I loved it! Thompson mixes traditional epic fantasy with Ozzy silliness to create another glorious Oz book. Good for reading to your kids, if you have any. If you don't, it,s still a good choice. That's all-I wouldn't want to give away the plot.

This examination of Yoruba art covers a lot of ground, temporally and geographically. It covers the Yoruba kingdom by kingdom, looking at historical objects within each area. Accessible even to those without any knowledge of African art, it also has lots to interest the specialist--some controversial views on women's roles in Ife art, assignment of Esie carvings to the Yoruba and some previously unassigned bronzes to Ijebu, identification of particular artists' work and more. Written by three experts who specialize in different Yoruba areas, the writing is seamless and well-edited, neither talking down to the reader nor unduly academic in tone. The accompanying illustrations are superb, and many are contextual images. This book introduces Yoruba philosophy, religion, oral literature, and political organization interwoven with art, providing an excellent cultural overview. I use it as a university text, but it would serve as a beautiful addition to the library of anyone interested in Africa, particularly those who want to know more about this creative ethnic group which has left such an impact on the cultures of the Americas.

Just about everything other reviewers have said about this book here on Amazon.com is true. This is funny, it does try and examine the American Dream (albeit in a weird and twisted way) and it is insane. Hunter Thompson takes his attorney, Gonzo, on a twisted trip to Las Vegas to cover the Mint 400, a bike and dune buggy race sponsered by a casino owner. Then they try and cover a meeting of cops and district attorneys who are meeting in Las Vegas to figure out how to deal with the drug problem in the United States. Along the way, the two end up in crazy situations that would make even a straight person go nuts. Of course, these two are anything but straight. Before starting out on the trip they load up their car with enough dope to kill a company of Marines...

Needless to say, the trip ends up being more about getting high and trying to maintain than the events they are supposed to cover. The book is screamingly funny at times, scary and sad at other times. I think you'll miss out on some of the book if you've never gone on an extended freakout like Gonzo and Duke... When Duke hears the song on the jukebox and freaks out about it, I can relate... P>Some of the situations the two find themselves in are a real hoot. The observations on the Circus-Circus are a scream, and who else has been kicked out of a Debbie Reynolds concert? The two also find themselves in a possible rape rap, hotel rooms that quickly take on the appearance of a cell for mental patients, and tooling down the highways of Las Vegas being attacked by manta rays and bats. The stories are endless and funny. A theme about finding the American Dream also works its way into the story, although I think it takes a back seat to the hijinks of these two wacked out freaks... P>A weird and strange book that is worth the time. I can't comment on any of Thompson's other books because I haven't read any of them but if they are like this one, they would be worth it too. I can't believe Thompson is still alive, but he is and continues to write (I think). Give this a shot.

Never have I read a book anywhere near as intriguing as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Hunter S. Thompson takes us through his drug-crazed reporting trip to Las Vegas where he was sent to take account of the year's Mint 400, a world famous off-road race, with his slightly more demented attorney Dr. Gonzo. Whether or not you are an avid drug user in no way affects your ability to enjoy this novel.

Thompson wastes no time getting into his story, especially from the novel's famous first line, "We were somewhere over the desert near Barstow when the drugs began to take hold." He manages to keep the reader's attention with his very human and detailed writing style, and doesn't let go. Though the story itself is very demented and deranged, his unique style alone makes the book a good read. He is never confusing and gets his point across smoothly, no matter how far off the subject he may be. Not that he writes about matters as time-tested as Shakespear or Hemingway, but in some obscure way I compare Thompson to these greats just because his intriguing ability to channel his thoughts directly to the reader.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone. Either you will love it or you will hate it.

Thompson's most famous work, and for good reason. "Dr. Raoul Duke" proves himself to be the Mark Twain of our time: indulgent, biting, and hysterically critical of society just like good ol' Sam Clemens...so why don't we read "fear and loathing" in school? Kids can learn a lot more about the nature of drugs from seeing the hysterical adventures at the Circus Circus casino and the horrifying moment in the hotel bathroom after Thompson's cohort digested an entire sheet of blotter acid...this book is truly brilliant, on par with Jack Kerouac's work, only Thompson doesn't take himself as seriously as Kerouac, which of course makes him all the more fun.

...Now comes Tracy Price-Thompson, a highly decorated Desert Storm veteran telling a story about two soldiers whose against policy romance threatens both of their military careers. What makes this book such a compelling read is the authors free-wheeling manipulation of alternating scenario changes utilizing the call and response style, in a narrative parlance sharing perspectives on their specific difficulties. It's situations like this that tend to keep readers eagerly looking for drama to unfold in lieu of the author focusing on one entity of the plot, or even one character at the expense of the other before he/she is ready to be introduced. Personally, I like this techique because it departs from the usual single narrator. The authors use of this style gives us an up front and close look at the unique challenges, pseudo successes, and adversities depicting military life seldom written about in commercial fiction.
Sandarella Coffee is a single mother reporting for duty at a Virginia military installation, meets and fall in love with Drill Sergeant Romulus Caesar. It doesn't help that Romulus is trapped in an unhappy and tumultuous marriage with twin sons. Falling too deep for Sandarella, but acknowledging no love for his wife, he's haunted by his obligation to be a contributing parent. The romance between the two proliferate throughout as they search for understanding in their forbidden liason eshewing in the process Uncle Sam's rigid fraternization rules, and the need to be inclusive in their respective familial matters. Two strong willed and ambitious people notwithstanding, the author makes sure to stress character flaws, complexities, and frustration inhibited thereof as the exciting climax comes to fore.
This is a quick read with short to moderate chapters, but at times it stumbles in places...especially when she doesn't spend more time stressing character development introducing issues such as drug dependency and HIV (which she briefly atrtributes to her sister. Reading this book, you'd readily see that the writer has a way with words, but when there's no effort to temper verbosity it lends itself to metaphors and overused cliches that seem forced. Despite this, it doesn't detract from the hue of the colors on this artist's palette. You may add this to perhaps the next book to bead on your list!

