Miniature Books

Very very relaxing Reading with a lot of laughs.

Don Wade, author and senior editor of Golf Digest Magazine, has put together a well-crafted book of true golf stories that he has collected since the '70's. There are over a hundred different golfers featured in this book. Each story reflects on the events told to Don Wade or personal expiriences by him while covering the game. This book is very humorous and is sure to be a hit with anyone, whether you are a golf fan or not!!!!

I liked the comedy in this book. It made me want to keep reading because of the laughter.

This book is extremely entertaining. I liked it a lot. It shows that not only is golf a game, it's a way of life. Some of the stories are incredibly funny. There seems to be a story about everyone, including Willie Nelson. I think anyone who likes light hearted short stories. Be sure not to miss the ones about Dwight Eisenhower!!!

Este libro fue escrito hace mucho mas de 60 años y se le nota por el lenguaje característico del autor y de la época.
Los momentos que se describen no son tan decisivos aunque algunos de ellos sí como la conquista de Bizancio, el descubrimiento del Mar del Sur, el minuto decisivo de Waterloo.
Lo bueno que tiene el libro es que hace a la historia entretenida, contada como novela, aunque el historiador se abstiene de comentar o discuitr los acontecimientos que describe.
Para una primera lectura está bien.

This book is not outstanding just because it gives valuable information about the historical events or characters but also for describing events like a story-teller. The book has 12 topics for different historical characters or events. All of them are marvelous. But especially, the part that describe the death of Tolstoy as a drama just made me write this review. This is the best historical book that I have ever read.

Zweig writes, without ever being verbose, about twelve events he finds momentous. The translation is superb. The events tend to be centered around central Europe, or Europeans, which is why I wrote "not universal." In any case, who could definitively select the twelve most important moments ever? The description of the people involved is searching and severe when needed, and the motivation for choosing them usually convincing; these people had "big lives" and Zweig has a passion for his fellow humans. The book is often a page-turner, and the reader is rapidly exposed to a wide range of experiences. I enjoyed every story.

Zweig is a writer who once was among the most popular in Europe. He is one of the great literary biographers. He has great narrative power and his work has a quality which I think might be called ' intellectual suspense' He can make ideas and moments of history live. I have found that reading his works is a very pleasurable and enriching experience.

After I received the book, I was somewhat disappointed by the actual patterns in the book. I wish that I could have seen all the patterns on the Internet before ordering the book. I already have most of the patterns. I also do not like the color scheme of the patterns. But, to make miniature quilts, and as a beginner in quilting, the book would still be worthwhile for someone to purchase.

This one is one of those books with content that's as enjoyable to read as it is lovely to look at - pure eye-candy! I would also recommend her Pocketful of Whimsy (1999) book as a companion to this one & with a nice variety of equally delightful projects.

This book is a real little treasure for all quilt lovers. The book is just a small one, but it is filled with color pictures, patterns and great tips for any quilter.

Kathleen Rindal Brooks is a well known quilter and teacher from Illinois, and this is her first quilt book. But luckily not her last. In the book she share some great secrets on how to make perfect and accurate miniature blocks and piece them together making funny and whimsical miniatures. Kathleen Brooks is well known for her use of fabric and to let the fabrics tell the tales through her quilts. Conversational prints are used in a way to get the most out of them, and she mixes different fabrics in a perfect way. The book shows us new tips on making traditional patters, like log cabin, charm quilts and signature quilts. Kathleen has developed her own downsixzing method to make the most perfect miniature blocks, and she also teaches us how to sew on paper to make the miniature blocks the most perfect ones.

And all the miniatures in the book are displayed in a whimsical and very charming way. After you have looked through the pictures of the book you want to take a look in your house and use some of Kathleens ideas in your own decoration.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

Wonderful minis accompanied by delightful whimisical chat. Patterns are clear, directions are easy to follow and the results are stunning. As a side note miniature enthusiasts should "all" keep this book in their library as reference material. The hints and tips come from a prize winner !!!!!!!

I adored the book because he teaches the technique of clear and objective form. Exactly never having made an only part before, I did not find difficulty to understand the execution. E really the parts are pretty.

I loved the pictures in the book, and was looking forward to try to make some of the items. I have searched the internet trying to find cake wire no.22 that the author of the book says is the best wire to use, but I haven`t found anything called cake wire. When in comes to the thread used, I would think you would get a more realistic look using waxed linen cord, as I know some other wicker artists use. I guess I just have to try to find some other kind of wire that can be used...

