Wilson Books

There is a sense that, although his published works must number over a hundred, Wilson is just writing the same book over and over again. But, as someone once said, Colin Wilson could make a telephone book an interesting read, it simply doesn't matter. Mysteries does feature the enduring Wilson theme of expanded consciousness and how to achieve it and what it means to have it to the individual and to humanity but along the way we are treated to a somewhat idiosyncratic but intriguing and intelligent view of the history of science and the search for the mysterious Faculty X. However, you soon realize, if you've also read more contemporary forays into the same or similar territory, how prescient some or even most of his writing was. This book covers some of the same ground as Capra's almost contemporaneous "The Tao of Physics" and pre-empts Lynn McTaggarts, "The Field" by a good twenty years! It could just possibly be one of the most important books of the late twentieth century.

If you are a paranormal buff, a student of para-psychology, or are simply curious as to what this strange science is all about, this is a must read. Mr. Wilson enlightens us as to the theories associated with almost every aspect of para-science. He explains in intricate detail various considerations as to how to interpret strange events, and gives us a thurough understanding of psychic phenomenon. Absolutely outstanding reading material. The finest I have ever found on the subject.

If you type in the ISBN number 0-399-50461-3 (you can leave out the hyphens) you can get a 1980 edition of this same book for under $4.00.

Much better than Colin Wilson's previous book on the topic (entitled simply _The Occult_). In the 8 years between the two books, he seems to have learned a great deal, improved as a writer, and gained a much clearer understanding of his subject matter. He has a fascinating theory and he presents it in a very persuasive, convincing, understandable and readable manner. At times the pace lags, at times his conviction seems to waver, occasionally he seems to become exasperated - haranguing the reader (and humanity in general) for failing to live up to our full potential ... but overall this book was an exciting and, yes, enlightening read. It seems to open up endless possibilities for growth and personal discovery; the untapped potential of human power... Much of what I learned from it, I will remember for the rest of my life. I give it four stars, not five, simply because it is inconclusive. Reading this book will start you thinking and asking questions, but the answers will have to be found elsewhere.
It's a valuable introduction to the subjects of psi, mysticism and the occult, and it definitely encourages one to do further research into the topic. Unless you are a stickler for completeness, I would recommend you skip the companion volume and just start with this one.

Quite objective review of otherwise quite controversial, questionable material. Wilson's able to put on the reporter's hat and report on items that are sensational and speculative and thusly makes for a royally grand tour. Bring this one back to print! Worth the price of admission for his pet theory on the hidden human faculty...

This is a beautiful and truly enlightening book. I read it in less than a week because I couldn't put it down. I bought about 9 other copies and passed them out to my professors and my friends in the Christian ministry. The only regret I'll ever have about my life is that I didn't get to meet this man in person to express my gratitude.

This is possibly my favorite of all Watts' books, and according to his autobiography In My Own Way (another of his best), he considered this one his best-written (not that he was putting down the content, either).

Although clearly directed to a male audience, I as a woman found much of interest here -- in the application of a Taoist/Zen approach both to love and life in general. A deeply thought and well-articulated book, the scope of Watts' topic is wide but well-supported both logically and factually. A deeply satsifying read with profound implications.

Using some of the basic principles of Taoism, Alan Watts is able to explain to us the true meaning of life, love, and simple existence in an astonishingly simple way. This book is both creative and enlightening. It provides a fresh new perspective on Western culture and how we have sent ourselves to purgatory by developing a certain type of consciousness emphasized in Western culture. If you read another exceptional book called "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato, you will also learn that this is part of the process of both life and evolution. These are the kind of teachers we truly need more of in this age of chaos and confusion. Highly recommended!

For a more formal account of the Chinese philosophy of Nature you may want to look to Mr. Watts book, "The Way of Zen", or to Joseph Needham's "Science and Civilization in China".

This book is about the problem of man's relationship with Nature. A problem that gives rise to the problem of man's relation to woman and to himself. This book was published in 1958. I am certain that today Alan would have taken a more egalitarian approach to the subject of Mankind's alienation from Nature. Even our sages are to an extent the product of their immediate environment. Nurture is the yang to Nature's yin. In my opinion this book should be read by every High School student in America,.. by everyone.

