Publications Books

Great book - will be put in my barn for immediate reference. Very graphic pictures but really helpful.

This book is a must have for any equine first aid kit and horse owner. It allows the reader to quickly find and reference relevant information regarding a number of equine emergencies.

Wonderful buy for to have on hand for emergencies. This book is very concise and easy to read and understand. The topics are clearly marked making it a breeze to use in an emergency situation. My copy stays at the barn.

This book is so well organized that even if you are in a panic you can find the information you need. Straight forward easy to understand information with pictures. I bought this book years ago and kept it in my hoses first aid box. It's indispensable!

This is the emergency guide we've been looking for as the long term owners/keepers of 3 quarter horses. The pictures help us visually know what we're confronting with our horses. The essential "first aid" to be given, tells us what we can do, what we shouldn't do, and relay the critical information to our vet when we call. Our vet is over-burdened, as all large animal vets are, and giving him the correct information/description helps him know how soon he needs to come. We can also tell him how our horse is responding to the "first aid" we've given and whether he wants us to do anything additional. The size and spiral binding makes it easy for us to keep this reference at the barn, where we need it. We're also reading through this guide now, which helps us decide what to read further about in other resources, such as the Merk Manual of Veterinary Medicine.

I am not a great fan of Sheppard's work, but this book is a real gem. The author presents a collection of his rendered figure drawings. The poses are interesting and the author emphasizes surface anatomy. He also includes additional line drawings that show details of the skeleton and muscle structure for each pose.

These additional drawings are the book's greatest strength. They clearly convey the relationship between underlying structure and surface anatomy for a wide variety of poses in both male and female models. Understanding this relationship is essential for creating a convincing portrayal of the living figure, and perhaps even more important for conceptualizing the figure.

On the down side, the author repeatedly refers to the great trochanter of the femur as "hipbone." He also tends to outline his forms rather than drawing from inside to outside; and his work lacks the sensitive line weight variation of a master draftsman. Nevertheless, his drawings are well composed, well proportioned, and well rendered. One can learn much from studying them.

The book is a bargain, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in figure drawing.

As someone else mentioned, this goes in with my George Bridgman books. The terminology is simple, and doesn't get too medical. I really loved the variety of figures used, though I'd love to see more plus sized models in the male side and a more plump female figure.

Sheppard lays out key points in observing how muscles and bones affect the surface anatomy of a figure. It shows you how for example the pelvis shows up and how muscle and fat distribution affects the legs, hips etc.

Sheppard is rather concise and to the point, where many other anatomy books become too technical and you end up getting lost in the details.

The other thing to mention is the price. Bridgman and Sheppard's books are rather inexpensive compared to many other anatomy and figure drawing books out there. This is a definite selling point!

Between the simplified cartoon anatomy books, popular today, and the detailed treatments inspired by medical textbooks, is this fine work. This book is built from the ground up for artists. By focusing on surface anatomy, showing its relation to underlying muscle and bone structure, and then presenting it all with a multitude of useful and expertly done drawings, Sheppard has produced what may be the finest anatomical artist reference.

Most professional artists recommend Bridgeman's works. I don't doubt the usefulness of Bridgeman to a true working professional, but for me, and maybe other amateurs, the concepts in Bridgeman never seem to reveal themselves. Sheppard will be useful the first time you open the book and will certainly clear much of the confusion in figure drawing.

THIS BOOK IS A "MUST HAVE". It is not the only drawing book that you need in your personal library, but it is one of the most essential.

The book includes about seventy well-drawn male and female nude drawings, grouped by type of pose (standing, crouching, twisting, etc.). Each of the seventy poses is drawn three times --
(1) as an annotated finished drawing,
(2) as an annotated (identically sized) skeleton in the same pose, and
(3) as an annotated (identically sized) muscle diagram in the same pose.

The anatomy is at a level of detail designed for the figure-drawing artist, not for the medical illustrator. As such, only those muscles and bones that are significant to a particular pose are labeled, and are described with simplified nomenclature.

I remember complaining to my instructor that I could discern the rib cage in our male model, but not in this rounded-back posed female model. This book is the ideal reference for seeing the support infrastructure in such situations.

