As the title and price suggest, this is a reference grammar of English, not a textbook. It's written for people who already have a grasp of basic grammatical principles. This is the sort of book that you pick up when you want to look up patterns of verb complementation, etc. Only a masochist would try to read it straight through, or to learn grammar from it.

The _Comprehensive Grammar_ is an expanded and revised version of a series of grammars first published in 1972 (starting with _A Grammar of Contemporary English_.) Since its publication, this book has been *the* standard reference work used by professional grammarians. It is a scholarly, descriptive account of English based on extensive analysis of real usage. It is particularly strong in the way that it stresses the communicative functions of English. It tries to present material without being bound to a specific theoretical position. In many ways, this was a wise idea, since it has allowed the book to remain useful over the years while syntactic theories have changed drastically.

If you come to this book from traditional, schoolbook grammars, this work will seem quite modern, especially in its treatment of tense and with some word categories like determiners.

On the other hand, since the basic framework for this book was laid down in the 1960s, it does not reflect much of the research that has occurred since.

I have used this book for years now, and until recently, I would have recommended it without reservation as the best reference grammar available and given it five stars, despite the fact that it was beginning to get a bit long in the tooth. In 2002, however, Huddleston and Pullum brought out their _Cambridge Grammar of the English Language_, which is destined to supplant Quirk, et al. as the standard reference.

Huddleston and Pullum challenge the analysis of the _Comprehensive Grammar_ in many places, and (from the parts that I've read, at least) they make a compelling case.

The _Comprehensive Grammar_ remains very useful if you need to see examples of various structures, and to provide a complementary view to Huddleston and Pullum. But since most people can't afford two books of this size, I would go with the newer one, and go to the library if you need to check something in Quirk.

I have had the book for years. The book is among the best of the same kind. However, I don't have much opportunity to make the most use of it because of its improper arragement of index. The book is too comprehensive to be read chapter by chapter. Instead, it is recommended to be used as a tool for English learners to consult. However, it is a pity that the contents of the index are not clearly classified. Under an entry are section numbers shown without detailed sub-entries. It is therefore difficult for a reader to find what he wants by looking in the index. I strongly recommend that the index be re-arranged according to the method as adopted by Oxford's "Practical English Usage." I believe most readers who have the book will agree with me.

It may be expensive but it covers almost everything you would ever like to know about English Grammar presented in an scientifical but very understandable language. Regional forms are also dealt with like American, Australian or South African English! Clearly the best book in the field!

This book is the Bible of Internal Medicine. Anyone considering a career in medicine should have this book in their library. Comprehensive and well written, it is the gold standard of medical textbooks.

This book is a medical tradition, and it is as important to doctors as their stethoscope.
It is very complete, there is no doubt about it. Every subject of medicine is covered, and for a reference book is a must-have. It is also written in an easy-to-read way, but some chapters are more difficult to understand than others, and like a good meal, in excess it can get heavy and occasionally become a brick, so slow-reading is advised. Also worth to mention are the atlases, that give a lot of pictographic information.
I would recommend it only as a reference book, because for the USMLE, or as a course textbook, it is impossible to read it all, especially if time is scarce.

I have been using the 14th Edition of the main textbook for over two years now. The sheer size [and weight] of the book does not allow for easy carriage, especially when you have limited space. Moreover, I often had to leaf through reams of pages or read through several paragraphs when looking for information on specific topics. The companion handbook makes all these unnecessary. It is easy to carry around unnoticed in a small bag and, when there is need to double-check that elusive info, it is right there. Of course it is not as detailed as the parent text, but as a companion text, it fulfils its role very well.

I bought this book with great expectation having read the glowing reviews here at amazon. The premise of the story sounded intriguing---two 'ordinary' couples meet and form a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Alas, real life is often dull and this book redefines dull. The promise of youth and the sadness of aging no matter how gracefully, the love that endures sickness and health, the value of true friendship are all examined and with introspective honesty. However, what isn't in the book, the great moments glossed over or ignored, left this reader wondering how Wallace Stegner got to be so renowned.

