Product Description
Profiles thirty international and statistically average families, documenting their economic standings, needs, hopes, and beliefs about the future of the planet, in a study that reveals the environmental cost of materialism. Reprint. 45,000 first printing.Amazon.com Review
In honor of the United Nations-sponsored International Year ofthe Family in 1994, award-winning photojournalist Peter Menzelbrought together 16 of the world's leading photographers to create avisual portrait of life in 30 nations. Material World tacklesits wide subject by zooming in, allowing one household to represent anentire nation. Photographers spent one week living with a"statistically average" family in each country, learning about theirwork, their attitudes toward their possessions, and their hopes forthe future. Then a "big picture" shot of the family was taken outsidethe dwelling, surrounded by all their (many or few) material goods.

The book provides sidebars offering statistics and a brief history foreach country, as well as personal notes from the photographers abouttheir experiences. But it is the "big pictures" that tell most of thestory. In one, a British family pauses before a meal of tea andcrumpets under a cloudy sky. In another, wary Bosnians sit besidemattresses used as sniper barricades. A Malian family composed of ahusband, his two wives, and their children rests before a few cookingand washing implements in golden afternoon light. MaterialWorld is a lesson in economics and geography, reminding us of theworld's inequities, but also of humanity's common threads. Anengrossing, enlightening book. --Maria Dolan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

See how the aveage family lives worldwide
Material World: A Global Family Portrait

This is a colorful look into the homes of the average family throughout the world. It is something children can enjoy as well as older ones. It is an eye opener especially when we compare it with our personal living situations here in the USA. It is proof that one can be happy with less. It should impress upon us the blessings we enjoy daily, even if we may consider ourselves deprived somehow. It is a fine publication for anyone's library. It is well illustrated and well written. You will enjoy it.

bought it for a friend
Incredible book...Politicians should read it...everyone should read it.Your eyes will open to your place in the world.

invaluable and fascinating
I thought my six-year-old daughter might be interested in this book, as she liked What the World Eats (same authors, kids' version of Hungry Planet). It seemed like an accessible way to learn about daily life in other countries--especially important for understanding the earthquake in Haiti in human terms. But I wasn't prepared for how obsessed with it she would become. On first pass, she took inventory of each family (how many children, boys or girls, what ages); that in itself can be revealing. Then she started noticing more and more. She has spent hours pouring over the photographs, shown it to friends ("Toilets of the World" is especially worth sharing), brought it to bed with her, and even studied the table of demographical information in the back. I had no idea statistics on literacy and infant mortality would be so fascinating. It's beautiful, inviting, sobering, affirming, and raises all kinds of questions for discussion. This is the kind of book children could browse again and again over the years. Every family should have it around.

Great gift idea and great conversation piece!
I saw this book on a living room table at a party years ago. I was so bored at the party, so I picked it up not knowing what was going to happen to me. I opened the book and was instantly transported to different worlds and cultures that I was surprised I didn't need my passport. The book is a treasure of information and statistics with the images staring back on me each page I turned. I have given this bookas gifts and will continue to do so until Peter Menzel creates a update and new version. I am a fan of his concept and will always wonder how much work and frequent flyer miles it must of taken him to put it all together. This is a five star book and I highly recommend it!

interesting read.....
makes you take inventory of your priorities and what we REALLY need to live and be happy. ... Read more

Product Description
FOR THE FIRST time, the hardcover editions of Philip Pullman's awardwinning His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass) with the original, classic covers by Eric Rohmann, will be available in a boxed set.Amazon.com Review
In an epic trilogy, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to a world parallel to our own, but with a mysterious slant all its own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. Here, the three paperback titles in Pullman's heroic fantasy series are united in one dazzling boxed set. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventures of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass pit good against evil in a way no reader will ever forget. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1131)

I love fantasy.
If you like fantasy then these stories are just the thing for you. Great writing and a story that keeps you turning the page. The spiritual twist is fascinating. Our young people may save our world and in this story the young girls is a powerful figure of just how brave we can be and do the right thing.

If I could give it more than five stars, I would!
These books have to be some of my favorite books of all times. Those that gave it bad reviews likely had a negative reaction to the anti-Christian message of the trilogy. I have to admit that there are times when I almost felt bad reading it- essentially killing God is not on the list of things I would have thought I'd like to read about. However, in the end, I felt that it was actually a mind-opening experience. I would absolutely recommend these books to anyone who loves fantasy (especially those Harry Potter lovers!!). Plus, the books are pretty well written which is more than I can say for many other books on the market these days...

great except for amber spyglass
Had picked up a paperback from Walmart when the movie was releasing. never touched it beyond the first 100 or so pages .... until last week. every book has an agenda. those who refuse to believe in it are either liars or idiots. the difference in Pullman's is that he has something against a very pervasive concept, namely, the religion of Christianity. The first 2 volumes are really very good. The part about the mulefa or whatever was really stretched beyond imagination. only in the negative sense. i fell asleep every night when I got to that part (i cannot afford more than a couple of hrs everyday) when he was in the mulefa world. the character building for Marisa, Asriel, Metatron etc were in my opinion very weak (even if this was intentional, I don't see the point of it). In comparison, even the gyptian characters were better. Gomez was a joke. That event with the tualapa or whatever and his night visit are a waste of the reader's time. Mary Malone, apart from doing the 'tempting' very well, didn't do much and i am angry that I have wasted so much time in that world that I cannot get back. Still, 4 stars because the first 2 volumes are excellent.

The Golden Compass Trilogy
I did enjoy reading these three books and they kept my interest thruout.I read them one after the other in a span of about two weeks.The first book was really involved and had a complete feeling to it as did the second.But the final book just left me wondering and feeling as if it was hurredly done and not thought thru well.These are not children'sbooks in my estimation.I would not encourage a child under 11 to read them.They are quite dark and dramatic and scary at times.

Excellent Story, Worth your time.
Plenty of reviews showing their praise so I won't bother retelling what they've said. The series is great, and I can't wait to read the additional pieces Pullman has written.

My only negative comment was that I'm unhappy that the US version was censored in book three over something so absolutely small that I'm surprised anyone actually bothered. (Check Wikipedia, it's a small paragraph in the Marzipan chapter).

It really doesn't affect the read, but I'm adamant that censorship is not for some outside entity to decide and impose. Especially in a country so proud of their "freedom".

... Read more

Product Description
Published in 40 countries, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy--The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass--has graced the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Book Sense, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. In 1996, The Golden Compass changed the face of fantasy publishing, and 2006 marks its 10 Year Anniversary--and an opportunity to celebrate with a deluxe hardcover. Pullman created new material just for this edition (archival documents, scientific notes and "found" letters of Lord Asriel) which has been illustrated and handlettered by renowned British artist Ian Beck and will be included in the back matter. The deluxe edition also features Pullman's own chapter opening spot art. A quality collectible--with the enticement of never-before-seen new material--for Pullman fans.Amazon.com Review
Some books improve with age--the age of the reader, thatis. Such is certainly the case with Philip Pullman's heroic, at timesheart-wrenching novel, The Golden Compass, a story ostensiblyfor children but one perhaps even better appreciated by adults. Theprotagonist of this complex fantasy is young Lyra Belacqua, aprecocious orphan growing up within the precincts of OxfordUniversity. But it quickly becomes clear that Lyra's Oxford is notprecisely like our own--nor is her world. For one thing, people thereeach have a personal daemon, the manifestation of their soulsin animal form. For another, hers is a universe in which science,theology, and magic are closely allied:

As for whatexperimental theology was, Lyra had no more idea than the urchins. Shehad formed the notion that it was concerned with magic, with themovements of the stars and planets, with tiny particles of matter, butthat was guesswork, really. Probably the stars had daemons just ashumans did, and experimental theology involved talking to them.

