0bcee266-95a7-4064-b6f8-51777fc62e30TrueNewShip14WilliamsAmazonLargeBooksreviewrank72016372017B0007H6KI2http://www.amazon.com/Benets-Readers-Encyclopedia-William-Bene%C3%8C%C2%81t/dp/B0007H6KI2%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0007H6KI2William Rose BenétUnknown BindingHarper & RowEnglishEnglishHarper & Row1091Book1987Harper & RowHarper & Row1195USD$11.951995USD$19.950210005.0245B0007H6KI25112007-04-08

I wonder if I can find anything about it in Benet's Encyclopedia?

This book would be an invaluable asset to have handy to anyone who reads a lot.It is a large book ,1144 pages.It is the type of book that will be turned to frequently when you come across something in your reading that you would like to know a bit more about without going to a lot of trouble or checking a lot of sources. The book covers a lot more than literature and authors. It is an encyclopedia in every sense of the word.For instance ,if you have never heard of an author,or a book,that is mentioned somewhere ;there's a good chance that here you will find enough to serve your needs.However;if you do know the author and his works ,you will probably basically know what is in this book. <br /> Although most of the reviewers are very "well read";don't assume this is not the book for the "ordinary reader".I consider myself in that second group;and I can vouch that it is very down to earth and jam packed full of information,usable for everybody,regardless of their background or knowledge. <br /> I must also warn you that when you pick it up there is a great tendency to flip around it from one thing to another. It is no problem to spend an hour or more glancing through it. It is also the type of thing that can be left around for anyone to pick up,open at a page at random;and they will find something to interest them. <br /> It's difficult to say what all's in the book;because it covers all types of things other than literature. <br />Just a few for instances; <br /> <br /> Pg 321..we get all the rulers of England from 829- <br /> present,including their time in office. <br /> Pg.44..explanation of Gordian knot. <br /> Pg.434.. background of the guillotine. <br /> Pg.491..Huguenots <br /> Pg.581..Last Supper <br /> Pg.717-718..Napoleon I,II &III explained. <br /> Artists are covered.I found it interesting that max Ernst is included but not M.C.Escher. We get definitions such as epigram,epilogue,epinicion and epiphany on Pg.325.A flip of pages to 1020, and we get a short explanation of the Thirty Year War,mixed in with authors and book titles. <br /> What I've been trying to convey is the wide range of entries in the book and that it covers much more than literature and authors. It is a bit of a guess what you will find;but that is part of the enjoyment you will getfrom this book.You'll find "whore of Babylon" but not "The Butcher's Apron".The Pulitzer Prize winners are all listed. <br /> I could go on forever;I'll quit now,as most readers have gotten my pointby now.I hope so,anyway. <br /> If you buy this book,or buy it for someone who reads a lot;you'll never regret it.B0007H6KI25662006-08-14

A Writer's and Readers Tool

He drove an ambulance during World War 1, before becoming one of America's most famous novelists. Who wrote "Death of a Salesman"? Who wrote "Manhattan Transfer? Who created the character, Sherlock Holmes"? Holden Caulfield was the main character of what famous novel? Who wrote "Catch-22"? These are just some of the questions that "Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia" can answer. Bruce Murphy's book offers biographical notes on writers, synopsis of famous books, plays and poems, descriptions of characters and detailed explanation of literary terms and movements. <br /> <br />I have had my copy of Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia since its publication in 1987 and have found no better reference tool for writing research papers and for general literary inquiries. Although "Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia" is over-due for a major facelift, it continues to be a valuable tool - I keep my copy at arms reach along with my copy of "Oxford Companion to American Literature", by James D. Hart.B0007H6KI25332005-10-07

Where are the tabs?

I love my 4th edition and am glad I've kept my 2nd edition as now I have the best of both worlds. New info in 4th and the deleted info in the 2nd. The only thing I would do to improve the next edition is go back to the alphabet tabulations. <br />B0007H6KI25672005-06-07

The more you know the more you want to know

This is the kind of work which when first dipped into leads to the temptation to dip into it more and more . The sheer amount of information is so great, the entries so various in subject that endless delight is to be found in learning more and more. There are however as with most things, a few problems and limitations. <br />Take for instance the opening entry of the Encyclopedia, the entry on 'Aaron'. We truly learn important things about Moses' brother and mouthpiece. But for anyone who knows Biblical literature not to speak of its commentaries, the entry is a shortcut of shortcuts. And thus misleading. For it does not tell of Aaron's role as leader of the Temple ceremony worship, does not explain his connection with Moses in a deep way, nor even mention their sister Miriam, does not tell of the death of Aaron's son in offering up strange fire, does not tell anything about Aaron's role as ' man of peace beloved by the people'. One of the great farewell scenes of world- literature Aaron's climbing to the top of Har Ha-Hor is not mentioned. <br />I take this one example to indicate another simple truth. An encylopedia of this kind is always best on a subject one does not really know much about. Then anything we are told , adds to our knowledge if not necesarily our understanding. <br />In checking out a number of articles I did not find ' inaccuracy' here. In confronting other subjects I knew nothing about I did have a sense that I was getting reliable information. <br />This is again a good tool and source for attaining first knowledge of a subject. <br />However if one really wants to know and understand the meaning of a particular subject my recommendation would be to supplement this work with other sources of information. B0007H6KI25882004-03-24

A Priceless Resource

I purchased this for myself my second year of college. Being an English major especially interested in the Modernists, it soon became the most used volume in my bookcase. A fantastic quick reference when crunched for time and excellent for understanding those oh-so-esoteric literary allusions. It's wonderful, with references for historical and artistic events and movements, novels, epics, authors, poets . . . a must for any lover and/or student of literature. This would make a fantastic gift, too!Here, completely revised, updated and expanded is the classic reference on world literature--the only encyclopedia on the subject in one volume. A must for every book lover. 9,000 information-packed entries alphabetically arranged and extensively cross-referenced.<i>What does it mean to have the voice of a stentor? Where is John o'Groat's House? Ever heard of a beast epic, or the Jindyworobak Movement? And what is the origin of the word "abracadabra"?</i> <p>The answers lie in this delicious reference that anyone interested in humility should have; just glimpsing it on the shelf reminds one of how very much there is that one does not know. The thousands of entries in <i>Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia</i> cover anything and nearly everything having to do with literature. The book includes biographies of authors, summaries of books and plays, depictions of characters and mythological figures, explications of literary terms and movements, and, well, a whole bunch of other irresistible stuff that is somewhat quirky and utterly engrossing. (For the curious: a stentor's voice is a very loud voice; John o'Groat's House is considered to be the most northerly point in Great Britain; in a beast epic, "the central characters are animals and the tone is often satirical"; the Jindyworobak Movement is "a school of Australian poets demanding fidelity to Australian environment and the employment of aboriginal themes"; and abracadabra is a cabalistic charm.)B000ELJ3PS061822647803454689020195065484087779042611716Art11713Encyclopedias21Reference1000Subjects283155Books0595391516http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Latin-Homeschoolers-Self-Taught/dp/0595391516%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0595391516942138http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41W5S3MHWHL._SL75_.jpg7556http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41W5S3MHWHL._SL160_.jpg160119http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41W5S3MHWHL.jpg500372William E LinneyPaperback4779780595391516600595391516iUniverse, Inc.EnglishEnglishEnglish10802595USD$25.95iUniverse, Inc.1223Book2006-08-31iUniverse, Inc.iUniverse, Inc.1058102595USD$25.952345USD$23.45130011ATVPDKIKX0DERhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/help/seller/home.html?seller=ATVPDKIKX0DERNewnewgIB%2BSEedV%2BsC08UhClnW30cNle0gh0xYL7uVfDv%2FukYDqj8NsqsOu2scG1Q2lmHSIBGRjaxKlp9rQdPqu3VJmQ%3D%3D2595USD$25.95In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.5.024505953915165002008-09-04