Although there are many approaches to figure drawing, understanding the effects that underlying anatomical infrastructure have on surface anatomy is essential to realistic drawing. In addition to this book, you should also have other books in your figure drawing library, that cover croquis, circles & guidelines, tonal masses, planes, gestures, cylinders, lighting, proportions, contours, and other techniques. But Joseph Sheppard's "Drawing the Living Figure" will be your primary anatomical reference.

Excellent book.Draving are fantastic and informative.I just bought the book and would recommend it to everyone who needs help in drawing a human figure.

Tom Heaton's book is an excellent resource for Marx collectors or those who used to play with Marx toys in their childhood. It is packed with clear and colorful photos of the toys, packaging, accessories, etc...

For many years, Santa left me a Best of the West figure under the tree. Being able to flip through the pages and remember the toys and all the neat stuff they came with is a wonderful walk down memory lane.

Although I still have most of my childhood collection, they are in a terrible state of repair. It is comforting to know there are current versions being made (details in this book).

A must have addition to your library if you collect, or used to collect, Marx Action Figures.

Tom Heaton's Encyclopedia of Marx Action Figures is an invaluable tool for any Marx collector. It includes more in-depth coverage of Marx's action figures than any other book to date.

This is the most outstanding collection guide I have ever read! The author seems to have put unlimited hours into research to come up with such a thorough history of Marx action figures. The photos are fabulous! I've never seen such a variety of great pictures. This book will inspire many others to become new collectors and relive their childhood with Johnny West! A totally awesome book! Many thanks to the author, Tom Heaton, for finally putting a book like this together for us diehards! Cheri Basham

Tom helps us reclaim out youth, it is great to be able to pick this book and feel like a kid again. My 8 year daughter and I use the book for a guide as we search through the thrift stores and antique stores for the best of the west toys.

This is a must have book if you are a Marx Action Figure collector or even a fan. I have never seen so many excellent pictures that can really help a collector. Since owning this book I have used it on a daily basis.

McAbee deserves a huge audience. From her plotting to her amazing details, she is a master of the craft.

For killing his owner, he is to be executed in the human and the hounds playful manner of the elite. Thus the hounds and their aristocratic owners pursue the condemned slave. Valerik's flight for life seems futile until he meets Madryn, who rescues him from certain death. However, though he has little choice, Valerik wonders who the mysterious woman is and if he has entered the fire after escaping the frying pan?

Thugs attack them and they are fortunate to survive. Other adventures follows as dueling sorcerers plot their fate. While Valerik ponders deserting his hostess, Madryn distrusts him though she intellectually knows she needs him to succeed on her quest. Though attracted, they fight to thwart the feelings that bind them together, but love blossoms anyway. With Garet the thief tolerated as an unwanted appendage, Madryn and Valerik continue on her mission, which looks more hopeless than a relationship between an aristocrat and a slave, if that is even their true identities.

ESCAPE THE PAST is an interesting romantic fantasy starring an engaging heroic pair and an insightful, irritating (to the lead couple but not the reader) young thief (mindful of Broderick in Ladyhawke). The story line is fast-paced but similar to other sub-genre novels as side adventures test the mettle of the hero and heroine during their epic journey. K.G. McAbee provides fans with a fun fantasy filled with delightful protagonists struggling to endure on a vividly described world of magic.

Harriet Klausner

Valerik had been a gladiator and then a slave. When he murdered his Mistress, he was sentenced to death by hunting. So Val was released to be prey and the hounds were shortly released afterward to kill him.

Saved by the mysterious and lovely Madryn, Val accompanied her on her self appointed mission. Unknown to them, they were to become the champions of some magical guardians in a war against a sorceress and her evil brother.

***** K.G. McAbee seems to breathe life into her unforgettable characters! From the opening sentence, until the last, it is non-stop thrills which is destined to captivate readers! I am proud to recommend it to everyone!

K.G. McAbee is now an auto-buy author for me. This tale is a nonstop action, suspense, adventure fantasy that kept me glued to the pages. Valerik is the epitome of any woman's hero and Madryn is a strong, mystical match for him. Good prevails over evil; and I mean EVIL! Whew.

