Stuart Books

What will be found in the Anglican scholar Samuel Angus,' "The Mystery-Religions," is an informative overview of the principle cults which dominated the Mediterranean world from Alexander's conquests up to the early centuries of the Christian era. The crux of this work lies in Angus' erudite analysis of the various factors which facilitated the spread and subsequent decline of the Mystery-Religions, and likewise the factors that ultimately aided the spread and triumph of Christianity. He is clear in his presentation of key points and sincere with the information he provides. Angus' deep familiarity with both the ancient texts and the current modern scholarship of his times, on the whole, presents a well-researched work valuable for students and scholars alike. This work is an enduring masterpiece, which offers readers a complete and useful tool for understanding the multifaceted belief systems of the Mystery-Religions.

This book is interesting, but it is very dry. It was originally published in the 1920's, and that does show. There are untranslated quotations of Latin and Greek that the author uses to illustrate his points. This is great if you can read Latin and Greek, but if not then you should order a dictionary as well...

Anyone curious for a well written collegiate level review of the Ancient Mysteries and the similarities found in Christianity will find this work complete.

I don't believe a better work on this topic has been written.

For the esoterically minded, Hermeticist, Freemason, Rosicrucian, look no further.

As someone with no background in this type of material, I was curious surrounding some of hype of the "Da Vinci code" so I picked up this tome. After a difficult start due to my lack of knowledge in this field of studies. I read slowly then avidly and gained so much from this very learned man. It is a balanced book it that does not have any agenda only that it speaks the truth. Now as for the level of writing these types of books do go beyond the college-lite education that is so common today. The style is lucid and clear and with an excellent usage of vocabulary.

The true origins of Christianity are explored in depth and dogma is set aside in favor of esoteric philosophy. A wonderful wonderful book.

This is easily the funniest Marvel book you will read this year!! Or any other year! Unless you count midevil times, that whole black plague thing really sucked the humor out of stuff.

This book is great and lives up to its promise of explosions and kicking people in the face.

This book is hilarious. Over the top action. Lots of explosions. Ridiculous fight scenes. Lampooning of classic Marvel characters. I haven't laughed so hard in years.

Warren Ellis's work on Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. is, by far, the best work I've read in comics in years. Why people didn't buy the comic is beyond me. The comedy was genius. Marvel's management is a bunch of boneheads for canning Nextwave. If you have read the other reviews, you know what it's about, so I won't bore your with another recap. If you like comedy, explosions, parody, slapstick, explosions, random acts of violence, heartfelt origin stories, and explosions, then you'll love Nextwave. If you like anything, you'll love Nextwave.

With NEXTWAVE: AGENTS OF H.A.T.E. VOL. 2 (I Kick Your Face), Warren Ellis persists in dispensing with multi-layered plotlines and the fleshing out of characters. This one, collecting the final issues #7-12 and much like in Volume 1, reads like an extended fight scene sound effect. If you like action that's often in your face and without the constant impediment of dreary word captions, then this'll float your boat. Stuart Immonen's artwork is remarkable, even if I had to turn the page upside down a bunch of times.

The premise: Monica Rambeau (fomerly Captain Marvel), Brit hottie Elsa Bloodstone (monster hunter), the mutant Tabitha Smith (formerly Boom Boom), Aaron Stack (the slightly insane Machine Man), and the Captain make up the Nextwave Squad, originally hired by H.A.T.E. (the Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort) as its primary anti-terrorist response team. Nextwave turns on its employer when evidence surfaces implicating H.A.T.E. and its parent company, the Beyond Corporation, of terrorist activities.

SPOILERS are here:

As per this series, we get the usual pattern of two-issue story arcs. The Nextwave Squad faces off against the Mindless Ones, magical creatures rented by the evil Beyond Corporation from interdimensional demon lord, the Dread Rorkannu, in exchange for girls and cash ("Yes! I have a hundred of the Earth dollars!"). With this series's bent sensibilities, it shouldn't be a surprise that this sorcery-laden storyline indulges in the Mindless Ones engaging in a West Side Story homage and that the climax is a bathroom fistfight.