Wow! Best language book I've ever used.

My husband and I are homeschooling our children, and have studied Russian, French, and Biblical Greek between us. When we decided to introduce Latin to our 2nd grader, we both dreaded finding a book that would be easy to learn from and interesting for our daughter. Now we are all learning Latin together - and having a great time. Our only dilemma now is to decide how to proceed when we finish this book. Anyone have a suggestion on a good follow-up text?05953915165002008-08-20

Getting Started With Latin

Professor William E. Linney has done us Latin buffs a great service. His Latin textbook, Getting Started with Latin, is excellent and easy for learn-at-home students. The text is extremely user-friendly. Combined with the computer audio downloads of the Professor's class instruction for each lesson (including audio pronunciation [Classical or Ecclesiastical] for each Latin word in each lesson), you have a complete classroom setting. And Latin is best learned in a classroom. Professor Linney is an excellent teacher because he patiently explains all for the neophyte student. The teacher brings his classroom into your own home. What a boon! <br /> <br />Also, Professor Linney has the same classroom computer download system for his follow-on Latin course: The First Year of Latin. The textbook is of this title is authored by Walter B. Gunnison and Walter S. Harley. It's available here on Amazon also. <br /> <br />I've learned a lot with Getting Started with Latin. I'm now part way through The First Year of Latin. The personal progress is very good, compared to when I tried to learn Latin on my own. <br /> <br />Yours, <br />paul mugar <br /> 05953915165002008-08-19

Easy to use

Have just started reading this book, so I can't comment on it as a whole, but my first impressions have been very positive. The lessons are short, simple, and to the point. Words and concepts are introduced one or two at a time, keeping you from being overwhelmed by vocabulary and grammar right from the start. I keep this beside my bed and the last thing I do before turning out the light is to read a few lessons, and the first thing I do when I wake up is to read a few more. For a 26 year old with a full time job, very little time to study something just for fun, and absolutely no prior knowledge of Latin, I'm finding this book to be extremely helpful. <br /> <br />Not only is it great to use for adults, it is written specifically for use by homeschooling parents and teachers. One day, when I have kids of my own, I can definitely see myself pulling this gem out and dusting it off. (if I've ever put it away that is!) <br />05953915165002008-08-17

Brillant introduction.

The rare Latin textbook accurately described by it's title. <br />By virtue of it's simplicity it lulls the first time Latin student into learning with minimal effort. The introductory text I have been searching for as a self-taught adult with no prior Latin exposure. I would absolutely recommend it for anyone over the age of 7 or 8. <br />It would be too simple if one was seeking to refresh or expand on prior Latin knowledge. <br />The ideal appetiser.05953915165002008-07-08

Latin Without Tears- an excellent introduction to the language

I shall endeavour to keep this review concise, and to the point, with the absolute beginner in mind. <br /> <br />As an adult, who wasn't 'fortunate' enough to have gone to a private school as a child, I never had the opportunity to study the wonderful language that is Latin. There are many introductory books available to purchase, and lots of information to be had via the World Wide Web. <br /> <br />What makes this book stand out then? <br /> <br />Well, it provides a sound foundation from which to build upon; and does it in a way that is accessible, interesting, and above all effective. The author guides the student in a logical, and methodical manner; no pretentiousness nor stuffiness! This book makes learning Latin FUN, not a chore, and is certainly not boring. The layout is clear, and motivational. He has been kind enough to make available, free of charge, aural supplementary material (including invaluable pronunciation examples) that is available for download, from his website (is ~436MB enough for you?)- wow. In this day and age, how many authors would do that? <br /> <br />For more detailed reviews, visit Mr Linney's personal website: 'gettingstartedwithlatin' (surprisingly(!)). My review here is just to let ordinary fellow mortals know that this book is an excellent introduction to such a wonderful language. <br /> <br />The author replied to my email (very quickly indeed(!)) when I thanked him for the material that is available from his website- he remarked that he loves Latin, and is pleased to have been able to make it accessible. <br /> <br />He certainly has done...What’s preventing you from teaching Latin in your homeschool or learning it on your own? Are you confused because there are so many choices of curricula, and you don’t know where to begin? If you’re intimidated because you’ve never studied Latin, bewildered by traditional Latin books that move too fast, or reluctant to pay hundreds of dollars for expensive materials you may never use, then <I>Getting Started with Latin</I> is for you!</P> <P>Specifically designed to overcome these types of obstacles, <I>Getting Started with Latin</I> is divided into simple lessons that explain the fundamentals of Latin grammar in a way that anyone can grasp. Instead of burying you in mountains of information to memorize, new words and concepts are introduced in a gradual and systematic way. You can immediately apply what you have learned by translating the fun exercises at the end of each lesson. To hear the words pronounced, simply download the free MP3 files from www.gettingstartedwithlatin.com.</P> <P><I>Getting Started with Latin</I> has never been this easy and affordable. Begin your foray into the world of Latin today!</P>0521659604006078371005216814640979505127002522580411842Latin11811Instruction11773Foreign Languages21Reference1000Subjects283155Books713597011General AAS11773Foreign Languages21Reference1000Subjects283155Books12006Study & Teaching11970Words & Language21Reference1000Subjects283155Books408268General21Reference1000Subjects283155Books713587011General AAS21Reference1000Subjects283155Books400272011Paperback394184011Mass Market401237011Trade394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155BooksB0002OK9YGhttp://www.amazon.com/Cordon-Bleus-Complete-Cooking-Techniques/dp/B0002OK9YG%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0002OK9YG913327http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DRV6RZTDL._SL75_.jpg7558http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DRV6RZTDL._SL160_.jpg160124http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DRV6RZTDL.jpg475369Le Cordon BleuHardcoverBargain PriceWilliam Morrow CookbooksEnglish4500USD$45.00William Morrow Cookbooks1352Book1997-11-05William Morrow Cookbooks1997-11-05William Morrow Cookbooks3683USD$36.833243USD$32.436700005.0245B0002OK9YG5002008-06-26

Excellent book!

