Williams Books

Lucy Chase Williams, where are you? Have you written any oher books besides this splendid tribute to Vincent Price?

OK, maybe you were a little harsh on BACKTRACK, but I admit it is not a film for everybody. Jodie Foster was in her adventurous period then, and making a film by Dennis Hopper was probably a mistake, but give her credit for trying something different! As for Price, he is terrific in the movie, and the whole thing is defnitely a more worthy picture than many which you,
But in the main what can I say, you've done an excellent job, not only interviewing the obvious co-stars and producers, but also some obscure ones. I was thrilled to find an interview with the late Alexander Knox in your book. Knox, who played WILSON in the eponymous 1944 Fox historical epic, gave this interview only a few days before his own death, and reading his words gives the avid reader a new insight into the way Vincent Price saw his own function as an actor, an entertainer, and a man of public policy. I wonder if it's true that Price was a victim of blacklisting; certainly his career changes radically during the McCarthy Era and when it was over, he was firmly typecast in a series of profitable, some very successful artistically almost in spite of himself, B pictures. Did he regret going the horror route? You could never really tell. This book dips a little into Price's resentment at the way Sears ruined his credibility as a collector and art historian.

The book makes us long for the release of more of Price's 1940s films on DVD! How about MOSS ROSE or THE WEB or THE EVE OF ST MARK

The photos are unbelievable, especially the bare-shouldered, long-haired beefcake shot that begins the book (London, 1935, with a pervert behind the camera) or the December 1964 shot in which Elsa Lanchester, Vampira, and Carroll Borland pose with Price at the opening of THE TOMB OF LIGEIA. All these different generations of horror stars frozen forever in one frame: it's like a white version of A GREAT DAY IN HARLEM.

The first part of this coffee-table sized book gives an overview of Vincent Price's life, as well as his career. Obviously not a believer in reincarnation, this section concludes with a quote from Vincent Price himself. "You only get one time around, so why waste a minute of this glorious life?" The remainder of this book discusses every feature film connected with Vincent Price, whether he was the star, co-star, narrator, had a brief cameo or did the voice of an animated character. All 100 entries give the release date of the film, the film studio that made the picture, the running time, whether it was filmed in black and white or color, the cast, the director, the producer, the writer, etc. The next section gives a synopsis of the plot, sometimes followed by quotes from the man himself or other actors appearing in the film, and all concluding with contemporary reviews of the movie. Each entry has at least one photo from the actual film or a candid picture taken on the film set or, at the very least, the accompanying movie poster. Two things struck me while reading this book. One, Vincent Price was a versatile actor who excelled in every genre of film he appeared in, not just horror movies. Two, every actor quoted mentioned his wicked sense of humor, how great he was to get along with, and his professionalism. Of the latter, Gregory Peck summed it up best. "You get a bad piece of material, you do everything you can to improve it...That's what you're supposed to do. That's what Vincent did. I'm sure that he never, in his life, phoned it in, so to speak, or did less than his utmost best..." If you're looking for a book that dishes dirt and recounts gossip, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a comprehensive book of all of Vincent Price's movies, look no further.

Forget the biographical portion of this book - it's short and general, though sufficient to the purpose of what this volume really is, which is a celebration of Price's life and films.

What sells this book is the pictures. Gorgeous stills from all of Price's movies - and quite a few from his life and stage plays, as well - plentifully stuff this beautiful coffee-table offering, on every page. Each film is discussed briefly, along with notes on its place in Price's life and ouevre, and accompanied by comments from his directors, producers and co-stars, and even Price, himself. Each picture is worth a thousand words, and some of them are really remarkable - for instance, cartoon cells from characters Price voiced for Disney studios and Miramax (The Great Mouse Detective and Arabian Knight) and Hanna-Barbera's The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo. There are photos of him with famous seemingly unlikely latter-day admirers, like Alice Cooper. Caricatures and print-ads abound, such as Price selling Tuaca liqueur and Emba minks. Even his image on a long-forgotten Milton Bradley "Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture" kit is on display.

If you're a fan, or looking for a Christmas or birthday present for someone who is, you just couldn't beat the bargain of this book at twice the "price"!

