Adams Books

GURPS is already a great system, but the massive volume of data can easily overwhelm someone, especially if this is their first RPG. GURPS for Dummies provides the perspective needed to digest and begin taking advantage of this great system. Be aware that several important source books have been released since the publication of GURPS for Dummies, but the consistency of the GURPS rules don't significantly impact its effectiveness.

It's a great view of role playing in general. GURPS is already an easy system, and GURPS For Dummies makes it idiot proof. A must for folks playing or running GURPS games.

After having read the lackluster reviews of D&D for Dummies, I was a bit hesitant to purchase this title sans any exisiting reviews, however, I took the leap anyway, and was not dissapointed.

The first thing you notice when you open the book is the great three-panel double sided pullout cheat sheet containing a ton of information that is invaluable to have at your fingertips during play! This alone is worth almost the cost of the book, and for new players gives them their options in a succint little package.

The book basically appeals to two audiences: Players and Game Masters and the six sections of the book are divided amongst the two.

PART ONE introduces GURPS and gives a player tips on how to come up with the foundation of a character, that is the concept and role the character will play in the story. This information is applicable to any role playing game, and the advice is clear and uncomplicated. This section continues on to describe how to use the GURPS rules as the building blocks of the character, not by teaching the rules or by repeating the rules (you need the GURPS books for that) but by telling you how the different elements work in the game and interact together. In other words, they tell you how to use the game mechanics to recreate what is in your imagination. Its almost like having an experienced player actually helping you through the process step by step, explaining what each thing in the rulebook REALLY MEANS and how it will REALLY WORK (or not work). You are told how high is high, and how low is low.

PART TWO builds on Part One by going into more detail on magic, powers, technology, and non-humans. This section is basically a much deeper exploration of all the different ways the elements of the game (advantages, perks, talents, skills, etc) can be put together, and how each one works. The authors also provide insight on how to use the different game mechanics to achieve the vision you have for your character, and the possible ways to get there (as there is usually more than one).

PART THREE gives solid advice on role playing, again, relevant to any RPG. Combat is explained, with very detailed information given to how different elements works together in combat and how combat flows in GURPS (which can be much different than other RPG's). I would have liked to have seen more information regarding the various reach ranges, because they can have a major affect on swords and sorcery type games. The combat chapter teaches you how to choose armor, what choices there are in combat and more importantly, why you would want to choose certain options, when and how to defend yourself, and how to make wise weapon choices. In fact, there is an excellent chart describing what the solid weapopn choices are for each character strength level. This is perfect for those countless times I have heard players say "What weapon should I choose?". There is a great section on how to solve common combat problems (too many opponents, can't penetrate armor, etc) and a section on how best to use healing magic. This section also describes good ways to keep track of all the information used in GURPS.

PART FOUR is where the Game Mastering (GMing) section begins. This section and the next should be read by every GM, no matter what the game they run. I've been GMing and playing for almost 30 years, and I found the advice in this section and the next to be invaluable. Part Four describes how to be a GM, gives an EXCELLENT chapter on how to design an adventure with an example of how that would play out.

PART FIVE describes how to build the campaign, that is the world, or epic, or whatever that will be the focus of why the story is, what the story is, and why are the players even creating characters to begin with. The advice is once again solid, and while there are references on how to use GURPS, as in Part Four, the information is applicable to any Role Playing Game/GM.

PART SIX are three short chapters containing the authors' preferences for spending points, their top ten favorite advantages, and top ten favorite disadvantages. There was to be a chapter on the "10 skills no PC should be without" but it was apparently cut. Seeing the chapter released in electronic format would be a great addition to the book.

Overall, this book is a "must have" for anyone even contemplating playing or running a GURPS game. New players will find the answers and help they need to bring their imagination to life, and old veterans will find an angle they hadn't thought of. The GMing section really could have been "Game Mastering for Dummies", because the tips and advice here go beyond what do do in GURPS. I wish I had seen this advice when I first started GMing oh-so-long-ago. This book should be considered the third of the core books (Characters and Campaigns being the first two) and is a book no gaming library should be without.

A memoir of the author's relationship with his father, Harold, whom he did not appreciate or understand as a child. He grew up in a privileged environment, as his father was a wealthy businessman, but received a lot of harsh criticism from his father. However, after marriage and two sons, he developed an understanding of his father's background and an unexpected peace finally was made between them. A well-written, hard-to-put-down book--deeply moving.

Hochschild has written a gentle and elegant portrait of his family. I chose this book by pure luck (and Hochschild's King Leopold's Ghost). I have been rewarded handsomely. It is one of my absolute favorite memoirs that I have ever read. It disturbed me, it moved me and set me on the way to examining and recalling my own memories, especially of the beauty of lost summers of yesteryear. Yet the book is able to deal with the complexities of extraordinarily difficult relationships, class and race consciousness and the very nature of power in society in a though provoking and beautiful way. Most importantly, Hochschild teaches that the past and all whom we know and love will live on within us.

