C Books

I found it hard to read much of what Cliff Acree wrote, because he tells us how badly he was treated while he was in captivity. He was tortured; badly beaten, denied food and in so many ways humiliated and ill-treated. Still, he never lost his faith and dignity.

Since Cliff Acree was a higher ranking officer, it was obvious that he was better informed than his fellow prisoners of war. When he refused to share any of this information with his captors, it made Saddam Hussein's men treat him harsher than many others.

Col.Cliff Acree decided he had to lie to Saddam Hussein's men, and that may be a reason he is still alive. If he had kept on refusing to speak, the ill-treatment may even have been worse. Another reason he is alive is: When Saddam Hussein used the captured pilots, as well as members of the SAS and a CBS TV crew as human shields, only two instead of five bombers attacked the building they were kept in. The bombers didn't bomb the part where the cells were sited.

One of the comments in the book also made me think of Captain Scott Speicher, since he is the American air man that Saddam Hussein most likely kept.

Addressing the memoir "The Gulf Between Us" by Cynthia and Cliff Acree is a bit difficult. It came out around 1998, and thus a completely different era than our current misadventure(aka quagmire) in Iraq. Since I am a moderate Democrat, I kind of have a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of the Bushes. However "Gulf" is really the story of the Acrees, and thus I do recommend this because these two are great people. Col. Acree is a hero because he withstood torture and would not reveal critical intelligence to the Iraqis during the first Gulf War. His wife is also a hero because despite her own pain, she fought to get better recognition of POWs and their families. The stuff that Col. Acree had to go through is heartwretching, and it is a miracle in itself that he lived to tell us. For that, I salute him. The book also makes a good move in mostly avoiding political matters(both parties seem to be portrayed well), but Acree should not have kept mentioning how he wouldn't even give in to the demand that "he call [President George H.W] Bush a donkey". Well Bush 43 is certainly worse than that for treating de facto POWs in Gitmo the way he has, but again Acree couldn't have forseen that, so he gets a pass. Recommended reading. Should be read by any who believe torture is a good way to get intelligence(Acree never gave up anything that was good) and by those who believe in the Geneva Conventions, and of course by those who want to admire true American heroes: our soldiers.

I have read many POW stories since WWII and this is one of the best. The perspective is a little different as the wife talks a chapter about what is going on at home and then Col. Acree talks about his ordeal while a prisoner of war in Iraq during Desert Storm. The internal fortitude and resolve of Co. Acree is astounding and what he went through is heart rending. At the same time his wife did much in creating a force of help and an attitude of compassion among the entire citizenry of the U.S.A. You will rally 'round the flag after reading this and appreciate the downfall of Hussein!

I truly believe that there are never any random accidents of fate at work in our lives--everything happens to us for a reason, even if we do not understand why! Reading the inspiring memoir "The Gulf Between Us: A Story of love and Survival in Desert Storm" you cannot help but believe that prayers are truly answered; and that there must be a divine purpose to our lives even if it is not understood at the time of the events. One thing is evident; this book is about the power of faith and love.

The Husband and wife writing team of Cynthia and Col. Cliff Acree have written a duel storyline that is more than just about war--it is a love story. They chronicle the compelling emotions and the events surrounding the Colonel's capture and his time spent as a POW during Desert Strom. It is a triumphant tale of courage from both Cliff and Cynthia as they endure, survive, suffer and embrace once again. They both have this underlining strength and faith that comes through very loud and clear.

No matter what you have read about the experiences of the POWS in Desert Storm there was much more to that story that was left untold --or incorrectly reported. Some of them were subjected to brutal beatings and life threatening treatment. Colonel Acree was subjected to a harsher treatment than others for various reasons, including his strong loyalty and patriotism and the fact that he was a Marine pilot and company commander. He would not give an inch or compromise on his core values and for those reasons he had to endure the brute force of his Iraqi capturers. Truly an American hero!

Equally courageous and inspiring is the corresponding story of Cynthia's experiences, as she has to face all the uncertainties of the situation. Working from a base of great faith and personal strength she takes positive actions and organizes a movement to get world attention focused on the fate of all the POWS and MIAS. Her personal and emotional journey did not come without its own form of pain.

