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R Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

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Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regulatory Compliance
Published in Paperback by friends of ED (2006-07-24)
Authors: Jim Thatcher, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Mark Urban, Bruce Lawson, Shawn Lawton Henry, Michael R. Burks, Cynthia Waddell, Christian Heilmann, Richard Rutter, Bob Regan, and Patrick H. Lauke
List price: $49.99
New price: $12.58
Used price: $12.58

Average review score:

Awesome book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-24
This an awesome book. This book is the to have for all web developers.

Outstanding. Absolutely every web developer and website owner needs to own this.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-17
This text book is of very high quality and an engaging read. Apart from the expected target audience of web developers, I will suggest that website owners and non-developers should consider getting hold of this vital textbook.

The fact that it leaves you wanting more is a compliment to its quality. Even though it is bulky, I wished it had covered certain areas in more detail.

One small criticism relates to the javascript examples. The discussion of events refers to techniques that are questionable in terms of robustness and re-usability, issues that, to be fair, the author does point out. [Background; search for "addEvent considered harmful" in your favorite search engine.] Yet no definitive solution is given, and the reader is left hanging. More serious is the very poor quality javascript code sample given for the cssjs() utility function, which is poorly designed (needs to be repackaged, should be a class), is inefficient, and is fragile as it contains (at least) two immediately apparent critical bugs.

But such small gripes should on no account not put you off buying this text. The overall verdict, "Outstanding."

Anyway, the numerous authors are to be congratulated. Indeed, given the size of the field and the rapid pace of developments, a second "part II - advanced" volume would be a very good idea indeed.

A Strong Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-23
If you are serious about accessibility (and you should be), this book will not dissapoint. The authors know what they are talking about, and do a good job and presenting both the facts and their opinions in a clear relavent way.

The only reasons I do not give it 5 stars is many items within the book are redundant (I think due to the great number of authors (11!), and perhaps they wanted the book to serve as a reference also), and because the presentation is generally dry. Good information, but not coffee-table reading.

Still in all, as a web developer I would highly reccomend this book to any other developer weather you just want a little understanding of accessibility, or a big dose.

Must-Have Book for Accessible Technology
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-05
Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regulatory Compliance, written by eleven experts and released in July of 2006 by friends of Ed, is one of very few books about web accessibility. It is also the best. The writers include luminaries and pioneers in accessibility - Jim Thatcher, Cynthia Waddell; and technical experts - Christian Heilmann and Andrew Kirkpatrick, to name a few.

The book is an overview of accessible best practices in web technology, and the legal landscape it inhabits. It was compiled with several target audiences in mind.

Certainly, it is intended for developers - newcomers as well as veterans. This is the group that most needs to understand the technology, and unfortunately, seems to "get it" the least.

Another audience is the managers and administrators; that group that should be most adverse to risk and whose responsibility is to keep their government and corporate employers out of the courts and headlines (like those that have embarrassed [Target retailer]). Covered in some detail are the ADA section 504 and section 508 requirements, and in lesser detail international laws.

The technical information is very current. There is a chapter on accessible JavaScript (most would consider that term an oxymoron) even though it has only recently seen coverage in articles and blogs online. Likewise, there is good information on making Flash content accessible.

A book assembled as a compendium of contributions begs to be updated frequently. The next release, for example, could add much needed chapters on AJAX and Web 2.0, podcasting, and learning management technologies. Regardless, all practitioners of accessibility will find this book valuable.

Web Accessibility - It's all in one place!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-22
Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regulatory Compliance is the
perfect reference for any site development team. Everything you've
wanted to know about Accessibility and the Web is here in a single text.
Each member of the team will find necessary information and practical
solutions in one or more of the thorough discussions here. For the
designer/developer who works alone, Web Accessibility: Web Standards and
Regulatory Compliance is the all-in-one reference with the most
up-to-date information and techniques. Thanks to the clear organization,
two tables of contents, and index, all information is easy to find as
well.

