Irons Books

I tried to read Iron John a few years ago and found it much too heavy. However, I picked it up again last month (April 99) and I really enjoyed it. My dad is still alive at 85 and I have a son of almost 16. I had older mentors in my life, my maternal grandfather, a very old uncle and of course my Dad. I am now 47 and have mentored many people in work through the years, and I have been a sunday school teacher, a sports coach, and a youth group leader. I do believe mentoring is such an important part of 'growing up' and feel sad for those of us who have not had mentors in our lives. I can see more clearly now why some of the situations between my son and my wife happen .... I do so hope she reads Iron John. I have recommended Iron John to most of my male friends. Robert Bly makes this a very interesting read. Although,I found I had to re-read some sections to let the point sink in .... it IS quite a heavy book.

The actions and reactions of the men in my life has always been a source of continual amazement to me. I gained some background understanding of why these men fail to be 'manly', and why they seem to be filled with rage and sorrow when I read the book 'Iron John' several years ago. Recently I picked up the audio copy and have found that hearing the author, poet Robert Bly, read the material makes it much more meaningful. Mr. Bly stresses the male need for older men to initiate young men into adult manhood. Since this society does not provide meaningful male initiation, he offers some direction for men to ritually work through the process themselves, based on the old fairy tale of Iron John. This is a practical yet deeply resonant book, and I strongly recommend it in the tape version.

Doomquest chronicles the time traveling battles between armored Avenger Tony "Iron Man" Stark and Fantastic Four foe Doctor Doom, as both duke it out from the present day, to King Arthur's mythical Camelot, to the future, and back again. Written by the long running team of David Michelline and Bob Layton (a tandem whose run many consider to be the definitive run in Iron Man's history), Doomquest is a fun, often thrilling throwback to what made superhero stories so worthwhile in the first place. Though Doomquest hasn't particularly aged very well in terms of the dialogue and some story ideas, it still holds an undeniable charm to it, and it remains one of the definitive arcs in the entire Iron Man mythos. All in all, Iron Man VS Doctor Doom: Doomquest is a worthwhile read for Iron Man fans new and old alike, and with the eagerly anticipated Iron Man film on the horizon, now has never been a better time to get re-acquainted with good 'ol shellhead.

Tony Stark, aka Iron Man is a member of a select club of superheroes that includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man: heroes who have been consistently published in their own book since their creation. In Tony's case, this is his 46th year of continuous publication through four different volumes. Not bad, really; the character has usually occupied a middle-to-low position on the sales charts, but consistency outstrips flashes in the pan. However, some have commented that, for all his history, there aren't a great many 'essential' Iron Man stories. Several of those stories that are generally agreed upon, however, come from the two periods when David Michelinie and Bob Layton were handling his comic, the first run in the late 70s/early 80s, and the second in the late 80s. This collection, released to coincide with the "Iron Man" feature film, has stories from both eras, which form the first two parts of what would eventually become a trilogy of stories pitting Iron Man against Doctor Doom (the third leg, "Legacy of Doom", is being released as we speak as a four-part miniseries, nearly 30 years after the original).

Doctor Doom is frequently held up as being Marvel's greatest villain (I myself favour Magneto, but perhaps Doom is a superior pure villain), and these stories pit him against Iron Man in a battle of the men wearing suits of powered armour. The first story, a two-parter featured in issues 149-150, see Iron Man and Doctor Doom sent back in time to the days of Camelot by one of Doom's opportunistic minions. There they form alliances with King Arthur and his evil sister Morgan le Fay, respectively; Doom planned the trip in order to enlist Morgan's aide in freeing his mother's soul from Hell. The end result is Doom leading an army of undead warriors against the Knights of the Table Round, all illustrated by John Romita Jr. before his style descended into the scratchy, boxy mess that it is today. Along the way, Tony gets his groove on with a court-supplied courtesan. This first story is just pure fun comics, maybe my all-time favourite Iron Man story.

The second story, from Michelinie and Layton's second run, with Layton on art, sees Iron Man and Doom taken into the far future to defend the reborn King Arthur, at Merlin's behest. The central plot of this one is a lot less inherently interesting, pitting Iron Man against an evil future descendant and Doom against a cyborg future version of himself, but the devil is in the details: Iron Man equipping himself for battle with tech acquired at a futuristic version of Radio Shack; both armoured men trying to wield the legendary Excalibur; Merlin's general demeanour, and the explanation for why the reborn Arthur himself is unable to fight he menace; and, in the premiere dramatic moment, Doom's summary handling of a future version of himself that he finds to be extremely substandard.

I strongly recommend this collection to anyone who is looking to try out some of the best material involving a long-time but low-profile Marvel hero.

Our family loves this book. It is so refreshing to read a book for young people these days that doesn't crucify the South. We wish there were more like it.