In The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman has written a masterpiecethat transcends genre. It is a children's book that will appeal toadults, a fantasy novel that will charm even the most hardenedrealist. Best of all, the author doesn't speak down to his audience,nor does he pull his punches; there is genuine terror in this book,and heartbreak, betrayal, and loss. There is also love, loyalty, andan abiding morality that infuses the story but never overwhelmsit. This is one of those rare novels that one wishes would neverend. Fortunately, its sequel, The Subtle Knife,will help put off that inevitability for a while longer. --AlixWilber ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1489)

Good but not for all kids (possible spoilers in review)
I've vacillated on the stars I'd give this ever since I started it and still don't know if this is right (if there ever is a "right" in ratings).I'd *probably* give this three and a half stars if it were possible.Because, I'd give it three stars for my personal enjoyment/tastes and four stars for otherwise.

I should preface that I listened to the audio version.I really liked the cast and felt they added a good amount of emotion without being too distracting.I liked that it was narrated by Pullman himself, but sometimes his voice seemed on a different volume level than the actors, so I found myself struggling with the volume nob in my car quite often (probably if you didn't listen while driving it wouldn't be an issue).So, the good and the bad is that in some instances I think the audio book enhanced my enjoyment of the story (perhaps I took to the characters more than I would have had I read my own interpretations of their inflections) but sometimes it was a little too easy to get distracted during the narrative/explanatory sections.

Okay, so, the book itself!
I was actually quite drawn into the story.It had me hooked from the beginning and I was super curious to see how the whole thing unfolded.One of my issues with the book ...

(possible spoilers ahead!!!!)

... is that the book was finished and I still wasn't really sure how things unfolded.The book (The Golden Compass part) is told in three sections, and I really only felt one story (that of Iorek Byrnison) was completed.There were numerous revelations during the last book (what dust is exactly, just who Lord Asriel is, how Mrs. Coulter fits in (well, half explained) and what Lyra is going to do next), but, there were a lot more questions posed, I felt, than answered, and while I do understand this is a trilogy, personally I like a little more conclusion at the end of each book (but, that's just a personal taste thing, so...).Still, some things I thought weren't totally explained that could have been, but perhaps this was the author's intention to leave more mystery and for the readers to bring their own versions of... reality?their own beliefs? to the story.

I really like some of the 'messages' in this story: self-reliance, that authority isn't always right, that the world may hold more mysteries than we may realize, and I *loved* the ideas of demons!!!What a fantastic world to have animals as part of your soul!!

I liked Lyra, despite her oft used talents at lying - she was determined and always had her heart in the right place.

I'm not sure if this book is targeted at middle-grade or YA, but I'd be hesitant to recommend it to just any middle-grader.There are some possible disturbing issues, and some rather nasty/vivid descriptions.The end of the bear fight kind of made my insides squirm... not to mention that head in the beginning...
But, if you don't mind this, then it's not an issue.

A few other things that I didn't mind but might be considered before reading:

The book has a little 'old fashioned' feel to it.Personally, I kind of liked it, but the descriptions are longer, and the action more spread out than more recently written books.

Also, the book doesn't present organized religion in an especially pretty light.At least, that was my take on it.Not that God or religion is presented poorly, just the whole authority thing again.

So, overall, I was intrigued by the book.Perhaps I found it more intriguing than enjoyable?But, I did enjoy it, I liked the characters (Pan is so wonderful) and looked forward to listening to it.I'm glad I finally know the story and I'm glad to have finally read this "classic.":)

"You cannot change what you are, only what you do"
"You cannot change what you are, only what you do"
Lyra Belacquais an orphan in the care of the scholars at Jordan College.Gradually, she begins to learn more and more about her surroundings: her Uncle Asriel, the mysterious "Up North", a substance called "Dust".But when her friend, Roger, is abducted by "Gobblers", Lyra joins up with gypsies, "Gyptians", to rescue the boy.

I Liked:
So much controversy over a book!
Pullman's part alternate universe, part steampunk, part fantasy world is most assuredly breath-taking.I am not big on the whole steampunk thing, for whatever reason, but I felt Pullman did a great job making me interested.He took time and care into creating his new world and it is vivid and real.I love the anbaric lights, the balloons and zeppelins, the experimental theology, the lights, and all the other subtle differences (or maybe not so subtle!) to our world.
By far, my favorite part was the concept of the daemon.This was particularly well thought out and imaginative.I liked how daemons were companions, souls, advisors.I liked how a child's daemon would change while an adult's would not.I love how the daemon's form and actions represent the person's character and inner feelings.And I love the care with which Pullman creates a relationship between Lyra and Pantalaimon.When they were nearly forcibly separated, I was on the edge of my seat, mentally screaming, "NO!Don't do that!"
Slap me around and tell me I'm mad, but I really liked Mrs. Coulter.Sure, she was a "bad guy", but I felt that she did an exceedingly cunning job hiding it behind a façade of niceness and concern.She was truly more menacing than, for instance, the King of the Bears.And her monkey...that guy gave me shudders!
I was impressed with Iorek the Bear.In fact, Pullman using bears was interesting.I've noticed that a lot of fantasy either relies on Greek/Roman mythology (centaurs and satyrs and the like) or Tolkien-esque fantasy (elves, orcs, dwarves) or Gothic/urban fantasy (vampires, werewolves, witches).Having sentient bears was a nice departure from the Narnia-esque talking animals (honestly, I never really did like Mr. and Mrs. Beaver).
After a slow start, the book really picks up and I found myself more and more interested in what would happen next.This, for me, started once the Gyptians began their trip up North.It was a great "adventure" yarn, and gave Lyra the chance to succeed based on quick-thinking (like when she was captured and placed in Bolvangar) and her wits.
There is also a whole lot of subtext that makes the book interesting.Almost everything is a symbol for something else--a theme of sorts, as I see it.In some ways, I can almost see Pullman telling us we need to be like Lyra, to pull out our alethiometers and decipher the symbols to our questions.Questions like: What is fate and destiny?Who am I and what will I grow up to be?Is there a power (such as the Church in the book) that has too much control over me, holding me back, forcing its own beliefs on me?

I Didn't Like:
It took me half the book to actually get around to liking Lyra, our protagonist.When we are first introduced to her, she's a mean little "liar", rude, uncivilized, unrestrained, and unlikeable.It took her quite some time (and many pages) for her to be a character that I could partially relate to--an even then, she was far from my favorite character in the novel.Now, I don't expect all protagonists to be perfect, admirable, loving--basically, little Pollyanna copycats.And part of what Lyra was makes sense for her background--and for what many kids are like.But still, she was a little too selfish and mean for me to really care about her.
As I really got into the story, I noticed that more and more of the characters were "evil"--maybe not Mrs. Coulter evil, but definitely selfish, lying, cheating, self-seeking evil.Lord Asriel, for example, is an arrogant, haughty man who, instead of raising Lyra himself, throws her at the mercy of Jordan College.How are we supposed to want to see him rescued?How are we supposed to side along with Lyra, in her quest to save him?Maybe some could, but I wasn't one of them.
Other characters are rather sketchy, particularly Roger, the kitchen boy and Lyra's friend.He is barely in the novel, barely has anything to say.It would be a compliment to call him a 2D character; there really is nothing about him remarkable or noteworthy.If I had to describe him, I'd be at a loss.For a story that somewhat hinges on his disappearance, you would hope that he would at least make an impression, make you want to find him again, to be reunited with Lyra.Unfortunately, I didn't feel anything about him at all.I was more interested with Lyra's second mission, to free Lord Asriel, than her primary one to save Roger.
As I mentioned above, the beginning is really slow and kinda confusing.Pullman doesn't spend a lot of time with exposition (which isn't necessarily bad--I hate it when there is too much time spent on backstory) and instead leaps head first into the story.But the story takes quite a long time to move anywhere, and it would be easy to become confused and give up or to get bored and give up.

Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
I spotted a few instances of @ss and he**.
Serafina had an intimate relationship with the Gyptian King.She also mentions how witches take lovers.Lyra's mother had a relationship with her father when her mother was married to another man.
Iorek fights the Bear King.It gets quite violent at the end.Also, a young boy is found after his daemon has been removed.Lyra gets captured quite frequently.

