Sports Books

For some of us, playing cards is a form of recreation; but after reading this book, I see it is a life changing passion for others! I also know why 20 years ago, I could never beat John at pinochle! If you want to learn to play poker, buy Poker for Dummies, but if you want to read a book full of quick wit, interesting turns of events, and learn 14 Life Lessons along the way, (my favorite is #12), buy this book! Have you ever watched a movie where you tell the main character not to go there, don't do that? Well, I wanted to tell the main character in this book those same things!

I have never been a poker player, but I've always been curious what the whole attraction was behind the recent explosion in interest in Texas Hold'em and other poker games. I figured I would slog my way through this book and perhaps gain an appreciation for the game. But what I found in the pages of this book was so much more than a book about poker. This was a unique insight into the mind and heart of an every-day man facing his own demons in the backdrop of the worlds greatest poker event. This is one of those books that offers more than just a compelling story. You come away actually feeling that you've been a part of the story; that you've experienced a piece of the life of the main character. Along the way, I even managed to learn a bit about poker. I read a lot of books but I rarely find one that I know I will read again. This book is one of those rare exceptions.

Wow. For the average-Joe poker player (or below average, in my case) who has ever dreamed of the excitement and winnings possible in high stakes poker, this is a must read. Circle the drain without putting your own family life at risk, in a story that seems all too real. And learn a bit about the game in the process. This book might keep you from ditching your day job, or suggest a possible dark side if you pursue poker beyond recreation. Either way, it's wonderfully escapist.

Unlike some recent autobiographies that were painfully revealed to be fiction, Life on Tilt is a fast thinking piece of fiction that reads as achingly autobiographical. The first person narration pulls you inescapably along, a voyeur, challenging you to keep up but leaving you with the feeling of watching a train wreck unfold with no ability to stop it. This is a book about compulsion in many forms and how the struggle between individual identity and social expectations can take extraordinary turns when mixed with pocket aces. Whether you are a poker dad, a poker widow, a poker wannabee or just curious about those who play poker, Life on Tilt will give you thoughtful new insights - to poker and, maybe, to yourself. Read 'em and weep, as they might say.

I don't play poker. I have never played a hand. Even my husband doesn't play poker, but that was not a prerequisite for thoroughly enjoying this book. This book was a page-turner for me because it spoke of the challenges and demons we face in any relationship. John Blowers paints a wonderful tapestry that directly speaks to the reader about the obligations of balancing a life, career, marriage and family with the temptations of an interest that could potentially jeopardize that idyllic American dream. If you aren't a poker player and have passed on this book, take a second look. Do not deprive yourself of this great read. It is the book you have been craving. It is the one where you regret to see the end of the book near because it means that the end is coming. One where you miss the characters as soon as it is over and keep thinking of the story long after it is finished. My advice is to read it with a friend so you can extend the experience by conversations afterward.

I purchased this book out of curiosity and for its historical value.

I find it to be well-written, informative, and has the occasional nugget of the wry humour that the author brings to his acting work.

All in all, a good buy.

If someone mentioned the name of Robert Hardy to you, you mind would probably bring to mind a picture of an English actor with a plummy-voice and tweed suit, who has appeared in countless television and theatre dramas and you would be correct. Many people do not know Robert Hardy's alter ego, the author and man who is interested in medieval weaponry in general and the English longbow in particular. Robert Hardy also has a long association with the Royal Armouries, so it soon becomes apparent that his love and knowledge of weaponry has been gleaned over a long period of time. With these qualifications it is only right and proper that people interested in the subject are more than ready to read what the author has to say on the subject.

I found the book both fascinating and informative. I did however feel that some of the photographs could have been slightly better, but this is a minor criticism and I suppose there are only so many ways that you can photograph a bow before the photographs begin to look repetitive. The book covers every conceivable question anyone could possibly ask on the subject of the longbow the medieval equivalent of the automatic rifle.

The book takes us from when the longbow was first used, possibly 8,000 years ago, right through until the present day. It gives detailed information on how to make a longbow from scratch, showing the tools and material needed. It covers all the major battles where either the outcome was decided by this fearsome weapon, or it featured heavily in the battle and even shows photographs of bows that were raised with the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's ship of war.

