien's conclusions.

O'Brien approaches Philippians from a conservative perspective. He comes to the conclusion that the entire text was written by Paul (there were not redactors), that the recipients were the Christians at Philippi, and that the four major purposes in writing the letter were 1) to thank the Philippians for a gift he received from them, 2) to urge them toward greater unity (as it appears there was some conflict among them), 3) to encourage them to stand strong against a group of opponents from outside the church (who are trying to pull the Philippian Christians away from their Christian faith) and 4) to urge them to rejoice in Jesus, no matter what their earthly circumstances may be.

O'Brien's writing style is surprisingly conversational--I say surprisingly because it's difficult to come across as conversational when words and phrases like epexegetical, hapax, hortatory conjunction, and aorist indicative passive are used. When O'Brien remarks on the non-grammatical aspects of the text, his comments most often gravitate toward history, the personality/style of Paul, justification, sanctification, eschatology, and Christian unity. Absent or downplayed are the sacraments, vocation, the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of Scripture, and missiology (which is surprising to me considering this is one of his major scholarly pursuits).

In all, I recommend this commentary most highly for those who are have some background in the Greek. If you're concerned about the strength of your language skills (as I am), don't be intimidated. While it is based on the Greek, it is accessible while it remains scholarly and practical.

You will find O'Brien's to be one of the very best commentaries on Philippians, but you will get more out of it if you are familiar with New Testament Greek. The author writes from a theologically conservative viewpoint, but is always prepared to evaluate other views, while also clearly articulating his own.

The long section on Philippians 2:5-11 has been painstakingly researched. It is thorough and magnificent.

If you read commentaries to help you to understand the text, so that you can better serve Jesus Christ, you will really appreciate this one, as well as the author's commentaries on Colossians and Ephesians.

Highly recommended.

I picked up this commentary not so much from the kudos on Amazon (although I must say all such kudos is deserved), but from O'Brien's handling of Colossians-Philemon (Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 44), and to a lesser but considerably remarkable degree from I.H. Marshall's treatment of Luke in this same series. I too was befuddled from the length given to the discussion of epistle's authorship, although Dr. O'Brien offers a few cues about Paul's unique contributions to the NT canon (I would merely argue if these cues were necessarily Philippians-specific or -centric). Many times over, O'Brien focuses on the specific texts with erudition I've never witnessed previously, and then balances this with discussions on what always struck me as textual matters that not even Bruce Metzger handled with proper weight. This is one of those commentaries where you read and chew on, then think, "if only the Church dealt more with these matters, we could certainly witness a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit." And yet, the Church waits. Thank you so much, Dr. O'Brien.

'I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.' Philippians 4:13

O'Brien's comments read this vital text as:
`in vital union with the One who strengthens me',
cited from John Howard Schutz, Paul, pg 218

`The favourite Pauline expression `in Christ' often appears in its double form in Philippians - `in Christ Jesus'. It is a phrase denoting incorporation (`in union with Christ Jesus', GNB): believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the new corporate life into which they have entered is their share in His resurrection life. `In Christ Jesus' frequently points to Christ Jesus as the sphere in which the Christian lives and moves.

So the Philippians' glorying will abound `in Christ Jesus' (1:26). Christians glory in Him rather than put their confidence in the flesh (3:3). God's peace will guard the reader's hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (4:7), and their every need will be met in accordance with God's riches in glory in Him (4:19). Finally the Philippians are to adopt the same attitude towards one another that was found in Christ Jesus (2:5). In other words, the whole life is to be determined by the fact of Christ Jesus.' Pg 46

The doctrine of union with Christ is upheld favourably by Peter O'Brien.

