Radio Books

The ARRL Handbook is a world renowned "bible" of communications. In teaching ham radio classes, where I use my own book "Ride the Airwaves with ALFA & ZULU", the ARRL Handbook is recommended to students of all ages as the ultimate source of information. Years ago, when I was studying electronic engineering in college, I used the ARRL Handbook often for a clear, practical explanation of technical material. Whether you become a ham or not, this is one book that is a "must buy"!

The ultimate book on radio technology for over 75 years. The ARRL Handbook is a must in any ham's, technician's, or engineer's technical library! No book in the wireless field is more respected and admired for its in-depth coverage of RF circuits, ham projects, practical theory, and operating practices than the ARRL Handbook.

Cotter W. Sayre, Author of "The Complete RF Technician's Handbook"

My last ARRL Handbook I purchased was in 1980. I kept putting off getting another for the past 10 years and kind of glad I did! The 1999 ARRL Handbook is jammed packed with valuable electrical formulas and theories, componant data and any degree of challanging projects you desire from the beginner to the advanced. Satellite communications and data tranmission protocols are well covered. This book is a must have for those who want everything in one place and not needing 3 or 4 different books to reference.

The virtues of Martin Jarvis's breezy, insightful and well-crafted autobiography have been noticed here and elsewhere. I can report that the pleasure to be derived from it is increased ten fold by listening to Martin Jarvis reading it. The voice is beautifully modulated, and apparently undamaged by forty years of theatre, TV, film and radio work. Not only is the text beautifully read, but there are also many demonstrations of Martin's Jarvis's uncanny ability to mimic and adopt other voices. You'll not only hear what Sir John Gielguid, Sir Alan Ayckbourn and Harold Pinter say, you actually believe they are there, speaking to you. Even the great radio actress Marjorie Westbury, to whom Martin Jarvis pays a high tribute, is somehow heard again in Jarvis's reading. There is also a Polish film director, and a Hollywood agent whose impersonations you will never forget.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast, an admirer of Martin Jarvis's work, a budding actor, or just someone who likes to be amused and entertained, you'll find this audio book set to be a great investment.

Loved Martin Jarvis's acting stories. It's a lesson to some of us who might have thought, in our dreams, that it's all champagne and roses. This elegant Brit warns that it ain't as easy as he and some of his fellow performers make it look - life on stage and screen can be full of downs as well as ups. Jarvis's sense of adventure makes the book a page-turning treat. His Hollywood tales are nothing short of compelling, not to say hilarious. And I have never read a better account of what it is like to be on stage in some of London's most noted theatres. A beautifully written autobiography, bursting with fun, information and wise thoughts about acting. I recently had a good time in the theatre watching this British star play the title role in the Lloyd Webber/Ayckbourn 'By Jeeves, on its way to Broadway. Look out NYC. Will Jarvis be writing about his adventures on the Great White Way? Hope so.

This autobiography by versatile British actor Martin Jarvis answers just about every question you've ever wanted to ask concerning the mysteries - and absurdities - of his profession. Whether he is writing about his experiences in Royal National Theatre productions with Sir Peter Hall or the intense atmosphere on the set of James Cameron's Titanic, Jarvis is never less than spellbinding. He is fascinating, too, about the detailed work that has gone into his many starring roles in the plays of Alan Ayckbourn, Harold Pinter and David Hare. And the account of his Theatre Royal Hamlet is a comic classic. His pen portraits of Sir John Gielgud, Robert Duvall, Angela Lansbury, Leonardo di Caprio, Kate Winslet, and the incomparable Dame Judi Dench leap from the page with a glittering perception. I adored the stories about the author's introduction to Hollywood - the character of the hysterical manager, Travis, has to be read to be believed. But beneath the humour, Jarvis' elegant prose conveys an extraordinary sense of the value and worth of being an actor. He is moving, too, as he takes us back to his beginnings at school in South London and his early successes (and failures) at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I particularly appreciated the tales of student work with Anthony Hopkins, Mike Leigh and Patrick Stewart. This is the best book on the secret world of actors since William Redfield's brilliant 'Letters from an Actor'. I wholeheartedly agree with Dame Judi's assessment, displayed on the cover of this unmissable paperback: "Marvellously written - I laughed and Laughed!"

I really like this set. I wish more shows were available. If you like the old time radio detective shows, you'll like Harry Nile.It's nice to know that it's still being done well.

The Adventures of Harry Nile extends the life of new radio programming in the dramatic format into the 21st century by creating characters and stories that both real and interesting to listen to. Although the stories are set in the middle 20th century on both ends of the second world war, its contemporary sensibility and coninued cutural relevance make the adventures of this Seattle PI entertaining for all ages.