I found it fascinating to read about a weapon that virtually every Englishman had to practice using at some point during his life, much like the football practice that many young men religiously attend today. Although in the case of the longbow, depending on the period in history, we are talking about it was compulsory.

Robert Hardy's 'Longbow: A Social and Military History' is elegant, beautifully written. It permits old folks like me to re-live the glory days of youth, when we used to make our own bows and arrows and set out to see to it that good triumphs over evil, whilst enjoying the illusion of scholarly maturity. My wife and I read passages of Hardy's wonderful prose out loud to one another, and time stops - a good thing, at our age.

I read this book for a graduate course in medieval history.
Robert Hardy's book Longbow A Social and Military History. This is the third edition printed in 1993. It is enlarged to include information on the archery equipment found on the archaeological dive from the ship, "The Mary Rose;" a warship from the Reign of the English King, Henry VIII. Besides being a famous British actor, Mr. Hardy is an acknowledged expert on the longbow, including how it is manufactured. He is a longtime member of the Royal Toxophilite Society, which is the society for archery enthusiasts. In his book, Hardy has meticulously researched the history of the longbow, from ancient history through its greatest impact in warfare during the Hundred Years' War; specifically, the battles of Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. Hardy even has chapters devoted to the longbow's use in hunting and as a modern day sporting weapon. In addition, his book includes a very scientific and technical appendix on all manners pertaining to the physics and ballistics of the bow and arrow, including their material and design, as well as the ballistic effects of arrows on armor.

Bows fall into two classifications-composite and wooden. Composite bows are made of wood and other organic components, such as horn or sinew. Since composite bows are short, the other organic materials used to construct them increase the bow's power. Composite bows were used primarily in Africa and Asia, and were most likely manufactured in reaction to the scarcity of wood in these areas. The longbow, as defined by the British Longbow Society, is no less then five feet long, for arrows of up to twenty-six inches in length, and no less then five foot six inches in length for arrows of over twenty-six inches long. It is a D sectioned wooden spring and not flat, and the limbs are to be made of wood and the bow is to be convex. The very best bows are made from Yew wood. This describes the sixteenth century bows found on the Mary Rose and from all historical indications, those that were in use during the Hundred Years' War.

Hardy opens his book with an informative history of the bow and arrow. In researching the early history of the bow, archaeologists have found arrowheads in Northern Africa from 50,000 years ago. They have also discovered cave paintings depicting men using several different shapes of bows while engaged in hunting. The Romans used short composite bows with their cavalry forces, since longbows were too cumbersome to use on horseback. Most of the Roman army's mounted bowmen where from Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. The Germanic tribes that the Romans found themselves fighting so often, used longbows against them to a devastating effect, which was reminiscent of the battle of Crecy from the Hundred Years' War. In 354 C. E., the Germanic shower of arrows prevented the Romans from crossing the Rhine River and thus, halted their expansion on the European continent. The oldest bow found in Britain is from Somerset. Radiocarbon dating shows it to be from 2,690 B.C.E. The bow was made of Yew wood and was over six feet long.

Hardy next turns his attention to the more detailed study of the longbow's genesis and development in Britain. It is definitively impossible to know when the longbow first came into existence in Britain. However, history does record several historical periods when we know that the longbow, or a weapon similar to it, was used and introduced by invaders of the British Isles. There is evidence that shows that the Germanic longbow made its way into Britain with the invasion of the Saxons in the fifth century. Viking law, from mid-tenth century, required that while aboard ship, fighting men must be equipped with bows and arrows as an addition to their other usual weapons that they employed in their raiding parties. One can still read Viking Sagas of the era extolling the use of bows and arrows as weapons. In 1055, Welsh bowmen while firing from hidden positions on mountain ridges, cut down the Earl of Hereford's Saxon cavalry with devastating effect. This action would be a great lesson lost on King Harold eleven years later, in his defeat at the battle of Hastings. King Harold did have some longbow men in the battle, if one takes the Bayeux Tapestry to be a true pictorial history of the Norman Conquest. Unfortunately, for the Anglo-Saxon army of King Harold, he had to travel very quickly over 250 miles south to engage the invading Normans, which prevented him from taking many archers on foot. In fact, the Bayeux Tapestry is famous for its depiction of King Harold being fatally shot in the eye by a Norman arrow, and thus, changing the course of British history forever.