K.G. McAbee has an imagination that knows no bounds and I look foward to reading her other unique books - as soon as I can find them all!

Valerik had been a gladiator and then a slave. When he murdered his Mistress, he was sentenced to death by hunting. So Val was released to be prey and the hounds were shortly released afterward to kill him.

Saved by the mysterious and lovely Madryn, Val accompanied her on her self appointed mission. Unknown to them, they were to become the champions of some magical guardians in a war against a sorceress and her evil brother.

*****K.G. McAbee seems to breathe life into her unforgettable characters! From the opening sentence, until the last, it is non-stop thrills which is destined to captivate readers! I am proud to recommend it to everyone!*****

Ethics usually looms small in the business and organizational literature and, sadly, in practice as well. Recent business scandals make the point eloquently. In Ethics at Work, Lattal and Clark set a new tone: Ethics is a indispensable dimension of decision making and performance management. The ethical dimension should be considered in every business decision not only because, with each choice, you are betting your reputational capital, but also because ethical "shortcuts" usually entail inadvertent costs whether or not one "gets caught." Note that this book is not a sermon or a speculative theory, but a "how-to" manual. Ethics is multidimensional and Lattal and Clark offer a variety of ethical frameworks that can be incorporated into one's decision-making to match the challenge at hand. They also offer behavioral strategies that change agents can use to improve the ethical culture of whole organizations. This is the only ethics book, and one of a relatively small number of business books, that I can fully recommend based on projected ROI.

This book offers advice beyond the walls of work. That advice is most important to those of us who also are responsible for raising ethical children. As a working mom, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book contains information about some of what is known about raising ethical children. The clear examples of "saying one thing and doing another" with our kids is an addition that made this book extremely thought provoking. I hope Lattal and Clark write a complete book about raising ethical kids next. This is an easy read on a hard subject and they do it justice.

I found this to be a very readable, accessible, and well-organized book that engaged me throughout. It presents a strong case for the relevance of ethics in the workplace that has all too often been diminished. It contains just the right amount of ethical theory to provide the reader with a framework for understanding the considerations that do (or ought to) underlie the ethical decision-making process. At the same time, it provides real world examples that bring to life the significance and value of ethical behavior in the business world. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is that it explains in concrete terms how we can manage behavior to bring about ethical change in our work environments. Lattal and Clark succeed in recognizing and articulating the complexities that both employees and managers face in making ethical decisions in the workplace. They provide sound practical suggestions for implementing a consistent ethical approach as a means of improving and enriching the workplace. Anyone who wants to make a difference at work would benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

This book presents a thoughtful and sophisticated approach to the issue of ethics in the workplace. The authors are clearly experts in their fields, but the book is written in a clear, readable style that will no doubt appeal to a very wide audience. It is relevant to anyone who has interactions with others in the workplace, no matter what one's role is in that workplace. Lattal and Clark provide many thoughtful examples of situations in which ethical dilemmas present themselves. I actually found it fun to think about these scenarios and to relate them to similar situations in my own life. The solutions to these ethical dilemmas are often not black and white and the authors do a terrific job of examining the nuances of ethical decision making. Most important, the book describes the consequences of ethical behavior and how decisions can impact productivity and general happiness in the workplace. I highly recommend Ethics at Work as a book that should be incorporated into any business training and as an extremely topical read given the wide attention being devoted to corporate scandals in the past few years.

Corporations often speak of the importance of behaving with integrity. Unfortunately, as demonstrated by the recent headlines of unethical activities that have taken place in corporate America, they don't always walk the talk. Ethics at Work is a very timely book and meets a critical need in corporate America. Not only does this book do an excellent job of stimulating thought around the topic of ethics, it prompts careful consideration of one's own personal behavior and offers practical guidelines for ensuring ethical motives and actions. If there were an excuse before, thanks to Lattal and Clark, there is certainly no excuse now for not demanding consistent ethical behavior in corporate America. They have scientifically demonstrated how to walk the talk!

Interesting book, challenging for anyone who likes to work on math.