The Taoist philosophy of Nature is more than a theoretical system, it is primarily a way of life in which the original sense of the seamless unity of Nature is restored without the loss of individual consciousness. To follow the watercourse way of Taoism is like a hand that has been reunited with its body. It is still a hand, but now it is part of something bigger than its narrow sense of self.

For the Taoist the mystery of life is not so much a problem to be solved intellectually as it is a reality to be experienced intuitively. Intuition is of a higher order because it includes the rational mind. Synthesis is the product of the whole person. The left and right hemispheres of our brains working as one. Nature is a synergetic whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, a synergetic organic unity. Nature, though it has mechanistic characteristics, is not a machine. We are a microcosm of the macrocosm, Nature in miniature. Nature is not made up of space and matter. Nature is an energy field of varying density. Nature is whole, more a volume than a line. The Taoist comes out of Nature, not into it. We are not strangers in a strange land, we are home, Heaven is beneath our feet. We do not need to try and control Nature, we need to go with the flow of the grain of reality. To recognize the yin/yang polarities of life as being two sides of a unified whole. Day without night is meaningless. Each pole contains the seed of its opposite pole, it is darkest before the Dawn. The Thread of Life has two ends, birth and death, and yet the thread is whole. Our world is not an illusion, maya. Life matters. If there is a bias to Taoism, it is an optimistic one. It is the thinking that anything is separate from the whole that is illusion, that is pessimistic. The inside of the inside of all outsides is the same inside. The eternal Tao is omnipresent. There is a grain to reality that is the path of least resistance, the Way of ways.

For the Taoist "Nature" is a guide book, the lone book written solely by the hand of Providence. "Nature" is a manifold collection of parables. The Sun shines on good and bad alike. God, the eternal Tao by another name, is impartial. God's love shines on everyone for God's love is whole. It is we that divide with our rational minds. We have been taught by our culture here in the West that our spotlight focus, generally the left hemisphere of our brain, is not only superior to our floodlight awareness, the right hemisphere, but that we are our narrow focus, our left hemisphere. We are fragmented. The Fall from the Garden was due to eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, of thinking that polarities are separate, that we are separate from God. As Ken Wilber theorizes in his book "Up from Eden", the Fall was a necessary evolutionary step up in our mental development, a necessary evil. Or as Julian Jaynes theorizes in his book "The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind", the consciousness of consciousness is a relatively recent development in the history of Man. Except for the rare sage or saint rationality is a new tool Mankind has yet to learn how to use properly, myself included. By fixating on a part of ourselves as though it was all of ourselves we have become fragmented and thus alienated and in need of reintegration with our whole selves. Not a return to the naive holism of Tribal Societies, but to evolve from the Individual extremism of our current civilization, to the mature holism of Global Man. This is the way of the Taoist. As Barbara Marx Hubbard has stated in her forward to Ralph Alan Dale's excellent translation of Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching"-the Old Testament of Taoism, "The spiral of our evolutionary progress is turning back in time to reconnect with the great sage Lao Tzu". God did not kick us out of the Garden, we kicked ourselves out. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". Proverbs 23:7. Sometimes we rationalize too much.

Meditation is a master key that all wisdom traditions use to reconnect us with our feelings, with our whole selves. "Be still, and know that I am God". Psalm 46:10. Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Rumi, Ghandi, Maharshi, were all master meditators. They meditated before they acted, often for forty days and forty nights. Nature is the action of awareness. We can all be more aware, wake up, be born again, through silent meditation. No one can do it for us. No one can give us anything we don't already have. The Kingdom of God is within each of us. It is in silence, in awareness stripped of the chatter of our rational minds, that we hear the still small voice of God. Khamush!

A book for treasure hunting in Oklahoma is long over-due (even though this was done several years ago). Precise information along with very well done maps and easy to follow stories. There is no other book like this nor can any other book compare with it's information. Money well spent for this interesting Oklahoma book is a treasure hunters dream come true. A must read book.

I thought this book was really interesting! It provides the stories of lost gold mines, buried outlaw loot, old Spanish mining efforts, and more. Includes lots of pictures.

For the serious treasure hunter, this book may provide a place to start looking for sources, but it doesn't contain any detailed maps or secrets.

Nonetheless, I would strongly recommend this book to people with an interest in lost treasure or with an interest in the history of Oklahoma. (I found out from this book that I grew up about 20 miles from a lost gold mine area!)

