Bridge Books

My preconceived notions about this conflict I picked up from the movie,"Braveheart",have to be somewhat revised after reading this book.Mainly the equipment aspect,seeing that William Wallace would have probably worn a full suit of the latest European style armor imported from the "land of the Franks".The tartans he wears in Braveheart give Mel more the folksy hero look I'll admit,but in actual combat who's looking to be a "folkhero".Wallaces' army from my read of this pamphlet style book,was alot more organized and while there were some"Bezerkers" in his ranks alot more of them would have been equipped European style aping their French sympathies.Rather than a bunch of outraged natives defending their turf,Wallace's army appears organized and capable of pulling off a well executed trap and getting there"firstist with the mostest",beforwe the English could fully deploy their forces.Excellent maps and overhead views.Great artwork as always with Wallace in full armor rather than bluish and kilted.
King Edward the First was tied up in continental politics at the time of Stirling Bridge and so the English command at the battle was left to a subordinate,who bungled the affair.In the second part of this Osprey book,the Battle of Falkirk,Edward(Longshanks)the First was present and what a difference as the Scots were defeated.This makes the 4th book on the Scottish/English wars I've read in the Osprey series and there are even a few more I haven't yet read.I'd hoped to see and understand the origin of this conflict but I've concluded it's probably prehistoric when pre-Picts said they were tired of being bossed by ancestors of McRiley's,(something like that)!

This Osprey title examines two of William Wallace's most climatic battles, both of which are portrayed (entertainingly but inaccurately) in the movie Braveheart. It does service to the most heroic battles in the history, and indeed the mythology, of Scotland.

Of the several campaign titles I have read, I found this one to be the most interesting and appealingly presented. In the usual format it begins by summarizing the events that led to Stirling Bridge-starting with the scandalous yet accidental demise of King Alexander III of Scotland in 1286, and the subsequent efforts by Edward I ('Longshanks') of England to subdue the Scots. It then gives a summarized chronology, and then goes on to profile the commanders on both sides, including the ruthless King Edward, the mediocre John de Warenne, the obese and oppressive Hugh Cressingham, and the infamous William Wallace and his compatriot Andrew de Moray (who is, like many of these people, completely left out in Braveheart).

The armies are next detailed. They were surprisingly similar in composition-and the Scots were mail clad halberdiers and pikemen, rather than painted warriors wearing kilts and not much else (the three plates by Angus McBride excellently illustrate the soldiery of both sides-and makes Wallace into the knight he was likely armed as). The events leading up to the battles, and the battles themselves are discussed in clear detail, and the history of Scotland 1298-1314 is summed up as a conclusion.

Altogether, it is an excellent source on these two great battles in Scottish history, and the brilliant (and indeed freedom-loving and arrogant) warlord who led them.

The Osprey Campaign account of the two major battles of William Wallace's rebellion has a solid, authoritative feel to it. Pete Armstrong's text is not particularly elegant and would have benefited from stricter editing, but he more than makes up for this with a thorough knowledge of his subject and an infectious enthusiasm for it.

It makes sense to combine these two battles in one volume because, together with a description of the background and linking events, they constitute an account of Wallace's entire campaign. Little is known about the man himself, so justice can be done to him in a relatively short book like this.

The maps, 2D and 3D, are informative and attractive. The illustrations of battle scenes are excellent, giving a real sense of how things must have looked, minus the mud and blood and guts, of course. The various sketches of seals and coats of arms will be rather too much for most general readers, but those depicting arms and armor should be of interest to everyone.

The Wallace episode is an important and absorbing one in the ancient conflict between English and Scot, rivals as only neighbors can be. It has accreted plenty of mythic elements also, which books like this may help to dispel.

I know that many people like the Hollywood movie "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson, and have "learnt history" from that inacurrate, fantasy film. But if you want the real story about William Wallace's war against Edward II, take your time and read this superb, new volume from Osprey, written by the respected historian David Nicolle. Here we're introduced to Wallace the armoured knight, leading his disciplined mailclad scottish pikemen, not the longhaired and kilt-dressed savage in head of his pictish hordes as inacurratly portrayed by Hollywood. Perhaps equally important for the victory at Stirling bridge was also Andrew Murray. So enjoy this fascinating peice of history, and laugh next time you watch "Braveheart"!

Amateur historian Pete Armstrong provides a good summary of William Wallace's famous rebellion against English rule in Scotland during 1297-1298. The two principle battles of this rebellion were Stirling Bridge and Falkirk, the first a Scottish victory and the second an English victory. Overall, Armstrong provides both insight and detail of this epic phase of the Scottish struggle for independence from English domination.