Chapters three through six of Hardy's book cover Britain's celebrated history of the longbow, and are the chapters most germane to our course of study. It is during the fourteenth century in Britain that the longbow gains its reputation as a force multiplier in battle. In military terminology, a force multiplier denotes a factor, in this case, the longbow providing a technological factor, dramatically increasing the combat capability of a military force. In keeping with the theme of our course in comparing fourteenth century events to modern times, one can easily equate the importance of the longbow to fourteenth century warfare in the same way that one can compare the importance that the machine gun had on early twentieth century warfare-specifically during World War I. The longbow provided the English armies of Edward I, through the end of the Hundred Years' War, a distinct and singular advantage over the French armies and their cavalry forces.

Despite all of the early history of the longbow in Britain, it is Edward I who is the real progenitor of the longbow, as used in battle. Edward I keenly learned the tactics and logistics that were necessary to employ with great success the longbow on the battlefields of Wales and Scotland. He realized that the longbow was less expensive and awkward to use in battle then the crossbow, and with a moderate amount of practice, his Welsh bowmen could shoot more arrows in a given time then cross bowmen could. He worked hard at building a national army. In 1298, at the battle of Falkirk, most of his longbow men were Welsh. By 1346, most longbow men were English. They were well trained, well paid, and could be counted by the thousands. Longbow men where deemed so important to the army that they were given pardons for all types of offenses, including murder, in order to go off to France to fight. Their pay was comparable to that of master craftsmen. During the reign of Edward II, English military prowess was in decline. Although Edward II continued many of the recruiting and logistical policies of his father, his tactical decisions, and those of his commanders, were sorely lacking. He suffered an embarrassing defeat at the battle of Bannockburn at the hands of Robert the Bruce of Scotland. However, the lessons his son, Edward III, learned from that defeat put the British army in good stead for fighting in the Hundred Years' War. Those lessons, learned and used in such future battles as Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, were insuring good organization before battle and good discipline of soldiers during the fight. In addition, cavalry without longbow support was useless against enemy spearmen. Conversely, longbow men who were isolated on the battlefield without support, would easily fall prey to enemy cavalry attack.

Crécy is emblematic of the successes that the British enjoyed at the battles of Poitiers and Agincourt. It was the sight of the first major battle of The Hundred Years' War and was a rousing success for the invading British army of Edward III and his sixteen-year-old son, Edward, also known as the Black Prince. Edward III had 12,000 men arrayed against a French force of between 30,000 to 40,000 combatants. Although heavily outnumbered, Edward's longbow men were the force multiplier that garnered a stunning victory for the British over the French. The record shows that the English longbow men were capable of firing ten arrows in a minute. Most estimates of the longbow tactics used in the battle, state that the over one-half million arrows fired by the British, easily cut down the French armored cavalry. The longbow, and the brilliant way in which it was employed, were responsible for the lopsided casualty figures of the battle. Although casualty figures are somewhat unreliable, most sources put the French losses at one-third of the French nobility-about 12,000 men in all, against the British losses of 150 to 1,000 total. In the battle, longbow men comprised anywhere from between five to one, upwards to three to one, of the English invading force. Hardy states in his book, and I quote, "They were some of the finest, most highly trained and militarily efficient troops that any nation ever put into the field of battle." So, why did the French when seeing the efficient destructive power of the longbow, not learn from the advantage it could afford them and emulate the English? Hardy postulates a few reasons, such as, the French culture of class snobbery made it difficult for the nobles to accept peasants as equals on the battlefield. In addition, cavalry and chivalry were too hard for French nobles to give up. Another reason was that the French King did not have the power to field a national army in the same way that his English counterparts did. French kings had to rely on their nobles and Italian mercenaries to prosecute their wars during this time; thus, they could not enforce regular training regimens, nor standardized battlefield logistics and tactics. In fact, the longbow reigned supreme on the battlefield until the mid-sixteenth century. By this time, other technologies such as better-tempered armor, cannon, and musketry, overtook the effectiveness of the longbow.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Hardy's book to any serious student of medieval history. Longbow A Social and Military History, is an excellent introductory work for understanding the significance that the weapon had during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. It is well written and appointed with plenty of illustrations. The book is a very enjoyable read for anyone with even a casual interest in the longbow or the Hundred Years' War.

