Genres Books

I was amazed at how many photos were included in this book that I had never seen before. I was equally amazed to discover that Gruen had taken some of the most well known photographs of John Lennon during this time period; and it's interesting to know the story behind them. The book is entertaining to look at, but it's also an interesting read with Gruen providing a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective of what it was like to hang out with John & friends during the New York years. Gruen provides a detailed account of what was going on in John's life when a certain photo was taken and, unfortunately, what it was like walking into the Dakota a few hours after John was shot to pick up a package at the front desk that John left for him.

I like very much this book, because has a lot of pictures with John in his intimate life, but i think Bob Gruen as a photographer is not the best. The pictures he had taken of John Lennon, are more a "fan photos". Of course there are "iconic pictures", like the New York series. But still a nice book to have to all the Lennon fans.

Fortunately for us, Bob Gruen was there. I must admit that the book show mostly really great photos, and some others are not (I mean the focus, light, etc), but you can saw John as he was, a normal guy, doing daily stuffs, playing with his guitar, in the studio, off course with Yoko, with baby Sean, public events, etc, a great review of those last years in NY.
I didn't know that so many of the famous pictures of John where taken by Gruen. The quality of the book is great, I think that every Lennon's fan will love this book, and I hope that Bob Gruen show more of his John Lennon's photo collection in a near future, he share a lot with him in those New York days and probably he got more to show!

If you enjoy black and white photos with interesting and informative commentary and John Lennon happens to be one of your musical heros, consider adding this book to your library. It just has a nice touch.

Bob Gruen invites readers and photo aficionados into his chronological photo portfolio into former Beatle John Lennon's life with the book John Lennon: The New York Years. Gruen provides a combination of never before seen and seen candid and photo shoot images of Lennon during his years in New York. Gruen closely associated with John and Yoko as a neighbor and as their personal photographer, and the images show the intimacy and the trust they had in him in capturing their moments in just about every situation, in the studio, a walk in the park, or simply hamming it up for the camera; every picture tells a story behind it.

The difference with this book of photographs and others is that Gruen offers much insight of the time and place in which he took each photograph. Gruen specifically shares with the public his personal account of knowing John as a friend or as he refers, "just a New York guy." He does not concentrate on over wrought information, but rather recounts the first time he met and became friends with John and Yoko and the events that made an impression on him, such as the story behind the most iconoclastic poses: the New York City t-shirt and Statue of Liberty pose.

Bob Gruen covers much ground in a little less than ten years, 1971-1980. However, in that time, he covers the most interesting and controversial period in John's post Beatle life. John Lennon: The New York Years is recommended for all Lennon as well those interested in documentary photography, and is yet another welcome addition to anyone's collection of rock and roll oriented books.

I'm sure I'll love this book. Once I receive it. It's been nearly 3 months since I ordered this...Amazon will no longer be the beneficiary of my internet commerce.

Kind of essential lookback to something we'll never see again. All the messiness, sloppiness & amateurism that had me and my pals going all the time to the FE (Friday Night Late Show Only please!). One of few worthwhile rock books.

I love this book. I frequented the Fillmore East 18 times between 1970 until it closed in June of 71. This book brought back so many memories. The Fillmore East was without a doubt the greatest place to see and hear a concert and I miss it. I am glad that I was able to be a part of the Fillmore East - even got to speak to Bill Graham the night of the last public concert. I am very glad this book was put together and anyone who was there will enjoy it. I sure do miss those days - Thanks Amalie!!! Got anymore tidbits - any chance of a Fillmore East Late Show edition?

This book provides a list of the bands playing each night the Fillmore was open! Great historical insight!

The Fillmore East was not only the Mecca of Rock Music in the late sixties and early seventies, it was also the epicenter of all Rock Music, as well as jazz and performance art from the era. Live at the Fillmore East captures the ambience of the era by capturing not only the acts performing on stage, but the audience's exuberance and the backstage scene in wonderful photography by Amalie R. Rothschild. I'd highly recommend this book to all music lovers, like myself, who have an appreciation for the music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis, The Who, The Grateful Dead (many great pictures of the band on stage), Miles Davis, etc.
A special portion of the book is dedicated to the light shows that were so valuable in those days in highlighting the music as it was being performed. If you ever attended a show at the Fillmore East, this book is a must! If you know the reputation of Bill Graham and the Fillmore East and never attended a show there: this book is a must also! Great forward by Mickey Hart and great text by the author. Buy this book and treasure it for the testament of a great, historical era in music.