Overall:
The Golden Compass is a unique fantasy novel.Even though the protagonist is only eleven, it's not exactly a child's novel (though I could easily see pre-teens and teenagers being interested in it).There are a lot of messages, dark and serious, that may appeal better to adults.But this deeper, darker message only helps it stand out amongst its counterparts, like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Narnia.
While it was slow in parts, and it took me a long time to like Lyra, I did find the book interesting and, yes, even enjoyable.There is excitement, adventure, a deeper meaning--everything one can ask for in a fantasy setting.As it is a completed trilogy (and not a never-ending series of doorstoppers) with somewhat of a sequel hook, I might even check out book two.A slightly above average novel, 3.5 stars rounded to 3 stars.

Brought to you by:
*C.S. Light*

Intriguing Fantasy (with some flaws)
***spoilers ahead***
You could view this story on many, many levels. On one level, it's a charming little fairy tale about a child who gets sucked into events bigger than herself and finds herself fighting for people she loves only to run into tragedy in the end.
On another level, it's a negative commentary about the pervasiveness of religious views.

Some Flaws:
Don't know what to do? Ask the little compass, it'll have all your answers.
Need to face off against an evil armored bear? Call in your own as backup, just make sure his armor is truly his soul because it's flawed if not.
Find out your best friend's been kidnapped? Vow to save him. Then you'll get sucked into one event after another, oh, don't forget your customary hero training courtesy of a picture-perfect woman of culture, who happens to be your evil mother.
Find out your father's being held captive way up north? Run until you get rescued by gyptians who also are missing a few kids and are preparing an expedition north. Hitch ride.
Etc. etc. etc.

In short, the whole story is one convenient event after another sucking our young heroine along for the ride. She doesn't really do much besides ask the darn compass for directions.

A Top Quality Adventure of Epic Proportions!
"The Golden Compass" is an outstanding read and one of the most thought provoking book's I have ever read. The story takes place in an alternate universe where people's souls are external from their bodies in the form of animal companions called daemons. Lyra an orphan under the care of Jordan College in an alternate Oxford, England is thrust into the adventure of her life in order to save her world and countless others, as well as fulfill her destiny among the very fabric of time and space. Of course this is unknown to her at the time.
I barely ever took a break while reading this novel and loved every bit of it, the characters were very believable, the plot well thought up and interesting enough to cause you to not want to go to bed (I had this problem a lot), and the ability for the material within the story (alternate universes, souls, religion, etc) to force you to continuously reeducate yourself to matters you may think you already know. Out of the many books, and novels I have read so far in my lifetime this one definitely comes out among the top ten. I strongly recommend this book.

title
I fell in love with this whole series. Every pain Lyra felt, every smile she smiled, I felt with her. If I have ever read a better series, I would be surprised. amd trust me, I have read a lot of books. ... Read more

Product Description
Building on the success of previous editions, this book continues to provide engineers with a strong understanding of the three primary types of materials and composites, as well as the relationships that exist between the structural elements of materials and their properties. The relationships among processing, structure, properties, and performance components for steels, glass-ceramics, polymer fibers, and silicon semiconductors are explored throughout the chapters. The discussion of the construction of crystallographic directions in hexagonal unit cells is expanded. At the end of each chapter, engineers will also find revised summaries and new equation summaries to reexamine key concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Great Book, Arrived exactly as described
I was extremely happy with the seller. Book was in perfect condition, and arrived earlier than expected! Great seller to work with, would definitely buy from them again!

Useful Supplement
This textbook on materials science has thus far been a good and helpful supplement to my chemical engineering materials course. The concise explanations and full color illustrations have really helped me to fully grasp the material (no pun intended).

Materials Science and Engineering book
Book was the one advertised in the picture, arrived in a reasonable amount of time, in great condition. Overall a successful transaction.

Should not be part of the course work for someone persuing a materials science degree
Don't waste your money. William D. Callister has rewritten this book into many editions, some of which occur under different titles.The price for this book also seems to be increasing disproportionately with the addition of valuable information (the book is just overpriced).I would recommend this book to anyone perusing a degree other then materials science.The book does provide a good amount of breadth and is a good reference if this is the only materials science course work that you will ever do.If you are a materials scientist then taking a class with this book as the primary text will only result in redundancy.The book is an overview of processing and properties that doesn't provide enough background theory and explanation to develop an understanding of materials science.I used this book in my sophomore year in my very first materials science class and it is my understanding that most other materials science programs use this book in the same fashion.The catch of the book is that until you have studied thermodynamics, crystallography, and mechanical properties in your later years of study this book only forces you to memorize rules, properties, and theories without understanding why or how such things exist.The book couldn't even be called a top down approach to materials science because it doesn't go down at all.All of the information in this book will be reiterated in later course work using other texts that will actually help you to understand in a more complete way the concepts of materials science.

Material Science and Engineering
The book was in excellent condition and I paida good price. However, it was not what I thought it was - being a question and answer style college book. However, that was my fault.

Still glad I bought it though ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (20)

awesome :)
it came when it said it would and is just what i wanted. there was nothing wrong with the book it was in perfect condition

must have
My son is getting his masters in architecture. This book is a must have in his opinion.

great for undergrad student...
I bought this book last year when I started architecture grad school hoping it would be a one-stop resource for grad-level studio courses and it has been an OK resource.It is very well organized and covers a lot of basic, very handy, information: nominal material dimensions and standards, wood joinery, explains board feet and plywood grades, steel shapes in section & and how to interrupt what a W8x67 means, stair tread & risers guidelines, parking configurations, drawing set standards and abbreviations, and some detailing, code and structural basics.The problem for me is that I bought this book two years late, as I picked up a lot of this information the hard way in undergraduate school (B.S. architectural studies).I have now found myself using my classmate's copy of The Architect's Studio Companion (and have now bought myself a copy) more than this book as it covers structural, systems, and egress rules of thumb with much more depth.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone starting an undergrad architecture program or grad program w/o prior experience. There is a whole lot of good, basic architectural info in this book that will make life a little easier, but it lacks the depth to be a solid resource at a graduate level.

priceless
I know it says all the details an "Architect" needs to know, but I'm studying Landscape Architecture and I had to buy my own copy because my Architecture neighbor was tired of retrieving her copy off of my desk.

engineering
It is perfect for engineers who would like to add a little bit of architectural touch to their documentation. ... Read more

Product Description
PUBLISHED IN 40 COUNTRIES, with over 5 million copies in print in North America alone, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy -The
Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass - has graced the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Book Sense, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. For these deluxe editions, Philip Pullman has created new material: papers of Colonel John Parry for the 10-year anniversary of The Subtle Knife (15 new pages), and letters of Mary Malone from secret Magisterium files for The Amber Spyglass (10 new pages). In each book, the new material has been illustrated and handlettered by renowned artist Ian Beck and will be included in the backmatter.

Each deluxe edition also features a ribbon bookmark, rough-edged pages, and Pullman's own chapter-opening spot art. These two volumes join the 2006 deluxe edition of The Golden Compass to form a gorgeous collectible set of the trilogy - a perfect gift for loyal Pullman readers and new fans alike. The Golden Compass debuts as a New Line major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman in December 2007.Amazon.com Review
With The GoldenCompass Philip Pullman garnered every accolade under the sun.Critics lobbed around such superlatives as "elegant," "awe-inspiring,""grand," and "glittering," and used "magnificent" with gay abandon. Eachreader had a favorite chapter--or, more likely, several--from the openingtour de force to Lyra's close call at Bolvangar to the great armored-bearbattle. And Pullman was no less profligate when it came to intellectualfirepower or singular characters. The dæmons alone grant him a place inworld literature. Could the second installment of his trilogy keep up thispitch, or had his heroine and her too, too sullied parents consumed him?And what of the belief system that pervaded his alternate universe, not tomention the mystery of Dust? More revelations and an equal number ofwonders and new players were definitely in order.

