Bruno Books

After reading the Alice books, I never imagined Carroll could write a literary failure. Unfortunately, as the introduction of this book so clearly states, Sylvie and Bruno is a literary failure. Why? Perhaps it's too much of an adult book. Perhaps the confusion of the first few chapters throws off too many impatient readers. These possibilites are certainly plausible. But what a shame! The work itself contains so many instances of wonderment that I can't name them all. Like a true craftsman of storytelling, Carroll masterfully walks the line between dream-like fantasy and all-too-familiar reality, swiveling between these two opposing states of being whenever the urge strikes.

One would venture to guess that the narrator is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. That is, until he actually brings back a tangible souvenir from the dreamworld in the form of a rare Indian flower bouquet, incapable of surviving a lengthy transport to merry old England. Upon participation in this scenario, the open-minded reader begins to question the composition of reality. Are dream worlds filled with magic out there eluding us? Can it be that our steps in the real world are never terribly far from landing on a little fairy? The ponderment of such superstition is indeed rare today, but perhaps it shouldn't be.

Yes, extraordinarily deep questions are raised in this strange book where "actors" do somersaults during dramatizations of Shakespeare and gardeners run around "watering" plants with watering-cans as barren as the Sahara Desert. As anyone can see, Carroll didn't seem to have any problems coming up with wild stuff to write. I particularly enjoyed the rumor of the crocodile walking on its forehead.

I think the one thing Carroll never gets enough credit for is his use of humor. Sylvie and Bruno is quite funny. I couldn't help laughing at Bruno's story of, "a Mouse and a Crocodile and a Man and a Goat and a Lion." And the Baron's Embassy chapter is comedy gold. Carroll was truly an enlightened individual. I wish we had more like him today.

Carroll was also quite Biblical, and that's evident in this book. While strongly promoting faith in the Bible, he heavily criticizes the practically (I think) defunct method of filling up every Sunday with forced, nonstop preaching, and the far from defunct method of promising financial wealth to people who give. He notes that England's ability to endure such tactics for a whole century while still believing in God is a credit to the goodness of the people there. Unfortunately, a century after the printing of this book, the belief isn't quite as strong as it used to be. Perhaps Carroll's criticisms had some validity.

Carroll had the gift of innovation that is so terribly difficult for most people, including myself, to grasp. What extraordinary value his works have! It's a shame Sylvie and Bruno has so much value and yet so little popular appeal. I just wish Carroll could have shortened the story and wrapped it up in one volume.

I give it four stars objectively, but I like it much, much better than many books I've given five stars too. Definitely one of my all-time favorites.

Oh, and I am pleased to note the following: Carroll writes in the book's introduction that he's very against a technique he calls "padding" - which was later perfected by producer Robert Lippert in the horribly long film Lost Continent.

The book IS inconsistent. Unlike the brilliant Alice books, there are places where what Carroll is trying to do just doesn't work. But this book is written on a GIGANTIC scale. Carroll tries to take the basis of Alice, and expand it into something of real profundity - something that covers an entire moral and ethical universe. And much of the time, he actually *succeeds* at such an impossible task. There are scenes that are hysterically funny, and scenes that will make you weep. The book is VERY touching, and gives a strong and unforgettable message on the totality, wonder and all-conquering nature of all-conquering love. Sylvie, the fairy-child, is Love Itself, embodied. Despite its spottiness, this book is very, very impressive, and you will want to read it more than once, just to re-experience the good stuff, which is very, very good.

"For I think it is Love. For I feel it is Love. For I'm sure it is nothing but Love!"

Indeed. And Amen.

When you begin to read this book (together with its second part "Sylvie and Bruno Concluded"), you must always remember what Lewis Carroll states in the Preface: that the book was written putting together all sorts of bits of writing that the author had skteched and drafted here and there for a long time, trying to find a common thread. So it's an assorted bunch of funny, clever and often deep pages. Even so, you might miss one of the charms of "Alice's adventures in Wonderland": the spontaneity, the straightforwardness. This is very much the opposite situation: a book that was written slowly, painstakingly constructing the main body of the story.