This book is just amazing. Great help for those who want to master or learn the basic cooking techniques.B0002OK9YG5222008-01-18

If you like to eat, but have no idea where to start preparing or buying food, this is a great start!

This is a great aid in really understanding how to do almost anything basic in the kitchen - from picking produce at precisely the right time to making cheese in your own home. This is not a cookbook - although some basic recipes are covered for the purpose of instruction. <br /> <br />I got this book and read it cover to cover in one sitting - I discovered I had been doing some things incorrectly or inefficiently, I drooled over the pictures of perfect produce, and really took in every bit of information it provided. The pictures are great and so helpful and the book serves as a great reference for how to do stuff you were never taught how to do. <br /> <br />For example, my mother who makes tasty comfort food, has never purchased fresh chicken or beef from the butcher - I grew up on frozen proteins purchased in bulk, so I never knew what to look for or what to ask for if I wanted to buy from the butcher's counter - I was too intimidated and therefore continued my mother's frozen bulk traditions. With this book as my guide, I am now more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. <br /> <br />If the other Le Cordon Bleu's books are anything like this, I'm investing in the whole set. :)B0002OK9YG4112007-11-30

Helpful Photos and Techniques

This book is a "technique" book, plain and simple. <br /> <br />You will NOT find numerous recipes for dishes (there are a few), but you will find a blend of visual and textual descriptions about how to technically prepare foods. <br /> <br />This is a superb book if you are looking for clear, wonderful color photos depicting food selection, identification, and cutting techniques, ideas for preparation (forming mushrooms into flowers, etc), and other non-recipe food information that is ACTUALLY USEFUL to an amateur chef. <br /> <br />You will find a few general recipes, but overall this is a great way to visually observe how to perform a myriad of professional techniques. B0002OK9YG5012007-05-23

Excellent

Le Cordon Bleu's Complete Cooking Techniques: the indispensable reference demonstrates over 700 illustrated techniques with 2,000 photos and 200 recipes <br /> <br />An excellent book, with easy to follow receipes and which allows you to see what the finish product should look like. Would recommend it to anyone.B0002OK9YG5122007-05-07

The ultimate cookbook

As an avid cookbook collector I have used this cookbook as a basic for many years. I purchased another one for a friend. He owns a restaurant and uses this tool everyday. This is my go to book to find anything! Great for beginners to advanced cooks.With this exceptional opus, over 100 years of unparalleled experience and expertise are put at the fingertips of every home cook using the same hands-on approach promoted in practical classes at Le Cordon Bleu's institutes. This indispensable and unique reference work teaches essential preparation and cooking skills and professional tricks-of-the-trade, with over 700 cooking techniques shown in more than 2,000 color images.<P>Whatever the interest -- providing family-pleasing everyday fare or mastering a top chef's recipe, or even attempting to re-create a dish from a restaurant menu -- <I>Le Cordon Bleu Complete Cooking Techniques</I> will enable people to cook what they want with success. Its hundreds of illustrated techniques are invaluable kitchen aids, as are the many integral recipes.<P>Cooks interested in ethnic cuisines, readers of chef inspired, ingredient-led, or occasion-oriented cookbooks, as well as devotees of simple home cooking will turn to this book again and again and wonder how they ever cooked without it. <I>Le Cordon Bleu Complete Cooking Techniques</I> is destined to become a classic kitchen reference.068816907404713934870764557343068809750206848000122478General2476Cooking, Food & Wine45Bargain Books251254011Custom Stores44258011Specialty Stores283155Books1000Subjects1Arts & Photography2Biographies & Memoirs3Business & Investing4Children's Books4366Comics & Graphic Novels5Computers & Internet6Cooking, Food & Wine86Entertainment301889Gay & Lesbian10Health, Mind & Body9History48Home & Garden10777Law17Literature & Fiction13996Medicine18Mystery & Thrillers53Nonfiction290060Outdoors & Nature20Parenting & Families173507Professional & Technical21Reference22Religion & Spirituality23Romance75Science25Science Fiction & Fantasy26Sports28Teens27Travel283155Books394181011Hardcover394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books394172011Bargain Books394171011Promotion (special_merchandising_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books16MA5R7UCIG30Bargain Cookbooks0442239890http://www.amazon.com/McGuffeys-Eclectic-Readers-William-McGuffey/dp/0442239890%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D04422398901103355William Holmes McGuffeyHardcover428.697804422398935320442239890Van Nostrand Reinhold CompanyEnglishEnglishEnglish7735995USD$59.95Van Nostrand Reinhold Company1Book1989-07Van Nostrand Reinhold CompanyAges 4-8Van Nostrand Reinhold Company4495334961USD$49.612746USD$27.463900005.024504422398905452008-05-11

Teach Your Kids to Read Early

With all the reviews here, there isn't a need for another one lauding this series of readers. Our experience might prove helpful to some. Our oldest daughter completed reading the McGuffey Primer when she was three years and eight months old. She finished reading the First Eclectic Reader a couple of weeks before she turned four! [From there on she read at will and we didn't keep track of when she finished the rest of the books.] <br /> <br />The point is that this is a wonderful way for a parent to teach their son or daughter to read very early. You don't need to wait for an incompetent school system to teach reading; your bright child can already be reading and understanding what is read when he or she starts 'formal' education. As long as you make it fun, and show proper 'amazement' and pride when he or she sounds out a new word, your child will almost certainly want more lessons than you have time to give! <br /> <br />Finally, I can't say this will happen to your child, but when our daughter graduated from high school, Mensa (the group for people with IQs over 140) contacted her to join. She probably had a genetic marker for genius intelligence, but I am sure that part of the reason for her high IQ is due to the basics and discipline she learned by reading the McGuffey Readers before she started school.044223989013252007-05-16

Shame orders can't come complete

The set of books will be beautiful, if I ever get the complete set. The set I was shipped was incomplete. Packed Incomplete from the publisher I assume. It is a seven book set and I was sent six. I was told another set was being sent to me, and I hope I live to see them. It has been over a month since this all started. <br /> <br />There is no excuse that I can think of for a set to be plastic wrapped from a source, and for the set to be incomplete. <br /> <br />I'm sure that this will not be posted.04422398905122007-04-15

THE book to teach reading

I just bought these books for my four year old neighbor's granddaughter. <br />I used them with my son and he was reading and writing (albiet phonetically) by the time he was 3 1/2. Unless a child is dyslexic or has an auditory learning disability, McGuffey is The Way. This is how children learned to read before everyone got 'so smart'. The school systems would be be smarter if they went back to this.04422398905122007-02-13