We learn a lot about who the authors were and how they met and became high school friends. The background story gives us a look inside their relationship and what kind of people they were prior to the life changing experiences of the war. I think this adds greatly to the power of their story. These two individual souls seemed destined to become spiritually connected in the very fabric of their lives. This book is more than a war story it is about their own personal spiritual journey. It is a story that will inspire many others and perhaps change a few lives along the way. And maybe, that was one of the divine purposes that the universe had in mind for all that they went through. I know that I was touched by their story on many levels. I am a better person for having read their book.

It is a well-written, easy to follow story. The authors share a huge part of themselves with the reader and that honesty comes through and makes you feel good about them as people. The MWSA gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS. I also add my personal endorsement and recommendations that you buy and read this book.

When I first bought this book, I thought it would be something I MIGHT pick up and read...if I didn't have something better to do. Being a new Marine spouse in a post-9/11 world, the story was, at least, an intriguing one, and any new information I could get was a bonus. I had NO idea what was in store.

This is a story of patriotism, of survival, of fear, of strength, of new and old friendships, of new and old adversaries. A story of triumph and most of all an enduring love; Cindy and Cliff's story is one that will touch anyone.

It is written in perfect format as Cindy chronicles her daily life in unison with what happened to Cliff thousands of miles away in captivity. It demonstrates how even in the most grim of circumstances, the spirit perseveres and is, indeed, made stronger. From a military point of view, their amazing story can also serve as a reference for families on how to handle difficult situations, when their loved ones' lives could be at risk. It certainly has for me.

I am a better person for having read this book. I am better Marine spouse after reading this book. It truly is one of the best investments I have ever made. It demonstrates, beyond a doubt, the Honor, Pride and Commitment that signifies the Marine Corps, and all our servicemen and women. I appreciate the Acrees sharing their story with the world.

I'm not kidding... I did. The juggling balls are a perfect fit to anyone's hand. I bought the kit because I needed to learn how to juggle for a class, and I got an A! Pretty good for a first timer! Besides, it's a great exercise for your arms.. try it for a couple of hours and you'll see the effects!

I bought this book after seeing a few friends juggling and finding the book on sale at my local Borders store. I didn't think it would take me long to get the hang of throwing and catching three beanbags and now, almost 6 months after buying the book, I am quite proficient with a 3 ball cascade, making a few catches with a 4 ball fountain, and I've been bought juggling clubs!

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get into juggling, for fun or sport, it's simple to use and fun to follow along with. The only thing I do not like is that the book's format makes you wish it was spiral bound or bound in a way it can easily be laid flat.

This person is a great dealer with fast prompt service. Would buy from again.

I loved the hole pack. I was trying to find a cheap set of juggling balls to to start learning, when I saw this pack i didn't notice that the beanbags weren't balls but cubes and I was a bit worried at first. Anyway they are great, well balanced, with the right weight, and the unusual format is perfect to beginners, since you will drop them a lot they won't roll away from you like the rounds' ones.

Within an hour of getting this book, I was able to juggle ( though not skillfully at all)three balls. Granted, I've had a little bit of prior juggling experience from years and years ago, so I wasn't totally unfamiliar with the motions. The instructions were very clear and so were the illustrations after I used a hi-liter to keep track of the otherwise black and white balls.

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia CD Box Set was an outstanding purchase. Not only are the books well read by famous voices, but they are accurate to a word. I've heard all but the last two and will share them with my 7 year old granddaughter when I'm done to introduce her to C.S. Lewis. My only disappointment was that I could not load them on to my computer to put them on my ipod for my walks, but I listen from my CD player in the house and enjoy every moment. I highly recommend the attractive and well done set. It does include some illustrations in case you do not have the books in your library.

I have to agree with a previous review, this is a FANTASTIC Audio production. The actors reading the books do a superb job: to the point that at times I don't believe it is the same person reading the different parts. They put such enthusiasm and character in to the voices and the readings that it makes the book come alive. Also a previous review recommended a different order in the reading of the books and I have to agree that the following order worked well for me.
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
2. Prince Caspian
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Lewis planned on stopping the series here, but apparently it took on a life of its own)
4. The Silver Chair (Actually written after, but published before "The Horse and His Boy")
5. The Horse and his Boy
6. The Magician's Nephew (Could be read first but I am glad I read (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) first.
7. The Last Battle.
Note: I bought this series for my grand children and I have really enjoyed each and every book.