The Bishop writes and speaks from the heart and from a wise standpoint. But don't get it twisted: He writes as a means of communicating with and empowering those who come into contact with his ideas, not as a way to show off. In other words, he writes so that anyone may understand and appreciate. He's a hip-hop scholar, but it doesn't mean that people need a degree's worth of knowledge to grasp his perspective. I'm looking forward to Vol. 2, which I know is about to come out.

This books touches on the spiritual aspects of Rap and Hip Hop. The perspective of the book examines a viewpoint that many writers have overlooked in past publications. A world view of the Hip Hop spirit, it acknowledges the music and culture in relationship to religion, specifically Islam and yoga as the book look to an inner space. Hip Hop and Politics in the Mix looks to the heart and soul of Hip Hop life.

Adisa Banjoko's "Lyrical Swords" is a "must read." If you are looking for legitimate, first-hand knowledge of the Hip-Hop culture, you will find it in this book. Banjoko has a profound knowledge of the community and its potential to change the political mix in America. His book suggests that the many contemplative, spiritual members of the Hip-Hop community are a political force to be reckoned with in the future. This little gem of a book is written in a refreshing, free-style manner, similar to that of the Hip-Hop culture. While it is written in B-boy style (free-style), it is clearly a uniquely intellectual pursuit. Everyone can enjoy this little gem. It is a bridge between those who understand the Hip-Hop culture and those who wish to understand it.

Maria Carr

This book left me with a feeling to do some good for the world and the people around me, but it isn't a tree hugger testament or anything like that (no offense to tree huggers). It also opened me up to some completely different apsects of hip-hop culture that before I hadn't given much thought to. Adisa continues to lay it down, take advantage of the knowledge that the Bishop has to offer. READ THIS BOOK AND YOU WON"T BE LET DOWN.

Banjoko's book is a smart and critical examination of contemporary Hip Hop culture. His analysis does justice to the culture, discussing all of the aspects of Hip Hop and various Rap genres. His colloquial use of language is fun and easy to read and very engaging. It's also very powerful and moving, especially when he speaks directly to the reader.

What struck me most was his demonstration of the wide distinction between the Rap Industry and Hip Hop culture; how the Rap Industry and Hip Hop media represent Hip Hop culture; and the inherent social implications of their representations. I love that he doesn't over-generalize or blame one party over another; he holds everyone accountable for their actions! As a result his book takes on great credibility and his messages even more repect and importance.

This book is a must read for everyone!!! Reading it would be an ENLIGHTENING experience not only for the lover of Hip Hop and the curious layman, but for all U.S. citizens who are bombarded by the dissemination of Hip Hop images in the media everyday.

Yogi is a true Gru. Following his teachings will truly teach you how to commune with GOD, our creator.

I have always respected other religions, and that's what i love about this book! No matter who or what you believe in... you WILL get what you need from these prayers!

Inspiring and uplifting words are what you will find in this book! The title 'Metaphysical Meditations'doesn't seem to do justice to the beauty of this book, and yet, I don't know what words would. Also, another reason to not be put off by the title is that this book, in my opinion, crosses over and into all religions. You do not need be a follower of Paramahansa Yogananda or Self-Realization to reap the rich benefits of reading these meditations. An open mind and heart and love of God is enough.

The book is small, pocket sized, which makes it perfect for carrying with you. -And once you begin reading this, you'll want to have it with you to glance at whenever you feel the need, have a need, or for an inspirational pick up, or whenever you happen to have a few moments to spare. I like to flip this open in the mornings, and anytime throughout the day and read whatever page I come to.

The book begins with a 'Prayer for a United World.' Then, there's a forward that goes over meditation briefly. Which begins with this: "Most persons would want to meditate if they understood how to do so. The purpose of meditation is to know God, to connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of the spirit."

The meditations are short, 3-5 lines per paragraph on a page, and easy to read. No complicated long winded stuff in here. Some of my favourite titles/meditations from this book are:
'Never Lose Hope'
'Spreading Divine Joy'
'Creative Activity'
'Overcoming Fear and Worry'
'Divine Prosperity'
There's also a "Christmas Meditations" section in the back.

There is so much love in this book.
This is a great gift to give as well.

