Brooks Books

The first part of this book, devoted to Médoc and Graves, was published separately in 2006 and won the André Simon Award. This volume completes the survey with the addition of Sauternes and the Right Bank.
Brooks has written two other books on Bordeaux, and this is a major survey of this "Empire of Wine", as Michael Broadbent has named Bordeaux. Currently, this is the most comprehensive and most up to date reference book covering the Empire.

There are over 700 pages of densely printed type, with hundreds of profiles of estate, all in great detail, and many of them having been visited by Brook. His work is informed by an enormous love and enthusiasm for the wines, the people and the vineyards and geography. (He does add some very human asides and sceptical insinuations, but the enthusiasm never shows signs of flagging.)

The introductory chapters on history, winemaking and wine styles would make a very nice primer on the region. The description of Bordeaux's commercial market is particularly fine. There is a very good chapter on `The Land' (including terroir, grape varieties and vititulture), and a helpful chapter `Winemaking and Style'. Nowhere are the Impirial differences more apparent than when he argues the pros and cons of the different winemaking approaches at play in the region.

In general, however, this is ultimately a reference book, one most useful to check out details of particular estates. Brook covers over 1000 estates. In this main section, Brook describes the important appellations with a general introduction, followed by a description and assessment of each estate covered with statistics, contact details and website.

Even here Brook cautions the reader: "[T]he statistics - even when obtained directly from the estates - can be wildly unreliable...." He does not provide formal tasting notes: "other writers - notably Robert Parker, Clive Coates MW, Michael Broadbent, Michel Bettane - have already done so. ... I have, in the case of important properties, given a more detailed account of the vintages I have tasted, so that the reader can gain some notion of what the wines are like to drink." This section covers the vintages from 1961 to 2006.

In a recent interview he describes his general approach: "Existing books on Bordeaux, such as Robert Parker's or Clive Coates's, were focused on tasting notes of individual wines, and paid little attention to lesser known areas of Bordeaux which offer good value to consumers. My book was intended to rectify that by including all regions of Bordeaux, as its title suggests. Many winelovers who might have bought Bordeaux routinely in the past may have become disillusioned by the soaring prices of the top growths, and it was part of my intention to discuss the vast number of excellent wines that remain eminently affordable." The entire interview appears on http://www.intowine.com/ and provides a very interesting expansion of Brook's view on this very important source of fine wines.

Brook's text is very well written as one would expect from this experienced and elegant writer. He is poorly served in some respects by the publisher: the color illustrations add little of value to the text, for example. The maps for Médoc and Graves are quite good, but those for the Right Bank are tiny and hard to read, especially with the topographical shading.

Decanter Magazine pointed out that "The two Graves maps are misplaced (and one mistitled) within the text, and there are a fair number of inaccurate locations: Léoville-Las-Cases, Gruaud-Larose, St Pierre. ... There are also some needless errors: Mouton Rothschild was not a first growth until 1973, Yquem is a premier cru supérieur, not a premier grand cru. Details maybe, but in an authoritative reference book they matter."

Despite the criticisms, however, this is currently the leading reference work on Bordeaux and its wines. Very highly recommended.

The Complete Bordeaux: The Wines*The Chateaux*The People (Mitchell Beazley Wine Library)

Whilst Stephen Brook is not the best known author in the world of fine wine, his recent book is certainly likely to put him irrevocably on the best seller list in this field. Whether read by the novice or professional, the reader cannot help but be informed as never before on the fascination of wine as it is in Bordeaux. Massive, previously unknown detail contains a veritable mine of invaluable information on properties, production methods, vintages and personalities. The seven hundred pages are crammed with interest from beginning to end. The only downside is that the type size is too small for those inclined to short-sightedness. Buy, buy, buy!!

This 1000-page book is a tour-de-force of computer architecture design principles. I learned from and then taught several graduate computer science classes using the manuscript several years ago, and have always considered it to be the definitive work in the field. It certainly guided my work in co-architecting the Alpha computer systems.

While at first brush many of the examples seem dated (the book only discusses the first computer in a series, such as the 8086 rather than the Pentium), upon further reflection one realizes that the design principles are instead timeless.

This book is longer than "War and Peace" and is not a light read, but many buyers will keep and use it for a lifetime.

I took Fred Brooks' Advanced Computer Architecture course years ago in graduate school. My father said, quite correctly, that it was like taking a theology course from Jesus. This book, in its then-preprint form, was the text, and I eventually wore my photocopied version out completely. (Thank goodness it finally came out in conventional binding.)

I am now a software architect, doing internet work in Java. I don't think I can work for an hour without referring to some concept that Fred taught in the course, or in this book.

Read it. Study it. The only thing that could be better would be to take the course from Fred.

I suggest this book for anyone either teaching a course on coping (which is who I bought this book for!) or for anyone wishing to learn more about coping themselves. It is a very easy read, and highly informative!

