Smith Books

If you are interested in growing roses and want to try some that are not just your basic Hybrid Teas, this is a wonderful book to get. You will drool over the pictures and the text is excellent. The pictures take one page and are a gorgeous shots of the bloom with a long stem and leaves. On the opposite page is text which goes into great detail about the rose characteristics, growth patterns, habits, vigor, etc. It is an invaluable book when trying to decide what old garden roses to introduce to your garden.

This format is so beautful and so useful, that I have purchased all of the gardening books in this "series" by this publisher. It is rare to get such excellent photos in combination with such useful text.

I started growing roses about five years ago and became frustrated with Hybrid Teas because of blackspot and their generally fussy behavior and stiff, formal flowers. This book and Liz Druitt's book were instrumental in getting me to try old garden roses, and am I glad I did! I would highly recommend this to both beginning gardeners and experienced, alike.

As others have previously mentioned, this is by no means the "authority" on the old roses, but what a wonderful little book it is! You don't have to work out twice a week in order to lift it and thumb through it, and it will fit in the back pocket of your overalls. The field guide is the area of the book I use most- the pictures are of a rose branch, often including buds, partly opened flowers and plenty of leaves, so you get a good idea of what the flowers, leaves and cane colors look like together, and that is not something many books offer. The pictures are taken on a clean white background and show the true form of the rose bloom. I like the author's style of writing and the fact that he often gives his opinion of the rose and the nature of it's scent, as well as the facts of it's growth habit. He also lists the roses by color in the back of the book, and that is a nice reference touch.

This is is a great reference book to take to the nurseries or on garden expeditions because it is so portable and offers so much information on each rose. We all know how vague some of those nursery tags can be, and if you don't have a photographic memory the easily found details quickly let you know if the rose you are considering will grow 4X4 or 10X10 in your area and whether or not it *really is* the rose that you want to plant beside the steps going to the back door! (I know- it would be just lovely there, wouldn't it....)

I have this book as well as the "100 English Roses" by the same author. They are not the books I reach for on a rainy day when I am looking for design inspiration, but they *are* the ones that I constantly reach for when I am doing the actual planning and planting and need the facts, and also the ones that my friends love to borrow. These are not expensive books, and it will be money well spent.

Saxon Holt's color photos embellish nearly every page of this gardener's guide to old rose varieties. Unlike many rose books which assume prior knowledge, this advises a range of gardeners with details on the rose's growing needs and methods accompanying the full-page color photo of its flower. Highly recommended: 'the' pick if only one or two rose books were to be included in a home gardening collection.

This book is fabulous. I am a beginner and it covers each rose in depth. At the front of the book is fascinating history on roses. Especially how roses were such a commodity in the 1600-1700 & 1800's. They even stopped a ship blockade to let the roses in.

Although this book isn't all-inclusive (after all, the title is 100 old roses), this is the book I reach for first. It's great when I'm trying to find out more information on a rose in a catalog, or looking for an old rose for a specific spot. First of all, I can't resist the pictures (but they may be slightly misleading as in the case of Blanc Double de Coubert which I've never seen growing with the great cutting stem as shown). Second, the text makes for amusing reading. It's oppinionated, and I like that. Third, there's the handy Index of Old Garden Roses by Color in the back. It's actually a little summary: flower style, plant type, and class e.g. Madame Isaac Pereire: cupped, tall, Bourbon. Very handy. The only thing that would make this better is if it had scratch and sniff (unfortunately not realistic)...since scent is such a subjective thing (I was so hot for Louise Odier until I smelled her and was surprised to find that I didn't like the fragrance).

Almost every boy wanted to grow up to be Superman, or some other impressive super hero. With this amazingly powerful resource, any Dad can look just like super hero to his children. All you need are a few materials, a little time to read, and some practice. The book has been written by a magician (Mr. Livera) and a teacher/entertainer (Mr. Preuss). Between them, they have created the best resource I have ever seen for family fun with the 2-6 year-old set.

"Do not reveal the source of your superpowers!" With that injunction, you ar encouraged to slip the book "in your dresser beneath a pile of socks." On the other hand, if you want to keep peace in the family, show Mom the book too. She'll want to use some of these magic tricks and entertainments also. You remember Wonder Woman, don't you?

