Product Description
Terence O'Donnell lived in Iran from 1957-71, operating a farm from 1963-70 before returning to America. "Seven Shades of Memory" is his first collection of short stories. The stories share the theme of cultural collision, either as East meets West, or as members of different cultures within Iran tentatively interact. These stories show his prescient understanding of the multifaceted nuances of Persian culture and the Westerners who attempt to navigate through it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

You must know something of Iran and its people to appreciate this book
I was impressed with the author's deep understanding of the complexity of social interaction among people in Iran. He certainly had a keen eye for detail and was ready to learn while he lived in Iran. This book will resonate deeply with those who already have an understanding of Iran and its people. For those unfamiliar with the diversity in cultures and Iranians in general would be a more difficult book to appreciate. I enjoyed it very much.

Wonderful!
This collection of seven short stories set in Iran reveal the author's deep understanding of the country and their people. O'Donnell's stories present both issues of Western interaction with Persians, as well ascultural divides within Persian culture. The collection is subtitled"Stories of Old Iran" as they portray an Iran of 20-40 years agoand have a certain reserve to them. "The Tree and the Pool" isperhaps the least successful of the stories, portraying a somewhatstereotyped "ugly American." Another featuring Americans,"The Women and the Ladies" is also somewhat awkwardly executed.The concluding "Mrs. Cahn" is a more even piece, as an oldAmerican woman transcends her background to connect with localtribespeople. "The Duck Hunt" works well as a sketch of thetension in a Norwegian family on vacation in Iran. "The Price and theBaker," "The Stone of Love," and "The Old Men ofIsfahan" are more fablistic, and enjoyable on that level. As a whole,the stories are a good glimpse into a passing time and place. The storytitles are presented as two page spreads with lovely black and white photosthat perfectly capture the mood of the book as a whole.

Exquisite collection of stories
As a person who also lived in Iran in the 1970's, I was particularly interested in the stories in this book.However, it would be of interest to anyone because the stories are evocative and the prose style is simpleyet stunningly beautiful.This book is an absolute gem. ... Read more

Product Description
"When Europe Went Mad: A Brief History of the First World War" is not your typical World War I read. Terence T. Finn offers his readers the important facts of one of the most significant wars in human history, yet presents it in a concise and comprehensive style meant for the common reader and history buff alike. "When Europe Went Mad" recounts the harrowing events of a war now nearly a century behind us, and boldly tells the story of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Finn reminds the reader that well before General Dwight D. Eisenhower led American G.I.s into combat (1943-1945), John J. Pershing took an American army 'over there' and made history. With grace, Finn resurrects an understanding of this war's significance and ensures that its worldwide impacts, and the lives lost in the name of it, are never forgotten. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

When Europe Went Mad
Although advertised as such, this was much, much too brief for such a vast subject. I learned nothing new.

Amazing synopsis of the Great War
After having sloggedthrough and gotten bogged down by hefty tomes about the great War, this 72 page book has given me a real understanding of the Great War. I was especially pleased to learn what the word salient means in military terms. Now I know why such importance was given to capturing a salient and the toll it took on human lives.
Thank you Dr. Quinn!!

I never knew....
...much about World War I, despite having focused on American history during college.And recently, as I have begun to learn more about WWII (thanks to good friends who have made it a point to understand this important part of our history) I found myself eager to understand what led to The Great War (as I now know it) and what impact it had on the course of our lives. Not wanting to read ab academic or cumbersome report, I searched for, and found, the perfect source:this brief, readable and informed description of WWI complete with context (maps), analysis, and insights into the various strategic, geopolitical, and cultural impacts of this conflict.Thank you Dr. Finn for this elegantly written and easily understood window into an important part of our history.

When Europe Went Mad
It is somewhat remarkable that this author was able to distill the essence of World War One into just 72 pages.As someone who has studied little history from high school through graduate school, this well written, readable book provided just enough information for me to understand the importance of this brutal time in world history.I found the questions and answers at the end of the book particularly useful.

Good broad overview of WWI
This book is excellent if you just want a quick broad overview of WWI.Not recommended if you are looking for details or in depth analysis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Essence of Provence: colors, design & gardens
I bought this book for ideas on paint colors for my 1920s Spanish Colonial home.It is beautifully done, full of design details and the gorgeous colors of Provence, the south of France, that derive from the paint colors,the food, the gardens, pottery and the surrounding dry, burnishedmediterranean landscape. It is the perfectinspiration for any Californiahome or a richly hued coffee table book! ... Read more

Product Description

The modern classic, completely updated.