Then, Nextwave is lured into an abandoned and fake city and ends up going toe to toe with a ridiculous batch of super nasties, as created by the Beyond Corporation, with the most formidable villain being Forbush Man. Forbush Man uses his power to trap each hero into his or her own existential misery, giving us a chance to savor Immonen's Mike Mignola salute in the Bloodstone sequence. Also, Captain America goes to the john.

The series culminates with Nextwave tracking down the giant aerial homebase of their arch nemesis, happily romping and stomping on yet more beasties and uglies (including my favorite, Wolverine chimps!), and at last coming face to face with the true power behind the Beyond Corporation. By the way, General Dirk Anger gets even more loony bins and even dies for a while (I did warn about Spoilers, right?).

Okay. End SPOILERS.

"Nextwave is a pirate superhero fight comic." Must be nice to have Warren Ellis's clout. Marvel Comics gives him full license to weave tales that are proudly short on subtlety and depth but long on nuttiness and scurrilous humor. He does indulge in one Character Moment (presenting some disquieting background on Elsa Bloodstone as a baby). But Ellis promises to not let it happen again. One thing he also does is rummage thru Marvel's dusty back shelves and bins, managing to drag near-forgot entities such as the Not Brand Echh title and its mascot Forbush Man, MODOK, and Moon Boy and Kid Dinosaur kicking and screaming onto these pages. So, no, this isn't your typical comic book. Readers will either find this title too cardboard cutout, overplayful, and unseemly - or an uproarious belch of fresh air. I'm of the latter breed.

Artist Stuart Immonen should be equally lauded (or blamed) for his light and exquisite touch. He dependably comes thru with a visual feast of nonstop mayhem and gleeful violence. In issue 11, Immonen rampages thru 6 double-paged spreads which simply reek of all-out, no apologies ACTION. This is very nifty. Perfectly complementing Immonen's style are the inker Wade von Grawbadger and colorists Dave McCaig and Paul Mounts. So they too should be applauded (or blamed).

Meanwhile, there's some debate about Nextwave's place in Marvel's mainstream continuity. But, having been infected with this comic's jaunty subversiveness, I choose to not delve into it too much. Besides, I'm sure Forbush Man's existential powers can fix it.

My favorite one-liner: "X-Men come back more than Jesus."

My favorite recurring rejoinder: "My robot brain needs beer!"

Lastly: the Captain rocks. Elsa Bloodstone is bloody fine. Machine Man is mental. Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. will return...someday. Just keep paying Ellis. And Immonen.

I've never been a fan of diet plans. Honestly, when it comes to losing weight I think that proper eating and exercise are highly underrated. But The Park Avenue Diet actually approaches your life in a holistic and practical way that even I could relate to.
No glamorous promises, no impossible goals. Park Avenue delivers a diet plan that is truly original in a way that sets it aside from every other "diet". You just won't find the same approach elsewhere.
Get a full life makeover!

PARK AVENUE DIET is much more than a diet. It's a way of life, complete with advice on eating, fitness, personal growth, how you look, how you relate to others, and more. I bought this book and went out and got my hair cut! Just the right thing. Sensible advice,from a panel of experts it would be hard to assemble, never mind hear all at once, offering this valuable plan. Here is a CREATIVE as well a holistic, approach to self-improvement. I say this as editor of EVERYDAY CREATIVITY AND NEW VIEWS OF HUMAN NATURE (2007), to which one of this book's illustrious authors contributed! That's what sent me this way. And how glad I am.
Ruth Richards, M.D., Ph.D.

Wouldn't you love to be rich enough to be able to consult not just one specialist to help you with health/weight/image/confidence issues, but a whole team? This is the idea underlying this book. Fischer brought together a handful of specialists few of us could afford to hire ourselves to give their insights on the multi-faceted reality of bringing discipline to our mind/body relationship. As a psychologist, I'm most familiar with Stanley Krippner's stellar reputation, but each member of the team Fischer assembled is a luminary in his/her field. If you're looking for something beyond just another diet book, this comprehensive approach could be what you have in mind.

