Wizard Books

SOX AND THE CITY IS WRITTEN BY RICHARD ROEPER WHO IS ALSO A MOVIE CRITIC ALONG WITH ROGER EBERT IN CHICAGO AND THEY HAVE A SYNDICATED TV SHOW. I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I AM NOT A SOX FAN BUT AN INDIANS FAN AND I KNOW MANY MANY SEASONS HAVE PASSED SINCE A WORLD SERIES VICTORY. ROPER BRINGS BACK MUCH NOSTALGIA FROM BASEBALL IN THE 1960'S TO PRESENT DAY. I REALLY ENJOYED THE SEGMENTS ABOUT THE 1967 TEAM AND DICK ALLEN. I ESPECIALLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL SOX FANS AND EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT READ FOR ALL BASEBALL FANS. HE DOES A GREAT JOB DESCRIBING IN DETAIL HOW THE 2005 SEASON WENT WITH SOME GREAT BEHIND THE SCENES STORIES. I THINK THE ONE MAIN THING I ENJOYED MOST WAS HIS EXPERIENCES FOLLOWING THE SOX AS A CHILD WHEN WE ARE YOUNG AND NAIVE AND HOPE IS ETERNAL. A MUST READ.

Roeper writes very well for a journalist (ha-ha), and this book was both funny and captured the essence of being a White Sox fan. He takes you through his personal experience of being fan from his childhood in the 1960s to attending the World Series in 2005. The book would be a fun read even if you were not a White Sox fan as Roeper includes a lot of jokes about pop culture such as movies and music, and many of the stories of being a fan are universal regardless of the team.

Fantastic recap of decades of Sox lore! This book was a quick and interesting read, containing trivia, stats, and facts all interwoven with personal anecdotes and memories. Terrific for new or old fans - a must have for all who know and love the Sox!

"Sox and the City" is a great read for any baseball lover, but particularly White Sox fans. They say that as a baseball fan you are wedded to one team for life, and live and die with them each season. Or to paraphrase one of those east coast baseball fans, baseball is not life or death, but the [White] Sox are!

"Sox and the City" will most interest Chicagosns, of course. But all baseball fans might enjoy it. After all, being a White Sox fan in a city with more than one team, and an ancient generational rivalry (I won't name that OTHER team) is an experience few living baseball fans still know. the annual highs and lows (and finally triumph) that made the suffering all worth it. Only perhaps New Yorkers share the experience (and even the New York Mets are stand-ins for the old Yankees-Dodgers-Giants rivalry).

If you love baseball, pick this one up!

Thank goodness the White Sox have southside Chicago native Richard Roeper as a fan! The Cubs and other more popular MLB teams have a much longer roster of both author/fans (e.g. Stephen King and the Red Sox) and A-list celebrity/fans (of which the White Sox have none - sorry Jerry Springer, you're B-list). But the White Sox, with their long, interesting history and their amazing 2005 World Series run, needed someone to step up to the plate and deliver what the fan base needs: a book documenting what it means to be a White Sox fan in the four decades up to 2005. Roeper delivers a solid home run, albeit not a grand slam.

Roeper deftly interweaves three main storylines in "Sox and the City": the highlights of the past 40 years of Sox history; Roeper's own personal experiences as a fan attending more than 1000 Sox games; and the highlights of the 2005 season and World Series run. Along the way Roeper provides a personal, often humorous view of the main topics in Sox history: the different Sox teams that have been assembled over the years; what it means to be a Sox fan in what will always (unless the demographics of Chicago change radically) be a Cubs town, including especially the Sox/Cubs rivalry among the fans (which, because of geography is more passionate - at least on the Sox side - than any other intercity major league rivalry); Harry Caray's move from the Sox to the Cubs; Bill Veeck's attempts to generate excitement (and bring in paying fans) on the southside; Disco Demolition Night; the move from Comiskey to the Cell; and much more.

There is so much White Sox history that it is impossible to capture it all in a single volume, but Roeper hits all the highlights. His prose is very accessible, humorous, and direct. "Sox and the City" is likely to become the definitive guide to what it means to be a White Sox fan in the present day.

Why only four stars? Roeper's done an admirable job in all areas of the book except two: explaining precisely what made the 2005 team different than all other White Sox teams, and capturing the excitement and impact of the Sox's 2005 World Series victory on the city of Chicago. Perhaps the latter is an impossible task to translate into words - you had to be there.

All literate White Sox fans should read this book.