The newest edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide includes the latest data and answers the questions most often asked by home astronomers, from beginners to experienced stargazers. Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer provide expert guidance on the right types of telescopes and other equipment; photographing the stars through a telescope; and star charts, software and other references. They cover daytime and twilight observing, planetary and deep-sky observing, and much more.

With over 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is one of the most valuable, beautiful and user-friendly astronomy books ever produced.

New and updated for this edition:

• A 20-page full-color Atlas of the Milky Way provides location and context for hundreds of celestial objects mentioned throughout the book.
• A chapter on Astrophotography with Digital Cameras specifies what equipment works best and how to use it to collect a color gallery of celestial portraits.
• Telescopes for Recreational Astronomy features assessments of a wide range of new telescopes, from models for beginners to those for veteran astronomy enthusiasts, with special emphasis on computerized telescopes and how they work.
• Accessory Catalog spotlights the best of the accessories and flags the frivolous and irrelevant.
• Three practical appendices: Polar Aligning Your Telescope; Optics Cleaning and Collimation; Testing Your Telescope Optics.

Any serious home astronomer must have this superb guide as an ongoing reference.

Customer Reviews (76)

Unbelievably great astronomy book...
Being new to backyard Astronomy, I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this book, as it seemed to be a little expensive.I read a few of the reviews and decided to take the plunge.Now that this book is in my hands, you would have quite a challenge prying it away from me.The authors, Dickenson and Dyer have covered EVERYTHING that I could think of, and then some.The chapter on eyepieces alone was worth the cost of the book, and I made two purchases based upon this info alone.I'm glad I did.They eyepieces that I purchased as a result have really increased the quality of my viewing.

The photos are beautiful and most are taken by the authors.The Milky Way, Galaxies, Nebulas, Constellations, Planets are all in this book along with how best to enjoy or photograph them.

Also not really easy to tell online is the size of this book.It is a glossy, coffee table quality book with all of the technical info that I was looking for, and then some.After scanning and reading the sections of greatest interest, I am now going back through and reading each chapter in full.I never do that in this type of book, but this one is too good to miss anything.

After having this book for a couple of months, I can honestly say that it is one of my most prized astronomy possessions.I cannot think of any case where I got so much really useful information about a subject that I love for so little money.This is an indispensable guide for any backyard astronomer.

2008 Stargazer Textbook / Encyclopedia / Comsumer's Guide

This newly updated version of The Backyard Astronomers Guide is up to date, relevant, and comprehensive.It is particularly useful for helping Astronomers navigate the many, many, many brands, styles, and sizes of telescopes and equipment.It will help the reader know what equipment is needed and what is unnecessary.For this reason alone it is useful.I have been involved in astronomy for quite some time and when I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.

Great book for beginners and pro's alike!
This book goes into great depth about everything astronomy without going over the heads of those who know nothing of the hobby what so ever.Has amazing pictures from everything from deep space objects to equipment of every kind. This is one of those books where if you just want to flip through it and enjoy the illustrations then you will be quite content without reading a word, but at the same time, goes into great descriptions of anything that you can imagine from a backyard astronomer's perspective. If you only have a couple of space books and are looking to add a few to your collection, then this one should not be missed.

A grreat book for a great price.
This book was in better condition than I expected. It was used, but was just like new.

My favorite Amateur Astronomy Guide
The Backyard Astronomer's Guide really breaks down what the amateur astronomer needs to know in order to get started, practice and excel at the hobby.

Prior to owning this book, I read several astronomy guidebooks and handbooks but none compare to the information that is readily available here. Sure, a few other books had great information and I learned much from them but I think if I had just purchased this book from the get-go, I wouldn't have had to spend my time browsing through other books looking for the information already contained in the Backyard Astronomer's Guide.

This book is expensive if you buy it off of the shelf so I recommend you buy it off of amazon.com like I did. For $32, you can't beat the value in any other amateur astronomy textbook. I fully recommend to any person that wants to get started, is practicing and wants to improve their knowledge, that they buy this book immediately.

