W Books

This book, from my opinion, is really sad and heartbreaking, i mean, someone torturing and starving dogs to death, not to mention dogs dying, is bound to break anyone's heart. However, the book has its happy parts, which i enjoy.

This book changed my life!
It really made be want to go out and save every little puppy. But I realized it's impossable to change every puppy's life, so I should just try to be the best possable pet owner I can be.

Thank you so much for writing that novel. It was heart breaking and heart healing at the same time.

Eleven-year-old Margaret "Maggie" MacKenzie has grown up around animals. Since the death of her parents when she was a toddler, Maggie has lived with her veterinarian grandmother, Dr. Mac, and helped out around her clinic. It has always just been her and Gran - along with a younger veterinarian named Dr. Gabe - working side by side. But, suddenly, Gran has given three new kids from school - Brenna, David, and Sunita - along with her starstruck cousin, Zoe, the chance to volunteer alongside them. Maggie, however, has been placed on an extremely short leash, and been banished from the clinic until she pulls her grades up. Maggie couldn't be more disappointed. She knows everything about animals, while these new volunteers couldn't tell a lab from a golden retriever. It doesn't hurt that she's amazing with animals - especially dogs - and knows all the tricks to keep them calm, and make them happy. Unfortunately, with her homework so out-of-control, Maggie is forced to obey Gran's rules, and steer clear of the clinic. That becomes quite difficult, however, when various puppies begin making their way into the office, brought in by concerned owners. Each puppy is much too small to be away from their mother, and all are extremely sick. Maggie can't stand to see the puppies so close to death, and knows that there must be something she can do to save each pup. But the fact that she's just a fifth grader makes her feel as if there's nothing she can possibly do. As more and more pups pour in, however, Gran begins to suspect that something fishy is going on. And, with a little investigating, she discovers that each puppy was purchased from a scraggly old man at the Penn Street Farmer's Market. It's obvious that each of the dying puppies are malnourished, and mistreated, and Gran is convinced that the man is running a puppy mill. Maggie can't stand to see anymore pups end up hurt. So, pushing all thoughts of homework and extra-credit reports out of her mind, Maggie begins to devote her time to locating the puppy mill owner. While she's displeased to be forced to work with other volunteers, Maggie knows that one person can't solve a mystery as big as this one alone, and enlists the help of her new co-workers to help her track down Mr. Evil. But as she hits more and more dead-ends, Maggie begins to panic, and becomes convinced that, if she doesn't locate the puppy mill soon, more puppies will die!

Aside from Ben M. Baglio's ANIMAL ARK series, it seems that there are so few book series for middle readers that revolve around kids helping animals. Laurie Halse Anderson, however, changes that, with the release of her VET VOLUNTEERS series. While the lead character of FIGHT FOR LIFE, Maggie, seems slightly spoiled, and self-involved, the reader can certainly see where she may feel displaced by the introduction of new volunteers to the clinic. Her evolution from beginning to end is a large one, and certainly shows how much she grows throughout the course of the book. Maggie's compassion for animals, paired with her resistance to do homework, will certainly appeal to readers - especially those who find themselves on a crash course with bad grades. While Maggie's interactions with the other volunteers, as well as Dr. Gabe and her Gran, are quite enjoyable, and really give the reader the chance to choose a favorite character. I really must commend Anderson for her interest in penning a series for young/middle readers, that teaches the importance, and value of an animals life. With all of the animal abuse cases in the news nowadays, Anderson creates an outlet for animal lovers, that shows that they are not alone in their determination to save their four-legged friends. Her characters are interesting, and the dialogue is perfectly age-appropriate. Even more wonderful is the fact that Anderson includes a wide array of information regarding animal rights, puppy mills, and various animal rights laws that give readers the chance to learn more about the subject discussed. While the subject of puppy mills is fairly heavy, and the content of FIGHT FOR LIFE is oft-times gut-wrenching, it is a subject that needs more attention brought to it, and Anderson does just that within the pages of FIGHT FOR LIFE. A tear-jerking story perfect for animal lovers!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I love this book because I love animals and especialy dogs. If you like or even love animals you should read this book. Right now my teacher is reading it to my class because of my reccomondation. If you get sad about animals dying you might not want to read this book.