This little book is so full of spiritual wisdom that I place it just short of scriptures such as the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita (both of which influenced the thought portrayed here). I have several copies of this book (car, work, home). Its perspective is a yogic one, but its truths are universally applicable. Paramahansa Yogananda is unique among so-called gurus in being one that truly walked his talk. There is advice for all areas of life and everything said is filled with love and moderation. You will find no book outside of scripture that has more spiritual bang for your buck, in my opinion.

This little book can be kept in pocket or purse. For decades I have known about its power to change the reader from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from "give me" to "I give." Far ahead of its time, "Metaphysical Meditations" by the famous teacher Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship) will not disappoint. First published in 1932 by a teacher who sees positive similarities in many of the world's religions, this book urges the reader to actively pursue spiritual growth, self-love, love for others, kindness and positive thoughts for all our concerns. I love ya Yogananda, wherever your spirit is residing! Bless you!

Celebrity autobiographies are exercises in exhibiting the overexposed. However, dignity and discretion are assumed by the reader. Consequently, the author is oblidged to spend the entire book repeating, in essence, "I don't mean to brag but..." Also, celebrity autobiographies are famous for their creativity. David Niven's is pretty par for the course. I doubt if more than 25% of the incidents included happened exactly as described, if at all. All the better for the reader. The truth is usually rather dull or unpleasant. The narrative itself is very readable in a relaxed chatty style. Who knows if he even wrote it himself. You never know. Maybe he wrote the bare bones out and gave it to a ghostwriter to pad it and make it sound like "David Niven" wrote it. Wouldn't be the first time. Who cares? It's a fun story filled with famous people being interesting.

Published in 1972, THE MOON'S A BALLOON proved one of the great bestsellers of the decade--and if you read the first page you'll know why. You are immediate hooked by star David Niven's wild, wicked sense of humor. Whether it is his Dickensian childhood, his outrageous tour of duty with the British military, or his climb to unexpected stardom, this is truly Niven exactly as you imagine he would be.

Imagine, however, seems to be an operative word. Niven was less interested in relating the facts of his life than he was in telling a good story and in putting his best face to the public--something that is not entirely unexpected in an autobiography, particularly the autobiography of a Hollywood star. Later writers have noted that Niven played fast and loose with the facts in THE MOON'S A BALLOON, and that for all his charm he could be viciously despicable when the mood took him; it is also worth pointing out that he was never quite the "A List" star that he seems to be in his memoirs.

But all this is actually a little beside the point. Whether it is factually accurate and emotionally honest or not, THE MOON'S A BALLOON is simply a delightful read right from the first page, where we meet Nessie, the Picadilly hooker who introduced Niven to the joys of the flesh. Approximately half the book concerns Niven's life before he arrived in Hollywood as a would-be actor, and it is a riotous ride; once Niven hits the film industry, however, he begins to name drop with the best of them--offering memorable glimpses of such famous names as director William Wyler and stars Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh. It is all fascinating stuff.

It can also be quite startling. As just one example among many, when writing of his first wife's death Niven mentions that Joan Crawford stepped in to care for his children while he attempted to cope with his grief. Yikes! And although he was a great womanizer and cut a swath through Hollywood's beauties, Niven does no name dropping there; he does, however, describe an affair with a "Great Big Star" who was very likely Merle Oberon, the leading lady of WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

True enough, THE MOON'S A BALLOON will hardly stand a cold factual analysis--but it is a tremendously fun thing to read, a joyous and fun book, and while quite a lot of it is of the "tall tale" variety it certainly presents the star as he likely most wished to be seen and be remembered. Don't pick it for bedtime reading, because you'll never put it down! Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

David Niven was not always a star. He had to go away and learn his trade in "B" movies before being allowed to enter the big time. He learnt that trade well but, unlike some who were destined to become greats of Hollywood, he also put his entire acting career on hold whilst he served as an officer in a fighting unit throughout WW2.

This book tells the first half of his life's story and what a story it is. Like every biography ever written, the best bits do not happen at the beginning, so some readers, therefore, might find it slow going at first. Though many will not. But then we meet the rich and famous stars of Hollywood from another era and learn a little about each of these people and their various relationships as we move from one to another and sometimes back again.

Written in David Niven's own hilarious style, there is so much humour here that you "will" find yourself insisting others read this book. In fact, it is so funny - especially his descriptions of the wrong use of English words by foreign movie directors, one finishes the book in the knowledge that had David Niven not become an Oscar-winning movie star, he would easily have achieved great success as a writer.