The book is very versatile. I had images of only magic tricks when I picked it up. I was very pleased to see that magic tricks were only a small part of the repertoire. My favorite section involved very humorous games that can be played in the car. Now, in our family, we occasionally heard "how much longer 'til we get there?" and "I'm bored." If you ever have those problems, this book will turn those times into fascinating fun instead.

Here are the titles of some of the sections: Acrobat of Anatomy, Adventures, Captive Creativity, Chauffeur of Shenanigans, Amazing Dadini, Greatest Show on Earth, Most Valuable Pop, Maitre d' Mayham, and Mr. Mystery.

In addition to getting to be a very special Pop, this book will also fascinate you with its creativity. I also suspect that you will start some new family traditions that your children will carry on when they are parents.

After you have been using the book for a while, I suggest that you take some of the activities and change them into ones that are uniquely suited to the interests of your family. That will make you feel even more like The Amazing Dad!

Enjoy being amazing, and bring joy to all!

These days fathers need all the help they can get. My eight-year-old daughter used to think I was the coolest guy in the universe, but lately I've been getting hip-checked by the backstreet boys and n'sync. I've found myself competing for her attention; and I've been trying for the past few months to pull any fun rabbit out of the hat I can find (I got one of those "juggling for klutzes" kits and practiced in secret). A few weeks ago, a buddy of mine (also a dad- and familiar with my plight) told me he'd come across a really cool book called The Amazing Dad. I pounded the pavement till I found the lone remaining copy at a local bookstore; and I was blown away- on darn near every page there's a cool trick or fun activity that any spaz can do. Every one I've tried so far has left my children laughing, squealing, and begging for more. The diagramming makes everything an easy-to-duplicate, no-brainer. This book has become my "FUN BIBLE"- I keep it hidden so as not to reveal the source of my new-found coolness. Each time the kids ask me "Where'd you learn that?", I just give them a shrug and play it off like "Oh, I've got a million of 'em- you ain't seen nothin yet"- which means they better come out with volume two before I run out of rabbits. Seriously- a dynamite book.... big thanks to Preuss and Livera for making me a cool dad again. Maybe they can teach me to sing and dance.....

I purchased five copies of the book--two for expecting fathers, one for my brother, one for my boyfriend's brother, and one for my boyfriend and me. The book is an excellent way to give dad's and mom's ideas for creative ways to entertain and interact with their kids.

This book is a handy instruction book about how to liven up the time you spend with your kids. It could have been titled 'The Amazing Parent' since the activities described within are easy for a dad, a mom, a grandparent, even a babysitter or a teacher to perform and enjoy with kids. If you are always in a rush and know you need to spend more time having fun with your kids, this is the manual for you. Are you a single parent who wants to make the most out of your weekends with the kids? It is great for kids of all ages, but seems best for those under 12. It has great anecdotes throughout for dad inspiration. You don't need to read it cover to cover to gain some kind of message about parenting. Instead, open to any page and have fun instantly. I dare you!

If these fellas aren't Dads, and amazing ones, it could have fooled me. Their suggestions are broad and clever, and should be read by everyone, not just fathers, who spends time with children. The Amazing Dad should be on bookshelves in every home and child-care center in the country.

Excellent book concentrating on the character and careers of three members of the American theatrical dynasty, the Booths: Father Junius, Succcessful Brother Edwin,(who seems to have had the greatest coping skills for dealing with his life's many tragedies) and, of course, Assassin John Wilkes. All had their flaws, but each had some pretty memorable gifts as well.

Yes, it is a tragic tale about the Booth family, but the author manages to make it a fascinating portrait on a broader canvas, detailing the far reaching dimensions of this event on the lives of each of the individuals, from the couple who accompanied the Lincolns that fateful night to the strange little man who shot Booth, all of whose lives were touched by a confused young man's attempt to...what? Avenge the defeated South? Live out his life as though he were a lead character in a Shakespearean play? Make the world aware of his existence in a tortured attempt to prove his legitimacy, (His father, noted Shakespearean actor Junius Booth was already married and a father when he decided to emigrate to America with the woman who became the mother of Edwin and John Wilkes Booth?)

The father was, it seems, sometimes sweetly demented, and occasionally and violently off his rocker, thanks, in many instances to John Barleycorn. The elder Booths was also capable of unforgettable performances of Shakespeare that were remembered vividly by audience members fifty years after attendance.

