What I know of the Scythians is limited to what Herodotus wrote, and an article in the Sep 96 issue of National Geographic which described at length the archaeological efforts in the Ukraine and the depradations by grave looters. I was very happy then to see the magnificient collection featured in this book. The essays, though simple, have helped me understand more about this ancient race£¬and since I missed out on the exhibition, I have another destination now for my holidays (provided I find the money first of course).

Ms Reeder compiled a terrific presentation of the Scythian treasures found in the present day Ukraine; some of the Scythian artificats were taken to Moscow ( stolen) prior to the Ukrainian independence in 1991.Excellent book for graduation gifts.

Well-researched, with excellent photography, this book sheds light on the mysterious Scythians, their relationships with other peoples (most notably the Greeks), their culture and their ostenatious, gilded artefacts (1500 years before Versace).

In 1999, Christine Chase is living up to her last name --- she is chasing 1970s songwriter/actor Richard Gault, who has dropped from the limelight decades ago. She decides to do a documentary on this man she has never actually met, nor seen a photo of him more recent than 1989. But Christine suspects that she is in a premillenial lull, and filming a documentary on finding Gault will shake her out of it. Her marriage has ended, her career is at a standstill, and her best friend and object of desire is William, who runs the newsstand where she buys her weekly fix of ...celebrity magazines.

Christine teams up with William and Jennifer, another newsstand regular whom William is in lust with (Jennifer is a 22-year-old It girl, Christine is a 35-year-old transplant from South Boston who has spent 10 years in LA behind the camera.) They start looking for leads to Gault any which way they can, more for lack of something to do. But it becomes an actual quest to Christine as Gault reaches mythical proportions in her mind.

This is a great book, you feel like Christine is your cool smart friend as you go along on this crazy ride (indeed, her best friend in the book is the heroine of Wolper's first book, Elizabeth West, who is in the man's world of writing scripts for action movies.) Wolper captures the ephemeral quality of relationships and the fine dance we all play but especially when with celebrities (am I his girlfriend if he openly dates 5 other women and I see him in People magazine with another woman?) It has bite but also heart and will keep you enthralled.

Wolper has done it again. This book is just as fun and insightful as Cigarette Girl. I highly recommend this book as an entertaining read but also very wise and witty. I will absolutely be giving it to my friends at Christmas.

From Marisa D'Vari, author Media Magic, Presentation Magic, & Script Magic

-- Glamor gal Carol Wolper has captured the Tinsel Town I know and love in this delicious romp of the classic Hollywood novel. As a very young studio exec at MGM I'd expected "Hollywood" to be as glitzy as a Carol Wolper novel. Increasingly corporate, Wolper gives color and spice to an industry much more fun to read and fantasize about than live in reality.

This novel does what the writer Tom Wolfe says a novel should do: it goes deeply into a world that most of us don't know and brings back a lively and intelligent report that is well rendered and ultimately unforgettable. The story is tragic and hopeful and insightful and sad all at once. Good book.

This book was really good, I liked the humor that was in the book

Tervalon can write. There's not a sentence that doesn't fit. Every word is in exactly the right place and contributes to the whole, and yet the writing is so restrained and understated that you have no sense of the author's presence, but only of his many, extraordinarily vivid characters. The plot is the least interesting part of the book, but still it hooks you. The book, like life, has its melodramatic moments, but also moments of humor and lots of sympathetic insight into a host of interesting people trying, with varying degrees of success, to make the best of their lives. The abiding feeling left by the book is not the cliched angst of urban hopelessless, etc. etc., but something far more positive and difficult to describe, because the world of this book is far too complex and finely-drawn to be summarized in any string of adjectives. A terrific book.

I know & love Mary and her husband, however I can in all honesty recommend adding this book to your fine art library, whether you are an artist or an art collector. She captures her subjects with remarkable finesse. You, the viewer, can sense her connection with the models - she has captured the true natures of her subjects on paper, in a professional and skillful manner. And, if you can, meet her and walk with her through a crowd, as she talks about the faces that interest her. You'll understand the magic she has rendered!