Working through the colorful problems in this book is a great way to (re)learn and apply basic probability principles. There is a great deal of independence between problem so you are never quite sure how tough or easy the next one will be. On the other hand, several of the problems are clearly follow-ons that allow the exploration or expansion of some of the more interesting issues.

Though I've worked through the problems a couple of times, I bought a replacement copy when my original was "permanently borrowed" from my desk at work.

This collection of fifty-six classic problems in probability is a first-rate work. All of the solutions are well written and easily followed. The reasoning is general enough to allow you to go on and solve related problems. Examples are birthday matching, trials until success, cooperation, gambler's ruin, and Buffon's needle.
If you have a soft spot for problems in probability, this book is an inexpensive must.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Even if you are not a big probability fan, you are more than likely to find something enjoyable in this book. Some of the problems are wasy, some are hard, and some are just strange, but it makes for a very entertaining diversion for the mathematically inclined.

I got this book because I wanted to strengthen my skills with basic probability as it relates to gaming, gambling and trading.

In some areas the problems here were helpful to me, and the solutions are well explained.

In a few areas the problems were way over my head and in areas I either don't understand or am not interested in.

That said, I think anyone with an interest in the subject won't be disappointed with this thin book, except maybe wishing there was a greater variety of problem types, which was one complaint I had, the second was that the solutions were a bit too complicated, which may mean I'm just not smart enough, however, it would have been a bit stronger of a book if it had explained some of the items at a lower level (for us numbskulls).

Not sure of how I came upon this author, but I had put this on my Amazon "wish-list" and was given this book and "House of Brede" for Christmas. I just dusted the book off last week (only took me 5 months) and am now having a hard time putting it down. Wonderfully written, although it took a bit to understand the writing style, it is now an easy read. Highly recommend and now looking forward to reading more books written by this Rumer Godden.

Having read "In This House of Brede" by Rumer Godden I was expecting a fine quality novel out of this book. I was totally blown away.This may be the most powerful novel Ihave ever read. This book is not for everyone and some material may not be suitable for younger readers, as the main characters and some secondary characters are prostitutes.
Basically this book deals with the human condition and our need for redemption, and abov all Christ's mercy and love for the least in society (prostitutes).
The main character is Lise,a former prostitute who, as the novel begins is being released from prison for murdering the man who was her pimp. There are two secondary characters that are important to the story, one who becomes redeemed by Love and one who seems to be corrupted to the point of perdition. The realism with which the author portrays the less pleasant characters is sometimes shocking and slightly graphic but not terribly so. I found this to be an inspriational and uplifting book and I recommend it to anyone interested in genuine Catholic literature.
My estimation of Ms. Godden's rank as an author was immensely improved after reading this novel. Also, her portrayal of religious life is one of the most accurate that I've read, and to me, this added greatly to the book.

This story touched my heart and held my attention throughout. It reveals a unique side of a special ministry, in a very personal way. I have already recommended it to several friends and will continue to do so.

This is a beautifully written account of one woman's journey to the fulfillment for which she has always been searching.The descriptions of France and the French countryside are evocative and lyrical. I detected many echoes of "In this House of Brede", her earlier work, and her subsequent comments on that and the opinions voiced by various religious sisters on it. To some extent I found the ending anti-climactic ; although hints of evil are cleverly suggested,I regretted a final confrontation between Vivi and Lise. Perhaps the author wanted to say that we are never completely free from fear and danger. But a good read, nevertheless.

Often I give away a book, especially fiction, once I've read it. Not this book. I have bought aeveral to give to my friends and without exception, each of my friends had to get the book to give to their friends. This is a story packed with reality, mercy and new beginnings - it overflows with hope even when things for the central character seem at the worst. I so appreciate Godden's sensitivity in conveying the truth about human nature and, as I am a member of a monastic community, amazed at her ability to portray life in a convent without romance and with great regard. Powerful read.