... Read more

Product Description
Gregory Keays is a writer whose brilliant future is behind him. But when an extraordinary student enters his life, Gregory is offered one last, glorious chance to save his career.Soon, however, Gregory’s Faustian pact with success unravels around him, and he must turn to darker, more duplicitous means to secure his fame. Set in the dangerous world where real life and literary ambition collide, Kill Your Darlings is an unforgettable novel of ego and delusion, villainy and the betrayal of love.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

One of my favorite novels
I wish this guy would write another novel. Kill Your Darlings is an absolute gem -- funny, twisted, and clever as hell. It's told from the point of view of a washed-up, one-hit-wonder writer, who now teaches at a community college and has been working interminably on a trivia book about other writers. Each turn of the page provides a hilarious, outrageous surprise. Our hero is pretentious, pedantic, preening, vain, and resentful (especially of Martin Amis, who he views as a peer, but who "affected to not remember" our hero! at a conference). To say more about this book I'd have to give away some of the delightful plot turns. Trust me, this book is a twisted riot.

A Writer Writing about a Writer Writing
Kill Your Darlings is a great find.If you are a writer, or an aspiring one, you will love the dark humor in this book, which follows an author bereft of new ideas who finds inspiration in a surprising and twisted way.I love the protagonist's sardonic humor, and the book's continuous self-referential, self-conscious remarks.As the British say, wicked fun.

No one reads the three star reviews
A novel I enjoyed for the bit about literary groupies, the female literary agent who swears a lot, and the fact that the main character can't bring himself to mention the novels of Martin Amis by name. Also for its readability. Minus marks for being a thriller with no tension, unconvincing plot developments, clichéd characters (moody teenage son, low-life gangster), poor dialogue, and a bland prose style: I could've done without the constant use of the word `swagger' in relation to Mart's prose, and fellatio prissily described with the phrase `I took him in my mouth'. Why not just say you sucked his ****? Also, the copy I had was very poorly proofread. Seems like your publishers don't earn their money, Terence. Terence Blacker has a great name by the way. Gregory Keays is also a good name for a character (unlike his agent, Fay Duckworth, who has a crap name). Terence and Gregory are the names of the characters in Martin's novel about failure.

I thrustfully object to the homosexuality
Let me make it perfectly clear that I am NOT a homophobe, dammit. I support gay marriage. And, come to think of it, some of my best friends are lesbians. But nevertheless, I'm creeped out by male homosexuality. And as soon as the 2 main male characters launched into a necking session, that's when the nausea factor kicked in and I had to wince my way thru the rest of the fic.

And it's just a darn shame. Because TB is a great writer. I discovered TB by way of his newspaper columns in The Independent. And if I had my druthers, I'd go into publishing and put out a few fat anthologies of TB's columns. (And the same applies to Simon Carr and his columns.)

A Black Comedy for the Publishing World
Most English majors think they have a novel or two in them; after reading this book I think I want to avoid the publishing world all together.Writers can be so mean and petty toward each other!That's the impression we get from this dark look at writing and the writing lifestyle, and I loved every page of it.Blacker puts in these lists of famous writers and their quirks (what they did to unblock themselves; quips about their art) that would make a good book on their own (I guess he is working on one that will be out soon).This book is unlike anything I have ever read: Keays seems so honest and trustworthy as first person narrator, but he turns out to be pond scum.And what a surprise ending! It's one of those books where you finish it and start right back at the beginning to see if there was any inkling early on that it would end the way that it did.There isn't, I checked.I thoroughly enjoyed it! ... Read more

Product Description

Today, with thousands of TV hours to fill, there's room on television for virtually every product, service, and personality—and no one understands that better than producers Marta Tracy and Terence Noonan. Their one-of-a-kind handbook shows you how to make your dreams of on-screen success come true—whether that dream is to appear on reality television, to showcase your catering skills on The Martha Stewart Show, to promote your flower shop on a local morning show, or to launch a thousand different TV-centered personal or professional goals. Starring You! outlines everything you need to market your business, product, point of view, or yourself, including:

Customer Reviews (6)

Great info on how the TV industry works!
I really think this is a great book if you are interested on getting on tv. The two authors are the real thing. They have been in the industry for a long time and are still presently working. What a great opportunity! Easy to read, fun at times and really informative. I would highly recommend it!

A must read
I read this book in one sitting. It had all of the inside info that a person should know in marketing oneself. I will be implementing the strategies in this great book! Highly recommended.