On verse 1:2 `grace and peace to you':

`Grace' is a central theological notion that clearly expresses Paul's understanding of Christ's work of salvation (Rom 3:23-24).' Pg 50

`The second main word in this benediction, `peace', suggests an OT background (Eze 4:17; 5:7). In the LXX the epistolary greeting `shalom' is rendered by `peace'. In the LXX `peace' had the general sense of well-being, the source and giver of which is Yahweh alone. It included everything given by God in all areas of life, and had a social dimension as well as being linked, on occasion, with righteousness (Isa 48: 18; Ps 85:10). The word can describe the content and goal of all Christian preaching, the message itself being called `the gospel of peace' (Eph 6:15; Acts 10:36; Eph 2:17). Peace has to do with wholeness, especially with reference to relationships. It is an order established by the God of peace (1 Cor 14:33; Rom 15:33, 16:20; Phil 4:9). Christ is the mediator of that peace (Rom 5:1; Col 1:20). Indeed, He himself is that peace (Eph 2:14-18). Paul does not simply wish for their spiritual prosperity or for their internal condition of contentment; rather his prayer is that they may comprehend more fully the nature of that relationship of peace which God has established in them.' Pg 51

A quality Commentary, probably still the absolute BEST conservative one on Philippians.

O'Brien interacts beautifully with the Greek text! However, his sections on hymnody and authorship are VERY long. This book is so Greek based, beware if you are not quite proficient or at least strongly backgrounded in Greek.

It's a great book if you want to quickly go through all the major points of accounting. I will recommend it.

The book covers the fundamentals of accounting in a very good manner by reviewing basic concepts repetitively.

I was first introduced to the seventh edition at our local library. This is an excellent training tool for accounting. For anyone who likes to learn on their own this is great!

I'm not an accountant and I recently started an MBA. Accounting is a very hard course and our textbook isn't very helpful at teaching how to do the calculations that underpin the preparation of financial statements. The Essentials of Accounting Workbook really dumbs down the concepts involved in making these calulcations to a very simple level. It has been a huge help. The format seems pretty childish at first, but it is designed to make very small incremental steps through each concept.

I have 2 masters degrees - I have not come across a book that does such a good job of explaining the fundamentals.

Additionally, the format of the book - read and answer questions 'fill in the blanks' style, helps you remember what you read.

If you want to get a great start in accounting, get this book.

This calendar is the best thing in the world. The chickens are crazy looking. Sometimes I would just stop and look at it, and say things like, "Wow. That chicken is a gangsta." Sometimes it's hard to believe something so awesome exists, strutting around somewhere and pecking at the ground and looking like a total baller.

Whenever I would turn it to a new month, my fiance would get excited. "It's a new chicken! That chicken is extraordinary." He would not look at the chickens ahead of time so he could be surprised.

It's the kind of thing where the longer you look at it, the more amazing it gets. Sometimes we would start looking at a chicken, and as we noticed more details, we would laugh more and more. Much respect to the chickens featured in this calendar; I wish I were half as cool.

Even though 2007 has passed I still look at it sometimes. I have been trying to find the 2008 one in stores, but I've had no luck.

Great pictures and I love the colorful checker pages with ample space for writing appointments.

I've been using the extra ordinary chicken calendar for three years now. No other calendar is good enough for the REAL chickenenthusiast! Loaded with beautiful chicken portraits of high artistic quality.

I needed a new calendar for my cube at work and was rummaging through the discount bin, and I found this beauty. What luck! The cover, title and Vegas-style "lights" as edging hooked me. What better way to get a chuckle?
The calendar, despite what I consider ridiculously laughable content, is high-quality. The photos are top notch, the pages have a good weight and a semi-glossy finish. I actually think I can start to appreciate these fowl over the coming year. Who knew?

After purchasing this as a "gag gift" for my mother, I had to get one for myself. This calendar makes me smile everyday simply because it is silly and light. I have mine on my refridgerator and no one walks through my kitchen without commenting on it. You don't have to be a farmer or a collector of chicken memorabilia to enjoy this. You simply have to be willing to step out into the silly side and enjoy it.

Anything where Mr. Collins is involved it number one with me. End of discussion.