The Subtle Knife offers everything we could have wished for, and more. Fora start, there's a young hero--from our world--who is a match for LyraSilvertongue and whose destiny is every bit as shattering. Like Lyra, WillParry has spent his childhood playing games. Unlike hers, though, his havebeen deadly serious. This 12-year-old long ago learned the art ofinvisibility: if he could erase himself, no one would discover his mother'sincreasing instability and separate them.

As the novel opens, Will's enemies will do anything for information about hismissing father, a soldier and Arctic explorer who has been very muchairbrushed from the official picture. Now Will must get his mother intosafe seclusion and make his way toward Oxford, which may hold the key toJohn Parry's disappearance. But en route and on the lam from both thepolice and his family's tormentors, he comes upon a cat with more than amouse on her mind: "She reached out a paw to pat something in the air infront of her, something quite invisible to Will." What seems to him a patchof everyday Oxford conceals far more: "The cat stepped forward andvanished." Will, too, scrambles through and into another oddly desertedlandscape--one in which children rule and adults (and felines) are verymuch at risk. Here in this deathly silent city by the sea, he will soonhave a dustup with a fierce, flinty little girl: "Her expression was amixture of the very young--when she first tasted the cola--and a kind ofdeep, sad wariness." Soon Will and Lyra (and, of course, her dæmon,Pantalaimon) uneasily embark on a great adventure and head into greatertragedy.

As Pullman moves between his young warriors and the witch Serafina Pekkala,the magnetic, ever-manipulative Mrs. Coulter, and Lee Scoresby and his haredæmon, Hester, there are clear signs of approaching war and earthly chaos.There are new faces as well. The author introduces Oxford dark-matterresearcher Mary Malone; the Latvian witch queen Ruta Skadi, who "hadtrafficked with spirits, and it showed"; Stanislaus Grumman, a shaman insearch of a weapon crucial to the cause of Lord Asriel, Lyra's father; anda serpentine old man whom Lyra and Pan can't quite place. Also onhand are the Specters, beings that make cliff-ghasts look like rankamateurs.

Throughout, Pullman is in absolute control of his several worlds, his plotand pace equal to his inspiration. Any number of astonishing scenes--small- andlarge-scale--will have readers on edge, and many are cause for tears. "Youthink things have to be possible," Will demands. "Things have to betrue!" It is Philip Pullman's gift to turn what quotidian mindswould term the impossible into a reality that is both heartbreaking andbeautiful. --Kerry Fried ... Read more

Customer Reviews (666)

the title
I thought The Subtle Knife was a good read. I liked how the story began when Will was being chased by the police it drew me in on the first chapter. The book was filled with lots of action. I don't normally like reading but this book I thought was good. When I read it I felt like I was in the book, there with Will and Lyra. My favorite part in the book is when Will and Lyra use the subtle knife to get back Lyra'salethiometer from Sir Charles, because I thought it was smart to use the knife to get back the alethiometer than trade the knife for it. I also enjoyed the part when will find out that his father is Grumman because Will was searching for his father this whole time. My favorite character is Grumman because he help out Will and Lyra throughout the book and u find out he's Will's father. Sadly Grumman dies by a witch that loves him.another charater I liked was Scoresby because he was very brave he fended off a bunch of soldiers but died during the battle. Mrs. Coulter was one of the antagonists. She tricked Sir Charles into revealing the secrets of the knife and then murdered him. Sir Charles was also an antagonist he stole Lyra's alethiometer. The Subtle Knife was a good book. It had lots of action and suspense; it kept me wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to any fantasy lovers.

Okay but not a patch on the first book
I found the second installment of His Dark Materials a reasonably enjoyable read but it doesn't compare to the majesty, mystery and beauty of "The Golden Compass." I'm also not so keen on the religious direction it's heading in. Apparently the overarching story line of the trilogy is the reversal of Milton's "Paradise Lost" - which I read in high school but don't feel like revisiting. To me, anti-religion is still focusing on religion. With the first book I felt like I was reading something totally new and imaginative which was thrilling. That said, I'll read the final book at some point. I'm just not in a rush.

Remarkably and refreshingly different from Harry Potter
Wow. Even better than the first installment! So far, the books have been so remarkably and refreshingly different from the Harry Potter series that if I'm not careful, Lyra and Will Parry may replace Mr. Potter as my current favorite young literary heroes (apologies to Huck Finn, but I did say "current"). Come to think of it, comparing HDM with HP really isn't fair; their only similarity is that they're both categorized as juvenile fiction. In fact, with J.K. Rowling deliberately avoiding any mention of anything remotely religious or even scientific, her series pales in comparison to "His Dark Materials" and the themes addressed therein: faith, religion, spirituality, quantum physics, reality theory, the Church's relationship with and influence on society, individualism, the power of human potential, to name only a few. I'm actually pleasantly reminded once again of the breadth and scope of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

not just for YA readers; conceptually brilliant
The Subtle Knife is the second installment in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. While the first one, The Golden Compass, was set in a world parallel to ours, this sequel brings a new protagonist to the story set in our own world. A young boy, Will Perry, who is Lyra Belacqua's age joins this incredible story. Somewhat similar to The Lord of the Rings solely because the entire series is a journey to uncovering the mysteries, secrets, and the truth, the sequel definitely does not disappoint.

Philip Pullman's talent shines in this sequel, as he captivates me with his prose and pace. This book (including The Golden Compass) shows memorable characters, exciting plot developments, and unexpected twists and turns.

Conceptually brilliant, I think this will not only get praise from young adults but will captivate adults as well. I could not wait to read the last book in the trilogy, which I will write a review on too, for sure.

The Great Inter-Dimensional Saga Continues...
I have to say that "The Subtle Knife" is another fantastic novel by Mr. Pullman in the "His Dark Materials" series. I couldn't put the book down and found the plot thoroughly entertaining and engrossing as it shifted from character to character, motive to motive, saga to saga. There was always a reason to continue reading as surprises and astounding revelations sharpened my focus and always kept me guessing. I can't wait to move on to the next book "The Amber Spyglass" as Mr. Pullman has done a splendid job crafting his first two books of the series (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife) and has earned another loyal fan through his efforts. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in its Fifth Edition, this essential textbook has been used by thousands of students annually in schools of architecture, engineering, and construction technology. The bestselling reference focuses on the basic materials and methods used in building construction, emphasizing common construction systems such as light wood frames, masonry bearing walls, steel frames, and reinforced concrete. New introductory material on the processes, organization, constraints, and choices in construction offers a better look at the management of construction. New sections covering the building envelope uncover the secrets to designing enclosures for thermal insulation, vapor retarders, air barriers, and moisture control. The Fifth Edition also features more axonometric detail drawings and revised photographs for a thoroughly illustrated approach and the latest IBC 2006, CSI MasterFormat, ASTM references, and LEED information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

good
the package of the book was good, it didn't take long to receive. this book was in great condition!

Product came on time, and in great condition!
The book arrived at my doorstep in about a week, it was in great condition and the price was much cheaper than in stores!

Good basics
This book seems to cover most of the basics of construction which is a big help for those of us who haven't done any construction before.

Indispensable
I've owned it for six years, and it is still one of my go-to reference guides whenever I have doubts regarding certain materials & methods.The authors not only explain the construction process and materials involved, but also provide the (building) scientific context for many of the typically encountered assemblies in today's construction industry.If you're a student, please don't be intimidated by the sheer mass of this book.You'll be thankful for the solid foundation this book provides when you transition from academia to practice.

With that said, this book will not provide exhaustive detail on any particular type of construction (such a book will most likely not fit on any one bookshelf or hard drive), but it will certainly point you in the right direction whether you are searching for pre-determined solutions or are developing your own details.

Good
Arrived quickly and in great condition. Box could have used some stuffing such as foam or bubble wrap. Otherwise great choice. ... Read more

Product Description

Mechanics of Materials, 8e, is intended for undergraduate Mechanics of Materials courses in Mechanical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering departments.