What An Honor!
This is a FABULOUS book filled with truly "insider" and "behind the scenes" information from television producers, agents, and talent. Marta Tracy is a true pro and her wisdom and advicewill not only inspire but actively help a person, brand or business grow their constituency and succeed. Terence Noonan's voice is a fresh and witty and knowing. The stories and true tales from the trenches of such personalities at Paula Deen, Nancy Grace, Fred Barnes,Tucker Calrson, Joe Tacopino and others are very insightful and simply fun to read. Thank you for the honor of working on this book!
Karen Kelly
[...]

Great Book!Really informative!
I love this book!It has so many practical ideas."Starring You" has all the information you need to get on TV...in one place.I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to launch a brand or sell a product on TV.

A Must Read to Help Launch Your Business!!!
The advice these two TV veterans offer is both insightful and authentic.What makes this book so distinctive is that it not only features real stories from celebrities like Paula Deen, Diane Sawyer, Isaac Mizrahi, and Nancy Grace but also features real advice from the experts behind the scenes.I found it to be very inspiring. ... Read more

Product Description

This readable guide to the assessment and management of patients with bipolar disorder can help physicians keep abreast of dramatic and rapid advances of recent years and integrate them into their practice. Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders emphasizes recent controlled studies and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indications and translates these data into the real world of clinical practice. The contributions of the eleven chapter authors from Stanford University reflect more than a decade of clinical research and treatment undertaken at that institution, including advances in diagnosis and interventions supported by controlled studies. The manual provides crucial information regarding diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and treatment of patients from special populations such as children, women, and older adults and patients with particularly challenging illness courses such as rapid cycling.

Product Description
There are many bits and pieces of folklore in mathematics that are passed down from advisor to student, or from collaborator to collaborator, but which are too fuzzy and non-rigorous to be discussed in the formal literature. Traditionally, it was a matter of luck and location as to who learned such folklore mathematics. But today, such bits and pieces can be communicated effectively and efficiently via the semiformal medium of research blogging. This book grew from such a blog.In 2007, Terry Tao began a mathematical blog, as an outgrowth of his own website at UCLA. This book is based on a selection of articles from the first year of that blog. These articles discuss a wide range of mathematics and its applications, ranging from expository articles on quantum mechanics, Einstein's equation E = mc2, or compressed sensing, to open problems in analysis, combinatorics, geometry, number theory, and algebra, to lecture series on random matrices, Fourier analysis, or the dichotomy between structure and randomness that is present in many subfields of mathematics, to more philosophical discussions on such topics as the interplay between finitary and infinitary in analysis.Some selected commentary from readers of the blog has also been included at the end of each article. While the articles vary widely in subject matter and level, they should be broadly accessible to readers with a general graduate mathematics background; the focus in many articles is on the 'big picture' and on informal discussion, with technical details largely being left to the referenced literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Sparse funeral review
This is just very basic sparse funeral planner. I was hoping and expected a complete plan to plan my loved one's funeral and it is really not that, would recommend buying a book not this very thin booklet. It is something that you would expect to get from a funeral home or a funeral planner.

Funeral Planning Made Easy
This is the first non-threatening to-do list for funeral planning I have seen and I'm not talking about the threat of death or even of filling out forms. Curley's book is all about forms and decisions, but they include options for turning over some responsibilities to others. The immediate decisions on funeral home and type of services are pretty straightforward, and having them made in advance is helpful. The problem is in the details, like who will be pall bearers, lectors, servers; do we want to use Christian symbols and if so, what will they be and who will get them together. In addition to explaining each of these traditions, Curley provides a format for expressing your wishes that often includes the choice of having parish staff decide. Of course he also covers the standards like choosing readings and music, presenting an appendix for each. But again, there is the option of leaving that in the hands of others. It's all here, laid out in narrative form with fill-ins and a nine-page tear-out summary section at the end. This is an invaluable resource for individuals and families, and a tremendously useful tool for parish staff involved in bereavement ministry.