This book was so good, I read it twice in 1 month! After I bought it, I didn't want to waste time so I started to read this book, in 3 or 4 days I was totally surprised that I was over already! This book is great for people of all ages and parents, this book may help your child relize the seriousness of a pet. Thats why I rated this a 5 star book. (also because they didn't have any higher ratings.)

If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
The Master Key System
Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
The Science of Getting Rich
The Science of Mind
Think and Grow Rich: Original Version

I have a copy of Awakening the Giant Within by Robbins, TNT by Bristol and I bought two different books of NLP. I bought this book recently.

The two books on NLP were so complicated that I just put them aside. Carpenter's book is an easily readable nuts and bolts of the subconscious mind and how to program it, although he left out the "avoid using don't in your scripts. There was one part that I the skeptic do wish he had left out and that was about the pendulum idea of determining a baby's sex, etc. That is a bit hokey but it does demonstrate the power of the mind just like a ouija board. This one I didn't want to put down and I'm sure I'll read it again.

My 13-year old son has spent the last school year putting into action the suggestions and insight he has gained from this book, and has made such progress (in scholastics, sports, and social arenas) that I have to attribute much of this to the lessons contained in this fantastic book. I also have been awakened and am improving in multiple facets in my life.

I have added about 40 or so similar books to our home library, including all the usual suspects (Napoleon Hill, Troward, Wattles, Vernon Howard, Christian Larson, etc.), but this is such a concise and actionable book that really summarizes the practical applications of the wonderful power in our possession - a power we all have but that we have to be reminded about and not neglect it.

I highly recommended to read this book with an open mind, and you cannot help but be a better person. There is an inexpensive CD that accompanies the book, available at the auther's website that is highly recommended, too. Good Luck, and enjoy reading and learning!

This is a great book. Not too long. Easy to read. Reaffirms what I have always heard about the power of our subconcious mind. It's a shame that we waste all this power and ability.

If you are struggling to achieve the success that you want, then you need to do three simple and easy things: 1) Buy this book, 2) Read and learn the concepts contained in this book, 3) Apply what you have learned in this book.

The author boils it all down to an easy to learn science on how you can utilize your subconscious mind to achieve anything that you desire. This is key since I've read several books on the subconscious mind. After reading this book, I know now why I didn't succeed using other author's suggestions. This book is almost more like a fun to read manual of how to program your subconscious mind for all the success you want!

My advice to you is to IGNORE all other books on this subject until after you've read this book and applied the techniques. I have and am seeing very successful results after the first day.

We really enjoy this series- we read to our 5 & 3 year old boys
each night...just two or three chapters. They love the MT stories.
Easy reading.

Mary Pope Osborne has done it again with this book. A great book for children.

I love the magic tree house series!!! I greatly enjoy reading these with my daughter!!!! Keep bringing them on.............mommytess

If you like adventure books, than read this book. This book is about three kids who go to a castle and try to help a family, while trying not to be too scared. This is a really good book for anyone to curl up and read. It also has easy text for young readers to read and understand. Maybe you will like this book if you read it too.

Book review of
Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve


If you like magical places this is the book for you. The ages are 7-11. Jack, and Annie, and teddy have to finish a mission. That they were assigned by sorcer. They have to restore a castles order.
Jack, Annie, and Teddy have to restore a castle to normal. Jack is the leader. Annie helps and takes to animals. Teddy is a young sorcer. Teddy has rims to make the magic work.
Jack, Annie, and Teddy have to work together to save the castle. Teddy comes up with a plan to get the diamond. Jack found the diamond right away and flew to the castle. They help each other to protect the diamond. These three have to work together to over come obstacle.
The story takes place in a castle, tree house, and a nest. The castle is hunted. The tree house is failed with books. It can also transport you almost any ware. The nest is failed with jewelry and rare items.
Jack and Annie have to get back. Sometimes supped up on the ledge. It was the raven king. He had Teddy in a bird cage. You will have to read it to find the rest out.

Once you get past the strange layout (described in other sections), this is a great edition of Henry V. It is easy and fun to read and offers valuable insights (not just for students either). Well worth a flutter.