I enjoyed reading this book. Got some excellent recipes and good self confidence advice. Regarding the fitness/exercise tips, it is best suited for someone just starting to exercise (still helpful though). Wardrobe advice was basic but also helpful. Overall I would recommend this book to a family member or friend.

Dr. Fischer's approach to weight loss is replete with common sense, practical advice, humor, and tantalizing recipes. I especially liked the psychological contributions of Dr. Stanley Krippner on how to develop self-confidence and replace negative beliefs about one's eating habits with positive, constructive beliefs. Additional contributions by specialist in exercise, interpersonal relationships, and personal appearance bring a holistic approach to dieting that I have never seen in similar books.

Marty Stuart is able to capture the inner essence of the people and places he photographs and conveys it to the reader/viewer. I really enjoyed this essay.

this is just an awsome book to read' there is so many interesting photos and stories. to me its breathtakeing... i am a longtime fan of marty stuart' and will always be, i hope he writes a volume II to this book. would be neat to see what else he has to say about this day and time... love ya marty... the rockabilly king you will always be..

Marty Stuart is country music's renaissance man. What a truly rare combination of talents: great voice, great picker, great songwriter, great photographer, and is keenly aware of the fact that he's had the good fortune of having stood among American icons.

The photos in this book are excellent by any standards. I was expecting the photography to be so-so...generally when a talented person tries to branch out, it doen't translate to their new endeavor...but I have to say he's got an excellent eye. Not only that, but he can spin a yarn like a true poet, and that is what makes this such an all-around joy to both read and look at.

Something to look for in this book: the story of going to see Connie Smith in concert as a boy and telling his mother "I'm going to marry her one day"....and 27 years later, he did just that. Wait until you see the picture he took.

This book captures an important piece of American history and does it well.

Marty's keen eye catches the souls of his famous subjects in a way that the ordinary photographer has missed. This book is a masterpiece (just like his last album) and belongs on every coffee table in America. His photos are unbelievable and his accompanying words prove Marty's talent goes way beyond his music.

Marty has been blessed, not only with musical talent, but with a real sense of being a part of history. Thank God Miss Hilda turned him onto photography, as well as music. The moments captured in his book will be there for us to remember people and places long after they are gone. Not just for the good times, but the hard times as well, the "road", the music, the eyes of the pilgrims looking out at you from these pages, make for an absorbing journey across America and thru Marty's life. And he's right about using black & white vs color. Makes you LOOK, not get drawn to some bright color, instead of getting the point of the picture. Give the boy another 25 years and I know we'll get a companion volume to cover the new millenium part of his journey. Although, I hope he doesn't wait THAT long.

As a previous reviewer noted, The Rich and Superrich is a very readable book despite its size. It is very edifying to see the money power structure in the US. Ferdinand Lundberg was a brilliant scholar and writer, living from 1905 to 1995.

I would also recommend his previous book, written in 1937, but reissued in 2007--America's 60 Families. From this one can see that the concentration of power is nothing new.

I would recommend two more books that show how democratization of the US economy can be achieved.

I would also recommend Thom Hartmann's books on the constitution, which explain all the obstacles to a true democracy put in place by our founders. The US constitution was a compromise between those who wanted a plutocracy (Adams and Hamilton, for example) and those who wanted a true people's democracy (Franklin, Jefferson, Thomas Paine). We must remember that the US was the first modern democracy. Unfortunately, the compromises our founders made has led to a plutocracy, rather than a democracy.

I also recommend: SHARING THE PIE by Stephen Brouwer, Owl Books.

Sharing The Pie "Offers a far more lucid presentation of economic trs than you are likely to find anywhere."--Barbara Ehrenreich

Even though it was published in 1998, the material is still relevant since it analyzes the structure of the economy, rather than the current picture of who owns what.