On a more positive note, if you can endure the first 3/4 of the book, the last 1/4 will be uplifting. The reader will finally get some insight into Charity and Syd's dysfunctional marriage, Larry's unquestioning love for the invalid Sally, and the universality of Stegner's premise that one of us doesn't differ that much from another, each generation repeating its parents so that everything returns upon itself, repeating and renewing until the present can hardly be told from past.

Stegner writes a convincing enough narrative about the grace of surviving life, but as for me, the next time I want a story about nothing, I will tune in to a Seinfeld rerun.

A colleague of mine recently finished Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner and encouraged me to read it. I thought we had a copy laying around but instead found that we only had Crossing to Safety so I picked it up and started to read.

This book was perfect for the fall season, I suppose it may be that I only feel that way since I read it in the fall, and if I had read it during the summer I would have felt the same then, but something in the tone and meter just felt so fallish to me.

Self-referentially the author asks in dialogue "How do you make a book that anyone will read out of lives as quiet as these?" The first chapter starts in the twilight of the character's life and then invests the rest of the story setting the stage for the setting sun.

The book was a joy to read, due to the rich and beautiful writing. There are times when reading books you skim the sentences, with this book I found my self savoring every word and truly encompassed by the writing. The first half is so lyrical in content, I could in many ways identify with the poor married couple starting life out with nothing to eke by on. As the story progresses the idealism of youth is tempered by the reality of life. Each Eden has its serpent, and life has a way of providing crosses to bear. I wont spoil any of the tale by telling.

This has to be one of the best books I have ever read, a wonderful journey that I did not regret and was sad to see end.

http://www.niffgurd.com/mark/books/2002.html#safety

I had not read Stegner before. I will be reading him again! I found the start slow at first and in fact had to pick it up several times. Once I persevered, here's what I found: A beautiful and well written book. What I found was a well made novel--both in narrative structure and figurative language. There were no strained metaphors (so common in most modern fiction) and no lack of insight. I found a story of friends, more than that the most rare of friends; two married couples. I say that couples this close are rare for the very same reason that the Morgans and the Langs eventually fall out of close contact. The people we choose to love, to "fuse" our lives together with are ours because no one else would choose them. As much as Sid could not live without Charity, Larry would never choose to live with her. As a result it becomes difficult for Larry and Sally to watch the various strains of Sid and Charity's relationship. And while it may not strain the couple's friendhsip per se, it stretches it a bit. This story does not fall into the predictable. It moves you to tears and laughter and jealousy. How wonderful to have found besides spouses that you love even in the tough times, friends who are more than willing to help see you through the tough times. Don't be put off by the fact that it moves slowly at first, don't be put off by the lack of glamor, drugs and violence. Hopefully, glamor, drugs and violence are not commonplace events in any of your lives. Read instead this book that talks of quiet lives that recognize the need for both sorrowful and "sunny hours" in order to make them beautiful.

We all learn a bit about Anglo-Saxon history in English class. The Anglo-Saxons, part Celtic, part Germanic, faced incursions of the warlike Vikings (Danes) many times. What if someone could make that dark period in history come alive?

Well, Octavia Randolph has written a well-researched novel about Ninth Century England and the Danish invasions. Typical of historical fiction, there is plenty of bloody sword fighting, and a good deal of hearty romance as well. But this is no "bodice-buster." Author Randoph attempts to recreate the sense of the language as well as tell the story of Ceridwen. I found this gave the book a wonderful feel of the times, like listening to a bard tell a saga of bravery and love.

Typically, the Vikings come off as quite brutal (they probably were. Living on a land that yielded little food and suffered a harsh climate, they survived by raiding other lands.) The book culminates in a single, pivotal battle and the writing is crisp and thrilling. If you like historical drama, you will probably enjoy "Ceridwen of Kilton."

Ceridwen of Kilton is the second in a remarkable series of historical fiction by Octavia Randolph. It is set in the time of the greatest (and most underrated) king in all of Western Civilization - Alfred The Great (reign: 871-899).

This book will enchant lovers of Anglo-Saxon England (449-1066) with its evocation of pre-Christian common law; old custom and lore; struggle between Christianity and paganism; ancient virtues of honor, courage, and fealty to lord; folk remedy; ancient names; old-fashioned words; and sentence structures that evoke the Olde English of Beowulf. No one writes better in this style than Octavia Randolph.

