G Books

This book was required reading in my high school biology class, and I loved it. It is very readable, so you don't even realize you are learning about science and the scientific method. And the cartoons are priceless!

Title: To Know A Fly
Author: Vincent G. Dethier
Publisher: Holden Day; New Ed (June 1963)
Paperback: 119 pages
ISBN: 0070165742
Language: English

The complexity and simplicity of the "fly" has been ingeniously revealed to readers of all ages and breadth of scientific knowledge in Vincent G. Dethier's To Know A Fly. While the general reader may not be attracted to a book about flies due to the associated cultural stigma that brands flies as disgusting, ugly, useless pests this book brings attention to their value in regards to the advancement of scientific research.
To Know a Fly is a painless approach to the nature and value of the scientific method with the capability of exciting even the non-scientist. The employment of creative yet simple experiments are conveyed with both humor and wit. While trying to explain the importance of experimental controls Dethier tells a story of a man who believed he had trained a flea to jump. The man prepares an experiment where he progressively removes different appendages. First the feelers are removed and when the man requests "jump" the flea jumps. He continues to remove different parts and the flea continues to jump on command. Eventually only the flea's hind legs remain at which point he removes them and the flea fails to respond to the command. The man concludes that fleas hear with their hind legs. This statement is of course silly yet a great illustration that if experimental controls had been in place a more accurate conclusion could have been generated.
As the author artfully leads the reader on a journey of wonder exploring the many idiosyncrasies of fly, the reader is presented with many simple experiments that can be preformed at home. For example, in one experiment the reader is guided to answer the question: Do flies taste with their feet? First the fly is frozen in the freezer to immobilize him and then swiftly attached at the wings to a pencil that has been coated with hot candle wax. The fly is then lowered so that his feet touch the top of a bowl of water - if the fly is thirsty he will lower his proboscis. When he is done he will retract the proboscis. If the fly's feet are then lowered into a bowl of sugar-water he will quickly extend his proboscis and when quickly dipped into the water again he will retract the proboscis. I'm looking forward to trying some of these experiments myself once the snow melts and I can actually find some flies.
In addition to wondering if flies taste with their feet Dethier asks and answers some other silly yet curious questions, throughout the text, concerning fly behavior and physiology such as: Does the fly land on the ceiling by executing a half roll or an inside loop? To which Dethier reveals the answer is quite interesting. Flies actually hover below the ceiling, reach up above their bodies and attach their front legs to the ceiling and then flip their body over and attach the other legs. A more complicated question presented in the text is: What mechanism causes a fly to select different proteins at particular stages in life? Dethier not only provides several possibilities to explain this phenomenon but also suggests possible experiments to test these hypotheses.
Dethier asserts that the acquisition of fancy equipment and a college degree may help foster a great scientist but that there are two essentials: an insatiable curiosity about life and an experimental organism. He asserts that flies are the ideal experimental organism made up of over 50,000 species. However, today, 44 years after the publishing of this book, there are over 100,000 known species of flies. The validity of some facts in this book can be questioned due to the major advancements in technology that have taken place in the last 50 years. It is recommended that the information in this book be used as a guide rather than as a reference book for it is much too old and out of date.
However due to his credibility it is likely that information in this book was presented accurately based on the current information at the time it was written because Dr. Vincent G. Dethier was a prominent insect physiologist, research entomologist and an expert in his field. He wrote over 170 scientific papers and 15 scientific books of which To Know A Fly and several other books that were written for individuals that did not have a scientific background one of which, Crickets & Katydids: Concerts and Solos, won the John Burroughs Medal for distinguished Nature Writing
Dethier's common sense approach to science makes it enjoyable for anyone with a curiosity for the way the world works. This would be a great book for students starting out in science or students with an aversion to science because it is presented in a humorous tone with interesting antidotes to keep the readers attention. Because this book was written for a non-science audience there is not a lot of technical language among the 14 short chapters making this book easily read within two sittings.
From start to finish there are intertwined stories, experiments, facts, observations, cartoons, questions, and even excerpts from plays. This compilation of different types of writing within one book allows the reader to not only walk away with some noteworthy facts about the fly but also insight into the mind of a scientist. In addition, the simplicistic manner in which the information is presented is capable of provoking thought in even the most advanced scientists.