This play is best known for the St. Crispian's Day "Band of Brothers" speech given by King Henry just before the battle at Agincourt. It is a powerful speech that rallies people at all times and everywhere. Sir Lawrence Olivier made a film version in 1944 during WWII and Kenneth Branagh made another as recently as 1989. You can count on there being more versions. Epecially so when computers can help them make spectacular battle scenes (that aren't really in the play) with less expense.

Audiences love this play and they should. There is a lot to like and enjoy. I think upon repeated readings Henry becomes a more equivocal character than he seems at first. And readers of the King Henry IV plays will know him before he became King Henry and know something deeper about his personality.

And of course there is the whole bit about the drive to France being sponsored by the Church to avoid confiscation of property by the Crown. Moreover, there is the slaughtering of the French prisoners, and his treatment of Falstaff (who dies offstage in this play). This isn't revisionist stuff, it is right there in the play, but it is easy to miss the first time you are trying to take in the play.

In any case, this Arden edition is the one to buy and read from. Why? Because it has the most authoritative text, but that is only the beginning. It also shows variants between the early sources. The notes at the bottom of each page of the play are simply fabulous. The editor includes not only helpful notes explaining what might be obscure in the text of the play, he provides sources Shakespeare probably used such as Holinshed and makes for some very interesting study. There are also some helpful notes on how various scenes have been performed over time.

And to make this sound more like an infomercial, you get more! The introduction provides great background material on the play, its sources, and how it has been performed throughout history. After the play, there is a photo reproduction of the first Quarto from 1600 and it is fairly readable. There are also a couple of maps showing the path of the English Army from Harfleur through other towns on its way to Calais and makes clear how they had to pass through Agincourt.

There is also a helpful genealogical table so you can see the confusing claims used by Henry and the French nobility to make their claims. And there is a doubling chart so you can see how theater companies can perform all the roles with fewer actors.

This is a great edition as are all the plays published by the Arden Shakespeare. The amount of work collected in these volumes is stunning and they will enrich your experience of the plays tremendously. I can't recommend them enough.

This play more than any others in the histories glorifies Englishmen and England. His characters in this one are larger than life, but each has their own limitations and flaws. The play covers the time of the Battle of Agincourt when the French King Charles was so sure of victory that he sent a messenger to Henry to ask him to give up and to pay a ransom before the battle. On the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, the English were outnumbered five to one, Henry's troops were on foreign soil and riddled with disease. The scenes where Henry dons a disguise and goes out amongst his troops to bolster their confidence are great. The English managed to triumph in this battle where all was stacked against them mostly because of Henry's leadership. This is such a sweeping story that it is hard to condense in a few words, the plot of the play, but it is a wonderful example of Shakespeare's skills as a writer.

'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.' What more need I say? Henry V is an imortal classic of western literature. And this edition is complete and accurate. See the film if you want, but be sure to read the words at least once. They are inspiring.

"Now, if these men do not die well, it will be a black matter for the King that led them to it."

Particularly poignant poetry in these times of pompous presidential sabre rattling and wars based on questionable facts.

This book describes one strategic issue: it's possible to measure anything. Today this is one of most important points for the culture of execution and double this importance wnhe focused on intnagibles.

What is the value of $45? You can purchase about 11 gallons of gasoline or How To Measure Anything. The latter provides you with the means to move to another level in business or organizational management. The former may get you to work and back for a week.
I can't say enough good things about Douglas Hubbard's book. It provides all the benefits of statistical prowess without getting bogged down in the math. It is clearly and engagingly written. (I had difficulty putting it down.) It keeps you wanting to learn more. And it is exceedingly practical. The discussion of how to calibrate your ability to estimate ranges is worth the price of the book alone.
How To Measure Anything is one of a kind. I know of nothing that comes close to explaining this material this well. As an added bonus, Hubbard has given readers a web site with downloadable templates that enhance the book's value even further.
If your job or personal life involves making judgments in the face of uncertainty and you would like to know how to reduce the uncertainty without spending a fortune, buy and read this book. You will not regret it.