Very Useful and much needed book for Funeral Planning
This book is a much needed and useful book for planning the Catholic funeral.It is an essential item to minister witht the bereaved.The book provides options, descriptions of minsitry, outlines of the funeral journey, homily and reflection information and many other liturgical aspects all in one book.It is readable and helpful for all those participate in the funeral of a Christian.This work finnally assists in many ways for dioceses, parishes, funeral directors, music ministry,parish bereavement committees, and especially families. ... Read more

Product Description
Story of a teenage boy who, left with his sibling at grandma'shouse while mom and dad divorce, passes the time...Very literate account that was the most requested title to befeatured in Olympia's second Reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

ahhh brotherly love....
This story is about a brother and sister that explore their sexual desires while having to spend a summer away from mom and dad.

Good idea, poor detail
This story starts out very promising, but quickly loses it's momentum.By the time I was halfway through I had already decided that the brother was a jerk.Despite his claims of love for his sister, he sleeps with pretty much anyone that moves.And most of the scenes are not described very well.The author wastes time (twice!) to list in great detail the plants and flowers the teens find in a nearby field, but never once completely decribes the sister.The first few sex scenes are described fairly well, but those that come later are just plain boring.

Also, there are a lot of vague references of things that happened in the past, but very few details are ever given.Although the teens have been seperated for years, it's unclear which parent each one lived with and why.In fact, we aren't even sure why the parents are divorcing, other than that they are both apparently drunks.

Finally, as a few other reviewers have said, the ending is just awful!I won't give any details in case you decided to read it yourself, but I will say that it seemed as if the author got bored with story and tried to wrap it up as quickly as possible.

Although the price you spend on the Kindle edition isn't very much, all in all I think you'd be wasting your time if you buy this book.

A Great Book
This is a Great book, the title says it all. Well written. and a must if you like reading about family affairs, or youth experimenting

Oh, these young people nowadays!
I wouldn't take any life lessons from this little epic, but if you're in the mood for this sort of thing, Mr. Fitzbancroft's naughtly little family drama delivers well enough.Another bonus is that, although we're definitely not talking John Steinbeck here, this tale of a hot and heavy brother and sister relationship only occasionally ventures into amateur-hour grammar and plotting, for the most part employing engaging, readable prose as the delivery system for the frequent graphic adventures of our attractive yet clueless ("maybe one day the world will accept our love!") teen protagonists.While the fairly steep price of the print edition of this title would probably give me pause, the pocket change being charged for the Kindle edition means there's definitely no reason to pass this one by if you want an erotic title or two at your Kindle fingertips.

A disappointment
While the plot outline grabs one's attention, the "execution" is really not that good.On the one hand, the attraction between siblings is powerful and consuming and is VERY well described as such.The build-up of emotion between the two long-separated siblings is well-described and clearly indicates a tragedy is about to occur.[Yet, even here, there is so little "development" until the actual intimacy that the action seems "rushed".]

On the other hand, with the exception of the Boy and his Sister, just about every other character is so shallow as to be just a "foil".The mother (and father) are both just about Evil Incarnate even though their idea to separate the incestuous siblings is really NOT such an outlandish (or evil) idea.the fact that the Mother, herself, is incestuous does not lessen the cogency of her distress at discovering the relationship between son and daughter (and,in fact, may have been a factor in her OWN subsequent incest).

Also, the ending is just too abrupt.After all, we are dealing with JUVENILES.Even if the father WAS killed, (which is not all that clear) it does not seem likely that the boy would be locked up for life.It seems to me that the device of bashing the father and running away was simply a device to end the story quickly.

So, if you want a "hot story", this is clearly a "hot one" -- but ultimately disappointing. ... Read more

Product Description
With this innovative guide, aspiring and professional muralists will learn to paint gorgeous wall creations--using only a household sponge! Painting Murals Fast & Easy includes:

-A new mural technique--one that's surprisingly quick to do and uses common, everyday supplies-Six step-by-step demonstrations that incorporate popular mural elements: skies, clouds, flowers, rivers, beaches, palm trees, and more-Fifteen additional mural projects readers can adapt to match their own tastes and home decor

This quick technique produces stunning results--perfect for beginners shy of spending too much time as well as professional muralists who know that time is money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not for the serious painter
This is one of those instances when shopping for a book in person is better than ordering over the net--if I'd been able to see it in person, I wouldn't have wasted my money. If you are a beginning painter, this book is for you. Very simple techniques, run-of-the-mill results. But if you're looking for something unique, something that would be classified as "art," this is not the book to buy. I have to say, out of the 3 mural books I purchased that day, the other 2 were awesome, so 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Like I said, if you're just starting to paint, this book could be helpful. But if you're looking for inspiration to go on to the next level, don't bother.