Recommended reading for those interested in medieval history, and military history.

Robert Hardy is most well known for his role as Siegfried Farnon on the long running BBC series "All Creatures Great and Small."
However most people are not aware he is an experienced in the sport of archery. Due to the love of the sport and the longbow Hardy has written "Longbow: A Social and Military History." The book takes you through the complete history of the longbow which is fascinating for those who love medevial history. Hardy also includes a section on how to craft your own longbow.
This book is a must read for everyone who loves the sport of archery.

I had this book for sometime, it was a gift. I didn't really know what a great book I had until I actually read it. Looking at the pictures was great, until I lost my own Chocolate Lab, "Roxie". The memories she and I made, were flushed out as I read the happiness of other inspired Lab Lovers. I though no one else can love a dog as much as I loved mine. There are so many people blessed with Labs that don't realize what a gift a Lab is. They are the best all around dog, that I fell in love with at the age of 18 or so. Now 33 I'm searching for another Lab puppy to love again. This book allowed me to see the other stories, people shared and flushed stories from my own heart that had been forgotten as time has a way of covering the memories that are made in the life of a Lab, if only for a short while I have the memories of my Lab and others, uncovered.

Here is another attractive entry by naturalist author Todd Berger, one that takes a truly loving look at America's singular and by far most popular wonder dog, the Labrador Retriever. As Berger points out so well, there are few other animals who draw such love from humans as a dog, and surely the Lab is the most loveable of the breeds. Here he presents the Labrador Retriever in all its wonder and does a yeoman service to the rest of us by enumerating all of the superb qualities the dog has to offer potential human enthusiasts. They are by reputation excellent working dogs, both as field dogs and as guide dogs for the disabled. They are also incredibly loyal, and the news services are often filled with wonderful and heartwarming stories of Labs crawling out on the ice to save their masters, often at considerable danger to themselves. Nonetheless, they stand by our sides.

Therefore, this book, "The Love Of Labs', is the ultimate tribute to the breed, and is chock-full with stories and photos that actively serve to substantiate what might otherwise seem as idle boasts and overethusiastic praise. In fact, for anyone who spends any time around Labs, like me, it is hard nto to use superlatives when describing them. More than one of the stories herein will bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and the idea in your noggin perhaps it is time to consider getting one of these incredible creatures into you rlife, and that of your extended family. they boost the energy level in any room they enter, are incredible chick-magnets, and have been shown to reduce high blood pressure and dissipate depression through their mere presence. This is a wonderful book about what I believe to be the world's most nearly perfect living creature, the Labrador Retriever! Enjoy!

This is a story book. The stories narrated in the book show the really nice characteristics of this excellent dogs. The photographs are beautiful. It's a nice tribute to the Labrador. Only downside is that all, and I do mean all, the stories are hunting stories. I believe these dogs have much more to say in other aspects of life. For all of you who hunt with a Lab, you will really love this book. Those of you who don't hunt but are really fond to this breed, you will like it very much, myself included. For those of you looking for information on the breed, not recomended.

I have only had the priviledge of owning our adopted black lab, Abbott (rescued by Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue) for about 4 months. I can not tell you how incredible these dogs are!! The family loyalty is palpable. The intense devotion these dogs display to their family is remarkable. The absolute joy this dog has brought to us is a gift that is compounded daily. How can one really describe a lab's love for their family? (and the family for them) I was so happy to see a book that comes close to trying to express this.

Quite simply, the stories and pictures are beautiful. Share this book with anyone that loves these dogs for it is a pure delight just to turn the pages and look at the pictures! We feel so lucky to live with the real thing!