I have no earthly idea why all three books in this series are rated as five stars. After being deceived by that I bought and read this book. It was OK, a bit amateurish, and rather derivative, with very few moments of originality. Granted, I am an adult, but there is much better juvenile sci-fi/ fantasy out there, like Cofler's Artemis Fowl series or Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series.

i really enjoyed this book. it was very magical and exciting! i could just imagine myself going through the same troubles that gerald/jarret went through. such as battling the scralers to save skitter. i also wanted to get answers to the questions that gerald/jarret was asking. the strange animals were described so well, i could picture it inside my head. the ending was so unpredictable, it made the whole book turn around!i definetly want to read the next book!

One of the most unique and refreshing stories I have read in quite some time. If Wizard Chase, Wizard Girl, and Wizard's End received even a miniscule fraction of the publicity enjoyed by books from the major publishing houses, it would be an instant best-seller, and we would already have heard about who is being cast for the movie version.
If you truly love innovative, exciting stories, you'll read these books.

The book was a very very cool and awesome book, I'm 15 right now and I loved this book. This book could be read by someone of all ages. I loved the book in gereral but the only thing I didn't like was the ending. The ending was sad and there should be a way for him to go back. He should be able to go back and see his friends. I think that it would be very very cool if you made a sequel to this book in which he goes back and somehow gets away from the animals and things in his way, the gryphons. I was very mad at the ending, and hope that you will find someway to get Gerrald back to Kimyra.

A rich jewel of a series: original, imaginative, and wonderfully crafted.

If, like me, your tastes in reading lean more towards sci-fi than fantasy, don't be deterred by the title of this terrific series, which begins when a young Idaho boy stumbles upon a hidden cave. Chasing his errant cat, he soon finds that the cave is a gateway to another world, Kimyra, where talking(!) cats are joined by such strange creatures as ribeks, wallacatoons, trolls, and gryphons in a battle between good and evil `wizards.'

For the Kimyrans, everything is explainable as `magic,' but thirteen year old Gerrald, a.k.a., `Jarrett' in Kimyran, is a bit of a skeptic, less amenable to accepting explanations involving the supernatural when nature is known to have more tricks up its sleeve than an army of wizards could conjure up in a lifetime of trying. But to get back to Earth, Gerrald will need all the `magic' he can muster to steal two jewel eyes that were stolen from a stone dragon by the evil wizard Mantigore.

Together, Wizard Chase, Wizard Girl, and Wizard's End make up one heck of a good tale.

If you only buy 1 Oz book for your collection, make it this one! In Oz circles, this book is known as "The Green Book" and it is a virtual encyclopedia of Oz information. The research and work that went into the writing of this book is truly astounding!

The rare photographs will amaze you (including Judy Garland in her blond wig and Buddy Ebsen as the Tin Man).

This book is full of little-known trivia. After reading this book, you can wow your friends with your new-found Oz knowledge!

There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The John Fricke,Jay Scarfone manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The Jay Scarfone,John Fricke manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

Since this is "The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History" of the beloved 1939 film, it is not surprising that John Fricke, Jay Scarfone, and William Stillman have put together the book that tops the "must have" list for fans of the film (after, of course, L. Frank Baum's original novel, which just had its centennial edition come out in 1903. After an introduction by Jack Haley, Jr., the volume's prologue, "The Marvelous Land of Oz," begins with the story of how Baum came up with the name for Oz and looks at the history of his stories prior to the movie. Also included in this prologue are stills from some of the vaudeville and silent movie versions (the 1925 film had Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodman), the original book covers for the 42 Oz stories, and Technicolor test shots of the movie cast, which includes Judy Garland wearing a blond wig as Dorothy. By the time you finish this prologue you will know that this book is going to be everything that you would want as the table of contents indicates:

Part One - The Oz Diary: Creating a Classic: (1) Acquisition and Casting contrasts the signing of the cast with W.W. Denslow's first pictures of the characters; (2) Scripts, Songs, and Staff focuses on early drafts of the scripts and ideas for song more so than what actually ended up in the movie; (3) Wardrobe and Markup details the evolution of the look of each character with corresponding photographs; (4) The Thorpe "Era" is about Richard Thorpe's short tenure as the film's director, when Gale Sondergaard is the Wicked Witch and Dorothy is a blond; (5) There'll Be Some Changes Made is short but sweet and is about the changes George Cukor made as a stop gap under Victor Fleming was signed to direct the film; (6) "The Wizard" Comes to Life is a lengthy chapter covering the making of the film with its various legendary stories; and (7) Post-Production and Previews, which details what was cut (including "Over the Rainbow" at one point), when and why.

