Dance Books

Absolutely fasinating. So many of my French teacher colleagues show this movie. They would find this "making of" so interesting. It is not a record of how he created the special effects, though he does discuss a few (the dvd shows many more), but rather all the trials the entire crew endured to create this seemingly effortless masterpiece.

The book provides insights into the making of Cocteau's classic film. The incredible film obviously stands alone, but knowledge of the period and the various aspects and difficulties in making it adds to one's appreciation.

Some have found Cocteau's litany of illnesses that he (and others) suffered while filming "Beauty and the Beast" tedious and skipped over them as seemingly irrelevant. Unfortunately, those who do may miss the entire point of Cocteau's artistic esthetic, namely, the necessity for the artist to suffer and triumph over all adversity for the sake of his art. The suffering is part and parcel of his art, suffering is art, just as "Beauty and the Beast" suffered during the filming and triumphed as a lasting work of art. Cocteau was allied to the Surrealist movement (though distancing himself from it) and his suffering at the time mirrored the enormous technical difficulties encountered while making the film. The entire surreal struggle of Cocteau, of others involved and of the film itself is wonderfully captured in his journal and any serious student of the film will profit by reading it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has seen Jean Cocteau's fil version of "Beauty and the Beast" The book is the diary of the film. There are some great photos in it as well.

Cocteau's diary on the making of his most famous film - "La Belle et la Bête" (1946) - recounts an almost endless series of obstacles that he encountered during its production. From illnesses (everyone involved seemed to suffer some significant ailment or injury during production) to production problems (bad film stock, unworkable cameras) to union disputes, the film was almost plagued from the start.

At times this litany of woe and frustration can be quite tedious - when Cocteau goes into a detailed discussion of his ezcema and other physical maladies, I tuned out. But it's still a fascinating look at not only how he pulled all the elements together (although his entries for the editing process are rather short) but also what filmmaking was like during a difficult time in French history. His depictions of his stars, Jean Marais and Josette Day, are quite interesting too. And the book shows perhaps better than many textbooks how the different talents on a film set contribute to the final result.

The book probably won't be enjoyable to those who haven't seen the movie (at least a few times) but for those who really admire this film, this behind-the-scenes look is a real treat.

Most Oscar-related books offer only limited pictures and focus on winners, not also rans. This excellent reference volume corrects those two oversights. It is filled with pictures representing the best of Hollywood--all contenders for Oscar's Best Picture are featured with a movie poster representation. Includes some rarely seen poster art, foreign posters, and multiple sized images. Excellent reference and enjoyable volume to pick up over and over.

A must-have volume for any cine-buff and film historian! This book, along with its companion first volume, "Academy Award Winners' Movie Posters" is part of movie poster maven Bruce Hershenson's exhaustive multi-volume series of books highlighting the history and beauty of what much of mainstream America has only in the last ten years begun to recognize. And that is movie posters are a "popular art" form that can stand proudly next to all other styles of art from gothic to modern, from expressionist to impressionist. Great film art borrows from all of these styles and this volume, which focuses only on posters associated with Academy Award-nominated films, illustrates innumerable examples. A fine book for any collector (get the hardcover edition if you can, it's harder to find; if Amazon doesn't have it, it's available from Mr. Hershenson directly at mail@brucehershenson.com)!

All of Bruce's books are full of wonderful images, but this one offers something extra - a history of ALL the films nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. If you are a film buff, or you just like beautiful images you will love this book. Every year since the inception of the awards is listed and each nominee is displayed in brilliant color. A wonderful refrence source.

This beautiful collection of colorful poster art provides a history of Hollywood and American popular culture in a volume that's a delight to leaf through. As with all of Bruce Hershenson's poster books, this one is a tremendous value!

Like all of Mr Hershenson's books of film posters, this one is full of great reproductions of classic film posters. Movie poster collecting is both popular hobby and big business. For dealers and collectors alike, Mr Hershenon's books give all those interested in the hobby and business of movie poster collecting a ready-reference to images of great film posters for great and sometimes not-so-great films.

