Elliott Books

this is a very thorough review of current software, and very balanced...Two other books worth looking at in this area are: Take Charge Computing for Teens and Parents and the PC Dads Guide to Becoming a Computer Smart Parent...both are packed with information and advice.

The authors have compiled a thorough list of the very best programs for kids. There are thousands of family software titles out there. This book discards the flash and selects the best

If you're a parent and you have kids and a computer this is the essential text. It's filled with lots of specific recommendations to help you find the best software programs by age or subject. Plus it gives you lots of tips to help you and your kids get the most educational value from these programs. Worth the price when you think how much you can save from not buying one bad piece of "so-called" educational software. A real public service.

I recently discovered Sugimoto's pictures browsing the web. This book is beautifully produced and plate after plate demands not only an aesthetic response from the viewer but also a decidedly intellectual and conceptual one (maybe that's the same thing!). It's rare to find art that is simultaneously so beautiful and so profound.

I first saw this book at the de Young Museum in San Francisco during a major exhibition of Sugimoto's work there during the summer of 2007. I love photography and have been building up a library of photo books for years. Sugimoto is one of my favorite artists and I was really looking forward to having a book of his work (there are so few that have been published that are available).

I think the book is a really good survey of Sugimoto, but I have to say that I was extremely perplexed and disappointed by the decision of the publisher and the artist to publish the work in such a small format. If you've ever seen any of Sugimoto's prints, they are on the order of 4 feet by 5 feet and larger. Their size is important to the presence of the work and highlights the incredible detail that can be captured by a committed artist using very large format cameras. The prints reproduced in the book are just too small to be able to capture any of this impact.

This really drops the rating for me. if it had been twice or three times the dimensions as published it would have just been big enough.

If you have never seen Sugimoto's work and you have an interest in conceptual art and photography, you are in for a treat. As he says, his work is all about time and what better way to show time than through a photograph. Beautifully produced, this book hints at the depth of the original large format images that can now be seen at a retrospective at San Francisco's de Young museum.

The book begins with his portraits in a wax museum and dioramas from New York's Museum of Natural History. All of his photographs are made with large format camera and the detail is exquisite. Conceptually, the camera gazes upon reproduction figures that are perhaps better than life itself, arranged like sculpture. The meaning of these objects (and places) becomes a recurring theme in his work that ultimately questions the medium itself. Real fiction.

The highlight of the book in my estimation are the minimalist sea landscapes that capture light and question time -- they are devoid of a decisive moment. These images are absolutely spellbinding in person and, for a book, the reproduction is very good.

The weakest part are photographs made by Sugimoto of blurred buildings, which take on a toy like scale, again questioning the reality of the original object. The selection of which building is clearly important, but the execution just isn't as exciting or masterful as the other work in this book. This is a very difficult area and very few photographers have pulled it off (try David Armstrong: All Day Every Day also available at Amazon)

Conceptually, the mathematical models, created in the late 1800's and early 1900's are fascinating. The ultra-resolution of the view camera shows the human hand in creation, where slight imperfections cast shadows of scratches made by the makers, as well as students and teachers. The poetry of pure math meets visual realism.

The finale are the photographs of movie theaters, each image exposed for the duration of the movie. The screen is a brilliant white (hinting at the experience of light from a movie), pouring out into the architecture of the theater or the surroundings of the drive-in landscaping. One of my favorites, from Union City, California, shows traces of light in the sky from passing aircraft -- a Zen-like experience of the passing of time that hints at an ancient haiku about the traces left by geese on snow.

This is a great book to prepare for high school entrance exams, and learn how to develop better study habits.

This is a solid review book. My son did exceptionally well using this review book (He won a scholarship because of his scores) and additional practice tests from other review books.

This is a great book to prepare for the entry test to Catholic schools. My child used the review questions over and over to get a "feel" for the test questions. She aced the test and received early admission to the school of her choice.

I found this book about Robert Burns very interesting. I think that he should have gone on with more of his life story.

This autobiographical account of Robert E. Burns' amazing double escape from a Georgia chain gang in the 1920s seems like a made up tale for Indiana Jones or some such movie hero. The events of his escape, his rise from a laborer to one of the most prominent citizens of Chicago as well as his return to the chain gang are incredible. And he escapes again! The second escape is even more amazing than the first, though he never is able to return to his ideal life or love in Chicago. The very good film version made in 1932 doesn't begin to cover the exciting details of the book, but it makes a good companion piece. The new, modern, well researched introduction, fills in the details that the reader will wonder about at the book's conclussion. It is suggested that the introduction material be read last.

The story of Robert Burns is an amazing one. Told in the first person, he recounts his life after service in World War I, being sent to a Georgia chain gang, and escaping successfully twice. Although at times he seems to be playing for your sympathy, it is still nonetheless an excellent true story of a man dealing with harsh conditions and overcoming them. The end of the book doesn't tell what happens to him. In a nutshell, he is caught and sent to Georgia and is before a committee, which brings the man he originally robbed in the store. The man says Burns should not be imprisoned and he should be free. Burns is released and lives the rest of his life as a successful businessman.

Though this text is out of print, it is possible to obtain one through the Amazon out-of-print services. The text takes one on a journey of the young and poor Angelo Roncalli -- who is incredibly gifted with wisdon from a very young age. Through his life and progression through the church, one can easily visualize and sense the kindness and humanity of this man, who eventually became John XXIII. A must read for Catholic and non-Catholic scholars.

Lawrence Elliot's biography of John XXIII--possibly the most beloved Pope in history--is a moving and infinitely uplifting experience. Elliot draws on extensive archival knowledge and interviews to create this portrait of Catholicism's dynamic "caretaker" pontiff.