The author's portrait of the period and the people involved in the death of Lincoln is painted on a broad canvas, but doesn't try to spoon feed the reader easy answers regarding anyone's private thoughts or motivations. For example, we get a vivid portrait of John Wilkes Booth as a highly successful young man. He was only in his mid-20s at the time of the assassination and he was already in demand for theatrical engagements throughout the U.S. He was commonly referred to as "the handsomest man" ever seen by numerous men and women. He was secretly engaged to a Northern Senator's daughter in April 1865 and he had numerous other women that he was involved with at the time. He was able to make between $25k-40k annually at that time, (an enormous sum in the 1860s). Unlike most assassins, he was, on the surface, a winner. The enormous "Why?" of his life can never really be answered explicitly, but I would recommend this to anyone who also enjoys the questions surrounding the Lincoln assassination. I think that anyone who enjoyed the excellent "Manhunt" by James L. Swanson would also find this book a fine complement to that story.

In AMERICAN GOTHIC Gene Smith offers the best depiction of 19th Century America I've ever read as he traces the fortunes of America's first theatrical dynasty from the London birth of Junius Brutus Booth in 1796 until the death of his son Edwin Booth in New York in 1893. But the real center of the book is the heartbreaking story of Edwin's brother John Wilkes Booth, who would bring ignominy to the illustrious family when he assassinated Abraham Lincoln.

Smith has chosen the perfect title for his book. The America he presents is a feisty new country in which most people believed in omens and dreams. Lincoln himself believed in dreams and pondered a dream he had about his own death. As he reasoned, a great deal of the Bible was taken up with the interpretation of dreams, so it must have validity. One of the first things Mrs. Lincoln screamed when she realized that her husband had been slain was "His dream was prophetic!" Edwin Booth was born with a cowl (a portion of the placenta that stays on the top of the baby's head), which was said to portend greatness. Mary Ann Booth was holding her infant son John Wilkes when she saw the flames in the fireplace rise up and spell the letters "C-O-U-N-T-R-Y." Throughout his life she and her son John had a psychic connection. She always knew when things were not well with him even at distances of hundreds of miles. The America of this book is also a violent county embroiled in its history's bloodiest war. About half the dramatis personae of this book die violently or in a madhouse. Among those who died mad were Mrs. Lincoln and Henry Rathbone (who shared the Presidential box with the Lincolns on that fateful night at Ford's Theatre and was stabbed by John Wilkes Booth), and Edwin Booth's second wife. Lincoln's son Robert, who did not attend the theatre the night his father was assassinated (and forever blamed himself, thinking that he could perhaps have defended his father had he been there), was ironically to be present at the assassinations of both Presidents Garfield and McKinley. Boston Corbett, who fired the fatal bullet into John Wilkes Booth was a diminutive evangelical religious fanatic who had castrated himself rather than be lured into the temptations of the flesh. But perhaps maddest of all was John Wilkes Booth, who had been blessed by nature. Born into a prominent theatrical family, he possessed a keen intelligence, an athletic derring-do and an awe-inspiring physical beauty. Many regarded him as the most handsome man in the world. Some thought him a superior actor to Edwin and the only one of Junius Brutus Booth's sons to match his father's ability to thrill an audience. He did everything in a dramatic way. Ultimately, he assassinated the President of the United States in a theatre before an audience. Upon performing the act, he made a daring leap to the stage brandishing a knife, declaiming "Sic Semper Tyrannis! The South is avenged!" before escaping from the theatre. Breaking his ankle when his spur caught on the presidential bunting draped on the box as he leapt, Booth ended up a wounded fugitive on the lam in the war-ravaged countryside, rather than the acclaimed hero that he thought he would become. His story culminates in a burning barn surrounded by armed soldiers. His flight, his capture and the aftermath take up most of the book. Smith is a masterful writer and this part of the book reads like a thriller. But Smith also lets us in on things like how the hundred thousand dollar reward money for Booth's capture was divided and the horrifying treatment the conspirators in the plot to assassinate Lincoln received as prisoners.

This is great history writing-authoritative, detailed, and insightful, as well as dramatic and, at times, extremely moving. This is a book that grabs the intellect and the emotions. Five stars.

Truly spellbinding, nicely paced, and perfect length. After you read this book you will be amazed at what is left out of the history classroom. Don't miss a chance to read it.

All I'd ever heard about was Booth the assassin of Lincoln. I had no idea he came from such a fascinating and talented family! So many details are given of his life and the lives of those surrounding this one event in history and yet his life is generally summarized in a few sentences. This book (and audio tape which I highly recommend) should be filmed and shown in schools, it's that interesting. Hearing it read brings up images as from the days of radio programs, only more rich in color and depth. I like this book so much I'm trying to find a copy. It must be better the second time around.

