Collins Books

I've read a lot of tennis books and this one is great. Except...Collins describes each season beginning with 1919...and leaves out stuff from the late 1800s and first two decades of the 20th century. Great picture of Leo Tolstoy on a tennis court though. Terrific book...and cheaper to purchase it on Amazon.com (which I did not do!)

For diversity, quality and quantity (960 pages), "Total Tennis" hits winner after winner. Past and present stars from Sears to Sampras and from Suzanne to Serena are covered with in-depth and fascinating features, either from SPORT magazine or by Bud Collins himself, the encyclopedia's distinguished author. The careers of hundreds of other players are described in engrossing profiles and bios. Collins' superb knowledge of tennis shines brightest in year-by-year stories of the greatest players at the greatest venues, as well as in discussions of important issues, from 1919 to 2002. The most memorable matches come to life with intriguing prologues -- before Lenglen's 1926 showdown with Wills at Cannes, France, she told a friend: "This girl must be mad. Does she think she can come and beat me on my home court?" -- riveting match coverage, and incisive epilogues. Comprehensive registers of both the pre-1968 amateur era and later pro era provide abundant statistical information
about leading players and Grand Slam and other prestigious events, such as Davis Cup and Fed Cup, to keep even the most fanatical follower happy. To settle "Who's Better?" and other arguments, this compendium provides world rankings going all the way back to 1913. For fun trivia, did you know: King Gustav V of Sweden learned to play during a visit to Britain in 1878, founded his country's first tennis club when he returned home, and entered tournaments under the pseudonym, Mr. G? Dazzling color photos of the greats on and off the court complete the picture. As a reference book, "Total Tennis" is unsurpassed. But as an enjoyable read, it's equally valuable because the content is so authoritative and complete, and the writing style so entertaining.

The best book by far when it comes to tennis; past present and future. Everything you have ever wanted to know is in this book. The pictures are outstanding. If you are a tennis lover, this book is definitly for you!

My daughter-in-law is one of Don's daughters. I have collected the calendars for 15+ years and have some of his original art works and attended some of his art shows over the years. I am so pleased to have this book published.

Linda

Whether you are old enough to remember Model T Fords or young enough
to understand the Blue Berry, you will find this book the most exacting
record of the past and the most interesting to follow through. These
drawings of Don Collins are not only facinating but authenic. This book
will be the most read on your coffee table. Sam Harris, 3232 Hwy 29E,
Burnet TX 78611

A difficult book to locate, but seller went out of the way to find it for us and kept us informed during the process. Book arrived shortly in beautiful condition. It's a lovely book, worth the trouble and the wait. Thank you!

We all know about Shakespeare, so a review of his writing is not required. However, I would like to say that the Everyman's Library series are worth getting. Unlike omnibus editions (such as the Riverside Shakespeare), these are actually portable so you don't need a table to hold them up while you are reading. The Everyman's Library series have good hardbindings, are conveniently sized to carry around, and have illuminating and extensive introductions. The typeface used is old, but the letters are large and easily readable (something that is a concern with some other editions).

Tragedies, Volume 2 contains: Titus Andronicus; Troilus and Cressida; Julius Ceaser; Anthony and Cleopatra; Timon of Athens; Coriolanus

We all know about Shakespeare, so a review of his writing is not required. However, I would like to say that the Everyman's Library series are worth getting. Unlike omnibus editions (such as the Riverside Shakespeare), these are actually portable so you don't need a table to hold them up while you are reading. The Everyman's Library series have good hardbindings, are conveniently sized to carry around, and have illuminating and extensive introductions. The typeface used is old, but the letters are large and easily readable (something that is a concern with some other editions).

Tragedies, Volume 1 contains: Hamlet; Othello; King Lear; Machbeth

I appreciated reading all the tragedies together like this. There were some that I had read many times before, but others that I had barely read. The Tragedies are what Shakespeare is most noted for, and with good reason. Each of these plays is a masterpiece in its own right, and each of them provides such a wide variety of quotes that we all have heard over and over. That is the most enduring thing about Shakespeare - his mastery of the English language was so great that his words are still remembered today (almost four centuries since his death). Shakespeare has written thirteen tragedies, and I will do individual reviews of three of my particular favourites. The ones that I will further review are "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", "The Tragedy of Macbeth" and "The Tragedy of King Lear". As much as I enjoy each of these the other ten should not be ignored either. Shakespeare could not keep some comedy out of his famous tragedies, and sometimes it is these comedic scenes that we remember the most. Who can forget the drunken porter in "Macbeth"? It is very difficult for me to pick a favourite out of these thirteen masterpieces, but I think if asked I'd have to admit to Macbeth. But read them all, they are well worth the time.

The human heart is fragile, even more so when you are a woman.This book is not a love story, by any means. It has more twists and turns than the Daytona speedway. From beginning to end..you won't know what to expect..read it with all the lights on. Bravo Missy !!!

WOW! This book is great. That's all I have to say! Buy the book and you'll be blown away.

Esther

True Obsession by Tempra Collins is truely a nail biting thriller. From the first chapter to the last it kept me on the edge of my seat, leaving me shocked. This is a wonderful book I highly recommend any suspense reader to buy and read it.

This book is the perfect story for adventuresome children. It was a hit with my toddler nephew (and my teenage daughters). Pure fun! The pictures are terrific!

My son, 3 and a half, really enjoys this book. He really enjoys the part with the witch, and often cites the lines from the book while playing. We originally took this book out of the library, but ended up buying it because he missed it after we returned it to the library.