I assigned this little gem of a book to my psychology students when I was teaching at Antioch College in the late 1960's. I am now asking the teachers who are offering a Science and Math Summer Camp for Alaska Native middle school students to read it, to re-ignite their sense of the fun and excitement of scientific inquiry. Truly a timeless book, it is similar to "The Little Prince" in its capacity to stay in one's thoughts for decades.

An absolute classic little book that uses humor and cartoons to illustrate the joys of science and the scientific method. Perfect for students from junior high through university. I only wish it was still in print so I could assign it for the students in my animal behavior lab course.

"To Know a Fly" is very well known among researchers in the life sciences, but almost completely unknown to the general reading public. That's a great pity, as this is one of the clearest and wittiest books ever written about how science is actually done. Dethier does a superb job in conveying the excitement of discovery, even in as mundane a subject as the common housefly.

Amidst entertaining passages describing how to anethesize a fly (pop it in in the freezer) or make fly scapels (break up razor blades) or surgical probes (drop dressmaker's pins on the floor) you'll learn, in passing, a lot about the neurophysiology of the fly.

If you're student in the life sciences, you owe it to yourself to hunt down a copy of this book. If you're a reader with even a casual interest in science, grab this one if you come across a copy.

I knew the author, Paul Haven, as a teenager in NY, so when I saw this book I had to pick it up and read it. This book had me smiling the whole way through. I enjoyed every page. I am eager to pass it along to my pre-teen nephews who play baseball for their town. I will certainly save a copy for my son when he is old enough to read it. Reading this book brought back memories of listening to the author and friends discussing baseball in Central Park 20 years ago. Some passions never die! Great book, Paul. I can't wait to read your next one! -LS

My eight year old baseball nut of a grandson read this cover to cover yesterday as he traveled with his family to Arizona for camping and a couple of spring training games. Given its length, his parents thought it would keep him busy for a couple of days. Not so.

My 9-year old son loved this book. He writes: This was definitely the best baseball book I have ever read! The main character, Danny Gurkin has tons of crazy ideas about giving the sluggers good luck. Sometimes they seem to work. But the sluggers are cursed when a poisoned pretzel kills a bubblegum tycoon. Paul Haven is a great writer.

Witty and creative, it breaks away from standard kids' fare. For baseball lovers especially, this would make a great gift.

I'm always on the lookout for a good story to read aloud to my 2nd graders, and this one fit the bill. Haven's engaging and quirky characters, combined with the baseball setting, and mysterious goings on made for a lively read that generated a lot of enthusiasm. Parts of this book reminded me of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, while other parts reminded me of Shoeless Joe.

A good story to read aloud, and a perfect one for sports-minded 4-7th graders to relish.

This book is excellent for fencers interested in physical fitness. This book helped me become quicker and more agile, and on a personal level just plain stronger overall. I'd highly recommend it, these guys know what they are talking about.

What a masterpiece! This is the number one book for all fencing enthusiasts. This book helped me with both strength and agility and it can help you too. Don't miss out on this gem of a book, I'll guarantee it helps you in your matches.

This is the best book I've found on this subject and is tailor-made for exactly what fencers need! I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation! It's a steal!

I first found out about this series of book when I purchased the WeighTraining for Football book for my son. I was pleased to see that there was one for fencing. As an avid recreational and competitive fencer, I found that this book made serious suggestions that a true student of fencing should follow!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their fencing. Now that my fitness has improved, so has my agility and my athleticism. This is a great book and it has really helped me!

I have always been interested in astronomy and just recently picked it up as a hobby. Terence Dickenson does a wonderful job conveying concepts to the average person. He has made it so easy to understand and so interesting it is difficult to put the book down. The pictures are perfect for those of us with little imagination. My ten year old is even reading it with me. Excellent!

I have never, and I mean never, had my mind blown as much as when I read (still reading, will never stop reading) this book. I can't believe the pictures in this book. You think you've seen everything insane and out of this world there is to see and then you open this up. Ever seen one galaxy side-swipe another galaxy? The images in this book will change you, you will never be the same. I feel so small yet I feel like I'm part of this insane monster of a grand scheme. The descriptions are fantastic, you need no prior astronomy/science education to totally immerse yourself in the cosmos. Starting from earth and reaching out to as far as we have gone this book reads as if you are the explorer aboard your space craft taking it all in for yourself. There isn't a dull second during this read. Every paragraph will make your mouth drop. Realize the creature around you that is your Universe.