As one reviewer noted about Sharing The Pie, it is an invaluable resource for those who want to make sense of the economy, Sharing the Pie is also a passionate plea for greater economic equality and a revitalization of American democracy.

As recently as 2004, a reviewer noted Sharing The Pie "gives a good history of how America's economy has gotten to the point it is now and where it may be going in the future."

This book is old but I have no doubt that nothing much has changed. When you start asking "where's the money" you invariably end up reading books like Mr. Lundburg's. This book and this author should be considered as companion volumes with Gustavus Myers and his History of Great American Fortunes. These two authors provide a tremendous arsenal of information, facts and figures supporting the case against the "Rich and the Famous". We all aspire to one day becoming rich and famous but when and if you get there you certainly do not want to continue the customs and traditions of your predecessors - not if you aspire to living in a "better world" at least.
Both of these authors need to be reprinted. Their books are disappearing fast and they are a very important part in the process of presenting a balanced historical picture for future generations.

Mr. Lundberg's deconstruction of the relationships of powerful families in the United States is fascinating reading. Power seeks power incestuously and the web of power isn't just wealth. It is boards of corporations, memberships in clubs, and the bonds of marriages. This isn't just a screed against money; it is an anthropological study of the rulers of this country. They seldom seek publicity. That would be so nouveau riche. Even though this is a snapshot taken in the middle of the last century, the social structures revealed had been established since the beginning of the Republic and there is no reason to doubt that they persist today. Read and learn.

Loaded with facts and figures, this gigantic book seems at first
intimidating -- but it is really quite easy to read and under-stand. Being able to "swallow" what's there is a different thing, however -- one is horrified to learn that our US Democracy isn't truly a democracy at all....that it's ruled by
a powerful ogliarcy that keeps its power -- and most of the identities of its members, truly secret.

Since this book was published in the 1960s, there is info
that is absent....but also some secret info that isn't in
more modern books, as the power elite have since covered some
of the tracks herein listed.

For me, the most valuable part of the book is the description of the "common (mass) man" vs. the elite. (See the wonderfully annotated index -- as the page numbers are different between the paperback and hard-cover.) The rich really ARE
different from you and I -- but Mr. Lundberg's reasonings why
are 1000 times more accurate, (and 1000 times more frightening),
than F. Scott Fitzgerald's! The reasons given make terrible,
logical sense -- and make one not only appreciate their accuracy,
but also appreciate, greatly, such "traitors to their class" as
Robert Kennedy and (to me, anyway), John Kerry -- people who,
despite their wealth, see "mass men", (and women), as nothing
more, (and nothing less), than fellow human-beings! It's too
bad there are not more of them!

Mr. Lundberg died a few years ago. I found this out
searching the New York Times database. I did not find his
obituary -- but I did find that of his wife, who died even
more recently. Sadly -- and tellingly -- hers was NOT a
"feature" obituary -- but one which, instead, had to be
inserted, (and paid for), by her family. Although it is
possible that Mrs. Lundberg preferred it this way -- wanting
to be one of the "mass" of humanity to the end, it is also
quite possible that the "powers that be" wanted to "bury"
the name of Lundberg, (and Ferdinand Lundberg's crusading
books!), as much as possible! As long as his books remain
buyable -- and especially if this wonderful classic is
someday soon reprinted -- I will know we haven't fallen into
a dictatorship, (yet!) I am glad that I bought a copy when
it first came out, and I am super-glad to have been able to
have bought a newish copy on Amazon! Lundberg -- and all
of us freedom-loving, knowlege-questing "Lundbergians",
live!

Sorry but Mr Lundberg is died. But this is one of the best books I ever read.

The only real problem with this book, is that it's too short! I really wanted to continue reading about both couples in this wonderful romance.