So you can find here almost all dimensions of Carroll's thoughts: humorous nonsense and innumerable puns (including a word as original as "Jabberwocky" or "Boojum": "Phlizz"); logical and mathematical puzzles, including a simple and clever description of a Möbius strip; tender and lovely stories for children; lots of poetry... And three elements I haven't found neither in the Alice books nor in "The Hunting of the Snark": solemn religious meditations; the only real presence of death in a Carroll text (as far as I know, not being a Carroll scholar myself) when Sylvie watches a dead hare; and an adult romance.

All these aspects are intertwined in a precarious narrative line-- there are almost as many disgressions as there are chapters; but what might seem a flaw in the book can be its main charm. All in all, Carroll found here A METHOD FOR NONSENSE or, as he says, "a far clearer idea (...) of the meaning of the word 'chaos'".

This is certainly not the best book to begin to read Carroll, but it's a pity it's not even half as popular as the Alice books. It's really worth reading it: it's like delving deep into the goldmine of the brain and the heart of a genius.

It cannot be separated from the second part "Sylvie and Bruno Concluded".
In this set of two novels, Lewis Carroll appears as what we rarely know about him. He is the prophet of modern literature. He constantly passes from real life to fairyland, from reality to imagination, from realism to moral depth. Many lines are entertwined in this tale. the story of Bruno and Sylvie, two delightful young fairy children. The story of Lady Muriel and her love for and from Arthur. The story of Arthur Forester, MD, and his dedication to healing as far as far can be, even if it includes his own death in this dedication. Many other lines, I said. The line of Bruno and Sylvie's father, the deposed King who becomes the King of Fairyland. The line of the Professor and the Other Professor, and this drastic vision of both responsible and irresponsible science. The line of pure poetry constantly scattered among the pages. The line of so many children's tales in the form of tales or nursery rhymes and other Mother Goose productions. No one can come to the end of this richness and to a complete enumeration of all the stories and intricacies that are woven into this fascinating novel. A masterpiece that has mostly remained unknown or unrecognized.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

There is *nothing* disappointing about Sylvie and Bruno. It is not anything like Alice.. it surpasses Alice in every way.
This book is filled with a goodness that just can't help itself... and while it can be silly at times, and crazy at others, in the end it brings me to tears, every time. It is noble and honest and the characters steal your heart...
Not all of life is suffering... and this book is about that. I would really encourage you to pick it up. The first few chapters are a little crazy as you get used to this half-reality half-fantasy style... but it pulls you in so quickly, and will really blow you away.
An absolutely wonderful book!

The author was in New York in September 1981 and saw a TV show with Anna Hauptmann; after half a century she passionately declared her husband Richard was innocent of the crime. This impressed him enough to pick this subject for his next book. Other books were on miscarriages of justice. Kennedy is against the death penalty (but for euthanasia!?). He used the recently opened case archives in Trenton for this book. The 'Introduction' tells the reader what to expect from this very readable book.

Part One is a short biography of Charles Lindbergh. [It does not tell you that his Congressman father opposed the private banking cartel known as the Federal Reserve System.] Lindbergh's love of practical jokes suggests a flawed personality. Part Two tells of Richard Hauptmann. In the war he learned to do whatever it took to survive. Lawlessness increased after the war. Hauptmann burgled and robbed and was caught and sentenced. His adventures showed quick-witted daring. Hauptmann reported for work at 8 am, March 1, 1932. After work 5 pm he went home, then picked up his wife around 8 pm (p.80). Part Three explains what happened after the baby was kidnapped. Two sets of footprints were found leading from the ladder. The Lindberghs decided to stay over on Tuesday morning, so the kidnappers were either very lucky or had inside knowledge. After a ransom note arrived, $50,000 was given to a man in a Bronx cemetery. Then the body was found near the home. Part Four tells of the continuing investigation, and Hauptmann's life and friends. The Lindberghs lived as happily as possible. One of the ransom money bills led to the capture of Hauptmann.

