This is Khinchin's classic work, translated from Russian in the 1930's. Although the book is rich with insight and information, Khinchin stays one nautical mile ahead of the reader at all times, the book moves at a truly alarming pace, and the book is not suitable to be used ALONE as an introduction to continued fractions. To supplement this book if this is a first exposure to continued fractions, I would recommend C.D. Old's book, which has many more examples which can be worked through until the reader is comfortable with the topic.

The book is brilliant and necessary for understanding continued fractions, but can't stand alone without supplemental material unless one is a professional mathematician. Khinchin frequently employs contrapositive proof formats, and there are occasional translation errors from Russian. The errors range from minor (awkward usage) to major (in one place, the translation is "negative" when it should be "non-negative", which confused me for half a day).

A Y Khinchin was one of the greatest mathematicians of the first half of the twentieth century. His name is is already well-known to students of probability theory along with A N Kolmogorov and others from the host of important theorems, inequalites, constants named after them. He was also famous as a teacher and communicator. Several of the books he wrote are still in print in English translations, published by Dover. Like William Feller and Richard Feynman he combines a complete mastery of his subject with an ability to explain clearly without sacrificing mathematical rigour.

In this short book the first two chapters contain a very clear development of the theory of simple continued fractions, culminating in a proof of Lagrange's theorem on the periodicity of the continued fraction representation of quadratic surds. Chapter three presents Khinchins beautiful and original work on the measure theory of continued fractions. The proofs of the theorems in this chapter are also entirely elementary.

This is an exceptionally useful book for those interested in the Carter administration's failed attempt to rescue the American hostages held in Iran in 1980 and the disaster of Desert One, especially valuable since it is written by one of the mission's Intelligence Officers. The book contains many new details about the mission which are unavailable elsewhere and provides an invaluable research source for scholars and those simply interested in what went wrong.

The book is written from a military standpoint and is perhaps too scathing of the State Department and CIA. One finds little appreciation for Secretary of State Cyrus Vance's efforts to release the hostages by peaceful means, for instance. This is arguably important since the negotiation channel turned out to be the option which was eventually successful in getting the hostages back. The author has some harsh words also for former CIA Director Stansfield Turner, who was able to provide relatively little by the way of human intelligence backup for the mission. But since most of the CIA's main operatives in Iran had been taken hostage in November 1979 along with the other captives, new resources had to be developed from scratch, so it is difficult to see how Turner could have done much more than he did. The bibliography at the back is also rather incomplete, citing only a few of the books which have been written on the same topic. Nevertheless, "Crippled Eagle" provides an excellent source of information about the rescue mission. It is also an especially useful account of the institutional rivalries and penny pinching which beset Delta Force, and special operations planning generally, during the planning for the rescue mission.

Awesome job by the author--a review of the infighting during the development of US Spec Ops forces. He focuses on Delta's formation and their activities in the early 80's. Mostly info on operation Ricebowl (if you don't know--you should read this book) but other interesting stuff too.

A great read. Not complex in termonolgy. However, its histroical foundation is stronlgy roman catholic. You can tell that the author is a fathful roman rite christian by the termonolgy. Eastern orthodox christians might enjoy this work, but they might be discouraged at the historical view by the roman rite infulance.Not to be recommended for its histrorical accuarcy but rather as a work of fiction.