Randolph makes us feel what life was like in an age when ones only hope was in community - and its future was in strong young men who could fight with swords, and young women with fertile wombs.

The authoress does not manipulate our emotions with one-dimensional portrayals of Good people against Evil people. She does not write about Good or Evil - just life in its infinite complexities and shadings. The Saxons are beloved and Vikings are hated but only from perspective. All the characters in this book are struggling to survive in accordance with their nature and their God(gods). History, when Ms. Randolph write it, has a sense of inevitability - and a hint of sadness for an age long gone.

This book stands alone but I strongly recommend you read first its predecessor...

I wish this book had existed a lot sooner, as my eyes have been opened to Saxon England! Octavia Randolph's detailed account of life at this time has proven to be a tremendous learning experience. So much so, that I felt I was actually right there beside Ceridwen at times, in the great hall of Kilton, or spiralling in dance about the base of the fire surrounding the withy-work man on High Summer's Day, or locked in fierce combat against the Danish Vikings. I cannot begin to describe the imagery this story left in my mind. This book is an essential addition for anyone's library! If you have not had enough with Ceridwen of Kilton, then you should seek out another of Octavia Randolph's desirable works- The Circle of Ceridwen.

In Patti's Pearls, singer/entertainer Patti LaBelle with Ebony columnist, Laura Randolph Lancaster, gives her readers lessons, anecdotes, and pearls of wisdom that she has culled over the years. She takes incidents from her life as an entertainer, daughter, sister, and mother to reveal the fears, trials and joys of life.

Each chapter is headed by a title that will grab and take hold of your senses and make you contemplate, such as "Many a false step is made by standing still", "If you can't be the tablecloth, don't be the dishrag", and "The best way to predict your future is to create it". She shares the heartaches of losing her sisters to illness and the fickle world of show business. She shares candidly the heartache of the end of her long-time marriage and the determination to move on, hopeful that the future promises a brighter future.

This is a little book with big ambitions, not unlike many of the feel-good, self-help books that are offered by many entertainers who want to share their triumphs over adversities. This book is forthright but does not have a preachy tone that can be a turn-off as some other similar books do. I keep this book next to my bed to grab and read a chapter at will for a quick uplifting pick-me-up. Tell it Patti!

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

Patti's Pearls was a inspirational read for me. She shared
some lessons of wisdom which was passed on to her.

It was as if you were having a sister girl conversation and she was and did tell it like it is as she sees it .
So much truth to the words of wisdom and great lessons to think about.
I highly recommend Patti's Pearl for a fast and inspirational read. Who knows you might even learn something from her book of life. I sure did.
You might understand some things in your life. Patti, 4.5* for sharing your words of wisdom .

Here is a novel that anyone can pick up and learn something about Ms. LaBelle and themselves. With this book, Patti has given her story in 145 pages, including the life lessons that she's learned, from rectifing mistakes, forgiving past discretions, and moving on from tragedies and life's pitfalls. Not every bad time is to be mire with regret and left to stewed over, and every good moment to be taken for granted. With this offering, Patti's not just reciting her stories, but giving insight on how we can live day to day and see the possibilites that we have to offer ourselves and to the world at large. Very inspirational and extremely provoking, Patti LaBelle is a real testement to all of us with love in our hearts and hopes of a better tomorrow.

Have you ever felt like you wouldn't have so many money issues if only you could get out of your own way? More precisely, have you noticed that possibly it's your core beliefs about money that set you up for feeling the presence or absence of it in your life? If so, you're fully primed for THE ABUNDANCE BOOK.

This book is perfect for anyone who is willing to consider the possibility that God (or divine spirit) exists fully and completely within each and every one of us, and that there is an innate energy of total prosperity implicit in this fact. In other words, we are divine beings who deserve to live prosperous, creative, inspired lives! If you can accept this premise into your core beliefs, and devote 15 minutes of each day for 40 days to writing down one of ten daily affirmations, you will have completed the John Randolph Price's Prosperity Plan.