Part Five notes the methods of the investigation of Hauptmann. Kennedy explains how a witness is prepared to identify a suspect (p.176), and criticizes their methods (p.177). But Hauptmann often lied (p.178). Pages 179-182 explain how the ransom note was forged: Hauptmann was forced to copy the note with its mistakes! There is implausibility in removing a plank from the attic (p.212). The fingerprints on the ransom note and ladder did not match Hauptmann; his shoe size did not match the footprints (pp.213-4). Page 216 tells how they found an eyewitness. Rail 16 was 1/16" thicker than the attic flooring (p.220)! Page 226 explains how evidence disappears when it challenges the prosecution's case. Part Six explains the actions of the Prosecution. Evidence was fabricated (p.242, 244). Defense lawyer Reilly was crooked or crazy (p.242). The trick with the ransom note is on page 276. The study of handwriting is an art, not a science (p.277). A chisel was removed to incriminate Hauptmann (p.295)! The "expert" witnesses impressed the jury. Part Seven tells of the efforts by the Defense lawyers. How could a professional carpenter make such a ramshackle ladder (p.309)? Page 314 tells how Wilentz threatened a defense witness. Rail 16 had "only one nail hole" after the kidnapping (p.317)! The other facts to prove it didn't come from the attic are on page 319. The jury found Hauptmann guilty in the first degree (p.344). Part Eight lists the efforts to overturn the sentence. Hauptmann's lawyers argued against the unreliable testimony of witnesses. The Court of Errors and Appeals affirmed the verdict. Given the evidence, the verdict was correct. Hauptmann "collected the ransom money and was therefore the kidnapper" (p.363). Governor Hoffman was advised that the trial was flawed, and Hauptmann was not guilty (p.366). Hauptmann pointed out the flaws in the case (p.367). The Court of Pardons would not commute his sentence (p.377). The evidence against guilt is on pages 383-384. There was a problem with Rail 16; it didn't fit (p.389)! The 'Epilogue' has the aftermath of the case. Page 409 tells of Lindbergh's gullibility on the German air force; or was it his fascist sympathy?

Kennedy says Hoffman "failed to win re-election as Governor in 1938" (p.408). Governors then were limited to one term of three years (as in most other states). The neighboring county is Warren, not "Warner" (p.241).

An extremely well written book covering the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. I actually felt like I was right there witnessing the whole thing unfold.

Ludovic Kennedy demonstrates that he posseses significant writing skills. He keeps the reader interested throughout. Of all the books putting forth a theory of Hauptmann's innocence, his is the best written.

However, from a historical perspective, it is actually quite disappointing. For example, Kennedy insists that Hauptmann was working on 3/1/32, the day of the crime. However, Hauptmann testified at trial that he was not working that day. There are also several bold statements offered without any source or footnote which are contradicted by original source materials from the New Jersey State Police Museum and Archives.

In summary, Sir Ludovic is an excellent writer with great literary skills, but his conclusions and research leave much to be desired.

The author was in New York in September 1981 and saw a TV show with Anna Hauptmann; after half a century she passionately declared her husband Richard was innocent of the crime. This impressed him enough to pick this subject for his next book. Other books were on miscarriages of justice. Kennedy is against the death penalty (but for euthanasia!?). He used the recently opened case archives in Trenton for this book. The 'Introduction' tells the reader what to expect from this very readable book.

Part One is a short biography of Charles Lindbergh. [It does not tell you that his Congressman father opposed the private banking cartel known as the Federal Reserve System.] Lindbergh's love of practical jokes suggests a flawed personality. Part Two tells of Richard Hauptmann. In the war he learned to do whatever it took to survive. Lawlessness increased after the war. Hauptmann burgled and robbed and was caught and sentenced. His adventures showed quick-witted daring. Hauptmann reported for work at 8 am, March 1, 1932. After work 5 pm he went home, then picked up his wife around 8 pm (p.80). Part Three explains what happened after the baby was kidnapped. Two sets of footprints were found leading from the ladder. The Lindberghs decided to stay over on Tuesday morning, so the kidnappers were either very lucky or had inside knowledge. After a ransom note arrived, $50,000 was given to a man in a Bronx cemetery. Then the body was found near the home. Part Four tells of the continuing investigation, and Hauptmann's life and friends. The Lindberghs lived as happily as possible. One of the ransom money bills led to the capture of Hauptmann.