One of the best books every written about the Broadway Theatre. Lots of little known facts, lots of pictures. A fountain of knowledge and a must have for every Broadway buff.

This is an amazing book that covers from Gilbert and Sullivan to (almost) present day.
It is very much worth it's weight in gold if you love Broadway and Music Theatre.

This book is great for anyone - from the Broadway musical savant to the average curious person to the theatre student.

If you've seen the PBS television series, Broadway: The American Musical, this book acts as a fantastic companion and will look great on your bookshelf or coffee table!

It's virtually exactly the same as the DVD in terms of following the chronology of the development of Broadway but the great thing about it is it seems to come with additional pictures not seen in the series and great quotes. Forget about flicking on your DVD! If you need a quick reference you could turn to any page and find something interesting about Broadway to read about.

If you enjoyed the series and are passionate about Broadway, I would thoroughly recommend this book as it has everything in there that you'd need to know. Enjoy it!

If you're into theatre, this book is a must-have! You won't find any other book that gives you such a detailed and accurate history of Musical Theatre. The pictures are great and the reading is outstanding!

The 4th Edition of the Camera Assistant's Manual by focal press author David Elkins is a must have for the beginner as well as the seasoned pro. From how to set up a darkroom, to threading diagrams on all "in use" cameras, to lifelong useful tables and charts, this edition has it all.

Nothing comes close to David Elkins' book. It's that simple. This is the best, most complete book on the job of the camera assistant. PERIOD. If you are new to the job of the camera assistant, this book is an absolute must have. If you are a seasoned "vet" who has years of experience working on motion picture sets, again, this book is an absolute must have. Elkins' total description of every aspect of the AC's job is so consise, it's like a classroom in a book. Loaded with every conceivable diagram and chart, and covering every motion picture camera currently being used, this book goes well beyond your typical "job description" type tome.

The bonus materials alone make this book invaluable. Along with the companion website, the reader has vast amounts of precious material available for when the job calls for it...label templates, charts, manufacturer links and contacts, the list goes on and on and on. The best part is the writing style is clear and informative, almost like Elkins himself is teaching you as you go.

Look no further than this book. It's all here.

The Camera Assistant's Manual is a must have reference book for both beginners and experienced professionals in the camera department. If you are a beginner, this manual will teach you all of the basics as well as the advanced details of camera assisting. Although not a substitute for actual experience, author David Elkins also coaches you on how to act efficiently and professionally on a set. This can save you countless embarrassing blunders on your "first barbeque." But before learning all of the AC's duties, the reader is introduced to the basics of cinematography and a complete overview of the camera department. This is extremely helpful - allowing the beginner to understand the "big picture" first. If you are an experienced professional, Elkins gives you hundreds of tips and suggestions that will add to your knowledge base and help your job go smoothly. This 4th edition contains the most complete and up to date camera diagrams, tables, and formulas of any single reference source. Imagine your relief when you have to load and thread a new camera for the first time. The Camera Assistant's Manual is worth it's weight in gold.

I bought this book when I was hired to AC for a project on equipment I had never worked with before. For one of those, "Holly crap! I agreed to do a job I only know how to do part of!" moments, this book is great. Every question I could think of was answered thoroughly and I mean THOROUGHLY. If you want to learn exactly what the responsibilities of an Assistant Camera Person are and how best to execute them read this book! If you are a working AC and want an easy to read, text-book style reference this is it.

David Elkins's The Camera Assistant's Manual, Fourth Edition is the best technical book around, and one of the best books on movies, period.

Dave manages to cover every aspect of an assistant's job, no matter how obscure or infrequently encountered. But the completeness is only one aspect which recommends it to any aspiring or working cinematographer.

Written in a clear, conversational manner, Dave manages to demystify both the jargon and the sometimes strange job of an assistant. His accounts of procedure for both first and second assistants clarify what we in the business call "industry standard": the accepted, professional way of conducting yourself and doing a job. Outside of a job on a
Hollywood set, it is nearly impossible to learn these classic, time-saving routines. And unless you've been a pro in the business, you're not going to know about such things as the relative merits of Magliner and Rubbermaid carts for hauling equipment.