When attaching ones self to a celebrities persona, (i.e. actor) one tends to critique only the physical contributions. Stephen Collins is not just an actor. He is an intellectual literary artist capturing your interest from beginning to end in this book. The character, "Nicolette Stallings" embraces your fantasies and simultaneously engages you in a plethera of empathy. Her erotic behavior is stimulating, believable, and before long, desirable to any red blooded American woman. Stephen Collins? A Minister?
(Eric Camden) not in this book.............he's too delicious for words.

I actually read `Eye Contact' a few years ago. It was the first erotic thriller that I'd ever read and it still stands out in my mind as on of the best.

This is the story of actress Nicolette Stallings who only feels powerful when seducing someone of the opposite sex. However, her sexual game of cat and mouse soon turns deadly when she propositions a man she meets in a restaurant who she playfully dubs as "Wally Wall Street". After their one night encounter at a high class hotel Nick finds it hard to get rid of "Wally" who now blames her for the break up of his marriage. After an unsuccessful attempt on his own life "Wally" otherwise known as Jeffery White, finally does succeed in killing himself but not before he manages to frame Nick for his murder! As Nick becomes the center of the medias attention and hunted by the police she tries to find a way to prove her innocence not without having a few sexual encounters along the way.

`Eye Contact" is an excellent erotic thriller not for the timid and will keep you at the edge of your seat trying to figure out how everything will play out in the end. Who would have though that the minister for 7th Heaven could write like this?

This novel really does stand the test of time. I read this book many years ago and it still sets well in my memory to this day. It has just about everything in it that one can imagine. Reading this novel is quick and doesn't drag on and on like some novels that I've completed. The long of the short of it, "If this book stands out in my mind today, even though it has been many years since I've read it, then it has to be good reading."

If you don't believe me - buy it and read it yourself.

I actually read 'Eye Contact' a few years ago. It was the first erotic thriller that I'd ever read and it still stands out in my mind as one of the best.

This is the story of actress Nicolette Stallings who only feels powerful when seducing someone of the opposite sex. The sexual game of cat and mouse soon turns deadly when she propositions a man she meets in a restaurant who she playfully dubs as "Wally Wall Street". After their one night encounter at a high class hotel Nick finds it hard to get rid of "Wally" who now blames her for the break up of his marriage. After an unsuccessful attempt on his own life "Wally" otherwise known as Jeffery White, finally does succeed in killing himself but not before he manages to frame Nick for his murder! As Nick becomes the center of the medias attention and hunted by the police she tries to find a way to prove her innocence not without having a few sexual encounters along the way.

'Eye Contact" is an excellent erotic thriller not for the timid and will keep you at the edge of your seat trying to figure out how everything will play out in the end. Who would have though that the minister from 7th Heaven could write like this?

Ms. Grabien has a wonderful way of mixing history and music into a tense ghost story. I do wonder a bit, how many times she can make this formula work. But, there's a interesting cast of characters and well-done descriptions that add to the suspense. My only small complaint was the use of French without translation. But, for paranormal fans, it's a good read.

This was a very good book. Fast read. Wonderful ghost story like ghost stories should be done. I have bought and started reading the 2nd book and loving it. I hope to see much from this author.

I've now read all three of Grabien's Haunted Ballad books (sadly, out of order), and while all are enjoyable, this is the most riveting. Her characters are extremely well-drawn and likable, which always adds to my satisfaction with a novel. Moreover, her writing style is fun to read, full of description and showing a beautiful command of language. The best part of this novel, however, is the plot. It twists and turns smartly, builds well, and has a great ending!

I wouldn't be surprised if Deborah Grabien's characters walked off the page and into my living room, that's how absorbing her writing is. Right from the start you're swept up in her characters' lives; you root for them to solve the mystery and are sorry to see them go at the end of the story.

When I was a kid growing up I always wanted to go on a camping trip with Louis L'Amour just so I could listen to him tell tales around the campfire. With Grabien I'd want a scrumptious meal and fine wine; she's the kind of writer you want to settle in to enjoy.