Mary Heussenstamm has compiled a book of some of the most warm and loving pictures of individuals I have ever encountered. She has taken people from the streets of Los Angeles and has depicted them with loving care. Her subjects blossom, through her art, with warm personalities. The paintings are not only realistic but they are real. These are real people with personalities and they are beautifully portrayed.

Unencumbered as I am by any preconceived notions of art, and with barely a sliver of artistic ability, I feel free to give sometimes outrageous opinions about the subject. Perhaps if I knew the proper attitudes one is supposed to have regarding art and art criticism, I might be better able to know what I like in paintings, especially watercolors, of which I am a lifelong aficionado.Despite my shortcomings in the world of art, I know instinctively what I like and I ignore current trends or schools or what people say I'm supposed to like. One thing for sure, though: I know I like Mary Heussenstamm's watercolor portraits. It may be pure instinct on my part but that doesn't detract from the validity of my appreciation. "Like" is perhaps too weak a word, really, for my strong feelings. "Obsession" might be more like it. But I challenge anyone to look at Mary Heussenstamm's portraits without feeling something instinctual, something almost visceral, which is not to say that her watercolors don't appeal to the intellect as well. They certainly do to mine!I think the strongest and most lasting impression the portraits make on me is the inherent dignity and respect regarding the subjects, the people she encountered on the steeets of Los Angeles. The richness and variety of skin color--yes; the pleasing, sometimes startling facial shapes, the variation of human features--they are all there. These are nothing short of magnificent, but it is the awe, the warmth, and the affection that the artist reveals in her face-to-face encounters while she holds her one versatile brush and works with no more than seven tubes of colors that speak to me as much or even more than the mastery of technique of that most difficult of media--watercolors.I like to study one portrait at a time, sometimes even one a day, so that no person's face is lost among a host of other fascinating faces. This is just my approach to the almost 100 portraits. Others may wish to be overwhelmed by the "crowed," and an unforgettable one it is!Fifty years ago I bought a book I have never tired of: "The Family of Man." It consists of thoughtful, often joyous photographs of people throughout the world as they go about their lives. Mary Heussenstamm's people, as we see them in her paintings, are, for me, a part of that wonderful family.

I love it when you get a jock this honest and thi good. He did hi best, hoped it ewas good enough to meet the mare creda, even by playing a football game with a cracked leg.

Is cool times, with being trtite Egle makes jack Youngblood into a stud guy, playing with pain and willng to do anything to play. Bkoken leg or not

This book covers the 14 year career of one of the best DEs of all-time. Included are his struggles and triumphs. The psyche of a perfectonist and the courage of one who would play football with a fracture in his leg. Got this one, it's good

I'd heard about this novel by the author of the classic "City of Night" and "Sexual Outlaw" but I couldn't find it. When I finally got a copy of it, it was worth waiting for. I can't believe this novel is out of print, can't believe it's not listed among "modern best". It deserves to be there. Its range is awesome--characters from all walks of life--porn, Bel Air mansions, the streets, evangelical TV, Mr. America. The three main characters that roam throughout LA and all these lives are memorable; and the writing is superb. There's a section called "On Nothing" that is really amazing. I'm recommending this book to everyone, and I hope it'll get the attention it deserves.

A brilliant, daring, sensual novel with a varied cast of characters, including a female porn star, a wealthy Bel Air family, a Chicano kid among punk-rockers, a gothic evangelist, a sexy TV anchorwoman, a male stripper, a vice cop on the prowl, two teenage street hustlers in love, a black maid from Watts. Three mysterious young people, a girl, and two young men, link all these disparate lives in a startling climax. An apocalyptic view of Los Angeles, from its mansions to its dark streets, freeways, sunny beaches. A terrific novel full of insights and surprises. One of Rechy's best.