I can hear that silly associate of Patsy Stone's of ABFAB saying "lots of lovely...photos," and besides being a great filmography of Price's work, this book features a host of visuals that aren't the run-of-the-mill variety publicity shots you're likely to find elsewhere. Nice quips from Price himself and colleagues about his films, life, and art-collecting. A great reference for the shelf. Wholly recommended.

on page 252-253 there's a great picture of Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and John Carradine in 1983 during a photo session for the film "House of the Long Shadows", a movie that i like {however, i hate the character that Arnaz, Jr. played because of his cynicism and lack of respect for traditional horror}. the pictures, incidentally, make up for the lack of coverage of Vincent's other careers! there's pictures of his cartoon characters from Disney and Hanna-Barbera. there's posters for the "Butterfly Ball" project plus numerous print ads for products that appeared in magazines. a picture of him with Alice Cooper is also shown! the rest of this book highlights all 100 of Vincent's FEATURE films, which are anything that is shown in movie theatres. i think the book is great! seeing the pictures and movie posters are like walking through time...i wouldn't have added any negative criticism about the movies because it dampens the mood of the book, which is to be a celebration of his career in movies...but there are several harsh criticisms of his films from critics and Vincent himself, who himself was a critic: of art! the book also contains Vincent's now-legendary comments on his own profession just after wrapping up the 1987-released film "The Offspring". in brief, Price announces that he's tired and bored talking about horror films. it's then explained that the film he just finished maybe caused him to be a bit testy with the reporter. Price had realized after his scenes were complete that the producers/director were filming extreme gore and slasher elements to be aired around his narrative parts and it made him furious that his name and image would be grouped with that TYPE of film once again {1984's "Bloodbath at the House of Death" was pretty gory and Price's appearance clashes with the sadistic storyline}. "The Offspring" was a Tales From the Crypt meets Twilight Zone anthology in which Price plays a town historian in rural Oldfield. a picture from that film (a shot of Price at a desk) is here. GET this book!!!

wonderful book.informative.makes good late night reading.i love reading about local gangsters/crimes.what an era!and this author really dug out the details.

If there's a bible to crime, this is it. There are hundreds of books out there that deal with Depression Era crime. You can buy them all and plow through them for information, but seldom know how accurate that information is. On the other hand, you can get this one volume and have it all at your fingertips. Researched in detail and written with a light finger, this well-laid out book is easy to read. You get the dates, times, details, photos and personnel that made America's Golden Age of Crime what it was. Get it; read it; refer to it. It's a winner on all levels.

Not much can be added to previous reviews. This updated edition has given my earlier dog-eared copy a rest. For anyone who does any kind of Prohibition era crime research, this book is a must have by two of the masters in this field. The most complete compendium of crime information from that period available today. Whether you research or just enjoy reading about crime, this book is tops.

Respected authors William Helmer and Rick Mattix have provided us with a reference book of nearly 900 pages relating to "the gangster and outlaw era: 1920--1940." The book is divided into seven sections dealing with all facets of crime during this turbulent era. Parts of this book can be read like any other book while criminal incidents from various years are listed chronologically. I feel this part of the book can be best used as a reference. The book contains numerous photos, several of which I have never seen before. The big shots of both Chicago and New York are all here as are the depression-era desperadoes. Depending on your interest level you may feel you are being told more than you care to know. However, as I said, much of this book can be used as a useful reference book to your crime library. If you do have such a library this book would be a worthy addition. Co-author Rick Mattix has reviewed numerous crime books on Amazon, and his opinion carries considerable weight with me in whether or not I decide to purchase a book.

This is a must have referance/gangster/outlaw book. If this subject or even this era of history intrests you at all this book is a goldmine.

The Book of Concord is a collection of documents that lays out what Confessional Lutherans "believe, teach, and confess." This edition of the Book of Concord is a "Reader's Edition" and is intended for laity who have not yet studied these Lutheran Documents thoroughly.

The documents that make up the Book of Concord are: The Apostles Creed; the Nicene Creed; the Athanasian Creed; The Augsburg Confession; The Apology of the Augsburg Confession; The Smalcald Articles; The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope; Luther's Small Catechism; Luther's Large Catechism; and The Formula of Concord. Each document is prefaced with a thorough introduction concerning its historical context, a brief analysis of the theological controversies addressed, and a biographical sketch of its authors (where applicable). In the longer documents, its various articles are given a paragraph of introduction to prep the reader.