For those of us who like background and theory, the book contains lively
discussions of accessibility standards, of the intent of the standards,
and suggestions for using the standards. For me, though, the heart of
the text is in the practical discussions and how-to guides in order to
improve accessibility of every common web technology -- from PDF to
Flash, from javascript to data forms. In addition, we finds clear
descriptions of the law and web accessibility. Importantly, these
discussions are international in scope.

The collective experience of the authors of this text is impressive.
These are the experts to whom we've turned to assist us with accessible
design and development for years. In this text, we have a collection of
the most knowledgeable voices on the subject of accessibility, who speak from a real-world
perspective. They share freely their best techniques, so that we can
create the "best possible experience for the greatest number of
visitors."

For me, Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regularory Compliance is a
must-have.

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Why Good Coaches Quit--And How You Can Stay in the Game
Published in Paperback by Fairview Pr (1999-09-01)
Authors: John R. Anderson, Rick A., Ph.D. Aberman, and John Anderson
List price: $15.95
New price: $9.93
Used price: $2.35
Collectible price: $15.95

Average review score:

Important for All Parents
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-30
If you have kids and they play sports, you've got to read this book. Sports appear to be the 'best' way to help develop strong, intelligent, independent kids. But sports become complicated and messy when parents get too involved. This is a great book to help give any parent the insight and perspective they need to help themselves and their kids, whether they coach or not. Enjoy!

A Must Read for Every Parent
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-30
An interesting and dynamic book. A must read for every parent especially as their kids get more and more involved in all kinds of sports. Understanding what is right for the parent and what is right for the kid is critical for overall success and happiness.

Not Just For Coaches!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-30
I thought the book was insightful even for 'non coaches' like myself. It's applicable to anyone in any type of leadership position. Aberman and Anderson use terrific examples to demonstrate important facets of strong leadership. Through their 'stories' you see the significance of knowing who you are before you can effectively lead others.

Important for All Parents
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-30
If you have kids and they play sports, you've got to read this book. Sports appear to be the 'best' way to help develop strong, intelligent, independent kids. But sports become complicated and messy when parents get too involved. This is a great book to help give any parent the insight and perspective they need to help themselves and their kids, whether they coach or not. Enjoy!

It's Really About Being A Great Leader!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-30
As a leader in a corporate environment, I found the book inspiring. It explains how important working with 'emotional intelligence' is for yourself and those around you. Whether you are a coach, a parent, an athlete, or a leader such as myself, you are always dealing with more than what you 'signed up for'. Figuring out "The Other Stuff", is critical for success.

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Winter Holiday (Godine Storyteller)
Published in Paperback by David R Godine (1989-03-01)
Author: Arthur Ransome
List price: $14.95
New price: $5.44
Used price: $2.42
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

A winter holiday in the English Lake District in the 1930's
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-06
Beautifully written children's adventure set in the English Lake District in the 1930's. The same cast of characters as Swallows and Amazons and Swallowdale but with the addition of two new characters - Dorothy and Dick Callum, who also appear later in the series in The Big Six, Coot Club, the Picts and the Martyrs and Great Northern. All about an extended winter holiday on and around the lake as it slowly freezes over. Ice skating, sledging, exploring, rescuing crag-fast sheep, the adventures come one after the other. As well-written as all Arthur Ransome's childrens books were, and an enjoyable time-warped look at what life for the english middle class was like in the 30's in Britain. I grew up reading these books and find them just as enjoyable now as I did when I was 10 years old.

Worth the time
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-21
Our family has enjoyed the Swallows & Amazon series more than I initially expected. Each book has taken a few chapters to pull us in and we take it slowly; these are worth your time. The children in the stories are what my kids want to be like: independent and capable, fun loving and creative. The plots and themes are simple and interesting. I recommend the whole series for reading aloud and encourage readers to not drop them if they are not as fast paced as other stories.