This short novel is an excellent choice for summer reading. The author has used her literary skills to weave an entertaining and edifying story that to a great extent portrays the true history of Saint of Athanasius the Apostolic. Athanasius was born in a Christian Egyptian, Copt, family in Alexandria, Egypt. He is the well-known Father of Orthodoxy, Confessor, Doctor of the Universal Catholic Church, and the 20th Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt. Saint Athanasius most famous legacy is the Nicene Creed used by most of the contemporary Churches, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox allover the world. Though the novel is about a historical and spiritual figure, its touch on theology and religion is rather light. I think Christians of all denominations and non-Christians alike would appreciate it, as the novel portrays the struggle and courage of the human indomitable spirit, as it defends the truth against injustice and persecution. It provides a role model for children of all faiths in the 21ist century.
The novel, not necessarily the true history, starts with Athanasius family leaving their home in Alexandria, Egypt to flee the Roman state-sponsored persecution of Christians to live among a secret community of monks. They meet with Anthony, the well-known ascetic. The young Athanasius develops a friendship with Anthony. The novel follows the true history, however, as their friendship lasts throughout their lives. Athanasius later on wrote a book about the life of Anthony and introduced Coptic monasticism to Europe and Christendom allover the world.
The novel portrays the true cultural milieu of the Copts, and the prominent role Coptic women play in the family and society at large. Athanasius mother instructed young Athanasius " Listen my son, every Christian must live the life of Christ." She also admonished him " You will learn the ways of civilization. You will go to a real school and become an educated man." Alexander, the Patriarch of the see of Alexandria, took interest in young Athanasius and made him his secretary. Under Alexander's guidance Athanasius continued pursuing education from famous philosophers of the catechetical school of Alexandria. He frequented the great library of Alexandria, in the shadow of Cleopatra's needles situated between the temples of Poseidon and Serapis.
The life of Athanasius is essentially the story of defending Christianity against the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Arius, who started this heresy, was an ambitious presbyter at a Church in Alexandria. The politically well-connected Bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia, and several Roman Emperors supported Arius. Alexander asked Athanasius, who was still a young deacon to present the Church of Egypt defense against the Arian heresy to the council of Nicea 325 AD. The universal Catholic Church accepted Athanasius's defense of orthodoxy, rejected Arius heretical views, and endorsed the formulation of the Nicene Creed. Shortly thereafter Alexander passed away, and Athanasius replaced him. It was a long, at times lonely, struggle for Athanasius against the Arian heresy. He faced false accusations, malice, banishments, and violence at the hands of the Arians. His strong faith in the Holy Trinity did not waiver however. His strong faith, learning, erudition, writing and sense of humor were the main instruments for defense against the Arians. Many friends and allies also supported Athanasius long struggle. Anthony, the monks, and most of the Egyptian population including many pagans supported Athanasius. Many of the leaders of the Churches of the west t including Bishop Hosius of Cordova, Spain and Pope Julius also supported Athanasius against the Arian heresy. Under pressure from the Roman Emperor Constantius Pope Liberius and Bishop Hosius were forced to sign on the Arian creed. That must have been the saddest and loneliest moment in Athanasius life. It was the whole world was against Athanasius. It was also one of his brightest moments; as Christ and Athanasius were against the world. Pope Liberius and Bishop Hosius recanted the forced and short-lived support for the Arian creed later on.
It is a great novel about courage, steadfastness and moral clarity. For the contemporary Copts, like other readers, this novel provides entertainment, edification and a good role model for children. It is also a reminder that history repeats itself. The banishment of Athanasius reminds the Copts with President Sadat's banishment of Pope Shenouda III in 1981. The Arian persecution of the Copts in the 4th century seems to have similarities to the militant Muslims persecution and violence against the Copts in the 21ist century. Athanasius lonely struggle is reminiscent with the contemporary Copts struggle for their human dignity and rights in their own land in the 21ist century. The story however, also provides comfort and inspiration, for the TRUTH will always prevail

EagleÍs Plume, by naturalist Bruce E. Beans, is an ambitious book well rendered. In search of bald eagles and the reasons for their recent endangered status and remarkable ñcomeback,î Beans travels from threatened New Jersey wetlands to the wilds of Alaska and provides memorable portraits of heroes and villains as well as indelible images of this most majestic raptor. Readers (in all likelihood, the majority) who have never seen an eagle in the wild will not soon forget his descriptions of the bird in fl

I found this book to be, much to my surprise, a very good read. Examples: The story of the college professor hoarding illegal poisons to sell to ranchers which are then used to kill eagles and coyotes; the retired man who learned to climb 100 ft trees to band eaglets; the Indians who kill, buy and sell eagles and eagle parts for profit; the western ranchers who live off government subsidies but who feel free to kill eagles as pests. There are many heros and bad guys in this book, including undercover agents risking their lives to catch the bad guys. But the good guys are winning and the eagles are going to make it back. A very good and readable book.

This is among the most inspirational LDS books I have read in years. I am a longtime fan of Elder Gibbons and his books. This is another outstanding contribution to Mormon biography and literature.

This is a collection of true conversion stories from converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). I am the co-author, together with my father, Elder Francis M. Gibbons, a former General Authority of the Church. Dad is a very prolific writer, with sixteen books published since 1977. This is my first published work. We came up with the concept for this book together, and then decided on the subjects. We each individually researched and wrote our respective chapters. I believe that I wrote about 30 to 35 of the chapters and Dad wrote 25 to 30. Dad and I have since commented to each other that we have a hard time distinguishing which chapters we each wrote without consulting our notes, so similar are our general writing styles. A large proportion of the chapters contain stories told for the first time in print, including a large number from individuals Dad knew and worked with from his years living in South America, and many whom I knew from my time living in Europe.

Dad continues to write nearly full time. He is 81 years old, in excellent health and with a sharper intellect and personality than he has ever had. His insights into leaders of the Church and his institutional memory of the Church is prodigous. Since completing this manuscript, Dad has finished Biography of the syndicated columnist, Jack Anderson, to be published in 2002. He has also recently finished an historical novel and is now working on a manuscript he has tentatively entitled, "The Spiritual Dimensions of America."