Steve captures the essence of the Wichita Mountains in an inspiring way. As someone who grew up in these magaical mountains, I appreciate the insight he brings to the book. The photos, maps, and stories offer great depth into an area that I've enjoyed exploring since I was a young girl. Thanks to Steve for sharing the stories of Oklahoma with the world. He's a great storyteller, an amazing author and photographer.

Although this book was originally published several years ago, it remains "the best" reference book for authentic treasure leads ever published, particularly for Oklahoma.

Many of the old west treasure stories recorded here would now be lost to history if not for Steve Wilson's thorough detective work.

I was shocked to read one review here stating "there are no detailed maps" in the book. I beg to differ with that opinion. This book contains several authentic treasure maps. It is an absolute fact that treasure was recovered using some of those maps. (Read "Shadow of the Sentinel" or "Rebel Gold" for the story of one treasure recovery). I'd go as far as to predict, that in the near future, other treasures will be found using the maps in this book.

Every day another treasure hunter enters the ranks of those who seek buried gold. They can do no better than to read, and read, then re-read the OKLAHOMA TREASURES AND TREASURE TALES.

To truly understand the way treasure maps are actually drawn and how they work this book is a must. Study these maps paying careful attention to the codes and ciphers hidden in them, then with some luck and lots of hard work you might be the next person to get rich from Steve's work.
Bob Brewer
Author/Historian/Cache Hunter

This is the definitive work on lost treasure in Oklahoma. The author gives an excellent survey of most of the lost treasures in the state which are commonly known (and some which are not so well known). The author seems to have researched the treasures in the western half of the state, particularly those in the Lawton area, more heavily than the treasures in the eastern half of the state. Nonetheless, on all of the treasures surveyed, there is sufficient information in the bibliography for the serious student to start researching any of the treasures.

The central book in this series Lifemanship:Some Notes on Lifemanship with a Summary of Recent Research in Gamesmanship is a classic for anyone nerous about social encounters. You know the type, the ones who are always suspecting that everyone else is scrutinizing their every word and gesture. Well, according to these books, they are. There is a defense though (and a way to make those others who share the anxiety still more worried). This is one of those that is a good laugh, but not ENTIRELY facetious.

If your knowledge of British humour begins and ends with Monty Python, or if you think Austin Powers really is British, then this book will be an eye-opener for you. Where the Pythons provide an in-your-face, broad, loud, slapstick experience, Stephen Potter is exquisitely dry and understated. He sets about on the thankless and nearly impossible task of teaching us perfectly ordinary people how to lord it over our peers. Or betters, for that matter. Doctors, for instance, assume a state of instant authority and dominance by the simple act of having us remove our clothes first thing. How to counter this age-old tactic? Arrange for a female acquaintance to call you as soon as you're starkers, and engage in a knee-slapping, ribald conversation. Any doctor will have a hard time meeting your eyes after that call! A salesman should never rush a pen into his client's hand, hoping he'll skip the fine print. Instead, read out loud the most obfuscatory phrases ("whereas the party hereinafter called the copyholders shall within the discretion of both signatories ..."), and have a shared laugh as you both try to figure out what they can possibly mean. It's good form to then pat your pockets, looking in vain for a pen. Done properly, the client will offer his own pen, which of course you'll take home with you.

If you're not used to reading the Queen's English, you'd better have a dictionary (preferably the O.E.D.) close at hand. Despite the passing of half a century, some of these ploys and gambits will be fresh and viable today. Mind you, I should avoid any driving advice given by Plaste, tempting though it may be. Though if you're afraid of heights, then the Art of Not Rockclimbing will suit you to a "t". This is all brilliant stuff, though the connoisseur will prefer the all-in-one volume, "The Complete Upmanship: Including Gamesmanship, Lifemanship, One-Upmanship, Supermanship." Highly, highly recommended.

Potter's books are the funniest I have ever read. I go back to each of them regularly.

Potter caqptures the essence of British humor. He wrote circa 1950 and was a master at capitalizing on observations for the purposes of gaining an edge in the most humorous of cicumstances. The British understatement and preoccupation for the unimportant things in life is the starting point for Potter to describe how life should be lived. From how to decorate ones office, how to walk in a museum, how to properly answer the telephone, to what to wear for golf has been reduced to a science so that the other person will ultimately feel uncomfortable and off balance. If one can possibly think British, then this book may be one of the funniest books ever written.