Gene Smith is a well-known historian who sticks to the facts. Yet his writing keeps his readers intrigued every step of the way. Of course, he is working with a family of thespians and a thick plot to begin with, which always helps. But Smith refuses to include any heresay or rumor - his writing is respectable AND creative. Smith remains unbiased, which is unusual with such a heated set of events. I have read dozens of books on the Booth family, and this is by far the best!

The Arbans Complete Method Trumpet continues to be the standard for all trumpet practice books. This time tested publication continues to be the best available.

I have been using this book in my daily practice since I purchased it a month ago. The Arban's method is a tried-and-tested set of progressive exercises that encompass a wide range of brass techniques such as long tones, flexibility, and phrasing. Exciting material can be found by both beginners and advanced players alike.

The accompaniment CD is a helpful tool for anyone looking to rehearse with a virtual accompanist, although this offers no flexibility within tempi, and cadenzas become tricky with the guesswork associated with the disc's timing.

Some notable points about this volume that I found most impressive:
*Updated introduction section
*"Historically accurate" tempo markings for each exercise
*Footnotes for further reading
*Bold, easy to read typeface
*Attractive presentation with comb binding
*The original Arban's introduction, featured at the back of the volume, printed in its entirety.

All in all, I feel that I could not have been more satisfied with the quality of this product. I found the price to be great (I am a tuba player, and the "tuba specific" version of this book is nearly twice the price of the Arban's Platinum Edition), and I received the contents of my order on time and in perfect condition.

I was very please with the timely manner which this book was delivered and delighted with the content.

This book is by almost all accounts the Bible of the trumpet world. It is comprehensive, and cognitive in its presentation. There are several hundred pages of practice score and a good amount of comments to guide.

This particular edition is a worthwhile purchase as it is spiral comb bound, so it lays open better, it is chock full of updated, editorial comments that explain and clarify some of the things Arban said that don't apply or possibly don't, and it includes a cd with accompaniment for the practices in the book.

Great book, well worth the price!

I was told to purchase this book by my trumpet teacher, even before we started lessons. I have only beeen taking lessons for a couple of months, but I have already learned quickly from this book and this book has everything from the first scales and fingering charts to a plethera of exercises for the best trumpeters, so I'm sure that I will be using this book for a very long time. I would recomend this book to any beginner.

This book is throughly enjoyable and full of humor and fun. Robert F. Smith is a talented writer and I look forward to many books to come.

I read this book after my mom and sister both read and enjoyed it and I was pleasantly surprised at how cute the story really was. I was a little thrown off in the beginning because of the blatant stereotypes on both sides of the religous issue, but after a couple of chapters, the story draws you in and you can't wait to find out what happens in the endearing little podunk town of Longfellow/winded. Both Baptists and Mormons are hugely stereotyped, so the book doesn't really favor or bash one religion or the other, which creates a nice easy-going atmosphere. It takes little mental processing and you finish it quickly. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast, funny, easy, feel-good read. I finished this book in a few days and it was a great way to start out my summer!

Robert Farrell Smith's Baptists at our BBQ was one of the most delightful books I have ever read. Not only is it funny, but it gets you thinking about the goodness of God in our lives. The details he gives about a struggling branch aren't too far-fetched in the world we live in. Not only does he give us a wonderful, grasping story, but he also helps us to see into the "Mormon" culture and just how interesting we can be. Look into it to see what else Robert Farrell Smith has to say despite just being a creative author. It will get you thinking about the realities.

Robert Smith has a knack for bring out the humor in LDS life. I laughed so hard. Then I would read it to my husband and we would both laugh. I finally started over and we read it together. It was great. I use this and the second book The Miracle of Forgetness as gifts all of the time. I've turned many friends on to this author as well. It's like reading a modern day Tom & Huck adventure.

Baptists at Our Barbecue is easily the funniest LDS book I have ever read. (excluding Robert Smith's other books, which should be required reading for anyone who is LDS or living near someone who is) This is the only book that I have read where I actully laughed out loud. My wife thought it was so strange that she immediately read it and she loves it as much as I do. I have two copies because I can't stop telling people about it. BUY IT! You'll love it.