This is the second book in a series of mystery novels. You don't need to read them in order, but you are going to want to read them both so you might as well buy "The Weaver and the Factory Maid" too while you're at it!

Theater producer of the traveling troupe The Tamborlaine Players Penelope Wintercraft-Hawkes and folklorist and building restorer Ringan Laine never expected to deal with ghosts again after the exorcism of the latter's home. Penny is ecstatic when she learns she inherited Bellefield, a theatre on Hawthorne Walk in London. She hires Ringan to restore the place as she plans to put on the play Iphagenia.

However, from the moment that Penny sets foot in her new theatre she hears voices and sees visions of a woman on fire asking for a priest. The angry ghost hurt Ringan and indirectly caused the death of an art restorer. Until they can get rid of the ghost they cannot restore the place nor rehearse the upcoming production. With each passing day, the ghost grows stronger intending touse Penny as the means to leave Hawthorne Walk.

Deborah Grabien has written a fabulous ghost story in which the seemingly mean-spirited ghost will elicit fan empathy. The protagonists are likable and complex while brave enough to try to banish the ghost. Historical tidbits from the reigns of Richard II and the Regent John of Gaunt provide an authentic anchor to an enjoyable paranormal tale. Readers who enjoyed THE FAMOUS FLOWER OF SERVING MEN will want to obtain the first novel starring Penny and Ringan, THE WEAVER AND THE FACTORY MAID.

Harriet Klausner

I FOUND THAT THE BOOK GAVE A LOT OF VERY INTERESTING FACTS ON HISTORY THAT HAS PROMPTED ME TO LOOK INTO EVEN FURTHER ! GREAT BOOK

I really enjoyed this book because I did not know a whole lot about the Ellis island situation and was fascinated at the detail that this book gave about the construction of the hospitals and how patients got placed in them. I also had no idea that the immigrants had so many skin diseases but after reading about the sanitation conditions I was not surprised. It is truly amazing what our ancestors had to go through to live here.

Lorie Conway takes readers into one the of most historic landmarks in US history, Ellis Island. FORGOTTEN ELLIS ISLAND: THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF AMERICA'S IMMIGRANT HOSPITAL peruses history, and revisits an important relic from America's immigrant past, which is also the epitome and constant reminder of the history of the United States and its people. The book examines the building that housed, nursed, and recorded/documented the many immigrants who passed through its halls.

With its impressive narrative and an array of photographs dating back to the early twentieth century during the height of immigration, Conway writes about one of the most defining moments in the American Dream story. But there also entailed the dark moments of immigration that involved the "other" or non-American born peoples, and how they had to endure painstaking and excruciating steps after walking off the ships in which they came from afar, which involved medical examinations and quarantines. Furthermore, immigrants were scrutinized, and many believed that they hindered the social make-up of American society; their reactions came in the form of discrimination and partisanship that was sociological, medical, and political in nature. For example, jingoist political cartoons show the depictions, such as one cartoon of Uncle Sam "rocking the boat" or shaking his fist in defiance towards newly arrived immigrants.

FORGOTTEN ELLIS ISLAND is an important part of American history. This story is an eye-opening narrative filled with retrospection. For those who may have visited the main building of Ellis Island, which is now a museum, this book may enhance their understanding of the immigration history and experience. But most importantly, it also delves into the issue of American identity, and how the United States was shaped and built by immigrants.

This was a great book to read. It never dawned on me that immigrants were medically screened before coming into the US. The pictures were great and the documentary was very informative.

The staff at the hospital were caring and willing to help when no one else was.

I plan to read more on this.

This was an interesting part of the Ellis Island story I had never before heard. The book was fascinating and enjoyable. However I dropped the last star because of a two things - most photos were not labeled and I felt that the stories of those who worked there, with the exception of the doctors, were ignored. I was left with the desire for more information, but I recognize that resources are apparently difficult to get find and access.