The Three Ecumenical Creeds address the nature of the Triune God and especially the person and work of Jesus. They are written before the second and eighth centuries. These documents not only proclaim Lutheran's continuity with ancient orthodox Christianity, they still address theological heresies present today.

The Augsburg Confession was presented in June, 1530 by college professor Phillip Melanchthon. After the Reformation was fully underway and the authority of Roman Catholic theology challenged, Emperor Charles V requested representatives of Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and unaligned (e.g. Calvinist, Zwinglian) theologians to present a statement of their beliefs. This document is the Lutheran statement of beliefs and includes Lutheran beliefs on Justification, Good Works, the Mass, the Sacraments, Monastic Vows, and other issues--both controversial and non-controversial at the time.

The Apology [Defense] of the Augsburg Confession was also written by Phillip Melanchthon and published in 1531. Upon hearing the above-mentioned Augsburg Confession, Roman Catholic theologians presented a "Confutation of the Augsburg Confession" that criticized the Lutheran understanding of the faith and demanded that Lutherans unconditionally accept it (without even presenting a written copy of their critique!). Based on notes taken by Lutherans present at the Confutation's reading, Melanchton recapitulated the Augsburg Confession's main points and defended them against competing Roman Catholic points of doctrine. Major issues addressed in the Apology include Justification, Repentance, Confession and Satisfaction, Human Traditions in the Church, Marriage, and the Mass. This is the longest of the documents of the Book of Concord.

The Smalcald Articles were written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther in 1536 in preparation for a (never-held) theological conference where Lutherans and Catholics would be asked to discuss and come to mutual agreement on doctrinal points so as to establish peace. These are intended to be points of doctrine upon which Lutherans could and would not compromise. Major doctrinal points addressed include the Invocation of Saints, Repentance, and the Papacy. It should be noted that Luther (falsely) anticipated his own death to be imminent, so this document is considered a "Last Will and Testament" of sorts.

"The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope" was written by Philip Melanchton in 1537 to serve as a supplement to the Augsburg Confession. It addresses the Papacy and hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church from a Biblical perspective.

Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529) was written by Martin Luther to aide Christian fathers in handing down the basics of the Christian faith to their children. The six chief parts of the Catechism are the Ten Commandments; The Apostles Creed; the Lord's Prayer; Holy Baptism; Confession and Absolution; and Holy Communion. It is presented in a question-and-answer format and is intended to be memorized by children verbatim.

Martin Luther's Large Catechism (1529) was written by Martin Luther as an aide for Christian pastors in handing down the basics of the Christian faith to their parishioners. It consists of excerpts from a series of sermons on the Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession and Absolution, and Communion. It covers these issues in a more in-depth, yet straightforward manner.

Finally, the Formula of Concord was written by Jacob Andrae, Martin Chemnitz, and Nicholas Selnecker in 1577. After the death of Martin Luther, those who called themselves Lutherans became polarized. Some were willing to compromise nearly all doctrinal points in favor of peace between Lutheran, Catholic, Enthusiasts, and Calvinists; others held to the above documents...yet disagreed on other points of doctrine. Andrae, Chemnitz, and Selnecker dug deep into the writings of Martin Luther and presented his teachings on controversial topics. Free Will, Good Works, The Person of Christ, and Calvinist's teachings on Predestination are among the topics addressed.

The book has beautiful woodcuts, biographical sketches, and other historical documents scattered throughout to aide the reader's understanding of the theology and historical context. Helpful appendices are included, including a glossary, index of persons and groups, Bible references, and the "Catelog of Testimonies" (quotes from ancient Church Fathers that support the Lutheran understanding of the faith).

Editors Paul Timothy McCain, Robert Cleveland Baker, Gene Edward Veith, and Edward Andrew Engelbrecht are to be commended for presenting an majestic and reader-sensitive presentation of these important documents.

This is simply put an excellent Book. If you are Lutheran thinking about becoming one, or even if you are a Christian, You should really put this book high on you list of books to read. It sums up what Christianity is about and what it is to be a TRUE Lutheran...Not a Liberal Lutheran. If you are Liberal YOU REALLY NEED TO STUDY and learn to follow this book. - Not a slam just a fact!