There is a saying in the romance industry that few writers take chances. New writers can't, because they don't have enough "clout," and established writers won't because they don't want to "disappoint reader expectations." Luckily for fans of Anne Stuart, right from the first in her almost 30 years of writing romance, she has flown in the face of both these dictums, having made a career of doing the unexpected. And never more so than in The Right Man.

In fiction, whether popular or literary, one of the greatest gifts a writer can have is a distinctive voice, which becomes the author's trademark and is apparent from work to work. Even more wonderful than this, though, and as rare as rubies, is a writer so talented that she can vary her voice to suit the story. Anne Stuart proves herself to be such an exceptional artist in The Right Man.

I am not a particular fan of film and novelistic noir of the late 1940s and 1950s (and therefore no expert on the subject), but from the little I have watched of that art form, it is highly recognizable. I believe it was a touch of genius for Stuart to fall into this style or "voice" for writing the segments of this time travel set in 1949. The cryptic, highly structured noir style of dialogue, in particular, sets us firmly in the late 1940s, and lends itself to a concise and deliberate pacing that, while moving the book along rapidly (essential in a short book such as this), never seems too rushed. The noir voice as used here is also so highly visual, one can easily imagine the book being made into a film, with the original dialogue carried into a script intact. (Are you listening, Lifetime? )

The use of the wedding dress, which is the major plot device of the "Gowns of White" Harlequin series this book is part of, as a magical device for time travel, while not a wholly new technique in and of itself, is quite original in its execution. My three favorite aspects are these: the way the dress, like an enchanted cape from a fairy tale, never soils or wrinkles; the way the magic brought by the dress spills over into all the other major characters' perceptions, and the way we are never quite sure if the time travel really happens or is a case of mass hypnosis (though this possibility is pleasantly mystical in and of itself).

As wonderful as the magic and the noir voice are, they do not overwhelm that which is the ultimate reason fans read romance: the love relationship. In this book, we get not one, but two great pairs of lovers. The level of sexual tension and expressed passion between each duo is incendiary, and the resolution of the internal and external conflicts, both within the protagonists individually and within the two love relationships, is believable and satisfying.

All in all, this is not only one of the best romance novels I've read in the past few years, but, in my opinion, one of the best short contemporaries I've read in almost 20 years of enjoying this genre.

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it did have time travel in it, but a lot of it was present time also. Only a part in the middle had the time travel. This book was different, but it was well worth reading. You won't be sorry if you get it.

This is not your ordinary romance novel. It was so unexpected and so much fun! I have yet to read a novel quite like this one. I highly recommend it to anyone that likes to read books with a twist and a lot of adventure. I could not put it down.

Leave it to Anne Stuart to twist this plot line around (and around)and make it work. Tackling a bit of time traveling in a shorter book is difficult at best, making it work as spendidly as she did is a rare feat indeed. Brava, Anne!

As another reader mentioned, I only wished it were longer so I could have enjoyed my time in the (multiple )lives of Susan and Jake that much longer. I can't wait to see what she does next!

What a super fantastically funny, mind-opening, enjoyable read! Highly recommend this book for cat lovers!

Ever wonder what your cat is really thinking? If you've had a cat in your life this is a must read. You'll enjoy walking through a year in the life of Adrian and experience love, friendship, and adventure, cat-style.

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

If you like cats you can't fail to love this endearing tale (pun intended). Adrian's adventures are hilarious - every day of his diary a joy to read. Here is his thoughts on how to enjoy life:


Ways To Ensure Nine Joyful Lives.

Be dignified - let dogs perform the tricks.

Sleep incessantly. It is the sole purpose of life.

Be prudent - never chase anything more than half your size.

Scratch wallpaper. It is one of the noblest pursuits.

Nurture patience - postpone all ambitions until your next life.

Chase string. It brings inner peace.

Be proud - you are a member of the family which includes lions, tigers and cheetahs.

Climb curtains. It takes you to a higher spiritual level.

Be inquisitive - discover a thousand places to sleep.