I read this book in 1988 for an autobiography class, and reread it about once a year. It is the only book that has ever brought me to tears. Anyone with a parent who kept their relationships with their children strictly formal will identify with this book.

Very informative. Provides basic background and a good description of the battle. Nicely written and well illustrated. A good source of information for anyone seeking a basic amount of information on this tehcnologically significant battle.

Hampton Roads 1862: The First Clash of the Ironclads is one of Osprey's finest Campaign books. Firstly, it covers a topic that can easily and readily fit into the 96-page Osprey format. Secondly, the author Angus Konstam is just a damn good writer!

Unlike many other authors for Osprey, Konstam isn't tied up with naming useless movements of ships in a dry fashion, rather, he presents this book like a story. Descriptive and storylike, he tells of how the crew of the USS Congress was grinded like meat against the relentless heated shot of the CSS Virginia, the elation of the USS Cumberland when they believed they where taking down the Virgina with them, the silent, desperate crowds of Confederate onlookers at the departure of the Virginia from Norfolk, as well as using many eyewitness accounts to portray the seeming invincibility of the Ironclads against simple cannonfire.

Everything in the book is easy to understand very enjoyable to read, as well as teaching you nifty facts about early Ironclads. My only complaint is the seeminly extreme numbers of casualties on the Union side at the end of the first day, seemingly a typo. All in all, Hampton Roads 1862 is definetley one of Osprey's strongest Campaign books (right behind Lepanto 1571, also by Konstam).

While a number of books have covered the famous engagement in March 1862 between the first ironclad warships, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, few have ever attempted to place this revolutionary battle in a campaign narrative that goes beyond the few hours of actual fighting. In Osprey Campaign #103, British naval aficionado Angus Konstam sets out not only to summarize the famous naval engagements of 8-9 March 1862 in Hampton Roads, but to cover the events leading up to and following the battle. While most Osprey Campaign volumes are strained to cover large campaigns in anything like meaningful detail, the limited scope of the Hampton Roads campaign is well suited for coverage in a 96-page volume. As a campaign summary, Hampton Roads 1862 is a great success, both in terms of breadth and depth.

In accordance with the standard Osprey Campaign format, Hampton Roads 1862 begins with a brief introduction and chronology, followed by sections on opposing leaders and forces. The leaders section covers the secretary of the navy, ironclad designers and vessel commanders for both the Federal and Confederate sides. In the opposing forces section, the author covers the origin and design of both the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, as well as the role of the Federal blockading squadron, the Confederate James River Squadron, the CSS Virginia's armed tugboat escorts (which are rarely mentioned in most accounts of the battle) and the army units involved in local coastal defense. Complete technical details are provided on all warships, but exact information on the Federal and Confederate army units involved is not provided. An 18-page section covers the background to the battle, including the capture of Norfolk Navy Yard in April 1861, the conversion of the ex-USS Merrimac, the construction of the USS Monitor and the Monitor's near-disastrous coast-hugging voyage to Hampton Roads. The two-day Battle of Hampton Roads is covered in 43 pages and includes much information that is often glossed over in other accounts. A brief section on aftermath covers the fate of the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor. There are a total of five 2-D maps (the Confederate seaboard in March 1862, Hampton Roads area, the Monitor's voyage to Hampton Roads, warship dispositions on 8 March 1862, operations in the Peninsula Area May 1862) and three 3-D "Birds Eye View" maps (the attack on the USS Cumberland and USS Congress, and two covering the early and later phases of the Monitor-Virginia engagement). There are also three excellent battle scenes: the final construction of the CSS Virginia, inside Monitor's turret and the Virginia's attempt to ram the Monitor).

Overall, this is an excellent Osprey Campaign title. The only obvious error was the misquote of Union casualties from the sinking of the USS Cumberland and USS Congress, when the author asserts that, "over 2,650 sailors had been killed, and almost as many were wounded." This bizarre error must be the result of poor editing, since the combined crews of both Union warships were only around 600 sailors. Actual losses from both ships totaled about 260 killed and 110 wounded. Otherwise, the author displays sound analysis of the main points of the battle as well as the oft-ignored minutiae, such as the role of the neutral French observer warship, the Confederate attempt to board the Monitor and the actions of the James River Squadron. Very well done.

This is an excellent resource that I've used many times in my song study. I recently purchased the updated 2008 edition also by Adams, and it contains much of the same great material. I'd recommend either edition, but the latter does have more current research that makes it a bit more desirable.

