Ross Books

Intricately plotted and consummately acted with impeccable comic timing, Fawlty Towers reigns in many a mind as the ultimate situational comedy--the yardstick against which all other comedies are measured. An interesting (though perhaps not surprising) bit of trivia: It came out at the top of the 100 most important TV programmes of all time (according to a year 2000 poll by the British Film Institute). Certainly, it is one of the most enduring of all time.

The year 2000 marked the 25th anniversary of the first series of the show, and to celebrate, writers Morris Bright and Robert Ross have penned a lovely 192-page tribute book loaded with colour photos (mostly stills from the show, but there are a few photos of the main stars at different stages in their careers). The book covers the history of the show, which I found to be quite interesting, not to mention entertaining. Did you know, for example, that the inspiration for the rude, abrasive Basil Fawlty came from a real life hotelier that John Cleese (and his fellow Monty Python co-stars) had the misfortune to encounter? Indeed, co-writer John Cleese has contributed a wealth of anecdotes on his and his fellow co-writer (and wife at the time) Connie Booth's experiences in creating and writing the series. It will come as no surprise to fans to find that Cleese and Booth (who also played Polly, the maid) sometimes took as long as 2 1/2 weeks to draught a plot!

The book also includes an informative episode guide for each of the twelve episodes (which includes anecdotes and recollections by Cleese), a brief blurb on each guest star to have appeared on the show, and a two- to fourteen-page career bio of the "regulars" (ie. Basil, Sybil, Manuel, Polly, Terry (who died in 1997 of cancer at age 59), the Major, and the two old ladies).

As enjoyable as the book is, I must admit that I was surprised not to find more participation by the other actors--the main ones anyway. Though the career bios are informative and Cleese's many anecdotes extend to the characters and actors portraying them, various incidents, and so on, there are no recollections or remembrances from either Connie Booth (who incidentally, having married Cleese in 1968, was divorced from him in 1976--in between series one and two) or Prunella Scales (Sybil). Usually the writers (at the very least) participate tremendously when a tribute book is written, and I found myself wondering why Connie Booth didn't provide a few tales of her own, as it would have been lovely to have her perspective too. Nevertheless, this is a minor point only--the book is superb in every other respect.

I'll just mention a couple of interesting anecdotes, which happen to concern Andrew Sachs (Manuel), who incidentally hails from Germany and seriously questioned his ability to play a Spaniard--he needn't have worried! In the German episode, there is a fire drill during which Manuel catches fire; unfortunately, Sachs was accidentally burnt by the acid used to make his jacket smoke. In another episode, Fawlty whacks Manuel on the head with a frying pan; unfortunately (and inexpicably!), Cleese was using a real pan (not a rubber one) with the unintentional result that Sachs had a headache for about two days!

In short, this is a lovely, informative book and one which I (as an enormous fan of the show) highly recommend to fellow fans. I have the hardcover version, and it is a weighty 8 x 10 inches with thick, glossy pages. It's a lovely keepsake--one which I think any fan of this outstanding, all-time classic series would enjoy.

Intricately plotted and consummately acted with impeccable comic timing, Fawlty Towers reigns in many a mind as the ultimate situational comedy--the yardstick against which all other comedies are measured. An interesting (though perhaps not surprising) bit of trivia: It came out at the top of the 100 most important TV programmes of all time (according to a year 2000 poll by the British Film Institute). Certainly, it is one of the most enduring of all time.

The year 2000 marked the 25th anniversary of the first series of the show, and to celebrate, writers Morris Bright and Robert Ross, have penned a lovely 192-page tribute book loaded with colour photos (mostly stills from the show, but there are a few photos of the main stars at different stages in their careers). The book covers the history of the show, which I found to be quite interesting, not to mention entertaining. Did you know, for example, that the inspiration for the rude, abrasive Basil Fawlty came from a real-life hotelier that John Cleese (and his fellow Monty Python co-stars) had the misfortune to encounter? Indeed, co-writer John Cleese has contributed a wealth of anecdotes on his and his fellow co-writer (and wife at the time) Connie Booth's experiences in creating and writing the series. It will come as no surprise to fans to find that Cleese and Booth (who also played Polly, the maid) sometimes took as long as 2 1/2 weeks to draught a plot!