We had seen the movies and heard of the series but never read them. We decided to purchase the complete seris on CD for a trip and they are awesome. I recommend these books for anyone wanting a good family friendly story. These were never boring and they are filled with good lessons; but not preachy.

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia is a wonderful addition to any family's entertainment collection. Even the boxes and discs are beautifully illustrated. More importantly, each of the seven novels is masterfully read by a talented actor who breathes life into the stories and characters. We listened to several books while moving across country and it certainly helped the miles go by!

A favorite series since I was young, but seems to get better with age! I find the lessons and characters erupting --like magic-- into my own life. Though generally considered Christian-based, it stands alone.

The performances are all wonderful, but Kenneth Branagh is truly inspired in "The Magician's Nephew". He is a brilliant (as the Brits would say) story teller. It makes me laugh out loud just to think of his voices for the talking animals (the bulldog, she elephant, leopard...)

I have tried to stop smoking many times. I have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for over 25 years. Each time I have stoped, I continued to crave cigarettes. Alan Carr's method for stoping smoking worked for me, I do not smoke now. I stopped in November of 2007. I dont crave it, I can hardly belive I ever smoked at all. This Method works so well, I have recommended it to many of my friends. Several have purchased the program and have also stopped. This was the best money I ever spent.

As a 15-year smoker, I have tried to quit many times, and have had partial success twice with the nicotine patch, quitting for 8-12 months before succumbing to nicotine again and starting back. I was very skeptical that anything short of a medically-prescribed shot or drugs could cure me of my addiction, much less a book. I tried Mr. Carr's book anyway based on the positive reviews here.

What I first considered a negative, was that Mr. Carr is not a doctor and has no professional training. I subconsciously assumed he was if he was writing a book about quitting smoking. He is just a man who used to be a chronic smoker who was able to quit. Several months after writing this review, I realized that this was a positive, since it seems that much of the medical community advocates Nicotine Replacement Therapy, and doesn't understand the true addictive properties of nicotine. This sounds like a ridiculous assertion to say that a doctor doesn't understand addiction, and I thought Mr. Carr was being pompous when he first made the same claim in his book, but given how many physicians smoke, and how many advocate replacing nicotine with nicotine, it is not so far-fetched. The second negative I initially gave this book was the minor annoyances at reading the book due to some of phrasing in it and how many times Carr repeats the same phrases and ideas. After reading it twice however, I realized that this is done on purpose to drill certain concepts into your head.

Carr's method is really just a mind set and a new way of thinking about smoking that makes it easy to quit. He doesn't focus on describing the dangers of smoking to you or try to scare you into quitting. The entire method revolves mainly around coming to the realization that you don't really like smoking, and that the only reason you do it is because you are a) addicted to nicotine b) brainwashed by social stigma. I have only been a non-smoker for a month but I am completely confident that I will never smoke a cigarette again. I am not worried about cravings, peer pressure, or the influence of drinking and being at a bar (my main problem in the past). Carr's method is different than what he calls the "willpower method," where you quit cold-turkey and see how long you can go. His book has completely changed my viewpoint on cigarettes and after 15 years, I finally realize how powerful nicotine is and how dependent I was on it. What's more, you don't even have to quit smoking while reading it. Carr actually recommends against this, and the book is so effective that by the time you finish it, you will want to quit smoking rather than be forced to.

After reading this book twice, the strongest advice I can give anyone is to FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. If you haven't already (I had), do not quit smoking until you reach the end of the book. I can't stress this enough.

I strongly suggest anyone who is serious about quitting smoking to read this book, and then read it a second time to full understand it. It costs less than a carton of cigarettes, is a quick read, and likely will save your life.

As to the Audio CD Edition:

I previously read an earlier edition of "Easy Way" from the library, and have found that this 2005 edition is somewhat improved over the previous edition. I definitely recommend anyone considering this book to purchase the 2005 edition over an older one. I purchased this Audio CD edition because I wanted every single resource I could use to help me quit. It comes with two CDs, with about 70 minutes worth of material that they could have fit on one. The CDs are pretty worthless. 80% of them repeat the concepts in the book. That's it. Track 2 on the second CD does contain some new information that I found somewhat useful. It explains mainly how to deal with other smokers after you have quit, and how to deal with drinking after you have quit. Unless you are very addicted and think you really need it, I don't recommend the audio cd edition and would advise people to purchase The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method instead, as it has everything you need.