Part Two - The Oz Diary Continued: Promotion and Reception: (8) The Oz Campaign contains everything from Judy Garland telling Frank Morgan "Anybody can be a wizard at Jelly-Making" for a newspaper ad for Certo (never heard of it either)to a two-page full-color spread in "Life" and a special "Wizard of Oz" ad for the Sunday comics; (9) Hollywood Party is about the movie's gala premier; (10) "Capitol" Times in Manhattan is about the show at Loew's Capitol Theater In New York City that showed the movie along with a life performances by Garland and Mickey Rooney. This chapter also shows some of the first product tie-ins for the movie; and (11) From Coast to Coast is a brief look at promotion of the film across the nation and includes what might be the first editorial cartoon that used the Oz characters to comment on a real situation (Hitler is the Wicked Witch of the West and Mussolini is a winged monkey, while Dorothy is European civilization, the Scarecrow is Poland, the Lion is Britain, and the Tin Woodman is France).

Part Three - Raves and Accolades looks at (12) The Reviews, which includes a look at foreign books and domestic record versions; and (13) The Twelfth Annual Academy Awards, where the film won Best Song for "Over the Rainbow," Best Original Score for Herbert Stothart's underscoring and adaptation of the Arlen/Harburg songs, and Garland for best performance of a juvenile during the past year.

Part Four - Oz and Ends, includes brief looks at (14) Original Ozzy Merchandising; (15) Oz Abroad; and (16) Theatrical Reissue.

Part Five - Television Perennial covers how most of us first saw the movie, including (17) Guest Hosts on CBS (I always liked Dick Van Dyke); and (18) NBC Interlude/CBS Comeback.

Part Six - The Legend is another set of brief chapters on (19) Reunions and Reminiscences; (20) Merchandising; and (21) Icon, which ends the book on a perfect grade note with editorial cartoons on the death of Garland in 1959, Jack Haley in 1979, Margaret Hamilton in 1985, and Ray Bolger in 1987.

This volume includes more than 400 illustrations, half in color and many never before published, including over seventy makeup and costume portraits, behind-the-scenes and production photos, and not only stills but script pages from the musical numbers and segments that were filmed but cut from the release print (including "The Jitterbug," Bolger's extended solo dance to "If I Only Had a Brain," and the "triumphal return" sequence). The photographs of all the movie posters, toys, and other items associated with "The Wizard of Oz" can be found throughout the book instead of being collected all at the end of the book corresponding with when the movie came out. The last three parts could essentially be individual chapters to avoid the sense that you are racing through the end of the volume, but that is a minor complaint all things considered.

There are many, many books out there about the making of everyone's favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz". There aren't any I've seen that I wouldn't recommend, but if you are looking for pictures, pictures, and more pictures, this beautiful coffee table size book is a great place to start. Pictures, both in color and black and white, of every aspect of the making of the movie fill this attractive volume from cover to cover, and the text, by Oz authority John Fricke is all-encompassing. Although released for the 50th Anniversary of the film's 1939 release, it is still relevant 13 years later, and a great book for the collector or casual researcher. It has yet to be topped.

I knew Sandy in college, and I'd heard about how much work she was putting into getting her book out. So I bought a copy; it's the least that old friends can do. I happen to read fantasy almost exclusively, so it wasn't even a reach for me.

I decided that if the book was good, I'd review it, and if it was bad that I would just remain politely tacit. I really enjoyed it, so here's my plug. It's clear that I'm going to be picking up the sequels when they come out (which means hardcover, and I never buy hardcover).

I love Chariss, the main character. I was interested in her story within a couple of pages, and by page 19 I realized I was already sucked in. I love her irreverent playfulness. She is both vulnerable and tough.

I found the world enjoyingly different than the other fantasy I read, and yet it felt very real right away. That the gods sometimes choose to walk among the mortals, and are gods but somehow not entirely invulnerable, was very interesting.

If you like fantasy, and especially if you want your fantasy to offer a woman lead character, I'd definitely recommend "Choices Meant for Gods" even if it means you grab them all in hardcover and they use up that precious bookshelf space in your library.

This is an excellent debut novel, priming us for more in the years to come, yet sufficient enough to quench a fantastical thirst.
The pantheon of characters is excellent, with those you love, those you hate, and those you love to hate.
Chariss is a strong heroine, who in the spirit of other fine fantasy heroines, does not yet know her own strengths.
Nigel is intriguing and promises only to get stronger as his own destiny unfurls.
Just enough foreshadowing of future events to keep us wanting to know (and buy!) what comes next.

