Wagner Books

Grendel: War Child is perhaps not what long-time Grendel fans expected. I can understand how those of you who cut your teeth on the affairs of Hunter Rose and Christine Spahr might find this massive post-apocalyptic adventure story a bit jarring, but on its own merits, I think War Child holds up pretty well.

War Child is set in the distant future, where the spirit of Grendel is no longer part of the shadow world, but is instead a critical and respected aspect of society. The world's ruler, the Grendel Khan has recently died, and his young heir has been kidnapped by a mysterious warrior called Grendel Prime, much to the dismay of the Khan's ex-wife, who sought to use the boy to assure her own control over the world's affairs.

Grendel Prime's quest to protect the heir until he is old enough to rule takes them all over the globe and incorporates the best elements from just about every adventure story imaginable. You have cyborg warriors with (for lack of a better term) lightsabers and hover-cycles, vampires, mutants, gangs, pirates, witches, resistance fighters, super-weapons, and a pissed-off gorilla. There are romantic and political elements to the story, but at heart War Child is an epic adventure saga.

All told, I think Matt Wagner has created something quite special with Grendel: War Child. It's not what you'd typically expect from a Grendel story, but it's the one I find myself coming back to time and time again. The 300+ page War Child trade paperback collects the entire 10-issue limited series plus covers and sketchbook material.

NOTE: This one is for mature readers only. It features explicit language, nudity and some sexual situations, and more blood-soaked violence per page than you might think possible. None of it seems gratuitous however; it's just part of the story.

Grendel: War Child tells us the story of a alternative world were ONE emperor is ruler over the entire world (called) Grendel Kahn. Unfortunately the Grendel Kahn just passed away so the entire world is out for power and possession. The only one who is in the way of the wife of the passed away Grendel Kahn becoming supreme ruler is his son. So it's essential to get this son to safety away from his mother to grow up and rise the throne when he's ready for it. Only the way to safety is long and dangerous in a world where everybody is out for his head. This particular trade got me hooked on the Grendel Legacy and I can advise people who are into Fantasy/Mad Maxx/Waterworld to get this trade without a doubt. It's well worth your money both qualitywise as quantitywise (there are 10 issues in here).

Another epic tale by Matt Wagner. This is the only one I felt came close to the glory of the Hunter Rose stories. (In the back of the Mage: The Hero Discovered books)This one has it all. This Grendel is a perfect warrior with flawed masters....beautifully balanced

This is alternate future story about one boy who should inherit the throne of Earth and how he got betrayed by his mother. Robocop wannabe called Grendel Prime saves him and they journey away from chasers that were sent after him. It has elements of sci fi movies of early nineties, think Terminator and so on. The stage is set in your typical Mad Max/Judge Dredd future.

Maybe it was great for people who were teenagers when it was published, but I searched it so much and got dissapointed in the end.

This is a must for anyone who loves a good adventure story, sci-fi or otherwise! And for the Grendel followers, a DEFINITE MUST READ if not OWN!!! I love what this book did with the story and image of the dark hero, and how past enemies were incorporated into the picture! Can't say enough without giving it all away- except "make more!!!!!" Vivat Grendel!!!!!

This biography is a well-written, entertaining biography. It seems to be a good place to start your study of Plath. Trouble with the Hughes caused there to be much less quotes from Plath herself than we would have liked to have seen. And it seems a bit short to cover one of our most important poets in just under 250 pages. But still, it is a good book and a good place to begin.

So far, this is one of the clearest, and easiest to read biographies of one of the finest (and most intriguing) female poets of the 20th century. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Sylvia Plath, but doesn't feel like sorting through endless fluff and interpretations of her work. This book simply describes the life of a tortured woman writer. Good job, great reading!

When she was simply Dr. Linda Wagner, the author was one of the shining stars of the faculty of Michigan State University Department of English. That's where I met her. When this biography was published, i was a doctoral candidate in English and American Literature at NYU. I wrote Dr. Wagner-Martin a congratulatory note and was oh-so pleasantly surprised that she not only responded, but she remembered me from my undergraduate days. Linda's (she was VERY informal) scholarship and academic acumen are world-class. One of her Michigan State colleagues, Dr. Clinton S. Burhans, Jr., once described her, admirinigly, as "a book factory." The Plath biography gives a wider audience a chance to appreciate the fine teacher, pain-staking scholar and tough-minded critic that Linda Wagner-Martin is. Highly-recommended for anyone seriously interested in American Literature, woman writers or the British-American literary milieu of the '50s and early '60s. (Incidentally, Ted Hughes WAS a creep..and not half the poet Sylvia was...despite recent [2003] attempts to rehabilitate his image. Linda is right on point here!)