I bought this book for my 14 year old daughter but she laughed so much I had to read it myself. It tells of one year in the life of a wise but slightly naive cat Adrian who has great ambitions. But before he finds love and happiness he has to deal with issues of bullying and deception. Along the way he makes some strange friends - a pirate parrot, a very cute baby robin and an injured fox. It's these friends that help him deal with the bullying cat Killer and the vicious dog that lives next door. All of this is done in a hilarious way and a laugh a day is guaranteed. If you like cats you are sure to love this book. If you don't like cats you probably will after reading about Adrian! I thought Adrian's poems really amusing:
DesideCata
Stroll placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in a long tranquil nap. As far as possible, without being in any way humble, be on good terms with all creatures - with the obvious exception of dogs. Meow your desires loudly and clearly and occasionally listen to others, even your human, for she may be calling you for dinner. Avoid the company of fleas, they are vexations to both spirit and body. Enjoy your achievements - particularly wallpaper lovingly scratched and pieces of string thoroughly chased. Keep interest in your career, there will always be a need for good mousers in the changing fortunes of time. Be yourself; especially do not feign affection - except when you need a warm lap to sleep on. Neither be cynical about the love of cream, for through your charmed and enchanted existence it is as perennial as the grass it comes from.
Take kindly the council of the years and rejoice in the fact that you have nine lives.
Nurture arrogance of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune such as getting stuck up a tree. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born out of getting less than twenty hours sleep in a day. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself and groom yourself frequently. You are a cat of the universe, so much greater than humans and dogs; you have a right to be served. And even though you may sleep through most of it, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. With all its snacks, adventures and peaceful dreams, it is truly a beautiful world. Be content. Continue to be happy.

The ancient Japanese knew a thing or two about defeating their enemies: first identify them, then strike without delay - allowing your enemy no advantage. Stuart Penny uses the same tactics to show how to defeat the 'dragons' that beset our daily lives. These are the fears that limit us and hold us back from living life to the full. This is a workbook - no easy answers - which challenges you to name and confront your fears (identify and defeat your dragons). The rewards are tremendous. What this book will show you is how to regain control in your life and shake off the thoughts and ideas that stop you moving forward.

Tell me about where this journey is taking you. Shinjitsu is a practice abundant enough to honor a great heart and humble enough to serve a great mind. I learned by releasing the Dragon's Mask that we enter into true Service to Self and come to reflect each other in our real form: dignity. In my study of the course I now wake up to enjoy the privelege of sharing my life as value to those around me especially to my young daughter. I now possess an immense ability to trust children and am a witness to the power that imparts them in realizing their own truth as independent learners and socially responsible beings. As a parent and teacher I experienced unprecedented closeness in the new role of a trustee of their answers just as the Gunpaisha trusts me to find mine. And what answers! Leaps of insight by children arise spontaneously in a learning environment steeped in value: sending the message you too are ready to serve your teaching to all of us, "You are of value to me and the world." Care is a discipline. The discpline is that of service, that of the samauri. Welcome.

This opportunity is available to each one of us and is made easy by the guidance of the Gunpaisha. It is our right. It is our delight. It has always been and will be. In living here there are no prerequisites. Close the past and open a willing heart and the mind will follow in service.

I dare not live any other way. I thank and love my Gunapisha for my answer to "Who are you?". God bless and be an example. Good journey.

A Path, a Way, a Do -- to be read and re-read. A book to keep ready to hand. Make notes in the margins and read again.

Note the positive change in your approach and attitude.

Through the Dragon's Mask brought back lots of lifes memories (lessons learned). The saying goes..."If the student is ready,the teacher will appear" Are there any "students" out there......? Dragon's Mask is much more than I expected and I can't wait for the next installment.

So often our adversary is not external. It is the internal fears, doubts and lack of urgency that stalls us. This book puts into warrior language the importance and urgency of going to the next level in combatting these inner dragons and demons. This book outlines easy to implement steps and strategies to follow, overcome and achieve.