The book covers the general characteristics of film, cameras, and lenses in such a way as to give a general technical education. Dave also gives a valuable overview of the camera department and its place in film production overall.

What many readers will find most useful are the sections on troubleshooting, the diagrams and threading patterns of every currently used camera, and the wealth of forms and lists to organize the on-set work.

I've tried to give a good idea of what the book covers, but it contains much, much more. I've been using The Camera Assistant's Manual since the first edition. This is the biggest and the best version. I only wish that, when I started as a camera assistant, I had had access to such a clear, helpful book.

This book is a real treasure, filled with love, deceit, friendship and strength. The Greek-American sisters Nicole and Theodora, struggled with the family values they believed in and the real world they lived in. The beautifully interwoven Parsenis family, provided support and guidance for each other.

Theodora had to come to terms with an adulterous husband and her alcoholic Mother in law. While Nicole's character developed, she began to understand the difference between and infatuation and love. These sisters had such a wonderful caring relationship with each other. It was this family's love that guided the protagonists to grow and make wiser decisions. Family members can have a positive impact on each other's lives as did the Parsenis.

This is one of the best books I have read over the past year. The story is incredibly real. In this book the reader finds joy, sadness, tragedy, wisdom, and the ultimate resilience of the human soul. This book is a real tour de force.

This is a great read. It lets the reader get totally involved with this family and experience all of the love, tradition, culture, politics, heartbreak and faith that the family experiences through life. It also gives the reader a good understanding of the expectations of one another in an ethnic family.
The descriptions of the Greek island and the time spent with their grandparents brought tears to the eyes. This is a beautiful book, one you want to read more than once.

After having met the authors, Lynne and Valarie Constantine, in person at a "Latte and Literature" book-club meeting, I can see a little bit of both of the main characters, Greek-American sisters Nicole and Theodora, in them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their book about the close-knit Parsenis family. The love and warmth that they felt for one another was quite obvious. Theodora had to come to terms with an adulterous husband, and Nicole was in a relationship where she was the other woman and wavering about what to do. They both had to deal with the death of a parent. The sisters were strong women who were always there for each other. Family was first and foremost for them. I was hooked after reading the prologue. I read it in two days; couldn't put it down. Circle Dance is a story to be enjoyed by all nationalities, no matter what your ethnic background. Looking forward to a prequel, sequel or maybe both. How about it, Lynne
and Valarie?

Gloria Lockwood Evans
Fairfield, CT

First-time authors Lynne and Valerie Constantine capture perfectly the heart-tugs that are so keen for two young women claiming their adulthood in a Greek American family that is steeped in the tradition and values of another culture. There is a lot of wisdom shared in these pages, as well as subtle humor and a surprising amount of drama. The two main characters are drawn with piercing yet compassionate insight as they come to understand and appreciate at a new level the value of family, integrity, and tradition. If you are from a close family (Greek or not), you will enjoy this book; it lovingly portrays the interplay between three generations and the way a rich Greek heritage permeates this spirited family. This was the kind of book that compelled me to keep the light on way past my bedtime. The two sisters are lively and real in their struggles with both internal and external demons. It was fascinating to watch the older sister, who despite her obvious perspicacity was led astray by her heart (even as she watched her sister's life almost derail because of her blind love for a man). The writing actually gets sharper as the plot unfolds. A thoroughly worthwhile read!

The most important skill a teacher must have is the ability to manage a classroom full of students. Much has been written about just how to do this. Classroom Management implies some kind of control of or power over the class to be managed. Just like "teacher accountability" and No Child Left Behind, it leaves the student out of the equation. In contrast, there is the student centered view of management which sees the student as a responsible party in the education process.

Mark Kennedy gives a coherent overview of these often conflicting views of the teacher's role. He then goes on to make a case for teacher as partner in the adventure that is education. Describing the journey as "the dance of the dolphin," Kennedy explains the process of developing a Micro organization within the classroom. Using techniques such as student leadership and a token economy, Kennedy gives his students ownership of the environment and the education that takes place there. This process effectively models the world in which we are preparing students to live.