Adventure knows no season...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-23
Coming on the tails of a full-throttle fantasy in PETER DUCK, Ransome comes back down to earth in WINTER HOLIDAY. It's January at the old lake, and now we're seeing things from the viewpoint of Dick and Dorothea Callum, the children of two archaeologists who are digging in Egypt and sent their children to spend their winter holiday with a family friend. The D's, as they become known, are different from the rough-and-ready Swallows and Amazons; Dorothea is a dreamy sort, an aspiring novelist, and Dick is an intellectual, an amateur naturalist and astronomer.

Of course, they meet up with the Swallows and Amazons, quickly making friends and providing their worth to the group with their quick wit and superior ice-skating(!). The group is mourning that soon their holidays will be over when Nancy comes down with the mumps, meaning that the group can't go back to school for another month until they're sure they won't pass the infection to others. Then a huge freeze descends, blanketing the land in snow and freezing the lake.

The story is full of delightful exploring in the snow, something I remember myself from my own childhood. The crew build an igloo, rescue a stranded sheep, and learn field communication techniques (actual practical knowledge there). The D's encounter actual physical danger when they set off for the northern end of the lake after a miscommunication, and end up caught in a blizzard, but all ends well and their place in the group is firmly established when the rest are impressed with their courage and grit.

Again, another delightful adventure from Ransome, something great for kids and parents alike. A good guide for cold-weather adventure, and also a nice antidote to summer heat. Kids will learn the aforementioned field communication bit, but other messages include the importance of good deeds (in rescuing the sheep and also the kids' determination to rescue the D's when they're feared lost), as well as common themes of courage, capability, and that everyone has something to contribute.

Next in the series: The D's take center stage in COOT CLUB.

exciting adventure
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-27
There I was just browsing at a store, and just happened to glance at this particular color of this book...and picked it up read the cover and fell in to the illustration, and the breif excerpts on the back cover... I am just so excited over the wanting and longing to snuggle up with my children and read this to them, but not to them...really, but to read for myself...this is going to be a start of something big... I also went researching for Mr.Arthur Ransomes books, and found web sites leading to history and all the good things that come with a curious mind, that wants to discover...where did all those adorable children who seem to live in a perfect world, live, whom were pictured on the cover of "Winter Holiday"... This is a "National Geographic" for children of all ages... I cannot wait for a more perfect day to begin reading this, as the house doesn't have to be clean, nor the dishes washed, maybe this is the perfect front porch with lemonade, book... Best regards on your adventure through "Winter Holiday"

Proving that fun isn't limited to summer
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-27
It's been a year and a half since the Walkers (the Swallows) first met the Blackett sisters (the Amazons) and were plunged into Captain Nancy's adventurous worldview (not that they didn't have one of their own already). Now, for the first time, we see the six from an outside view--though still that of young people: Dick Callum, astronomy buff, and his sister Dorothea ("Dot"), aspiring novelist, are staying at the lake while their parents are off digging in Egypt over the Christmas holidays, and are caught up in the adventures of the senior group when they attempt to "signal to Mars" by night. The Walkers and Blacketts, inspired by the coldest winter the lake has experienced in living memory, are training for an expedition to the North Pole (the far upper end of the lake), "only the beastly Arctic won't freeze." Quite unexpectedly Captain Nancy saves the day by coming down with mumps, which requires all the others to be kept out of school for a month lest they spread the contagion. The Blacketts' uncle Captain Flint reappears too, playing a pivotal role in the expedition's preparations. Much of the story is told from the viewpoint of the ever-imaginitive Dorothea, whose writer's mind puts a unique spin on what she sees. As always there are misunderstandings with the "natives" (local adults, rechristened Eskimos for purposes of the season), and a literally chilling sequence during which the Callums are blown to the Pole by a sudden blizzard. Ransome here proves that it doesn't have to be summer for his Lake Country to provide plenty of good story fodder, and in the process gives us a unique children's adventure tale that should be as eagerly welcomed as a read-aloud as any of the others in the series. Not to be missed.