I had the pleasure of taking an American Women Authors class taught by Linda Wagner-Martin at UNC Chapel Hill, and let me tell you, she really knows her stuff about Plath. She fascinated us with her tales of the process of writing this book. For a fresh perspective on the life and work of Sylvia Plath, this is a good one.

I am a recent follower in Sylvia Plath's work and I found that this biography read like a fiction novel, which I think that more biographical writers should do. It maintained this while being serious and formal about Sylvia's pain and her re-occuring issues with her husband. This book is highly recommended to anyone wanted to find out more about Sylvia's life from an unbiased point of view.

The Sandman was a cult comics character in the 90s and The Sandman Mystery Theatre was an update of the Golden Age 1930s version of The Sandman but made in the 90s to keep it fresh. This first entry in the graphic novel series gets the series going. the title character is depicted with trench coat, gas masjk and gas gun, listed in the DC heroes game with godlike psychic powers. An interesting, addicting twist on 90s gothic comics that keeps serious readers interested with an aura of mystery and suspense. Recommended for mature readers, contains at times nudity and swearing, but kept classy and non violent.

Sure, Neil Gaiman's Sandman gets all the praise, but I prefer Matt Wagner's version of the Golden Age Sandman, which is modified to tie in loosely with Gaiman's stories. This wonderful series ended several years ago, and DC/Vertigo is hesitant to collect the story arcs, for some unknown reason. Thankfully, they at least released "The Tarantula", issues 1-4, for our reading and viewing pleasure. This book adequately sets up the series, fleshing out Wesley Dodds and the supporting characters as has never been done before. Guy Davis' artwork is beautiful, understated, and is the perfect match for Wagner's story. Don't let the fact that this series is "noirish" keep you away (this is no paper-thin Sin City). The story has depth and feeling, and enough plot to warrant multiple reads.

I confess: I only collected this book off and on during it's run, more off than on unfortunately, and now, after reading this trade and another, sorely regret my decision. This was one of the inaugral offering from DC's Vertigo imprint, and some probably felt that it was made to ride on the coat tails of the mega-popular Sandman book, but Sandman Mystery Theater stands on its own, mainly because it (for the most part) skews the fantasy elements of Gaiman's series, and instead opts for a noir, hard-boiled feel. The stories here are firmly grounded in the real world (save for Wesley's dreams). The writing is tight and focused, setting up and resolving the mystery in four parts (compare that with the ponderous storylines of today). Along the way, we're escorted into a world of vice, corruption and decadence. And it's absolutely beautiful.

First of all let me say that people who are looking for a title themed like Neil Gaimans Sandman, this book is not it. This title ties in a little bit every now and then but that's it for comparisation, it's a totally different ball-park, a totally different sort of comic. What this is is a very fine (non-supernatural) detective story (this particular book collects #1-4, the complete "Tarantula" story-arc) based around "The Sandman", a revamped character from the early days of DC. The Sandman is a guy with a secret identity dressed in a John Constatine coat, an Al Capone hat, a gasmask and a gaspistol, who acts as a secret detective and tries to solve crimes his way.

About the story: An anonymous kidnapper who calls himself 'The Tarantula, is on the loose and he claims his vistims rapidly. He shows to be extremely violent and not fearing any act of brutality to show he's meaning business in getting what he wants. The police are without a clue and don't know where to start. And does the Tarantula really pick his victims so randomly ? Meanwhile the commisioners daughter has taken an interest in a young man named Wesley Dodds who seems remarkably interested in the case, and there's also the mystery of the man who's going all over town wearing a gasmask and carying a gaspistol, attacking people who seem possibly related to the Tarantula.

Like I said, it's not a Gaiman's Sandman type of book but more of a detective book set in a time about 60 years back. While reading it you'll really get the feeling you're watching a police detective series on TV. People who enjoy titles like Sin City and possibly even Top Ten lovers (provided they don't have a problem with this book not involving characters that aren't out of the ordinary) will have a very good time with it. It's a complex story which requires some attention while reading but it's very much worth it in the end. Try it out sometimes because the fact this book was never a big hit doesn't say anything about it's quality.