Prof. Adams was my previous voice teacher at College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati. Now I study voice at University of Illinois. We used his book for Diction class. Every terminology and explanation is very clear. It is best reference book for singers.

Professor David Adams skillfully offers keen insight into the basics of Italian, German, and French diction. In addition to covering the most general rules, he goes on to explain common exceptions and more elusive nuances of each language within the context of a singer's perspective. Some familiarity with the International Phonetic Alphabet is helpful but not necessary.

This book will prove a tremendous asset for any singer whose goal is more than simply singing correct notes. It will assist in adding that element of expression only possible with the clarity of the text as it was intended by the composer.

This little book is a great way to spend your time in a world where there are so many things that are not. I carry it in the car so when I have to go in to a business where I know I will have to wait, I can take it along. The positive thoughts and quiet acts of God's eyes, hands and feet in the world will warm your heart.

I was so proud to have a part in this book, I read the first one last year and little did I know I would have a story in the next book. The first one was wonderful, all the stories were about real people and appealed to my sense of morality. the last one I feel was just as good, and perhaps even better with such inspirational stories, I could have read another thirty of them easily. Thank you all you Heartwarmers Gems for making such a wonderful book and thank you, all you wonderful people who allowed me to be a small part of this one, it was such fun and I hope to do it again.

Gee, I wish I knew why stories about "kindness" and "love" always touch me way down deep. "Heartwarmers of love" will take you on a journey of "feel-goods" and "smiles". What a wonderful way to spend and evening.Author, Roger Dean Kiser, "Orphan, A true story of Abandonment, Abuse and Redemption."

Written by educational consultant Don Silver, High School Money Book is a practical, no-nonsense guide to basic money management skills - a "Money Smarts 101" for high school students, if you will. Chapters discuss simple, smart ways to think, such as the monetary value of resisting peer pressure or engaging in "voluntary simplicity" to reduce the tendency to fritter one's dollars away; shopping smarts; selecting the right credit card and using it appropriately ("If you take one piece of advice from this book, it's this: avoid credit card debt"); ways to bank, handle paperwork, and grow one's money; money smarts to remember when working at a job; and much more. A first-rate primer not only for teens, but for anyone unfamiliar with simple money matters. Enthusiastically recommended.

Everything in the High School Money Book by Don Silver is useful and well organized. It is also incredibly clear and presented in the most useful way that I can imagine. If someone has a question, they can just look in the index or table of contents and -presto- there's the answer without having to wade through all sorts of other info. There are references for several sections if you'd like more in-depth information.

Want to teach someone how to balance a checkbook? See page 90. What credit card should one get? See pages 50-52. Why is it critical to start saving for retirement at an early age? See page 108 for a very convincing set of scenarios and you may be surprised! What is money, anyway? See page 1.

The book arrived at the beginning of a complicated and busy week and I sighed when I saw it, wondering how I would ever find the time to read it, much less to write a review. I decided to just glance inside, to get a taste of what was waiting for me. To my amazement, I was so captivated that I sat and read the entire book right then!

Don is right, there should be a class for high school-aged kids called "Money Smarts 101." Maybe even adults should be required to take it!! But since most people don't have access to such a class, this book is the next-best thing. Everyone should have a copy of the High School Money Book on their bookshelf!

Written by educational consultant Don Silver, High School Money Book is a practical, no-nonsense guide to basic money management skills - a "Money Smarts 101" for high school students, if you will. Chapters discuss simple, smart ways to think, such as the monetary value of resisting peer pressure or engaging in "voluntary simplicity" to reduce the tendency to fritter one's dollars away; shopping smarts; selecting the right credit card and using it appropriately ("If you take one piece of advice from this book, it's this: avoid credit card debt"); ways to bank, handle paperwork, and grow one's money; money smarts to remember when working at a job; and much more. A first-rate primer not only for teens, but for anyone unfamiliar with simple money matters. Enthusiastically recommended.

I have worked with a rescue mission for over 22 years. I think this book should be a must read for school age children and their parents, especially if they live in a town or city that has a homeless shelter or rescue mission. My eyes tear up each time I read Hope by Adam Eisenson. He really brings to life the problems homeless children experience each day.

This should be a must read. It not only teached children about homelessness, but it also teaches about how to treat other humans. It is both educational and fun to read. It should be in every elementary school in the nation.

I received a copy of Hope a few days ago, and I must admit, I was skeptical. All of my hesitation vanished, however, when I opened up the book and saw the beautiful artwork inside. The illustrations brought Hope's story to life for me.

Hope is a sad looking homeless girl who gets picked on relentlessly in her new school. The main character, Chantel, learns Hope's secret after the pair get teamed up to write a report about homelessness. Before Chantel can talk to Hope about her situation, Hope vanishes, and Chantel is left with a lot of unanswered questions.