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Winthrop Woman
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Fawcett (1985-09-12)
Author: Anya Seton
List price: $64.50
Used price: $6.49

Average review score:

Spellbinding account of an early New England colonist.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-29
I found a copy of "The Winthrop Woman" in a box of old books my neighbor gave me -- at first glance, I dismissed it as a cheesy bodice-ripper. Then one day in a fit of boredom I cracked it open -- and was immediately transfixed. This is a fictionalized account of a real woman, Elizabeth Fones, niece of Mass. Bay Colony Governor John Winthrop, and a perpetual embarrassment to the Winthrop family. By virtue of circumstance and her own volatile nature, Elizabeth found herself a beautiful young widow with a child and embarked on a rather unfortunate second marriage, accusations of witchcraft, run-ins with Indians, and along the way bore seven children and finally found true love. She certainly experienced more in her forty-five years than most of us moderns will in ninety. This book is currently out of print, but well worth the effort to seek out a used copy.

THE PURITAN LEGACY IN AMERICA...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-22
This is a dazzling work of historical fiction that I first read as a young adult. Now, over thirty years after first reading it, I find that time has not diminished the power and passion of this exquisitely written work of historical fiction. At the heart of this fine novel, is Elizabeth Fones, an Englishwoman who would marry her first cousin, Harry Winthrop, and would go on to lead a life of which few of us would dream.

As a member of the austerely Puritan Winthrop family, Elizabeth would chafe under its restrictive influences. When the family fortunes abated in England due to the religious beliefs of the family patriarch, John Winthrop, Elizabeth's uncle and father-in-law, the entire family sets off for the New World to become founding members of the Massachusetts Bay colony, a theocracy under which Elizabeth was to know much heartache.

A passionate and vibrant woman, Elizabeth would have a number of personal situations that would cause her to become notorious amongst the Puritan colonists. She would be both reviled and admired for her actions, which were singular for those times. This is an absorbing, page turner of a book that takes a look at sixteenth century England during the tumultuous time that preceded the civil war that would see an act of regicide and the rise of Puritan Oliver Cromwell. It also relates the turmoil that underlay the government of the nascent Massachusetts Bay colony with all its factionalism, restrictive practices, and bigotry.

The novel, set against a historical backdrop filled with well known personages of the time, both English and Dutch, lovingly chronicles and explores Elizabeth's passage in life as a member of the illustrious Winthrop family, her troubled marriages, her relationship with the Siwanot Indians, and the trials and tribulations that she underwent as a compassionate, independent woman in a time when to be such was to destine oneself to become a pariah within the larger community.

This is a historical novel that is epic in its telling, beautifully written, and one to be savored until the very last page is turned. Bravo!

A Childhood Favorite
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-06
It is fun to remember books that made an impression on you as a young adult. An aunt gave this book to me when I turned thirteen and it is still in my top ten.

I recently re-read it again after reading Tracy Chevalier's, "Girl With a Pearl Earring." Both books are set during the 1600's -- although one in Delft and the other in England and early America.

I have recommended this book to several people over the years and not one has been disappointed. It is such a fabulous story (and you learn lots to boot!). Unfortunately, it is out of print -- but do not despair, it is easily found in used book stores.

PURITAN NO MORE...
Helpful Votes: 29 out of 29 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-20
This is a dazzling work of historical fiction that I first read as a young adult. Now, over thirty years after first reading it, I find that time has not diminished the power and passion of this exquisitely written work of historical fiction. At the heart of this fine novel, is Elizabeth Fones, an Englishwoman who would marry her first cousin, Harry Winthrop, and would go on to lead a life of which few of us would dream.