As a high school youth this book was my introduction to subtlety. And as a kid in Pittsburgh I had much to learn on this subject. One would hope that in today crass atmosphere such ploys are still advantageous but I doubt it. In fact I'll wager that there is not one person in a thousand who can identify this book as the source of the popularity of the word "ploy" although the word is widely used. Read it, it's fun.

The Original Sanctuary is a book about hearing, believing and obeying. It is thought-provoking yet easy to read. David and Marc invite you to join them in their pursuit of living in freedom. Their writing style is unique; it's as if you can hear each one of their voices as they bravely tell their story. It is honest and filled with hope, encouraging believers to accept the forgiveness and embrace the freedom that Christ died for. This book is a call to stop denying and minimizing those things that keep us from living the abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

The Original Sanctuary is a must-read for everyone with a beating heart! David and Marc's transparency and depth are so unusual in our shallow world. I was drawn into 2 lives from opposite ends of the spectrum with only a couple of things in common: overflowing garbage bags and God's grace. The authors painted a wonderful picture of God using their garbage for His glory. The truth of God's Word, combined with the author's life experiences, is overwhelmingly powerful! This book accomplished its' mission...revealing God's grace in restoring our hearts and a path to true freedom. How could I possibly put a price on these 2 things? Fortunately, I don't have to...the authors did, and it is only $17! This will be the best money you ever spend!

What I found so interesting about this book, is the transparency of these two men. It is so refreshing in todays world to find a book that really captures the heart of God. In realizing that from the beginning, God intended the heart to be the "original sanctuary" and that nothing I have done in my past will change the call God has placed on my life was a moment of freedom for me. This book helped me to realize that I was not alone with living in bondage from past mistakes, but that I could walk in freedom and that is a choice. This book is fun and easy to read, it is easy to understand, and can be used like a journal. There are questions you can answer and blank pages to journal. The authors have both poured their own voice into the text which helped me to connect to them as real people, but at the same time it taught me biblical principles of freedom. If you are in a place where you have lost your hopes and dreams due to your past, then this is a book for you. It will help to reconnect your heart to God's original purpose.

There's a saying that, a man with an argument is never at the mercy of a man with experience. In quoting the authors, "The only force in the universe that can truly change you is the presence and power of God." In this book, Marc and David don't come to you with an argument - they come to you with their own real, transparent and authentic experience of how God has powerfully, magnificently, and obviously changed their lives. But more than that, how you too can experience that and finally get your heart aligned with the original "factory settings" that God "hard-wired" for you. Indeed, this is much more than a book about change; it's about getting your life back. I literally had to lay it down twice because, I was weeping too much to continue reading the very personal stories of how God's presence and power transformed the lives of these two men. If you know you need a touch from the living God, then I urge you to buy this book - but have a box at tissues at hand, you're going to need them.

From the moment I began to read this book, I was immediately drawn into the pages and placed in front of a mirror where my heart met Gods'. As God allowed these two men to share their stories with a host of events that had me laughing on one page and tears streaming on another, I realized that my heart didn't look like Gods. My heart looked more like life's circumstances. As pages unfolded so did truth for me. Truth that is meant to set us free. This book holds so much freedom if you will allow Mark and David to take you back to the heart of God, the place where your worthiness was defined, the place where God reminds you that He Himself gave you a purpose and a destiny, and realize that life circumstances have not robbed you of it. We all want to walk in freedom, but to walk freely in our God called, God annointed destiny is truly freedom. The "Original
Sanctuary" will take you there.

What a great book. MaryLou Wilson helps you realize, if you read her book you'll be able to throw a fabulous party, touching on every detail, and actually having a good time yourself. A very helpful book, all I want to do now is party like a Pro!

Recently, my husband suggested that we host a party for his boss and about 20 of his colleagues in November. With reservation, I agreed. It wasn't that I didn't want to have people over; it was just that the only party planning my family did growing up was a clean house and chips on the table.

Knowing we didn't have a party planner budget, I decided to seek help from a book. Thankfully, I stumbled upon "Party Like a Pro" at Amazon. The book truly delivers real party ideas for real people. Mary Lou offers simple tips on how to improve the flow of traffic, encourage mingling, and decorate with items from your own home. Not to mention she includes an array of memorable party themes that can be tailored to fit your budget.


I would highly recommend this book. Not only is this book and excellent planning tool, Mary Lou sprinkles the book with funny personal anecdotes, which make the book an entertaining read. Thanks Mary Lou.... I can't wait for my upcoming party!