Being Decisive doesn't mean ignoring other peoples feelings. Rather the book finds a way to help you take the high road to your own personal growth. Being decisive will help you get on with what you want to do. A great book to help you rally your energies in a positive DECISIVE manner. A must reading for your personal self development libraby. Nola Leuthner, Green Bay, WI

Lou Ann Smith is a speaker who really knows how to get her points across. In "Decisive" she shares six critical points to ponder when making those hard choices. A writer who has impacted before, but really shines in this work.

A refreshing read of motivational truths along with easy to follow strategies for lifes tough decisions. I reccommend this book only to those people who whish to do the work it takes to have confidence in the many choices we encounter throughout life!

BE DECISIVE is a great fast and friendly read! I completed it in about 3 hours (not counting the assignments). The six step formula is clearly outlined, and makes it very easy to implement. Page 143 has a great organization tool to get out from under all the piles of paper we deal with! I implemented the tool the day I finihed the book, and I already feel more decisive! I highly recommend this book. Be decisive and buy BE DECISIVE!

Lou Ann Smith has put together a book that is simple and profound. It is simple in its methods and suggestions but profound in the effect it has on your thinking and actions. I recommend that anyone who feels that life has stalled because of too many tasks and options, read this book. You will gain a sense of rest and accomplishment. Get it. Read it. Do it. You will be glad you did

This is a great collection featuring the key early issues that developed Wolverine's character for decades to come. These are the issues - first appearance, original mini-series, and Weapon X - that set up Logan's hardcore persona and mysterious past. A GREAT read for a seasoned Wolverine fan, and a PERFECT starting point for someone unfamiliar but intrigued by the character.

The ONLY downside is the Captain America issue included - it seems a bit out of place. Cap and Wolverine fight a giant robot? It might have been better to include an issue where Wolverine works with the X-Men or something.

Now this is an excellent collection. Hulk, the great Claremont/Miller mini-series, and Weapon X. Top marks for putting this one together. A fun cover, and this work is from back in the day when they weren't using Wolverine to sell lunchboxes, undies, and every second series or mini-series that Marvel felt like putting out, so it was a bit more special for that, and for X-Men fans at the time.

The inclusion of the first Miller/Claremont Wolverine TPB and the Barry Windsor-Smith Weapon X series make this worthy of the price. The Miller/Claremont collaboration is seminal and lays the ground work for pretty much all of Wolverine's subsequent adventures in Japan. It's 5 star work.

The Weapon X storyline is good and reveals the epic adamantium bonding process that Logan went through that is mentioned throughout so much of his history and, in particular, the 80s "memory plugs" story line in his regular series. The only bad things I can say about this is I don't think Smith had quite hit his stride as an artist and my expectations for Weapon X were so huge that I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. Regardless, this is an excellent read.

Also included is Wolverine's first appearance in the Incredible Hulk 181 and a Wolverine solo X-Men adventure excellently drawn by Windsor-Smith, which features Lady Death Strike; I will say this is not the best story featuring Yuriko and it also features a Power Pack member, which is unfortunate, I think they were just trying to segue into the Weapon X story. There's also a Captain America annual which features Wolverine, which is ok, but feels like filler, which is why it loses a star.

This is it, the birth of the most awesome character in the marvel universe. It is amazing storytelling, great art inside and out, and a very excellent comic. Chris Claremont needs to go and slap the fools that are writing the works for the Wolverine comics today. This is the basis for which all others most follow and some are following it pretty poorly and with out dialog to explain their reasons.

Frank Miller did the Marvel Presents series who for you newbies did the graphic novel for the movie '300', so nuff said.

ALL in ALL:
I LOVE LOVE this series none better to my knowledge. A ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE to enjoy especially if you are new to the Marvel Universe and Wolverine in general. These are the stories that keep players like me in the game. OUTSTANDING!

You've heard it over the years how Wolverine is the coolest character in the world. You've seen the Hugh Jackman movies and now you're interested in the original comics that made Wolverine a legend. Well, then look no further than this hardcover volume. All the tales that made him the hottest darling of the comic-reading crowd in the 1980-90s are here.

The book starts off with Wolverine's first appearance in Incredible Hulk #181 (by creator Len Wein). Then we get the justly classic mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. After that we get a classic Wolverine-Captain America tale (that foreshadows a lot of what constitutes the duo's relationship now in "New Avengers" and "Wolverine: Origins") and a Wolverine-Lady Deathstrike tale. Finally, we have the entire "Weapon X" storyline by Barry Windsor-Smith. The book comes with a foreword by Chris Claremont explaining the creation and evolution of Wolverine over the years (with special emphasis on the now legendary car-ride he had with Frank Miller discussing how to revamp the character into a failed-samurai). Also included are all the covers and pin-ups related to the stories.