Absolutely amazing, wonderful book. Concordia is an absolute must read, whether Catholic, Lutheran, or other protestant Christians. Please read and enjoy.

The Concordia book of Concord provides great resource material for working out your faith. It is however, a book for those looking for greater insight into doctrines and passages of scripture, but not a book initially for those unfamiliar with what the Bible says.

Sometimes it is difficult to use this version in a Bible study where other's have previous versions because page numbers do not match up.

It's been said that when the philosophers and scientists climb their mountains of knowledge, they find the theologians at the top waiting for them. If this is true then the reformation period represents the pinnacle of human intellectual endeavor, and this book stands at the top of any collection of reformation writings.

I'm not a theologian, I consider myself more of a historian. I don't read that many books on theology, but this is clearly one of the best. Some of it is over my (and I suspect most laymen's) heads. Yes, it can bog down in theological tedium for the average reader, but purely from an historical perspective, the book is invaluable in putting the events and characters of the 16th Century German Reformation in place.

The book is organized chronologically, starting with the Augsburg Confession. This simple statement of belief is a must read for any Christian, layman or clergy alike and frames the questions raised by the Reformation in easy to understand terms. It then goes into Melanchthon's Apology (defense) of the Augsburg Confession. Here it starts to bog down and is meant more for serious students of Theology.

Fortunately, it moves quickly back into laymen's territory with the Luther's Small and Large Catechisms. With no offense to my beloved Presbyterian brethren, the organization of the Small and Large Catechisms is superior to the Westminster Catechism, if not as broad in scope.

At this point I should mention one of this book's real hidden gems. Being simple minded, I like a book with lots of pictures. Most theology books are lacking in the graphics department. This one, however, is loaded with color plates of important people of the reformation, although it lacks color portraits of the opponents of the reformation. The black and white wood cuts and color allegorical paintings are fantastic, full of hidden symbols and nuances of 16th century life (remember - historian at heart). I spent hours just looking at the pictures, never mind the text.

Finally the book concludes with the Smalcald Articles and the post Martin Luther Formula of Concord written to delineate Lutheran as opposed to the "Phillipists" Lutheran/Calvinistic hybrid.

A big book - not easy reading. I bought it intending to keep it as a reference, not thinking to read it cover to cover as I did. But having done so, I recommend it to any Christian wanting to really think about their faith on a deeper, more intellectual level than is common in the 21st Century.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Jenkins at a conference in Portland,Oregon last August, and his book and his talk made an immediate and lasting impact on how I viewed organizational needs. I have used one quote over and over as I have worked with my retired teachers organization. "Individuals and organizations that continuously change are the ones who experience lasting success." I am 73 years old and I know that we must view change as a positive and explore new possibilities if we and our organizations are to prosper. "We have always done it that way" is not an option. I have shared my book with others and now find it has disappeared, but I will find another copy someplace - it is a "keeper."

This book should be required reading for all teenagers, and any adult going through personal or work-related upheaval would also benefit tremendously. It contains lucidly crafted, accessible principles that do much more than state the obvious home truths expounded in most such books. I am now circulating my copy among the "survivors": my newly formed team, created after a painful and protracted process of "right-sizing" and re-organization. I believe it will help us as a group to create afresh and avoid the predispositions, mindsets and mistakes of our predecessors. To the author : THANK YOU!

A simple but excellent way to remind that change is evident, and dealing with change can and will cause one to reflect on the inner self and admit strengths can also be weaknesses. It was great to be reminded that teamwork is so very necessary in all success whether professional or personal.

This book focuses on two issues that are crucial to relationships, working and personal, in today's society. The principles of worth and trust are key in any relationship, and as I read the book and reflected over previous experiences, I realized that, more often than not, the problems began because I was missing these two aspects. The Eagle & the Monk presents these and other principles in a simple, yet not childish manner. I found the questions at the back of the book especially helpful in focusing on the areas in which I personally need improvement. I think that everyone can find at least one of these principles in which they are deficient. The book helps readers recognize and address these problems.

E&M provides an innovative approach to an important topic. Easy to read and thoughtful in guiding content discussion, this book will be a particularly welcome change for students interested in leadership.

I have shopped on Amazon before but this time I bought from another vendor through Amazon. I was skeptical at forst and wasnt sure when and how I will receive the book. I wasnt sure of the condition of it either. It arrived 7 days after my purchase in excellent condition.