I confess: I do not read much. I have an amazing attention deficit that prevents me from finishing even the loftiest of classics. I finished reading this book. This fact may not seem so interesting to most, but is high praise considering the countless unfinished volumes in my office. The characters are endearing, Onweald springs vividly from the pages, and I anxiously await the unfolding of the next scenes in that world's history.

I have to admit that I haven't finished th book yet, but not for lack of trying! I was explaining to a colleague why I was so tired (staying up until 2 AM, reading "just one more chapter" of "Choices Meant for Gods") and how exhilarating I am finding this book! Sandy Lender has taken great care to develop interesting characters. The book keeps you guessing. The teacher in me likes to try to predict what is coming next -- and I'm almost never right! I can't wait until Ms. Lender writes another book!

It's so refreshing when a novel comes along that grabs you from the outset and won't let go. Such was my experience with "Choices Meant for Gods." The characters are as real as the author can make them without literally leaping from the pages to be with the reader. Instead, the reader is drawn inexorably into Lender's new world, where even gods are "human." I hope that many more readers can have the opportunity to enjoy this marvelous work!

I picked this book out of the new section at the local library having never read anything by Ms. Meyers. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the adventures of Ann Marie. I was a little bit disappointed with the resolution or lack thereof, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

Not a run of the mill romance novel. The people seem real and the things that happen to them are the same as you would expect in real life. No kings, far away places, riches or fancy lifstyles. Keeps you guessing -- makes it hard to put down.

A very well written book that will hold your attention until the very end. Join Ann Marie as she tries to solve the mystery surrounding the pink prom dress. This is a great book that is suitable for reader's of all ages.

Invited to a 50's party, a young woman begins a fantastic journey with the purchase of a prom dress from a second hand store. Evicted and unemployed, finding a new apartment opens the door for a wide cast of characters to become involved. There's the almost blind retired circus performer that can still read tea leaves, the telephone repairman and the Viet Nam veteran. This is another wonderful story that will keep you spell bound and not want to put it down as the young woman searches for the story behind the dress.

This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read! I couldn't put it down and had to read it all in one sitting! The characters are so down-to-earth and "normal" that you can identify each one with someone you know! This book inspires you to wonder that there truly may be more to this world than is physically apparent. Definitely a thought-provoking story. GREAT!

though i dont have this book my friends say its an excellent book and I've seen it for my self and it is definatly a must buy

It so good it has tempted me to buy alot of Magic cards

Richard Garfield is the creator of Magic The Gathering card game. This book gives the reader an in-depth look into the game and shows the beautiful illustration that each card contains. This is a must have for all players and collectors of the card game.

I collect the cards and I don't know how I would have known if they were rare or common cards if I hadn't found this book. It's the best!

If you are a mtg collector, you definitely need this book. Although it is much "thinner" than Volume 1 but it's still a must for any serious mtg collector

I bought this game to suplement a Spades group I run. When we have 6 people, 2 have to sit out while the others play. So now with Wizard accomodating anywhere from 3 to 6, I can have everyone play, no matter how many people! We've had 18 playing - 12 at Spades, and 6 at Wizard. It's a lot of fun.

Wizard Deluxe Edition Card GameThis is a great game with no sure winners. It has become our favorite game for our RV group. It is easy but competitive. Probably good for kids but great for adults

This is a fun card game especially for families with older children (10 and up). It's a trump game that requires concentration and confidence, but not difficult like bridge.

This is a fun game. The strategy changes a lot based on the number of people playing. It is like Hearts, but less frustrating to those of us without much luck.

AS a family we have played this game many times. It's fun for ages 8-80. The rules are simple and easy to follow. One does not have to be a card shark to enjoy this and it works for any number of players from 3 to 6. I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy having family around the table.

This book is amazing to read and an informative joy to view the many photos. Jerry Maren has done so many endeavors and diversified ones in his life as recorded in this book. I have the privilege to know Jerry and his wife for many years. They are both very wonderful people. I think you will enjoy this book very much.

Jerry Maren has had the most incredible career. I had no idea he went on to do so many things after appearing in The Wizard of Oz. "Short And Sweet" is primarily a picture book. It is like a scrapbook of his life. There are photos on almost every page showing the author working with everyone from Groucho Marx to Barry Manilow. And who knew that he was one of the aliens in the original Star Trek?

He tells his story in a gentle fashion. It is not a catty tell-all book. He is very respectful of everyone he worked with. Well, ok, he mentions a couple of people who drank a bit too much, but that is as gossipy as it gets. He comes across as a man who genuinely loves his work, enjoys himself, and enjoyed his years of working in Hollywood.

It was fun learning a bit more about the other Munchkins, too. I enjoyed this book a lot.