This is an exciting day for Ollie; it is his first trip to the store all by himself. He listens to his mother as she reminds him of all the do's and don'ts and then he is on his way.
However, mom didn't warn him about the witch, the aliens, or the monster that he encountered on the way; but Ollie can take care of himself as you will see in this fun tale of imagination for children.
Very cute book with great colorful illustrations.

Unseen America is a fantastic visual reference to the United States unseen or overlooked by us. Often we see things but don't recognize, the "little people", who keep us in our comfort zone. This book with photo's by those "little people" brings home our underlying culture. The black and white photographs are sometimes disturbing and revealing. This is the "Unseen America" we all need to see!

I bought this as part of my research on Latina/o immigrants and depictions in the media, to try and see another side of the working world not really explored by most US media. This is an excellent visual portrayal of reality for the people depicted in it, and offers a stark look into the reality of the life of many neglected and marginalized communities in the US.

It is very important in today's world in America for us to have contact with all ages, all races, and with a wide range of socio economic groups. If we remain enclosed in one homogeneous world, be it economic or cultural, we loose the full experience of our composite richness. It is not only out of our benevolence that we should reach out, but out of an awareness that we ourselves benefit from them. Their hearts and souls have much needed medicine for us. This book is a wonderful contribution to that effort.

This is the one book anyone learning to play tennis must have. The author gets his point across in a humorous way, making learning a frustrating game fun. It is very easy to transfer the words in the book to the court. All those who teach tennis could learn how to better teach their students with the many examples used in the book.

This is a must have book for anyone serious about learning how to play tennis. The author uses humor to make learning fun. It is difficult to learn tennis from a book, but the lessons are easily transferable to the court. This is also a good guidebook for the tennis professional. I just wonder how long it will be until tennis lessons are no longer $40.

This book is very different and lots of fun. Anyone who has taken a clinic from Ed, as I have, will recognize the tips and the teaching style. Much of material is very unique to Ed Collins and very helpful. I recommend that the book be part of any tennis library.

This book was informative (I didn't know much about how movies are shot) and it was incredibly funny, moving and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me laugh out loud at times and when you're sitting on a NYC subway, people look at you strangely when you laugh out loud and no one is talking to you.

WIRWTDID is from the team of Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout and it is
hilarious. I will also admit to not knowing what a focus puller is but by the end
of this book, I know that job plus a whole lot more about the behind the
scenes parts of movie making. But fair warning: since this is a chick lit style
book, Roxanne has to wait until almost the end of the book to get her man.
It's fast paced, it's funny and it's well worth hunting down.

In Toronto, though one of the lowest in the film-making hierarchy as a camera focus grunt, Roxanne Hasting dreams as she has for two decades since she was thirteen of directing her own movie one day. Still she knows she must pay her dues and so goes about her grunt work of insuring the camera focuses on the actors.

During a break from her job, a miracle happens as Rox is given the opportunity to direct a short The Lobby, a screenplay written by her best friend Libby. However, Rox quickly finds the duel roles as director and cinematographer overwhelming and her experiences lacking for either job. Still she will go 24/7 to insure she swims not sinks as this is a once in a lifetime chance. A second time may not be forthcoming if she fails this chance at achieving her dream and that of Libby's.

Rox's dream serves as an allegory that achieving worthy Big Hairy Audacious Goals means hard work that can interfere with other objectives especially in one's personal life, but if it is that important one will set priorities accordingly. Rox (and Libby) brings humor and eccentricity to the story as the wannabe director gives up much to accomplish her goal although some of the thorny folks she works with make even a dreamer question the price. This is a terrific insightful character study encouraging individuals to follow your dream.

Harriet Klausner

Who would have thought we could ever forget many of the things contained in the book. Since I lived through most of them, the short descriptions were all I needed, and a younger person might have their appetite whetted to learn more. Excellent book in that it is easy to pick up and put down, and provides a quick glimpse into important events.

I got 4 copies of this book (one for myself and 3 gifts). Everyone I gave it to raves about how interesting it is. My aunt put it on her coffee table, and the Thanksgiving guests took turns paging through and reading random entries. The older generation told younger people about their own memories of some of the events. Everyone talked about recent events that we all were around to witness.

A friend loaned me his book. After a few pages I knew it was a keeper. Anyone who loves history, especially of the US, should read this book.
So much information. Since I have been around a long time, I can remember a lot of the happenings.

I have since purchased a copy for my library and two others for my sons for their birthday gift. They will enjoy it as much as I have.

Any school age child will find it helpful for writing reports of some of the events in the book.

I highly recommended "Where Were You When" to everyone.

This is a true treasure! My son (2+ when he received it, 4 now) loves this book and my husband and I love reading it to him! It is so fun to read with the rhyming words and touching idea of a boy sneaking out to find his buddy Ted (a teddy bear). The grandparents help him look for it, but they can't find it so they put him to bed and decide they'll just have to look for Ted in the morning. Even though they give up Tim just can't. He ends up sneaking outside and asks for help from various barnyard animals. After much ruckus Ted is found and the animals help Tim get back into bed. When Granny goes in to check on Tim she finds him in his bed fast asleep. Perfect ending for a night time story and a great book for a little boy. It's a really sweet story and shows a sensitive side to boys without being sappy. If a book should ever be reprinted this should be it!

I am a children's librarian and this is one of my favorite stories to read to preschoolers. It's funny, not too wordy, and the illustrations are great. It's also mysterious without being too scary for little ones. Unfortunately the copy I have is small and the illustrations aren't big enough to use it in a large group. I hate to see that it is now out of print and I would love to see it reproduced in a larger format.

I was given this book as a gift and it has become one of my favorites to read to my 10 month old. It is a cute story and is fun to read -- nice rhythm to the story and lots of animal sounds and fun stuff.