This is the best handbook of dialysis. This is equally true for the forth edition as for the first edition. You don't need to look for another concise book. No one sentence or word is redundant, every information is up-to-date. No doubt you can find there every practical information you are looking for.

I am a 48 year old male who has been on hemodialysis for nearly 29 years. I pride myself in the fact that I have always been very much involved in my treatment. Over the years, I have made it a priority in my life to stay abreast of directions the dialysis industry has taken, some good, some not so good.When my docter suggested this book at first I was skeptical. I felt it was going to be another simplisticapproach to being a "good" patient as oppossed to being a knowledgable, proactive patient.

Although there is a lot of terminology which must learned. If the patient can persist,he/she WILL improve his/her standard of living. A must have for all in the field, Pt., RN, or MD.

Robert C. Notestine.
"doshuevos@aol.com"

This is about the best handbook there is in the field of dialysis. It somehow manages to marry the conciseness and practicality of a handbook that can be carried around in your whitecoat and at the sametime, contains enough information that is usually only found in huge reference texts. Not only does it contain management guidelines in easy to read tables and point form, but also contains a lot more information regarding the basic physiology and scientific evidence if you care to read the appropriate sections. The downside to this is that it appears less readable when you compare it to its main "competitor", the oxford handbook series, but there again, they serve very different needs. For the non-specialist who needs a three second reference, especially someone who works in Britain, I would get the oxford handbook. If you are a nephrologist/dialysis nurse in training, you will inevitably go back to the handbook of dialysis, sooner or later.

"The Handbook of Dialysis" is a must have for anyone who is a patient on dialysis or who is the caretaker of someone on dialysis. This book is written with a Nephrologist or Nephrology nurse in mind, but patients and caretakers can learn a great deal as well. It explains the whole dialysis process including reuse, vascular accesses, anticoagulation, nutrition, infections, sleep disorder, etc. The dialysis process affects one's whole system.

This is an ageless book on what every person who wants to be successful needs to model. My wife's Uncle, who was highly successful in his time as an executive, gave this book as a graduation gift to every loved one he knew. You just can't lose with such ageless advice.

I can't believe I am 50 and never heard of this book until a co-worker loaned it to me. What a great gift! Who wants to do unimportant and uninteresting things? On a dare, anyone can practice his Four-Fold Development/Four Square Living. Make your checker, sign your name inside and draw the words around it:
Stand Tall
Think Tall
Smile Tall
Live Tall
Or: Play, work, love and worship. Body, brain, heart, soul.
I'll never walk in the shade again. He says the warmth and power of the sun enters your system. Its rays give your face a glow and you reflect sunshine to others.

This I DARE YOU (MP3 CD) version will NOT PLAY ON A CD PLAYER. IT ONLY PLAYS on a computer.
I was a little disappointed since I purchased it to play in the car and on a portable cd player. It only plays on the computer disk player. I'll have to download it myself to an audio MP3 format. It must have been recorded as a DATA file. The narrator is a little momo-toned and I was very surprised that I zoned out on a self-help type CD. There are 14 chapters that run anywhere from 2 minutes 16 seconds to 26 minutes 14 seconds. Some are short, most are average 5-10 minutes.

The "I Dare You plan," first published in 1938 for the young and young at heart, is brightly authored by William H. Danforth, founder of the Purina Company. Written in scoutmaster style, this little gem will have you saluting to adventure. It is precise, simple, and uplifting.

"That is the first principle that I want thoroughly to fix in your mind--that life is a four-sided affair--that your daring program is going to lead you into physical adventures, mental adventures, social adventures, spiritual adventures. You have not one, but four lives to live--a four-fold opportunity to grow. A body, a brain, a heart, and a soul--these are our living tools. To use them is not a task. It is a golden opportunity. To find new capacities within you is not robbing you of any pleasure. It is bringing new treasures into every waking hour. It is helping you touch life at all angles, absorb strength from all contacts, pour out power on all fronts." Danforth adds "How dare you have within yourself these four-fold capacities and not use them?"

Like to be riveted into action? This book will do it. You will also feel rather selfish after the first reading (for witholding your dynamite). Go over it again several times. Mine is highlighted at every point (and there are many). I suggest you study I Dare You! along with the vintage movie "Fighting Father Dunne" (1948).