Beautiful words

I love the stories and poems. They warm the hearts of my children as well as my own. They are tender, thoughtful, wholesome, without any glut or glitter. But they do sparkle with beauty and they fill the mind with goodness. <br />Other reviewers have brought to light that there is an anti-semetic theme in some of the stories for older children. So far, I have not found even a hint of this type of sentiment. Even if there was, and if it was a minor allusion to such sentiment, rather than an overiding theme, I would teach my children that it's wrong. 04422398904122007-01-17

Back to basics

I bought these for a friend who teaches an intro to teaching course. He uses them to emphasize a back to basics approach to reading and values. The binding is sturdy but a bit cheaper and flashier than I anticipated. These phenomenally successful readers feature literary selections that are suited to the age level and interests of students. Faithfully reproduced to the last detail, this delightful journey through legendary America is now available in an attractive boxed edition. 7 volumes. Now available.0471289434192924116X0880620382193333900419333390553049241General2752Baby-34Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books713097011General AAS2752Baby-34Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books2976General2970Classics by Age2966Literature4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books713109011General AAS2970Classics by Age2966Literature4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books16254411General2966Literature4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books713108011General AAS2966Literature4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books713072011General AAS4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books394181011Hardcover394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books0688049397http://www.amazon.com/Night-Lives-Walter-Lord/dp/0688049397%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0688049397843430Walter LordHardcover909.0963197806880493931100688049397William Morrow & CoEnglishEnglishEnglish8301595USD$15.95William Morrow & Co1272Book1986-08William Morrow & CoYoung AdultWilliam Morrow & Co1005704784USD$47.841USD$0.012200USD$22.0058440005.024506880493975002007-01-09

Questions finally meet their answers

Being a fan of Walter Lord's impeccably researched book "A Night to Remember," I was instantly intrigued upon learning of "The Night Lives On." I had had several lingering questions for years: why was an order given to turn the ship starboard when the iceberg eventually hit starboard? How, specifically, was the matter of the Californian's involvement dealt with? Which theories about "the gash" don't pan out? All of my questions and more were painstakingly answered as if I had asked Mr. Lord for an explanation myself. His ingenius weaving of history, statistics, personal testimonies, and logic, blended into an easily understandable format, made my love of the Titanic's story grow even more. Anyone can buy one book and know the generalities of the ship. But this book goes above and beyond to educate those already acquainted with the story and wanting a much more in-depth look.06880493974442003-04-14

Mysteries explained about the Titanic.

Walter Lord follows up his best seller of the fifties-A Night to Remember--with this eighties version on some mysteries about the sunken liner. One learns about the musicians (two groups actually) and what they played that night while the life boats were being loaded. Another story details the negligence of the freighter Californian for not answering the eight rockets of distress from the Titanic. Another story details the shootings and suicide near the end of the launch of the last life boats. Still another story details why there were not enough life boats on the Titanic and most other ocean liners of the day. Walter Lord clears the air about these mysteries with his well informed writing.<br>If you want to know more about the Titanic, read both Lord's books on the subject (A Night to Remember, The Night Lives On). They will help the reader understand this tragedy. I have seen the movie and I know the producers consulted these books when they made the movie.06880493975122002-12-28

NIGHT LIVES ON

WALTER LORD DOES IT AGAIN. HE BRINGS IT ALL TO LIFE. A MUST HAVE FOR ALL "TITANIC" FANS!06880493975882002-03-25

Updated information to supplement _A Night to Remember_

Calling this 'the sequel to _A Night to Remember_' is slightly misleading. Rather than the storytelling style employed to relate the story of the sinking of the Titanic, this is almost a collection of 17 1-chapter essays about various points of the disaster. Excellent stuff, but if you were expecting, say, the story of the Congressional and Parliamentary investigations of the disaster, you need to look elsewhere, e.g. Wyn Craig Wade's _The Titanic: End of a Dream_.<p>"Unsinkable Subject" - Overview of the popular fascination with Titanic.<p>"What's in a Name?" - The actual launching of Titanic from Harland & Wolff's shipyards.<p>"Legendary from the Start" - Titanic was indeed popularly supposed to be unsinkable, but the trend of sacrificing safety features for competitiveness had actually taken hold during her design.<p>"Had Ships Gotten Too Big for Captain Smith?" - Explores Smith's record, including a near-collision in harbor with Titanic's sister ship, the Olympic.<p>"Our Coterie" - The group of first class passengers, including Col. Gracie, mentioned in _A Night to Remember_.<p>"Everything Was Against Us" - Contrasts the ice warnings, lack of coordination between radio room & bridge, and lookouts, with the notion that the accident was a one-in-a-million chance.<p>"The Gash" - The collision itself.<p>"I Was Very Soft the Day I Signed That" - How and why ships the size of Titanic could legally sail while carrying so few lifeboats.<p>"What Happened to the Goodwins?" - Facts and figures about 1st class vs. 3rd, contrasting White Star's implication that those people down there couldn't understand English, with the Goodwin family (an electrical engineer and his family, emigrating from London to New York, all of whom were lost, including the 6-year-old).<p>"Shots in the Dark" - Explores the stories about Murdoch, one of the officers loading the lifeboats, and whether shots were fired.<p>"The Sound of Music" - An in-depth look at the "Nearer My God to Thee" myth, and the 2 bands on the Titanic. (I was aggravated to learn that that entire, touching sequence with the cornet in _Raise the Titanic!_, which I loved as a kid, was made up from whole cloth - the musicians were just as courageous as the movie made them out to be, but no cornet players.) And if you're a professional musician who thinks *your* agent is heartless, wait till you read this.<p>"She's Gone" - Compares the eyewitness accounts of Titanic's last moments with what we now know.<p>"The Electric Spark" Captain Rostron of the Carpathia, who picked up the survivors at great personal risk.<p>"A Certain Amount of Slackness" Discussion of Captain Lord (no relation to the author) of the Californian, in sharp contrast to the preceding chapter.<p>"Second-guessing" - The inquiries and subsequent litigation (Lord's treatment of Senator Smith should be contrasted with Wade's more detailed treatment, but then Wade has a whole book to play with).<p>"Why Was Craganour Disqualified?" What happened to some of the survivors. (Craganour, owned by a member of the Ismay family, was disqualified from winning a major British horse race.)<p>"Unlocking the Ocean's Secret" - The search for the Titanic, leading up to Robert Ballard's successful attempt in 1985 (written before others began plundering the ship for relics).06880493975232000-07-25