I think he would have come up with this character. The Sandman was always, amongst the Golden Age heroes, something of an anamoly - when others dressed in brightly colored spandex, the Sandman wore a gas mask, business suit, fedora, & cape. Matt Wagner & Guy Davis come up with one of the most unique "re-inventions" of the character, creating a horrific image straight out of WWI (with an appropriate gas mask) and putting a unique hero amongst a word where corruption and prestige walk hand in hand. This arc - which may or may not be a "rewriting" of a Golden Age classic (the Tarantula was, believe it or not, the Sandman's first foe) also has the trademarks of classic pulp fiction, including the seedy goings-on of a prominent family, a kidnapping, several murders....

OK, this proves that comics aren't just for adults, and personally, I wish they would release more graphic novels (including the "Man of the Hour" arc, which had a unique take on Hourman). However, let this be your introduction into a unique series that, although never was a million seller, had a charm all its own.

I recently read Warrior Chicks. Once I began reading it I could not put it down. This is a "must-have" book for every woman.
WarrorChicks:
1. Offers hope in seemingly hopeless situation
2. Gives assurance of God's purpose for our life
3. Reminds us of our obligation to those who are watching us and need to see us win
4. It gives us inspiration to put on our Armor and take the offense and kick the Devil's rear end
5. It give us strength to get up one more time and bringing someone with us who needs us to help her win her own battle.

I guess I have to start a fan club for all of us "Warrior Chicks". Thanks for writing another great book!

Warrior Chicks: Rising Strong, Beautiful & Confident

I have been strengthened and encouraged by other Holly Wagner books but "Warrior Chicks" helped me to see myself as the beautiful, strong, kick-butt warrior chick that God made me to be. Reading about Holly's battle and victory over cancer and her honest thoughts and feelings during that battle, helped me to know that there is nothing I can't face and beat as well. I am so ready to fight the fight. I'm determined to be a major player in this thing called life and I am ready to equip the next generation. Thank you Holly for equipping me...

This is an amazing and inspirational book! Holly speaks to the warrior in each of us and challenges us to Rise! A great read for women everywhere!

Hey everyone...this is actually Melissa, not Matt, Mashburn, and I wanted to take a quick minute to tell you that if you only have time to read one book this month that this is absolutely THE BOOK to read!!!

I started this book two weeks ago with a group of chicks in Ft. Lauderdale, and we opened it up online through my Blog and now have over 30 chicks reading, learning, loving, laughing, and growing while they read it.

Holly Wagner has a gift! She writes in a way that you feel like you are sitting on a comfy soaf with your best friend, sipping a Toffee Nut Latte (non fat, of course!), and talking about what it takes to RISE above and become a WARRIOR CHICK!

Life is not always what you expected, and as women we need to be able to roll with the punches, sure, but we also need to know that it is our duty, our right, and our duty to become a WARRIOR, not a whiner!

I would highly recommend this book to any chick who is going through some stuff, has been through some stuff, or is a friend to someone who is! It is great to read with a group, and even as effective individually!

Enjoy...it Rocks!
Melissa

Wow! what a life-changing and inspiring book! Holly Wagner has an amazing way of leaving you feeling empowered, inspired, and encouraged after each paragraph. This is my favorite so far from Holly Wagner. For any of you "chicks" out there going through a battle...you need to read this book.

Mark Twain was a superb observer and chronicler of Americana. "What is Man" is a compilation of his later writings, and these essays still have meaning today. Because they tend to be reflective, they provide an insight into Mark Twain himself. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This book is not for everyone. If you believe what is happiness,
and you're happy w/ your life w/ no dought, skip this book.
If you doubt everything including your feelings (especially
happiness and satisfaction), then this book provides some idea
to fill up the hole (at least partially).

There is a book by the same author called "the Misterious Stranger" which is much easier to read. It's enjoyable. So I
recommend you guys to try out the misterious stranger first.
Then, if you like the story, and you'd like to know more
about the philosophy behind it, read this one

Mark Twain has a knack for explaining reality without any of its grand notions. That's why I love this book. It's a bible that you can read in one sitting and reveals why people act as they do. Unlike the other reviewer, I know you can be a happy person before reading this book and come out the other end a happy person.

Do you wonder where your thoughts originate? Do you wonder what motivates your, or why you act or react to different situations, or just everyday life? Mark Twain, in the characters of the old man and the young man, present arguments that can change you way of looking at living. It is a must read book, that will cause you to pause...everytime a thought comes to mind and everytime you react to any situation. You will wonder who it really belongs to......take a new look into your own mind. See people from a new perspective..it is amazing.