The choice is ours. Do we want students who can recite facts and score well on tests or do we want confident, independent thinkers, who can learn and adapt to an ever changing world?

This book should be required reading for school administrators. Teachers will want to read and share this book. Buy a copy for your principal today.

Nancy Illing M.S., M.Ed., author of SPARKS Ignite Imagination

Classroom teachers and administrators alike will profit from Mark Kennedy's new book. Class room management will take on a whole new dimension as teachers assimilate and implement the principles of leadership introduced through this allegory of the dance of the dolphin.

This is a book that will challenge the classroom teacher to examine their views of professionalism, their expectations of student leadership, and their relationships with students and colleagues.

Kennedy presents the two primary views, traditionalism and uncoventionalism, from four perspectives: community, commitment, conformity, and compliance. The author explores classroom environment, the goal of education, and the classroom leadership challenge by comparing these two sides from the four perspectives.

The text includes graphic visuals, illustrations, conclusions, and reality checks which help the reader understand and apply these concepts and processes. The book is well researched and documented. Mark Kennedy is well qualified to write this book as the principles have proven effective in the "learning rich environment" of his classrooms.

Mark's writing reflects sensitivity to his pupils, his colleagues, and his readers as he introduces spiritual insights into his writing. I was reminded of the importance of being true to self, to my dreams, and to my calling as I begin each new day, living in the present.

In the final chapter Kennedy shares, heartwarming, success stories of student leaders who participated in the Micro classroom setting.

This is a book for parents, classroom teachers, and school administrators, and for anyone else who has a desire to impact future generations of learners.

Reviewed by Christine Watson for Reader Views (1/06)

Mark Kennedy's book, "Classroom Management, the Dance of the Dolphin" does a great job of using what is already working in the classroom, and adding to it. He compares traditional teaching to more unconventional methods, and breaks both groups into four areas. Both traditional and unconventional teaching methods are validated as he explains how both are necessary to provide a holistic learning experience for the students.

Recognizing that the teacher will be stronger in one of the specific areas, Kennedy helps classroom leaders to take note of that fact, and broaden learning experiences for the students. Each student has a dominant learning style, and it is important to structure the classroom in a way that every student is able to spend some time learning through his or her preferred style.

The classroom management tool that Kennedy uses and recommends is called a Micro, or democratically run classroom. He believes in structuring the classroom similar to a business or government, with students having specific roles and duties to help them self manage and learn responsibility.

This book was both enjoyable and helpful to me as a high school special education teacher. Kennedy's definition of "spirituality" summed up what I had been trying to formulate in my own mind for years. I would like to implement his Micro classroom management ideas into my own classroom. His wisdom and experience shine through in every chapter. The charts he has throughout the book are terrific references to the information he is providing. Teachers, administrators, parents, and others involved in education can all benefit from reading this book.

Classroom Management: The Dance of the Dolphin by Mark Kennedy presents a philosophical merger of the best practices in classroom discipline. Rather than operating from one singular perspective on classroom management, Kennedy urges educators to move fluidly between the poles of do-what-I-say to a more laissez-faire approach.

Unique to Kennedy's book on this oft exhausted topic is his analysis of who the teacher is versus what the teacher does. At the heart of his book is the concept that a teacher cannot give what he does not already possess. Therefore, great educators must be solidly grounded in their own human needs, strengths and weaknesses.
I admire Mr. Kennedy's obvious commitment to the well-being of his students and his enthusiasm to share with other educators. I have no doubt that his class operates like a well-oiled machine and that he students blossom under his tutelage.

Dance of the Dolphins
Mark Kennedy
ISBN 1-885580-17-7

Classroom Management - The Dance of The Dolphins
Mark Kennedy has been honored for teacher of the year two times so far in his life and he also happens to be black belt instructor, that puts him at the top of class for teachers and students. How does a teacher become teacher of the year?

For one, having the discipline of being a black belt, and the teachings that go with it as you grow up surely help. Don't ever think that it wouldn't. All forms of self defense have principles of life taught along with them, such as time management; teaching skills; logical thought process; not to mention the physical benefits.