Containing Hibbeler’s hallmark student-oriented features, this text is in four-color with a photorealistic art program designed to help students visualize difficult concepts.  A clear, concise writing style and more examples than any other text further contribute to students’ ability to master the material.

Click here for the Video Solutions that accompany this book. Developed by Professor Edward Berger, University of Virginia, these are complete, step-by-step solution walkthroughs of representative homework problems from each section of the text.

Customer Reviews (23)

good book
this is a great book.Key equations are clearly marked, book has worked out solutions for examples that are very helpful

Mechnaics of Materials
This is a great book for learning Solid Mechanics..!!

As far as the book condition upon arrival, It did have high-lighting but was still in good condition for a used book. The binding was still in good condition.

Would buy again from seller, great buy for the price.

Very satisfied!
The order was shipped out in reasonable time and was just as described. I was very satisfied.

Great Reference Material
This is a great reference tool for the office for anyone over 50!The examples are relavent and the material is pretty tight.Recommended.

AWESOME book
First, the material in the book has really helped me in the class. Second the book came to me in top condition!! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

quilt freedom
This quilt book has easy directions and encourages you to take chances with fabrics.Already did two of the quilts in this book.

love this book!
I absolutely love this book! The quilts range from simple patterns to quite challenging but the interest lies in the fabrics that these ladies use in their quilts...very bold and daring. it definitely makes you think outside of the box! I also enjoy the little stories behind the reason for making the quilts..makes it more appealing to me.

spellbinding!
i love! love! love! this book!I love the photographs, the quilts, the organization!It is organized from beginner quilts to advanced as the book progresses.I could not share this book with enough of my fellow quilters once I got my hands on it.this is exactly what I have been looking for since I started quilting.Beautiful quilts with the whimsy of the past but a current feel.I carry this book with me in my computer bag just so I can study my future projects and in case i run into a promising fabric.Love it!!

beautiful inspiration
I love this book! The patterns are a bit traditional but with modern fun fabrics they look fresh & modern. Options galore here. And with difficulty levels from super easy to challenging, this book is for anyone who likes to quilt. or look at pictures of them : )

Beautiful quilts, lovely book, but...
I love quilt books, and something just made me want to have this one.This book is beautifully done and it feels very substantial.The quilts themselves are a little too 'cute' for my taste, however, and I am not likely to make any of them.It seems like the genius of the authors is in selecting fabrics; I didn't find the actual quilt patterns to be anything particularly unique or special.They really are just traditional quilt patterns done in modern fabrics.I'm also not fond of the hand-drawn instruction pictures.Again, cute and stylish, but not as clear to follow if you're actually going to make the quiltThe book is still lovely to look at, but if I had leafed through it at the bookstore, I probably wouldn't have bought it. Someone who goes in for a more feminine, cute look may like this more than I did. ... Read more

Product Description

Written in a simple and user-friendly style, this book covers all the basics of supply chain management and production and inventory control. It is the only book listed in the APICS-The Educational Society for Resource Management CPIM Exam Content Manual as the text reference for the Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) CPIM certification examination. 15 separate chapters discuss an introduction to materials management, production planning system, master scheduling, material requirements planning, capacity management, production activity control, purchasing, forecasting, inventory fundamentals, order quantities, independent demand ordering systems, physical inventory and warehouse management, physical distribution, products and processes, just-in-time manufacturing, and total quality management. For business personnel whose job functions include materials management, and production and inventory control.

Customer Reviews (16)

fast delivery
I am so impressed with the service.My book was delivered on time.Thank you.

Migration to SAP
Excellent book.
I'm finding it extremely clear and useful.(Including the exercises part)
It's a good starting point to understand the production dynamics inside the company.
As GM of a manufacturing company, and being closely involved in a migration to SAP, reading this text have been very useful to me during the decision process about the new procedures and the ERP characterization.
It helped me to judge and understand the consultants proposals, and decide with a proper understanding.

Good Self Study, Good Basics Covered
I found this book very easy to understand and can well be considered as an all inclusive for APICS module 1 exam (basics of supply chain). I personally think that this will also be a good read for people who are not knowledgeable about whole supply chain realm and want to dip their toe in this world. This book covers all basic real life supply chain strategies and concepts that are neccessary for any supply chain professional to know.

WAY too little information.
Many reviews of this book have raved of it's ability to be brief in the explanation of material. I found this brievity to be extremely frustrating and overall an extremely poor way of writing a text book. While the authors did an Ok job of showing sample problems, its explanation of any information beyond that was poor and incomplete. Unfortunately, anyone looking to buy this book for a college course will find themselves discouraged with the lack of material.

Introduction to Materials Management Textbook
I found this Textbook on Materials Management not to be very current with respect to the subject.Many of the common functions of Materials Management were not covered at all in this textbook.I received this Textbook in a very damaged state due to delivery.I would check out another Textbook than this one if you are just getting started in the Business! ... Read more

Product Description
Materials are the stuff of design. From the very beginning of human history, materials have been taken from the natural world and shaped, modified, and adapted for everything from primitive tools to modern electronics. This renowned book by noted materials engineering author Mike Ashby and Industrial designer, Kara Johnson, explores the role of materials and materials processing in product design, with a particular emphasis on creating both desired aesthetics and functionality. The new edition will feature even more of the highly useful "materials profiles," that give critical design, processing, performance and applications criteria for each material in question. The reader will find information ranging from the generic and commercial names of each material, its physical and mechanical properties, its chemical properties, its common uses, how it is typically made and processed, and even its average price. And with improved photographs and drawings, the reader will be taken even more closely to the way real design is done by real designers, selecting the optimum materials for a successful product.

* The best guide ever published on the on the role of materials, past and present, in product development, by noted materials authority Mike Ashby and professional designer Kara Johnson--now with even better photos and drawings on the Design Process

* Significant new section on the use of re-cycled materials in products, and the importance of sustainable design for manufactured goods and services

* Enhanced materials profiles, with addition of new materials types like nanomaterials, advanced plastics and bio-based materials ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

excellent source for industrial design students
This book contains all the production techniques and materials that a student should know and it is written in a clear way.

poorly edited, incomplete, and disorganized
i'm not a big fan of this book. I come from an engineering background, and used this book for a class while studying industrial design for my Masters.

--what I don't like:
There's "further reading" bibliography-type information at the end of every chapter.

The side footnotes are ok with me, but often, the information is not really important or interesting enough to be on the same page as what you're reading about. I'd, at the very most, put them at the end of the chapter.

Oftentimes, the subject matter seems a little unorganized, and there are plenty of places that need some serious editing. I really can't stand (unintentional) incorrect grammar, especially when there's so much of it that I start focusing on wording instead of the subject or the story.

Also, they often do not fully flesh out explanations.. especially when mentioning technical details (which, is ok for us engineers, but hard for other readers). Sometimes, it seems like they were focusing on the number of pages and the layout more than the information in the chapters.


--what I like:
Although I haven't actually had a chance to use them, or even look through them carefully, the latter half of the book is full of charts and information on specific materials/processes.

It looks nice.. has a very clean, simple layout.

It's relatively short.

Fantastic Top Level review
After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree a year ago, I started a material cataloging project for work.This book provided a great top-level review of some material selection techniques.

Don't expect to this to be the end of your material exploration.It will act like a blueprint or the outline of an essay - lending itself nicely to quick reference and starting points for exploration.

Ok
excellent book, very helpful to the study,
a different way of looking at the material science

Better than a class
This book is perfect for Industrial Design students looking for some better understanding of materials, how to pick them, and what forming processes can be done to them. I am really glad I bought it. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in 4-color format with more illustrations than ever before, the Seventh Edition of Mechanics of Materials continues its tradition as one of the leading texts on the market.With its hallmark clarity and accuracy, this text develops student understanding along with analytical and problem-solving skills.The main topics include analysis and design of structural members subjected to tension, compression, torsion, bending, and more.The book includes more material than can be taught in a single course giving instructors the opportunity to select the topics they wish to cover while leaving any remaining material as a valuable student reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

book
This book is required for my class so I'm just giving a review on the shipping and physical quality that it came in. The shipping time came in normal and the condition looks great.

