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Frank Thomas presents this intriguing excerpt from the memoirs of the esteemed John H. Watson, M.D. which he discovered in the famous dispatch box in the ruins of Cox ... Read more

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Entertaining, but...!
Decency demands that the good things should be commented upon first. So, here it goes:
1. The story is very good and realistic.
2. The English used on behalf of Watson is brilliant and authentic, sometimes better than the precise dictum used by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
3. Holmes does nothing that grossly violates the canonical principles.
However, the deficit side can not be covered entirely and the following points emerge from it:
1. Sherlock Holmes would have NEVER employed so many "specialists" (including two crack 'safesmith'-s, one professional con-man, one political agent with numerous questionable skills, etc. etc.)to do some job that he has taken up.
2. Watson's repeated query related to potential pecuniary benefits of the exercise in question becomes boring at one stage.
3. In his effort to surround Holmes with the 'best-of-the-best' types, the author has created characters whose very presence in Victorian London would have made Sherlock Holmes (and also Mycroft Holmes) redundant.
4. Basil Selkirk has seemingly become something like "deux-ex-machina" for the author, because whenever the author and his Holmes faces an unsurmountable situation, pop comes the Selkirk.
Overall, the novel is a good-pacy read, but don't expect serious stuff.

More games afoot!
So common has the Holmes pastiche become over the past 30 years that it almost forms its own literary genre, apart from mysteries and historical novels. Veteran stage, TV and screen actor Frankie Thomas wrote a number of Holmes novels in the mid-1980s, including GOLDEN BIRD, SACRED SWORD, TREASURE TRAIN and MASQUERADE MURDERS. The series of paperback originals was cut short when the US publisher went paws-up, so that a number of Frankie's novels were never published here, although they were issued in Germany, Israel and other spots overseas where there live many Holmes fans.

Now the "lost" novels are being published in the US for the first time, and here is another edition of the first of them, in which Holmes and Watson tackle a baffling case that first seems to turn on shady international finance, then on the whereabouts of four priceless oil paintings, the "Panamanian Girls".

If Frank's take on this genre is new to you, I might mention that Frank's Holmes, although quite true to Conan Doyle's original, is more like Doc Savage and The Shadow in relying heavily on a small core of highly specialized assistants--- in this novel, one of them is the legendary safe cracker Jimmy Valentine!

I found it to be compelling reading and the turn-of-the-century English color and locales seem authentic.

It's great to have these novels in print, and I hope the other "lost" episodes will soon follow. Highly recommended for fans of the World's First Consulting Detective. ... Read more

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Text and artwork from the animated film "Bambi" unfold the story of the deer who grows up to be King of the Forest and reveal the creative struggles and victories behind the making of the movie. ... Read more

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A BOOK TO TREASURE!
Without a doubt one of the finest film books that I have ever come upon! BAMBI: The Story And The Film by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas is a treat to both eye and the mind. Using sketches, drawings and paintings created during the course of the film's making, along with insightful text by two of Bambi's artists, this book is a work of art in its own right. This book, along with the latest BAMBI DVD, would provide anyone interested with an appreciation of this film unlike any college course could. If you love this film like I do, you will throughly enjoy this now out-of-print book. HIGHEST RATING!

When available, GET IT!
Not as HOT as The Illusion of Life, but a MUST-HAVE anyway, this book gives a thorough insight into the making of one of the greatest animated feature films ever, by the animators of Bambi and Thumper... ... Read more

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Sherlock Holmes and his faithful shadow, Dr. Watson, embark on a perilous quest through some of London's most notorious neighborhoods as they investigate the mysterious death of a bank appraiser. ... Read more

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Well Done
Frank Thomas writes another very entertaining story. It is fast moving, and while having more characters than Doyle, really captures the flavour of the originals.There is less deduction than adventure, but then, how many modern pastiches do otherwise?Could be made into a great film in the hands of a decent director, wherever he or she may be. ... Read more

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Very indepth writing on Frank Lloyd Wright
Great story of one of our time's best architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, & his building of the Domino's Mansion in a way that was harmonious with nature.Easy to read, lots of great photos as well.Excellent book. ... Read more