Most of us are not black belt instructors, we are teachers. So what does this book have to do with us? Mark Kennedy has successfully used the assets of at his disposal and been honored as teacher of the year, not once, but twice mind you. That is an accomplishment by itself and gives credit to his ability to teach others - successfully.

Now that we know Mister Kennedy can teach and teach well, we have to ask ourselves how does that help me? Well, Mister Kennedy realizes most of us in the field of teaching are not black belts. He also realizes that whatever University you graduate from as a teacher, they lack one giant step... How to actually teach successfully.

In his book Mark Kennedy provides us with a warehouse full of information crunched down to a legitimate easy to navigate teacher's guide to micro-managing a classroom. Not just any classroom mind you, an inner city high profile classroom. His success as an educator in his own district and room give us all hope of having something better.

No, your classroom will not change overnight, but you will be able to translate this book into a working environment helping boys and girls achieve many of the goals they desperately wish to achieve. This is a book you an educator in any field will want to use as a reference the rest of your career. What makes it different than a thousand other classroom guides? This one works.

[...]

A copy of this book was passed on to me by a dear friend after retiring her zills. I consider it an invaluable resource for dancers of all levels.

As a dancer of 20-something years, I still find new references and ideas for keeping my performances fresh and inspirational.

Very detailed descriptions with emphasis on proper alignment, plus plenty of photographs and diagrams to complement each lesson and exercise.

For me, this is the one that started it all! While house-sitting for my aunt, I found this book on her shelf. She had told me that I was welcome to use any of her books and music. Once I found this book, I worked with it for the rest of the summer. When she returned and saw what I had learned, she gave me the book. I had fallen in love with bellydance! Great book!

I feel very fortunate to have an original copy of this classic bellydance book in my bellydance library. The book contains captivating black and white photographs that express the mystique and sensousness of bellydance. The book has a vintage charm and is a must have for all bellydancers. I don't use this book as a learning tool, but rather as an inspiration and an expression of the love of bellydance.

Has step-by-step dance instructions which are easy to understand. Has photographs of the steps too. Is an excellent instruction book.

This book, written in 1973, was one of the first available when the 70's bellydance craze began. It was my first introduction to the Art, as I could not afford an instructor. I now own many books, and as a bellydancing Grandma still consider this the best. This book gives insite into the character of the Dance that is missing in so many other sources, but still celebrates the sensuality that makes the Dance.

I read this book over ten years, ago, while at university. It is impressive how much more detail and and information it contains than the TV series. I liked the BBC show, but it's hard to watch these days because everyone just looks so 1970s. The book however is timeless and, although it's all just a joke, it's truly an amazing source of unique insights into the workings of the British parliamentary system and the pressures and processes which influence it.

This is a book that I have read atleast 20 times since I bought it back in 1995 - I would suggest looking for a hardcover version since the wear and tear has taken its toll on my precious copy - its now held together with gaffers tape ...

anyhoo - this is probably the best political satire ever - and even though it was written back in the 80's it is more than relevant today in the day of the infamous spin cycle and the sparing between the Bush Admin and the press (not taking sides here)

Hey even Margaret Thatcher was a big fan as it truely represented how things worked, albeit in a very smartly funny and incisive way .... she even WROTE a skit along with her press sec that was PERFORMED by MT, Sir Humpy and Jim .... here is a link for more details

http://www.yes-minister.com/thatcherscript.htm

BUY this book and preserve it - I fear the day when copies of this book are no longer available in print form

if you like your humor understated and your wit dry (droll as humphrey would no doubt say), this book will be the best you have ever read. and it will stay that way.

the british civil service had a unique characteristic - it was not directly under the control of the political masters. this gave rise to a very interesting situation where the civil service and her majesty's servants were working towards entirely opposite ends. to the civil servant, imaginative and bold were the worst criticisms. change in any form was looked down upon - as we say here - "if it aint broke, dont fix it". the politicians (especially those new in office like hacker who weren't cynical enough not to care one way or the other) often came to office with lofty ideals of revolutionizing society and being the forefathers of a better tomorrow.