IRON SCOUTS OF THE CONFEDERACY is about the American people in the 1800s, the war between the North and the South, about 2 teenage brothers growing up in Missouri. I realize there were 2 sides to the war. The Iron Scouts were hired off the farms, to cross enemy lines, put on clothes of the enemy and gather information about the movements of the enemy troops. They had to wear at least one piece of their southern colors, so they would not be mistaken for yankees, and shot as spies. The younger brother Ben was left with the rich neighbors when older brother Gant went to fight in the war. Mother died when Ben was 3 and their dad was killed in the war. He was only 14, short and was looked down on, but was a good hunter and tracker. Gant went to war with a man from Texas who was looking for recruits for the Iron Scouts, Ben was too young, even for the scouts. With his older brother in the confederate Iron Scouts, Ben wants to be an Iron Scout, and spy on the Union Army, too. He travels across the countryside to join the scouts,gets captured by the Yankees, and makes friends with the bugler for the North who is also 14.

This is an excellent story, it has adventure and loyality. It makes you think about the real people who were in the war. The story was accurate and had authentic heros from the Civil War.

Steve has managed to bring to life a little known part of the drama that was the Cold War. He has a unique ability to potray the claustrophobic atmosphere that working under cover must bring. Again and again it is the ironic humour of Steve and his colleagues that let them cope. It has none of the glamour of a number of other tell all stories but with that comes gritty realism.

I've been waiting for two years to see a review of this, so here goes. It seems to have been overlooked. This is a fascinating and hard to put down account of one Brit's personal experiences as part of the British observer teams in East Germany, while eluding the East German and Soviet field security. Their duties were to clandestinely observe and keep track of troop movements and unit deployments in addition to the introduction of new weaponry and equipment. This duty was done by the military liason teams of the three western occupying powers. They had the authority to go where they pleased but if they went openly they would be physically blocked from accessing anything interesting --if clandestinely, but still required to be in uniform, were likely to be physically harassed, if not shot by field security or unit guard forces. Some were killed on duty but there was no lack of volunteers. Many a tale of midnight sneaks and layups during the day and dodgem driving to escape pursuit. All of the teams had favorite hidey holes near bridges and RR crossings and their special maps showed exactly where they were. They had radios and carried cameras as well so their activities could not well have been denied. Probably the worst and nastiest activities took place during the semi-annual redeployments of Soviet troops. First, one must realize that few laagers had sewage systems, nor was there any organized rubbish removal or recycling. And shredders and burners were not issue items. Also understand that toilet paper was not issued nor readily available otherwise. Because the redeploying Soviets traveled with only their personal baggage and not with their individual equipment, and, most importantly, the technical and field manuals, classified or otherwise, issued to them for their duty use, this material, if worn or excess, was simply dumped with the left over body excretions, into a rubbish tip. These tips were usually on the outskirts of the garrison towns, and it was common for locals to rummage about to find salvagable materials. Thus, after one of these redeployments, there were all sorts of spare parts, classified documents and manuals mixed in with the kitchen rubbish and excreta. Midnight raids on these dumps while wearing non-descript coveralls were part of the drill. Some of the materials recovered from the slime pits were of extremely high importance, detailing the new ablative tank armor, weapons systems and much else of technical intelligence value. Also personal items such as unit badges could sometimes be used to keep track of OB. All in all, exciting, dangerous, and extremely trying duty. If you weren't shot, you might catch some loathsome disease while sorting through the midden heaps. (As archeologists have found, privies are good sources for artifacts, and the smell can last for a couple of hundred years.) In this case, the whole country was a vast privy and midden heap. Investments in sanitary infrastructure were not high on East Bloc priorities

A superb introduction to Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate, this manual covers basic techniques in Part I, and in Part II the first (original) 62 maneuvers required for promotion to 2nd brown tip white belt--that is, before the introduction of belts other than white, brown and black. Remember this volume was written in 1960.

This was Parker's first book, and it stands out from what little was available at the time for its straightforward explanations and crisp, clear drawings and photographs. Each sequence is completely explained and illustrated with written instruction and photos--on average each technique (series) is shown in 3-5 photos which include precise arrows illustrating the path of movement.

Even in 1960, you can see the intellectual side of Parker's American Kenpo, as he covers topics such as the "Importance of Speed", the "Importance of Maneuvering", and the "Importance of Integrating Speed, Power, Accuracy and Gauging of Distance" (page73-74). Already Parker was making use of organizational charts for anatomical points, method and effect of attack. (pages 58-65).