As one of the other reviewers noted, I too read this original book from my father's library when I was [...], in the 50s. Although almost forgotten, when I was writing articles on leadership, I realized this may have been the single most important book I had read...and used throughout life, becoming a leader in every...yes every...organization I belonged to, from high school Senior class President, college fraternity President, Band president(s), VP-Pres. elect of a national association, President of a state-wide organization, to Editor of a writers Quarterly and business owner. Now at 71, and looking back, "I Dare You" is quite possibly the only book necessary for directions in life. It's not about "success" or "money," it's about being your best and being the best FOR everyone around you.

We came into this series from the back end. Then purchase preceding works to catch up on the story line as the characters were compelling enough to warrant further reading. Deborah Crombie's Inspector's Kincard and James is such a pair. Their personal lives intermingle with their cases. As readers, we root for each installment. Her stories are keepers as we weed our shelves to make room for new favorites.
With "In a Dark House," Ms. Crombie apply demonstrates her ability to rank with Martha Grimes in creating the stark and brutal side of human relations. Knowing how the personal issues evolve, we concentrated on the deftly plotted case and the steps taken to reconstruct the crime from almost non-existent clues in this great police procedural.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Sins of the Fathers."

Deborah Crombie continues to deliver a series worth reading and rereading...this entry is no exception. Balancing jurisdictional disputes, personal life distractions, and a strong sense of historical detail, In a Dark House is another superb example of Crombie's sensitive portrayal of character, place and pitch-perfect plot. If you haven't read her work yet, get them all and be prepared to enter a world you won't want to leave.

I thought that the two books previous to this in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series were slight disappointments. Kincaid seemed relegated to a side character with Gemma taking the lead. IN A DARK HOUSE is an excellent mystery that brings the two back to equal ground and re-establishes them as one of the best partnerships in mystery fiction.

'In a Dark House' is my first foray into the world of Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James and, mostly likely, it will be my last ... which is strange because the book has all the hallmarks of a good detective/mystery series. The author has obviously done her research on the story's setting (Southwark section of London) and criminal investigation procedures. And the story, an interwoven affair involving arson and murder, has surprising yet plausible plot twists. But why is "In a Dark House" so forgettable?

Well it strikes me that the characterizations, especially of our investigative duo of Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James, are just a bit too manufactured. It felt something out of EastEnders (a UK soap opera) rather than anything realistic. I also felt the author, who is obviously a talented writer, played too safe in her narrative. I wanted high drama, conflict, and the tangible feeling of suspense ... and I didn't find any of it.


Bottom line: a competent mystery perfect for the beach but certainly the sort of book you won't want to keep on your bookshelf afterwards.

Deborah Crombie's James & Kincaid series just gets better and better. Here the setting is Southwark, not a usual venue for London-loving writers. As always, Crombie provides a physical map with her text, although her descriptions of place are so excellent that it's ironically unnecessary. The aged warehouses oozing toward oblivion in the Thames, the aggressive marks of gentrification (for an even better take on this hot topic, see _Kissed a Sad Goodbye_) mingle with the tang of traditional cheeses from the open market by the cathedral and the wacky/wonky lives of the fringe business people who flourish in spaces between the run-down and the rave restaurant review.

Crombie's characters are equally vivid, not only the series stars, but also the agoraphobic in her doll's house and the oddly honest self-made politician. The characters are given dead-on details that call them to mind for the reader, even after an absence of many chapters. Yet Crombie never falls into the grey-page plague of prose. She uses her omniscient narrator's voice and swaths of unforced dialogue to convey both news and nuance. Her skill at plotting really shines here, as she moves among three sets of self-absorbed characters and the police, never once making the reader feel that "now for something completely different" sense of dislocation.

This is a mystery worthy of a re-read - first class!

I've purchased this book 4 times. The first time I bought it, I was browsing in a bookstore. I'd never heard of Christopher Moore before. Initially, the cover caught my attention. Then, I read the title and knew I had to buy it. (I have a sorta twisted sense of humor.)

By page 10, I had gone out to buy the book a second time for my Dad (He's twisted too - I got it honestly). This book is LAUGH-OUT-LOUD funny. Imagine someone on the bus reading what looks like the bible - laughing involuntarily as they read. I'm sure many dirty looks and prayers were sent my way on those days.