Here is a commentary:

Reviewer: A reader from California May 17, 1998 "Again, Foucault shatters our illusions.This book examines our cultural tendency to elevate the authority of the physician..." This reviwer's summary of the book is incorrect because the work is not a study of power or "authority" (themes which would be important in Foucault's later works). In "The Birth of the Clinic" we see how Foucault MIGHT HAVE made a crticism of clinical medicine as an authoritarian institution, but in fact this is NOT the focus of the book. This book is not the attempt to dispel a "myth", it is a description of the reality of the development of the clinical gaze as a discursive formation distinct from its historical predecessors.

Reviewer: spandex9@aol.com from Barbaraville, Manitoba (Canada) July 21, 1998. "Structures of Perception and Positivism Questioned". This review is much closer to the mark than the first one. In particular, in the second paragraph the reviewer touches on the implications of the development of anatomo-clinical medicine for "the human experience itself". In the conclusion to the book Foucault himself stated that "the experience of individuality in modern culture is linked to the experience of death" and that is one reason why we should be interested in this work.

Reviewer: Dr. W Y Wan from Hong Kong "A book with special insight-- one that you cannot miss. I agree that this book can be of value to physicians who are genuinely interested in human welfare, and it's unfortunate that most physicians never study the humanities during their educations.

Foucault has been interpreted in the US as a pretentious standard-bearer of postmodernism - as an almost "evil" figure who threatens to undermine the foundations of Western knowledge with his problematisation of conceptual categories. It doesn't help that his work has been taken up to justify just about any subversive perspective, whether well-conceived or not. This is only a pitifully small perspective on the man and his work. Foucault should be seen first as a historian, not a philosopher; second, his work should be lauded for the contribution it makes to Western knowledge rather than the superficial "threats" it makes to perspectives whose time has come in any event. Every revolution of perception has been accompanied by vociferous resistance, yet a great many of those sounding their disapproval loudly probably don't really understand what the late Michel was really on to.

The Birth of the Clinic, MF's most accessible work, is a well-researched, brilliantly interpreted account of the development of the clinical "gaze" in the wake of modern medical knowledge and practice. Foucault problematises the institution of the clinic, showing how clinical perception is the result of a historically specific constellation of knowledge and power. His ultimately emancipatory analysis is substantiated every step of the way with textual and historical examples. No metaphysics here, just a radical questioning of the nature of knowledge within institutional practice.

So, sorry (Objectivists!) if this is too much to handle. It's good research, plain and simple. Don't dismiss Foucault as a lightweight postmodernist - try to see him where he would situate himself, in the tradition of reflexive historical sociology.

Birth of the Clinic is a partner to Discipline and Punish: Birth of the Prison. They are both about political economy and the irony of how the modern 'free' world is as confining as previous historical eras just in an opposite way. This is kind of Foucault's whole mission, to show us just how confined we really are and wake us up to reality. But he is always subtle about it. In a way his 'philosophy' and 'methodology' and the wild theoretical tangents the academies have taken it to, are a mask for his very powerful and even dangerous political indictments. In Discipline and Punish (Surveil in French) Foucault shows historically how individual time and space have been controlled by the ever evolving, profit-driven, techno-efficiency of the panopticon-state and the distracted aquiescence of its subjects. In Birth of the Clinic he will show historically how the individual person and their body have become property of the state via consensus (law) and the same somnambulent aquiescence. In many ways Foucault is a major conservative showing us empirically, through historical evidence, how the power-play of today is an interiorization of past power-relationships, interiorized to the point of invisibility and largely unacknowledged by the manipulated masses.

Wow, Foucault is truly a literary genius. Getting a small glimpse into his wonderful genius is pleasure enough to warrant reading this book. However that said The Birth of the Clinic lacks in certain areas. Obviously, Foucault is writing in the postmodern era, thus his ideas are not nearly as groundbreaking as they would have been had he been writing 30-40 years earlier. This book, as Foucault explicitly states, is not so much about the birth of the clinic, as it is about the birth of ideas and knowledge - how conceptions of good and bad science come to be. In that regard the book, unfortunately the book falters in comparison to some others. The one I have in mind is Thomas Kuhn's "Structure of Scientific Revolutions". The main difference between the two is in time of release. Kuhn's book was released immediately after the Second World War. Subsequently, due to the nascent phase of the field, his book sets the foundation for the literature to follow in its tradition - such as The Birth of the Clinic. Therefore, readers interested in the development of scientific knowledge would be better served to pick up Kuhn's book first, then move onto The Birth of the Clinic.