The extensive scholarship in Elliot's volume is valuable; however, even more so are the dozens of small anecdotes from John XXIII's career, both before and after his papacy. One of the most moving and illuminating is Elliot's recounting of the scene between the just-elected Pope and his longtime secretary, Loris Capovilla, in which the pope says somewhat flabbergastedly: "Well, you see what has happened to me."

John XXIII was a figure who inspired and continues to inspire greatness in his fellow Christians--to whom he addressed himself in the humble statement: "I am Joseph, your brother!"--and Lawrence Elliot pays wonderful tribute to this Christian's Christian.

A wonderful text on John XXIII, which leads us from his humble beginnings, and creates and establishes the very essence of the man he would become. This is truly a must read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. A remarakble man and leader -- there is much to be learned from his life!

Great to refresh my memory of a visit some 35 years ago in preparation for a re-visit later this year

These are some excerpts from the new edition from the section entitled 'The National Psyche':

"Iranians are the most surprising people. Where you might expect them to be austere they are charming; rather than dour, they are warm, and instead of being hostile to foreigners, they are welcoming and endlessly curious".

"Iranians are not frightening people. They are generally warm and welcoming to an extent that can be embarassing to Westerners."

"...the Iranian system of courtesy [...] makes Iran a haven for travellers - you will be treated with unfailing politeness wherever you go."

Now compare this with the attitude taken by the racist idiot who wrote the previous (third) edition and one realises what a huge difference it makes when the guide authors actually appreciate and enjoy being in the country about which they write.

A welcome (and IMO absolutely necessary) new edition of the guide. Lonely Planet has shown shrewd judgment in replacing the previous one as well as its author.

There have been some rumors concerning a previous edition. I have just been to Iran (in September 2006). The 2004 edition is as witty and informative as any Loney Planet book. When compared with two German books for travelers it is a notch above the others. I haven't found any insensitive or belittling remarks only the usual sarcasm, just as the description of Ahvaz: "Unremitting Iraqi bombing during the Iran-Iraq War didn't beautify it and subsequent redevelopment has faild to offer much inspiration." Some telephone numbers and addresses are however outdated.

Ray Elliott's IWIO BLASTED AGAIN offers insight into the mysteries of war hidden within the minds of combat veterans with sundown syndrome. This realistic novel gives the reader a greater appreciation for those often forgotten veterans who have never told their stories of life, love, and horror during their years at war. A good read!

Britton, a combat veteran who fought at Iwo Jima, struggles with the memories of war and the loss of his wife, the only woman he ever loved. The catastrophes of his life are portrayed in such a compelling and sensitive manner that it sets this book apart. Highly recommendable reading.

Iwo Blasted Again plunges the reader into an immediately impacting journey of a war-torn and suffering soul. Through an uncanny interweaving of psychology and time, Elliott vividly captures the essence of sundown syndrome and has done so with intricate characterization, while inviting the reader to ponder the deeper meanings of life, love, war and death. This work is one of hidden hurt and truth, reminiscent of Hemingway.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a story about the true ramifications of war on the soul. If you like Tim O'Brien or other authors who tell a good tale and write well, this will be the perfect read.

Prof. Elliot has given another distinguished contribution in financial mathematics. I think that everyone who has the ambition to understand mathematical finance advancely will benefit by this book.

Does an excellent job of presenting the mathematics WITH RIGOR. The mathematics is more mature than Bingham & Kiesel, but the book is more accessible and far more readable than the similar texts by Karatzas & Shreve and Musiela & Rutkowski.

This book discusses the financial mathematics from the view of martingale approaches. It is good for someone who want to price derivatives by martingale approach. Unfortunately, this book lacks talking about exotic options like average options,lookback options and passport options.

I love this book. I have read it twice already and am ready to read it again. This author keeps you enthralled in her story.
Watch out for the "clever twists".
When are you going to release the "next winner"?
I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Moon Dancer is a beautifully written and moving story about the transition between death and the after-life. Upon first reading the dialogue, I thought that nobody would really speak in such a manner, but by the surprise ending I learned that YES, this character would have spoken in just such a way. Wonderful! Charming and intelligent. A lovely and uplifting story about a strong woman with a strong faith in God. I cannot wait until the next two in the series!

The reading of the diary was interesting but the ending was a powerful one, brought me to tears. I am ready to read her next book.

I've owned this book for about ten years and moved it with me whenever I get a new technical writing assignment. It has saved my writing hide with the subject matter experts numerous times! It shows the most common errors made in English usage in an easy-to-understand manner. I had trouble with misplaced modifiers and "like" as opposed to "such as" for years. This book helped me learn which way is correct usage!

I like the straighforward and often humorous style. I'd love to see future editions.

This does have great tips on grammar; however, some of the book is definitely outdated. Also, it seems to me that this type of book would be written primarily for those of us who aren't naturally adept in English usage -- if that is the case, I think the author should remember the KISS rule (Keep it simple, stupid) and avoid sentences like this one in chapter 13: "A false comparison is one wherein a comparative or a superlative degree construction is used without a clearly stated basis for the comparison..." . Who needs to muddle through sentences like that! Otherwise, though, this book can be very helpful.

common grammatical and word meaning errors in English. Learn to use proper English. Useful for speakers as well as writers. A good example is the reflexive pronoun "myself". Do you know the proper usage of this word? What about when to use "may" versus "might"? If not, this book is a good start. I think most people could benefit from this book. The problem with errors in speech is that we unaware we are making them and often repeat them. Others, however, may pick up on our mistakes. Also, this book is concise and a fairly quick read.