...you must read this book. Beyond simply breaking down the obstacles to quantification, this book helps you understand the value of the information that quantification provides. If you are responsible for making business decisions or recommendations, you have to read this book.

Conceptually a good book, It would be better with more examples in the business world such as measuring value of better communincations or value of intellectual property. These are vexing issues today. However, the though process to getting to an answer in this book was worth the price.

Perhaps the most frequent question from decision analysis team members is, "How do we get the inputs?" In most evaluations, there are several key variables about which we know little. Consider oil price, for example. We have abundant historical data, yet forecasting future prices is a daunting challenge.
Doug Hubbard has written an entire book about capturing quantitative judgments. His approach differs from the usual decision analysis process. In a conventional analysis, we assume that that a subject matter expert (SME) can be identified for each key variable. Then, a skilled interviewer carefully elicits the SME's judgment through an interview process.
Hubbard takes a different approach. People familiar with the type project are assembled and given calibration training. Becoming calibrated might take perhaps a half-day of practice exercises and feedback. Basically, being "calibrated" means that one can consistently provide judgments of 90% confidence intervals that avoid the "overconfidence" bias. The book provides several example quizzes for the reader to self-assess.
Even though I was well-aware of the overconfidence bias, I still performed poorly on the self-assessment tests (history was never my strong subject!). Of course, the questions for a technical group would be crafted from topics within the area of interest. Whether (a) expert in the quiz subject matter or not and (b) being told in advance that people tend to be overconfident about the quality of their knowledge doesn't seem to affect the overconfident bias. Practice and feedback are the antidotes.
Hubbard's training and consulting examples are engaging. It has been years since I've devoured a technical book so thoroughly. While the reader will pick-and-choose methods of most interest, the "measurement" topic is well-covered.
The book contains many shortcuts and heuristics for rapid problem-solving. Many people never attempt to quantify intangibles. Yet, most people with some modest training are able to provide credible judgments in quantitative form.
A sampling of topics includes:
* Modeling and Monte Carlo simulation
* Designing experiments for measurement
* Decomposition
* Heuristics for obtaining simple statistics
* Value of perfect information, for screening which variables are worthwhile measuring
* Bayes' rule (because we almost always have some prior information about the subject of the observation)
* Cognitive biases
How to Measure Anything is well-written and carefully edited. The companion Web site, [...], offers additional calibration questions, several calculation spreadsheets, and additional information.
Persons reading this book will be the better for it.

This is a great book for seasoned IT professionals that want to learn how to secure small and medium sized networks.

As others have said, if you want to read only one book, this is the one. The authors did a great job of describing concepts and relevant low level details and tools.

I enjoyed reading most of it, but I skimmed parts that described processes that seasoned engineers have applied countless times.

Highly recommended!

Very, very good.
All the most important subjects of perimeter security, remote access, resources separation are addressed.
TCP protocol details are clearly part of the explanation, therefore the more you know of it the better it is.
Useful links and vendor specific technology references are also included, like Microsoft, Cisco and so on.
Excellent.

Stephen Northcutt has done a great job! this is the most comphrensive book on the subject. I particularly found the part on access lists very helpful. Niloufer Tamboly, CISSP

Stephen Northcutt, and the various contributing authors, have created a masterful and well rounded guide of the various considerations that go into securing the network perimeter. As a student of Information Technology this book has been instrumental in my education and has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf (when it is not in my hands directly).

Fairly decent overview of perimeter security. If your a security professional you may learn a thing or two, if your a network administrator and your idea of security is a firewall then this book is meant for you. Its a fairly easy read, but some of the examples of the commands to enter in configuring routers and hosts could be eliminated. I felt the author was just taking up space with these examples. (not a big deal but I'm taking a star away on principal) I also felt the author could have gone into a little be more detail in the VPN chapter, especially when dealing with encryption, PKI, and authenication which I felt was glossed over. (again not a big deal, but when you call yourself the definitive guide, be more definitive and save the 'commands' for the user guides")

beautifull book a number of people at my life drawing session have seen it and want a copy

Was absolutely delighted when we received this book. This is an artist who is so ripe for a reappraisal! Waterhouse managed to pull off a genuine and moving romantic vision. The writing is thoughtful and spirited. The reproductions are first rate. Can't imagine anyone would fail to love this one.