After having read the first few pages of What Is Man? I knew that I would not be able to let it go just like that. In the form of a dialogue Mark Twain raises a bunch of questions about Mankind and the way the mind works. And without revealing too much I can safely say that these are not regular everyday questions!

Whether or not one finds the questions and ideas raised in the book outrageous or greatly revolutionary, one will still be able to get many hours of reading satisfaction out of it. With his usual wit, Twain has created a beautiful dialogue that in many ways can be compared to that in Plato's The Republic. And I would be amazed if this book doesn't put your brain to work. In my case I spend hours, days and even weeks discussing the book with friends and family. I simply wanted to get other people's conceptions and opinions of the ideas raised.

What Is Man? is not just a great piece of art. It is a somewhat behaviouristic philosophy and a way of looking at Mankind. In my opinion a must in every personal library. In my own case I'll need it as an e-book on my laptop for when I'm on the road and as hard back on the book shelve when I'm sitting in my easy chair relaxing after a long day.

If you're involved in the wine industry and the marketing of wines in any way, read this book. As a former media person (20 years) and current winery owner, I appreciate the straightforward and "to-the-point" manner that this book is written in. Getting media, industry, and consumer attention for your product shouldn't be a mystery and it isn't rocket science. This book goes a long way in proving it.

Wine is in fashion for at least 10000 years...;
And I bet: it will be in fashion for the rest of our time !
So,against the title of this book I say : There is no saturated markets, there are only people that do not understand wine, it is important for every one of us to reflect on how the American Way of Life is downgrading,
we should export happiness, and pleasure, as we did in the late 40's and 50's after the II WW....
We should export more wine, wine against any war.
Schiffini, J. P. (The Century Club co-founder)

As a marketing student, I found this book very helpful. It has both theory and practical examples, which made studying wine marketing much easier. I'd highly recommend it.
Vivian Pershall

Any serious college-level wine or business library collection shouldn't miss Wine Marketing & Sales: Success Strategies for a Saturated Market: it provides a detailed survey of wine marketing challenges, comes from leading wine marketing professors, and covers everything from marketing theory to packaging, label design, sales methods pros and cons, and more. Industry professionals will find plenty of information here, based on real-world experience, and will find WINE MARKETING AND SALES an outstanding pick for any who would understanding this specialty market and its unique challenges.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

My main interest for purchasing this book was to gain guidance on importing wine to the US. I read the author's pre-release review that indicated the book devoted an entire chapter to the topic of exporting/importing wine. Upon finally receiving the book, I found one chapter that mainly addressed wine exporting and the chapter had one high-level page on wine importing. I was disappointed and returned the book.

Excellent presentation and collection of photogrpahs particularly if you find it too troublesome to get them on the web.

Although the tracing of the history of the development from a business view point is quite comprehensive, the reader more interested on the technical side may be slightly disappointed as compared with some other airline series such as the airlife.

But it seems that this is the only book currently on the market about the A380.

I purchased this book as a gift for a nephew who loves jumbo planes.
Of course I took a peek at it before I wrapped it up, and I found it very hard to put down. I found the book well written and the pictures were fantastic. My nephew loved it as well.

"Airbus 380" takes the reader through the nearly 900 passenger airplane's development process - beginning with rough sketches in 1988. The aim was to break Boeing's 747 monopoly on large planes. Airbus envisioned increased travel to-from the Asia-Pacific market as justifying the need for new long-distance aircraft; the congestion at existing airports steered them towards a jumbo jet with targeted direct operating costs at least 15% less than those projected for new 747 models. After receiving a number of firm orders the go-ahead decision was made in June of 2000, aided or in spite of Boeing's decision to drop its effort to upgrade the 747 due to "insufficient market size." About 40% of the manufacturing was subcontracted out, and included a number of firms in the U.S.

Progress had been delayed by the Asian economic crisis in 1998, and the horizon darkened again with the air traffic slowdown post 9/11.

"Airbus 380's" narrative takes the reader throughout the development and testing, as well as initial manufacturing leading up to its January, 2005 roll-out. Clear photos, with accompanying specific explanation, provide insight to most every imaginable detail and an appreciation of the complexity and care involved.

Unfortunately for Airbus, the sudden rise in oil prices has led to fewer orders than hoped for, and wiring problems have twice created six-month production delays and the replacement of top management. Airbus has now committed to another $5 billion in development to further reduce operating costs in an effort to regain ground lost to Boeing's smaller but more efficient "Dreamliner."