behind the curtain of civility, they (the civil servants and politicians) fought battle after battle. the art of realpolitik meant entirely diffent things to both sides. many of the battles went to the civil servants (Lord Humphrey being among the shrewdest) but at times Hacker (James Hacker - first minister and later Prime Minister) prevailed with his low cunning and fast realization that not everything was what it looked like.

each chapter is a revelation - the next time you read the news, you will see it in an entire different perspective after reading this book. action and motive are so far removed as to make the connection entirely unimaginable and the amount of time spent trying to do nothing seems at times appalling.

if slapstick is your cup of tea, stay away from this book. the humor is often less in what is said than in how it is said. the laughs never end. i have read this book 5 times now. the first time, you enjoy the humor for what it is. the second time, you start enjoying the situations, the broader picture, the political moves,and the sheer genius of humphrey. the third time you see how the characters develop. by the fourth time, it's like you're on crack. you cant explain it - you know what is going to happen next, you know the exact words. you still have to read it again. and again. and again.

Sir Humphrey Appleby, Sir Bernard Wooley, and Rt Honorable James Hacker... this is simply the most outstanding work of humorous fiction that lampoons the British civil service and politicians alike.

Based on the diaries of the minister, the series has been converted to a wonderful teleseries, where the casting has been done by someone who truly loves the book and has imbibed the characters so completely, that on later readings of the book, the television characters appear to the mind.

The book is a series of short stories, which expose the careful interplay between the British civil service and the British politicians, the role played by media, the foriegn office, the various departments etc. It is a wonderful set of stories, where the English is truly masterful!! I remember reading each story with a pencil and dictionary while writing the GRE many years ago,... this and its sequel, yes prime minister, are books which should receive their space in your cabinet.

I dont know why this says - Limited availability, these books are easily procured in India where they are being printed.

It is not uncommon for writers of britcoms to supplement a successful television series with a text-based adaptation, and such is indeed what writers Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay have done with Yes Minister (and its sequel, Yes Prime Minister). It is uncommon, however, to find such a good one.

Every bit as erudite and witty as the series upon which it is based, The Complete Yes Minister (originally published in 1984 and subtitled The Diaries of a Cabinet Minister), is ostensibly by the Right Hon. James Hacker MP (with Lynn and Jay serving merely as humble editors!). The year is 2019--and no this is NOT science fiction! Although Hacker kept a daily diary of his experiences and opinions whilst in office in the 1980s, the subsequent passage of time has resulted in the expiration of the Thirty-Year Rule. What this means is that the editors (who are writing from Hacker College, Oxford, by the way!) now conveniently have access to (and are able to publish) copies of all the memos and minutes written by Sir Humphrey Appleby (amongst others)--copies of which are included in the book, thereby providing us with a perspective other than Hacker's rather narrow (and, at least initially, innocent) one.

The book commences (as one would expect!) with the "Editors' Note." Lynn and Jay elaborate on the problems they encountered in editing the Diaries and how these were dealt with. Nevertheless, they admit it falls to us ultimately to decide for ourselves whether Hacker's account represents: "(a) what happened, (b) what he believed happened, (c) what he would like to have happened, (d) what he wanted others to believe happened, or (e) what he wanted others to believe that he believed happened"! The editors also include a note of thanks to Sir Humphrey (whose last days were spent in St. Dympna's Hospital for the Elderly Deranged!) for information gleaned from conversations which were held with him "before the advancing years, without in any way impairing his verbal fluency, disengaged the operation of his mind from the content of his speech."

The Diaries themselves are divided into twenty-one chapters (one chapter per episode) with 20 to 30 pages each (there are 514 pages in all). Of course there is dialogue (from Hacker's recollection), but the Diaries comprise so much more. The inclusion of copies of memos, letters, interviews, newspaper clippings, entries from Sir Humphrey's own diary, not to mention the recollections of Sir Bernard Woolley (from conversations with the editors) make for a far more dynamic, fun book than if the writers had merely presented us with the series' scripts. The format also allows for so much of Hacker's thoughts to be included--much of which we as viewers were never privy to. Finally, the Diaries are liberally annotated by the editors with helpful, humorously phrased bits of background information often pertaining to government workings or terminology--bits that are additional to the television series.