I purchased this bood so I could better understand the 12 step recovery programs from a Jewish perspective. There is some language in the 12 steps that is difficult for Jews to reconcill with Jewish beliefs, this book gives you the tools to do that. I say it is a good companion book because it takes the 12 steps form AA, NA etc. and while it does not change the content of those steps, this book explains the steps in accordance with Jewish beliefs, gives guidance based on Jewish traditions and offers prayers grounded in Jewish beliefs. It is an important for any Jew or non-Jew, in recovery to own.

my order arrived in an undamaged package. Twelve Jewish Steps even though about the same as the original twelve steps it's a must have for anyone of the Jewish faith seeking to recover.

I am a rabbi and I work as chaplain with inmates in the jail system as well as people who suffer from the disease of (various) addictions outside that system. This series of books By Rabbo Olitzky has been a extraordary help in tying recovery, increasing spiritual exploration and helping those I work with to begin 'real' recovery possibilities: one day at a time.
It is both easy to read and layered with information/quotes from texts, opening the way for questiond, practical ways to get started/continue. I highly recommend this book.

A group of us recently organized within the Jewish community of Phoenix to start a local chapter of JACS, Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Addicted Persons, and Significant Others. We use this book as our text. A brief description of the JACS organization, and its relationship to and with other 12-Step programs is included in the Afterward section. Our group has grown steadily week to week, using "Twelve Steps" as both a source of inspiration and as an educational tool. It is not a replacement for other 12-Step programs, and doesn't try to be. Each chapter is devoted to one of the 12 principles, a concept that is not in the Big Book of AA, but which often triggers the introspection and self-awareness that is crucial to persons in recovery. Many Jews in our group are people who felt uncomfortable in traditional 12-Step meetings, for many, often different, reasons. This book reaches out to those people especially, helps ease their suffering, and brings all of us closer, ending the isolation which is so devestating. People get to recovery through many paths. We have found "Twelve Jewish Steps" to be both inspiring and community-building. So far, we've bought 24 books and we continue to need more. People use this book, reading it over and over. It increases compassion, understanding, and hope in both the person in recovery and in his/her family. There is no higher praise I can give.

Although the twelve step program of recovery from alcoholism and addiction was developed by religious Christians, these programs are nondenominational and, in fact, adhere to key tenants of Judaism. The type of introspection, righting of wrongs, and doing better in the future are part of the Jewish process of teshuva which means "return" and is the Jewish way to repentance. Rabbi Olitzky and Dr. Copans set forth this process, offering meditations, aphorisms, psalms and prayers relevant to each of the twelve steps.

I have a close family member who is in recovery. He went to a world class rehab center and was visited by an orthodox rabbi who has shown him great kindness and compassion. The rabbi presented him with a copy of this book. Although it is written by a reform rabbi, saving lives through recovery unites all Jews as an orthodox rabbi recommended the book. Furthermore, the emminent orthodox rabbi and physician Abraham Twersky wrote the introduction to this book. Thus, I recommend this book to any Jew (and even non Jews) in recovery as well as their families and anyone else interested in the subject of recovery.

When the high holidays approach, a review of the concepts in this book is worthwhile for anyone who wishes to be intrspective and seek teshuva during that holy season. I highly recommend this book even if you are not in recovery. Furthermore, although written from a Jewish perspective, the twelve steps are made so understandable by the use of the concepts in this book, that recovering addicts of any faith will benefit from this book.

This book contains more than just cocktail recipies, but also plenty of information on the main spirits and liquers (with mention to many specific brands) as well as a very brief guide to wines and beers. The reader will learn the history and production of many of these beverages. There is also a section on equipment needed for your own bar and some basic bartending techniques. The recipie section is full of vivid photographs to give the aspiring bartender a better idea of what the final product should look like. Stuart Walton is very knowledgeable about the different products and brands, and makes many reccomendations for serving drinks as well as foods that accompany them well. Although the book sometimes contains more pictures than information (as is the tendency among books from this publisher), it is overall a very good introductory source and is a worthy purchase at a low price.