I continue to write in my spare time, and am currently finishing a work of fiction, which I hope to see published in early 2003.

If you like Ruth Rendell, minus her "Chief Inspector" series, then you are in for a real treat with this book! Never before have I read such an in-depth description of an obsessive, dysfunctional,paranoid character such as the one depicted in Guy. I was literally screaming at the pages while shaking my head and uttering "you damn fool!" While slow to get into initially, you will be very much rewarded as you continue...Rendell quickly builds up tension and you will not be able to put this book down, I guarantee you! She is one of those rare authors who truly has her antennae tuned to the underside of the human condition. My only criticism of this book is a minor one and that is that I think the title of the book is too obscure and bland. It's not a title I will easily remember to recommend to other readers (unlike her dark novel, "Sight for Sore Eyes" which was an excellent title with an excellent story to match). ...

this is another excellent book by Rendell. It displaya all that she has come to be known for. Tight plotting. Realistic writing. Deadly accurate psychology.

Guys jealousy and obsession grow as the book goes on, and Rendell develops it's perfectly.

This is another of her best books, with a great cast of characters, and complex plot. The writing is excellent, and her stories are always topical and interesting. (This one having more than a little to do with the concept of stalking, and obsessive love.) Even though Guy is obsessed, the reader does feel sympathy with him because he truly does love Leonora. This brings the reader into a conflict of emotions, which is something that all good writers do. Even moreso because of the fact that Leonora's new love, William, is not a particularly likeable character. Coming across as slightly arrogant and full of himself.

Guys increasing paranoia is built up masterfully, and the conclusions is great. a wonderful release of tension.

Rendell cannot be faulted. She is truly the best.

Very entertaining story about a man and his desire to go in the opposite direction of the trend and experience his life as he wants to. This is a chance for the rest of us to get a taste of what it must be like to step into a life that our fears would otherwise keep us from ever doing. The courage of men like Rudy Billberg, help humankind to push the envelope of the human experience and continue the pushing for new challenges.

Rudy Billberg's experiences from from barnstorming to bush piloting as told to Jim Rearden portray a uniquely rich and exciting era of American history. I felt as though I was riding in the cockpit with Rudy buzzing everything from golden wheat fields in the midwest to brave grizzly bears in the Yukon. Bill Rohovit (bill_rohovit@we.xerox.com

It's all about this guy who find's out he has esp, but he's attacked by these people who want to prevent him from growing his powers. When he meets a mathematician who creates formula's he can use to increase his powers and perceptions.

It's all about Danny Caiden, who discovers that he has ESP. But the Brotherhood of psychics wishes for him to be destroyed because of his enormous potential. HE goes through everything to stay away from them, and eventually solves his problem by destroying their headquarters. But that's not the end...

This book is beautifully laid out with color photos on every page and a menu-style format. But the recipes are the real stars...tasty versions of traditional American favorite dishes. Nothing too exotic, just delicious basic food that will suit most guests' tastes. The recipes are from the Lion House restaurant in Salt Lake City, an extension of the Mormon Church. Content ranges from casual get-together fare like Baked Chili with Cornbread Muffins to elegant dishes such as Prime Rib and Crown Roast of Pork. Especially good recipes for several different homemade rolls and salads. All recipes use fairly basic ingredients that you can get at any store and methods are usually simple, but results look "gourmet". There is also a chapter on entertaining basics like table settings.

I am a convert to Lion House Cookbooks. My mother-in law (a virtual Martha Stewart) has all of them and we BOTH highly reccomend this one!!!

A while back I started reading through Isaiah again--one chapter a day. I wanted to supplement to my reading with a commentary that would give me historical background and help me better understand this wonderful book in Scripture. I wanted something that would help me apply the inspiration and insights of Isaiah to my own life. I found this book well suited to the purpose of personal devotional study. It is a fine exposition of Isaiah. It provides enough material to clarify its message and put it in context without getting the reader bogged down in technical details. It treats the book of Isaiah as a unified whole rather than a fragmented collection of writings from 2 or 3 sources. It is written from the conviction that God speaks to us through Isaiah today as well as He did to the prophet's primary audience.

Mr. Webb, writting within the confines of "The Bible Speaks Today" has done an outstanding job of making a very difficult book of the Bible very understandable. If you don't believe in prophecy and miracles, you will probably disagree with me. But, if your standard is the Bible, or you are looking to understand the Bible (a great way to come to know God), then I highly recommend this book. I am using it as the text for my adult Sunday School class which consists of brand new Christians to people who have been studying the Bible for decades. Mr. Webb is providing the necessary foundations and fresh insights for all of them. I started out with commentaries from H.A. Ironside and J. Vernon McGee, but I have settled on this book as my primary source with Mr. Ironside's and Mr. McGee's commentaries supplementing it.