As a member of the austerely Puritan Winthrop family, Elizabeth would chafe under its restrictive influences. When the family fortunes abated in England due to the religious beliefs of the family patriarch, John Winthrop, Elizabeth's uncle and father-in-law, the entire family sets off for the New World to become founding members of the Massachusetts Bay colony, a theocracy under which Elizabeth was to know much heartache.

A passionate and vibrant woman, Elizabeth would have a number of personal situations that would cause her to become notorious amongst the Puritan colonists. She would be both reviled and admired for her actions, which were singular for those times. This is an absorbing, page turner of a book that takes a look at sixteenth century England during the tumultuous time that preceded the civil war that would see an act of regicide and the rise of Puritan Oliver Cromwell. It also relates the turmoil that underlay the government of the nascent Massachusetts Bay colony with all its factionalism, restrictive practices, and bigotry.

The novel, set against a historical backdrop filled with well known personages of the time, both English and Dutch, lovingly chronicles and explores Elizabeth's passage in life as a member of the illustrious Winthrop family, her troubled marriages, her relationship with the Siwanot Indians, and the trials and tribulations that she underwent as a compassionate, independent woman in a time when to be such was to destine oneself to become a pariah within the larger community.

This is a historical novel that is epic in its telling, beautifully written, and one to be savored until the very last page is turned. Bravo!

Lovely Book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-12
This is not my favorite of Anya Seton's novels (that would be Katherine), but it is worthwhile and fairly engrossing to read.

I wonder why some enterprising publisher doesn't re-issue her books? It is so sad that they're all out of print.

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The Y2K Survival Guide and Cookbook
Published in Paperback by Global Village Institute (1999-01-15)
Authors: Dorothy R. Bates and Albert K. Bates
List price: $12.95
New price: $10.16
Used price: $4.00

Average review score:

Worth the price of admission.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03
Whether you plan to greet the New Year 2000 with a glass of champagne or by drying fruit, the Bates book makes good reading. Its lists of resources, right-minded catalogs and progressive Web sites alone are worth the price of admission.

Loved it!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-03
I loved the wood cookstove on page 37. I immediately wanted one

Good section on food prep
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-11
This book, even though geared for Y2K type expected disaster, still has many useful tips for emergency preparedness. I found the food prep and storage section particularly useful. Also it had an excellent section on waste disposal which is often overlooked in other emergency preparedness books. Small and portable enough to take with you.

A Treasure of a Book
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-28
In addition to the recipes and food tips that could keep a diverse group of survivors happy for years (who wants plain ol' Chili gets that, and who prefers dishes like Rice Noodle Pad Thai will be satisfied also), there is an excellent overview of food storage techniques that includes charts I've never before seen on the shelf life of edibles, from an individually wrapped apple to nuts in airtight packages.

While Dorothy and Albert have given us lists, lists, and more lists to follow and yet others to create lists of our own, throughout their little treasure of a book is a taste of the loving, compassionate sensibility without which any attempt to survive is bound to be futile.

Cooking Up The Next Millennium
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-09
The Y2K Survival Guide and Cookbook (Ecovillage, TN) by Dorothy R. and Albert K. Bates is not your usual recipe collection. With the savvy of environmentalists ad the frenzy of those expecting emergency, Dorothy and Albert Bates cover every area of survival and food preparation. Expecting the worst case scenario - rolling brownouts and total black outs, failed utility systems and water purification problems - this book provides natural alternatives: food storage, chlorine bleach to purify water, using wood stoves, building your own composting toilet, and gardening. There are even first aid and Morse code directions in the final pages. After coping with any Y2K calamities, it's time to cook. In between survival guidelines, the Bates' book is filled with hearty recipes reminiscent of campfire food. As computers buzz blank, you can enjoy split pea soup from melted icicles, marmalades from sun-dried fruit, or shiitake joes from home-grown mushrooms. Even though The Y2K Survival Guide and Cookbook is intended for the millennium-minded cook, it is an eccentric volume any eco-conscious chef should add to their library.