This book is esthetically pleasing, with good photos, so I enjoyed sitting down and spending time with it. It offers practical help to anyone wanting to jump into entertaining and have the result be fun as well as successful. Definitely worth the money.

I liked it. Easy to read and understand. Some different and unique ideas for parties. The lists toward the end of the book are most helpful. Definately worth it.

This is the first book I have read on parties that actually explains how to plan a party. Done in outline form with real parties, it is easy to follow.
The stories from the author about mistakes she has made planning and hosting parties gave me the courage to plan my party and not worry about anything happening.

This book is destined to be a classic. Great for anyone who loves comic books, superheroes, writing, or who can relate to a kid who needs a boost in his self-esteem. My kids, a girl age 9 and a boy age 7, both love this book. The author visited their school and did a reading there, and the kids are STILL talking about this book weeks later. (Well, the author *did* show up in a Perfect Man costume!) The book is great fun. The illustrations are wonderful. But it's the story that's best of all. My kids also love Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type and Bently and Egg by William Joyce.

This book is terrific not only for comic book lovers and kids interested in writing, but for any kid who may need help boosting his or her self-esteem. This book is all about looking inside, finding our own special talents, and ultimately feeling at home in the world. It is a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations, and I'll be surprised if it doesn't win all sorts of awards.

Buy it! You won't be disappointed!

Michael Maxwell McAllum is a young boy who is obsessed with real-life superhero named "Perfect man". After Perfect Man retires, Michael must make a choice, sink into despair or discover his own life, and his own super-powers. He discovers that he has his own imagination, and begins to write down his stories.

This is a great book, in the tradition of Freak the Mighty, that encourages young people to write their thoughts and ideas down on paper.

The writing is superb, and the artwork is beyond belief. This Canadian import is well worth the price. Especially for parents who dabbled in comic-book reading themselves (and not the Archie kind), you'll love this book.

Brian Pankratz
Vancouver, BC, Canada

What I love best about Perfect Man is its kid logic. Michael Maxwell McAllum believes. And it's a true credit to author Troy Wilson that we accept little Michael's leap of logic without question. Illustrator Dean Griffiths' illustrations rise (up, up, and away...) to the occasion-whether it's Perfect Man flying over the New York skyline or little Michael's cat sprawled in sleep over Michael's body.

Perfect Man is, above all, great fun. That it also celebrates teachers and writers and children's imaginations is an extra, wonderful bonus for all.

"Michael Maxwell McAllum was the smallest boy in his class. He lived in a small house in a small town on a small street." So begins Wilson and Griffiths' delightful story, "Perfect Man."

Michael's all time most-favoritest superhero is the blue-caped, silver-helmeted Perfect Man. He's a hero of mystery, no one knows his true name, no one even knows where he lives, but he's got marketing on his side! "Michael Maxwell McAllum was Perfect Man's biggest fan. He covered his wall with Perfect man posters. He read Perfect man comics and played Perfect Man video games. He ate Perfect Man cereal and wore Perfect Man T-shirts." To Michael, Perfect Man truly IS perfect in every way.

Then an interesting twist happens (the first of many) and PM decides to call it quits. He holds a press conference and tells the public that it's time to move on and do something else. The press is curious-where will he go? What will he do? "Oh, I'll find something," PM says, "after all, there's ore than one way to save the world."

You'd THINK MMM would be devastated, but he's got a secret faith in PM. After all, PM escaped from space pirates, escaped from the 10th Dimension and even came back from the dead! Of COURSE PM would be coming back, how could you think otherwise??

Nothing happens all summer except for an alien invasion in New York ("They always invaded New York. They never invaded his small town"); other superheroes team up to send the green nasties back to outer space and PM is still not heard form. THEN the next wonderful twist in the story happens: "and then Perfect Man came back. Or maybe not. It was hard to tell. He wasn't wearing the costume." Michael Maxwell McCullum believes that his new teacher, Mr. Clark, IS Perfect Man, only a bit flabbier and rounder.

Mr. Clark doesn't yell, loose his temper or take any sick days. When there's conflict, he's there to help smooth the way. When there's pain, he's there to make it feel better. "he was everywhere at once. At least it seemed that way." Though he's convinced that his teacher is PM, he doesn't tell anyone, not even his parents. Though he dreamed of PM coming back to the world of supers and joining him as his sidekick, he doesn't tell ANYONE. Instead, Michael writes stories about Perfect Man.