A Fascinating Listen for a Long Trip

I picked up this audiocasette due to curiosity. The information packed tape was interesting, and even made me angry because this tragedy did not have to happen. Like people say, most tragedies are a string of unfortunate events coming together at the same time. I don't think the sinking of this liner is anything different. It gives a glimpse into the technological limitations of the day, the caste system of the gilded age, and the prevailing seaman's attitude of the time. After listening to this (and reading The Perfect Storm), my interest was certainly piqued. I ordered some books on the Titanic and the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and can't wait until they get here.The most awesome ocean-going vessel the world had ever seen, the mightly TITANIC struck an iceberg and sank on the night of April 14, 1912, carrying more than 1500 souls--and uncountable secrets--to the icy bottom of the mid-Atlantic. Why did the crew steam full speed ahead into dangerous waters despite six wireless warnings? How able was the doomed behemoth.s .superb seaman. Captain Smith? Why did the nearby ship Californian ignore Titanic.s distress signals? How could such a disaster ever have occurred?<P>Author Walter Lord.s acclaimed classic <i><b>A Night to Remember</i></b> is considered the definitive written work on the TITANIC tragedy. And now he returns to the scene of chaos and horror to explore--and answer--the untold mysteries behind the twentieth century.s greatest catastrophe at sea.You might say that Walter Lord provoked the whole <i>Titanic</i> mania by interviewing dozens of survivors and fashioning their reminiscences into the classic non-fiction novel <I>A Night to Remember</I>, which was made into a 1958 film that heavily influenced James Cameron's 1998 epic. Some of the dialogue is more vivid than the 1998 film--when a kid sees the deadly iceberg, he says excitedly, "Oh, Muddie, look at the beautiful North Pole with no Santa Claus on it."<p> But much has been discovered since Lord's original book made waves--such as the shipwreck itself, and a wealth of scientific inquiry. So he wrote this semisequel, which tackles each of the remaining mysteries about the unnecessary calamity in a methodical, but quite readable, fashion. How come the wireless operators blew it so fatally? Maybe they would have had better operators if they paid them more than $5 a week--as Lord notes, it would have taken a wireless operator 18 years to earn one transatlantic ticket. How come the <i>Californian</i> just sat there in nearby waters and neglected to save anyone on the frantically signaling and flare-firing <i>Titanic</i>? Lord quotes a man on the nonsinking ship admitting to "a certain amount of slackness," which he uses for a sardonic chapter title.<p> Some of the characters are more sympathetic, such as Renee Harris, who used the money she won suing the <i>Titanic</i> owners for her husband's death to bankroll neophyte playwright Moss Hart's first show. Lord says that Hart's memoir, <I>Act One</I>, depicts Harris reacting to an opening-night flop with optimism. After you've survived the <i>Titanic</i>, what's to worry?<p> Walter Lord has gotten better reviews, and he needn't fret about his reputation. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Barbara Tuchman, author of <I>A Distant Mirror</I>, had this reaction to <I>Night Lives On</I>: "Stunning ... his detection and discoveries make a first-class historical reconstruction and a model in the research and writing of that difficult art." <I>--Tim Appelo</I>B000FTWB0804862061061559408685B00005UW790306811103713072011General AAS4Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books5042Titanic300362Ships300361Transportation5035World9History1000Subjects283155Books5039General5035World9History1000Subjects283155Books713323011General AAS5035World9History1000Subjects283155Books16004521General13602Geography13592Earth Sciences75Science1000Subjects283155Books713695011General AAS13602Geography13592Earth Sciences75Science1000Subjects283155Books713782011General AAS28Teens1000Subjects283155Books394181011Hardcover394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books1250230011Young Adult673420011Age Range (age_range)388186011Refinements283155Books0891414177http://www.amazon.com/Operation-Buffalo-Usmc-Fight-Dmz/dp/0891414177%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D08914141771386919Keith William NolanHardcover959.70434297808914141791500891414177Presidio PrEnglishEnglishEnglish9502495USD$24.95Presidio Pr1432Book1991-09Presidio PrPresidio Pr1756507703USD$77.031651USD$16.5121400005.024508914141775112008-02-05

Operation Buffalo: USMC Fight for the DMZ

This is one of the best combat depictions of the Viet Nam War that I have ever read. I highly recommend it for former military readers.08914141774222007-12-12

The most intense book I've ever read.....

Keith Nolan has managed to capture the absolute confusion and fear associated with modern combat in Operation Buffalo. I started this book in 1997 or there abouts and was unable to finish it. As a former Marine who was in boot camp in San Diego when this operation took place I had a difficult time with the content. Lose an entire company of Marines to a sly enemy? Impossible. And then to read about the loss of additional Marines in trying to recover the dead and wounded (something that is very important by the way) that had fallen the day before....difficult. I just couldn't finish the book. <br /> <br />Well, I picked it up again, after ten years, and read it completely. In a very belated way I have to compliment Mr. Nolan on not only his ability to tell a difficult story, but to tell it in a way that makes sense and then manages to touch the heart. As another reviewer stated, Operation Buffalo hurts the heart of the reader and this reflects the sensitivity that the author weaved into his tale. <br /> <br />The doctrine at the time was that the Marines divided an area in to map grids. The Marines would sweep a grid with a company, clear it, and then move on. The NVA would wait for the Marines to leave and then move into that grid knowing that they were probably safe for a while. The battle that took place in July of 1967 is the result of the Marines out smarting themselves. They decided to sweep the same map grid twice, trying to catch the NVA off guard. It worked. But a single company was no match for what the Marines stepped into. <br /> <br />The American fighting man has been depicted in less than a glowing manner in Viet Nam. Brutal, drug crazed killers. I think while some of that may be deserved, the bulk of that criticism is undeserved and is served up by people who have never humped a pack or shared water out of a canteen. Nolan does a huge service for the Viet Nam vets by explaining the sheer meaness of the NVA in how our wounded were treated. Well done. <br /> <br />Operation Buffalo isn't a book for the weak of heart or for those who don't really want to be informed. It is a book that speaks well to the commitment of American fighting men in general and of U. S. Marines in particular. <br /> <br />Semper Fi.08914141775332005-02-16

Essential military history of the Vietnam war

This is as terrifying an account of the Vietnam war as I've ever read. Forget the melodrama and sensationalism that characterized much of Vietnam war literature in the early and mid-eighties: Nolan's sparse style and clear representation of what took place on the DMZ in the summer of 1967 will give you nightmares. Don't look to find refuge here in a simple war story: Nolan tenaciously presents history as it unfolds. 08914141775002004-11-30

Love and Hate

This is a must have book for your library. After over 30 years you forget why you hated Vietnam until you read a book that brings back all the memories. This is such a book. I served with 1/1 and 3/1 after these battles and am amazed that keith Nolan is able to bring to life what it meant to serve in a Marine Corps Infantry Bn in Vietnam. I got angry, I laughed and I cried as I read this book. At times I felt like I could reach out and touch some of the people, the writing was so vivid. Everyone should read this book and remember what the Marines paid in blood for that war. THANK YOU USMC for what you gave me and THANK YOU Marines all over the world protecting us now. <br />08914141775112004-08-21

My friends were there...