Amateurish Murals
The mural examples in this book are really crudely done (as you could expect when using sponges to paint with).I wouldn't want to duplicate any of the paintings shown on this book.If you have any talent for painting at all, stay away from this book.There are many better books on mural painting.

Amazing Murals
I loved the murals and the book.This book opened my eyes to so many possibilities.

A useful book
This book can be useful for both beginning muralists and those with more experience.

1 - Beginners: For someone wanting to paint a mural in their child's bedroom, for example, the techniques in this book are ideal - and will easily achieve excellent results.It is even possible to involve the child in some of the simpler methods - if say, between age 6 and 13.

2 - Experienced painters:Before seeing this book, I had already used some of the sponging techniques in my own murals, i.e. to create a soft cirrus cloud haze, or the spray from breaking waves. (It is important to note that there are many different sponges, and natural sponges give very different effects depending on which side you use.) Where details are required, these can be added using brushes of various shapes and sizes as well as various media to achieve the desired effect.It was helpful to match the method of application to the effect wanted, and not be limited by traditional tools.

It is not a modern innovation to experiment with materials on hand, including household utensils and ingredients.After all, the old masters tried many different tools and techniques, no doubt raiding the cook's kitchen for their purposes! (From where else did we get egg tempera?)

I can definitely recommend this book, alongside the likes of Jean Dyrsdale Green's "Arteffects" - which includes sponging techniques using other materials (such as crumpled newspaper or a scrunched up length of masking tape.)Painting Murals Fast and Easy can be a great stimulus for the innovative artist.

Don't bother
I got this book because it seemed interesting, but I really don't care for it.For me, the paintings aren't detailed enough.You can't get a lot of little detail with a sponge.Sure, sponges can be used for some parts of a painting, but not for the whole thing if you want a lot of detail.It's the little details that make a painting more interesting to look at. ... Read more

Product Description
Developing on the success of his widely acclaimed textbook, A Comprehensive Russian Grammar, Terence Wade provides a workbook for all English-speaking students of Russian. The book is designed to be used both as a companion volume to the reference grammar, and independently.Exercises range from substitution drills and multiple choices to grammatical quizzes and translation exercises, with every important grammatical point illustrated and explored.The large-format workbook includes a key for students working on their own and suggestions for following up particularly difficult areas in more detail. A Russian Grammar Workbook offers a structured and stimulating approach to the study of Russian for learners at all levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For advanced learners
I am at a low to intermediate level of knowledge of the Russian language. This book is far too complicated for me. It has an extraordinary amount of rules and exceptions to rules, which, for people who already know the language very well, may be quite useful; for me it is impossible to follow.

An indispensable companion to the Wade grammar book
There is little to say about this workbook that the editorial review does not cover. If you are a student of Russian at university, or if you are serious about learning this challenging language by yourself, then you would do well to have a grammar book and workbook like the Wade combo to work through. It is directly linked to what you learn in the grammar, and if you are one of those die-hard language learner types who can actually work your way through a grammar book from cover to cover, then having the workbook to practise and expand upon the grammar points in a great bonus. It will turn what is, esentially a reference work into a practice work. Although, personally, I do not think the grammar book covers all that it should (read my review of it for more details) for high level students, it does cover a lot and this workbook makes it all the more worthwhile. There is no short cut to Russian grammar, no matter what other titles that proport to make Russian and its grammar quick or easy. This work makes no such claims either. It is a serious grammar workbook that really puts you through your paces. It will give even the hardened linguist a thorough and challenging workout, and will take several weeks of dedicated study to plough through so don't expect an easy ride. I suppose it needs to be said that if you expect an easy ride, you shouldn't be considering learning Russian anyway. ... Read more

Product Description
One of Ireland's foremost literary and cultural historians, Terence Brown's command of the intellectual and cultural currents running through the Irish literary canon is second to none, and he has been enormously influential in shaping the field of Irish studies. These essays reflect the key themes of Brown's distinguished career, most crucially his critical engagement with the post-colonial model of Irish cultural and literary history currently dominant in Irish Studies. With essays on major figures such as Yeats, MacNeice, Joyce and Beckett, as well as contemporary authors including Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, Michael Longley, Paul Muldoon and Brian Friel, this volume is a major contribution to scholarship, directing scholars and students to new approaches to twentieth-century Irish cultural and literary history. ... Read more