I've read a lot of complaints about not being able to find the supplies in order to make these beautiful miniatures. I just recently purchased this book and did a lot of investigating.

Cake wire is just "cloth wire" in various gages. This kind of wire is usually found in the floral section. [...]. You can also find linen cord here which (I think) resembles wicker the best.

The mount board the author is talking about is more commonly known as "illustration board" to artists. Its approximately the thickness of the backing to a school notebook and comes in a few colors. Its very sturdy but on the pricey side.

Any questions please email me. I would be delighted to reply to your emails. :)

Real excited when I glanced through this book. Beautiful pictures and instrutions. Where do I purchase the materials to make these little treasures? CAKE WIRE No 22....says they are available from "cake decoration specialist". No one knows what I am taking about locally, nor can I find it on the Internet. MOUNT BOARD -- what thickness? Is it cardboard, foamboard or what? THREADS -- Twilley's Lyscordett No. 5. crochet cotton. Unable to find locally or on the Internet. I assume it is a 3 ply cotton crochet thread. AUNT LYDIA'S FAST FIVE may be comparable. Book is published in England, I was unable to communicate via the Internet with WickerCollections.com-- Shelia Smith site for sales of Wicker. I have USA Oregon e-mail "barshere@earthlink.net". would appreciate any information or help on locating these products.

The photographs are beautiful, and the projects are lovely. I only wish they'd given more detailed instructions on some items, such as making flooring from clay.

I've used this book as a reference on how to make clay tiles for roofing and flooring. It has other good tips on designing rooms, and information on making the furniture in the rooms. The furniture is way beyond my ability to make, but it's still a lovely book.

Venus and Martin Dodge have produced (what I feel) are the most beautiful books on the skills of making miniature scenes, dolls and accessories. My first project was the kitchen in this book. It turned out beautifully. I cannot stress enough how realistic their roomboxes are. Have a great time creating!

To start a dollhouse may seem discouraging for many people when you think about the time it takes to finish such a project. Here are the ideas how to do just one room box, but still create the atmosphere that you want in a miniature. This may inspire the beginner to really start with a project to try his/her new hobby, but it is also a great source for the advanced hobbyist to try for a real masterpiece. I can only highly recommend this book to everybody who is into 1/12 scale.

If you want to have a problem book different from all others, I highly recommend the excellent book to you.
I think that this problem book is the best I have ever seen; that contains not only very fascinating problems, but also many historical and motivating notes and mathematical facts.
Undoubtedly, this amazing book is a have must for any math lover.

This book is a co-work of two world-known Mathematics Olympiad Masters, Svetoslav Savchev from Bulgaria and Titu Andreescu from USA. Both are trainer/leader/problem committe member of the national/IMO team for many years, and are really excellent and famous in the olympiad field.

Reader may ask that what this thin book will give in an age with numerous contest problems and with new training books appearing every year. The answer is "the Insight". It is divided into 50 sections(topics), each section is a essay containing the analyzing several(3 to 6) related problems, usuall from easier to harder. These problems are carefully selected from the huge collection of problems in numerous mathematics magazines and contests.

This is the FIRST book in english to teach olympiad readers that how the problems are relating with each other, how a simple idea grows into a hard and beautiful problem, how to think in a higher point of view. However, the style of this book is rather relax and warm.

This is not a textbook nor a problem book, neither suitable for training owing to its form. It's for reading, appreciating, and for those teachers/students who have been familiar enough with the standard problems and tired of training sessions. If you want to know what a mathematical olympiad is, what a beautiful cute problem is, this book is for you.

This book is a pearl indeed. I really hope the authors will publish the volume 2,3,...

Mathematical Miniatures is a wonderful book, with a new approach to an old favorite topic: problem solving.

The book is comprised of 50 chapters, each one telling a mathematical story. The majority of the problems come from math Olympiads and the most clever solutions and applications are always accompanied by the name of the problem solver. One cannot help but be in awe at amazing insights in solving tremendously complicated problems, performed by high school students under the constrictive time frame of the Olympiad tests.