I thought this book was very informative,and yet unusual. He reverses your brain by opening our minds to the the brain-washing we were programmed from many years ago.I thought this book is quite incredible. I would recommed this book and Allan Carrs book on How to Quit Drinking as well to anyone who is considering quitting.It's a MUST HAVE!He is an inspiration and genius!

I don't usually write reviews but all the positive reviews about this book helped me make the decision to purchase it and gave me hope. So I hope this helps you.
I ordered this book out of curiosity and was very skeptic about the outcome. It took me over a month to finish it and I doubted myself the whole time. Yet after I finished reading, I put out the last cigarette and felt immediate relief. The first couple of days were a little strange, because I used to plan my whole day around smoking, but it turned out OK.I have more energy, feel better and even endure the company of smokers easily, without being tempted. This book is about putting your thinking in a different perspective, adopting a non-smoker's frame of mind.
Try it even if you're skeptic about it. You have nothing to loose and so much to gain!
I am getting it as a Christmas gift for all my smoking friends.

...and I am still free from cigarette smoking.

The writing style took a little getting used to, but I allowed myself to believe what it is saying, and I found that I was freed from my previously-held beliefs about smoking. "Cured" sounds far-fetched, but that's how I feel now. I smoked for 16 years, and of the many times I attempted to quit, this was the only successful method.

Try it, even if you don't feel ready to. After all, you can keep smoking while you read the book (indeed, the book instructs you to do so).

This book is great! The illustrations are so impressive that even though they only black and white your children will love them. We spend time on each page just looking over the illustration each time we find something we didn't see before. And the story, WOW! This story is a must for every little girl. The story teaches young girls not to be niave and believe every little flattering word someone is telling you. In the end all that sweet talk may just be fooling you so someone else can get what they want, like the spider getting the fly. I will be reading this book more often to my daughters as they get older!

This style of the book reminds me of Edward Gorey. The illustrations are fabulous, if the matter is a bit dark. I have bought this for numerous friends after finding it at a unique bookstore in Portland, OR. Everyone who reads it ends up loving it.

wonderful story with a twist at the end. Wonderful illustrations. Don't in an old spooky way.

This book is amazing. We LOVE it! I love reading it to my daughter, because its a very easy read with a great cadence, and its fun to pour over the illustration to find something new every time. Tony DiTerlizzi is an awesome illustrator, and I am looking forward to seeing more stories illustrated by him.

This item was exactly as described in the item description. It was in the original packaging and is in excellent condition. I am very satisfied and I highly recommend this seller and product to everyone. This is an excellent book by an excellent author!

I bought a copy of this book at a performance of The Phantom Of The Opera in 2000 and really love it. I tried to purchase a copy for a friend at the most recent performance we went to but it is no longer available and feel very lucky to have been able to find it here at Amazon. It tells of the Paris Opera House, Gaston Leroux, the original story and the movies. The reason I bought it is the last 100+ pages cover the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and includes some incredible photographs. I was delighted when I got home and found it also includes the Libretto! I would encourage any fan of the musical to purchase a copy.

Loads of beautiful photos and lots of info. I love it. We do need and expanded edition to cover the movie. This is for Phantom Fans.

This a must have for any phans of the A.L.W. musical!!

This book... I have no words on how amazing it is.

When I rekindled my love for musicals, and of course, Phantom of the Opera made that happened... I had to get everything and learn everything about Phantom. So I found this book at the library and I went insane over it.

Firstly, it gives a clear background history on Gaston Leroux--the writer and the creator of Phantom of the Opera. Then, it goes into another section when talking about the films it inspired. You'll be surprised and amazed when you see it and read about it. Not only that, it tells you some small tidbit facts on the actors and actresses of these movies.

And then, my favorite part, it goes into the Lloyd Webber musical. And when I say "goes into" I mean it!! There are so many pictures of the Original London Cast it's phenominal! There ares ome behind the scenes pictures as well. I never seen so many pictures about Phantom sure in a book, ever.

And when you think that's enough, there is a libretto of the stage production--including scrafito'ed pictures of the OLC copied in there as it was when the CD/Cassette first made it's debut.