This book is primarily written as a textbook for student use; however, it is an excellent book for self appraisal. My wife and I find it very useful and true, it runs in the same vein as Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning": you have the power to choose how you will respond and in so doing, what kind of life you have.

If you are struggling with any type of life-pain, there is a section of this book that will make you say, "hey, that's exactly how I feel." And better yet, since this is written as a text book (but much easier to read than some useless psycho-babble), the author provides an intellectual and emotional framework that makes the problems and trials of life -well- bearable.

We think this book helped our marriage a lot too. The chapter on anger really makes parenting easier, and we better understand what things set us off.

Overall, there's something here for everyone, and the book is well written, concise, and easy to read. Those three things rarely come together in psycology literature.

These two are truely great entertainers. I have seen them in concert and they are something. They are themselves and I don't know them personally but from seeing them in concert they are themselves, and I like that and I am sure I am only one of many that do.

Brooks and Dunn are truly country's greatest duo as the title states. Jo Sgammato out does her self in this, her third country music biography. (She has written "Keepin' in Country: The George Strait Story," and "The Dream Come True: The LeAnn Rimes Story.") Both Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn were country performers on their own before they were paired up Music City matchmaker Tim DuBois. The author talks about the dynamic duo's touring with country music great Reba McEntire and the numerous awards the pair have earned over the past years. There are separate chapters on both Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn before they became Brooks and Dunn in 1991. Since then they have cut several CDs, all of which have generated several number one hits. The book is another book country music fans should place in their to-read list. The book is "an exciting story of a couple of guys at the top of their form: family men who love to make music, race cars and thrill fans of all ages and musical tastes.

I bought this book for my crim law class, and when it arrived, I noticed I had accidentally bought this older 4th edition.(The latest and greatest 6th edition IS available from Amazon)

I still used it all semester because I was too lazy to return it, and my laziness was rewarded. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this 4th edition is pretty much the same book as the latest edition.
Compared to my classmate's 6th edition, there appears to be no differences in the material covered, and the only difference appeared to be the page numbering. For example, the material found on pg 200 would be found on 196, or vice versa. However, no material seems to be missing from the 4th edition. The chapter numbers and their corresponding subjects are consistent as well.

The book itself is overall a good textbook. I found it pretty easy to understand, and organized well. I liked the index of cases in the back, which was useful while writing papers.

I think I accidentally bought this book because I was blinded by the low price and quickly pulled the trigger without checking the edition numbers; I paid about $[...] including shipping. This is in contrast to the 6th edition, which is going for $[...] USED price here on Amazon.

If you need this book and want to save about $[...] I highly recommend getting this edition. If you have an anal professor or have a need for the latest and greatest, check out the 6th edition instead.

This book is excellent in explaining concepts of criminal law. It is extremely detailed in the Penal Code and the justice system statues. It has
an excellent reference section in the back of the book. It provides definitions and a glossary. This book breaks up the sections of criminal law to give you individual overviews of each topic. Very detailed. Excellent BOOK!!

The book I received was in great condition. The pages weren't bent and I don't think there was any/or much highlighting or writing from what I've noticed so far. If other reviews are this consistent, I would recommend purchasing from this seller.

Several years ago, I adopted this textbook for the course I teach in cross-cultural counseling. I have not regreted that decision since. This deceptively thin and relatively inexpensive text is jammed full of up-to-date and useful information about cross cultural counseling, diagnosis and assessment. The writing style is clear and concise. It is highly readable, because the author does not go out of his way to impress the reader with his extensive vocabulary. He uses plain English whenever possible. The interviews with the experienced "ethnic counselors" are interesting, insightful and thought-provoking. The content gets repetitive at times, but I believe that is probably done in an effort to drive home important points for students and readers. Similarities and differences between various ethnic groups becomes very apparent and the practical issues that arise as a result of those differences are addressed. The history of each minority ethnic groups is examined and the carry-over effects are discussed. In short, I love this text and intend to continue using it for a long time. I just hope that they don't stop publishing it. That would be a shame. If you are loooking for a cheap, yet detailed book on cross-cultural counseling this is the book for you.

exactly what i expected. delivery was on time and the condition of the book was accurately described in the original order, so no surprises or missing pages.

Product was what they said it was and speedy service. Very satisfied with my purchase.

I am using a part of this article for my dissertation writing. Please let me know the the location of publisher, the town and state. Thank you very much

I am using a part of this article for my dissertation writing. Please let me know the the location of publisher, the town and state. Thank you very much

The third, and probably last, book in the Dakota Lawman series.