The book also includes an informative episode guide for each of the twelve episodes (which includes anecdotes and recollections by Cleese), a brief blurb on each guest star to have appeared on the show, and a two- to fourteen-page career bio of the "regulars" (ie. Basil, Sybil, Manuel, Polly, Terry (who died in 1997 of cancer at age 59), the Major, and the two old ladies).

As enjoyable as the book is, I must admit that I was surprised not to find more participation by the other actors--the main ones anyway. Though the career bios are informative and Cleese's many anecdotes extend to the characters and actors portraying them, various incidents, and so on, there are no recollections or remembrances from either Connie Booth (who incidentally, having married Cleese in 1968, was divorced from him in 1976--in between series one and two) or Prunella Scales (Sybil). Usually the writers (at the very least) participate tremendously when a tribute book is written, and I found myself wondering why Connie Booth didn't provide a few tales of her own, as it would have been lovely to have her perspective too. Nevertheless, this is a minor point only--the book is superb in every other respect.

I'll just mention a couple of interesting anecdotes, which happen to concern Andrew Sachs (Manuel), who incidentally hails from Germany and seriously questioned his ability to play a Spaniard--he needn't have worried! In the German episode, there is a fire drill during which Manuel catches fire; unfortunately, Sachs was accidentally burnt by the acid used to make his jacket smoke. In another episode, Fawlty whacks Manuel on the head with a frying pan; unfortunately (and inexpicably!), Cleese was using a real pan (not a rubber one) with the unintentional result that Sachs had a headache for about two days!

In short, this is a lovely, informative book and one which I (as an enormous fan of the show) highly recommend to fellow fans. I have the hardcover version, and it is a weighty 8 x 10 inches with thick, glossy pages. It's a lovely keepsake--one which I think any fan of this outstanding, all-time classic series would enjoy.

Great book about the history of Minnesota sports and its heroes. If you're like me, you've probably forgotten many of the great memories Bernstein brings back to life. He covers the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, North Stars, State High School Tournaments and much more. Everyone who has made Minnesota proud in the sports arena seems to be in this book: From Tarkenton, Puckett, Killebrew and Cris Carter to Willie Burton, Chuck Foreman, Sandy Stephens, Elgin Baylor and Patty Berg. The author not only documents the history, but includes entertaining quotes from the athletes and their teammates. This is a really fun book to read and own. The book is hard cover and loaded with photographs. I have mine displayed on my coffee table. I strongly recommend it.

I bought Fifty Years, Fifty Heroes for my husband as a Christmas present. He hasn't stopped thanking me. The book is loaded with memorable stories about great moments in Minnesota sports history. Bernstein interviewed everybody who's anybody in Minnesota sports. There are lots of stories told by Minnesota sports legends themselves. For example Jack Morris tells about how his memory of Fran Tarkenton provided the motivation he needed to pitch a nearly flawless game 7 of the 1991 World Series. He was determined not to go down in history as a guy who couldn't win the big one. My husband enjoys reliving memorable moments as seen through the eyes of the athletes, from their unique perspective.

This was not my first attempt at accounting but I finally aced the class! This book is very well laid out and comprehensive. The book made it easy to understand the accounting basics.

My book arrived quickly and it was just as descibed... NEW!
Thanks!

You don't want to read this book once and then put it on the back shelf. I've read mine several times and found myself reaching for it again recently. There's more here than meets the eye.

This book is the literary equivalent of walking the labyrinth for the first time. For whatever reason you might have picked it up, it will challenge and surprise you. Discard any notions about Vitamin spirituality, i.e. "Reading this will be good for me so I might as well choke down a chapter a day." This is not a comfy-cozy book, it is about ways of encountering the Living God, with the upheaval that would necessarily entail. Maggie Ross is a gifted writer, and is blessedly free of any taint of preachiness, or, for that matter, much predictability. She takes God seriously, without taking herself (or the rest of us) too much so. This book is a joy and a puzzle and I highly recommend it.