Of course, it is being a fan of the television series and having watched it with such enjoyment that makes this book (a UK publication) such a gem as we picture Hacker, Sir Humphrey, etc., in our mind's eye. But it is so creatively written, with all the original wit (and more), that it's a superb book in its own right--one which I'd recommend to anyone looking for an intelligent, hilariously witty, pun-filled book--one that also happens to offer a wealth of insight into the inner workings of the parliamentary system of government. For those, however, for whom this richly witty, intelligent series is a favourite, this book (together with it's sequel) really is a must-have, and I recommend it every bit as highly as the superb series upon which it is based!

Highly recommended. Mr. Corrigan does a great job throughout! Great touch including some of the icons of film and music. Buy this book and pass the word on to friends. You will smile and perhaps shed a tear.

I rarely read memoirs but a friend gave me this book. Michael Corrigan has a bit of the blarney in him and applies it well. His history is poignant and funny. Relatives include staunch and loving grandparents who emigrated from Mother Ireland, to a father who does his best to raise a son alone, and aunts and uncles who add personality to the story. I found myself alternately laughing out loud as I read, and shedding a tear on occasion. Good writing, fine story.

Recieved the book from a friend. I have to say that not many people I know could write an autobiography and make it that interesting. But this is someone who is either a great spinner of tales, or has led an interesting life. I would tend to believe the latter. I would suggest this book for anyone who has either an interest in Irish family life, or just wants a good story to read. With everything from adventure, to suspense, drama, romance, and all with a bit of a jaded perspective, this is a great book that I am glad to have added to my collection. Allbeit unexpectedly.

The English and the Irish have a love hate relationship. The Irish hate the English while the English love the Irish. It is fitting, therefore, that an Englishman should review the Memoirs of a Shanty Irishman by Michael Corrigan.
My knowledge of the Irish and Ireland was largely formed in London pubs where my best drinking pals were Irish, but naturally...Thus was developed my stereotyping composed of the following characteristics of the Irish man-child:
1. They talk well.
2. They listen badly
3. They love horses.
4. In dealing with the opposite sex, they confuse the Madonna with the whore and the whore with the Madonna.
5. They drink alcohol in great quantities.
6. They are polite and insolent simultaneously, which is a really neat trick.
7. They are gentle and kind but only when sober.
The Shanty Irishman under review, in this nicely embellished memoir, demonstrates all of the above except one. I leave it to the reader to discover which it is.

This readable piece rattles along as we get to know the son of a San Franciscan postman who grew up in the fifties in the bosom of an immigrant Irish family and who has fought since to be an "American" while insisting on an Irish identity. Michael is a Mick and Corrigan is a peg to hang his life's hat on. Here with all its personal contradictions is the story of the second generation immigrant that wants something more than simply being part of the American Dream; here is the man born in the land of the free who yearns for his real roots.

Buy this book. Read it. Enjoy. Despite its embellishments, it is real, and it is written from the heart. And we know the author has real Irish blood nourished by potatoes (or Murphys as I was led to call them). He now lives in Idaho.

Michael Corrigan has a gift to share. From the erin green covers to the morsels of his memories within them, the author serves himself up to the reader like a meat and potatoes stew. Alternately dark with pathos, then light with sudden bursts of humor, this story lives. The author's way with words is purely Irish, through and through.

His San Francisco home is shared by an old country grandfather who worked hard and proud to make America his home; a calm and sensible grandmother who unfailingly nurtures all three men she loves; and a handsome father who works and pays the bills despite his losing battle with the demon drink. Moving in and out of the Michael's life are kinfolk who are all apples off the same Irish tree, each with their own personality and contribution to the author's childhood memories. A mother who abandoned her Irish Catholic husband and infant in search of fun is an occasional visitor, a mystery throughout the author's life.