The underlying theme, of course, is David Niven's life and, as one reviewer has already said, this book leaves you wishing you had met this man. Me too.

NM

Let me explain what I mean.

First of all, from the very beginning pages of the Book, I could sense the smooth flow of thoughts, pouring out of MAN Niven, not ACTOR Niven.

Second, I could also feel for MAN Niven and what he went through in his youth and early manhood.

David Niven is a born storyteller. He should have dared direct movies as well. He would have succeeded splendidly because one of the very first requirements for a director, both on stage, as well as on camera, is to know how to tell a story, and tell it in a coherent and organized way.

That he had chosen not to do it, means that he was aware of his limitations and probably preferred to stick with what he knew best: acting.

I bought this book just by chance at Heathrow, while traveling to New York, feeling bored to death by the many security checks and formalities to be undergone these days, in order to be able to travel from point A to point B on the globe.

I had absolutely no idea what it was all about, but the title intrigued me, also because I had heard about it some years ago, but didn't pay appropriate attention to it at that time.

So, here I went and bought it. Finally on board of my flight carrying me to the U.S., I opened it and before I knew better, I had already landed at JFK having read half of it.

I could have blasted the pilot for that, but it wasn't his fault. I am a slow reader. I have to savor all the finesses contained in a book, given that the same is worth the effort. Believe me, "The Moon Is A Balloon", is such a book.

During my entire stay in the U.S. I carried the book around and kept on reading it - I should actually say - devour it. When I finally came to its end I felt disappointed.

Not by the book and magnificent tales and accounts it contains, but having come to a point where there was nothing more to read.

This is a book that will leave you with a "hunger" to read more about MAN David Niven and what he has to say about his experiences.

It is not just what he says, but how he says it.

The descriptions of the people he met, the places he visited, the moods and colors of his world, all come to life vividly.

Perhaps because I am a stage director, interested in directing movies, I may have a distorted vision on this, but I could actually visualize what David Niven was describing.

Various wild images a la Charles Dickens, especially at the very beginning of the book, sprung out of my mind (even "The Turning of the Screw" popped up - go figure why...).

Then, while he was describing his experiences with the schooling system in England, I visualized sorts of crazy images half-ways out of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", mixed with "Blackboard Jungle" and/or "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" - the male version that is.

Later the encounter with his first love affair (I won't reveal more about it, you must read by yourself), I had flashes of "Of Human Bondage" and "Great Expectations".

His Malta adventure in the Army, almost sprung out from very early forties war movies, or thirties movies with Clark Gable.

Now I realize how deformed my professional mind is, but indeed I could feel being transported there, in his "Balloon", in his world, and felt part of his tragicomic life.

David Niven takes you by the hand and leads you into his secret garden, in which you discover the ugly sides of life, but also the very splendid tiny little pleasures that make his and everyone else's life pleasurable and indeed, worth living.

It is funny to think that David Niven's "Balloon" closely resembles to the one Jules Verne's created in "Around the World in 80 Days", and while this was a total work of fiction, Niven's own takes you much farther, than just around the world.

It takes you into a lesson of lived life, told by a human being who has truly learned from his mistakes and learned from them what life is truly all about.

The lesson though, never comes from a pulpit, it comes as a highly entertaining and fascinating account of experiences, at times very funny, at times very grim, but never, never boring.

I was stunned to finally witness that even a person like Niven, that was alive for most of my lifetime, could still enthrall and grip me with his writing style.

I usually have always avoided reading modern authors, or biographies of modern personalities, except maybe Science Fiction books (Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury or Arthur C. Clarke), since they all seem to resemble each other.
It is a continuous ego-trip with lots of whining and gossiping involved, but no true and genuine life experience and wisdom shared, and if is at all shared, it is in the form of "...let me tell you how to change your life, into a successful business-like one...".
Lots of preaching from insignificant and dull people I wouldn't even like to meet in person, even if I had a chance to do so.

David Niven never preaches, he just tells you how it was and the ways he managed to work himself out of trouble and into a very useful and respectable life.

I absolutely love his book.

Alas, David is not among us anymore, because if he were alive today, I would absolutely want to know and meet him in person, and perhaps even work with him.

I am over fifty, but I get a sense that with a person like him, I could still learn a lot in matters of life and how to survive even the most adverse of situations in it.