For the history buffs among us, Acknowledgements are given by Parker on the copyright page to several of the early men of Kanpo Karate, including Ben Otake, William Ingram, Robert Liddle, Tim Trahan, Charles Pranke, and Rich Montgomery. Parker and several early students (Including two of the Tracy brothers of Tracy's Kenpo fame among them) take turns demonstrating techniques, with Parker alternating between Tori (demonstrator) and Uke (assistant). Of special value to those with an interest in Karate and Kenpo history in the United States.

this book keyed on most of the points in kenpo karate...if you have the time to wait for the book it is a perfect buy for any martial arts fanatic

The Cast Iron way to Cook by Sue Cutts is an excellent investment for those that enjoy or want to learn about cooking with Le Creuset cast iron. The book is full of recipes accompanied with step by step instructions and tantalizing images. Besides providing recipes, this book explains the purpose, and care for each pan. The recipes are divided into sections based on which pans to use.

While the recipes alone are a worthy reason for purchasing this book, understanding how to use and care for your pans is an equally good reason. The latter may even help save money. Proper care for your Le Creuset will help it last a lifetime. Once understanding a pan may perform the same function of another, your purchase decisions will help you choose the pans you really need. For example, the buffet casseroles can also be used like a skillet in addition to preparing casseroles. Once you own a buffet casserole (one of my favorite Le Creuset pieces) buying the skillet may no longer be necessary.

PROS:
Full of recipes
Explains the purpose, and care for each pan
Can help save you money

CONS:
I didn't buy this book soon enough

Besides providing great recipes (recipes are arranged according to individual pieces i.e. French Ovens, Buffet Casseroles etc.) it also contains valuable "use and care" tips. Thanks to this book, I now have a greater understanding and appreciation of the versatility and function of the different pieces.

The Lemon Chicken Gratiné recipe is wonderful!! Can't wait to try more!

My only regret is that I wish I had seen this book prior to my first Le Creuset purchase. However, since receiving this book as a present I've added several more Le Creuset pieces to my collection. :p

This small but important collection of letters bears the stamp of the common soldier through and through. Partridge's political and personal attitudes towards the war reflect what modern scholars have come to identify as the norm among Federal soldiers during the early part of the war. Written in a simple and direct style, Partridge brings us inside the 7th Wisconsin by sharing his attitudes and experiences on the events he lives. This is complemented by a short commentary by Hugh Whitehouse, who offers brief and intelligent psychological insights and a historical context to understand Partridge's letters. After journeying with Partridge through the joys, hopes, fears and discomforts of his soldiering life, one feels a loss when he is killed at the battle of Gettysburg and his letters come to an end.

I thought this book was well laid out by it's author, who happens to be a descendant from the subject's family. The historical content is excellent, and provides some good insight for history buffs and reenactors alike on the personal opinions and emotions of a soldier in the 7th Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade. I would recommend this book to anyone who desires to know more about the men of the legendary Black Hats! In all, a total of 27 letters are published here from George Washington Partridge, Jr. to his sisters, giving the reader a first-hand account of the Civil War through the eyes of a Union soldier.

Star Wars was released four years before this book was published. George Lucas did borrow much from old space operas, but this book was not among them.

Also note that Gordon Eklund based the Tedric series on a character that Doc Smith had created in 1953, but that Smith played no role in writing Eklund's books, the first of which appeared some 13 years after Smith died.

A good read!

Doc Smith is the grandfather of the classic space opera. His vision and creativity are paralled by the likes of Heinlen, Silverberg and Dick. Most of his work was done in the 20's and 30's which makes it astonishing.

One thing I have never been able to understand is how George Lucas got away with stealing so many Star Wars ideas from The Black Knight of the Iron Sphere. Even my wife, a die hard SW fan, admits that this book is obviously the source work for SW.

Nevertheless it is painted, like all Doc Smith books, in simple colours returning you to simplicity of good vs evil allowing you to cheer for your retiring hero Lord Tedric.

Once you start on Doc Smith you will be hooked. Strongly suggest you look at the Skylark series for more heros and villans painted across the canvases of multiple galaxies. From there the grandfather of science fiction will drag you to the Lensman Series, still for my money the most complete science fiction saga ever written.

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK is not what you would expect if you have seen any of the filmed versions, but it is nevertheless a fitting end to the saga of the Three Musketeers. My only problem with it is the translation in the Signet edition, which is clumsy, clunky, and lifeless. There must be a better one available.

At times my favorite Dumas. World weary cynicism, mixed with heroism. A band of aging heroes must right a terrible wrong, and deal with upcoming youth at the same time. They have been betrayed and pensioned off by those they have bled and almost died for, and so set out to see what they can do to rectify the situation and the darkness surrounding the throne of France.

For the first time there is a book on the market that covers Miscellaneous Iron and other Metals, such as aluminum and bronze. Steel stairs are also extensively covered. This book should be revised for actuality, in a new edition, regarding estimations, because it dates back to 1989.

The book is an excellent primer for those wishing to learn about, or expand their knowledge of the structural steel industry. Not really useful for technical information and practically useless as an estimating guide (a new edition is called for), it is, however, wonderful as a guide to the business end of this old but unstoried industry.