I finished Lamb, and gifted my previously read copy to my uncle - which gave me an excuse to buy a fresh new copy to read again. Then, I bought a fourth to have in reserve just in case I come across someone else to give it to - or keep for myself in mint condition (don't you just LOVE gilded pages?).

I won't write about the plot, characters or details of the book - I hate spoilers. All I will say is that this was the best book I have read in a long time. The subject matter, storyline, and Moore's writing style all culminate in a great reading experience. I have made it a point to read all of his other novels.

A first timer of Moore, I got this when I read the first few chapters while at a friend's house. I tell you, the opening paragraph is all you need to become hooked.

Moore's work is painstaikingly true-to-earth, making Jesus [Joshua] a more human-esque, loveable and a believable saviour then anything I've ever read. Biff, his childhood friend, is the classic sidekick, but with more originality then a beta fish. [Try and make sense of that one] Overall, Moore's work is a stunning, beautiful, well-crafted piece of literature that everyone should get.

Especially when it's a book that looks as nice as this one!

I absolutely laughed till I cried. It all makes sense now... This is a must read for anyone who has ever taken religion tooooooo seriously.

This book is easily in my top 5 favorite books. I might even say it's #1.

When I laughed out loud at the first page... I knew I was going to love this book. I could totally see everything in the book unfolding back in the day.

Some people didn't like the ending, and I must admit I was a little surprised... but when I thought for a minute, 'I got it' and it was the perfect ending.

Definitely a conversation starter... definitely a keeper for rereading over & over again.

I love this book for how it incites great conversation and it is a welcome addition to my small collection.

This is one of those books that really gets people talking. Conversations range from the story itself, to the historical truths or lack thereof, the religious implications, and now its look.

I really enjoyed reading this book the first time around when I would find myself laughing out loud when I would least expect it, and most recently with this edition where a friend thought I was laughing about something in the Bible itself.

This new edition was a great idea, with only one flaw: It can be difficult to hold open because it is bound tightly. I'm afraid of causing too much wear to the spine of the book, but in retrospect I guess that would only add to its charm of looking like a Bible.

I love this book. It truly is geared toward all levels of fitness. I especially like that there is not a lot of expensive equipment to by. And, who can say they don't have time to exercise when it's only 12 miniutes a day for the strength training and 20 minutes 2-3 times a week with cardio.

I just received this yesterday and have read it pretty much from cover to cover. This is a wonderful tool for people who are committed to their workouts and really want to see results. The photos, explanations, etc. are excellent. It is laid out in a very systematic and organized way. I love how she includes both easier and harder options for each exercise and stretch and how she integrates stretching throughout the workout rather than just at the end. I've been teaching fitness classes for years and thought I would breeze through the workout I did this morning, but I found it challenging. I'm looking forward to seeing changes in my body. I like having a guide to go by in choosing what exercises and stretches to do each time. This book is a great find!

I was looking for a book that would help me strengthen and tone my muscles. Help me get a routine going that I can stick with. As I've gotten older I have lost a lot of muscle mass and I feel it's important to gain most of that back. Now that I'm alone I need to be able to take care of myself and do for myself. I believe this book will do the trick. It has helped Montel Williams out as this woman is his personal trainer.

This book is easy to understand with quick simple workouts that really get your body working out. I never thought I could get my heart rate up with such simple work outs but I really did on this one! I often worry that I'll hurt myself doing exercises the wrong way but she's good at pointing out what to watch for to make sure you're doing it right. The exercises are short and easy to do before work or while dinner's in the oven. And I can adjust the number of reps I do to make sure I have that sore great work out feeling the next morning! Hope you all enjoy it!

I purchased this book for the purpose of getting back into shape after having baby #2. I was very active during both my pregnancies, so just needed something to 'tweak' myself back into pre-pregnancy form. This book absolutely served that purpose. For someone with limited time and resources (I don't have time to go to the gym, but have a few essential items at home), it's perfect. After a consistent training with this book, coupled with cardio, I lost my last 5 pounds in just a few short weeks. And my muscle definition is back! However, if you're looking for something more 'challenging' or if you have significant weight to lose, I suggest you hire a trainer.

