Patty C. Rice brings a passionate love for her subject to this wonderful book. She offers a very comprehensive study of this beloved gemstone, from a detailed account of its long history, to the folklore surrounding it, to a thorough study of its scientific properties.She explores the many sources of amber worldwide, and gives an exhaustive study of the amazing variety of amber. Most helpful to a collector, she explains in detail how genuine amber differs from its imitations, and how you can perform simple tests to determine if yours is authentic.The mechanics of working with amber as a lapidary or jewelry- maker are also discussed. I loved the wealth of gorgeous photos, many of them from Dr. Rice's own impressive personal collection from all over the world. Her book does full justice to the beauty and enduring fascination of amber, and if you love it as much as I do, her book is a must-have.

I bought this book six years ago and have kept it within reach ever since. Open it up at a random page and you will find a gem of an essay on Babylonian astronomy, mummification techniques, the first etnographer, or urban planning in ancient Greece. Sarton has managed to compress more than thirty centuries of scientific history in 600 pages without becoming superficial. He starts with the Babylonians and ends with the ancient Greeks. Nothing is omitted. You will read about astronomy, astrology, biology, mathematics, literature, history, crafts, technical achievements, etnography, trade and economics, mining, government organization, law, medicine, animal husbandry, and - of course - philosophy.

George Sarton writes balanced, with authority and clarity, but first and foremost with great love for his subject. His view is balanced and spiced with an enormous number of delightful details. Did you know that the first Greek colonists brought an urban planner with them? Or that citizens of Athens received a tax credit in 473BC because of a windfall in mining revenues? The Egyptian scientist who got it wrong but asked the right question will have Sarton's sympathy. The Greek philosopher who made his name by reycling ideas stolen from the Babylonians is condemned.

I should stop writing before I get carried away. Let me say one more thing: it is truly astonishing that this book has not become an instant bestseller.

'And Do Remember Me' is one of the best books I've read in a long time! The characters are appealing and the story sad but triumphant. And as an extra added bonus, included toward the end of the book is the most romantic scene you ever want to read. I read the book cover to cover in less than 12 hours, it was that good.

'Strange Bedfellows' offers an interesting mix of Angel comic lore. The rarest piece is not from the comic series at all. 'Point of Order' is a David Fury and Ryan Sook tidbit that originally appeared in The TV Guide Ultimate Cable Magazine, of all places. This is a four pager where Angel and the judge get to compare the size of their gavels. 'The Changeling Wife' was done for Angel #4 by Chris Golden and Eric Powell. Our lone vampire thinks he is rescuing a woman from an abusive spouse, but quickly finds that he still doesn't understand the dynamics of human/demon relationships.

Golden and Powell come together again for 'Phantom Dennis,' a humorous tale of Cordelia and her invisible roommate, Dennis the poltergeist. This one is from Angel #17. Cordy just wants to clean up and go to bed, but Angel drops of a jar of demon heart for her to look after. Ever thoughtful, Dennis comes to her defense when a visitor shows up for a snack and an unexpected tennis lesson.

The gem of the collection is the title story, which pits Angel against a vampire bordello. When one of the ladies of the night gets a little too hungry, Angel steps in. Angel finds unexpected help from the madam of the house. This time it takes all of Angel's broody self-control to keep his mind on business. Golden and Sniegoski are the writers for this episode, while Christian Zanier once again demonstrates a hot pencil when it comes to illustrated women.

This is my first introduction to the illustrated Angel, and I'm quite impressed. Dark Horse has a high quality artistic and writing staff, and has given the Angel series every bit of the attention it deserves. Now I'm going to have to track down the other illustrated trade paperbacks.

This collection of comic stories featuring that "tall dark and brooding avenger" Angel captures the soul (excuse the pun) of the series perfectly. Personally, I find Angel's nightmare at the beginning concerning Angelus' manipulation and murder of his own sister to be the most compelling imaging to come out of either the show or the comic series. This book features different artists, and at first I railed against the incontinuity, but I now feel that the disparate styles add enormously to the quality of the volume. I highly recommend this book to any Buffy or Angel fan.

A Christopher Golden plot makes any graphic novel a winner. Earthly Possessions presents an excellent group of demons, which are drawn with great imagination. Angel, Cordelia and Doyle come to the aid of a woman whose husband is possessed. This brings Angel in contact with Father Noe a traveling exorcist. Soon the two are working together. But Angel wonders if the former priest is too familiar with these demons. Is the good father a hero or a demonic con man? The action is colorfully drawn. I recommend this book to graphic novel and Angel fans

Classic drawings of Precious Moments characters. Suitable for any age (including adults)!

I love the way it's drawned. Very classic but fantastic. I can really feel this illustrator love animals, persons..... also I guess he/she(?) care about colors so much. This book is for adult who loves Art in children's book.

This is my 18 month old son's FAVORITE book! His grandfather read it to him for the first time a few monthes ago and he LOVED it...we've gone through two copies already (they've been worn out by pure love). He knows the name and sound of each animal and it now keeps him busy on his own for hours, it was truly the book that made him love reading!

In an age where children are coaxed by Sony Playstations, and the wintery outdoors; it's hard to find something simple that they can cuddle up with in the corner and quietly explore.

The story of Annabelle's Wish seems to facinate both younger children and more experienced level reader's.

Because its from Golden Books interactive series the child could "sound off" characters at any point in the reading. The book offers large bold illustrations, a clever plot twist, and original narration.

As all Christmas classics remind us, this book does make you think about the reason of the Season, and try to make your Heart feel warmer. It builds on the folklore of Santa giving the farm animals "voices" once a year on Christmas. And the friendship that builds between a mute boy and the calf, Annabelle, born on this Holiday.

Although Tommy and Annabelle are its main characters, the storey is about more than the "special" gift they exchanged. It was about how others around them put aside their personal differences to come together in Friendship.

Your child can easily relate to the animals and the frienships found in the storey. And if they understand what is being shown by "unselfish giving" recreate for your Family a special and powerful magic.