Hope brings to life the difficulties many homeless children face, and teaches those who aren't homeless, that even people who seem "different" deserve respect. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to teach their kids compassion.

Although some might call this book a failed prophecy (as indeed some have called Orwell's "1984"), this was a warning of what MIGHT happen, at the height of the Cold War, if certain philosophies gained control of the government. Recommended!

I've owned an original 1986 copy of this book for about 2 years and continue to read its engaging account of an oppressed America and one woman's fight to reclaim her country from Communist takeover. Astutely detailed, fictional accounts of worldwide events and characters give this book an energetic pace drawing the reader on to read more and more. Anyone lucky enough to find a copy of this book should be pleasantly surprised and relieved its harrowing story never came to be.

I realize that this book is out of print, my copy was from the 1986 publishing. I have found it to be one of the most entertaining books I have read. It is one of the few books of this nature I have recommended to outsiders to read. I have even lent my copy out which is something I never do. The story is as old as time and like so many in that catagory you never get tired of them. The hero in this story turns out to be a woman and even by her thoughts not one you would expect. The story is well written and held my attention (every time I have read it). Even though you may feel you know what is going to happen (it dosen't always)it is still a surprise. All those I have lent this book to have enjoyed it as much as I have. If you can find a copy get it and read it you will not be disappointed.

The Norwegian born Mr Heyerdahl was an
athlete, explorer and writer par excellance,
who wroter twenty very good to great books
and this is his best. The greatest explorer
in our cultures history, I highly also rec-
ommend the books, 'On the Seventh Day' and
'Kon-Tiki'. Actually all his book s are worth
getting, provided the price is right here on
amazon.com or alibris.com.

This is a greatly written book. For all Thor's sense of humor and eye for the paradox often shines through. We hear a lot about his obstacles getting his travel adventures accepted in scientific circles as real research and also get a side of Thor indicating that he is a very determined man. We hear about his romantic life and philosophy about he important things in life. A great book that will teach you not only about geography and archeology but will make you laugh and think deeper about life.

To use Thor's own words...
"There is nothing for modern man to return to. Our wonderful time in the wilderness had given us a taste of what man had abandoned and what mankind was still trying to get even further away from. Progress today can be defined as man's ability to complicate simplicity. Nothing in all the procedure that modern man , helped by all his modern middlemen, goes through before he earns money to buy a fish or a potato will ever be as simple as pulling it out of the water or soil. Without the farmer and the fisherman, modern society would collapse., with all its shops and pipes and wires. The farmers and the fishermen represent the nobility of modern society; they share their crumbs with the rest of us, who run about with papers and screwdrivers attempting to build a better world without a bluprint."

All this author's books are GREAT reads! If you are a city dweller you will especially appreciate his adventures as he asks the question- "Were we meant to live in jungles made of plants or concrete?

The story begins when Eric, Julie, and Neal are in art class. New kinds of sparks come out of Eric's fingers. They are silver. They go to Droon and meet Keeah. Keeah tells them about an evil monster named Krog. The knights of the silver snow are with Keeah. One of the knights, Rolf, goes with the kids to the ice caves of Krog to stop Krog from destroying Droon cities. They meet the Ice Man. Neal says something mean and the Ice Man asks him three questions. He gets the first two right but the last one is math and he gets it wrong. This gets the Ice Man angry and Rolf and the Ice Man fall into a giant crack. The kids and Keeah go on without Rolf. The kids see an ice palace. They go in and they find magic food. The food makes them go to sleep. Before Eric goes to sleep he shoots the ceiling with the sparks from his fingers and snow falls in the palace. The snow wakes everybody up and they find the Ice Caves of Krog. Krog defeats everybody but Eric. Krog tells Eric he has two weaknesses. Read the book to find out what his weaknesses are and the true story of Krog! This was a great book.

Eric, Julie and Neal need to go back to |Droon because the ancient beast called Krog is destroying villages. But is there a secret to the beast? You have to read it to find out. I hope you do.

In the now #20th edition of the Droon series, Eric, Julie, Neil and Keeah find that there are now some new problems in Droon. A new snowman seems to have woken up for his deep slumber and is destroying villages all over Droon. It turns our this snowman, named Murn, is not at all a happy camper, and to stop him the kids have to journey up north to the Ice Caves of Krog. The kids have quite a few adventures including finding the tricky cave entrance, but nothing prepares them for the surprise of seeing Murn...

I have to admit I am a freshman in high school, but I have been reading Droon since I was ten. I know these types of books are way out of my reading level, but they are so magical that you really do feel sucked into Keeah's world. Little kids will love this book, and it is a great way to start your children on chapter books. A must-read!