While an introduction to the topic is somewhat helpful, the value of this book must not be overlooked. Your impression of medicine will not be the same.

" The birth of the Clinic " is an attempt by the philosopher and the learned historian to decipher the secret of medical perception. Only when the chaotic and subjective clinical experience is transcended to the objective language, we have the medicine as a scientific subject as today. As a physician myself , I think understanding " clinical gaze " helps me to define the place of modern medicine, of doctors and patients and of medical organisation in this fast changing world.

"The Great Cow Race" picks up where "Out From Boneville" left off. It is the second volume in the nine volume Bone series. Written and drawn beautifully by Jeff Smith, it is an adventure filled with humor and mystery.

In this section of the story, Phoney Bone is trying to rig the betting on the great cow race by starting rumors about Rose (Thorn's Grandmother who always wins the race) being too old, and about a new incredibly fast mystery cow, which turns out to be Smiley Bone in a homemade cow suit. The main adventure story continues as well, as we learn more about Thorn through her dreams about a time she can't remember, and hints of an unusual past from comments by Rose and Lucius (the bar owner in Barrelhaven who has a long unspoken love for Rose).

This volume is heavier on the humorous stories, and as a result there is very little learned about the overall storyline of the series. For that reason, I rate it slightly lower than the first volume, but it is definitely worth reading.

jeff smith is one geat artist and writer we well iove bon

The Bone series is the greatest group of books that I have! "The Great Cow Race" contains fantasy, adventure, humor, mystery, and more! And it all comes in one book! I really recommend it!

Jeff Smith's "Bone" series is a critically acclaimed but criminally overlooked epic for a reason. Critics recognize Smith's masterful storytelling abilities and are drawn to his mix of all-ages humor and decidedly adult darkness, but the black and white art and lack of superheroes is anathema to most comic book readers, making it a hit only in the "underground" sense.

Smith combines the kind of classic storytelling perfected by the likes of the legendary Carl Barks and Bill Watterson - gleefully funny cartooning with outrageously expressive faces and gestures - with the epic and engaging plotting of a sweeping fairy tale. "Bone" walks a tightrope and walks it well, managing to be something fans of both Donald Duck and Bilbo Baggins can enjoy.

Timeless is every way, "Bone" is an expansive story about three "bone creatures" (you'd have to see them to understand) that find themselves in a valley peopled with an assortment of crazy and interesting characters. Looming over it all is the menace of a great evil, first glimpsed by the ferocious (and funny) rat creatures, but later revealed to be something much more disturbing.

Thank goodness for trade paperbacks, which have allowed new readers unaccustomed to weekly stops at the comic store to follow this marvelous, epic, enchanting series.

In this second volume (out of nine total), Smith ramps up the humor - the idea of an old lady racing a bunch of cows is hilarious - while slowly, deliberately dropping hints that all is not as it seems with some of the village folk, specifically grandma. "The Great Cow Race" continues to sparkle with humor and retains the light tone of the first volume, "Out From Boneville," while Smith offers us just enough looks at the larger tale to keep us going. A fine effort on his part.

"Bone" is essential reading that no lover of the comic artform should skip. Little doubt people will still be reading "Bone" 50 years from now. Broad in scope yet personal and quaint, this is a charming story in every way that will long outlast 90 percent of other comic works on the shelf.

Volume #2 of the 'Bone,' graphic novel series collects issues #7-11 originally released in 1992-1993. Those who enjoyed the first volume will surely enjoy this second collection even more, as the characters and storylines introduced in vol. #1 hit their full stride and become further fleshed out in fun and effortless fashion. Reading through the 'Bone,' series is reminiscent of listening to a well-crafted pop song in that there is seemingly little effort taking place to enjoy the work and moments later after you're done digesting it you suddenly realize what a rich and complex work the piece actually is, functioning on several unique layers. 'Bone,' works exactly in such a fashion and trust me when I say that you'll never have more fun while reading through a book and digesting the nuances afterward as you will with this series.