Philip Koch
Professor of Fine Art
Maryland Institute College of Art

This is the best book I have found on J.W. Waterhouse. Not only does this book talk about the painter's life, but more importantly, each of J.W .Waterhouse's paintings are described in very full detail (eg: OPHELIA).

I was so intrigued by reading about Waterhouses' pictures, because the author of this wonderful book (ie: PETER TRIPPI) elaborated in great detail about each work of Art, by contrasting and comparing Waterhouses' paintings to other famous paintings and sculptures (eg: Bourne Jones from the 1800's, and also many famous Italian 1400-th Century Artists) .

The author has attempted, (& with great success, I may add), to show how Waterhouse was influenced by past Rapheaelite Artists and also by some of the other famous first-phase Pre-Raheaelite English Artists.

Each synopsis, of each Waterhouse painting is quite amazing and like no other interpretation that I have read on this famous late-Pre-Raphaelite Artist.

The repro-photos of Waterhouse's works are amazing, -----showing such wonderful details and colors.

If you are an art lover of paintings that can take your breath away, and pulling you int it than John Waterhouse is a must for your collection. He is such a great artist and this book is so incredible you want to devour it. He is one of the greatest artists of his time that I would recommend this book because it is affordable and wonderful.

I received this book quickly and with no delays.

Would love to have ordered the hardcover for a coffee table book but this one does just fine for the cost and over-seas shipping it would have taken for the hardcover. Lots of information on J W Waterhouse and great pictures. It even has some of his less known works and pictures that you can't find prints for. A true keep sake and treasure for those who are interested in this artist and his time. Oh, and a few of the house guests, students, have even asked to borrow the book. First table book to have created some interesting conversations.

When I sent away for this book I had no idea that it would be so beautifully illustrated in full colour. It is a real little treasure of cat stories told in a way that only James Herriott can. I loved it.

We loved this book so much, we named our two cats Olly and Ginny. 'Nuff said.

Goes quickly, but he writes well and if you're a cat owner, you'll really develop a rapport with the cat stories in here. Not just for "cat ladies" - my husband picked it up and couldn't put it down.

Look you haven't heard a story read until you've heard it read by Christopher Timothy!!!! This guy could make a phone book interesting to hear read! These stories are great! They'll have you laughing and crying! So becareful if you listen in your car ;0) I was driving my 18 wheeler down a rural road in Luisiana getting all teary eyed! Scary thought, right?

James Herriot writes of his veterinary experiences as no one else could. Full of humor,sometimes sadness but always spellbinding and interesting. I could not put this book down.

The last few books in this series had gotten very complicated and very dark. This book hits a much-needed "reset" button. Captain Jack Aubrey, who in the last book was stripped of his rank and convicted of a crime he did not commit, blazes his way to exciting, glorious redemption. Doctor Stephen Maturin, while still flirting with disaster with his laudanum addiction, reconciles some of his personal problems and resolves a confusing, multi-book story arc with a bang.

The Letter of Marque is a fun and exciting read, though the story was not especially emotionally involving, so did not stick with me as much as thought it would. Great history and wit as we've come to expect from this author. On to the next book!

Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel "To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark"

First, I must say that I do not like to race through these novels. Instead, I like to read them slowly and savor every page. That was hard to do this time because this was a real page turner, an excellent follow-up to the previous installment.

Once I had finished The Reverse of the Medal, I instantly began pouring over this one, and indeed it was uplifting. Any fan of these books will be very pleased with this episode.

However, what I like best about these novels is the friendship between the characters. It says alot about honor, devotion, and true friendship, which I believe is the finest element of this series. That quality is particularly apparent in this novel.

I don't have time for a long analysis, but these books are fantastic. I am on my second read-through of the series, and this time I am buying them as I read them. I have never been interested in the sea or ships or the military, (I used to wonder why anyone would have a painting of a ship in their house, waste of wall space), but now I have a whole new respect and admiration. Patrick O'Brien brings the English navy to life in a way that evokes feelings of pride, sympathy, horror, elation and pure heart-pounding anticipation. The contrast of the main characters, Aubrey and Maturin, is amusing sometimes, often heart-warming. The galaxy of supporting characters is rich with personalities and details. The only character I really don't like is Diana, but she does lend another facet to Stephen's persona. All in all, I highly recommend this series, they are the best historical novels I have ever read.