The Adventures of Harry Nile, this volume included, ranks among the best detective shows ever on radio. The show has the gripping mystery of such programs as "Suspense" while being easier to follow. Although the mystery can sometimes be a little easy to figure out, "The Adventures of Harry Nile" creates interesting situations without becoming hard for a newcomer to radio drama to understand. However, since the writer is not consistent with the year the episodes take place in (one will take place in 1959, the next in 1952, the next in 1953, etc.) a caracature of Harry's personality will help listeners understand who Harry is and why he is this way

I was drawn to "The Adventures of Harry Nile" just after I had started listening to the first radio series I actually enjoyed. I stumbled upon a broadcast of the series and followed ever episode from 1998 until 2002. I soon found that I could listen to and follow the series when I still had trouble when listening to a number of the Old Time Radio shows (I had trouble with such serieses as "Suspense" and "Escape"). As a matter of fact, I had not really tried following such series yet.

Harry Nile's story mostly fits the type for radio and movie detectives. Poor, having few friends, and stuggling with a gambling and alcohol addiction, Harry becomes a person who people can identify with. Thus, he also more or less fits the 1940's and 1950's mold for a private eye. Harry differs from the stereotype by not being very sarcastic and being much nicer (even taking cases for free, to the dismay of his secretary).

Harry is a former cop, having been a rookie in 1939. He went into the force to help bust the bad guys. Thus we have the reason he becomes so angry when people commit murder. Crime makes him angry. This makes sense because his family had frequent problems with the mob while he was growing up.

About the same time he gets inducted into the Internal Affairs aspect of the force, he is invited by his partner to take some of the money that his partner gets from a bar owner. The partner gets five dollars a week, while the chief gets three, and Harry is to get two dollars. Needless to say, Harry turns his partner in.

Around this time, Harry falls for a beautiful black singer, ironically from the bar that Harry's partner is taking money from. Harry gets a number of people telling him to ditch her, including his partner and Harry's father, solely because of her race. However, the two, being in love, get married by a Justice of the Peace (they cannot find a minister).

Anyhow, Harry's experience turning in his fellow associates in the police force angers a couple of crooked cops. One episode establishes that, early on in thier relationship, Harry's wife gets murdered. A brawl breaks out at the bar she works at and one of them wants to get revenge by shooting her. By 1940, Harry is widowed.

Another story (the show is a spin- off from a series called "Crisis" and this is the first Harry Nile story) has an angered cop, someone angered by his involvment in Internal Affairs, chasing Harry to L.A. By this time Harry has become a private eye due to the fact that he did not get along with his fellow officers when he turned his partner in. The former officer is so mad at Harry he shoots Harry's landlord, mistaking the two.

Harry Nile has been on radio, more or less, since 1976. He disappeared from radio in 1979, reappearing in the early ninties. The mysteries frequently are such that they are a little easy to figure out. I can think of one episode, for example, where the culpret is a cop and the mystery is pretty much solved a good five minutes before Harry reveals who the bad guy is. However, this is somthing the series has going for it. When people are first starting to enjoy radio drama, taking in the story becomes a little hard to do. As one psychologist told me, stuff that is heard is interpreted by one side of the brain. Stuff that is seen is interpreted by the other side. TV involes both sides, making it easy to watch. However, radio and books are only interpreted by one side of the brain, and when someone sits down to follow a story through such means, both sides of the brain want to be engaged in the activity and the person has to learn how to make their imagination engage the other side of their brain.

The means that serieses like "The Adventures of Harry Nile" are a good way to introduce people to radio drama. The ease with which people can follow the Harry Nile stories, as well as other shows created and produced by Jim French, makes the series attractive to newcomers to radio drama. They can follow the story due to the way the story is told. Yet, the show produces interesting mysteries that will engage the mind of the person who is used to radio drama. They have involved my mind, and still do so to this day, even when the mystery is one I can figure out on my own. I may not still be able to follow the series. I have not been able to hear an episode made since 2003. However, having been on Imagination Theater's subscription club and having bought two sets of episodes like this one, I can enjoy the episodes of "The Adventures of Harry Nile" to this day

'Airwaves' is a great romance book. It deals with a womans struggle with relationships and God. It gets very intersting without having to have a sex plot. I reccomend it to teenagers and adult women alike!

Airwaves is a well-written and enjoyable Christian romance. Sherrie Lord has created believable and likeable characters and made me care about what happens to them. I'm usually skeptical of Christian romances, since so many of them display mediocre writing and prissy attitudes, but this book is a delightful exception. It's romantic but clean; Christian principles are clearly conveyed without becoming obnoxious. Airwaves is a good example of how contemporary Christian romance should be written!