I have only had the priviledge of owning our adopted black lab, Abbott (rescued by Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue) for about 4 months. I can not tell you how incredible these dogs are!! The family loyalty is palpable. The intense devotion these dogs display to their family is remarkable. The absolute joy this dog has brought to us is a gift that is compounded daily. How can one really describe a lab's love for their family? (and the family for them) I was so happy to see a book that comes close to trying to express this.

Quite simply, the stories and pictures are beautiful. Share this book with anyone that loves these dogs for it is a pure delight just to turn the pages and look at the pictures! We feel so lucky to live with the real thing!

In the beginning of Pier Pressure, there are five best friends, Luna, Kanani, Cricket, Rae, and Isobel that live in Cresent Cove. Luna's parents run a surfing camp and Luna and her friends help them. The first day of the surfing camp Luna sees a guy and they indroduce themselves.
Next, Luna and the guy named David sort of become friends. However, David sort of has an attitude and couldn't surf at all, but was in the intermediant class.
Finally, David let Luna teach him how to surf. Thats not all Luna was thinking about. She remembered that The Western Championship surf competition was coming up and her mom is a pro surfer. Luna thought that she had to live up to her moms reputation. Now only with three weeks left until the surf competitionand until David has to go back to his dads, she has to try to train and stay away from David for awhile. Which of course Luna doesn't want to do. Finally, she starts training while also making a little time for David. It finally comes to the competition and she surfs with her heart and ends up, well you'll have to read the rest to find out if Luna and David ever become serious or say good bye and sort of stay in touch.

Genre: Fiction
Three sentence summary: Luna is a camp councelor at a surf camp. While there she meets a boy. They begin dating but many things go wrong.
What I liked most about the book: What I liked most about the book was how it has real life problems that you, the reader can relate to.
What I didn't like and why: I didn't like how it skipped around from person to person. It confused me.
My favorite character and why: My favorite character is Luna because she is so down to earth and knows wrong from right.
The scene, line, or passage that meant something to me and why: David and her are in the ocean playing when he grabs her hand. It's just so sweet and really grabs your attention and makes you wanting to keep reading to see where it leads.
What I would say about this book to someone else: I would say if you like romantic and adventurous books then read this because it's all about two surfers who fall in love.
One question I have after reading this book: One question I have is how old was David. They never said in the book but he semmed younger than Luna.
My strongest reason for recommending this book: I recommend this book because it catches your attention and really puts a good meaning on life.

The main chacters in Luna Bay are Luna, Rae, Kanani, Cricket, and Isobel. The setting is at North Beach in Crescent Cove. Luna's parents have a surf camp. Luna saw a boy at the surf camp that she thought looked good. But the boy really doesn't like surfing. His grandparents sent him there so he would not be board while he was at their house. The conflict is that David does not like surfing and Luna does. The lesson to be learned is that you don't have to like the samething as someone else to be there friend. The ending was really. I would not change the ending at all. I would recommend this book to pre-teen girls. I would recommend it to all my friends. I really enjoyed the book. I encourage all girls to read this book. The best part of the book was its ending. The first two chapters were really good too. I hope that all the people that read this book will enjoy it; the title of the book is LUNA BAY.

I read the book ýLuna Bay.ý I thought it was a outstanding book. I would recommend this book to people who surf, and that live in California. I would recommend this book to people that surf and live in California because itýs all about surfing and a little bit of horse riding. It would be a fun book for surfer girls to read.

I really liked it because I like surfing even though, I donýt surf. I watch surfing competitions on television and it looks like fun. Iýve always wanted to know how to surf and I think that I would be good at it because, I snowboard and there both almost alike. I also like it because it takes place by the ocean, and I love the ocean. When I think about the ocean it makes me feel cheerful and cool.