A friend and I are taking an intro to astonomy course and this is one of the recommended texts. I can certainly see why. It's a very clearly written work with a heavy emphasis on planetary and solar astronomy and a lucid discussion of stellar objects visible with personal telescopes, subjects that the noviate astronomer is most likely to find of interest. The author also dedicates two chapters to the subject of theoretical astrophysics at the very basic level of cosmology, ie) the theory of the origin, the possible ultimate destiny of the universe, and the liklihood of the existance of coevil universes parallel to our own. Dickinson also throws his lot in with those who would believe in UFOs, to the extent that while he doesn't believe in the sightings people report--however well meaningly--he does believe that intelligent life is out there and may well already know of our existance. He gives a thorough and lucid outline of why he believes this to be the case. He also summarizes the SETI project and the ultimate change in position on this topic of high visibility astronomers like the late Carl Sagan, Iosif Shklovskii, and Ben Zuckerman. A very interesting book, and one that whets the appetite for further information.

For the layman who is often intimidated by the scope of astronomy and science in general, this book is the ideal place to get started. I've been fascinated by the universe and outer space for as long as I can remember. There is nothing that is quite as majestic and beautiful in the physical world we observe as the unimaginable grandeur of the universe.

The book starts out with a good general overview and then starts out from home (Earth) and then gradually moves out towards other objects in the Solar System, the nearby starts, our Milky Way galaxy, and ultimately out to the farthest reaches of the universe (quasars, galaxies out in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field), examining the deepest cosmological questions.

The writing is non-technical and is easy for the uninitiated to understand. There are plenty of the latest breathtaking photos from the Hubble Telescope as well as clear illustrations. I bought a copy for my mother who has never delved into astronomy and she advised me that the book has been most enjoyable and that it opened her eyes to the wonders of space that she had never known about.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in astronomy but never had the chance to really dig in for whatever reasons. I also recommend this book to the experts who want to encourage their loved ones and friends to appreciate the universe as well. It makes a great gift to high school students, parents, and friends as well. It's one of those books that people will refer to over and over again and contemplate our place in this amazing structure we know of as the universe.

Well laid-out book with awesome pics and logical flow. Definitely a professional work. It does not get very deep in explanations but there is enough material for a novice to get started. Overall: VERY GOOD!

Buyer beware: I was expecting this item to be Billy Graham's full-length book of devotions. Instead, it was a spiral-bound calendar of daily devotions. It's still a wonderful source of short, thought-provoking and encouraging selections based on the book, but it doesn't have as much meat as the source. I was able to find a used copy of Dr. Graham's book (same title) on Amazon.

This is a wonderful devotional for daily reading. I have given it to many people as a gift & everyone has loved it. Billy Graham touches your heart in down to earth, easy to understand, Holy Spirit-inspired writings. You won't be disappointed.

I also use this in my daily devotional and have worn-out the tape that was holding it together,... I think anyone would enjoy this very practical and easy to comprehend devotional. Billy Graham is a gifted man.

I have read this book so much that it has fallen apart and I had to order a new book. This book is truely the best to understand what God does and what he is about. I recommend it very much to keep up your daily walk with God. Billy Graham writes great books about God and I can understand the books and enjoy starting my day reading them every morning.

Every days' lesson seems to be a gift from the Lord to help me deal through lifes' lessons. Billy Grahm puts the gospel into terms we can relate to.

I just love Joan wester Anderson she is the most amazingly nice person and really knows how to write a story that just brings you right into it.
Its like watching a mini movie in my mind every time I read her books.
This one was no different. I purchase these angel story books only from Joan Anderson and I also buy extra's every time so I can have them as gifts to give and they are a gift that last and last. Its helped me through alot of trials in my life to know that there are angels here to help me with whatever I need them to. you have to buy all of her angel books there amazing! Diane Essary

I have read most of Joan Wester Anderson's books about encounters with God and His angels. They are all wonderful! I like to keep them by my bed and read a few of the supernatural experiences each night, and I find my faith and joy increased daily. My family and I have been very blessed to have seen God answer our prayers and manifest His presence in our lives on many occasions. There is nothing more wonderful than "a touch from heaven!"

Like Joan Anderson's other writings, this book is chocked full of short, uplifting real-life stories that appear to indicate we are not here alone. Divine intervention seems to be the only viable explanation for the events described in this must-read, life-changing book.

