Gray Books

Monumental both in creativity and egotism, Richard Wagner drafted an autobiography that is amazingly accurate with not too many exaggerations by the author. If one wants the composer's insights on the various encounters he has when bringing his music to life, this is one book you must read. At times it is tediously detailed but the "devil is in the details." It is impossible to understand the man and his world without reading this personal insight. He was, above all other things, one of the foremost musical geniuses that changed the face of opera forever. The consummate Wagner student must, at some time in his study read this book, cover to cover.

I suppose that some of the work in this book, one of a 13 volume set written between 1916 and 1932 (reprinted in the 1960s), has been changed by more recent scholarship, but there is still nothing to equal this fantastic achievement. The set includes not only the more familiar myths such as Greek and Roman, but pretty well succeeds in its goal to include all of humanity. The text is extremely detailed but very readable; none of the turgid prose so often associated with academia. The volumes contain numerous illustrations, both in the text and as plates (mostly black & white.)

One of the most useful parts of the set is the final volume, an extremely detailed index, which allows the reader to pursue a theme, or even a topic as specific as the significance of belts, across all the volumes. The individual volumes do not have their own indices, but the tables of contents are fairly detailed. The books appear to have been issued without dust jackets.

I find the book quite informative and entertaining, the combination of these two characterics are no easy matter. The discussion of Nantucket legends and lifestyles should be of particular interest to young people as well as to their parents.

The Hebrew Scriptures (old testament for christians), came from a particular time and culture, that of the ancient near east. That culture in that time had it's "stories" that were told about the "gods". This book is a good introductory sampling of the kinds of stories that were in vogue in the land of the old testament surroundings. The old testament should be heard and read with it's own background in mind; the kinds of stories and beliefs of it's own time and place. this book will give one an idea of the kinds of beliefs about the "gods" and such that were around in the ancient near east. For similar works check out Old Testament Parallels by Victor Matthews (new edition), and for a more thematic treatment try Ancient Near Eastern Thought And The Old Testament by John Walton.

While not a 'how-to' guide to the Japanese market, the book is obviously based on the extensive personal experience of the authors and is full of valuable practical lessons for the foreign businessperson in Japan. The book follows the career of John the manager in his role as country manager for a U.S. medical device manufacturer (of penal implants, of all things). John manages to make almost every possible mistake as he attempts to penetrate the Japanese market with his products. John's gaffs and lessons are then conveniently analyzed at the end of each chapter. The easy and humorous style is well used to highlight the peculiarities of Japanese business practice and the common cultural pitfalls that any foreign businessperson in Japan is likely to encounter. The book should prove useful to anybody with an interest in doing business in Japan, and is a must read for any businessperson considering entering the Byzantine world of Japanese medicine. But beyond that, the book was just plain fun to read.

This is a wonderful, detailed book, containing places which take only one tank of gas. They are entertaining and fun for the whole family. Definately recommended for reading and planning great family trips or trips for two.

I am a clinical psychologist and a chemical dependency specialist. I have been looking for a book that could be a reference for my masters and doctoral students on what different drugs or alcohol do to the brain and why they are so addictive. There are many good texts out on the market but they are all very technical. This book, on the other hand, is a must for all masters and doctoral students who want to know the rudiments of chamical dependency and what it does to the brain. Don't get turned off by the book's presentation - it may seem juvenile at first but it is far from it. It is a good quick reference and a good companion to The Addiction Counselor's Desk Reference. I am using it for my master's course in chemical dependency and as a recommended read for my doctoral interns. Serina

As a clinican working with anxiety patients, I am very impressed of the authors' efforts in making research and summary upon the neurological hypothesis for anxiety, particularly for the role of septo-hippocampal system for anxiety and GAD problems. The authors have listed out the evidence to support their arguments with a lot of experimental and animal studies. Their approach is rather biological, and may need a good biological background for better understanding. No matter what, it is no deny upon biological elements in anxiety. It is not easy to read and understand the book, but it is very meaningful and fruitful to do so !

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2WRTOVAZTWUK0

When you open this bible up you will notice how well balanced the bonded leather feels and makes reading it much more enjoyable. You just can't hardly put it down and the NIV version makes it easier to understand. If you are used to reading a KJV than your in for quite a suprise.