Stirling Bridge & Falkirk 1297-1298 begins with a nine-page introduction that explains how Scotland's dynastic problems led to English intervention. The sections on opposing commanders and opposing armies are decent, but perhaps not as informative as they could have been (a diagram of tactical unit dispositions might have been helpful). The maps are a bit skimpy in this volume, as there are only four 2-D maps instead of the typical 7-8; they are: Edward I's invasion in 1296, the campaign of 1297, the campaign of Falkirk and the campaigns of 1300-1307. There are also three 3-D "Birds Eye View" maps - two of Stirling Bridge and one of Falkirk. The three battle scenes by Angus McBride depict William Wallace at Stirling, the Scottish attack at Stirling and the English cavalry at Falkirk.

One aspect of this book that is particularly welcome for military historians is the attention that the author devotes to issues such as the terrain over which the battles were fought. Clearly, the restrictive terrain at Stirling Bridge contributed significantly to the English defeat on that battlefield. Similarly, the lack of suitable defensive terrain at Falkirk led to the Scottish defeat. It is also clear that both sides were plagued by logistic problems and the lack of intelligence about enemy movements.

The Toll Bridge is a story about development. The main character, whom is named nicknamed "Jan" within the book decides to seperate himself from his previous life, to clean the slate and start over, to find out who he is and what he really wants for himself. This becomes possible when he gets a job collecting tolls at a bridge (hence the title), which also offers him accommodation in a house where he lives alone. However this isolation is shattered with the arrival of Adam, a character who represents the complete opposite of Jan. The Toll Bridge is about the relationship that develops between Adam and Jan, and Gill who is the daughter of the owner of the Toll Bridge. However the bridge is not only physical, it also represents the mindset of Jan as Gill puts it "You don't know whether you're coming or going." Like a bridge that has two paths to take. Into the future, or back into the past. As the book develops, the characters interact with each other and bring up many issues that are relevant to development of the individual. However, an incident at a party soon smashes the world of the Toll Bridge into pieces, and Jan and Gill soon discover that Adam is not the same person they grew to know - Adam is on the other side of the bridge. This is my favourite book because it contains so many sub-plots that create a complete picture of the development of the individual personality, and evokes thoughts within the reader about their own "character".

The Toll Bridge is a story about development. The main character, whom is named nicknamed "Jan" within the book decides to seperate himself from his previous life, to clean the slate and start over, to find out who he is and what he really wants for himself. This becomes possible when he gets a job collecting tolls at a bridge (hence the title), which also offers him accommodation in a house where he lives alone. However this isolation is shattered with the arrival of Adam, a character who represents the complete opposite of Jan. The Toll Bridge is about the relationship that develops between Adam and Jan, and Gill who is the daughter of the owner of the Toll Bridge. However the bridge is not only physical, it also represents the mindset of Jan as Gill puts it "You don't know whether you're coming or going." Like a bridge that has two paths to take. Into the future, or back into the past. As the book develops, the characters interact with each other and bring up many issues that are relevant to development of the individual. However, an incident at a party soon smashes the world of the Toll Bridge into pieces, and Jan and Gill soon discover that Adam is not the same person they grew to know - Adam is on the other side of the bridge. This is my favourite book because it contains so many sub-plots that create a complete picture of the development of the individual personality, and evokes thoughts within the reader about their own "character".

This book, this wounderful wounderful wounderful book. Is the best one i have ever read. Aidan Chambers is one of the best authers i've ever incountered. He's masterful at teaseing the mind and leafing through are idel imagination, he makes charticors seem so real and alive its as though u are with them in that very room, breathing three air, touchign there skin, feeling their sun. This is a beautful book about a Teen age boy trying to excape his life of lies, then finding one liveing in a world of make believe, and the wounderful bonds that people can form together. I cryed. and i never ever ever cry.