"Airwaves" is labled as a Christian romance novel. Until I read, "Airwaves" I had never read a Christian novel. I never read romance novels. "Airwaves", is wonderful. Don't be afraid to read this book because of the Christian label! There is a mystery to be solved and a romance to be resolved. The characters become real under the magic of a gifted writer. The plot is woven around two main characters, Colin and Emily. Colin develops from a worldwise businessman to a - well that would give too much away. Emily, a sheltered young woman is thrust into the real world and - no I can't give that away either. The setting is believable for anyone familiar with Montana or Idaho. The pace of the book will keep you involved until the last page.

Read it. I even cried during my reading.

I first read Helms when I became interested in Ham Radio. His book was an excellent introduction. This book is also first-rate. Harry makes the subject very interesting and gives a lot of practical advice. This is what I found to be the best part of his book(s). He let's you in on the secrets. It's very much like having a very experienced DX'er chatting with you and giving you friendly advice. He takes the time to explain the technical terms, the options, the 'real world' of short wave listening so that you have a very straight foreward explanation of what it's really all about. And he has strong opinions! And a sense of humor! He has stories to tell about the excitement of DX'ing and relates it very, very well. I found out more about the technical and practical aspects of short wave radio from this book than from Mange's Passport [Which is an excellent serial book] Excellent advice about selecting your first SW radio, great advice about an outside antenna, a honest discussion about the need for 'grounding' your antenna (this will surprise you because of his contrarian view and logic) This book and Mange's Passport book are all you need to enjoy this hobby and save $.

If you've ever wondered why your neighbor has more aluminum above his house than Alcoa, or thought it would be fun to talk to people around the country or world, buy this book!!

When I first thought about becoming a ham, this is the volume that convinced me I could and should. Mr Helms presents the varied world of amateur radio in a simple, informative, and humorous manner. The best first step into a wonderful hobby that he'll show you isn't as difficult as many think.

In comparison to other ham books, this is agreat first ham book. It's easy to understand, and it covers everything. If you already understand this stuff, get "Now You're Talking". If you already have your license, and want technical info, by all means, buy "The ARRL Handbook"! But, if you have ANY interest in ham whatsoever and you don't know a lot about it, BUY THIS BOOK!!! Trust me.

This is one of the best visual compilations of American Jukeboxes for the collector and devotee. Recalls pre-radio and TV days when people met in person not electronically.

Every coffee table hould have one. Every house should have an original box for the family to dance around.

This color glossy photographic celebration of "the Classic Years" of American Jukes is drop dead gorgeous. It is a "must-have" for the jukebox collector.

For essential descriptions, histories, and values of various makes and models, this jb afficianada recommends Michael Baulte et. al's *the Always Jukin Official Guide to Collectible Jukeboxes* with its periodic updates.

Buy `em both for an excellent composite resource of these Grand Old Music Machines. /TundraVision

This is an excellent reference photo book for anyone interested in classic jukeboxes. The photos are outstanding and there is a reference section at the back that gives a brief description of the jukeboxes and related equipment.

This is a delightful book and CDROM which are full of useful tips and info. Hopengarten impressively thought of everything and still expresses interest in learning and sharing more.

We're certainly fortunate in this wonderful hobby of ours to have talented individuals like Fred Hopengarten, Jim O'Connell and other volunteer counsels to share valuable insight into the various aspects of our hobby.

Whenever another ham knocks the ARRL, my response always includes remarks to the effect that everything I know about ham radio comes from ARRL literature. This magnum opus certainly further justifies my thoughts in this regard.

For those who find themselves facing potential new, adverse local government regulation, ARRL has recently released a new publication, Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur by Fred Hopengarten, K1VR. This is an excellent new publication that provides a lot of material to help you as you approach local governing bodies to be able to put up an antenna.

There is a CD ROM with documents you can use directly to aid your efforts. The book may seem a bit pricey ..., but if you find that you are in need of an attorney's services in your quest, you can save more than the cost of this book in attorney's fees because the book provides a treasure chest of material your attorney will not have to search out! I highly recommend this book!

I am really excited about this book. I get a lot of e-mails and telephone calls asking for zoning information. This new ARRL book is a MUST read for anyone planning to put up a tower. Get the book and read it before you even look at an antenna catalog.

Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, a communications lawyer and contester, has written a truly fine book designed to save the serious amateur a lot of money, time and grief. It is a must read for any ham who plans to buy a house and put up a dream antenna system. Even before you buy the house or begin looking at tower and antenna catalogs you should get a copy of the book. There is practical advice on selecting a real estate agent, dealing with a town clerk, and getting a copy of the local building codes. Fred covers every subject you can think of and then adds quite a few you didn't think of but should have.

Don't be put of by the ... price tag as it will be the best money you will spend on the entire house and antenna project. Your initial reaction may be that this is way too much for a book that is only 286 pages long, but be aware that you also get a CD-ROM crammed full of precedent setting cases, sample letters and documents designed to help you and your lawyer prepare you zoning application and or appeal. Director Jay Bellows, KØQB, a Minnesota lawyer who serves on the Tower Assistance Committee with me, feels that the CD-ROM is the best part of the book as you or your lawyer can edit the PDF files using Word and tailor them to your needs.