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2007 Handbook of United States Coins Blue Book (Handbook of United States Coins) (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper))
Published in Paperback by Whitman Publishing (2006-06-30)
Author: R. S. Yeoman
List price: $9.95
New price: $4.49
Used price: $1.69
Collectible price: $10.89

Average review score:

2007 US coin catalogue
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
Excellent prospects for updating values in husband's small coin collection. Should prove to be a worthwhile purchase. Thank you.

United States Coin Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14
Great book, gave it as a gift. The shipping was fast. Would purchase other products from seller again.

blue book handbook of u.s. coins 2007
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-12
A very useful manual for selling our old coins.

How to get in contact with US coins
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-03
I'm from abroad and I'm fond of US coins, expecially for quarters. This guide is full of details to get more confident with US coins.

A consistant guide
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-12
Love this book! It is a great resource for tracking coins and to be able to know the accurate value of the coins. Easy to understand and read. This books is a must for all coin collectors!

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Academic Leadership: A Practical Guide to Chairing the Department (J-B Anker Resources for Department Chairs)
Published in Hardcover by Anker Publishing Company, Inc. (2007-01-01)
Author: Deryl R. Leaming
List price: $45.00
New price: $34.45
Used price: $29.00

Average review score:

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-22
It has been said there are three approaches to dealing with mistakes: Dumb people make mistakes and do not learn from their mistakes; smart people learn from their mistakes, and really smart people learn from the mistakes of others.

Dr. Deryl Leaming provides that third approach in a way. This is not to say he made mistakes in his many years as a college administrator, but his excellent book does provide the reader the opportunity to learn from his significant experience.

He has been there, done that, so to speak, when it comes to leadership in heading a program.

His latest work deals with all the key aspects of being a university department chairperson -- legal issues, faculty matters from hiring effective faculty to dealing with faculty problems, and student matters.

Through the tips in his book he provides experience-based advice that can be of significant benefit to the new or even veteran department head.
He has been a university professor, department chairperson, director of a school of journalism and dean of liberal arts. The reader of this second edition of his academic leadership book can learn from his experience to avoid mistakes in leading a department.

He covers a great deal of advice on procedures, including a number of forms that will be useful.

This second edition is a good read and provides practical advice, particularly for the new department chairperson.

REVIEWER: Ralph J. Turner, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Marshall University
lph J. Turner, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Marshall University

A Great Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-15
This second edition of Academic Leadership: A Practical Guide to Chairing the Department is an extraordinarily comprehensive treatment of ways to address the variety of challenges facing department chairpersons in institutions from all types and sectors of higher education. The author, Deryl Leaming, provides an inviting and accessible style of writing that joins abundant references from relevant authorities with occasional episodes from his personal experience of several decades as chair and dean at some four different institutions. The result is a preeminently practical primer that will give new department chairs a valuable roadmap to success in a notoriously difficult position. It is excellent reading for those contemplating serving as a department chairperson or other academic leader. The volume is so comprehensive that even experienced chairpersons will find the book to provide a helpful review of ways to meet their responsibilities and challenges.

This new volume is almost twice as long as its predecessor, offering an expanded treatment of issues raised in the first edition and reflecting more emphasis upon the complexities of today's financial realities. Major sections deal with common concerns about leadership, handling matters of department vision and management, addressing legal issues, contending with a large variety of faculty and student matters, as well as attending to one's own career. The 30 chapters are compact and quite accessible. All are useful and contain lists of web and print resources. I particularly appreciated the units on sexual harassment and the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the one on dealing with chronic low achievers. Some 17 appendices provide helpful examples of different policy guidelines and methods of communication.

Anker Publishing has a large variety of often-expensive volumes for academic leaders. Some overlap and others lack originality or comprehensiveness. By contrast, this is a stand-out value that will set a standard for some time to come.