The years in wich you leave school and start working, or maybe better the years that you leave your parents, start building your own life are probably the most intresting years of ones life. Some people wonder what they want to do and take some time to find out. Jany is such a boy. He decides to leave his parents, at least for a while, and he takes a job at a tollbridge. It is easy working and he can be alone and think about his future. His self-chosen lonlyness is rudely broken at the arival of Adam. Adam seems to have some troubles, so he moves in the toll house together with Jany. Then there is Tess. Between these boys and girl starts a strange kind of friendship, all are very different people. The story is written from the perspective of Jany (mainly, some parts are written by someone else), we learn what he thinks. we are a whitness of the changing of his personality, a change due to his confrontation with Adam, and the 'catalyst' Tess, catalyst in his developing towards a grown up. The book is great because the characters are real, it are real people. Reading it they are for a while part of your life. Jany is very open and fair in what he tells what happens, what he feels and what is spinning in his mind. You can feel page by page what is going on inside him. The only thing I didn't like when I read the book was that one of the characters stoped existing at the best part of the book, without any warning that they would not live happyly ever after. But that is an important literal trick; Jany wants to find out who he is, Adam wants to forget who he is. This book is a book for all ages, although it's probably written for the age 16 - 20. It is a must-read if you like other books of Aidan Chambers (like 'Now I Know', or 'dance on my grave') or if you like to read books with a more difficult structure

The first time I read this book I had just turned thirteen. It was very different from anything else I had read. I identified very well with 17-year-old Jan, and was fascinated by the deep thoughts the book evoked in me. Now, five years later (I read the Swedish translation, which was published in '92) I still identify with the main character. I have read the book five or six times, and each time is a new and different experience; as I mature, so does the book, and aspects I never saw before are brought into the light.

"The Toll Bridge" provides a very rich reading experience, dealing with everything from depression and finding oneself, to Kafka and human relationships. It's a page-turner, with unexpected events colourfully bursting out with each new word. The next sentence cannot be predicted, and the end surprises me every time I get to it.

After my first encounter with this book I have expanded my reading, enjoyed many Nobel laureates, and other acknowledged literary works. I place this novel on the same piedestal as Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and Morrison's "Beloved." What separates "The Toll Bridge" from these others might be the fact that it is more welcomed by the "non-reading public."
I recently recommended the book to my boyfriend (more or less forced it onto him), he hadn't touched a book since high school, and even then not very willingly. Two nights later I woke up from his sobs, when I asked what the problem was he simply answered: "I can't help it, I just finished the book, and it's just so beautiful."
If that's how much it affected a macho 25-year-old, just think of what it will do to you.

I recommend this book to every person in every age-group. It's an experience you shouldn't miss. Read and enjoy.

Linn

It is not a book only for engineerings, for all architects, artists and commen people, for those who cares about the decline of our man-made surroundings, itis quite worth to read! The thinking about the relationship between the structures and the democracy is also very believable.

From my own experience, I've always been frustrated with the tendency of the architecture community to either completely overlook the aesthetic works of the great structural engineers or shamelessly claim them as their own. This book is beyond a simple consensus of great engineering works; it is Billington's clear and rational case for the distinction of the discipline of Structural Art - the engineer's means of expression - from that of Architecture.

This book is just the thing any student or young professional in structural engineering should have along with their library of technical books. Instead of explaining the aesthetics and beauty of structures in vague architectural terms, Billington looks at them in terms of the technical (formwork, stress diagrams, material economy, etc.). When has an architectural critic discussed the elegance behind a moment diagram?

I think anyone who loves architecture and great works of engineering will appreciate this book. If you like this, I would also recommend Billington's 'Robert Maillart and the Art of Reinforced Concrete' and Salvadori's 'Why Buildings Stand Up'.

Billington goes through the evolution of structural art/expressionism in great detail. It is helpful to have a preexisting knowledge about the various engineers/artist discussed in this text, however, it is not necessary. This book is very interesting and encourages the engineer to consider the aesthetic consequences of structures.

It is an inspiring book to read (and re-read) and is packed full of historical bridges and other structures (like thin concrete shells). I highly recommend it to engineering students with an interest in structures.

Billington adds a whole new dimension to engineering by interpreting a scientific discipline in a subjective light. He offers criteria for aesthetic appreciation and brings forth the subtleties in an otherwise inaccessible field. Well written and unintimidating to even the most science-phobic reader.

This book has engaged my artistic mind in the search for opportunities to become such a designer as the individuals biographed so explicitly by Billington. The unseeming artist, architect, or engineer is left believing that even he/she has the potential to add to the realm of amazing structures. An inspiring read.

My other book, Over Water Construction Using Falsework, might sell better if shown with Underwater Construction Using Cofferdams.
Harold V. Anderson, Author of both.

This is subject matter not required or found everywhere. It is good that it so completely addresses such a narrow subject. It was an easy read for one involved with this type of work, and provides up to date methodology.