"The Ultimate Book of Cocktails" is an amazing addition to the ever growing number of books about alcohol, alcohol mixing, and bartending. From the cover to the very last page, the entire thing has a very flashy, professional style, rife with literally hundreds of full color pictures, clearly displaying what each and every bottle or mixed drink should look like. The paper used is a high quality, heavy type that will stand the test of time, as well as all your spilled alcoholic concoctions.

This massive tome starts off with a brief, but highly informative, introduction to the history of all of alcohol's various forms. Several artifacts are shown to highlight whatever historical point is being made, such as a small statue dated around 2300 BC of an Egyptian woman mixing beer. All the information presented in the introduction is just a broad overview, though, as the real meat of the history is scattered throughout the book in every entry. Essentially every type of hard liquor that could possibly be imagined is presented in all it's glory, along with it's history and what it tastes good mixed with. Both broad categories, like "Vodka" and specific types or brands, like "Southern Comfort" are given due attention. Several of the entries are rather surprising. Grand Marnier is listed, along with what it mix it with to actually drink, although it's most typically used solely as a cooking aid, or as part of a mix for marinating fruits. Pisan Ambon, an Indonesian liquor made with banana, is just one of many little known or hard to find liquors explained here, and most of them will have the reader out the next day trying to track the thing down. Following the hard liquor is an equally comprehensive section on champagne and wine, which is then followed by a necessarily shorter segment on beer. There are simply far too many types of beer to give a whole page for each without having a two thousand page book. Several non alcoholic mixers, from the most ordinary to most exotic, are also described in detail.

The obligatory "bartending techniques" section is present, with all the tools of the trade and the various foods and liquids any bartender should have stocked before entertaining. The bulk of the book is in the drink recipes - and this is where "The Ultimate Cocktail Guide" really shines. Hundreds of cocktails are listed, utilizing nearly every liquor previously mentioned in the book, all with full color photos of the end result and a short little blurb about the drink and it's history. A good variety of styles are present, ranging from fruity tooty drinks, to hardcore "knock you off your seat" drinks, to absolutely bedazzling drinks that exist more for presentation than for drinking.

Anyone interested in getting absolutely sloshed, in style, owes it to themselves to purchase this book as quickly as possible.

This a good coffe table book to own, the appearance of the book is fabulous and the information in it is even more interesting. The guide has not only a long list of some of the best drinks but also how to make them, what goes well with them, what kind of glasses to use and a little history on the alcohol itself.
I've tried mixing several of the drinks and they came out fabulous.
***This book appears at the Bargain section of Borders a lot. It's usually less than 5 bucks.

I received this book from my parents for my 21st birthday. Now, I knew that such things as beer, wine, and vodka existed and I've had my share of encounters with alcohol before my 21st birthday but I would have never guessed that there was so much information. This book has an introduction which talks about the history of alcohol. Then it has a section on the types of drinks and information about them (I would have never guessed how many there really are: spirits, gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, brandy, kirsch, etc., etc., etc.). It even talks about non-alcoholic mixers with information on how to serve drinks. Then there is an entire section on bartending techniques (which are very useful when trying to impress guests). And then there are over 130 pages of colorful (ie. pictures) drink recepies with a glossary and an index in the back. This book is easy to use by anyone who has no clue what they are doing and in no time the novice can be impressing their friends at parties and making some interesting and yummy drinks. This book is so easy to use because it spells out how to make these yummy and complicated looking drinks in clearly written steps (and the pictures help too). It will be a long time before I get bored of this guide, I highly recomend it to anyone.

I got this book as a gift and assumed it was just another cocktail guide. Little did I know this book is also a wealth of information on the history of spirits, liqueurs, wines, beers, and more. Also contains bartending techniques, tips and proper etiquette, as well as superb photography of most drinks and popular reccomended brands. I was never too big on cocktails or drinking but now I want to try and make and sample everything.

Beautiful book, definitely worth the $12 it's being sold here for.