As per the above statement this book is emotionally devastating at times. Clearly the author's most focussed and encompassing novel, summing up most of the themes of his other novels.

Jay Russell may be America's best-kept secret. I blame myself for this. And you, of course. If you and I had bothered to read his work, he might be a lot more famous. Instead, he ran off to the UK and rests in relative obscurity.

Shame on you.

Russell is the author of a short series of books featuring Marty Burns, former child TV star and washed-up private eye. In "Celestial Dogs", Marty is introduced as a likeable drunk, a not-too-terribly sharp detective and a Hollywood namedropper par excellence. Every page is filled with so much LA lore you'd think the author spends his days on a studio backlot with a tape recorder running.

"Dogs" starts off like your ordinary LA potboiler. Witty, wisecracking and jaded PI is hired to locate a stripper for a local pimp. During his investigation, PI is lied to, beaten up, misled and has his body taken over by a demon from Japanese mythology.

You heard me. This ain't Elvis Cole we're talkin' about.

It turns out that the myths are truth and that one particularly bad-bootied demon has already joined the guest list at Spago. Marty and his new girlfriend Rosa find themselves in the middle of this dreamworld trying to protect themselves and the people they care about from things they can barely comprehend.

Jay Russell does wisecracks like nobody's business. His writing is deceptively easy and fluid, making "Celestial Dogs" speed past like a Ferrari, but Russell manages to tell a darned good story. I bought this book because I had read the author's "Brown Harvest" and liked it, but the Marty Burns tales quickly rose to the top of my favorite detective stories list.

If you are put off by a supernatural element in your mysteries, "Celestial Dogs" might not be for you, but if you enjoy a little macabre with your mayhem, you'll love it.

Jay Russell deserves to be more than a well-kept secret.

Celestial Dogs, which I stumbled upon doing a search through Amazon, is the story of a Raymond Chandler -isque private detective who gets caught up in a supernatural plot to summon real demons into present-day Los Angeles. As "Ghostbusterish" as that sounds, the author pulls it off beautifully, mixing humor with intensely graphic suspense. I especially love Russell's writing style and look forward to reading the next Marty Burns novel

CELESTIAL DOGS Jay Russell St. Martin's, Mar 1997, $21.95, 272 pp.

I was a potential victimof one of the serial killers in the book. I live with survivors guilt everyday. I fit the profile of his victims. I lived in the motel, and my friends and myself hung out at his room! I was mortified to hear what he did!

A hard to find book but one well worth reading to anyone interested in law enforcement or, in particular, the LAPD. I couldn't put it down. Gates does an excellent job in providing the reader with a good picture of the Los Angeles police force and the trials and tribulations it's endured for the last 40 years. Gates comes across as a chief who genuinely cares for his department and it's officers as well as the community in which they serve. Plagued by a seeming knack to say the wrong thing or be endlessly misinterpreted by the media, one can not help but like the man and sincerely hope he will pen another one in the future

There is a good reason this book is so hard to find: it is onehell of a good read from the early start of the superchief's careerall the way to his unfortunate retirement this book takes the reader to the inside of the LAPD's world. The Chief did a great job for his first attempt. This reviewer only hopes he will produce more! The viewer gets an insiders look at the nations best police department the Los Angeles Police Department.

"The Church That Never Sleeps" is a testimony of struggle to accomplish a God given vision that affects countless lives and souls. The impact of meeting both physical and spiritual needs affecting not only those who are served, but those who serve as well.

While the story gives an excellent account of the "Dream Center", the real story is God's desire of the change in people through Christ Jesus reflected in those in the book. From the God inspired vision of Pastor Tommy Barnett to the thriving and impactful church it has become under Pastor Matthew Barnett's leadership, the equally compelling part of this account is the change in Pastor Matthew Barnett himself. Pastor Matthew goes from a young man from the Phoenix area, to a seasoned Pastor who meets every heart wrenching challenge imaginable in the inner city streets of L.A.