Do you believe in miracles? Do you think that God still intervenes in the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary ways? Do you ever see God acting in your life? If the answers to any of these questions is "no," "Where Wonders Prevail: True Accounts That Bear Witness to the Existence of Heaven" by Joan Wester Anderson may just open your eyes and your heart and change your mind.

Anderson shares thirty-nine stories of human experiences that cannot be explained by ordinary means. There are angels and loved ones who have gone on to their next life who make guest appearances. There are situations where the laws of physics seem to be suspended momentarily. There are medical cures where no hope was given. There are simple instances of coincidence that are too fortuitous to be considered mere happenstance. Yes, there are truly situations where God does intervene, although the reasons for such intervention are His and His alone.

"Where Wonders Prevail" is an amazing read, a page-turner that will keep you moving from story to story. It bears witness to God's presence in our lives, and assures us that, yes, we are being cared for by a power greater than ourselves.


(...)

The only book that gave me so much of inspiration after the Bible is the book 'Where Wonders Prevail'. After a day of stress that we humans go through, this book gives us the assurance that someone loves and cares for us, which is enough to bring us through another day.

Excellent and well written. A collection item for university level instruction and home library.

William H. Watkins writes about the power of education and how it "can be used both to oppress and to liberate." (pg.1) Watkins shares with us how research and science in the last century validated the belief that Whites were the superior race. This belief has played a great role in the development of the school system and curriculum we have today in America. The "White Architects" have used the school system to keep races of people oppressed. He clearly defines who the architects were and the role they played in orchestrating the school system we have today.

I believe that in order to see more success among minority students in schools today we have to restructure the whole school system. Watkins book strengthens my belief. He states "public education was product of historically, politically, and socially constructed ideas." These ideas need to be updated and remade to include all races equally.

Mr. Watkins walks us through an historical and turbulent era of education that continues to have ramifications in our present educational system. Watkins journey through the maze of black education exposes the political and socioeconomic influences of the dominnant and affluent white culture of the north. He reveals to the reader the influences of the corporate magnets of the north who wanted cheap labor and subserivent workers. They used their philanthropy and the educational system to imposed their own philosophy of education on the black population;while promoting subserivent lifestyles for those who participated. Mr Watkins is able to convince the reader about the political and economic hold that the corporate world imposes on the black population and the disregard these men had for how the black population wanted their education to progress.
Mr. Watkins continues to show us the need for continued political and socieconomic justice for all people and warns us of the continued influence that corporate America has on all of us.

William H. Watkins is subtle in his story of the "white architects" who developed Black education beginning in 1865, just at the end of the Civil War. Watkins shocks you with his "scientific racism" platform that he explains "presented human difference as the rational for inequality" and that it "can be understood as an ideological and political issue" (pg. 39). The reader senses a calm attitude about the author as he speaks of the Philanthropists, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, Sr, who was most concerned about "shaping the new industrial social order" (pg. 133) than he was for providing a useful education. "The Rockefeller group demonstrated how gift giving could shape education and public policy" (pg. 134). In their support of Black education, by 1964,the General Education Board (GEB) spent more than $3.2 million dollars in gifts to support Black education. This captivating book begins with a forward written by Robin D.G. Kelley who reflects that she learned one lesson from Watkins, "If we are to create new models of pedagogy and intellectual work and become architects of our own education, then we cannot simply repair the structures that have been passed down to us. We need to dismantle the old architecture so that we might begin anew" (pg. xiii). Why don't the school reformers who mandate educational laws experience such an awakening?

William Watkins pointedly and proudly explains how people other than the African Americans have guided the principles of Black education in the United States from the Reconstruction era to post World War II. Whether these people acting philanthropically as John D. Rockefeller or as "evil geniuses" (Chapter 6), they have shaped Black education then and some would argue for all time.

In his writing, Watkins shows that there is a view of the history of American education that does not come from the larger culture. Watkins view is from the "other side of the fence" that is not written by the victors but rather a survivor. This view is equally important as it establishes the fact there are always two sides to every story. "History is made by people in struggle" (p.179).

Generalizations tend to pervade Watkins' writings as the use of the words "few" and "many" are consistent. But this is understandable considering little or no empirical research was being conducted regarding Black education during this time period.