Even for an old veteran of many tower battles this a truly invaluable book. Fred takes us through the entire process providing detailed guides along the way with tips on how to talk to town officials and what not to say. These are very important things easily forgotten. He makes the point that you should at all times be the good guy in the white hat who lets the town know what he is doing an why. It is surprisingly easy to read which is a real accomplishment with a subject as detailed and complicated.

The book is designed to give you a view of the entire process and help you avoid the pitfalls that others have fallen into along the way. It is a college course in the subject at a graduate level. Some few may discover after reading it that they came across the book too late in the process and would be better off changing their plans or looking for a second dream house.

It will save me hours on the telephone when a local ham calls for advice. But even for them the book may be helpful in making that decision possible. The best advice I can now give is before you even begin to look for a house, read Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur. Failure to buy and read it is almost certainly guaranteed to cost you many times more in money and time wasted.

This is an excellent book on antennas.
Main things to point out:
- Gives an hystorical view of (UWB) antennas. Tells how and why a specific kind of antenna was conceived.
- Presents antennas from different points of view: as transducers, as transformers, as radiators and as energy converters.
- Provides useful construction details on several particular antennas.
- States explicitly that "in many respects, our knowledge of electromagnetics is akin to the science of chemistry before the atomic theory was verified. We have the math to mix electronic components together in the right portions to generate useful results, but we really don't understand what we are doing on a fundamental level"

This book has helped with uwb antenna arrays in aerospace applications. The review of uwb antenna history and applications of antennas today helps the engineer developed a sound design practice.

Author Schantz brings a dramatically different approach to the understanding of very wide band antennas - which are critically important in UWB technology. It is well illustrated, and is steeped in historical background which aids the understanding of antenna development. The volume introduces an intuitive but rarely seen space-time energy flow diagrams to bring an understanding of stored and radiated fields.

If you loved the movie, you'll love this book.THe beautiful art and concepts makes you appreciate Miyazaki's work even more.

This book has so many sketches, illustrations and conceptual drawings that one gets a better idea of how such a masterpiece came into being. A section on animation techniques shows many special effects used in the film. The overall impression is magical and very inspiring. This book will motivate any developing artist to search for better ways of expressing his/her ideas.

If you're a Miyazaki's freak, you will love this series of books.
Beautifully edited, hard cover, with original sketches and storyboards.
The Art of My Neighbor Totoro: A Film by Hayao Miyazaki, has the particularity to transport you to the movie in seconds and you get the same happy and heartwarming feelings with just watch their pages.

Also explains what a Totoro is and why Miyazaki wanted to do this movie. Characters development, full color illustrations. A must have if you are into animation.

I have not yet listened to all of the programs in this monster pack of programs. But I have listened to more than half of them and love it. Too often people think American history is dull, these programs really do prove them wrong. This is a great gift for anybody that likes history.

Tired of the same old dry history books? With this collection of American history stories you will be anything but bored. Lots of rousing action and adventure will keep you rivited to your seat. I particularly liked the Little Big Horn and Alamo programs. From what I know about history, these tapes are very true to form, and "tell it like it was". I really enjoyed them and would suggest that they will make a great gift to anyone that you know who enjoys history.

The Colonial Radio Theatre has done a superb job in bringing American History to life through high quality audio theatre. This collection has ten exciting stories, each with a unique feel. I have been a history buff for over forty years, and it is great to see that these folks have been willing to do their home work, and have not taken the easy route so often done by Hollywood. They cover subjects as diverse as Paul Revere's Mid-night ride, to the adventures of Old Ironside (my favorite), The Alamo, the Pilgrims, Little Big Horn and Bunker Hill. I have seen many of their products for sale in various museum shops and National Park service locations (so you know they have their history correct!) Some of these tapes can be a little violent, but are not overly so, Jerry Robins is very good at getting the point acrossed with out being too graphic... (like how would you do the battle of Alamo justice other wise?) They are surprisingly popular with my kids, and it is great to see them enjoying something that is fun and educational. I am still trying to figure out why my four year old daughter loves the Pilgims tape so much, the language is very sophisticated and I would have thought a little beyond her(she might just be a future historian). Each show has hundreds, if not thousand of sound effects which are wonderfully layered in to paint an incredible mental picture, while the music scores are very deep, rich and often true to the historic period. If you know a history buff, are looking for something a little educational for the kids, or just happen to be a lover of old time radio dramas, I strongly suggest giving these a listen. (By the way, it is so good to finally hear somebody actually pronounce Jim Bowie's name correctly!)