This purse-sized book will give you everything you need to help you find the flow of money in your life, provided (1) you are willing to accept the basic premise that divine spirit is the source of money and resides within you, and (2) you are disciplined enough to spend 15 minutes each day meditating on the daily affirmations.

What I love most about working with this book and it's 40 day prosperity plan is that I noticed beliefs changing inside me that I didn't even know I had, until I started this program! I love the way this book stays so positively focused on the desired outcome that it blows away any inner critic or negativity. It's awesome!

If you are (a) really stuck financially, and (b) open to new insights, particularly about the relationship between Spirit and Supply, this book is for you. Another reviewer noted, "Don't be fooled by its small size." Indeed...At the book's core is the 40 Day Abundance Plan. The Plan works. However, it requires discipline -- which, unfortunately, many lack. The is not about some imaginary Free Lunch in the Sky. This is about developing Abundance in one's life by developing spiritually. It must be followed fully with attention to detail, with care...One of the side benefits of following the Plan is an increase in abundance of joy. Spend the money (modest). Buy the book. Follow the Plan. Blessings.

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT HOW YOU SEE AND FEEL ABOUT PROSPERITY AND HOW IT WORKS IN YOUR LIFE. ITS 40-DAY PROSPERITY PLAN WORKS!!! I AM A LIVING WITTNESS. IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT. IF YOU ARE OPEN AND RECEPTIVE TO SPIRIT; IF YOU DESIRE A CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE; THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU TO READ. CHANGE YOUR MIND AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

I ordered this book and then returned it. I did not find it very helpful at all as far as restoration goes. I have read many many books on flea markets, garage sale finds. This book truly was about' junk'. If you like gaudy kitchy stuff you may like it, but to me it was all about clutter (and not interesting clutter either). it did have many places listed to find junk at, though. But then again you can find those in the paper and the yellow pages. i do not recommend this book.

American Junk is not a how-to book as its subtitle suggests. Far more specific advice about hunting and haggling is available in flea market directories, and there really is no rescue or transformation involved: items acquired move directly to the table top, shelf, desk, floor, wherever. This is a celebration of cheap old stuff that others might ignore or take pains to avoid, an annointment of its value by someone of influence (the author is a vice president at Ralph Lauren, I believe). It's a quasi aesthetic, with loving photographs of the items in assembled in haphazard tableaus. It is of an innocent age, published before e-bay seized collectibles from the trash, before absolutely everybody got into flea market hunt, before Antiques Roadshow--and that was less than 10 years ago! The author does not explain to a doubter's satisfaction how one lives and cleans with so much stuff. Not all of it is really junk, of course--a vintage set of Zane Grey novels, some folk art carving, old textiles are not what I'd call junk. Dirty old Tupperware or small harvest gold appliances that no longer work are what I call junk and they are not to be found in this book. Ah, well; it is fun to give or receive, but take the author's approach and try to get it cheap.

It is a great idea and so much fun to think about as you travel around. A lot of objects maybe junk for some people and poetry to others. A kind of "Poems a Penny Each". A well done book about personal adventure. You can define yourself.

For most people who know Hearst only through "Citizen Kane," this will be an informative book. Thankfully, Nasaw keeps his discussion of "Kane" restricted to a somewhat brief chapter towards the end of the book. In the larger context of Hearst's life, the "Kane" episode is a minor chapter at best.

I suppose enough bad things have been written about Hearst that Nasaw did not feel the need to write about all of the warts. He seems more sympathetic than is necessary towards a man who, among other things, was not a particularly good father, held whatever political views were convenient for him at the time, and who was wastefully excessive to a stunning degree. When writing about Hearst's bankruptcy and subsequent re-organization of assets under a trustee, Nasaw almost seems to feel that Hearst is being treated unfairly at times.

The one thing missing from the book that I would have enjoyed is a more thorough discussion of the competition between Hearst and men such as the Pulitzers, McCormick, and Ochs. The source of the man's influence was his newspapers, after all. A more in-depth discussion of the newspaper industry would not have been out of place.

All in all, this is an informative book, as Hearst becomes more a part of history.