He gives these to his teacher who is quietly impressed and, we can guess by the smile on his face, delighted. One day, Michael tells Mr. Clark he knows the secret, he KNOWS Mr. Clark is Perfect Man.

"Mr. Clark smiled. `Do I look like Perfect Man?'" Well, no, not really, but there are shape-shifting machines dreamt up by evil scientists and there are other supers like the Dark Avenger who could help him change his appearance, so it's still quite possible. Mr. Clark doesn't say either way whether or not he's a transmogrified Perfect Man, but he DOES give Michael a bit of advice that changes Michael's focus: "you don't need to be the sidekick, Michael. You can be the superhero." How exactly M.M.M. becomes a superhero who helps save the world I will not reveal, giving you, gentle reader, motivation to get this delightful lil' book for yourself (though I have a hint: it has to do with Michael's story-writing abilities).

I stumbled across Perfect Man almost by accident-it was sitting on top of our school librarian's PC and the cover art caught my eye. Upon reading it I was completely captivated by the story and the delightful illustrations. I love the way that the story invites a sense of wonder to the reader; in a world where green, tentacled aliens attack New York, Perfect Man very well COULD be disguised as a pudgy schoolteacher, and Michael could very well be the only one to know this. I love the way Michael's gift and love for writing turns into a gateway for future opportunities. And I especially I love the way that Michael, far from giving up on his hero, keeps quiet vigil for his reappearance, and finds him again in the form of his teacher. After all, it's nice to think that Mr. Clark IS PM who has merely found another way of saving the world, one student at a time.

Awonderfull book for the family to share. Especial.ly if you have children and are going through a divorce. This book tells the children's side of the situation Would be helpful book for library, church library, children's counselors, etc. A great little book!

This is a tasty morsel! This simple story can be a springboard for a child to open up about his/her feelings when experiencing a divorce. The clever illustrations make this a very appealing book. The fact that the author was a young boy makes the story work! I hope this book finds it's way into every school library and into the hands of children of divorce.

Pizza Heart is a great resource in helping children deal with the very real pain of divorce and separation. In our society, all too many children are touched by divorce. As a school counselor, I am always looking for new ways to reach out to kids who are struggling with its realities. Pizza Heart gives them a concrete way to express and share their feelings. A most welcome resource!!

Wonderful story of how divorce is perceived through the eyes of a child. Litle book with a big message!

Parents and counselors will find this book enormously helpful to share with children dealing with the pain of divorce in their lives. Each page could also serve as a conversation starter between adult and child. Most importantly this title is also positive in nature, suggesting ways to move forward while still dealing with emotions and fears. The illustrations are warm and inviting. Suited for both elementary and middle-school age children.

Jan Dohner
School librarian

This is the book I wish I'd had many years ago, when I started reading Crowley. Excellently put together. I highly recommend this book! I couldn't put it down!

I too am surprised at the lack of reviews. This is one of the best collections and discussions of Crowley's work from an intellectual point of view that I've ever seen. I purchased my copy when it was first published and it remains one of my favorite books on the subject of "Uncle Al". I'd easily give it 6 stars out of 5!

This book gives a good survey of, or introduction to, Crowley's work. I suggest that anyone interested in Crowley start here and then read The Beast's writings.

I can't believe I have to be the first reviewer of this book. This is, in my opinion, the best place to start if you want to know what Crowley was all about. It has a very wide sampling of his voluminuos writing, with academic commentary. Much of Crowley's work is difficult to understand because he assumes you are as educated as he is, and because he frequently makes jokes designed to misleed and outrage those with a puritanical leaning. Having someone who has obviously spent some time studying Crowley and his ideas as a guide is an excellent benefit. Even though this book is out of print it seems to be widely and cheaply available, so buy a copy already.

When I looked at this book in first edition printing back in 1989, I thought it was a terribly skimpy selection of Crowley's writings. I was also concerned that the heavy editorial content interwoven with the selections would skew a natural, spontaneous reading of Crowley's work. At that time I felt that reading Crowley in situ instead of in anthologies was a much better approach. Now I have come around to see "Portable Darkness" not so much as a selection of Crowley's work, but as an extended critical essay on Crowley with sufficient original source material (Crowley's own words) thrown in to make an informed judgment on whether you like Crowley, and on whether the editor/commentator is making good points. As such it is completely without precedent and invaluable. The author is an extremely intelligent man.