Part Five notes the methods of the investigation of Hauptmann. Kennedy explains how a witness is prepared to identify a suspect (p.176), and criticizes their methods (p.177). But Hauptmann often lied (p.178). Pages 179-182 explain how the ransom note was forged: Hauptmann was forced to copy the note with its mistakes! There is implausibility in removing a plank from the attic (p.212). The fingerprints on the ransom note and ladder did not match Hauptmann; his shoe size did not match the footprints (pp.213-4). Page 216 tells how they found an eyewitness. Rail 16 was 1/16" thicker than the attic flooring (p.220)! Page 226 explains how evidence disappears when it challenges the prosecution's case. Part Six explains the actions of the Prosecution. Evidence was fabricated (p.242, 244). Defense lawyer Reilly was crooked or crazy (p.242). The trick with the ransom note is on page 276. The study of handwriting is an art, not a science (p.277). A chisel was removed to incriminate Hauptmann (p.295)! The "expert" witnesses impressed the jury. Part Seven tells of the efforts by the Defense lawyers. How could a professional carpenter make such a ramshackle ladder (p.309)? Page 314 tells how Wilentz threatened a defense witness. Rail 16 had "only one nail hole" after the kidnapping (p.317)! The other facts to prove it didn't come from the attic are on page 319. The jury found Hauptmann guilty in the first degree (p.344). Part Eight lists the efforts to overturn the sentence. Hauptmann's lawyers argued against the unreliable testimony of witnesses. The Court of Errors and Appeals affirmed the verdict. Given the evidence, the verdict was correct. Hauptmann "collected the ransom money and was therefore the kidnapper" (p.363). Governor Hoffman was advised that the trial was flawed, and Hauptmann was not guilty (p.366). Hauptmann pointed out the flaws in the case (p.367). The Court of Pardons would not commute his sentence (p.377). The evidence against guilt is on pages 383-384. There was a problem with Rail 16; it didn't fit (p.389)! The 'Epilogue' has the aftermath of the case. Page 409 tells of Lindbergh's gullibility on the German air force; or was it his fascist sympathy?

Kennedy says Hoffman "failed to win re-election as Governor in 1938" (p.408). Governors then were limited to one term of three years (as in most other states). The neighboring county is Warren, not "Warner" (p.241). One important clue in this case was the baby's pajamas; whoever had them took the baby. Where is this mentioned?

I have read several books about the Lindbergh kidnapping and the Trial of the Century. A friend recommended The Airman and The Carpenter: The Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Framing of Richard Hauptmann by Ludovic Kennedy. Whether or not you believe that Bruno Richard Hauptmann was guilty in the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby, you can't help but be outraged over this historic trial.

Kennedy starts by giving a brief look at the backgrounds of Charles Lindbergh and Richard Hauptmann, as well as the period of time leading up to the kidnapping. Months after the baby was kidnapped and the ransom paid, the baby's remains were discovered four miles from the Lindbergh home. Marked ransom bills trickled into circulation, but it wasn't until over two years later that an astute gas station attendant wrote the license plate number of a patron who paid for his gas in marked gold certificates. This led police to the illegal German immigrant, Bruno Richard Hauptmann.

From the time of the arrest, the New Jersey State Police, led by Norman Schwartzkopf, Sr. latched onto Hauptmann and refused to consider any other scenario or suspect. Schwartzkopf was ill-prepared to handle such an important and high-profile case, having "never patrolled a beat or arrested a criminal." In fact, his only experience was as a floor-walker for a department store. He also refused to bring in the FBI (kidnapping was not a federal crime until after the Lindbergh kidnapping). Believing that Hauptmann was guilty but having only circumstantial evidence, the state police went to extremes to see that Hauptmann was convicted. They doctored employment records and confiscated others. They took his two ¾" chisels out of his toolbox, and then presented the toolbox in court--claiming that the chisel found at the crime scene belonged to Hauptmann. They suppressed evidence that showed that more than one person was involved, and that someone in the Lindbergh household may have provided inside information. They got two Lindbergh neighbors to lie and say they saw Lindbergh near the crime scene. They refused to allow the defense team to see Hauptmann's house or garage. This list goes on and on. And if it wasn't bad enough that the prosecution cheated and lied at every turn, his own lawyer was a big Lindbergh fan (had a photo of the aviator on his desk) and never believed in his client's innocence. The incompetent Edward J. Reilly was paid for by the Hearst Press and suffered from alcoholism and the final stages of syphilis. In four months time, he spent only 38 minutes with his client. One of Hauptmann's secondary attorneys claimed that "This is the greatest tragedy in the history of New Jersey. Time will never wash it out."

The major complaint that I have with The Airman and The Carpenter is that Kennedy gives us only a very superficial examination of the aftermath of the trial. Written in 1985, he certainly could have looked much farther than he did. While I am still not convinced that Hauptmann was totally innocent, I do believe a gross miscarriage of justice was done in that Flemington, NJ courthouse.