My friend Beetle was there. Lee Burns was there. Others were there. Nolan writes almost as if HE were there. It happened before I got in-country, but it was a legendary fight by legendary Marines and Nolan tells the story so very well. I am proud to have helped carry these Marines in my helicopters and supported them in every way possible. They are heroes in the truest sense of that so misused word. This book is an EXCELLENT read!Vividly chronicles the efforts of the U.S. Marines to defend the DMZ in 1967, describing the hardships of these undersupplied troops as they faced attacks from the North Vietnamese. Reprint.089141861X089141665X08914159200760323305089141673016252731Southeast Asia4884Asia9History1000Subjects283155Books465284General4919Vietnam4884Asia9History1000Subjects283155Books713306011General AAS4919Vietnam4884Asia9History1000Subjects283155Books4892General4884Asia9History1000Subjects283155Books713302011General AAS4884Asia9History1000Subjects283155Books5018Naval5011Military9History1000Subjects283155Books5025Vietnam War5011Military9History1000Subjects283155Books5014General5011Military9History1000Subjects283155Books713316011General AAS5011Military9History1000Subjects283155Books5039General5035World9History1000Subjects283155Books713323011General AAS5035World9History1000Subjects283155Books394181011Hardcover394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books0965376648http://www.amazon.com/Quilts-Gees-Bend-Masterpieces-Place/dp/0965376648%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D096537664830929http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KSBMQXRVL._SL75_.jpg7564http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KSBMQXRVL._SL160_.jpg160137http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KSBMQXRVL.jpg475407William ArnettAlvia WardlawJane LivingstonJohn BeardsleyHardcover9739780965376648870965376648Tinwood BooksEnglishEnglishEnglish13395000USD$50.00Tinwood Books1192Book2002-09-23Tinwood BooksTinwood Books40111652936USD$29.362495USD$24.955000USD$50.0038122011ATVPDKIKX0DERhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/help/seller/home.html?seller=ATVPDKIKX0DERNewnewTaCf6z1BC4723D7Y1Ryb9NbACTfoJKysGy%2BgPkxADf0Ic905eUcW6IsuiyQsxEa4oAEz1KS0VAbMGhaAlQI4VQ%3D%3D3150USD$31.50Usually ships in 24 hours5.024509653766481002008-09-28

The True Beginnings of Modern Art

I was fortunate enough to see the Gee's Bends quilts when they toured in Houston, and they are astonishingly beautiful. The women who made these quilts found an artistic outlet in their functional craft, and these quilts represent the truest form of modern art, sewn well before painters used oil and canvas that mimic the quilt designs. This book does a beautiful job of presenting the quilts for the enjoyment of all those who can't see them in person.09653766485002008-08-03

The Quilt of Gee's Bend

In July 2006, I saw the exhibit of the Quilts of Gees Bend at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco I didn't fully realize the importance of the quilts, so I didn't buy the book and regretted it. The quilts and their story, are haunting. Since then I have heard the quilts referred to as the the most outstanding example of US art. <br /> <br />Whenever I talked to quilters, I wished that I had the book to show them. Now I have it and I am very happy with the purchase. The book is beautiful and the photograhs of the quilts are great.09653766485002008-06-09

I love folk art of any kind

Because of the personal stories, the beautiful layout and large, clear colorful pictures this book was like candy to read. I learned about the history of the area, the closeness of the community and families, and the sharing and pride of a folk art. I love when people find an outlet for their art in surprising and practical ways. 09653766485002008-01-12

Great Book wonderful info and history

The book "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" by William Arnett is a great book of history within a particular culture that is rich in resourcefulness and creativity. It easy to read if one enjoys life stories that are true and down to earth. The pictures complete the full circle of this culture- use what is available and enjoy the outcome. The world could learn a lot from this book. The Quilts of Gee's Bend: Masterpieces from a Lost Place 09653766485112007-03-30

exceptional

I remember the first time I saw photographs of the quilts of Gee's Bend in a magazine about seven years ago. I couldn't wait to learn about the amazing artists whose vision the quilts portray. This book is more outstanding than I imagined it could be. It is powerful, beautiful, sensitive, and historically accurate. I recommend The Quilts of Gee's Bend to anyone with an eye for artistic genius and a love for discovering a community of women willing to express themselves outside the box of convention. How refreshing and inspiring! Simply Exceptional!! <div>Since the 19th century, the women of Gee’s Bend in southern Alabama have created stunning, vibrant quilts. Beautifully illustrated with 110 color illustrations, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend includes a historical overview of the two hundred years of extraordinary quilt-making in this African-American community, its people, and their art-making tradition. This book is being·released in conjunction with a national exhibition tour including The Museum of Fine Art, Houston, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.</div>097191045608118433270965376613158418051X09719104801097African American1095Regional1064History & Criticism1Arts & Photography1000Subjects283155Books713021011General AAS1064History & Criticism1Arts & Photography1000Subjects283155Books1837General1830Instructional & How-To1Arts & Photography1000Subjects283155Books16236611Folk Art1067Schools, Periods & Styles1Arts & Photography1000Subjects283155Books779552General1Arts & Photography1000Subjects283155Books14278881Alabama14278871State & Local4853United States4808Americas9History1000Subjects283155Books5171Quilts & Quilting5126Crafts & Hobbies48Home & Garden1000Subjects283155Books5144General5126Crafts & Hobbies48Home & Garden1000Subjects283155Books713334011General AAS5126Crafts & Hobbies48Home & Garden1000Subjects283155Books11300African-American Studies11298Special Groups11232Social Sciences53Nonfiction1000Subjects283155Books11304General11298Special Groups11232Social Sciences53Nonfiction1000Subjects283155Books394181011Hardcover394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155BooksR1AMWWFCQVU70OQuilt History Books I Wish I OwnedRJDNGUZ71U726Think and question your status quo................R3C4PRJDV5JGORBLACK MEN IN PRISONR1OSXDBD20YQQDWHY ARE SO MANY BLACK MEN IN PRISON?R3V4MCNWXGD590what i'm reading this yearR3MGV15B0U46KBooks on Outsider & Folk ArtR1WWU0P9FJG2I6Gifts for the Crafty at HeartR2MO976ZV4PQRSBlack History in Quilts2U519MUH7VWUF25 Really Good ThingsH9C7ZPR3QUG4Things that Matter0397321376http://www.amazon.com/When-Like-Elinor-Lander-Horwitz/dp/0397321376%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D03973213763879665Elinor Lander HorwitzLibrary Binding97803973213770397321376Lippincott Williams & WilkinsEnglishEnglishEnglish1389USD$13.89Lippincott Williams & WilkinsBook1987-03Lippincott Williams & WilkinsAges 4-8Lippincott Williams & Wilkins0000005.024503973213765002008-06-27

We love this book.