Jerry Maren represented the Lollipop Guild in the Wizard of Oz, as a Munchkin on the most popular movie of all time. Here Maren reveals his life and career in Hollywood, examining evolving facets of 20th century culture and life, sharing experiences working among big stars from Lucille Ball to the Marx Brothers, and pairing color and black and white photos with fun memories in SHORT AND SWEET: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE LOLLIPOP MUNCHKIN. Any movie, Hollywood or general-interest lending library holding will find this a bright, popular lend.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"Short and Sweet" is just that. Jerry Maren's book covers his 60+ year career in and out of Hollywood, and is loaded with rare photos. Who knew Maren was in Star Trek the original TV series, Lidsville, Bewitched, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, New Zoo Revue, and many others, in addition to well known roles such as a Munchkin in Oz. Edited by Stephen Cox, author of some of the best TV and movie books ever written.

Very enjoyable! What a great career Jaren Maren has had -- so much more than the Lollipop Munchkin that I never knew. His story is told in a very down-to-earth manner, with lots of great behind-the-scenes photos and anecdotes. I'm glad that I've had the chance to meet this Hollywood Legend in person, and now know his history a lot better!

The first and third books in the series are good to read once, but Wyvern's Spur can be read over and over again. I can't guess how many times I've read it. While the other books are kind of dark and spooky, WSpur is just fun. It's a kick in the pants. Giogioni is my kind of hero. I doubt the missus'll let me name a kid after him though.... Oh well. Hooray for Giogi!

As a sequel to Azure Bonds only one major character appears in this book. But that is alright as this turned out to be a fantastic story. I did not want this story to end!! My only complaint is that the authors did not write another book using these characters. The story was unique and an all around excellent tale. Nothing lacking in this book. Would like to see a book about how Olive and Jade met up, though, which would precede this story.

What can I say? This book is a shining example of good fiction writing. Good plot, good characters, good pacing and a wonderful change of pace from the traditional trilogy formula of having the main characters in book #1 in dire trouble. I am disappointed however, that the only other novel that I have seen with Giogi and Cat in it has been Ed Greenwood's Cormyr (an excellent book in its own right). Highly recommended along with the two other books in this trilogy.

It appears to be that several TSR writers are themselves readers of the works of PG Wodehouse. If so, I'm very very thankful. I feel it is a pity that Giogini Wyvernspur only appears as the main character in only 1 novel. The realms need more stories with this type of clean yet side-splitting humour.

If you haven't read the Finder's Stone Trilogy, do so. This is excellent Fantasy writing. Novak and Grubb are able to suck the reader into the story.

It's hard to say whether Wyvern's Spur was the best of the three books, they were all so good. You will not be disappointed in reading this book.

Ever wanted to create a villain for your story but not sure how to go about it? Not sure how to make the villain believable? Not cliched? How to fathom his or her motivations, give a supporting cast, flesh out your evil network, make recurring villains to flesh out and give depth to your campaign.
CH 1 - Defining your Villain
CH 2 - Henchmen, Flunkies & Lackeys
CH 3 - Villainous Organisations
CH 4 - Introducing your Villain
CH 5 - Delivering the Goods
CH 6 - Monsters into Villains
CH 7 - Advanced Villains
CH 8 - Creative Villainy
CH 9 - A Compendium of Villains
CH 10 - A catalog of Villains
Villain Tables

All this goes towards the key question - the villain's motivations, aspirations, intentions and natural leanings. This helps shape your imagination and can be used by all DMs and aspiring writers.

. . . in or out of AD&D. I say that because, although I don't DM anymore, I still use this book. The title is a bit deceiving-- although it's useful for creating villains, it can be used equally well for creating any sort of NPC, and almost as well for creating characters in any other role-playing system or none at all! This book takes characters off the paper and into flesh with a helpful system and ideas for creating backgrounds, motives, resources available, organizations, and abilities. One of the most useful guides for a DM.

Have a good story plot but want to throw some extra spice and give an older villan new spice or need one right a way this book is good for all dms who want to go beyond the Monster Manuals

This book is useful for a GM in ANY system. Like the "Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide," it provides methods useful in any campaign, in any RPG. It focuses on designing villains who are memorable, engaging, and realistic. And it does a *very* good job of teaching you how to do so.

If you want a campaign with villains that just suck your players right in and get them seriously wanting to take on the villain for his own evil rather than the rewards they can get, you should buy this book.

I found myself using this book over and over again in order to gain interesting hints on how to flesh out believable villains and other bogies. It gives clear, readily usable, and concise tactics of creation of everything starting with the antagonists and finishing with their dinner habits. Can be used in any system.