A true story of Frank McCourt and his family. Even though here is a good side to the alcoholic father, he has too much pride to do what it takes to provide for his family, the mother is in a continual state of depression, and the children are starved, abused and neglected, but the book held my interest. The ending of the story was disappointing! What happened after Frank went to America? Did he bring his family over? It appears like Frank McCourt got fed up with writing the book and left the ending for speculation. In my opinion didn't deserve Pulitzer Prize, however I would recommend the book.

angela's ashes was a depressing book which was well written and spellbinding- a true gem. You constantly are flipping back to the dedication page to see if the children survived. The movie doesn't do it justice. Tis was a disappointment to me because i couldn't get an emotional attachment to frank's story until the final chapter.

The moment I finished this book I felt a bit lost. I really didn't want it to end. Wonderful book. I got 'Tis right after. Now i'm reading it.. too fast, again. I would like to thank Frank McCourt for sharing his life and this wonderful work. And to ask him to please keep writting.

McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes' leads the reader through the author's impoverished childhood in Ireland. It introduces his parents, brothers and baby sister and the dire circumstances they managed to survive. The story captivated me with the first paragraph. ''Tis' continues McCourt's adventures as he arrives in the United States as a young man. His stint in the Army, his quest for an education and his long search for love are all braided into a moving and unforgetable story. I recommend that you experience both books via audio tape. The author's charming Irish brogue only adds richness to an already overwhelming story.

Purchased Angela's Ashes in the late spring after hearing so much about the book and movie in the past 2 years and was completely blown away with Frank McCourt's life/work. Left hanging by the lack of ending in Angela's Ashes, it was quickly on to 'Tis and immediately thereafter, A Monk Swimming by Frank's brother Malachy McCourt.

Angela's Ashes is riveting for the sheer horror of escalating human tragedy. Just rented the movie and listened to my 11-year-old son repeat over and over, "just when you think it can't get any worse...it does". The book is far more graphic and not at all for the faint of heart. Malachy Sr., who loves his children desperately, is incredible in his alcoholism but even more incredible in his confused indifference to the suffering of his family. Angela is simultaneously pathetic and heroic possessing all the destructive sarcasm of her pretentiously proud mother and sister with an ability to do what is necessary to ensure her survival, along with 4 of her 7 children. Denial kills 3 children and a marriage, while the want of the most basic human contact turns a mother to incest. Miraculously, Frank survives and even thrives, driven by the things that his father did not possess...common sense, the gratification of a hard days work, sobriety, and I would argue literary genius.

`Tis is the ending that Angela's Ashes required and the reader learns that some of Frank's parent's demons have come home to roost. Despite his ability to succeed in America, Frank finds himself trapped in dysfunctional relationships and making several alcohol-induced blunders. Frank's observations/experiences about America/Education in the 50's, 60's, and into the 70's seem very fresh through his Irish eyes (2 holes in the snow they may be). With this, `Tis takes on a more historical/documentary feel rather than a personal memoir. My wife felt that Frank whined a bit in `Tis and I'd agree that some of the later chapters about his teaching experiences contain some unnecessary tangents. You are left with Frank McCourt's bittersweet feelings on the death of Angela in New York and finally Malachy Sr. in Belfast.

Both works are absolute page-turners with the shame, and alcohol, and Irishness fanning the flames of your humanity with horror, sadness, and delight. Hoping for a third book to bring us through Frank's eventual divorce and life in the 90's.

Could the Dodo bird still be hiding out there? How about Blue Tigers in China? Some of the extremely interesting possibilities revealed in this book. Real can't put down reading, zoologist Karl Shuker is a leader of today's Cryptozoology investigation. Have enjoyed reading Mr. Shuker's articles in the Fortean Times for years.