This book is about two best friends who attend boarding school in Canada. They are two of the notorious troublemakers of their school McDonald Hall which is their school and they have a very bad reputation with the headmaster of the school, Mr. Stregion. They are always in trouble. Everything that bad happens is always their fault. But finally, there is a notorious troublemaker going around doing pranks, but its not Bruno and boots, the two best friends. The notorious, "Phantom prankster", keeps striking and striking again until one prank goes so far that Bruno and Boots nearly get expelled. They are at the bottom of this and hey will do anything not to get expelled by Mr. Stergion. They set up surveillance but this prankster is so sneaky, maybe even Bruno and boots, practical joking kings are in over their heads in this mystery.

The first time I heard about this book my fifth grade teacher read to us. I thought it was pretty good. It is funny.

I love these Gordon Korman books. You are always guarenteed to laugh out loud. I think they are fantastic for kids, or just anyone who enjoys light hearted, well written entertainment - I am 25 and still reread my Gordon Korman books!! I think that these books would be especially great to read to kids who don't like to read, and to get those said kids started - I mean this is enjoyment, pure and simple!

This is a MUST BUY book!! I still have my original copy from when I was eleven years old, what does it tell you that I have kept it through several moves and 20 years? I am now buying a 2nd copy of all the Bruno and Boots books just so I won't "love them to death".
Gordon Korman has written a series that really speaks to the adventurous child in all of us - Bruno is a great leader, inventive, fun and brave in the face of danger (from Headmaster Sturgeon, AKA The Fish). Boots is the kind of guy you always want on your team - loyal and always willing to climb out a window to share cafeteria leftovers at midnight.
The Bruno and Boots books share the stories of two boys at a Canadian boy's school, where they survive bad roomates and imminent danger from Miss Scrimmage, the headmistress at the nearby girls' school.The boys are always getting into trouble with The Fish and coming up with extravagent excuses for why the school is flying a flag from Maldovia, why Elmer's ants are suddenly swarming the school,and why panty raids at Miss Scrimmage's Finishing School for Young Ladies couldn't possibly have anything to do with them.
Anyone over the age of eight will love this book and this series.

I thought at the beginning when I looked at the cover that it was stupid. Well, like they always say, you can't judge a book by it's cover =) It was read to me my a teacher in 7th grade and we did questions on it, etc. Here is my review:.

Two boys, Bruno and Melvin (Boots) are mischief makers at MacDonald Hall (a boarding school for boys). Mr Sturgeon (the fish) decides to seperteate them and he puts them it rooms with the gouliest boys in the hall, Elmer Drimsdale (the genius science-freak) and George Wexford-Smyth III (the richest and snobbiest boy in the school). Bruno and Boots need to try different plans to get back in the same room again, room 306 - Dormitory 3. Can they do it? Read to find out!

Other GREAT Books I've read from this series is "Beware the Fish" where MacDonald Hall is going broke and Elmer Drimsdale brodcasts fish across the country on a TV screen, and "Go Jump in the Pool!" where MacDonald Hall is ALWAYS loosing to York Academy in the swim team and need a pool - and save Boots from going to York Acedemy, like his parent's want. I really reccomend ALL of the MacDonald Hall books, and my favorite character is Elmer Drimsdale, who, takes a major role in "this can't be happening at macdonald hall", and "beware the fish". I think that he is by far, the funniest.

Didn't realize when I ordered this that it was entirely a card game, so when the smallish box arrived I was somewhat concerned. Have played several times and must admit to being extremely happy with this! The game is so simple to learn, but so deep in its play that I foresee this hitting the game table many times. Every gamer should own this gem.

my husband and i love this game and enjoy the fact that it is fun to play with just two people. we haven't played it with more, yet, but i'm sure that would also be fun!

This strategy card game is fun, quick to set up and doesn't have a lot of pieces or rules to keep track of. I've played with 2 players and with 5, and it was just as fun either way, which is unusual for this genre. It takes about 10-15 minutes per number of players.
The objective is to build 8 buildings and gain the most points, which are printed on the building cards. Each turn players act as one of the characters and use the abilities: collect money for certain districts, steal from or assassinate another character, trade or draw extra cards, be the first to choose a character, destroy a character's building, etc.
Characters are drawn secretly, and at least one is randomly excluded. Each character goes in a predestined order, and collects money or cards, may build, and can use their ability during their turn. Whoever gets the king chooses a character first for the next round, giving them an advantage. The strategies change as the game goes on, and you're always wondering what another player is going to do, if they can sabotage you, if you can foil them, and eventually who is going to call the game by building their eighth building.