All in all, it's not clearly updated as it is now, there is mention of the movie and who they want in it. But otherwise, if you are a London Cast or simply a Phantom obsessionist, you MUST have this book. If you find it at a house sale, a junk pile, book sale... whatever... BUY IT. You will not be dissapointed!!

I recently purchased both 'The Complete Phantom of the Opera'and the novel, and I am soo impressed! After I saw the movie and bought the soundtrack, I knew that I had to have these books. My interst in the Phantom of the Opera was first sparked when I saw the silent version with Lon Cheney. Then I heard about the movie coming out, so I saw it and I was more than impressed. I still have yet to see the Broadway version however. So, I highly recommend the movie, the soundtrack and the books. In my opinion each is well worth the cost!!

As a personal aide to Dobson, Batura gets to see the inner workings of decision-making and running a major organization up close. This book gives a believable look at Dobson, the man, as opposed to Dobson, the radio talk show host, or Dobson, the author. The only concern a reader might have is whether Batura, a current employee of Dobson, glossed over some of Dobson's faults in an effort to keep his job. As a former seven-year employee of Focus on the Family who had several occasions to interact personally with Dobson, I can attest to the accuracy of Batura's take on him. It's a worthy read.

Paul Batura has achieved the perfect blend of biography and leadership primer. He portrays Dr. Dobson as the "Real Deal" that he is--a passionate advocate of biblical morality with a deep love for all God's people. Gadzooks! has captured the heart and soul of Focus on the Family and it's founder...uncompromised faith and truth, prompt and godly service, and practical help with respect. Batura's clear and pleasant style make the lessons to be learned easy and inspire eager application. It's all there!

Gadzooks is a wonderfully written account of the leadership principles that make up the person of Dr. James Dobson. Paul reveals from an inside perspective how and why Dr. Dobson has been blessed by God in leading Focus on the Family in its ministry to families worldwide. These leadership principles are applicable to all people no matter what your profession. It's just good sound advice to live by that breeds success and respect. Paul shares stories of the life of Dr. Dobson that allows the reader to get to know James Dobson in a way that you might not otherwise know. Thanks Paul it's a great book.

Paul Batura's "Gadzooks" is a must-read for everyone looking for sound leadership principles to guide their lives. The writing style is engaging and concise; the illustrations are fresh and entertaining; and the principles are sure-fire nuggets of wisdom that will apply to a wide variety of circumstances. Best of all, the content is based on timeless biblical truths. As a bonus, we find insights into the daily life and heart of James Dobson, giving us an inside picture of the man who has touched millions over so many years.

Highly recommended.

This is not your typical leadership book. Author Paul Batura seamlessly weaves delightful stories about Dr. Dobson as a person and a leader in an easy to read format that gives the reader practical nuggets to emulate. While Dr. Dobson's success and integrity is undeniable, Batura has given us a deeper look into the public figure and captures the heart of the man in this well-written and gem-packed book.

OK. Here's the deal. Author B.H.Liddell Hart was writing in 1925, just after the carnage of the first world war. His comparisons, in themselves, are very interesting as he is familiar with Wellington, Marlbourogh, and yes Napolean as he compares their skills to Scipio Africanus. This is a great history and a great read. For those of us middlebrow armchair Roman history buffs this telling of the Spanish and African campaign really hits the spot. Author Hart is not afraid to give his opinion and he has an extremely high opinion of Scipio. I never found the book to drag, from the opening chapters where the 20 year old Scipio heads to Spain to avenge the death of his uncle and his father to the final push at Zuma. There is even the bonus of the polictical shunning by the Roman senate and then the last campaign in the far reaches of 'Asia' (Syria).... Scipio Africanus is probably the true father of Rome as an empire and this book is a home run winner in style, content, and enjoyment, even if it is nearly 100 years old

First off, this book has a bias.

Hart is making a case that Scipio Africanus is, perhaps, the greatest general in history. He states this up front and makes no apologies for it. His reason for this is that (modern) history up until now has been considerably biased towards Hannibal (and that there was no current book about Scipio at all). Where Hart deviates from standard history or tries to explain the motivation for his point of view he gives a reason for his difference and explains the consensus point of view.

If you read Dodge (biography about Hannibal) or many of the other sources (such as Wikipedia pages on Hannibal, Scipio or the battle of Zama), you would wonder how Scipio was able to get out of his own way to win the battle. Basically, they are biased and pose as neutral.