ýLuna Bayý is about five best friends, Rae, Luna, Cricket, Kanani, and Isobel. They all love surfing together. They are all counselors of Lunaýs parents, Tuck and Cateýs, surfing camp. At surf camp Luna meets a kid David she falls in love with, and they start dating, but her parents donýt want her hanging out with him because it will interfere with her training for the contest, but Luna still hangs out with him. At night when she goes out to train she doesnýt, she goes to meet David, and teaches him how to surf. On the nights she does go training she lifts weights and jogs. David doesnýt know how to surf because he lives in Florida and his dad sends him to see his grandparents for a month, and his dad signs him up to learn how to surf. Luna is so happy because she just found out that she qualified for the ASA ( Amateur Surfing Association Western Championship) at Cresent Cove right down the street from her. Her mom was the three-time champion in th world, and she wants Luna to win. Luna is very pressured about winning, so she can make her mom proud of her daughter. If Luna wins the contest the SG Magazine will have her in the magazine, but she doesnýt think sheýll win because some of the best surfers are coming to town to be in the contest.

Overall, I think this book was really good. Read the book and find out if Luna wins or if she loses the championship.

I am probably waaaaaaaaaaaay too old to even pick up this book, but since my adage is "you're never too old to read" I picked it up anyway. And even though the writing is a bit slow (but then again I'm not exactly the target-group of this book) it's pretty interesting and, parents, it is safe. No full frontal snogging here...
The parts where the author describes the surfing itself are on the other hand so interesting that I would really like to go out there and start surfing myself!!!
I can also fully underscribe the sideline-message: treat your planet with respect!
So all in all: I'd say 4 stars!! (that and I'll probably buy the next Luna bay novels)

There are so many clubs on the market and it gets hard to distinguish fact from fallacy. The book is divided equally between equipment and technique. The author's background is as a custom clubmaker.

With regard to equipment, he covers what is truly important in your equipment and interesting facts about 'improvements in technology'. The mad science is the belief that newer and newer technology helps the golfer; however, the average scores in the past few decades have not gone down.

With regard to the actual game, this is not an instructional book but covers anecdotal experience with regard to how to play. He covers more of strategy and smarter golf.

With this book, it closes the loop for me for instruction since it has covered a lot of very important points regarding the technique. It boils down to just using the club the way it was intended.

I recommend this book to those golfers who frequently change their clubs year to year (one thing I read in Power Golf was that Ben Hogan didn't change his driver for 10 years, until it broke). That should clue you in on what is truly important.

Similar books are included below, which dispel the marketing of the golf industry:

Just Hit It

The Right Sticks: Equipment Myths That Could Wreck Your Golf Game

The Search for the Perfect Golf Club

The Search for the Perfect Driver

Order this book today and you won't be disappointed.

My name is John Hadley. Golf is a fearfully complex game. Physically and mentally. It can become even more perplexing if one is led down the rabbit hole of high-tech equipment hype and convoluted swing theory. Phil Moore does a magnificent job of melding his experiences as a master club maker with his discoveries as a low handicap golfer. His perspective is concise and thoughtful. The book is easy to read and follows a question and answer format that makes it interesting and shows good common sense. All golfers want to know how they can lower their average score. Phil Moore and this book will make you a better player.

The Mad Science of Golf is an incredible little book. The authors understanding and purpose is to help one aquire a vastly improved understanding of the golf swing, Golf Equipment, how to improve YOUR golf game and understand how to play better golf.

The book is loaded with pertinent information. BUY IT, you'll love it, I love it.

I have offered The Mad Science of Golf to the Members and Guests at my facility knowing that this information will improve their golf game and ultimatley make the game of golf more fun.

Troy Persson, PGA

The book is a series of questions and the longer explanations by the author. He dispels the myth that you can buy yourself a scratch handicap. If you do not make solid contact with the ball, then none of these products will give you that extra 10 yards that you see in the advertising.

Golf is business. The large golf companies make their money because we like to buy new clubs. The author points out calmly that hitting your irons is not the point, that you need to know how far your hit your irons. They are for control, not distance.

I read the book in one evening. It is worth an evening before you start looking for the next set of clubs.

This is a GREAT book!!! This book has something for all golfers. It is enlightening for both beginning and advanced golfers. Light is shed on equipment and swing myths. Myths that have led golfers down a path of spending too much money and too much time in search of the perfect clubs and swing and have led only to lighter pockets and higher scores. Reading this book will lead you to an understanding of the game that will let you enjoy your swing your game more than ever. Lower scores are on the way!