Citadels is a very fun group game with lots of interesting dynamics. I find it best to play with a group of 4-8 people. With this many people the game's randomness is minimized and each turn's choices are significant. Most players are in competition till the end, and surprises can and do happen. Very good game.

The game is awesome; all great reviews are spot on. Just wanted to add that this game comes with the "Dark City" expansion, so that you don't need to buy it separately. It says this on the box, but it's too small to see from the product photo.

Christopher Makos is proof that you don't need talent to bang out a career in photography. Besides being reviled in much of the fashion world and completely dismissed by the art world, Makos's photos are tired, old-fashioned pin-ups of handsome men. Don't confuse the beauty of the subjects for any sort of vision from the "artist." Calvin Klein's contribution does not save this mediocre effort. save your money.

If 'exhibitionism' can be defined as the act of presenting to the public eye the best attributes of the subject, then this very beautiful book by photographer Christopher Makos fills bill. The work of Makos is well known throughout the industry as the source of some of the finest photography of stars, style, fashion and la dolce vita, but here he turns his camera to an evaluation and celebration of the male nude and almost nude. Apparently this portfolio came into publication at the encouragement of and collaboration with Calvin Klein, the master of advertising eroticism. But just how much is collaboration and how much is Makos' own heretofore private library is information unnecessary to enjoy this elegant volume.

Makos (and Klein for that matter) both understand the male physique and the male psyche, finding that the subtle sharing of one's body to the sensitive camera is far more sensual and erotic than practiced indulgent arrogance. Makos' models are sculpted creatures, obviously well trained physically and professionally, and are able to find that right moment with Makos that shows the human body at its most eloquent. Yes, there are full frontal nudity views, not simply for commercial sake but because frontal views are very much a part of the vantage of seeing the body. This collection of some 150 photographs in both smoothly serene black and white and lush full color have been curated by both Makos and Klein with their mutual affinity for dramatic effect and technical detail which results in images of male eroticism such as the billboards of Klein underwear (images which have sex appeal for both women and men) and for the portraits of intimate sharing by Makos.

This is one photography book that can rest comfortable on any photography/art devotee coffee table and bring beauty and dignity and respect for fine photography and for the magnificence of the male form to a wide and growing audience.
Grady Harp, November 05

As an aspiring photographer myself, I have watched Christophers work evolve over the years. His latest work is a visual delight, not only the subjects he photographs, but his technique and intimate clossness of the camera to the subject. If you are a fan of Christopher Makos, than this latest peice of work will be the icing on the cake..He is truely one of Americas finest...Enjoy the book and appreciate his art !

This is, quite simply, the finest collection of work by an important American photographer to be published this year. It is stunning in its beauty. I am immensely pleased that Makos, an artist clearly at the height of his powers, has given the world such astonishing vision with this collection of recent pictures.
It confirms what critics have been writing for years: he is the
greatest photographer of his generation. I can't recommend it too highly!
Dotson Rader

Christopher Makos gets better every time. He's a genius at combining alpha with irony, wit with machine. He commands a strong and spontaneous approach to photography that teaches the student and entertains the viewer, all within a strong European sensibility.

Exhibitionism is Christopher Makos at his best. It's a book you can absorb over and over again, and discover something new every time.

It's a great opportunity to see the world through the eye of a living cultural icon. I believe a limited edition will be sold to the public. Run fast and grab Exhibitionism.

- New York Artist

"A new small format, hardcover volume of photos from architect/photographer Sam Carson. Besides designing over 100 buildings, he has photographed over 5,000 models. Carson's look is warm and inviting, the facial expressions run the gamut from stares to smiles, but the models all look real. Shot largely indoors, at what one would presume to be Carson's home, the book is a visual treat. The men are either naked, in underwear or sexy workout pants--no shirts, lots of dick--and much of it hard.--Scott Cranin"--© zebraz

Well, I ordered this book on the recommendation of everyone else who wrote reviews for it thinking it must be worth the price since everyone gave it 5 stars. Perhaps my expectations were too high then. I found the photographs in this book to be a bit amateurish. I find homoerotic photography appealing when the subjects show the essence of male attractiveness -- beauty, confidence, contentment and power. The only one of those that comes through in these photographs is beauty, and then only if you are into VERY young guys (think "Freshman" magazine)-- I'd guess average age is 18. The way the photographer has posed his subjects makes them reek of imaturity. Most look either uncomfortable before the camera or goofy. True, they've all got great bodies, but I prefer more mature subjects and more artfully composed compositions. A nice try, but there are many better than this.