"This book contains stories of frontline heroism that will inspire your children, keep you awake at night, and redefine what it means to live whole-heartedly for Jesus. Buy a copy for your children, for your friends, and if you dare, buy one for yourself as well!"

I confess to being a voracious reader of fiction. It is normally my preferred genre. But once in a great while I run across a non-fiction book that demonstrates that truth really is more fascinating than fiction. Ross Tooley's book "Following Jesus" is one such book.

My wife had to plead with me to turn off the bedside lamp, because once I started reading "Following Jesus" I didn't want to put it down. It is the story of how God transformed an ordinary person - can you believe a twelve year old shoplifter?- into a fully devoted, effectual servant and teacher with a world-wide ministry.

What makes this story more than just another autobiographical account is the skillful interweaving of practical principles into the narrative. Thus the book is not merely inspirational, it is also instructional.

Whether a person is just beginning their faith walk, or are leaders in their Christian community, they will find this to be a worthwhile, maybe even life-changing read. I've already ordered several additional copies to pass along to friends.

This collection contains 8 of Pulitzer-prizewinning Sam Shepard's best plays. Shepard has a way of capturing our imagination with a wild collection of characters in even wilder stories. "Fool For Love", "Angel City", "Geography of a Horse Dreamer", "Action", "Cowboy Mouth", Seduced", "Suicide in B", "Melodrama Play".
Shepard is one of the great American voices in theatre. These are all classics that deserve to be remembered and studied.

With this collection, Shepard demonstrates his remarkable ability to portray America in the realistic ways most contemporary authors/playwrights/poets are afraid to do. The dialogue is captivating and moving, and the action is fast-paced. Definetely an excellent buy.

Ed is best read.

Simply put, Ed Ross is real about real estate.

Look at his record: has owned over 200 properties and has custom-built, renovated and personally rented more than 100 dwellings and office buildings. And that's just data on the jacket.

The information on the 230 pages builds his case -- that you can make serious money. Even in this flopping housing market.

As Ed writes, it's all about doing your homework. With his textbook.

Ross spells it out clearly: 65% of our country will stall on the housing front until 2013. That's in keeping with his cyclical call of 2006 -- that we're in for seven years of drought.

Still, that leaves 35% in for rain. So natch he points to the Pacific Northwest for a floating housing market. In his Top 10 U.S. Cities section, Bellingham, Wash., comes out No. 1 and Bend, Ore., No. 2.

Why Bellingham? Says Ross: It's between two heavyweights in Seattle and Vancouver, directly in line of residential migration growth. Add the sharing of those two cultural meccas, thriving biz and Northwest lifestyle, and the sum question follows: What's not to like?

I edited Ed Ross' previous book, "The Spill Zone." The man knows real estate. Most of us don't. So ya gonna call? The Boss: Ross.

This book is very comprehensive, yet easy to read. This book has it all, buying, selling, financing, forecast trending, foreclosures and a detailed method making money in the current market cycle.The book covers market trends, historicals and gives you 7 years worth of future projections in just about every area imagineable.

I own two properties (my home and an tri-plex), one of which I have been trying to sell, without any success. My biggest challenge presently is to sell my home and figure out if I should buy a new one or rent. After reading this material I have a lot more confidence that renting would be a bad idea. Meanwhile the author gave me a bunch of creative ways to expedite the sale my property. One of my concerns was that once I sell it, lenders will likely make it difficult for me to get financing for my next home. Again Ross detailed how to use other sources for financing, specifically in Chapter 6. This is a great book for answering the what type, where, and how much you spend on any property, even when the market is in a difficult period. The book has so much information that it is next to impossible to just read it once, or explain it in this review. It is a good book for the experienced investor who wants to make a lot of money in this real estate market, but also from my first read it was written simple enough to benefit any first time home buyer. It has a lot of complex calculators and algorithms for measuring the quality of a property, but then the author gives you free access to web sites so that you do not have to do anything manually. I would recommend this to just about all levels, novice or advanced, real estate buyers or sellers.