Jason Taylor, PGA

I first decided to watch A&E's Horatio Hornblower because I had caught a glimpse of Ioan Gruffudd, and thought he was very handsome. But, as I watched, I got caught up in the movie, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole series. Then, when I learned there was a behind-the-scenes book availiable, I knew I had to have it. I tried all the local bookstores (and some not so local, too) with no luck. Then I tried Amazon, and I finally got my book. It is a great book, with loads of candid pictures and still frames from the filming of the series. I enjoyed learning how all the battle scenes were filmed, about the use of scale models, and all the hard work put into the filming of Horatio Hornblower. I would definately reccommend this book to anyone who liked the series. It is a wonderful, informative, and captivating look at the behind-the-scenes action of the best miniseries I have ever seen, Horatio Hornblower.

To all,

Mr. Gruffudd's performance in this movie was absolutely spectacular. I don't think that it is possible to give an amount of stars on this movie. All the actors were great, including stand out acting by Robert Lidnsey and Jamie Bamber. I think this is defintely a book everyone should read, and a movie for all to enjoy.

I'm Out,

Val

Whoever found Ioan Gruffudd for the role of Hornblower should be rewarded 10 times over and then some. This book is chock full of fantatic pictures and great insite into the making of this exciting series. I laugh out loud at some of the humor laced throughout this book. The pictures are worth owning this book for on their own, is a must own for any fan of Hornblowaaahhhhh!

If you are a Hornblower fan you must have this book! First, the photographs are amazing including captures from the hit A & M mini series to back stage candids, technical details and beautiful portraits of the stars. Second, the written commentary if fantastic. The writer goes into details of the complexities of filming in a foreign place, supplying food, costumes, transportation and everything else. It also talks about the Grand Turk, the ship they filmed the mini series on. It was interesting to read about how the crew from the film had to work with the crew that actually operated the ship, the movie sailing cast and the makeup and wardrobe people, all on what seems to be a pretty small ship. This book is very well done, and really should be owned by any true Horatio Hornblower fan.

I love this book. Aside from the tons of great pictures of the cast, it gives a lot of background on all the characters - including the boat that they used to for filming.

There are brief synopsis' on all the movies as well as a brief rundown of the characters we meet in each movie.

Wonderful interviews, beautiful pictures, and indepth characterization from the actor's perspective.

This is a great book for any Hornblower fan!

I borrowed this book from my cousin when I watched him run the Boston Marathon last month. I read the book needing some advice for a marathon I plan to run in October. It made me want to go running as I was reading it. Rather than make copies of lots of pages, I just decided to buy another book for my cousin so I can keep the old one.

I am currently training for my 8th marathon. Tom Holland's book was able to fit my training needs. If this had been my first marathon, it would still have met my needs. Great book. I recommend it for others.

I started running consistantly about 1 1/2 yrs ago (37yrs old). I set a goal of running a 15k race which I did in about 1:20. I wanted to improve my time as well as attempt some longer runs so I read a few other books / magazines before buying this one. Most of the others I read seemed to be more geared to the "elite" runners which I am definetly not. I appreciate Tom's knowledge and his ability to help the novice as well as the experienced runner. I also like Tom's approach to overall fitness, recovery and avoiding injuries. I have had the book for a couple of months and I have improved my time slightly but the greatest benefit for me has been helping me run further (I ran my first 14miler averaging 9min miles - which I am happy with) This is a great book for someone wanting to go to the next level.

Great strategies and tips for training and nutrition. Although I have yet to put the book's method to the true test (by actaully completing a marathon), the training is going very well and I feel confident about my race this spring.

I originally got turned onto Tom Holland at his Nantucket Beach Boot Camp. I really liked his style. During the hour long session he gives great advice in an easy going manner. His workouts are tough, but they are full of variety and full of fun.
I sat down with this book, expecting it to be like a text book- tons of information to be learned and studied. I had my highlighter in hand and paper on the desk to take notes. MARATHON METHOD is so much more than that! Tom shares his knowlege of exercise combined with nutrition in a very clever manner. His expertise of the sport paired with a great sense of humor made this a pleasure to read. I stayed up late to finish it because it was that good!
I have a good base to start training for the Paris Marathon!