Pointing to the past for blaming is not the purpose of Watkins in his book, but rather an enlightenment of the history presented by a survivor of slavery, segregation and racial inequalities that have existed for generations. Truly, Watkins has offered a view of history in which we can reflect upon and use to help guide a new generation of architects.

Whether this work perfectly parallels the expoits of the character's real lives, should not be of concern. This book is beautifully written, with a literary gem on almost every page. It is one, if not the best book I have read in 10 years. What a shame it has not gotten more attention.

I have had no interest in literary interpretations of the world until I read this book. Here I found other lives struggling with the same staleness of mathematics and logic and their implications that I could not escape. I found lives exemplifying the difficulties of pitting one's factual evidence against human assumptions. I found, that is, that my own life is not so different as it's felt.

Well done, Duffy.

I bought this book in 1988. It then got buried under tons of other books until I unearthed it this weekend. What a great find. Rich characters, engaging prose...a thoroughly satisfying read. At 500+ pages, I'll admit it's a bit overwritten, but once you get going it's difficult to put down. Ranks up there with "In the Memory of the Forest" as gripping and memorable. Go work out really hard, take a hot shower, then grab an herbal tea and melt into its pages.

Surprisingly readable, given the subject matter, and from an author who obviously loves to write. This quality seems less than apparent in many books, but Duffy, I felt, took great time and applied careful skill in making his characters emerge on the page as recognizably full-fledged people. Whether the clumsy and appealing, if fanatic and mysterious Max; Ottoline's bony limbs; Wittgenstein's trench nemesis Grundfeldt; Russell's liberated flapper DD and her dentist father from the Illinois prairies the philosopher visits in a wonderful chapter; DH Lawrence's fulminations about blood knowledge; Moore's gustatory enthusiasm when dining at Hall; or Russell's attempts to write an article for Parents' Magazine on "Are Parents Bad for Children" while trying to seduce yet another lissome lass and take care of his failing marriage, faltering children, and chaotic progressive school--this book's most engrossing.

Especially noteworthy are Duffy's depictions of trench warfare as Wittgenstein might have experienced it in WW1. I didn't expect that the relatively brief part of the philosopher's life would be so much a part of this novel. It serves, once you finish and can see the whole work completed, as the titular centerpiece and the fulcrum for so much of his subsequent reactions to the middle of the 20c. I had recently read Sebastian Barry's Booker Prize-nominated novel "A Long Long Way From Home," and while Duffy spends less than his whole novel on the hell endured on the Western Front, he gives a variety of vividly rendered scenes that match Barry at his best--no mean feat for Duffy's not a professional full-time writer, apparently, and this was his first novel. The depictions of war are simply and terrifyingly superb.

While I had difficulty even with the simplified explanations of Wittgenstein's thought, I confess, full comprehension of them may well be beyond any of us. W's own battles with his homosexuality, his family history of suicide, and his Christian ideals vs. his Jewish heritage make for engrossing material that eases the challenge of keeping up with W's ratiocinations. Duffy shows dramatically W's refusal to start a circle of fawning disciples or imitators of his notoriously challenging thought-experiments and investigations into what does and does not underly logic. Perhaps even Moore and Russell, as shown when they conduct the viva voce doctoral exam of W., cannot understand their candidate either.

The novel is not perfect; the latter chapters especially after WW2 appear rushed and the author seems winded by so much previous exertion on behalf of his complicated characters. The first section takes place around 1912; the wartime is largely early in WW1, and the latter part is around 1938 for the most part. Appended to this are detours back and forward in time that expand W's family history. It may sound cumbersome, yet it gives you enough of a context for each period to feel that you can find your way around.

Somehow over so many thousands of sentences, Duffy manages to avoid cliche, to write fresh and efficient prose, and to take the reader into a series of realms that would have seemed the least likely areas that a novelist would want to explore, let alone re-create over 500 densely printed pages. It took me most of a week's free time to read this, and it flows best when you have a few hours straight to immerse yourself in it. It's a novel that works by association, accruing patiently the rewards that pay off for the thinkers if not always their long-suffering supporting casts of lovers, relations, colleagues, and spouses.