For instance, you hear often how the forces were nearly equal (in strength) in the battle of Zama or how Scipio had the advantage as he had better cavalry. Scipio was considerably outnumbered in infantry in all the history books (Livy and Polybius) AND you never heard the cavalry excuse used in every other battle where Hannibal had the vast advantage in that. They discount the value of the war elephants completely stating they are only North African elephants and not very big. Well, until that time they had been spectacularly effective. They were specifically forbidden in the treaty after Zama so if they had no value they would not have been expressly put in the treaty. Also, you hear Scipio's Spanish victories are worthless as all the other Carthaginian generals (Mago, Hasdrubal, etc.) opposing him were incompetent. Or read the description of when Scipio asks Hannibal about the 3 greatest generals here (or in Livy) and then read it in Hannibal's wikipedia (from a bio of Hannibal). The story seems totally different. Finally, you hear a lot of complaints about his action (sneak attack) that took Syphax out of the battle as unethical. But when Hannibal uses an ambush himself, it is brilliant strategy.

The point being, yes, this book is biased towards Scipio. But, if you read the book, Hart does explain his reasoning and the opposing point(s) of view and unlike the other books does not pretend neutrality. Until I read this book (which led to reading other books on the Punic wars) I had not been cognizant of the bias. Where it (the bias) is from I'm not sure. Because Carthage is an underdog vs. Rome? Because of the romantic factor with taking the elepants over the Alps?

Hannibal was certainly on the most gifted generals ever to live and Hart does give him his due. For whatever reason, others tend to denigrate Scipio's accomplishments to burnish Hannibal's reputation. This just makes me curious what the movie of Hannibal (starring Vin Diesel) is going to show about Scipio.

Whatever anyone says, in the end, Scipio won every battle where he was the commander. Really, that is all anyone could have done.

First, the authors initial premise that the victor does not always get the credit is sadly true. Which dispells many myths revisionists have been spewing for decades. Aspiring leaders could learn much from this and the authors other books. Here he has created a great story outlining the exploits of one of the worlds most underated generals. Dare I say hardly known? Chapters 10 and 11 is where the true nature of the subject comes to life. In three dynamic years he crushed Carthaginian Spain, then launched his daring attack on Carthage. He details how Scipio's depth of thinking was far beyond most one-dimensional doctrines of his day. Without him Rome and the European Civilization that we so often take for granted, may have ended as part of a huge North African Empire. We owe the subject and the author a debt of gratitude.

The author starts off with an interesting premise - that the victor doesn't always get the credit due his achievements. He mentions Hannibal's fame over his superior on the battlefield - Scipio. Other examples are Wellington over Napoleon and Grant over Lee.
A very interesting biography overall with a concentration on his wartime accomplishments, this book is a good read for those interested in military history and the politic intrigue that plague successful military leaders. Recommended reading!

We've all heard of Hannibal and of the man who finally defeated the invader of Rome (on his own turf). But who does history remember? It certainly isn't the victorious general who *NEVER* lost a battle. While Hannibal might not have lost a battle until Zama, he simply wasn't able to finish the Romans off. This was simply due to the fact he wasn't equal to Scipio when it came to siege warfare. The author finally gives Scipio a book worthy to his name. What struck me the most about Scipio was the way he was treated by politicians back in Rome. One would think that the Senate would have done everything possible to ensure that Scipio was victorious and save Rome. However petty rivalries and jealousy were yet other obstacles to be overcome. History repeating itself. The man himself was not only a brilliant general but a very humble man who always put the republic needs above his own. Even though in the end he died in exile, on charges of bribery bought about by his enemies. Rome later cleared his name but the man who saved them from Hannibal, brought Spain, Carthage, Numidia, Sicily and Greece into the empire was treated no better than a common thief. History does indeed repeat itself.

The book was pretty good but I thought there was to much from the 1950s. My favorite years were always the 1970s.

What more could a Peanuts lover ask for?! If you're not yet a Peanuts lover, you will be if you get this book:) Definite multi-gen bridge-gapper!

Muy lindo, sobre todo el formato!
Además de las historietas contiene fotos de los primeros muñecos que se hicieron en su momento.