Harold Anderson, who received the prestigious Golden Beaver Award for Engineering, has done it again. This book contains technical data for design, as well as, practical suggestions,and wisdom, based on the real life experiences of one of the industry's leading engineers. This book should be required reading for all Civil Engineers, and contractors that design and build bridges, wharfs, and/or docks & piers. Of all the books and journals on cofferdam construction, this one is by far the best.

As an author of a cofferdam tutorial and long time designer and builder of cofferdams I am impressed with the research and obersations presented by Mr. Anderson. I learned a few new points. This book presents the details of design considerations and includes practical construction instructions. These procedures are then augmented with a discussion on problems and failures that have been encounterd and the solutions for avoiding or correcting the problems. This is by far the best work I have seen on this subject, comprehensive and to the point. It is a must have manual for anyone who designs and/or builds cofferdams.

I have had the pleasure to have worked with Harold Anderson throughout my professional career and am very please to see the transfer of his years of experience with marine cofferdams to fellow engineers by way of his book.

The reader will find the book to be a practical hands-on tool. Harold takes the reader through the history and failures, points out many of the pitfalls to be avoided, and has included numerical examples which can be used as design guides. I highly recommend this book to students, professionals, and marine contractors alike.

Watson's The Play of the Hand is far and away the number 1 bridge book to read if you are only going to read one bridge book. This book covers a lot of the same ground as Watson, so in a sense it isn't necessary (from my perspective). It doesn't cover with more breadth or depth than Watson. However, it still goes over much of the same material, and does a good job. And it is very readable (Watson may be a little to dry for some).

Often humorous, well-written tips for handling the cards when you are the declarer. Sections on elementary and advanced plays and on special hands.

This is surely one of the best books on declarer play. Taught me alot and is a classic. I highly recommend it!

The book is fun to read, and has some quiz problems, rather than just showing examples.
I felt there was good overall coverage of a variety of topics, the basics, a little deductive reasoning, and even simple squeezes.
This is a good book for someone who is relatively new to bridge. If you have never read books on declarer play, then this would be a nice start.

After you read this try:
Card Play Made Easy - Klinger
Countdown to Winning Bridge - Bourke
Card Play Technique - Mollo

The Watson book may have been a classic in its time, but I think there are much better books available now.

Takes the reader from the basics of play up to the most complicated squeezes and endplays, and makes it all seem effortless. If you only buy one book on playing a bridge hand, this should be the one.

I'LL LET YOU KNO

One of the most useful Bridge books I have ever read. Full of useful advise for common situations, both bidding and play. Lots of practical tips packed into small space. highly recommended

This is a great "bathroom book;" read one or two tip each time you are in there. If you follow the tips in this book, you will end up on top much more often than on the losing end.

I read the tips on leading one night before a bridge tournament event. The next day I was on lead 20 plus times; in each case I made either the killing lead, or the least costly lead (we ended up 6th overall!).

I can think or no book that will help your game faster than this book.

This is an excellent book that tries to improve ALL aspects of your game. In bite-sized tips, your game is gradually taken to another level. I especially liked the sections on Declarer play and Defense, with the section on Opening Leads being the best feature of the book. As most players know "Lead Trumps when in doubt" is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. However, I was not sure when I SHOULD lead trumps. The feature of this book in my opinion is clearly laying out when trumps should be lead.

These tips include most of the basics like Third Hand High, Rule of 11, as well as a lot more tips that are not as well known. The sequel to this book (50 More Tips ..), while also good, is not as useful for beginning players.

Expert-level bridge and backgammon player Danny Kleinman presents 365 Winning Bridge Tips, a practical-minded resource for bridge players of all levels from novice to skilled professional. Virtually every tip is actually in the form of a bridge problem, spelled out with a simple black-and-white diagram and bridge notation, while the text walks the reader through the problem, the ideal solution, and possible alternatives. Discussing both issues of bidding and card play, 365 Winning Bridge Tips presumes familiarity with basic bridge rules and conventions but no more than that. A "must-read" from the aspiring bridge gamer seeking to hone his or her skills.

Expert-level bridge and backgammon player Danny Kleinman presents 365 Winning Bridge Tips, a practical-minded resource for bridge players of all levels from novice to skilled professional. Virtually every tip is actually in the form of a bridge problem, spelled out with a simple black-and-white diagram and bridge notation, while the text walks the reader through the problem, the ideal solution, and possible alternatives. Discussing both issues of bidding and card play, 365 Winning Bridge Tips presumes familiarity with basic bridge rules and conventions but no more than that. A "must-read" from the aspiring bridge gamer seeking to hone his or her skills.