Sam Carson works as an architect in Los Angeles, which must have given him the penetrating eye for beauty that he shows here. That he can produce something this good on his first foray into photography is a rebuke to established gay eroticists (David Morgan, Jeff Palmer, Howard Roffman and Steven Underhill). For this book, Carson has selected a dazzling array of men who all have one thing in common: they are beautiful, muscular men who no one in their right mind would kick out of bed. There are a fair share of nudes in this collection, but what Carson demonstrates best is that designer underwear and tight Speedos can be every bit as hot as full frontal nudity, though once again, this book contains a good amount of penises. I hope Carson publishes another book soon, but until then these boys will have to do. The only flaw is that there are only 80 pages, but overall, this book proved to me that there's more to gay photography than Bel Ami.

I said it all in the title....woof. This photographic collection is REAL EASY ON THE EYES.

The men are young, handsome, built well, and all appear to be having a good time in this book of color photographs by Sam Carson. Much has been made that this is the first book of this sort by Carson who is an architect by profession although apparently he has been doing this kind of photography for sometime. Additionally, all the models are amateurs and doing this for the first time. Hence the title FIRST EXPOSURE. It shouldn't be a great leap, however, to go from designing well-constructed, beautiful buildings to photographing well-built beautiful bodies. After all, f stops and apertures can be learned by taking a class or picking up a camera manual; people with a photographer's eye are born, not taught.

About half the models here are nude; the others, just as fetching, are advertisements for all the brands of men's underwear. Some of the companies represented here should pay Mr. Carson a fee for all this free publicity.

Almost all these stunning photographs appear to be shot in natural light. No strobe light will ever light a photograph as beautifully as nature does.

There isn't a mediocre photograph in the entire collection here. Finally, thank you, Mr. Carson, for not telling us what we are seeing. There is not one word of description or explanation about any of the photographs. Nor do we need any.

Weighing in at over 6 lbs and 1168 pages, including list of sources and index, this book is not well written but it is well that it was written at all.

If I have a real complaint about this book it is that it is typeset in Courier which compounds the reader's problems in keeping focused on the text.

A must for the Linburgh kidnapping completist.

There is no doubt that Mr. Jones thoroughly believed everything he wrote. He was a convinced believer in Hauptmann's innocence.

However, there are three substantial problems with this book. First, it is a tedious read at best. The writer rambles incessantly and one cannot read this book for more than fifteen to twenty minutes at a time without taking a break or screaming. The book is about 150 pages too long.

Second, there are enormous factual errors and inaccuracies throughout the book. Mr. Jones was clearly researching and writing with the express goal of finding Hauptmann innocent. Consequently, there is no objectivity.

Finally, Mr. Jones has printed numerous rumors and tabloid tales from the 1930's and cited them as fact. The equivolent would be for a writer seventy years from now to claim that aliens visited the Earth during the 1990's based upon citations to the World Weekly News and other supermarket tabloids.

Sad to report that Mr. Wayne Jones passed away on Saturday, July 4, 1998. Although at times this book is tedious reading and, when needed, repetitious, it is a book that must be read if one is interested in the true story of the Lindburg kidnapping.

While the author is redundant through-out the book, he has certainly brought to the public the oppor- tunity to look into the case of another "trial of the century". In taking the position that Richard Hauptman was wrongfully exicuted, Mr. Jones does show much evidence to demonstrate his claim, and I have been moved into the same opinion. The book is over 1200 pages, and at times tedious, but I found it to be well worth the time spent. Mr. Jones is into his eighties,and I think he should be commended for the accomplishment of his life's goal.

Jones documents more information in his book than any other thus far. While he presents his conclusions about who was responsible for the kidnapping, he leaves many avenues for other verdicts that may eventually come along. While the book is difficult to put down, there are times when the author presents needless details. On several occasions, he leads us through several pages that eventually go nowhere when a brief paragraph would have been sufficient. I have read dozens of books on the Lindbergh kidnapping case but this is the most complete so far. The book will make the reader very cautious concerning police and prosecuting practices in capital cases.