This has to be one of the most fascinating ,interesting ,and probably the most factual treatment of the trial and execution of the assassins of President Lincoln.
There are several reasons that this book is so outstanding.It's large size,9 1/2 X 12 inches is required to do the photographs justice.The paper, quality,printing ,color reproduction and overall construction are supurb.The two authors are outstanding in their knowledge and long time interest in the subject.It has a selected bibliography that must be as good as one will find on the subject.The organization of the book makes it a clear ,concise and easily absorbed chronology of events that was probably even more captivating in its day than the period after the Assassination of President Kennedy.
The book also shows, as a besides, the difference in the art of photography in 1865 compared to what we have come to take for granted today or in the time of Kennedy's assassination. The fact that newspapers did not even have the ability to print a photograph. Photographs were not even available until several days after taken,and forget about color photography then. Come the advances in 100 years and we watched events live and in our living rooms with the assassination of JFK.
Compare this advancement in recording and speedy dissipating of information with the regression of and the drawn out, convoluting that takes place in the legal and justice that has become the norm today. Absolutely amazing in both cases.A few weeks and negligable expense in the case of Lincoln and years and untold millions with Kennedy.There has been great advances in the information processes and just the opposite in the legal and justice process.
Getting back to how the assassination is covered in this book. The authors have been able to make the reader feel that they were living at the time the event took place and convey what it might have felt to witness those great events taking place.There have been many books on the subject,and it was complicated;but the authors have boiled it down to the essentials.The hundreds of photographs,illustrations,reproductions and illustrations are a real treasure trove that have been collected and assembled in a way that obviously must have talen taken lot of time ,knowledge and contacts.
If you want a book that details the capture,trial and execution of President Lincoln,in a clear,concise way;look no further --this is the book you are looking for.

James Swanson has done a super job at presenting Lincoln's assassins thru the the use of pictures of the individuals as well as documents of the time. An excellent source for teachers dealing with the capture, trial, and execution of those associated with Lincoln's assassination.

I saw James Swanson giving a speech about his other book "Manhunt" and found him fascinating to listen to. he knew facts that I had never heard before and could describe them with such detail I felt like I was watching it happen. I read "Manhunt" and was thrilled to have the details of those twelve days come to life. When I saw this book I snatched it up as quickly as I could. It is the perfect book for both the avid reader and for those who like to look at artifacts and photographs of the era. This is by far my new favorite Civil War book (and I have many). James and Daniel did an excellent job of laying out the story then showing artifacts and pictures from the event. I've looked at this book for hours and am only through the second chapter! Not that it's hard to get through, just fun to look at and read.

This text dovetails nicely with Swanson's recent effort "Manhunt", but more from an artifact perspective than a written one. Many of the pictures are one-of-a-kind, especially Alexander Gardner's entire collection from the courtyard at the D.C. prison where the conspirators were hung. Again, this is not a complete text (nor does it aspire to be), but a great addition to any historical collection regarding the Lincoln assasination.

This is more of a picture book than a text-laden history book, but it's the appeal of the many photos, pictures, illustrations, and even cartoons that make this book a fascinating one to read. The book includes photos of all the conspirators, in life as well as death, along with other interesting details such as a letter Booth wrote as a teenager. Today few remember that John Wilkes Booth was the teenage heart-throb of his day, making it all the more shocking when he was involved in the assassination.

The details of the trial sound like something from some fantastic kangaroo court, not the U.S. For example, the defense had no time to marshall their case, interview or call witnesses, or even to meet much with their clients. The jury was composed of generals and military men, not civilians, and their decision would be final, with no right of appeal.There were indeed judges in the courtroom, but they were watching from the audience.

The public and the press constantly talked about their favorite conspirators, of which the young, handsome and dashing looking Lewis Powell was the favorite, who attempted to kill secretary of state William Seward with a Bowie knife on the night of the assassination, rather than the president, but was foiled. Even the decision of who to prosecute left many questions unanswered, as several suspects with far more incriminating evidence weren't even brought to trial, whereas others with less evidence were tried and executed. The authors suggest that this might have had more to do with who actually plotted the murder vs. who was involved with post-assassination attempts to shelter Booth.

However, it's the stunning visual presentation here rather than the now well known history that is the star here. This book will be enjoyed by any history or Americana buffs or anyone interested in a well done presentation of a unique event in our history.