Product Description
Though it is commonly accepted as gospel, the importance of fresh raw ingredients was first promulgated by the Conrans in their classic The Cookbook, published in 1980. Working from the basic premise and design of that book, The Essential Cook Book presents a completely modernized encyclopedia of everything today's cook needs to know--from market to table. BOMC Selection. 450 recipes. 1,168 color photos.Amazon.com Review
The Essential Cook Book was written by Brits who love and understandgood food, which is not an oxymoron, as anyone visiting Great Britain these days willdiscover. This book contains more than 450 recipes, all Americanized by the expertRick Rodgers, but its real strength is as a reference. More than half of its pages aredevoted to describing and explaining ingredients and kitchen equipment. Amultitude of photos illustrate hundreds of ingredients and showimportant techniques such as cutting up chicken and paring out a globeartichoke bottom.

International in scope, The Essential Cook Book shows ingredients often used inethnic cookbooks as well as some unique to American and to British cookery. Theequipment section provides exceptional explanations of which appurtenances are good and why. The recipes offer simply presented, serviceable food with a touch of flair.They range from Grilled Salmon with Hot and Cold Cucumbers and a nice Sauté ofChicken with Potatoes and Mushrooms to Indian-Spiced Spinach and ChickpeaStew, Sweet Potato and Orange Pie, and Hazelnut Macaroons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

essential is the word
I've been in the kitchen much of my life, cooking for myself, my family, and as a profession. To this day I've never found another cookbook as enjoyable and useful as this. A well-written background of all major foods, materials, and methods of preparation are provided, complete with excellent photography. This is not a recipe book, although many useful and simple recipes are provided. Instead, it is a complete guide to food and cooking. Today, this is the only cookbook I reach for. Because it's such a joy to read, it also makes an excellent coffee table book, and would be a great gift for any cook or food lover.

All-Around Excellent Reference
I agree with all preious reviews and can only add that I have a copy of this, have given 2 copies as gifts, and just purchased another for my daughter...Anyone who browses through it while in my kitchen learns something!!!

The Essential Cook Book: The Back-To-Basics Guide to Selecti
A very thorough and dependable guide to foods and spices, complete with preparation how-to's and recipes.A greatsystem of cross referencing saves time and beautifully detailed photos make this a must-have book.

Starters' encyclopedia to cooking
This book is a complete compilation of ingredients and food we eat. I borrowed this book from the library with the intention of knowing names of food I usually purchased but do not want what it's called. The pictures in this book allow you to acknowledge them. It is a good resource to help me in using recipes that I read from magazines & cookbooks. This book does not delve into the nutritional aspect of the food but focus on how each food is usually prepared. The glossary on every page brings you to related pages of the food. The book is well organized and the pictures are clear and sharp. I bought this book eventually after returning the library's copy.

Great for a Learning Chef Student!
My Girlfriend gave this book to me as a gift and i can't thank her enough. I'm doing a Chef Course here in Venezuela and it's a great help in classes because it talks about everything you need to know on picking any kind offood and how to cook it. This type of books are really hard to findSimplyGreat! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Visonary Musings
Written in the early 90's, this book still holds up almost 2 decades later. It's a great introduction to certain aspects of philosophy of science, and along with books by neuroscientist/philosopher Antonio Damasio, should give the reader a good window into the 21st Century of thought. Highly recommended.

Sometimes chewy, sometimes fluffy
As expected, nothing is out of bounds in this book and these three exciting minds careen into all sorts of spaces.Thankfully, they don't pull their punches and this sets up a very discernible edginess to their"trialogue" that helped dispel how much a marketing gimmick thisbook might be.It's not.They all take turns in the spotlight though andthe responses are often so thoughtful that, if they did not rehearseanswers, then you realize these guys are truly gifted thinkers.

McKennafans will see some sides of the man that don't typically come out in hismonologues or books.They only added to my appreciation of him.

I foundthe book difficult at times, sometimes because of the far-out topics andsometimes because I did not have the mathematics / physics / anthropology /psychedelics / morphogenetics / art / philosophical / etc. (you name it)grounding to keep up.

Going back and reading just one chapter gives menew insights over intial readings, almost guaranteed.An ASC (P.cubensis?) reading would quite probably also prove beneficial. ... Read more

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Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies (1694)
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