This is one of my 3-year-old daughter's favorite bedtime stories (and mine, too). The story is imaginitave and is reminiscent of stories told in the oral tradition. There are plenty of opportunities for improvisation, searching for things in the pictures, singing songs, and imagination. The artwork is beautiful and conveys the simultaneous warmth and coolness of the perfect summer night. I can't think of a better way to set the stage for sweet dreams.03973213765552006-01-21

*LEWIS CARROLL LIVES AGAIN IN MYSTICAL 'LACY SKIES'*

Lewis Carroll lives on in the *BIMULOUS* sky created by Elinor Lander Horwitz and illustrator Barbara Cooney. It probably rates as one of the top ten picture books among readers who agitate for reprints! And how satisfying to report success! <br /> <br />If children as young as three years old clamor to have 'lacy skies' read to them, I wonder if it is primarily for the fascinating, mystical illustrations, OR, are little ones swept away by the language that seems to have descended from the 'nonsense rhymes' of Lewis Carroll? The fantasy in "When The Sky Is Like Lace" is carried along by both words and paintings, and the vocabulary is eagerly, laughingly adopted into the language of children - - and adult readers, too. Barbara Cooney was an author-illustrator with an enthusiastic 'following' who champion favorite titles, such as "Roxaboxen," "Miss Rumpius", "Island Boy." In this lovely book the three girls glide barefoot over grass that "feels like the velvet inside a very old violin case" and svelte otters dance like humans. <br /> <br />"If you see the man in the moon wink - especially through a clean white handkerchief - YOU may soon see a BIMULOUS SKY" and be wafted away to memorable adventures. Brought forth are wonderful RULES - - for what to eat on those nights, what to sing, the kinds of gifts that are appropriate to exchange (my favorite being "anything chartreuse") . All the senses are heightened by the artists's line & color that blends so perfectly with the words of Elinor Horwitz. Reviewer mcHAIKU would write more but on the author's advice I have chosen to ride a camel bareback (while juggling three peaches). <br /> <br /> 03973213765552005-07-02

The best childrens' book of all time!!!

So I was ABOUT to pay $132 for an out of print version of this book when I saw it had been reprinted!!! I feel like its Christmas. This was my FAVORITE book as a child. I have an old color photocopy that I have read every day to my 13 months old since he was 6 months old. Its SO battered and falling apart - but he still picks it to have me read to him every time. He LOVES it. If you want for you and your little one to be transported to where everything is strange splendid and plum perfect - GET this book. It is pure magic. I am going to buy copies for everyone I know with kids! 03973213765332004-09-01

All time best children's book

The artwork in this book is beyond belief. The story evokes an imagination that goes on for weeks after the story has been read. As a child I often found myself looking through a Kleen-x to see if the man on the moon would wink at me and on good nights (when my mother was up for it) he 'would' wink, so we would immediately start the spaghetti!03973213765442004-06-26

THE PERFECT CHILDREN'S BOOK - FINALLY BACK IN PRINT

Both the young and the young-at-heart will adore this wonderful and wondrous book. The bewitchingly lyrical text is complemented sublimely by the beautiful illustrations. My two children couldn't put their copies down and nor could I.<p>Every child should have the good fortune to be gifted with "When The Sky Is Like Lace". This book is a perfect - and delightfully "different" - gift for every occasion, from birthdays to baby showers. It's a rarity amongst children's books - a true keeper that will become a family favorite for generations to come.Describes the strange and splendid things that can happen on a bimulous night when the sky is like lace.B0012O2KLK0140541934038530697000605263350316735213170062General2785Ages 4-84Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books713073011General AAS2785Ages 4-84Children's Books1000Subjects283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books673422011Ages 4-8673420011Age Range (age_range)388186011Refinements283155Books1932907459http://www.amazon.com/Your-Screenplay-Sucks-Ways-Great/dp/1932907459%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D193290745919932http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Ew18Uo1lL._SL75_.jpg7550http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Ew18Uo1lL._SL160_.jpg160107http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Ew18Uo1lL.jpg500333William M AkersPaperback808.239781932907452Illustrated901932907459Michael Wiese ProductionsEnglishEnglishEnglish9001995USD$19.95Michael Wiese Productions1287Book2008-08-01Michael Wiese ProductionsMichael Wiese Productions1055801187USD$11.871361USD$13.613150011ATVPDKIKX0DERhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/help/seller/home.html?seller=ATVPDKIKX0DERNewnewPLO5g4brxvlmVzCtbY3yuXMluJj5G%2FUK2ozWas64Oj67S8V3Co8%2BIzG2lfWgCAd6OkRVxB0gYPxNK8vLT4Z%2F6Q%3D%3D1357USD$13.57Usually ships in 24 hours5.025519329074595002008-11-18

The Screenwriting Book You've Been Looking For!

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OV2MIYRQTQHS">Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OV2MIYRQTQHS</a> This is a great book. Seriously. Buy it.19329074595112008-10-23

The perfect checklist to make sure your screenplay is ready to go

GREAT BOOK! Unlike most of the other screenwriting books out there, this isn't a how-to guide for writers who have never before tackled a screenplay; rather, this is an in-depth checklist for writers who understand the basic tenets of screenwriting or, at the very least, have finished a draft of their script. It goes through, point by point, the 100 most common mistakes screenwriters make... making it super-easy to put your screenplay through a rigorous rewriting process so your script can be as tight, solid, and sellable as you can possibly make it. If you're serious about making it as a screenwriter, this rigorous rewriting bootcamp may not be able to sell your screenplay for you, but it'll whip you and your script into the best shape possible!19329074595222008-09-04

The Ultimate Checklist For The Serious Screenwriter!

I'm relatively new to the craft of screenwriting, but I'm passionate about creating a great work that has a legitimate chance at making it to a theater near you. It seems that the trademark start for every aspiring screenwriter is to stock up on a library of books that explain screenwriting from every imaginable angle; only to find a few that truly make the difference. Rare are the books that stand out as "Must Haves", and Your Screenplay Sucks! 100 Ways To Make It Great, is a "Must Have". <br /> <br />Although people write for different reasons, it's relatively safe to assume that most people attempt to write a screenplay because they want to sell it. They want to see it on the big screen. The logic that should then follow is to make your screenplay the best it can be at all costs. In reality, this doesn't often happen. In my opinion, if near perfection is not your goal or if you are writing solely for the money, then screenwriting is probably not your ticket. However, if it's your passion, this book is an indispensible companion to realizing your dream. <br /> <br />While I think of this book as the ultimate checklist, the truth is that it's far deeper than just a checklist. It's like having a coach with you at every step of the writing process; from initial concept, to rewrites. Each topic Mr. Akers discusses is clearly explained (often with examples) and communicated in an entertaining and humorous fashion. Also, the topics are broken up in such a way that finding answers and explanations take no time to find. <br /> <br />What I love most about it, though, is that if this book is used properly, it will greatly reduce unnecessary rewriting. I'm not talking about the inevitable rewrites that you'll have to do. I'm talking about the ones that make you throw your laptop or Smith Corona(???) across the room - not to mention the loud expletives that will have mothers within a three mile radius covering their children's ears in shock. <br /> <br />Most importantly, if you want to write with the confidence that your story structure is tight; that you didn't forget to give your bad guy a "Bad Guy Speech" and that every one of your scenes means something BEFORE you've finished your first draft, just plunk down the dollars, pounds, euros, yen, rubles or whatever currency and buy this book. You'll be thankful it was written and happy you bought it! <br />19329074595232008-08-14

YOU"RE SCREENPLAY SUCKS - this book doesn't

I have been writing screenplays and weirdly getting paid for it for years - i wish I had had Will Akers book when I was stuck. He has practical, been there - done that - knows what works advice. LISTEN TO HIM! He will help you move ahead. And he is entertaining to boot....19329074595002008-08-07

Fabulous !!!