After being deprived of his rank as post captain in "The reverse of the medal" Aubrey starts a new career as a "letter of marque" (private man-of-war) is started in this book. It's the characteristic seal of the series, it's a story of efforts and success, it enforces you to have read "The reverse", and to continue with "The thirteen -gun salute". If it will be your first book in the series it won't be the last. Save you don`t like this kinda book, then better don`t step through its board, and keep away of such a seizing.

It is a bit unfair of me to say that Patrick O'Brian's "The Letter of Marque" is a "character-driven" novel. Indeed, one of the many joys of O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series is his ability to sustain and develop such compelling characters over a long series ("LoM" is the twelfth book).

But while there is a fair amount of action in this novel, what distinguishes "LoM" is O'Brian's further exploration of his two heroes, Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin.

The novel opens with Aubrey bereft after being unfairly stripped from the lists in the Royal Navy. Unfairly charged and convicted of a financial scheme in which he played an entirely unwitting part, Aubrey has had his lifeline to the Navy cut as harshly as with a boarding axe. Now this merry captain, who used to delight in dreadful puns and baroque music, has been reduced to a cold, frightening visage. Remote, distant, joyless, Aubrey is at his lowest ebb.

Thankfully, Aubrey's boon companion, Dr. Maturin, has a lifeline. Thanks to a prodigious inheritance, Maturin buys Aubrey's beloved H.M.S. Surprise and outfits her as a privateer - with the titular letter of marque. This letter essentially authorizes the Surprise to be a pirate for the British Navy. While this offers Aubrey a chance to go to sea in his favorite ship, this joy is tempered by the shame that is attached to the word "privateer" by the serving sailors of the Royal Navy. Aubrey feels this acutely.

But privateer or no, the command of the Surprise offers Aubrey the chance at redemption through a heroic action . . . possibly even reinstatement to the lists! And so Aubrey leads the Surprise into various actions, including a complicated night-time raid on a French-held port to steal a ship from under French noses. O'Brian writes these scenes as only he can.

But this novel is not only about Aubrey. Dr. Maturin continues to ply his intelligence trade. He also continues to struggle with his two demons - an addiction to opium and an addition to Diane Villiers, his estranged wife. Maturin has heard that Diane has fled to Sweden with the attractive Swedish colonel Jagiello after she heard (incorrectly) that Maturin was having an affair in Malta. And so Maturin heads north to confront her, and possibly Jagiello, with the truth.

All of these plots allow O'Brian to explore both Aubrey's and Maturin's characters in new ways. Aubrey has had his troubles before with the law, but those were always civil matters involving nothing more than unsavory characters. Here, Aubrey is confronted with shame for the first time. Maturin also must confront his own nature, for as a man of intellect and science, he is not proud to be addicted to either a drug or a woman. And yet he is.

"The Letter of Marque" may be the shortest of the Aubrey-Maturin novels so far, but there is a lot of meat on this small bone. Do not read this novel unless you have read those that come before - the characters won't make nearly as much sense. But you will be thankful once you get to this novel - it is well worth the wait.

This book is an introductory peek at one of the most foundational mathematical tools needed for any consideration of cosmology, astronomy, and/or particle physics:
"At one end, far out where the galaxies appear like glowing froth in darkness, all our sciences become only one: cosmology. ... At the other end, for the very small we again have one science only: particle physics. There are even hints that the two ends inform each other." Evidence, perhaps, that television isn't all bad, the concept here was developed for a TV special program (quite a few years ago now), then plucked from video to print. It's a 'can't miss' premise but I find the writing to be slightly awkward and there may be too many illustrations. For a book that begs me to pick it up, it too easily invites me to put it down. Even so, it makes for a reasonably good overview of a universe more than 20 billion light years wide made out of stuff so small that we must describe it using negative powers of ten. The idea here is to illustrate the dramatic changes of scale involved in only a few powers of ten, and thus the "power" of powers of ten. The book's theme is itself quite modest, but for the reader unfamiliar with the concept of exponential notation, this small volume may be a startling revelation. To those familiar with the concept, the book may be a mere novelty, perhaps a "coffee table book."