This is my first Peanuts hardback, and it's already taken a special spot in my heart. I've been a Peanuts fan from my childhood, and this book gives a glimpse not just into the history of the strip, but also into the history of the creator of the strip. As I understand it, in this book are never-before-seen examples of Mr. Schulz's sketchpads. Some that were never published before in their raw, unfinished form.

Throughout this beautifully bound book are pages that chronicle "Sparky's" life and career -- childhood photos of his family, his page in his high school yearbook, his sketchpad from his time in the Army, various pictures of his first strip "Li'l Folks"... the list goes on. There are also pages here and there showing some of the Peanuts collectibles such as slateboards, games, comic books, ViewMaster reels, and figurines etc. And of course, this 336 page book is full of Peanuts strips --in black & white and in color-- taking you through the years in your memories.

Also included is a touching introduction written by his wife, Jean Schulz, and his 'signature' on the inside cover. If you are a Peanuts fan, you won't be disappointed with this book.

The Peanuts are pretty much everywhere you go. It is kind of sad in a way that their creator, Charles Schulz, is not. Makes you kind of appreciate the fact that our creations go on long after we have departed. Like the Chinese Philospher Lao Tzu said, "We will never know the results of our actions..." Contemplate this for awhile and it will really begin to blow your mind. We don't really know who we will affect in life with our thoughts, with our words, and with our deeds. We all have an inward duty to be the best that we can be, because the world is just a bunch of individuals and if each one of us decides to think better and do better with the gifts we've been given, then the world will be an even better place to live.

Charles Schulz and his comic strip, The Peanuts, bettered my world and it continues to do so. He has been gone almost six years now and I still miss him. Isn't that strange? I never met the man. I never heard him speak. The only thing I really know about him and his life is through his comic strip.

I was introduced to the Peanuts when I was four or five years old. My dad used to read me his comic strips and do the voices of Charlie Brown, Linus, Schroder, and Lucy...his impression of Lucy still makes me crack up when I dip into my fondue pot of memories.

I got this book because I wanted to really know more about Charles Schulz. What kind of man was he really? What drove him? What inspired him? Turns out that he, himself, was baffled by the Creation Process just like all "true" artists are. True artists are very humble beings. They know deep inside that they are not responsible for their creations, they are merely the channels through which the power of creation takes place. Being an artist and a writer myself, I know that sometimes I'm in this zone where the process of creation is moving through me so powerfully that all I need do is surrender to It and everything is all taken care of. Not to be preachy, but that's Spirit, that's Love, that's the Light we were all created in and out of. And because all of us are made in the Image and Likeness of Light, of Spirit, of Love, we are all creative and we are all creators. The question then becomes, "What am I willing to create?"

This book makes me cry. Not in a sad way, but in a way that just makes me miss my friend. And although I see evidence of his being here all around me, I know that this world is never going to be the same without him.

Peace & Blessings, Mr. Schulz.

This is a very comprehensive book to be studied from front to back. If you are not familier with the I-Ching, I would strongly recommend that you start with the I-Ching for beginners, then move on to this book after you have a better understanding of what is going on and how the I-Ching works and the history.

Very good book to use I Ching Oracle.
Good texts and commentaries according to the translation of Richard Wilhelm.

This is by far and away one of the best translations/interpretations out there. Not necessarily the most understandable for beginners. A lot of the imagery is culturally specific and can be difficult to understand without a background in taoism and other asian ideas. However, the different sections offer different levels of interpretation and understanding, which i find very helpful. With persistence and patience, the illumination is well worth the trouble. One of the best, easiest to explore and get to know the I Ching, is The I Ching Workbook, by R.L. Wing. There are some inconsistencies in the divination method, but if you can look past that, it is an excellent beginning text.

I just have a high school education but I'm spiritual. I can understand the Taroh, The Book of Runes, The Yoruba Dominos and the I ching as written by Sam Reifler or Brian Brown Walker. But this book doesn't make a lick of sense.

A more technical book that gives a thorough history of the I Ching, how it was used in Ancient China and contains multiple interpretations for each of the 64 hexagrams. Moving lines are defined within the definition of each hexagram with more of the ancient poetics included and the readings are probably closer to the original texts of yesteryear. Definitions of the hexagrams are more detailed than other guides but still an invaluable resource for anyone working with the I Ching.