You don't have to be writing a screenplay to LOVE this book !! <br />It is hilarious. If you want to laugh out loud ( I think it really is "laugh aloud") put Your Screenplay Sucks on your nightstand. I am reading to the last page and you will too.A lifetime member of the Writer's Guild of America who has had three feature films produced from his screenplays, Akers offers beginning writers the tools they need to get their screenplay noticed.19329073941932907009193290741619329073511932907432491552Film & Television684277011Performing Arts468206Humanities465600New & Used Textbooks251254011Custom Stores44258011Specialty Stores283155Books712992011General AAS684277011Performing Arts468206Humanities465600New & Used Textbooks251254011Custom Stores44258011Specialty Stores283155Books712982011General AAS465600New & Used Textbooks251254011Custom Stores44258011Specialty Stores283155Books713014011General AAS319654011Qualifying Textbooks251254011Custom Stores44258011Specialty Stores283155Books4499Screenplays4484Movies86Entertainment1000Subjects283155Books4500Screenwriting4484Movies86Entertainment1000Subjects283155Books4493General4484Movies86Entertainment1000Subjects283155Books394191011Illustrated394185011Edition (format)388186011Refinements283155Books400272011Paperback394184011Mass Market401237011Trade394174011Binding (binding)388186011Refinements283155Books618083011Printed Books618072011Format (feature_browse-bin)388186011Refinements283155Books0764551329http://www.amazon.com/Back-Remedies-Dummies-Michael-Sinel/dp/0764551329%3FSubscriptionId%3D05ERXYTS89KFGEPQR5G2%26tag%3Dthebookrevi0b-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D076455132943506http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EACY12FCL._SL75_.jpg7560http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EACY12FCL._SL160_.jpg160127http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EACY12FCL.jpg475377Michael S., MD SinelWilliam W., PhD DeardorffPaperback617.56497807645513211000764551329For DummiesEnglishEnglishEnglish8901999USD$19.99For Dummies1384Book1999-05-25For DummiesFor Dummies785555551329125720196USD$1.96193USD$1.9340370011ATVPDKIKX0DERhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/help/seller/home.html?seller=ATVPDKIKX0DERNewnewsu23pwNZmqy3lfII%2FwilU5%2BvhYSy7uP5POcTcm%2BLRcdzTd0gA3rYoAUGoONfrMtzf8ftFR3hYDOtCaAh91gzlg%3D%3D1359USD$13.59Usually ships in 24 hours5.023507645513293332007-11-16

Superficial: Broad not deep; also it ignores the neck

This books covers a lot of territory but I did not find it particularly helpful. It feels like it has a lot of filler material to get it to "book length", without focusing in on the most useful information. Also, it completely ignores the neck, apparently assuming that all problems are lower-back problems. <br /> <br />Save your money on Back Pain Remedies for Dummies or just check it out of the library and skim it; in my opinion it is not worth the space it takes up on my book shelf.07645513295122006-04-21

Wow, I got better relief from Borders Cafe than a massage

I've been having back pain in the morning for the last few months after some furniture moving. I stopped at Borders for a coffee and picked this up to read (ok, I'm shameless). After about an hour with the book, I developed a game plan for dealing with the backache which I learned is of a very common garden type. It might be too early to declare victory but I woke this morning with almost no pain after sleeping in the prescribed position with a heating pad and taking a few NSAIDS before bed. <br /> <br />I have family members that opted for surgery years ago and it ruined their lives - possibly even led to a death of a cousin from OD of narcotics. I wish that they had had this book to read. A lot has changed in medicine and it seems like the author has much more modern thinking than most of the medical profession that still seems bent on drugs and surgery first. 07645513294472005-04-07

Only one reservation - be careful doing the exercises.

Overall, a very informative book, as everyone else says. My only reservation - be careful doing the exercises in the book. The author also has a warning about this - he says "at no point during your back exercise program, should you feel that you are straining...to the point of significantly increasing your pain." <br /> <br />I tried doing a lot of the exercises in the book, and it did add to my pain, so I then got a referral to a physical therapist, who then worked with me, showing me the 9 exercises that were best for me - using the big exercise ball. Those exercises (and perhaps the glucosamine that I take) have gotten me back to where I can again play badminton once a week, and no longer have the serious back pain I had before. (The book does mention, of course, the possibility of getting help from a physical therapist.) I'd recommend the book - just don't increase your pain by overdoing the exercises - as the author warns, in that chapter.07645513295582001-12-19

great book, easy to understand

i love this book! its so easy to understand, and it really put my mind at ease on alot of pain issues.it covers so many topics that you dont usually read about, such as: the pros and cons of back surgery, who to seek help from, exercises, getting back to work and the feelings associated with it,etc. a definite must read!0764551329520212000-06-07

Solid Advice, Easy-to-Read Format

This book is laying on the floor next to my bed. Why? I do the exercises every morning, and refer to the chapter to make sure I don't miss any. I do most of the exercises on the floor, so that's where the book lives. It is a part of my life now.<p>I've suffered from low-grade back pain for years, and learned a lot from this book. I especially like the integrated mind-body approach, the solid, realistic information about the mechanics of the spine, and the practical advice for care and recovery.<p>I've spoken with a chiropractor and an MD about my back problems, and the advice they gave me is identical to the advice in this book -- and the book was far less expensive.<p>Unless you were injured, your back took years to get into its current condition, and it will take a while to improve. This book is a first-rate map of the road to recovery.Back pain is such a common condition that many doctors and researchers consider the complaint a normal part of life, similar to having an occasional cold or flu. If you are a back pain sufferer, you are not alone: <ul type="disc"> <li>Back pain affects more than 80 percent of the population at some time during their lifetime. <li>Back pain is second only to the common cold as a reason for visits to the doctor and it is second only to childbirth as a reason for hospitalization. <li>Approximately 50 percent of the working population reports back problems every year. <li>The total medical cost of back pain exceeds 20 billion dollars a year in the United States. </ul> <p> <i>Back Pain Remedies For Dummies</i> take