A fantastic textbook, but as always Amazon ships SLOW
This book is incredible.My favorite text in earning my degree thus far.It's laid out properly for a smooth read.The difficulty level is just right so that you aren't overwhelmed, but still cannot afford to slack or you will be missing out.I hope Gere has other texts that are required for future classes.Buy this book and keep it forever! It makes me love engineering even more

I would also like to add that Amazon didn't ship it out until ten days after i placed my order, this resulted in a total of 16 days to get my book.As discussed in other places on the web, this is a result Amazon punishing SSS customers... Super Slow Shipping option.I thought I would add this in case you guys need it in time for a class..I don't know what Amazon thinks they are doing but they will lose so much business if they keep it up.Free shipping is no longer a privilege on the internet but it is expected.Barnes and Nobles has been treating me right since Amazon opted to act like a little girl about everything.

These prizes are insane
This book - as well as all the other books on Mechanics of Materials books are twice as expensive here on the .com site compared to the .co.uk-site - WITH THE CURRENT POUND/DOLLAR CONVERSION RATE. This doesn't seem right - considering several publishers are American. I was going to buy the Kindle, but with no access to the .co.uk offering, I'm hope to go for an I-Pad, and not to run into the same problems!

Student Review
I used this book to take a mechanics of materials course online. The book is well written and easy to understand, a very important attribute since I didn't have a TA or professor to ask questions. There are many well explained examples. The book was also a valuable reference as I continued my engineering studies. It is a book that I will certainly keep for the future.

Material is good, layout is awful
Most of the material that should be covered in a decent mechanics of materials book is here ... you just have to find it. I found the layout of the book overall rather poor. My professor seems to have come to the same conclusion, as we covered chapter 7 before chapter 2. I think the book also focuses too much on things that have few to no practical applications. If you're a civil engineer, working with beams and cables (5 of 12 chapters have "beam" in the name), this might be useful. But for something with more of a focus on the "materials" aspect (and with a much better layout), Dieter's Mechanical Metallurgy book is far better (and 250 pages shorter). It explains many of the same concepts (as well as many more, such as fracture and strengthening mechanisms) but in a much more concise and understandable way with a emphasis on practical application. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Material Girl
This book was so good, I think this is one of Keisha's best books yet. I see there is a Material Girl part 2 I can't wait to read it. This is one book you don't want to past on every page is exciting, once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. Keep them coming Keisha.

Greaaaaaat!
SO i just got this book today and i finished it in 1 day! it was soooo good
i have read all Keisha's books. and i love them all she is my favoriteauthor ...
Now i didnt like how the book ended. but i did go on her twitter page and she said the name of her next book
is going to be Material Girl 2: Lables & Love YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS im so ready!!!!! ugh yes.. lol.
now heres the hard part.. WAITING. great book i recommend to everyone. lol

Material Girl
I loved this book. Keisha Ervin did her thing as always. I have read every one of her books and love them all
Material Girl I must say was a different read. The ending was like! I just know there's a part 2. It have to be a part 2.
Dylan was lost, she let herself be used by men that would give her MATERIAL things, thats all she knew, with
a mother like Candy she didn't know any better. I understand some of the things she did, she had to in order to move
on with her life.

I love Angel he's her soul mate, they belong together.
Can't wait for part 2.

material girl
I thought this book was a little weaker than Keisha ervin other books, the main character dylan seems kind of weak,i think this book should have part two give dylan more back bone. other than that keisha i love your books and hope you continue to come out with more books soon.

material girl
I love to read Keisha Ervin's books this one was no different I loved each person in the book. I read this book in one night and can only hope that there will be another to follow. I pass all my books on to friends and family this one will be a little different I might have to read again first or even charge a fee to loan out!!! LOL ... Read more

Product Description
At McGraw-Hill, we believe Beer and Johnston’s Mechanics of Materials is the uncontested leader for the teaching of solid mechanics.Used by thousands of students around the globe since it’s publication in 1981, Mechanics of Materials, provides a precise presentation of the subject illustrated with numerous engineering examples that students both understand and relate to theory and application.

The tried and true methodology for presenting material gives your student the best opportunity to succeed in this course.From the detailed examples, to the homework problems, to the carefully developed solutions manual, you and your students can be confident the material is clearly explained and accurately represented.

If you want the best book for your students, we feel Beer, Johnston’s Mechanics of Materials, 5th edition is your only choice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Sterile
I could not follow the examples or the chapter explanations.I felt as though Beer and Johnson do not want me to understand the basic concepts.I would spend hours on a few problems and understand about half the material.I would buy LINDEBURG books on fundamentals of engineering.Do not buy this book even if it is assigned to the class.Most of your classmates or going to work together on homework problems and never open the book.

Tough book, keep with it.
The book seems almost outdated with its long text. Additionally, the practice problems at the end of each chapter can be confusing to take on based on the text. The book requires a good teacher supplement or secondary reference.

HOWEVER:

After a while, you'll get a feel for the way the book operates and you'll finish with a very strong understanding of the book's concepts. You just have to stick with it. The problems at the end of the book, although confusing at first, are great practice to applying the concepts in ways that are not explicitly defined in the chapter texts. I'd recommend this if you're willing to take on the problems and have supplemental material available.

Great resource
I haven't looked at different options in terms of others with the same content. It is a great resource in understanding fundamental properties of materials. It has lots of examples that help alot when working the problems even though some were a little vague.

Another overpriced unnecessary edition ...
...and STILL the answer key is wrong. From the Wikipedia:
"In materials science, the strength of a material refers to the material's ability to withstand an applied stress without failure. Yield strength refers to the point on the engineering stress-strain curve (as opposed to true stress-strain curve) beyond which the material begins deformation that cannot be reversed upon removal of the loading. Ultimate strength refers to the point on the engineering stress-strain curve corresponding to the maximum stress."

The last edition of this book was in 2005. What exactly in the above definition of this subject matter has changed in the last four years? Are our bridges in danger of breaking into pieces and floating into space? Or perhaps the authors have lost a great deal in the stock market and picking the pockets of students who had a great supply of affordable used fourth editions was the solution to the authors' problems?

I used this book in one of its much earlier incarnations (early 90's) for a class, and it was wonderfully written. The prose was clear, the examples to the point, and the illustrations were entirely adequate. However, that was the second or so edition, and the answer key was still wrong back then. I compared the fourth edition of this book to my stepson's fifth edition, and I have to say, what is the point? The sections have been rearranged as have the questions, and it appears some of the errors in previous editions are gone, but new ones have popped up, in some cases to problems that have been in this book for years but have just been put in a different place in the book.

If this book was about the underlying subject of material science aimed at seniors or graduate students, well that subject changes quickly. However, this is a book aimed at college sophomores, and the underlying calculations have not changed. I really loved studying this subject with my second edition. Since that edition was sufficient in 1992, I don't know why three more editions with no more room for improvement with the exception of the answer key which has still not been fixed is necessary for anything but the publisher's bottom line.