While it appears that most of the previous reviews were from dedicated cryptozoology buffs, I had a much more "normal" use for this book. I run a role-playing game called "Conspiracy X" and I had just purchased the Cryptozoology sourcebook only to be dismayed by the lack of ...er... noncommon creatures (although there was plenty of Nessie, Bigfoot, et al.). I found this book here by accident and bought it and I have to say that I was plesantly suprised. Extremely well written and intelligent with all kinds of facts and tidbits that can be easily dropped right into a game. I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to run an "X-Files"ish RPG.

I rank this book with Willy Ley's Exotic Zoology for delightful, yet level-headed reading that doesn't insult the reader's intelligence. Shuker ignores brainless sensationalism and writes with a mind that is at once open and analytical. His approach is that of a confirmed scientist who marvels at nature's capacity for producing known and yet-to-be revealed wonders. With a writing style that is relaxed and laced with subtle humor, "Flying Toads" is a book that is hard to put down and even harder to end.

Although I've always been big on the paranormal, and supernatural, and all things abnormal, this was my first strictly cryptozoology book and I thuroughly enjoyed it. It's not the sort of thing you sit down and read strait through, but I had a hard time putting it down. It's fascinating and extremely well written, and very informative. It was a stroke of luck that I happened to run across it in the bookstore, and I think that anyone with even the slightest interest will be more than pleased.

Cryptozoology, the study of undiscovered animals, is a relatively new science. One of its foremost pioneers is Karl Shuker, who has a doctorate in Zoology and Comparative Physiology from the University of Birmingham. Dr. Shuker has collected dozens of his cryptozoological articles in his book From Flying Toads to Snakes with Wings. The book is a fantastic journey through every corner of our planet. Throughout the journey the reader encounters a parade of rarely seen creatures, including: whale-sized sharks, man-eating elephants, and blue tigers. Dr. Shuker's writing style is educated and fanciful. The result is a book that can be enjoyed by cryptozoological novices and veterans alike.

The Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot are perhaps two of the world's most notorious cryptozoological entities. Dr. Shuker presents a far more diverse group of lesser-known creatures. In fact, two of his chapters deal with newly discovered animals and proven hoaxes. This impressive collection of creatures would appeal to anyone interested in animals or the unknown.

Dr. Shuker uses thorough scientific research and eyewitness accounts in each of his articles. For example, in his chapter devoted to sharks Dr. Shuker describes an incident involving a very large shark: " They told him that their series of heavily weighted three-and-a-half-foot crayfish pots had been carried away once by a shark of ghostly white coloration and so extraordinarily immense that they estimated its length to have been anything between 115 and 300 feet." Dr. Shuker then goes on to explain that recent research on fossilized megalodon (prehistoric shark) remains have proven that sharks over 50 feet did indeed exist, a mere 11,000 years ago. Dr. Shuker believes the fishermen who saw the shark were shocked and therefore exaggerated the shark's length. Most of the creatures discussed in the book appear to be highly elusive and rarely seen by man. Others like the monster salmon of China, 33 feet in length, are alive and well.

From Flying Toads to Snakes with Wings is skillfully divided into eighteen chapters. Each chapter discusses a certain type of monster, such as: mystery bears of the world, giant jellyfishes, and the graveyard of monsters. The book has many illustrations and contains illustration credits to help locate the source of an illustration. There is also a selected bibliography and an index of animal names. This book would be useful to zoology students, science-fiction writers, and passengers aboard a long plane trip. Dr. Shuker clearly explains scientific information and presents each animal with the enthusiasm of a proud father. The number of animals presented in the book is incredibly lengthy and richly diverse. It has provided countless hours of enjoyment, and the book itself has held up quite well, with minimal wear and tear.

From Flying Toads to Snakes with Wings sheds light on a subject not usually discussed. With this book Dr. Shuker has made a significant contribution to the field of cryptozoology. Dr. Shuker does not limit his research to the common lake monster; he discusses the existence of the Golden Fleece and the macabre eating habits of sheep during food shortages (they bite the heads off young birds). Dr. Shuker's book is a sometimes frightful, thrill ride through the zoo of the unknown.