The premise of this book leads to one of the most fascinating demonstrations of what relative sizes really are. The first illustration is on the order of 10^25 meters, which is approximately 1 billion light years. At this level, even giant galaxies are little more than a dot of light. Subsequent illustrations move in by powers of ten, so by 10^23, our galaxy is now a large period with some evidence of a swirling structure. This zooming in continues until at the level of 10^1 meters, we see a man and a woman on a blanket in a grassy park on the edge of a marina in Chicago, Illinois. Their location was the central position of all previous illustrations.
The zooming in continues, the focus now in on the back of the man's right hand. At the level of 10^(-5) meters, we see an entire white blood cell. When the level of 10^(-8) meters is reached we see the structure of DNA and at the level of 10^(-14) meters, we see the nucleus of a carbon-12 atom. Finally, at the level of 10^(-16) we see nothing more than a random collection of colored splotches.
This is one of the best basic science books ever published; it should be read by all students before they get out of high school. Our brains have an inherent difficulty in grasping the enormous differences in size that exist in the universe. The illustrations are also an excellent lesson in the basic mathematics of exponents. From 25 to -16 is only 41 orders of magnitude and yet we have gone from what is close to the size of the universe down to the smallest objects that are currently known to exist.

I purchased this book years ago when I began collecting the magnificent Scientific American Collection. It has since been published in paperback and I have heard there is a corresponding book that decreases by powers of ten. This is easily the most approachable of all the books in the series and I have used it with both my boys when they were younger.

Parenthetically, anything that would stimulate American interest in science - and stem the tide toward a universal scientific illiteracy - should be welcome. I have seen this powers of ten device several times but the one that stands out in my mind is the opening scene of CONTACT that was marred only by the pitiful displays of stupidity heard from the members of the audience. ("Is that Saturn?" "Yeah, it was once a star and that's how it got its rings." "That's what I thought.")

Back to the book, we start off matter of factly then proceed outward. The commentary is sparse because little is needed. In this case, the picture IS worth a thousand words - more if you get down to it. Get this now-affordable volume and give it to a youngster.

I've seen this book for the first time in 1985, when I was kid. It is still my all-time favorite.

Although the book does have lots of textual info pages, the core of the book is a series of 42 full-page pictures which depict the an ordinary picnic photo in different scales.

Starting from an ordinary dude resting on the grass, each page turn shows the scene from 10 times farther away. First we see the park he is picnicing on, then the entire city, and before you know it we are in deep space racing towards the outskirts of the Universe.

On the other side of the journey, each page turn magnifies the last picture tenfold. First by viewing a close-up view of the picnicing guy's hand, you quickly find yourself probing deeper and deeper through the realms of biology and chemistry right into the core of a single atom.

The really cool thing about the whole deal, is that all the images are centered at the same object: a single atom on the picnicing dude's hand.

In short, the idea is absolutely brilliant. The images chosen for the presentation is not perfect, but they are still amazing. Of-course, the film is much more impressive then the book, but you can't take a film with you to a camping trip...

This is a great book. Believe it or not, I walk my 5 year old son through the pictures. I am sure it is not meant for youngsters but it can be used like I am am doing.

The idea behind the book is on its smallest scale it is inside a qark inside an atomic nucleus, inside an atom, attached to a DNA molecule, inside a nucleus of a white blood cell, slightly below the skin on a hand of a man asleep at a picnic on some grass in Chicago....all the way to the scale of the universe. My son and I will transverse the middle 1/3 or 1/2 of the journey. He gets to pick his own bedtime books and he chooses this one out of hundreds once or twice a week.

The pictures make a great way to explain the concept of scale and various aspects of science. On the facing page of the main picture underconsideration are objects of the same scale. You can really see that the tail of a dinosaur is 10 times longer than a man.

For the adult, it is an easy introduction to various aspects of science all at different scales. It is not a super serious book - no math - simple explanations. But as a practicing scientist, I view it as vary factual.