Coming from an Italian heritage this was a fun and interesting book . It has colorful characters.

I bought this book for my daughter for a school report on Prohibition. I could not put it down. This book is fast-paced and extremely funny. It shows the warmly human side of these happy-go-lucky Italians as they break into the illegal wine business through a series of Sting-like raids on other people's illegal wine .

I loved the incident where they stored a few thousand gallons of red wine in the farm's water tank temporarily. When they returned to the farm, all their friends were having a party. They had hot and cold running wine from the kitchen tap! A gift from God!

You'll be telling people about this book.

Someone recommended this book to me, knowing about my interest in the Prohibition. I must say I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the writing. I am not exactly an expert, but I found more than a respectable number of grammatical errors.As far as the plot goes, it was very exciting. I was never bored and I liked the way Buti described the events. He has a skill for imagry if not for spelling. However, it was just a bit jumbled and hard to follow. Perhaps a few more revisions would have really helped improve the quality of the book.

This was a book that had a lot of meaning to me . I was born and raised around where this story takes place , Sonoma county. There have alway been storys about the Napa Valley and none of Sonoma county etc. I like that the Italians are shown in a fun way and not in the Godfatherish way , so much. So maybe people will see that there is another side to the Italians . Not just shot them up all the time. Great story. Can't wilt till the new book Jackass Brandy comes out . Beverly Del Fava

The sequel to Rumbling Wine Barrels has been put to bed and will soon be available. Jackass Brandy continues the saga of bootlegging immigrants during Prohibition in a humorous, if not hillarious, tale depicting the times when an illegal business was used by bootleggers, lawmen, businessmen, prostitutes, and local civilians who tried their luck at making money the easy way. This book will hold your attention to the last page and bring back the times to what the author, Bruno Buti, calls "the Robin Hoods of the Roaring Twenties."

For those who LOVE this topic, this book rates at the TOP! Superb drawings with very high degree of eroticism make this a "must" on your reading list.

Patrick Fillion's "Hot Chocolate" is a true delight, and quite nasty! The stylized illustrations feature the most beautiful black men, doing the most "wonderful" things together in very erotic ways, if you get my drift!

I would recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed being with black men. This book, in my humble opinion is a MUST HAVE!

Patrick Filion is one of the best in gay erotic drawings. This book is a must for the lovers of erotic artwork and black men. Beautiful made, great eye for detail and a good quality of print.

This book is good if you are a lover of black men and gaytoons. It is of fine quality paper and nice art work, but would be better if it highlighted work by several artists. I enjoyed the book, but went through it once and probably won't look at it again, unlike other such books I've purchased by Tom of Finland, the Hun, or others.

Not only are the images faboulously done but the book is put together in a story order and the quality of the pages and binding is superb. I recommend this book to anyone not only interested in black beautiful men but art as well. wow. i love it.

Believe it or not, there actually is good clean family fun out there on the Web. The Web is good for loads of family entertainment and this book helps find it and keeps you from wasting time trying to find the specific kinds of Family fun you looking for. For what you'd spend on two movie tickets for an hour or two max of entertainment, or you can get this book which will be good hours and hours and hours of solid family entertainment and information on the Web.

I bought this book because the authors list my daughters site.."Alli's Busy World" as one of the best childrens sites. I simply had to have a copy of a book that would list my toddlers fun site. The book turned out to be terrific for the whole family. Thank you!

The only thing I wish is that there were more than 250 sites in this guidebook! It has helped me a lot and I'm using it at daycare where I work during our computer hour. I'd like to see more of this kind of stuff.

I like this book because I don't have to know a lot of technical terms to use it. It's a quick reference guide, but certainly not boring like some manuals you see. I wish I'd had this two years ago when my youngest was interested in learning how to find his way around!!!!

Internet Family Fun is the kind of book I like to store close to my computer, because my older kids can use it when I'm busy in the other room. The reviews are easy to understand, but not shallow. Plus there's a good variety of sites. Lots of educational (but fun at the same time!)places to visit, which makes it great for parents like me who homeschool.

The artwork is bright and clever. This book will please all ages, and would make a great gift for birthdays, holidays, or whatever.