The reason for so much reasoning gradually grows as the novel continues; you will begin to understand at least a bit how everyday life impinges upon and stimulates rarified speculation. This happens subtly, as it does in reality, and may take the space of hundreds of pages to connect, but it will cohere--for the most part, which is quite an accomplishment for a book that aspires to not only enlightenment but sophisticated entertainment. The novel does take its slow time to warm up; get beyond the first hundred pages, and know that with the middle section, part two, "The World as I Found It" will start to deepen its spell.

I certainly wasn't hampered in my enjoyment of this book by a lack of familiarity with (or, until now, interest in) twentieth-century philosophy. "The World as I Found It" taught me what makes a great fictional characters: such compassion and detail that I feel I know them as I know myself. Duffy's Wittgenstein, Russell, and Moore are forged from such different materials and live such different lives. But their struggles and motivations are painted in such rich detail that I intimately recognized the humanity in each of them. Great writing.

This book guided me through my dating time, engagement and now in my beautiful marriage! What a blessing it has been! It is such an easy read, yet contains priceless information!

Michelle is a wonderful woman and writer.
the book is excellent. I highly recommend for single or married woman.

This is the second book I have read by Ms. Hammond and I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact I read it in one day. This book is not just for single/married christian women but for any woman who is concerned about how she may or may not appear to the opposite sex or let alone to others as a whole. I recommend this book to all woman if for nothing else as a guide for self examination. Are you projecting the woman that you want others to see? Are you being and displaying the best in order to attract Gods best? Now that's a thought! Ms Hammond is only aiding us ladies with a 101 check list of things to enhance our relationships whether it be with your man or the MAN (God). Read, enjoy, and be blessed.

In communicating and trying to figure out what it is men want, sometimes it's necessary to go directly to the source: men! Michelle McKinney Hammond has done that in her latest book, 101 WAYS TO GET AND KEEP HIS ATTENTION. She has interviewed 100 men of various ages, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status to find out exactly what it is they look for in a woman; especially the one they will make their wife. Using their answers and her Christian background, Ms. Hammond has created a step-by-step guide for women interested in getting inside a man's heart, while simultaneously making themselves better people.

Although the book is spiritually based with scriptures and guidance from God's teachings, it is also broken down into the basics of what most men agree attracts them to women. Using the five senses as the focus, this book is indeed a repository of information for becoming the woman who not only interests a man, but also one who is pleasing to God. It's no big secret that men enjoy the physical appearance of women, but 101 WAYS TO GET AND KEEP HIS ATTENTION delves a bit deeper into the man's psyche and shows his vulnerability, his desire for love, affection, gentleness, and to be appreciated. It further details how our moods, tone, and even touch can make or break his spirit. As an extra bonus, sprinkled throughout the book are quotes, as well as poems highlighting the beauty of love and sharing that love with another person.

Ms. Hammond urges women to look at themselves, open up for revelation and discovery, and change attitudes as necessary to fully reap the benefits. I enjoyed this book and have incorporated the teachings within my own day-to-day dealings with my husband. It is a delight to find a read that inspires and motivates, as well as celebrates and encourages the beauty of not only love, but how to be loving. (RAW Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I have enjoyed all of Hammond's book to date! Through her writings, she has guided me on finding my dream man, the right ways, which is THE LORD WAY! I have learned so much, I wished I had read her books years ago, it would have saved me so much heartche.

I would have gave this book 5 stars (like I have on her other books), but this is a survey book. Not that their is anything wrong with survey books, but this book seems to be repetative of her other books.

For a basic course in music theory, this is the compilation which will teach you everything you need to know about tonality, cadences, voice leading, nonharmonic tones, and harmony.

Bach's Chorales are the stuff of legend. The sheer wealth of invention is staggering. The Reimenschneider version has been around for decades and it is difficult to see how it could be improved. The layout is excellent with useful and insightful notes from a true Bach scholar.

For any piano player, music theorist, composer, or music enthusiast, this is the book for you. Excellent for daily piano study or for a better understanding of common practice tonal harmony. Great notes in the back for reference. The basis of tonality lies within these pages.

This is nearly indispensable for the serious music student. Used in most first-year theory courses, the Bach Chorales illustrate what the master did and why our Western music theory is based on the chorales he wrote.

First bought 18 years ago, I found that I'd somehow lost my copy along the way. I bought another copy since I'm taking further music theory courses and though it isn't required in this particular course, it helps immensely to have a copy on hand.

The book is very well laid out but the music is smaller than would be preferred. If the scores were printed larger it would be more enjoyable.