The topics of the problems are reflective of the Math Olympiads topics, and will particularly appeal to the pure mathematician. But the beauty of the ingenious, albeit elementary mathematics will grab any passionate mathematician's attention. The sequence of 50 chapters - 50 mathematical topics is broken by nine "coffee breaks", and preceded by a warm up set. Each of the breaks proposes to the reader a handful of problems - some easy, some quite hard - all of them teasing and inviting. This is to say to the reader: don't just read about how others have cleverly solved problems, try your hand at some! I have to confess to falling for this trap several times and going through the house mumbling to myself "hmm... I used to get this in 5 minutes when I was in high school". Luckily all these problems come with solutions as well.

Overall, a delightful book, recommended not only for one's mathematical reading pleasure, but also for math clubs in either high school or college.

A bit too over my head. Really a book for the professional, not the amateur. I love math, as explained in a college textbook, but this book was a bit too Poincaire-brief and condensed for me. I need a more verbose, baby-steps book.

So that's why I'm giving it two stars. Of course, once you are a master, then less is more.

I did give it away to a professional mathematician, who liked it.

The mini version of the book is cute but leaves out a couple of the situations from the larger version. But the magnets make it worth it. The stickers are fun for the coed baby shower. The bib is cheap and just a novelty but overall the whole package it worth it.

Love this! Got this for my husband and it cracks us both up constantly. The magnets and the stickers are PRICELESS! The price is SO CHEAP for the amount of humor you get out of this! Great baby shower gift or new dad gift.

Here is everything a new parent needs, advice wise, to raise their new bundle of joy with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Six fun filled items all with simple diagrams to "help you [or any new parent] appear confident, experienced, capable, [and] not idiotic."

This kit contains:
-One mini Safe Baby Handling Tips book -- a mini version of the famous instructional board book. Features the unforgettable black and white "Do/Right/Yes and Don't/Wrong/No" illustrations that made Wry Baby famous.
-One bib imprinted with the instructional "Feeding Right and Wrong" illustration
-The Wheel of Responsibility: a spinner with alternate "mom" and "dad" spaces so you can decide "who'll change that diaper?" and "who'll feed baby at 3am?" Keeps parents "fair, honest, and un-divorced."
-Six small pages of stickers with helpful hints for new parents:
1. Laundry Tip: To effectively remove stains from baby's clothes, throw away clothes and buy new ones. (Place near Hamper or Washer)
2. Caution! Removing infant car seat may require rocket scientist for reinstallation. (Place in Car)
3. Notice: overexposure to baby may result in temporary loss of language skills. (Place on Mother or Father)
4. Stop! Before you go, do you have... -the Diaper Bag? -a Blanket? -baby's Pacifier? -your Baby? (Place on Front Door)
5. Warning: Setting thermostat above 70 may result in a smelly, sweaty baby. (Place near Thermostat)
6. Important! Empty Frequently. Vapor buildup could overpower entire neighborhood. (Place on Dirty Diaper Receptacle)
Six Refrigerator Magnets:
-Instructions: Bonding with Baby, Drying Baby, Testing Baby's Bottle, Playing with Baby, changing Baby's Diaper, Choosing a Baby-sitter

Great for a laugh and excellent as a little 'something extra' to add to any baby gift. The bib isn't the same quality as the ones you order separately but for the whole kit you only pay about seven bucks. Worth it for the refrigerator magnets alone.

They MEAN mini! The kit in its entirety was great, the laughs it got at the baby shower ALONE is worth the money spent. But the book is super-small and it's a tad difficult to see the detail in the pictures (like the baby underneath all the groceries in the cart on the "shopping with baby" page). This, along with a little onesie with a sassy phrase, and a package of pee-pee teepees, makes a funny little tongue-in-cheek gift that won't be forgotten soon, even with the sleep deprivation.

I love this book! I have many quilling books and I found this one to be very refreshing. I agree with some of the other comments, it is short, but I still would reccomend it to any quiller. It takes a delicate touch to work with the tiny quilling strips, but the result is well worth it. She gives great ideas for how to use the small quilling to embellish cards and gifts, and has inspired me to buy narrow quilling paper and now use it regularly for my cards and crafts.

The eye for detail is most imaginative. Making smaller designs gives you a quick instant completion to a project. I love it. Peggy Ft Lauderdale

I think this is a fantastic book. It is very short (my only complaint), but all of the projects are wonderful; the patterns for the chocolates are especially great and so very creative. The projects are not that difficult and would be good for a beginner but I think even the expert would enjoy themselves.

You should only buy this book if you want to make the chocolates from the cover or fairies. There is not much content to begin with and the rest of the book is just terrible and uninspired.

(June 2005) This book is already ten years old ... and I have owned it for a very long time.