G-Town's Finest is absolutely the greatest gangster book that i have ever read. It has a story line and a plot that will knock you off your feet. The ending is unreal and unexpected. It kept me interested and wanting to read more. I couldn't put this book down for nothing. It only took me 9 hours to finish it and I cried at the end. I recommend this book to all readers!
Keep up the wonderful work CeDee and I will support all that you do.
Thank you for the wonderful entertainment that I received from reading G-Town's Finest!

THIS BOOK INDEED WAS THE FIRST BOOK THAT MADE ME SHEAD A TEAR OF 2 OR 3..... BUT MY POINT IS THAT THIS BOOK WAS OFF THE WALL. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN AT ALL..... I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE IN THE URBAN FICTIONS GENRE.... PLEASE GO GET IT G-TOWN'S FINEST BOY I TELL YOU

...... PLEASE GO GET IT

... GOT ME ALL SPEECHLESS AND SH*T

G TOWN'S FINEST IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS YOU COULD EVER READ. I RECOMMEND IT TO ALL. IT WILL DEFINTALY CAPUTURE YOUR ATTENTION FROM BEGINING TO THE END FLAT OUT.THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! ANYONE FROM THE HOOD OR OTHERS WILL FEEL THIS BOOK TILL THE VERY END.IF U LIKED COLDEST WINTER EVER,B MORE CAREFUL,TRU TO THE GAME,AND ALL THE OTHER FAST PACE BOOKS THEN YOU WILL LOVE G TOWN'S FINEST.

I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't put the book down.
I want to know where is G-Town Finest's money at???. MAYBE
this could be the next part II.

I have never been the type of person to read, but a friend of mine convinced me to read this book, and I did, and I loved it! Put it this way, I started the book on my lunch break from work. I took the rest of the day off just so I could go home and finish reading it. I needed to know what was going to happen next. The thing I liked the most was everything that I expected to happen, DIDN'T happen. It's not one of those books where you can predict the ending just by reading a few chapters. I don't want to go into any detail because I don't want to tell you too much, so I'll just end this by saying that the book is excellent, and you will enjoy it! I hope this review is helpful.

The book arrived very quickly and in excellent order. It is very informative to any one wishing to learn more about the Jewish faith or Jewish Race. It will help you to understand their ways and customs and make you appreciate their lifestyle more. It has helped myself as an American Jew to better understand why I am the way I am at times. Very informative reading and joy.

GATEWAY TO JUDAISM: THE WHAT, HOW, AND WHY OF JEWISH LIFE is an insider's look at the values and practices of modern Judaism. Rabi Becher is a senior outreach expert with Gateways Seminars, helping thousands re-connect to their Jewish heritage. As such a leader, he was often asked for a single book to 'explain it all' - and GATEWAY TO JUDAISM is his answer, covering everything from Sabbath and traditional rituals in modern times to understanding both religious sentiments and social impacts of Judaism in everyday life.

Every encounter with Mordechai Becher is memorable. He is a once in a generation synthesis of Torah knowledge, contemporary thought, and common sense. If you want all of that in a book about Jewish thought and practice, this is your book.

In fact, I can't think of a person who doesn't need to read this. No matter what your background, interests, or level of observance, you will be hooked from the first read. Even the footnotes are captivating.

Yehoshua Karsh
Torah Learning Center of Northbrook
Northbrook, Illinois

Gateway To Judaism: The What, How, And Why Of Jewish Life by Rabbi Mordechai Becher is an informed and informative introduction offering the reader a well written and in-depth analysis of the contemporary lifestyles and practices of the Jewish people. As a superbly organized and presented study of the many varying intricacies of the Jewish life, Gateway To Judaism focuses upon the modern Jewry, relating him to the jews of ancient or earlier times, and cogently investigates the acceptable new traits, practices etc, as well as defines the line to be drawn when exploring your own practices. Gateway To Judaism is a very strongly recommended read for the traditional practitioner of the Judaic faith, especially those more subversive or explorative.

Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (2/06)

Rabbi Becher has responded to frequent requests for a book on all aspects of Judaism by creating this useful volume. As a scholar and lecturer on Judaism, he could always provide lengthy lists of books on different areas within the topic. But he never felt there was one book that included everything, so he wrote one himself. His engaging style encourages curious readers to learn more about this religion.