Dear readers, allow me to suggest this book to all of you. You won't regret it. This is not just another boring autobiography.
This is a man's heart opened up to the world, for the best and the worst.

David Niven's soul lies in his lines and comes alive when these lines are read.

Bless you David, wherever you may be, my thoughts are with you.The Moon's a Balloon

I just want to quickly add to all these other five-star reviews that this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. David Niven candidly bares his vulnerabilities and lets us in on the obstacles and hurts he endured. I read this at a time that I felt I was drifting and this made me feel much better. There are amusing stories about Hollywood and the rest of the world in the old days. Blessings to David Niven. It's a breeze of a read and I envy those of you who have it yet to enjoy for the first time!

When I received this book, I was mildly interested, having been a Beatle fan in my youth. I had not really followed the career of George Harrison post-Beatles, though I was aware of his bigger hits, and enjoyed his music. I had the generally accepted view that Harrison was a bit eccentric, reclusive, and mysterious. I was, therefore, not an intense Harrison fan, and not very educated about his music.

Having now finished the book, I feel so much more informed. Simon Leng writes excellently about George's music and what was driving it, as well as it's importance in Harrison's life and faith. Simon has been meticulous in his research, and sensitive in his discussion of a private and passionate man. Though he has far more musical knowledge than I, I found the book easy to read, and fascinating in it's detail about every song written or recorded by Harrison in his solo career. So much so, in fact, that I am off to buy a George Harrison album or two! Thanks, Simon.

I was given this book when I was convalescing in hospital. To be honest I would not have chosen a book about the life and music of George Harrison. However, from the very first chapter I found myself being drawn along a path of exploration about the life's work of George, a person whom I now realise had a tremendous influence on the musical tastes of my entire generation (I'm 52) and the generations that have come after me.
Sure, before reading the book I knew who many of the influential characters were such as Ravi Shankar, John Barham, Eric Clapton and of course the Beatles. But I didn't realise how closely their lives were intertwined and how their geniuses spun off each other.
Most of all I was struck by the spiritual influences on George. How he wasn't really searching for money or fame. It was the music and it was pursuing excellence as a means to knowing one's inner self.
Simon Leng's writing is concise, witty, even satyrical in places. At the same time the author shows himself to be very learned, thoroughly researched and very organised in terms of discography, cross references and building his line of argument in a chronological timeframe.
'The Music of George Harrison : While My Guitar Gently Weeps' by Simon Leng is easy to read, it keeps your interest and it leaves you with a feeling of enrichment.

Having already read a number of books about the Beatles I was hoping for a good insight into George Harrison and his music and this does not disappoint! The author provies an excellent balance between being informative about Harrison's music without falling into the "trainspotter element" of writing about an artist. The book is well researched and highly entertaining with a pleasant dry sense of humour. Especially interesting are the details of Harrison's early work and influences and the Clapton connection. If you are looking for a god insight into Harrison's work or dimply a damm good read, then look no further!
Highly recommended!

Not only does this book tell about George's solo work in non-technical, easy to read language, it also gives some great biographical information. In writing about his strenths as well as his shortcomings as a songwriter, singer, and musician, Leng neither idolizes nor condemns, but portrays George as a human being who made mistakes like everyone. His respect for George and his work clearly comes through. I highly recommend this book!

When I received this book, I was mildly interested, having been a Beatle fan in my youth. I had not really followed the career of George Harrison post-Beatles, though I was aware of his bigger hits, and enjoyed his music. I had the generally accepted view that Harrison was a bit eccentric, reclusive, and mysterious. I was, therefore, not an intense Harrison fan, and not very educated about his music.

Having now finished the book, I feel so much more informed. Simon Leng writes excellently about George's music and what was driving it, as well as it's importance in Harrison's life and faith. Simon has been meticulous in his research, and sensitive in his discussion of a private and passionate man. Though he has far more musical knowledge than I, I found the book easy to read, and fascinating in it's detail about every song written or recorded by Harrison in his solo career. So much so, in fact, that I am off to buy a George Harrison album or two! Thanks, Simon.

Will really lets you know how he feels (which I personally echo) about the treatment of the Vets by the general media and the leftist protesters during the opening pages of the book. The novel itself is a great tale that is very well told and hard to put down. The story is written in the language of the military, I really enjoyed reading it and could readily relate to (myself, also a retired E-8 but not a Viet Nam vet). There's an excellent glossary for non-vet types that makes clear reference of all the military terms in the book.