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Based on the most recent scientific, demographic and financial data available, "Beef Production and Management Decisions, Fifth Edition" examines the biological, ecological, financial, and marketing issues impacting the beef industry today. Harnessing the authors' industry and academic experience, the book explores the demographics, structure, challenges and segments of the industry from a balanced point of view. A must for any professional library, this paperback edition includes concepts of beef quality assurance and devotes chapters to the management of information, the traditions of the business and the future of the industry. Systems philosophy that looks at the biological, ecological, financial and marketing issues impacting the industry. Discusses each segment of the production and processing chain from a management/decision-making perspective. Identifies the significant biological and economic principles that contribute to the profitable and sustainable production of beef cattle. Written by a leading researcher and consultant in the field. This book provides a well of resource and reference material intended for the industry professionals and affiliated professional managers with a detailed evaluation of the demographics, structure, challenges, and segments of the beef industry. ... Read more

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Rancher rates it the best
I have been a cattle rancher for over 30 years and this is the best reference book I have ever found to help me in my operations.

A GREAT up-to-date text for students or aspiring ranchers!
If you are considering cattle ranching or producing beef in a feedlot this book will be invaluable to you or your students.

I found the inclusion of general management advice to be especially valuable.

The data provided to analyze the income potential of various types of production considerations also is appreciated.

If you can buy only one book regarding beef production, buy BEEF PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT DECISIONS. If you can afford a second book, purchase STOREY'S GUIDE TO RAISING BEEF CATTLE. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Reading this book was like talking to the author
Frank Thomas or "Five dollar Frank" as he was known was a quirky man of incredible diversity. He was part flight instructor, part poet, part writer, part woodsman, part arial tour guide.
He could discuss politics with you one minute, talk history the next, and quote poetry, prose, the Bible, or literature the very next minute.
This book is a sort of an overview of both flying and his personal experiences, with random facts, poetry and history sprinkled throughout.

Mothman look out...
there's a new bizzrro legend in West Virginia and his name is Frank K Thomas.While ostensibly about flying airplanes, It is This Way With Men Who Fly certainly doesn't limit itself to that subject.Frank (can I call you Frank?)is more than happy to give you his opinion of just aboutanything you would care to know.Though he waxes philosophical at times,Antoine De Saint-Exupery he is most definitely not.This earthy wittylittle book is a gleeful romp inside the life and head of one of thosecolorful individuals that make America truly and gloriously the weirdestcountry I've ever had the luck to be from. ... Read more

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Frank Thomas and Marlene Leopold illustrate their appreciation for good food, proving that delicious can also be healthy. The list of health benefits of citrus will undoubtedly grow, but it is what citrus does to taste that has maintained its popularity. It not only imparts a wonderful fresh flavour to foods, but also acts as a natural tenderiser to meat, poultry, and fish. Citrus lovers will be unable to resist the imaginative original recipes, as well as hints to simplify preparation and tips for avoiding disaster. Exotic recipes from around the world are made clear enough for the average cook to easily master. This book reads like a letter from a beloved relative. It is a must for every kitchen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best cookbook around!
Great book. Plenty of healthy citrus recipes from everywhere in the world. We've been into citrus cooking for years and this is the best book we've found to date. ... Read more

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A Healing Modality
Thomas' book is an insightful look at the path to spiritual growth and development.He clearly articulates the nature of conflict within congregations (although his model is applicable to any organization) and provides critical thinking about how to address such conflicts in a way that is meaningful and courageous.I found his discussion about people who function as victims and saviors by doing a dance of immaturity to be very provocative.His call for principle-based leadership, while not new, is very refreshing in a congregational context and challenges those of us who have congregations centered around charismatic leadership to abandon our cults of personality.

This book will be most helpful to congregations that have not fully understood or articulated their mission, vision and values.It will provide a very capable framework and guidelines to begin those discussions so that ministry can go forth as a "healing modality" in our broken society. ... Read more

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Thomas Edison is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history, holding 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. This biography is about the life and times that shaped Edison career. ... Read more