I have already another excellent book (Ultimate fitness) and some DVD's of Master Sang H. Kim. He is a great teacher and likes to share his martial arts wisdom.
This book covers almost every single aspect about running a martial arts business, from teaching to marketing.
A serious book to serious martial arts teachers.
I strongly advice you to get one.

I'd recommend this without reservation to any martial arts instructor, part-time or full time. Or any instructor. It provides excellent simple advice for dealing with simple difficult issues such as ADD kids or other attention problems in class. It provides straightforward and concise guides for organizing a class or a business. I've had it only a few weeks, and expect to be mining its depths for years. I doubt if I'll ever sit down to read it straight through, but I've found that every time I've gone to it for any specific issue, or just to open and browse for ten or fifteen minutes, I've learned something.

This book has a wealth of information about running a dojang (dojo). From dealing with the difficult student to organizing a class with specific drills, this book covers everything a good instructor needs to at least think through. I particularly liked the aspects of running a business; when to advertise, how to run a radio spot, what to do when enrollment drops, when to expand and when not to. If your business is teaching martial arts, you must have this book.

Martial arts desk reference is a wonderful guide that no instructor should be without. Good ideas,for high ranking , as well as student instructors. great book

I found this book to be a great reference in running my school. I have made it required reading for all my instructors and staff members. I highly recommend this title to all those running a martial arts school.

this was a gift my daughter rec'd for her birthday. she loves most Klutz activity books--and it's the same with this one. she has enjoyed writing in it for a while now.

My daughter asked for this book (journal/activity book) and she loved it. It held her interest for a few months, but she's an avid reader, and as readers go ... they move on to new material all the time.

She was ten when she received it and it is age appropriate through 13 or so.

I LOVE this book! it's great for girls ages 8-18. Although I love it, my friends aren't too crazy about it and don't really care. But if you have A LOT of friends then this is the book for you!

This book is soooo cool! my best friend have it and we write on it together, now im buying it! I really love it... The colorful, games and everything!!You will know more about your friends and your friends will know more about you!!! every teenager will love it! It is the perfect gift!!
My mom and dad will buy it to me like a SURPRISE but i discover it!! haha!!

Sorry about the spelling it's just that im from another country!

My daughter received this as a birthday gift and the most amazing thing happened. She stopped opening gifts and all of the girls sat right down and filled out this book. They spent almost an hour focused on this fantastic book....talking, comparing stories and ideas, laughing, teasing one another and sharing thoughts. It was wonderful.

I can't promise that everyone will get that reaction, but it's worth the chance; I give it to every 9-12 year old girl I need to buy a gift for.

I am a book collector. Out of all of my children's books, this is on my top 10. It is such a cute story and sweet. I adore the pictures. I wish that there were more books about Moe. Buy this your kids will love it.

Because my daughter is only 1, the illustrations are paramount in chosing a bedtime story for her. A great story for the little ones to look at, and as they grow older, a nice story as well.

Moe the Dog in Tropical Paradise is a wonderful book. I liked it because Moe uses his imagination to find something to do over the weekend. He pretends to be in a tropical paradise. If you can't go there in real life you can be like Moe and pretend.
He shares his great ideas with his friend. I like to share my ideas with my friends too.

Michelle Anderson

Moe the Dog in Tropical Paradise is a wonderful book. I liked it because Moe uses his imagination to find something to do over the weekend. He pretends to be in a tropical paradise. If you can't go there in real life you can be like Moe and pretend. He shares his great ideas with his friend. I like to share my ideas with friends too.

I have to tell you, this book is FABULOUs!! I love reading it to my daughter, and she loves to sit quitely and listen, or help me tell the story. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the characters Moe and Arlene are completely likeable. Their tale is a real inspiration to everyone who needs a little pick-me-up. I only wish that there were more adventures of Moe and Arlene to read aloud and enjoy. Please make more!!