CEE BOOK
Great Book. Well put together and thought out. Newest edition with the most up to date infomation. Should be in every CEE library ... Read more

Product Description

His Dark Materials • Book III

“IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN, SO FIRMLY AND RELENTLESSLY DOES PULLMAN DRAW YOU INTO HIS TALE . . . [A] gripping saga pitting the magnetic young Lyra Belacqua and her friend Will Parry against the forces of both Heaven and Hell.”
–Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“BREATHTAKING ADVENTURE . . . A TERRIFIC STORY, ELOQUENTLY TOLD.”
–The Boston Sunday Globe

“HEARTSTOPPING PACE . . . CRACKLING ACTION . . . Pullman has created the last great fantasy masterpiece of the 20th century.”
–Cincinnati Enquirer

“TRIUMPHANT . . . MASTERFUL . . . A THOUGHTFUL, METICULOUSLY CRAFTED ADVENTURE.”
–San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle
Amazon.com Review
From the very start of its very first scene, The Amber Spyglass will set hearts fluttering and minds racing. All we'll say here is that we immediately discover who captured Lyra at the end of The Subtle Knife, though we've yet to discern whether this individual's intent is good, evil, or somewhere in between. We also learn that Will still possesses the blade that allows him to cut between worlds, and has been joined by two winged companions who are determined to escort him to Lord Asriel's mountain redoubt. The boy, however, has only one goal in mind--to rescue his friend and return to her the alethiometer, an instrument that has revealed so much to her and to readers of The Golden Compass and its follow-up. Within a short time, too, we get to experience the "tingle of the starlight" on Serafina Pekkala's skin as she seeks out a famished Iorek Byrnison and enlists him in Lord Asriel's crusade:

A complex web of thoughts was weaving itself in the bear king's mind, with more strands in it than hunger and satisfaction. There was the memory of the little girl Lyra, whom he had named Silvertongue, and whom he had last seen crossing the fragile snow bridge across a crevasse in his own island of Svalbard. Then there was the agitation among the witches, the rumors of pacts and alliances and war; and then there was the surpassingly strange fact of this new world itself, and the witch's insistence that there were many more such worlds, and that the fate of them all hung somehow on the fate of the child.

Throughout his galvanizing epic, Pullman sustains scenes of fierce beauty and tenderness. He also allows us a moment or two of comic respite. At one point, for instance, Lyra's mother bullies a series of ecclesiastical underlings: "The man bowed helplessly and led her away. The guard behind her blew out his cheeks with relief." Needless to say, Mrs. Coulter is as intoxicating and fluid as ever. And can it be that we will come to admire her as she plays out her desperate endgame? In this respect, as in many others, The Amber Spyglass is truly a book of revelations, moving from darkness visible to radiant truth. --Kerry Fried ... Read more

Customer Reviews (923)

One Star, But on the Basis of the Writing, Not the Theology
There are certain promises you make as an author, a sort of implied contract between you and the reader. Basically, you set up a story, and then, you finish the story.

You do not, two thirds of the way through the story develop an entirely new plot, a whole mess of new characters, and shunt the original story you set up to the sidelines and just about ignore that story until you decide to take three pages to end it shoddily.

The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife were brimming with fantastic promises.The Amber Spyglass not only didn't deliver on those promises, it seemed to forgot they had been made in the first place.

I was expecting to see the great conflict between Lord Asriel and God. I wanted to see the conflict between Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel. I wanted to see the Church fall, the angels fight, and Lyra save the day. I wanted a climax to the story.

What did I get? A depressingly awful ending. Some of the weakest theological thinking I've seen in a long time. (By which I do not mean his general anti-god stance.That was fine.The position of Dr. Mary Malone, on the other hand, had the theological sophistication of a-ten-year-old.A slow ten-year-old.) Brand new critters which didn't seem to add anything to the plot. And a remarkably unromantic romance. It felt like he got to the point in the story where he had to put up or shut up, and realized he didn't have anything to put up.

Moving and Beautiful
I was hesitant to pick up the series because of how it seemed aimed at children and young adults, but I regret that now. I am a huge fan of the Fantasy genre, and have read quite a bit, and I have to say I have never been so moved by any Fantasy series before. Pullman has a talent for portraying sweetness, love, and innocence...a talent you might not expect if you listen to some Christians. I cried several times during and after listening to this audiobook, and I rarely cry at movies or books. You will come to love Will and Lyra, if you hadn't already from the first two books, and your heart will break for them.

One thing I especially enjoyed was the full cast, including the author himself as Narrator. I'm used to one or two readers doing every voice, some of them with great skill, but they just can't compare to a full group of talented actors breathing life into every role. I don't think I'll ever forget Lyra's voice, and Philip Pullman's gentle description of her thoughts and feelings.

Put aside your feelings on Christianity and open your mind. This is not a scheming, malicious corruptor of youth at work here. It is an author with a gift for descriptions of joy, love, beauty, innocence, and life such as I have never seen before.

Disappointed
I enjoyed both the first and second books. By comparison, the "Amber Spyglass" is inferior - almost amateurish in its storytelling. There are several story lines that are not resolved satisfactorily. The conclusion is hardly as epic as the earlier story hyped it up to be. The connections to Eve and rebirth are tenuous at best. One can sort of see what Pullman was attempting, but it just did not work out. It's almost as if a different author wrote this book.

If this had been the first book, I would have given up reading the rest of the trilogy on the spot.

An action-packed end to the trilogy
Whew! This was an exhilarating conclusion to the trilogy "His Dark Materials"! Talk about action-packed. Let me preface this review by saying I liked "The Golden Compass" and "The Subtle Knife" very much (and the second book a bit more so than the first actually). In this third and final book in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, Pullman has impressed me yet again with his ability to deftly weave together so many moving parts--storylines, characters, themes/motifs (yes, including the theological ones, which are very prominent by the way)--and create a thrilling and cohesive fantasy novel. I very much enjoyed his development of all the central characters, especially Will and Lyra. The reason I cannot give this one five stars is two-fold. First, I thought the pacing or the first third or so of the book was 'off-kilter' somehow, and I didn't really get 'grabbed' by the story until about page 200 (and from then on, I could hardly put the book down!). Second (and warning: slight spoiler alert ahead if you read into it), I am just enough of a romantic that the end of the book really did bother me! But overall, I really did enjoy this novel. I would recommend it to young adults and adults who have already read and liked the first two books in the series and are yearning for more of Lyra and Will's adventures and discoveries!

Brimming with memorable, inventive landscapes
Though this third and final volume garners 4 stars, my rating here is really for the entire series. To be honest, finishing the series left me somewhat bereft, like when you were a kid during the Thanksgiving holiday and the last group of relatives has just departed for home. At the risk of sounding sappy, I read the last page and just sat there with a lump in my throat. The ending was absolutely heart-breaking! The novel brimmed with memorable, inventive landscapes: the land of the dead, the world of the "mulefa," the apocalyptic battleground of the Heavens. This series will stick with me for a very long time. I have to admit to being a little troubled by reviewers who give the series a low rating simply for its anti-Christian slant. Isn't a trait of great fiction the ability to challenge the status quo without resorting to didacticism? Perhaps faith that is so easily shaken by a story of fiction ought to be reassessed. ... Read more

Product Description
Seth is the acclaimed non-physical teacher whose collected works are the most dynamic, brilliant and undistorted map of inner reality and human potential available today. His articulation of the furthest reaches of human potential, the eternal validity of the soul, and the concept that we create our own reality according to our beliefs, has been presented in books that have sold over 8 million copies and been translated into over a dozen languages. Seth's empowering voice clearly stands out as one of the major forces which led to the current New Age philosophical movement. This book chronicles Seth's first contact with author and medium Jane Roberts. It is a mixture of great Seth excerpts, selected by topic, and further explained by Jane.Topics covered include: afterdeath & between lives, how to get rid of llness,reincarnation, why people are born into different circumstances, God, All That Is, Dreams, exercises to develop theinner senses, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

God is fair
This is a book for spiritual seekers, especially for those who cannot comprehend the inequities of this life. If you do not have an open mind, you probably will not like this book. If your mind is open, this book will open new doors for you.

That is what it did for me about thirty years ago. I had had my first spiritual experience and I was introduced to a woman who changed my life. She was someone who did channeling. She, in turn, introduced me to Jane Roberts and to Seth.

Seth is a delightful personality who helped me come to new understandings about the nature of our larger reality. I was captivated from the very start. He taught me things that resonated within my soul. Whenever something does that, I recognize that I am on the pathway to truth.

I grew up as a Christian, but I had become an agnostic before I had had my first spiritual experience. Even though I stayed away from Christianity for many, many years, I have since reclaimed my relationship with Jesus. There is nothing within the Seth Material that goes against my religious beliefs, though I am sure that many people would consider Seth and Jane Roberts to be heretics.

[...]. I am also a spiritual seeker. Spirituality is the most important aspect of my life. If you are looking for an enhanced spiritual understanding, I would highly recommend this book to you.

Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

Entertaining work of fiction
It was entertaining, interesting and a work of pure fiction.Jane Roberts had quite an imagination and I suspect she understood the gullible nature of humans...at least Seth did.

The Seth Material
This book will totally change the way you view yourself, as well as the way you view the world. Once you read this....you will never be the same!
I am currently reading every Seth Book that I can get ahold of. Most, I have already read twice. I will be eternally grateful to Jane Roberts, Robert Butts and of course....Seth .

How do we form objects and events?
I am very impressed by the material of "how we form objects and events" in "The Seth Material".Seth described the processes clearly of "how we form obejcts and events from mental enery" which could not be found as clear as in "Conversations With God".I am also interested in author's description about her trance state when she acted as a medium for Seth. I like this book.

Interesting Stuff
Very interesting material on Jane Roberts' late 1960's entry into the metaphysical world and how the entity "Seth" comes forth through her in sessions held with her husband, Rob. The wording sometimes is a little hard to read, just because of the way Seth communicates, but worth working your way through. ... Read more

Product Description
As architecture programs throughout the country break out of the classroom and adopt the holistic methods of design/build programs, the need for a textbook that bridges the gap between construction materials and design sensibility is sorely needed. Materials for Design is that book. Students must be taught how a choice of material affects the form and look of a structure; they must also learn how inspired design can inject any material with true personality and zeal. Broken into five sections-glass, wood, metals, plastics, and concrete-Materials for Design makes a thorough study of each material's properties, followed by a series of 10-12 case studies of that material put to imaginative use by today's brightest architects from around the world. There is no other textbook on the market that tackles material details so thoroughly while presenting lush, inspired color photographs, plan drawings, and detailed architectural diagrams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great resource to learn about materials
A fantastic book for those studying materials. Detailed information of materials like wood and metal, and examples of where they are used in architecture.

a book you have to have
i really love this book. it has all types of detailed drawings about different materials. the graphics and pictures are over the top!

Not for Students
The book itself is solid graphically and formatted well, however as an architectural student I would not recommend it to anyone looking for gaining a unique perspective on the manipulation and action of materials in design.A much better choice would be the Berkhauser Series, particularly the Facade Construction Manual.The assembly drawings and diagrams are too stripped down to gain any understanding of the system assembly.Not for students or people with a good understanding of material and assemblage effects.

great detailled book
thing you wont see in avery book, they go further, projects not that known wich is great

Best overall
This is one of the best materials books I've been able to find. It provides thorough descriptions of the history, development and manufacturing of numerous materials (traditional and non traditional) in addition to useful applications and proper techniques all in one very well crafted book. An essential for student and practicing architects as well as anyone involved in interiors, environmental design, industrial design, graphic design... ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has become indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continually in print through many editions and has sold more than a quarter of a million copies. A detailed index makes a wealth of information readily available. Charts and line drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Out of Date
I felt the book was a bit out of date, and as a result at least half of the book could be edited out.There is valuable information in the book, but there is a lot of material to sift through to find it.

AS PROMISED
I was afraid to get an old-edition book online because i wanted
to give it to a friend as a present for his birthday.I was afraid
to fall on a torn book/cover with missing pages... It turned out to be
in an EXCELLENT CONDITION!!The delivery was 1 day late but it was ok.The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Reference)

Great book- great service
I ordered this used book and it arrived quickly and in pristine condition.Couldn't be happier!

What every artist needs!!
It was just what I was looking for. The condition of the book was great at a very low price. Thank you!

AWESOME
The item arrived on time, in fact it was one of the first books to arrive that I had ordered. The book was in brand new shape even though I paid for it used!! The book is perfect, I am in a beginning painting class and we reference this book along with another all the time. It's great if you want to learn the technical side to painting as well. Id recommend this seller and this book to anyone! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

valuable & intriguing
My husband gave me this book when I was starting training for a new job.It has become one of my favorites.I really enjoy the photography in the book and reading the interviews.I liked reading the interviews with the woman and comparing it to her husband's interview.The categories kept the topics fresh, and the country stats helped keep a perspective and context for each family.My feeling was that women everywhere have lots more in common that we might guess, and that women do in fact make the world go round.

fascinating primary document
i bought this book for my aunt who is a single, middle-aged, jouyful southern woman.she is an exuberant believer in Jesus Christ who unfortunately doesn't know much of his world beyond the USA, and i thought this would be a good way for her to explore it while connecting (a word that is very near to her counselor's heart) with people.
i don't know how much she has read yet, but my sister and i devoured it in the few days that we had it.we came away from it feeling even more curious about life in different places and reminded of our privilege as women to live in a financially independent manner.
all in all, if you need an antidote to self, this book will help.

A fitting sequel for the Material World
I read the Material World several years ago and I was excited to see that Peter and Faith had published a "sequel" of sorts for the book.Women in the Material World is fascinating, especially if you can review it side by side to the Material World.I thought the questions regarding love in their marriage and their expectations for their children were so interesting.I am very happy with my purchase of this book and I recommend it to anyone who is considering it.

Outstanding book everyone should read
A companion to Material World:Portrait of the Global Family, this book is an incredible expose of the lives of typical, average women all over the world.I, as an American woman with everything I could ever possibly dream of, especially appreciate seeing how things may have different for me had God just decided to make me the girl child of a Vietnamese working family vs. my background.It really makes you take stock of your life, appreciate it, and feel blessed no matter what your circumstances may be.America is truly a wealthy and favored nation.Even our poor, compared with most of the countries in the world, are rich!We should all feel compelled to give back, not matter how much (or how little) we have.I've been giving this book to my friends for gifts (thank you, Amazon!)A MUST READ!

Women's work
A sequel tothe authors' successful, "Material World: A Global Family Portrait," which interviewed 30 "statistically average" families from around the world and photographed them surrounded by all their worldly goods, "Women In The Material World," by Faith D'Aluisio and Peter Menzel, revisits 21 women from these families.

With interviews conducted by women over a period of days, even weeks, and 375 color photographs of women captured in their daily lives, this is an absorbing look into an overlooked world of marriage, women's work and families. From female circumcision to divorce, from finances to education, gender roles, work, and friends, women discuss every aspect of their lives - seemingly freely.

Two themes repeat through this largely agricultural world - women's work begins before dawn and ends long after dark and most women feel they have enough children - whatever that number may be.

This is a fascinating, captivating and beautiful volume, to be read, not just browsed. ... Read more

Product Description
Taking a visually-oriented approach, "Statics and Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building Construction, Third Edition", presents basic structural concepts in an easily understood manner. The authors introduce structural theory without relying on calculus. Instead using building examples and illustrations to supplement the book and introduce mathematically based material in a non-threatening way. This edition features many fully-worked example problems, a new supplemental CD-ROM, a section on retaining walls and clearer connections between written and visual elements. Extensive treatment of load tracing (paths) in an organized and heavily illustrated manner. Includes a CD containing additional problems with solutions for further practice. New section discussing the basic principles of concrete retaining walls using free-body diagrams and the equations of equillibrium. Building inspectors or people training to become inspectors or plans checkers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Book is a book.
I gave this book 4 out of five stars, because of the confusing, in my opinion, way the problems are set up. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with it.

work book not a text book
This "text" book has a lot of nicely drawn images and plenty of problems to work on but when you look through it to help figure out how to solve the problems the book is USELESS in pretty must every sense of the word.
Also the setup is odd making it hard to look back through the book and distinguishing between example problems and homework type problems making you even more frustrated when trying to teach yourself how to solve a problem.

product arrived as promised
It felt like the book to a little longer than expected, but arrived as advertised. Good transaction.

boring, but useful...
I bought this book to help as an aid in my studies and it did halp give a better understanding of structural engineering.

blaircollins
I am taking a Structures class formy construction management degree.I purchased this textbook as a back up to the one that was assigned.The illustrations and sample problems cover the topic clearly and systematically.I recommend the book for those interested. ... Read more