Charles Larpenteur's capabilities as a writer, his presence in the American wilderness at a time when many were not literate, his submersion in the fur trade in positions of responsibility, all make him a unique, worthy read.

The reader is removed from the adventure fantasies and romance, carried into the day-to-day details of the life of a man who became a mountain man early in life and remained one until the trade was no longer a viable institution. A mountain man worrying about profit and loss far more than fights with wild tribesmen, a man who knows white men and studiously avoids being tricked or ruined by their wiles and their competition for trade with the Indians.

Larpenteur has been used as a reference by almost every work written about the fur trade, but his own work needs no references.

Read it.

Captivating! This is an accurate and vivid account of the day to day and year to year activities associated with the early American fur trade era. Pick up any book on this subject and you will find that this book is used as a reference. Larpenteur spent much of his time at the Fort Union trading post in present day Montana where the Yellowstone River empties into the Missouri. This is his story of how the actual trading was carried on, relationships with the Indians and resulting battles that oftentimes would occur, along with the inner relationships amongst the fur companies and military, the hardships which had to be overcome, etc. He shouldered heavy responsibilities and it is apparent that at times he would get somewhat down on himself for not accomplishing or meeting his goals. If he were alive today, he would see that his journal would erase all those self doubts and misconceptions that he had of himself. A great book.

If you like Historical Fiction THIS IS IT!!!!!!!! Winstom Graham, now decesed began these family saga novels in the 1950's 'and finished the
Poldark Saga shortly up to his death.


The books number 13 in the saga and are the very best read, Ross Poldark is a swashbuckling romantic hero, the type one doesn't see these days.

The Four Swans, book six, marks the mid-point in the Poldark series. Set in Cornwall and also elsewhere in England at this time, The Four Swans sees Ross Poldark, survivor of war, feuds, plagues, murder attempts, raids, rivalries and marriage to the longsuffering but fiery Demelza Carne, discovers a new danger in his midst when a young (and gradually dying) naval officer he rescued from certain death in a French prison, becomes openly enchanted with Demelza, and quietly seeks to gain the love of this ever-loyal, beautiful woman. Trouble also stirs in the Enys household, where tragedy pays a visit to Caroline and Dwight, and the doctor's health is still not all it could be as a result of his incarceration. And even amid the extravagance with which George Warleggan surrounds himself and his family, all is not well. George tries to quell fears about Valentine's paternity, but his terrible suspicions that the child he is raising as his own heir is in fact the offspring of his enemy Ross Poldark, sets off a venomous fever that imperils his relationship with Elizabeth, the only woman he has ever loved. Meanwhile Morwenna's wedded life with the moneyed cleric, Osborne Whitworth, is an ongoing nightmare from which a pure-hearted boy, Demelza's younger brother Drake Carne, wishes to rescue her, unaware of the danger in which he places them both. The Four Swans was perhaps the last time Graham allowed such a deliberate pace to be used in his Poldark books, and this novel stands as a sort of gift from the writer to those who love the series, and lets a reader sit back and feel the totality of this immense literary undertaking go on around him...right before the series leaves familiar waters and plunges into the rapids of the year 1799 and the violent nineteenth-century after that.

This is a well-written, easy-to-read investigation of some unusual Jewish and Jewish wannabe communities in Uganda, Peru, Brazil, India, and even Israel. There are chapters on the ever-increasing discovery of Marranos and their descendents and an interesting one on the Karaite community, who are officially acknowledged as Jews by the rabbinic authorities in Israel though their rabbis are not. Ross focuses on several individuals in each chapter, which brings the research down to a personal and more readable level. He is also careful not to take any one `expert's' advice on the theories of some of the communitites who claim `Lost Tribe' status but brings objective reporting into the argument. Each chapter can be read independent of each other, with an introduction and conclusion linking them. On the whole, interesting and very readable of some unusual communities!

Well written. Well researched. Reads like classic novel.