Very entertaining, well-written and (rare these days) well-edited true story of WR Hearst's life (as opposed to the various stories and personas promulgated by his employees and enemies, not to mention Citizen Kane). I appreciated learning the truth; I held many misconceptions, as it turned out. But in the end, Hearst was four things: Newspaperman, wealthy American, businessman and builder of San Simeon. Nasaw covers the first two topics in depth, but tends to gloss the details of the latter two. I would have preferred more details of how San Simeon was arranged, how large its rooms were, and that sort of thing. And I suspect Hearst's capitalization structure and the details of his finances would have been interesting as well. But Nasaw quotes heavily from Hearst's editorials--he was a very persuasive writer--and describes the man's expensive habits and his courtiers completely. If you enjoy biographies, this is one, well-done.

David Nasaw has crafted in "The Chief" a brilliant portrait of one of the most important figures in twentieth century America. With the help of never before seen documents, and privileged access to the Hearst family archives, Nasaw closely follows Hearst's life and times through his young life, his Harvard years, and the subsequent rise, fall, and recovery of his publishing and movie empire. It is rare to find an academic work of this caliber. Nasaw combines the serious and diligent research of a distinguished historian with the story telling ability of a novelist to make The Chief a worthy read for anyone interested in Hearst, whose life formed the basis for Orson Welles' Citizen Kane.

Calverhall is one of the most exciting authors I've read in quite some time, I highly recomment this book to anyone with an interest in politics and thrillers.

It would be a shame if you were too scared to read it. It really is not that extreme. Given our exposure to America's television and "culture", "Serpent's Walk" will seem controversially mild. But this is all beside the point. I recommend this book because it is so good,so gripping. I just can't adequately describe what an emotional journey it is.

Randolph Calverhall has managed to write one of the best books I've seen in a long time. Everyone who liked the "Turner Diaries", "Hunter", and the classic book "Iron Heel" really needs to read "Serpent's Walk".

I think this book is very good for people or children who like to play basketball. The book is written by Bill Bradley, who is one of the most famous players and is forwarded by Phil Jackson, who is one of the best choaches in the NBA today. The book does not only cover the surface of the game of basketball; the book also breaks down into few critical attitudes toward the game of basketball. The book starts by letting the readers know how passion is required in a player in order to play a good game of basketball. Then bhe book covers discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and imagination, which are all very important factors and attitudes that a player requires. Another good thing about this book is that, in each one of th ecritical attitudes that the book covers, it provides the readers a few well-known NBA players as examples, both current players and legends. And the author also puts in his own experience, so that the readers can understand deep down the meaning of the point the book points out. Overall, I think the book is very good for people who really likes to play basketball. It tells the reader that the game of basketball is not only scoring, there're a few very important factors which affect whom or which team gets the victory.

This book is about the values of basketball, and is divided into chapters with titles of values. There is a chapter called discipline, for example. The names of the chapters are passion, discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and imagination.

I really enjoyed this book because of it's easy readability and the wonderful pictures. There were many interesting anecdotes about basketball. Bill Bradley talks about his development as a player, and about the values of the game. The importance of teamwork and hard work is stressed. I found Bill Bradley's story fascinating, because of how the values of the game helped him win. This book related the values to many contemporary and old players, like Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and many others. If you are a basketball fan, I strongly suggest this book.

In this inspiring book, Bradley demonstrates the values that have helped shape him as a person, and enabled him to achieve excellence. The book is a colorful and creative collection of eye-catching basketball photos interlaced with chapters on values of the game.

In describing ideals that have helped him and other champions to succeed both on and off the court, he encourages us all to pursue excellence in our own lives- whatever our life circumstances may be.

He names ten core values that he has found meaningful in his development as a player and a person. They are: passion, discipline, selflessness, respect, perspective, courage, leadership, responsibility, resilience and imagination.

Bill Bradley has demonstrated here that he is truly a man of the people. He wants to encourage every American to celebrate the gifts, abilities and values that give them meaning and hope in their lives.

I highly recommend this book to everyone with the courage to reach beyond their grasp and strive for excellence in their lives. The pictures and stories are great, and the essays are even better. Pick it up today, and also, be sure to make your vote count in November- your opinion matters and deserves to be heard!