Mr. Corrigan cooks up a fine, rich broth with his memories. I was intrigued by his family, his lifelong friends, the nuns who taught him as a child, and the priests who took him from innocent altar boy to a manhood full of doubt about his faith. A genetic love of drink plagues him from early on. His struggle with the Irish Catholic faith is honestly relayed through thoughts or spoken words. And his appreciation of the fair sex is sometimes humorous or sad. But it was the author's relationship with his father that, for me at least, put the shine on this novel. His father dies young, a dissipated remnant of the once darkly handsome charismatic man who raised his son without a mother. The author's memory of that day haunts me:

"The old days of Irish wakes with ice lifted off the corpse for drinks had passed. Now it was only a rosary, and relatives listened to the priest reciting before the open coffin. I wondered if the Vikings weren't right to put the body on a ship and riddle the vessel with fire arrows, rather than lay the body out for morbid viewing. I couldn't accept that plastic-looking empty husk as my father. Thomas. It was too much of a contradiction, a furious denial of what he had been in life. Where was the person who took the wheel of his brother's boat and waved at the home movie lens? When would we hear that warm baritone again with its Bing Crosby resonance?"

Confessions of a Shanty Irishman is selling well and finding an audience. Deservedly so. Michael Corrigan's voice is strong, resonant. I like to think he inherited that resonant voice from his father, and that somewhere in the afterlife, Thomas Corrigan is proud.

Highly recommended.

This book is a must have for anybody working in the broadcasting industry. I keep mine by my bedside and read snippets of it everyday and as a result my work is sooooooooo much better and my figures are up cos Valerie gives you all the tricks and tools of the trade you will ever need. If you are new to the industry or even if you have been in the industry for a while, this book is a must have cos it will show you ways of finding new ideas, staying on top of the game and it will stop you from going stale. it's a powerful radio bible that all educational & broadcasting institutions should encourage students & staff to read.

Eno Eruotor
Broadcast Journalist
BBC Radio Manchester

Creating Powerful Radio is a must-read/must-live-by for anyone who wants to succeed in art of talk radio. I live and breathe the spirit and direction of Valerie Geller's dead-on insight every day with my own show, and in programming each of the stations and networks I have directed. When I interview job candidates, I *always* ask if they have read Creating Powerful Radio, AND the companion producer's workbook. If the answer is 'no,' I will kindly ask them to come back and have a chat when they have. What Valerie shares between the covers of these books is a critical road map to understanding how to build a relationship with listeners and avoid the pitfalls that so many talk show hosts suffer from. Do you want to be a WINNER in talk radio? You're taking an important step in that direction when you not only read Creating Powerful Radio, but when you live, eat, drink, sleep and personify the concepts Ms. Geller has so generously shared for creative, entertaining people to be at the top of their game!

John McMullen
Chief Programming Officer
GAYBC Radio Network

Valerie Geller has a gift for breaking down the basics of broadcasting. While being on the radio seems like it is an easy task, Valerie Geller explains very important techniques for helping the beginner all the way up to the most seasoned pro. It is a way to think about radio as a larger medium, how to use the airways as a canvas, as an art. I highly recommend this and all of Valerie's books to anyone interested in radio broadcasting. These books should be in all broadcast schools and radio stations, no matter how large the radio station is. We all need reminding of how to create powerful radio.

"Creating Powerful Radio" is the most comprehensive work I have read on how to win in radio, and a potent weapon in any radio broadcaster's arsenal. It is well written and brimming with practical, real-world ideas that are easy to understand and implement. Its wisdom spans the nut-and-bolts to profound critical thinking rarely encountered in business today. For anyone who works, or aspires to work, in today's competitive radio landscape, Geller's essential intellingence should be required reading; if I had known in the late-1960s what I know now from reading "Creating Powerful Radio," KFRC in San Francisco would probably still be a top 40 station with a 30-share.

Not only have I heard Valerie speak, I'd follow her around with a tape recorder if I were you!!! This book and the workbook are the best! I would recommend this to the beginner as well as the seasoned radio personality!! Way to go Valerie!
Denise Pagano
WXXQ-Rockford's Country Q98.5
Morning show/Music Director