In Gateway to Judaism, sections include the Cycle of Life, which covers various transitions explaining the rituals observed and the history behind them. He moves on to a detailed discourse of the holidays throughout the Jewish year. Rabbi Becher continues by explaining the importance of the Torah, their holy book, and the role of the synagogue in the life of a Jew. He ends with a section titled Self, which features individual behavior including dietary laws and prayer, as well as other daily practices. No detail is left out from learning about specific prayers for each festival to the foods prepared for each ritual.

Many of the festivals and ceremonies were already familiar to me, but I didn't always know the history or significance of an event. Rabbi Becher makes a point of also explaining why the rules and regulations are still practical, demonstrating the relevancy of Judaism in today's world. I particularly enjoyed his use of a "fabricated" family, the Levy's, to show how they would participate in a holiday or ritual in their home.
Although this is no college textbook, there are plenty of footnotes for those who want further information as well as a glossary, a recommended reading list divided by topic and a chapter devoted to organizations and Web sites where even more information can be obtained.

This engaging book is truly a compilation of all things Jewish and a gift for anyone seeking to learn more about the religion. It should be recommended reading for not only Jews, but members of other faiths as well, since information opens the gate to understanding.

An excellect book for anyone. It was a great Christmas stocking stuffer and will make a great birthday gift when you want to give more than a card.

This is quintessential O. Henry. If you want a gift for a friend or a way to introduce someone to the joys of the short story, this is a great pick.

This book begins with the one of the lesser-known Christmas stories that illustrates how we should give to the utmost during this season of giving. O. Henry is able to use wit to show wisdom, and the ridiculous to show the sublime.

The poor married couple is forced to scrounge for Christmas. The husband hocks his watch to buy hair combs for his wife, and his wife sell her hair to a wig-maker to buy a fob-chain. Bit this story isn't about a couple's holiday folly, but the desire to love and serve other people to the utmost.

One of the classics is "The Last Leaf," about a boy who in inspired by a last leaf, which is really a painting. Another story is "The Cop And the Anthem," about the bum who tries to get arrested, then has a turn of heart second before he is booked for vagrancy. It also has the immortal "The Ransom Of Red Chief," the story about the kidnappers who get the redheaded brat, and try their darndest to get rid of the kid.

O. Henry has the a gift of the twist, like Rod Serling of "Twilight Zone" fame, or M. Night Shyamalan, the director of "The Sixth Sense," and "Signs." As you read, it keeps your eyes on their toes, since at any minute the whole story will twist upside-down. This roller-coaster writing is like a well-told joke.

When I was a teenager, I listened to the Gift of the Magi, the Last Leaf, After Twenty Years etc on public radio stations (Guess where?). I was so moved then. I think these among other great works had played a role in my decision to pursue an English Literature major.
Now life had challenged me into a somewhat different world where often times we forget about the literature, the philosophy and the simpliest pleasures of life.
I bought this book again so that I could read it to my children someday. My first born is only 3. But I think he is starting to show some appreciation.

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories" brings together 16 pieces by O. Henry. The stories in this collection are taken from 8 of O. Henry's books; the original volumes have publication dates ranging from 1906 to 1911. This book includes a short introductory note on the colorful life and career of the author, who lived from 1862 to 1910.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. O. Henry writes about criminals, dreamers, artists, lovers, and lost souls. Many of these stories have a New York City setting--he really captures the energy and color of the city. There are also a Western story ("The Pimienta Pancakes"), a Southern Gothic tale ("A Municipal Report"), a story set primarily in a small town in Arkansas ("A Retrieved Reformation"), and a story set in rural Alabama ("The Ransom of Red Chief").

If you like stories with "twist" endings, you will probably like this collection. The book as a whole is a lot of fun--full of life and charm. Some of the stories may strike contemporary readers as corny, but I found each tale to be an enjoyable gem of storytelling. The book is rich in irony, with some really funny scenes.

O. Henry tells stories of love, justice, deception, sacrifice, and heroism. He makes some intriguing creative choices; this is clearly the work of a master in total command of the short story genre. His prose style is very readable and engaging, with touches of baroque elegance.