Expert-level bridge and backgammon player Danny Kleinman presents 365 Winning Bridge Tips, a practical-minded resource for bridge players of all levels from novice to skilled professional. Virtually every tip is actually in the form of a bridge problem, spelled out with a simple black-and-white diagram and bridge notation, while the text walks the reader through the problem, the ideal solution, and possible alternatives. Discussing both issues of bidding and card play, 365 Winning Bridge Tips presumes familiarity with basic bridge rules and conventions but no more than that. A "must-read" from the aspiring bridge gamer seeking to hone his or her skills.

When I first saw this book I expected it to be the routine book of play problems with Loser on Loser plays, not ruffing in 2nd spot, etc. Instead I was pleasantly surprised as the problems were common, but not the routine ones covered in many other books. There are bidding, defense, and play problems, all requiring the reader to listen to the bidding.

I don't agree with all of the authors bidding ideas, but they are interesting. And some of his points are excellent, like when he expalins why a convention should not be used in a certain situation. Also, concerning Long Suit/Short Suit game tries, its better if the weak hand describes itself, not the strong hand.

The play problems are mostly Intermediate Plus. Most are MP oriented, but that doesn't take away from their use for IMPS players. The problems are common ones, not unusual squeezes.
They involve counting, listening to the bidding, visualizing the unseen hands, thinking about a suit based on spots played, not breaking new suits, or setting up a suit.

Over, this book will not be of much interest to Advanced players (most who think they are advanced are just Intermediate plus) becajus ethey will find the play problems easy, and already know the bidding.

Those below Intermediate level will not be able to visialize teh hands and think about the spots, and will miss most of the problems, and probably not even know how to solve them.

Example:

You dont want to lead any other suit but Clubs, based on the bidding, so you select Clubs.
you lead K from KQ32
Dummy has 10 x x
pard plays the 5.

Declarer plays the 6.

Whats going on?
At first you may think its a Bath Coup and not to continue.
But with the 10 in Dummy, its likely Declarer doesn't have the AJ else he would take the K and lead to the 10, establishing a 2nd trick by force.

Leading low can be ok.

I read this fine book, that is so correctly titled. This book is "All About Escrow and Real Estate Closing." Every aspect of the closing from pro-ration of taxes, title insurance, holding title, and closing statement are included in this book. In addition there is an appendix which in 1 paragraph for each of the 50 states outlines the settlement procedures in each and every state. There is also 10 pages of blank forms in the back of the book, which are suitable for copying and using. The book is easy to read taking a complicated and foreign subject and breaking it down and explaining it. It comes as no surprise that this book is used by real estate schools and professionals. Every real estate professional should have a copy and read it as well as use it for reference. If you ever had questions about a real estate closing, those questions are probably answered by this book. If you are only ever going to buy one or two properties this book is going to be over kill, but if your plans include buying multiple properties and you are a real estate investor, then this book will be a helpful tool in your real estate toolbox.

The illustrator is Dave Patton, who also did fine work in Leigh Robinson's excellent book "Landlording".

My only reservation is that some aspects of settlement are handled differently in different states and locales, that everything could not be covered in this book. There is no standard for settlements in different states and some states use different documents. Also some states have a simultaneous closing whereas others have the buyer and seller go to settle at different times.

This book is fantastic. It really changed the escrow process for me. By simplifing the buying and selling network my escrow went allot easyer. Because of this book I knew which questions to ask and ended up saving allot of money. I would advise to anyone thinking about going through escrow to read this book. It will save you allot of time, energy and expenses.

A reader from Punta Gorda, Florida...May 1999

This book is a 'MUST HAVE" for anyone buying or selling real estate. The down to earth way the book is written makes each detail understandable. This book is unquestionably the best source of information for escrow. It is loaded with information which will help property buyers and sellers avoid a host of potentially serious problems which may occur in escrow and closing. This book saved me money and told me exactly what questions to ask.

I ordered All About Escrow to explain a few questions I had on closing costs. I was surprised to find that this clearly written book explained to me everything from how to write a purchase agreement, what to look out for, and followed the purchase all the way through to the final closing day. I referred this book to a friend who wanted to purchase a house from a neighbor without using a real estate agent, and All About Escrow detailed exactly how to proceed.