Excellent writer and teacher
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-08
Dr. Leaming is truely a gifted writer and instructor. He has given more to his students than some are capable of comprehending. The books he has written and his experiences throughout his life make him a special gift to all who read his work or get to know him. He is an extremely precious gift to his students. He goes out of his way to encourage and teach his students. He makes sure his students are preparing for life within their current level,but more importantly,for their future endeavors. A gifted person who only wants to share what he knows in the hopes of helping others.

A must have for new chairpersons
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-15
I wish the dean had given me this book a year ago. It would have made my life much easier. The book is easy to read and has solid ideas on how to be a more effective chairperson.

If only I could get some of the administrators of my university to read the book!

Most helpful book
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-30
I am not only new to academic leadership, but I am new to this country. Deryl Leaming's book has served as an enlightening guide for me, and has helped me earn the assistance and respect of my faculty. This book is among the best investments I have made in my academic career. Thank you.

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Alcohol Can Be a Gas!: Fueling an Ethanol Revolution for the 21st Century
Published in Hardcover by International Institute for Ecological Agriculture (2007-11-01)
Author: David Blume
List price: $59.00
New price: $37.17
Used price: $59.00

Average review score:

Great Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-28
This book is Huge! Full of really great information, everything from the history of alcohol fuels to how to convert any gas engine to alcohol. This is a must read for those that want to get off foriegn oil.

Great Resource - Super Informative
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-14
I am one person that is truly going to make ethanol for gas, whether or not I continue this adventure is another question. But where we live in Europe we pay about $8 per gal for diesel- just so you know what is coming your way USA. I also happen to live in the corn belt of Europe- so it's dumb not to try and we have a small farm. Therefore I am so thankful that I bought this book. I would also recommend for further study [...]

The future is here
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-12
Alcohol Can be a Gas is the book to have if you want to be ready for the future. The future is here and now. Be ready early.

Changed my Life.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-18
This book changed my life. It sounds so cliché to say that, but it did. I have known about ethanol for some years. I bought a duel fuel vehicle, not because it was popular or environmentally sound...it was all that was available at the time. Never thought about using alcohol till I bought this book. Now I am looking for somewhere to start producing my own as well as other avenues for alcohol. Other members in my family are jumping on board with me. Its time to fight the high prices at the pump, and this is one way to do it.

THE Book to D.I.Y. or Smarten Up.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-28

This book showed me EXACTLY WHAT TO DO.
Let me start by saying that I don't work for the author, he doesn't work for me, he doesn't owe me any money, and I haven't invested in any of his companies.
Onward: this book shows you exactly how to produce your own ethanol or buy it at the pump and switch your vehicles from OIL..also known as gasoline.
After reading the book, I know how to make ethanol on a farm...and NOT FROM CORN... but I learned how to make ethanol right in the city.
I found that the book shows you how ethanol can make you money in a business or save you money when you just put it in your tank.
I guess if you just want to read about the topic, this is the definitive reference book on the subject. The book has, uh, let's see: history, politics, business models, business strategies, agricultural analysis, agricultural advice and techniques, engineering, design, strategies for succeeding with zoning and permits, environmental analyses galore, and everything you could possibly want to know on the topic.
I mainly stuck to the D.I.Y. stuff, but his documentation is superb and overwhelming on all those other topics.
As to the vehicle conversions, I speak as an ASE-Certified mechanic and one who has a college education IN Auto Repair, and I can say that the instruction in this book is superb. For example, it's a thousand times easier to understand than "Auto Repair For Dummies".
This book could save our once-proud but ever-weakening country. I urge you to get the book, read the book, and use the knowledge it will give you.
Remember, the day may soon come when ethanol fuel is the only choice you have. What will you do if the book is out of print? You can make things better for yourself with this book immediately, but I also recommend that everyone should have this book on the shelf and at the ready, in case that day comes.