Just finished "Of Silent Parades" by Will Graley. Great book that brings back memories for us that were in Vietnam in one role or another. Great first book. I'm eagerly awating his next.

I am 34 years old and have never heard of the "Paris Peace Accords" until I read this book! I'm glad I read it! I learned and appreciate the truth!

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ga. and familiar with Ft. Benning, Ga. and reading this book brought back fond memories! This book was about the end of Vietnam and a soldiers story of a group of people who stuck together through thick and thin! No matter what! The idea of people like that fighting for me and my country...yes I'm very proud to be an American! Would make a great movie! Thank you Mr. Graley

"OF SILENT PARADES" published by Trafford Publishing, a publisher who has the fortitude to bring forth truth, has educated me and my generation that Vietnam Veterans never retreated to the beaches in shame as some quote "historians" unquote would have history to record.
Christine Castillo
Colorado Springs, CO

spent a pleasant afternoon reading , about 5 hrs from start to finish. time just flew by as I got caught up in the characters and decriptions of war. would recommend it to all of my friends.

This book is impressively well written with a dry, concise and insightful tone. This book is not against perfectionism, but against the idea that mistakes should be always avoided, even during practice. The author suggests that music should be performed with a strong body awareness, and that this should be cultivated during practice in a way that is a sort of dialogue between ourselves and our bodies; in this dialogue, errors are a way for our bodies to communicate with us, so we should be able to make them boldly and then recover from them as much information as we can. This, in the end, makes the correction of the error deeper, and our performances more confident.

The book is not a step-by-step guide to practicing using this method; it's more a pedagogic book detailing the philosophy behind this approach. Still, it's very though provoking even for non teachers and for amateurs musicians, especially adults returning to music after previous bitter experiences.

This book is absolutely enjoyable to read. I just couldn't stop reading it...I did not want to continue practicing without hearing all that William Westney had to say about practicing techniques (for any instrument, though mainly piano) and musicality. He uses great resources if you want to learn more about what he writes. His focus is getting in touch with the innate musician within you...a very positive and motivating book...highly recommended.

If you want to truly refresh your thinking about teaching music, this is the book. Explore with the author ways to bring enthusiasm and joy into the learning process... how to use 'honest mistakes" as tools. Be prepared to learn why traditional methods can sometimes harness creativity. This book described for me a way to help my students relax and welcome the journey into music. Whether teaching by traditional methods or not, this book is a must. Thanks, Mr. Westney, for the great read and the inspiring words.

Not really being part of the culture to which the author is reacting, I found this book to be captivating, if a bit strident. The unfortunate tendency towards perfectionism taints a great deal more than music instruction. The expectations of deference and respect on the basis of position weaken bishops and U.S. presidents as well as maestros and music teachers. Still, the control freak element runs deep. As an adult beginner taking piano lessons, I just see it from a different perspective. Take humor in the strutting of the popinjay, no need to be alarmed by it.

Also, the man either knows nothing about golf, or else cheats on his scorecard. I suspect the former rather than the latter. But, a recorded lousy golf swing is just a lousy golf swing, while one left off the scorecard is, well, a reflection of character.

However, on his home ground, the practice room and the recital stage, the author is very strong. Texas Tech is lucky to have him. Go, Red Raiders!

This is my favorite book about music-making (classical piano, in my case). Westney very convincingly makes the case for an overhaul of the way we approach music practice and performance. The 'juicy wrong note' idea promotes a wholistic, passionate attitude. It is NOT the idea of treating mistakes lightly...more, it's the attitude of making the mistake whole-heartedly and then learning what it has to tell you about your level of preparedness,an unsuspected weak point, etc. Westney does not cover specific how-to's (the best book on that for piano in my opinion is Berman's) but more the philosophy to bring to the practice room and to the performance. I'd give more stars if it were possible

I have recieved my score for the planets suite and this score is just what I wanted. The book is about A4 size and is very easy to hold, read and handle. The print size is fine for studying the score or just scanning while you listen. I am very happy with my score.