All About Escrow outlines the Who, What, Why, When, and How of any real estate purchase better than most real estate books I have read. It gave me the information I needed. I appreciated the "The Way It Really Is" feature which tells real life stories of a closing and I liked the check lists and what to look for. The book is written in terms which any lay person can understand. The sample forms were very helpful and the State by State Procedures chart is unique. This is one real estate book which delivers more than the title suggests!

My 2 and 4 yr old girls LOVE this book! Now before they go to sleep they say "A present for you mommy?" and I reply "Just what I always wanted." Very sweet.

When I read this book, it made me remember when I was just a little kid. All the times I had been too little for things that other bigger kids could do, yet I never forgot all the things that I could do because I was little. Things such as the book said, getting a piggyback ride down the stairs, crawling under my bed, and being able to ride in a stroller everywhere. All the younger years that were so easy and yet went by so fast. This book lets me remember all the good times that I had when I was that age. Especially all the times I will never forget, for one, when I would go to weddings or other big things, and be able to dance on my daddy's feet. Or when I would play with my older cousins and they would swing me around and I was so small it would make me feel like I was weightless. Yet now I am too big to do most of those things and I miss that feeling, but I have learned that being older brings great things such as responsibility. So if someone asked me if I knew a good children's book, I would have to say Am I Big or Little? by Margaret Park Bridges.

This is a sweet story of a little girl asking her mother if she is big or little. With each question, her mother lovingly answers each of her daughter's questions.The last 2 pages just make this book special to me.... " Yes, Sweet Pea You're like a big present in a little box. A Present for you, Mommy? Of course- just what I always wanted! What wonderful words to say to your daughter, and words that should be said often, if not every day! I know without a doubt, my daughter is a wonderful gift!

Tracy Dockray does a fantastic job illustrating this book. The pages aren't cluttered up, but focus on the little girl and her mother and are done using both watercolor paints and pencils, that just gives the pages a softness.

I remember when my brother was born, my mom started calling me her Tiny Big Girl, even though I was 2, it made me feel big, when I really was little! I am so pleased that this boardbook found it's way into my hands and now heart! And will absolutely be perfect for your tiny big girl who is just wanting to be big!

This is a terrific book that doesn't just talk about the sizes, big and small, but the possibilities. The child has a enormous amount of fun being both big and little, with the story focusing on the things that she can do. The book is written as a conversation between the child and her mother. It reminds me a little of "The Runaway Bunny". The conversation is not as protective but the love shows through. It also reads smoothly so it is a good book to read aloud.

If you have ever wanted to play a trivia game using your knowledge of anime, here's your chance. The questions cover a wide variety of subjects, and they are grouped into categories. This makes it easy for you to use the book. And there is snappy banter included with the answers! Most of the comments are quite funny, and some had me rolling on the floor gasping for breath. I can't wait til the next volume comes out!

Japanese animated movies, called "anime", have received wide popular attention with the American movie-going public, and have long had an enthusiastic following among film buffs and students of Japanese popular culture. In the Anime Trivia Quizbook, Ryan Omega offers more than 400 questions that range from the very easy to the very difficult. Fortunately, he also provides the answers. The Q & A covers all the major anima genres, from giant robots and space aliens to silent samurai and "fan service" girls. From Ah My Goddess to Zetsuai and all the anime epics in between, Anime Trivia Quizbook is enhanced with sidebars, cells, and more! This is a "must" for all dedicated anime fans everywhere!

For those of us who like details, this book certainly questioned most of them. A very humorous book with comments for even the wrong answers, and a great guide for whether or not you are just starting anime or have become very obsessed with it. A variety of topics include romance, math, sci-fi, merchandise, etc. I can't get enough of this book! It contains all the current anime and puts your brain to work, but if you don't feel like doing that, the answers are easily accessible. A well-worth buy.

I was going to take this book to a party with my friends, but I missed the party because I was laughing so hard reading it! I was skeptical at first of the subtitle, "From Easy To Otaku Obscure," I thought, "Pshaw, what Sailormoon and Dragonball Z trivia probably." But no! It was a pleasant surprise to find references to lesser-known anime series' such as the Legend of Basara and Weiss Kruez, two of my personal favorites. I loved the Games section, Japanese anime-style RPG and fighting games are highly underappreciated in Western literature about contemporary Japan. When I met the author at a local bookstore, we had fantastic discussions about everything from the cultural and social implications in Final Fantasy to male and female sexuality in anime. It's refreshing to meet another anime otaku who has the brainpower left to discuss things intelligently. Everyone, including the smallest Pokemon fan to the otaku who's been watching anime since Astro Boy, should buy this book!