Read the other reviews here, they all say that this is a good book. McDonald was a very young writer when he wrote this, he spent a great deal of time on this volume, and it is apparent from the first time that you pick this book up.

Most authors just splash the game across the page with broad, vivid strokes, often they are content to let the moves speak for themselves. Not so for Mr. Neil McDonald, his love of chess is evident - he spends time telling you how the game was played, how the combination could have been improved - in short, he gives you most of the information and detail that other (more experienced?) authors could not be bothered with.

Why should you study miniatures? Well ... there are a lot of good answers to this question.
# 1.) You quickly learn tactics.
# 2.) You learn how to punish your opponent's mistakes, especially in the early part of a chess game.
# 3.) If you study enough games of this type, it will definitely improve your overall feel for the game.
# 4.) Just because it is fun!!!

I love this book, when I used to work nights at a local radio station, I studied this book for around an hour every single night. I really like McDonald's work ... he has written enough books now to show that he is a good author - and that he is here to stay.

I did not give this book five stars ... for reasons that have nothing to do with chess. ---> The diagrams are not 100%, the print is fading, and the pages are rapidly yellowing. ALSO - the binding has come apart on two of these books ... but I will readily admit that intense wear could have been the cause. (This is like my third or fourth copy of this book.) But I honestly do not think these are serious issues, many of you may not even notice these flaws.

I wholly endorse this book - the quality of the writing is well above the standard most authors normally set for a book of this type. McDonald - by turns - instructs, delights and amazes his readers. (Recommended.)

This is a really great effort. The format, diagrams, and games are all excellent.

This book could be used just for fun (i.e. playing over the games), or for instruction (i.e. especially in a scholastic setting).

I once attended a lecture given by Grandmaster Ashley on how to teach scholastic players (i.e. what was most important for rapid improvement). He said the focus should be 1) tactics 2 ) endgames and 3) play over minature games.

Playing over minature games can help you (or your students) develop a sort of "feel" for tactics sort of by osmosis.

anyway, give this book a try - you wou't be disappointed.

Face it, many of us lose games in under 25 moves or so. What makes this collection of modern miniatures compelling are a few factors: you get to see world class players make some obvious errors, which rebuilds our hope that even though we make many mistakes, we can still be competent; McDonald is an excellent writer; and, most importantly, there is a wealth of textual explanation and analysis of positions. For instance, he frequently somes up the results of the opening to show what it is about the position that leads subsequently to the quick win. This makes the book an excellent instructive manual on the opening and middlegame.

Great little book in you enjoy playing over miniatures (games won in under 30 moves). Over 50 games by players such as Kasparov, Kamsky, Kramnik, etc. that are well annotated. Games are grouped by theme to illustrate attacking methods.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with it, but my nieces ignore all attempts at audience participation and it just doesn't interest them. *shrugs*

This book was first published in 1980, in some respects way ahead of its time. It appeals to children and mom & dad alike, just like best modern kids films do.

In my family, this was the first `proper' book our oldest daughter took to at about eighteen months when no others seemed to spark anything more than lukewarm interest. She loved it straight away and it remains one of her favorites a year later.

There are plenty of opportunities for your child to `get involved' in the storytelling in a very natural way. For example shouting out many of memorable, simple lines: "Oh NO, I can't stand THIS" through to: "Peace at last!" And our daughter loves to mimic the sounds that play a key part of the book e.g. tick-tock of the clock, drip-drip of the tap, and the NYAAOW of Baby Bear's imaginary plane.

We've even had humorous moments with my wife when she started ad-libbing about how pathetic Mr. Bear is! I was honor bound to put forward the case for the defence. It's a surefire, all-round winner. Yeah, I think it's a masterpiece.

Colin Buchanan read this on Play School (Australia) this week and I had to go and find out what it was. It's such a lovely idea. Kind of reminiscent of Maurice Sendak in drawing style and a beautiful, gentle story. My kids really liked it (they're 2 and 4) and I'm sure yours will too.

Peace at Last by Jill Murphy is a wonderful little book that is just right for bedtime stories. It's the tale of a drowsy Mr Bear as his attempts at sleep are disrupted by Mrs Bear's snoring, baby Bear's playing, clocks and cats, taps and owls (something no matter how old, we can all relate to). The text is easy to follow and the artwork is ideal for little ones. My four-year-old twins - Lucy and Joshua - adore this book, it was one of their first and we'll be reading it long after others have lost their appeal.