What more can be said about Holst's masterpiece "The Planets" which has not already been said been? To be sure, the music is a work of genius; therefore, I wish to comment more about the quality of Dover's printed score. This publication is a quality product. The engraving is primo (a reproduction of the 1921 Goodwin & Tabb Ltd. original); it is easily legible, accurate, and looks wonderful. Obviously, the original engravers were at the top of their game on this one, and Dover has done a terrific job of transferring the plates; it's as clean as one could wish for in an affordable study score. Even in soft-cover, the binding is durable and the pages lay flat. The inclusion of a commentary or brief analysis would have been a welcome addition, but that is a very small gripe against an otherwise fantastic publication. I give it my highest recommendation.

I went through this score several times with multiple recordings and it is to the tee. All the movements are in the book, in concert order, the score was written out in the proper key. If you're trying to find a score for the Planets, This is the one without having to buy the actual performance score.

This Dover score presents everything in a clear and easy-to-read way even though Holst wrote some interesting things that are difficult to notate by ear! The score does open up a new world - listening to it and reading/watching the score are two different things. I was completely unaware of Holst's gigantic forces and his wonderful orchestration that is present in the score.

There's no see through on the pages (and where there is, it is only minimal). Main languages are English and Italian terms. For an 80-year old score, it's pretty impressive and in very good condition. A very good buy I must say for $10 - my friend had to pay close to $70 for her copy (both of which are exactly the same). A great bargain!

Clean, clear, large print, handsome edition of this well known and loved classic. Lists instrumentation on every page (some editions don't list the score instrumentation except for the first page. This often makes score study [especially big orchestral works like this or R. Strauss] very hard to read).

Great price as well.

Having read a lot of WWI books and books on sniping this one takes the cake. It's written in the autobiographical tradition of Teddy Roosevelt and will impress the old and young alike with its vivid imagery and colorful prose. Great read.

Mr. McBride has written a book that nearly perfectly talks about what can be expected from a modern infantry man. He talks about sniping, putting in a properly sighted machine gun, raids, and patrols. Honestly, this book is so good that most Army ROTC and Marine Infantry instruction may want to have their future officers and NCO candidates read this book.

I will give you a story that really stuck me as being ahead of its time. Now, this book was written in the mid-1930s. However, Mr. McBride knows the problems of lugging ammunition. A soldier with .303 British (about equal to modern NATO 7.62 ammo) could only carry about 200 to 300 rounds. So, Mr. McBride thinks the armies should carry ammunition of about .27 caliber. That is almost exactly 6.8 mm. This is exactly the same solution the US Army discovered after 5 years in Iraq.

I liked this book. Mr. McBride thinks both the British and Canadian Armies did much better with their training time than the US military. Indeed, he thinks the US Army and military is overly tied up with paperwork. And that observation was made in 1918.

This is a five star book by a soldier who knows his field craft. Pay attention to his anti-sniper traps. They are still useful today. Also, the book is great for telling about how the Germans would leave abandoned grenades after an attack. Some were rigged to go off if picked up.

As written before, this book is five star. Mr. McBride writes a book about the birth of the modern infantry man. Indeed, their is little difference between a Tommy of WWI with a Lewis gun and a Grunt in Vietnam carrying an M-60 machinegun. In 50 years little had changed.

The modern professional soldier can learn a lot from this book. Some university military history departments may want this book for an individual study of a hard infantry man.

A thoughroughly enjoyable, mesmerizing, collection of a soldier's WWI remembrances. Somehow manages to be more than the sum of its plainly told, shy, politically incorrect, wars is hell but you get used to it parts. It ends up assembling and describing bit by bit the remarkable character of the author.

Also notable to me for how it reaches across 70 years to contrast how we've changed as a people. For example, I don't think this book would be published as written today. The editor would have probably added more polish, removed some of the namecalling and stereotyping and would have thus diminished the book.

As a rifle shooter with a historical interest i bought this book. If your looking for an overly dramatic or gruesome account of life in the first world war trenches dont by this book. From what i can tell it is a written collection of memories by the author. These memories are written in a matter of fact, straight talking way which does not hide the authors zealous approach to his task of being a soldier.

Although at times slightly rambling i found this an interesting read and at times amuzing. A good reference if you are interested in rifle shooting or battle history.

It might not be written in perfect English, and it's not always politically correct, but it's definitely always enjoyable.

You get the whole WWI experience from the author's point of view, including enough "war stories" to satisfy any reader.

McBride includes technical details, anecdotes, and just good old story telling, in this tale of a machine gunner / rifleman in the Great War.