R
American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War (R)
Published in Hardcover by Gramercy (1994-04-11)
Author: Bruce Catton
List price: $24.99
New price: $20.25
Used price: $1.29
Collectible price: $24.99

Average review score:

Superb Look at Civil War
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-15
This superb overview of the civil war in photos, maps and illustrations makes you feel as if you're there in Federal Blue or Rebel Gray. One can learn much from author Bruce Catton's readable prose, or by merely viewing the hundreds of photo's and illustrations. Readers get a feel for the tragic conflict, from its pre-war controversies to the sad days when North and South were at each other's throats. We learn about military leadership, strategies, army life, battles, morale, slavery, sociology, politics, etc. Catton has done an excellent job, although this book is more overview for general audiences than detailed history. For that reason Civil War buffs will want this volume as a companion to detailed writings from authors like Catton, Shelby Foote, James McPherson, etc. Still, this is a superb effort, one that should be of equal interest to general readers and aficionados alike.

The Civil War
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-27
This book is filled with illustrations of paintings as well as photo's of the time period. A great find for the civil war buff. It has a index of battles and units that make it a fun for anyone who needs a good resource of information. It is Hard bound and is a large book. I have the book on World war 2 and Love it also.

Just What I Was Looking For
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-06
This book was precisely the book I was looking for. This particlar book had maps and drawings that no other book had. I remember the book from my high school days and have looked everywhere to find it. I expected it to be an older book and the one I got was in great shape for its age. The seller was very concerned that I knew it was and older book and communicated with me to make sure I was satisfied. Boy!! was I. should have come to Amazon in the first place when I first started looking for the book. A lesson learned.

Not enough phtographs
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-30
I was looking for more detail. It did not have enough actual photographs for me, there were too many paintins. If you want a history of the civil war there are good books to read.

EXCELLENT overview of the American Civil War.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-03
This was my second Civil War book, which I received for Christmas when I was 12 (thanks Mom!). My love of the subject probably has a lot to do with this excellent volume, which I pored over for many years. It is loaded with photos, illustrations, and maps as well as Bruce Catton's EXCELLENT narrative. While this narrative does not go into extensive detail (the enormous scope of the war prohibts this), it is clearly written and a treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in a one-volume overview of the Civil War. Catton was a much respected Civil War historian who influenced many of today's historians. This book (which had been out of print for years) has recently been reissued with all new photos and illustrations while still preserving the original Catton text. As these new illustrations tend to be more informative to the Civil War student than the original version's (the original had a lot of photographs of Civil war battlefields as they appear today, which are of limited usefulness), this is the preferred edition. The new edition has a white dust jacket, while the original had a grey dust jacket. Either edition, however, will serve you well in studying the deadliest war in United States history. HIGHLY recommended, especially to beginning Civil War buffs or anyone who would like to read about one of the most important chapters in our country's history.

R
Ancient Rome: Monuments Past and Present
Published in Spiral-bound by Getty Publications (2000-01-06)
Author: R. A. Staccioli
List price: $29.95
New price: $17.14
Used price: $8.93

Average review score:

Ancient Rome : Monuments Past and Present
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
This is a wonderful book. It really fleshes out the remains of Rome's ancient monuments

Rome monuments
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-24
We're planning a trip to Rome and like to prepare by reading about places we'll be seeing. This gives a very good explanation of the Roman building remains in an interesting manner.

Rome than and now
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-09
Great book
love to see rome then and now
makes history come alive

Time machine
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-25
This book uses overlays to show what Ancient Rome looked like when everything was new and in good shape. Then, you can flip the overlay and see how things look now. I always wondered how things looked then and wished I had a time machine to go back to those days. This book is the second-best thing to a time machine. The artists have done a great job of reconstructing the famous buildings, forums and temples. The book is well worth the money and is less expensive from Amazon than buying it in Rome.

Good Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-10
This is a great book but way too expensive. I could have bought the exact book in Rome for less than half the price from a vendor at the Colosseum but decided to wait until I got home.


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