I read the book and I have no word to express my suprise about airplanes technology. The photos and information is good.
Congratulations to Guy Norris and Mark Wagner for an excellent work.

Although it is somewhat bias towards Airbus and the 380, this book has a lot of good informaton on how the 380 came to life, and the competition with Boeing. The pictures are worth the price of the book (but the captions are lifted right from the text.) The text is a good read, and is as up-to-date as it could be, but missing the recent changes in Airbus mgt., development proceedures, and the new 350-XWB.

This is a mini encyclopedia of Boeing Jetliners. It provides coverage from the 707 to the 777 (the 777-300 is a future product for the book) including the requirements that led to the design of each, design considerations, all the variants, civil and military, and unique features of each. This is a nice historical reference anytime you want to know more about a particular Boeing Jetliner complemented by beautiful photographic material to match the content. For an overall read about the birth and development of the giant airliner market with a focus on technology and progress consider "Giant Jetliners" by the same authors.

Boeing jetliners was an excellent book because the photographs correspond with the story very well. Even to someone who dosn't know much about aircraft can understand most of the book because of the real life examples in the pictures, which are wonderful peices of photography compared to many other books.

This book is a must for airliners enthuisiast, it gives in depth information on development and also gives some beautiful shots that compliment the book material. It reminds me a lot of other books published by these authors. Another great one for the library!

An appealing look at the Boeing jet airliners from the 707 to the new CAD 777. Great photographs of the planes in flight. Includes various insignias of world airlines, and each series of plane. Unfortunately this well illustrated paperback does not include any interior shots. A fine addition to the aviation enthusiasts library

This book has plenty of colorful pictures that help teach the history, present, and future of the Boeing 7*7 series and how it has led the world to using jets.

This is a great book for your first book. I couldn't put it down. It's not filled with medical terms that would get one all confused. It's very good Mr. Wagner. You did a wonderful job on it. Can't wait for the next one.

I thought this was a great first novel. The second half of the book was a real page turner- I couldn't put it down. I was really surprised by the unexpected ending. It made me wonder if I had missed clues from the earlier chapters.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. I'm looking forward to Wagner's next effort.

Wagner weaves a very intricate tail of death and deception from a doctor's standpoint. The doctor's point of view is so often ignored in medical malpractice cases....Wagner brings it all in focus with this thriller. Very good read!!!

It was hard to put this book down. I think Dr. Wagner has a hit with his first novel. I hope he'll write another. I've shared my copy with some friends and they all agree this is a thrilling story.

Be sure to carve out a weekend for reading because you won't want to put this one down. The second half moves especially fast, with unexpected plot twists. I look forward to reading Wagner's next work!

I really liked this book, we have been using it for awhile now. The only thing is it's hard to draw the line sometimes. Like to decide when to count the child or when to choose your battles and let it go. I think it's a great book though and can be used by almost anyone.

I read this book three months ago, and I keep it on my nightstand so that I can easily refer back to it. Dr. Weiss and Dr. Wagner provide clear guidance on how to handle and, better yet, avoid difficult behaviors. Their advice is invaluable.

I have employed the approach discussed in the book, and my family is much better off as a result.

Many thanks to these experts for sharing their wisdom!

BY READING THIS BOOK I FELT THAT I WAS CONSULING PERSONALLY WITH DR. MICHAEL WEISS. I HAVE HOPES THAT THIS IS THE GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME.

Drawing the Line: Ten Steps to Constructive Discipline--And Achieving a Great Relationship with Your Kids offers hope to harried parents who are looking for a compassionate way to work with their children.

By using engaging stories and anecdotes to illustrate their ideas, Drs. Michael Weiss and Sheldon Wagner offer simple alternatives to punishment, lengthy and ineffective time-outs, and power struggles with kids. Their easy-to-follow, common-sense tips are nothing short of life-changing for parents who have been in search of a "better way" to communicate with and gain cooperation from their children.

Whether you're battling at bedtime, having a hard time with toilet training, or you're concerned about a toddler who subsists only on yogurt and grilled cheese, this book is sure to help restore harmony in your home.

Armchair Interviews says: A lifesaver for frustrated parents who want a better relationship with their kids.

This book is one of the few I have read that really speaks at a parents level. You can relate to many of the examples given in this book. I have also watched Real Families and the methods described in this book really work. This book is definitely worth your time! A++++++