Within you will find story after story of God's restoration and effectiveness through those willing to make a difference, the summary of the Gospel manifested in a dark and cynical world. Without question this book will challenge your comfort in a church "routine" and effectiveness for the Kingdom of God, not the things many of us waste time debating.

For those like myself who have actually served at the "Dream Center", it details the story of the L.A. International Church; from a small mission to a powerful, live-risking outreach that it is today. What this place has become from people who volunteer their very lives for the self less purpose of reaching others, is in itself inspiring.

You will not be the same when you allow yourself to be a part of what is recounted in this book. A book that through God's spirit challenges the reader to consider what really is important in this short life. Simply an excellent book!

In, The Church That Never Sleeps, Matthew Barnett takes the reader on his journey of planting and growing the LA International Church. You sit with him in his lonely office as he contemplates ways to reinspire his small congregation. You walk past him on your way down the street the day he moved his desk in front of the church building in order to converse with those walking by. You get excited along with him as the church begins to grow and reach out to the surrounding community. You scratch your head with amazement as he considers purchasing a 400,000 square foot hospital building that has been vacant for 9 years. You participate with several of the 180 ministries of the church. Finally, you rejoice. You rejoice because of the tremendous work God has done and is continuing every day at the LA International Church...serving, loving, and pointing people to Jesus...an incredible journey!

Pastor Matthew wrote a touching and eye opening book about the struggles of starting a church in the inner city. It was great reading and the humily of Pastor Matthew showed through on every page. The LA International Church and the Dream Center Story will expand your own dreams.

Patricia Zelver tells the story of Simon (Sam) Rodia, an Italian immigrant who 'grew' a dream of monumental proportions in the impoverished Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. It took him over 30 years to build the three amazing towers he named "NUESTRO PUEBLO." In this century it could be called a fantasy dedicated to recycling. When people asked Sam "Why?" he answered "I just felt like it." What creative energy in his imaginative salvaging of mosaic tiles, pieces of pottery, anyone's discards! And there is energy, too, in the colorful paintings of Frane Lessac, all demonstrating the hope symbolized by Rodia's art.

"...Old Sam's real name was Simon Rodia. He was a small man who dressed in ragged overalls, a shirt with the sleeves cut off, and a greasy hat. His arms and face were always covered with dust..." So begins Patricia Zelver's fascinating and engaging true story of an Italian immigrant, with no formal engineering or architectural training, who over a thirty-three year period constructed the Watts Towers in his backyard. Sam lived in a poor neighborhood called Watts, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Over the years he collected all kinds of things other people threw away...broken bottles and tiles, pieces of mirrors and other glass, seashells and bits of pottery. He spent most of his money on cement, sand, and steel. Neighbors could hear him working behind his tall fence, and wondered what Sam was doing with all that junk. "One day, to the neighbors' amazement, something strange and beautiful rose up over the fence in Sam's backyard..." Ms Zelver's simple and straightforward text is captivating, and complemented by Frane Lessac's bold, bright, and magical artwork, done in an almost childlike style. Excitement builds with each page turn as the Towers grow taller, more intricate and beautiful. Perfect for youngsters 5-10, The Wonderful Towers Of Watts is an evocative treasure that is sure to inspire readers, pique their interest, and send them out looking for more. As Ms Zelver tells us at the end of the story..."Watts is still a poor part of Los Angeles. But no other place has the Watts Towers. Every year people come from all over the world to marvel at Old Sam's crazy dream."

thanks to oscar wilde for the above quote & paticia zelver for the book that brings it to life!

i grew up with reading rainbow & still watch it whenever i get the chance ~ i don't believe we ever truly outgrow enjoying being read a wonderful tale, and this book will give you a tale worth telling. it has a powerful & positive message & even better is that it's true! i've used it in classes to spur students into researching different topics, and everyone i've shared it with (regardless of age or ability) has been glad i did.