I should also add that the material on so-called western tantra is very complete in itself and includes some works simply not available elsewhere, unless you are a member of an occult group. For this reason alone, it is an invaluable addition to any occultist's library, particularly occultists with a respect for Crowley.

If you want to round out your Crowley library, I highly recommend "Book 4, Magick in Theory and Practice," in the very usefully annotated edition prepared by the OTO head Hymanaeus Beta; "Magick without Tears," less profound that Book 4, but easier to read; "Gems from the Equinox" which purportedly (but does not quite) includes all the magickal writings from Crowley's original opus "The Equinox;" and "Holy Books of Thelema" which includes all the "revealed" or transmitted, Class A writings.

Some of (maybe most of) Crowley's writings are as impenetrable as Blake, Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats, which is to say, not impossible but certainly poetically grandiose and mind-numbing for anyone but a hardcore English lit major. Book 4 or Magick in Theory and Practice is an exception, the only true grimoire (grammar or rules of magick) produced in the 20th century (Bardon straddling the line between a grimoire and the ultimate self-improvement book for the aspiring occultist).

Finally, the summer beach book par excellence is Magick in Theory and Practice in the inexpensive, non-annotated Dover edition. While you won't be able read the Greek or Latin, unlike Beta's "Book 4" you will be able to carry it in a backpack without getting a hernia.

First I would say that I was a user of this test book. This book was a very user friendly tool. The text is written with the student in mind.

The text book is very easy to read and follow. Gene has taken particular care in useful examples. The examples are used to show different ways to solve problems.

The calculator tips enhance the text. Knowing how to relate the function buttons to the problems brings about a quicker understanding. This text is geared for the student who has had very little exposure to TVM, but can pick it up quickly.

This text gives a great foundation to finance and the tools needed to further that learning. I highly recommend this text.

Gene Wright has done an amazing job teaching Quantitative Analysis and Statistics to anyone - without requiring the reader to be a rocket scientist. After reading his book, you will truly understand how to apply and use statistics in the real world. I had the wonderful opportunity to take Gene's class at Lipscomb University, in Nashville, TN. He is one of the best teacher's I have ever had. He made statistics easy. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone in the business world and to anyone currently taking a statistics class that doesn't have a clue what their teacher is talking about.

I was so impressed by this book, that I am writing this review almost three years after taking his class! I always meant to write one, but being the forgetful person I am (see, I'm not a rocket scientist either!), I am just now getting around to it! Bottom line - buy the book - you won't be sorry.

This book is a must for anyone in the business world. It is a wonderful reference to keep on hand. I rarely refer back to books I have purchased but this book comes in handy time and time again. The mathematical principles explained in this book are simple enough for anyone to understand. Each principle is shown step by step. It shows shortcuts to solving problems with three types of business calculators. This book will be in my library for years to come!!

This textbook is not written in the usual stale educational style. The author uses an approach to teaching that's designed to not intimidate the student; it's an "easy read." The examples (and calculator keystrokes)can be followed easily; it's almost like having the instructor there with you. This is a textbook I will keep since I've referred back to it not just in my work, but in my personal life as well when planning mortgage & other payments. I highly recommend it.

I knew next to nothing about interest and statistics before reading this book. Mr. Wright has written this book in a very readable, conversational style. As I sat reading it with my trusty business calculator nearby, it felt as if he were sitting across from me explaining things just for me. The text even anticipated many of my questions!

The book begins with little or no assumptions about your exposure to math. It starts with simple interest and how to solve simple formulas. I like the way it presents how to do this with three different calculators. Each chapter built upon the previous chapters so that I grew more confident with each page. Mr. Wright's attempts at humor usually work, which is not what I ordinarily find in books written at a textbook market. In fact, if you are thinking back to how your textbooks used to be, then you are in for a surprise - you really won't mind reading this one! This is not your Daddy's textbook!

This text has a huge number of examples that are worked out in the chapters themselves and then lots of problems afterward.

The statistics portion was also very helpful. I've never been very good at statistics but learned quite a lot from the approach used in this book.

I now know how to calculate house payments, how long it will take to pay off my car, the probability of getting certain poker hands, and the difference between correlation and causation. Wow!

I recommend this book hands down to anyone who wants to understand the math of business and beginning statistics.