Jake Horn is still hiding behind the badge of lawman in the Dakota town of Sweet Sorrow and his discovery of a dead ranch hand is soon bringing his demons home. Jake recognizes a murder when he sees one but asking too many questions of the wrong people is asking for trouble, and suddenly expert killers are gathering with their sights on the lawman. As the big gundown approaches Jake finds there's nowhere to hide when five shooters blinded by hate won't leave Sweet Sorrow until he's dead.

Unlike the previous two books in this series, Bill Brooks gives some of his characters hope, gives them something to live for - even if this could soon be taken away with a bullet.

Most of the people from the earlier books have a part to play in this story of brutality and savage death. The killing at the beginning being particularly horrific and will have the reader hoping the perpetrators will meet an equally savage end.

Bill Brooks also includes other adult themes such as homosexuals in both sexes. In fact the female lovers have a major role to play in the life of a gunman hunting Horn for a long ago killing he didn't commit.

Like his other books Brooks spends quite a bit of time introducing us to new characters and explaining their backgrounds, how they came to be the kind of person they are, which at times I felt held the main flow of the story up.

The book - indeed the trilogy of books - comes to a satisfactory ending here, and once more I'd recommend this to readers who like the more brutal - in theme - type of western book.

This presumably final entry in the "Dakota Lawman" series is another entertaining read, with good clean writing, characters, and plot development. Brooks has an ability to create vivid scenes, atmosphere, and sense of place, while not bogging down the works. (Fewer typos than the other two books, also). Tension builds well, though the ending could have been drawn out a bit longer. May be the best of the set.

I borrowed this from the library because I saw it on the new shelf and saw that it contained some dogs I knew I was going to like. ;)
This cute little work of juvenile fiction is a collection of biographical short stories by dogs, read by other dogs assembled in a meeting of the WOOF Society--Words Of Our Friends, a new canine literacy organization for enlightened pooches. It's run by a noble old dog named Beauregard, who's probably an Irish Wolfhound.

Dogs of various breeds and mixes are present (and cutely illustrated in a black and white cartoonish style by Erik Brooks) at the WOOF meeting, from Dobermans, Jack Russells, and Basset hounds to Dalmatians, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Borzoi. The stories read start about as far back in canine history as possible, with Abu, the feathered Saluki who is the mighty Pharaoh of all Egypt, a swift hunter, a courageous warrior--and has an interesting relationship with the Royal Cat, a constant shadow looming over his otherwise illustrious reign. No breeds are specified in the stories, but most can be known.

Next, a little Pekingese discovers the power of names and that the naming of dogs, like the naming of cats, is an important matter.

Then, a Cocker spaniel makes enemies with the animal under the sink that gets all the delicious, moldy food scraps that he craves.

In "Dawg Strikes Gold," well written in the narrator's dialect, a droopy hound dog and a horse make a discovery that helps their poor master. (Stories with specific historical settings have them listed under the title--for instance, this one is Colorado, 1892.)

Following that, a sweet little mutt named Tidbit tells of how he came to perform at the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash. The story also includes Dolly Parton. Hmm, dogs singing at the Opry--reminds me of The Fox & the Hound 2 in December of 2006! =)

Next up is the intense tale of Marcus, an Italian Greyhound who miraculously escapes Pompeii as Vesuvius erupts. This one is a bit more serious and scary than most.

Then there's Roscoe, a pretty wise young pug-faced Bully pup concerned with impressing Venus, the Poodle next door--if only he didn't have Tiger the monstrous cat to worry about.

Miniature Poodle Mimi from Paris then offers essential advice on such practical matters as bathroom protocol, hiding, and table manners.

The stories get a little more intense again at the end. First, a mutt named Bo (possibly a Lab/Great Dane) accidentally leads a bank robber to his home during his quest for school lunches. Fortunately, the escapade ultimately leads to the crook's downfall.
In a bittersweet and almost very sad story, a mixed breed named Jip (maybe part Beagle, Spaniel, and/or some other things) accompanies his boy into war and winds up playing guide dog, leading him back to the place he thought he'd never see again.

And finally, a Labrador named Lucy nurses two abandoned kittens and adopts them into her now-blended family.

All of these Dog Diaries stories are extremely well received by the WOOF congregation, and by the time the meeting adjourns, they're all eagerly awaiting the next meeting, where they're to be joined by a like-minded group of felines...except perhaps for that one disgruntled Doberman. But naw, I think he learned his lesson.

So, what to make of the book in the end? Hey, at 20 I found it an entertaining, humorous, interesting, touching little quick read, so I can only imagine that for kids it'll be equally fun and particularly pleasing to the young dog lover.

Dogs are gathering for the first annual meeting of the WOOF Society, chaired by an Irish wolfhound, to listen to the secret diaries of dogs from around the world and through history...the result is a hilarious dog's-eye view of the human and animal world in a series of short story vignettes spiced with black and white photos throughout by Erik Brooks. A delightful, fun light read sure to attract leisure readers seeking easier chapter book formats beyond the very basic stage.