Do you have a girlfriend that makes you double over with laughter? One who can make a simple statement about the weather funny? Well if you don't, allow Sandrella Coffee to become your witty friend for a while. Sandrella Coffee is the main character in Black Coffee, along with Romulus Caesar. Sandrella has a percolating wit, along with a snappy, earthy, and matter of fact voice. She proudly exposes her failures, accomplishments, dreams, fears, and emotions to us like we are her confident friends. She speaks honestly and from the heart. She's confident in who she is, what she can and cannot do, and she is not ashamed to tell you about the mistakes she's made.

In her debut novel, Tracy Price-Thompson has introduced characters that are real and expound. She engages you in the main plot of this story by providing in depth characters that spring off of the pages into your presence. Her hilarious, serious, and heart felt accounts of Sandrella & Romulus' life will make you smile, laugh, cuss, and cheer. This is not just a book for women; men can enjoy and relate to this story as well.

Black Coffee is a quick, funny, soaring read about all types of love....relationship love, family love, fiendship love, sibling love...strong love. It delves into the sacrifices that one makes for love; and displays the prolific emotions of people experiencing love. Black Coffee touches on how one must do what they have to do because of morals, and past lessons.

If you want to read a book that is thrilling, realistic, compelling and a page-turner, then Black Coffee, by Author Tracy Price-Thompson is the book for you. Price-Thompson is a dynamic storyteller and her character development is superb and "right on the money." This book focuses on the lives of its two main characters, Army Sergeant Sanderella "Sandie" Coffee and Drill Sergeant Romulus "Rom" Caesar, both enlisted in the military.

The driving force of this novel begins when Sandie, a single mother of three children, meets Rom after recently being sent back to the states after having finished an assignment oversees that lasted a few years. Rom finds himself immediately attracted to Sandie and convinces himself that he must pursue and win her over to make his life complete. Sandie pretends at first that Rom didn't even spark an interest in her, but deep down she initially found him attractive as well.

Sandie initially plays hard to get, but she would soon succumb to her feelings for Rom and they would develop a world-wind, romantic relationship, with many twists and turns, that initially takes off like a match made in heaven. Nevertheless, there is just one problem that is a major issue that is a threat to their relationship. Rom is a married man of many years with twin sons. Although Rom's marriage is dead as a door nail, he's haunted by his obligation to his sons and, therefore, stays in an unhappy marriage for the sake of his children. After all, he does not want to repeat the same mistake that his father did of abandoning his mother when he was just a young child. However, his love for Sandie is real and becomes his focal point, yet his confusion.

With many twists and turns, this book is very entertaining and thought-provoking. It clearly demonstrates the power of love and how it can overpower one's own judgment. Although I love this book, I think that Price-Thompson moved a little too quickly with the relationship between Rom and Sandie and basically could have slowed down the pace in the initial stage of their ensuing relationship.

Overall, this is a wonderful book with many messages displayed through the lives of the main characters, their friends and family members. What I really liked most about the book is how Price-Thompson displayed Sandie with having such a strong family unit, although they experienced many ups and downs in their lives. Price-Thompson clearly demonstrates that she is a master at her craft and while reading this book, I often could not believe that this is her first novel. Her writing style is that of a veteran author.

I highly recommend this thought-provoking, entertaining, well-written and page-turning novel. It is my hope that Price-Thompson is working on the sequel to Black Coffee because I am anxiously anticipating reading more about the lives of Sandie and Rom.

Pick up a copy of this novel. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Price-Thompson, you did a wonderful job on your first novel. I'm impressed!

Reviewed by Carla J. Curtis

I was given this book as a child. It is still one of my favorites that I own. I bought a new Eloise for my older daughter, who passed it onto her little sister. This is a story of a little girl, Eloise, who lives at the Plaza Hotel with her nanny. She has a very vivid imagnation and is quite an actress. Her adventures in a single day can leave the reader with panges of envy. If only I could do what she does and get away with it. Her nanny fits into the role of a "I missed the boat" of becoming a Mary Poppins graduate. Still you have to love her because you know she really loves Eloise. Sit back and enjoy the ride, the elevator ride of course. It will keep you busy for a good 20 minutes. This book will be read more than once. I guarantee it.....

During my first visit to the Plaza Hotel I noticed the painting near the lobby, when I asked who is was of, the shocked answer was "Eloise, of course! Haven't you ever read that book?" Of course I ran right out and purchased a copy. I loved it and raced home from New York to share it with my children, who were familiar with the Plaza through the movie Home Alone 2. It is now one of their favorite books. They want to be Eloise and live in a hotel and run all over it. I don't blame them, everytime I visit the Plaza I think of that little girl and wish I could follow her on her travels and adventures. Someone at the Plaza told me that Eloise was based on Liza Minelli when she was young and her mother Judy Garland lived at the Plaza. I don't know if that is true or not, but it's fun to think so! Thank you Kay Thompson for bringing out the imp in me evertime I think of Eloise!

Eloise is one of those books that every child who has access to a puplic library should read! It is a modern day classic! Eloise is a headstrong, pushy, and very intelligent little girl. Her life at the Plaza is so different from what most children lead, it is almost fantasy. This little girl's intelligence, while not used to be "book smart" is instead used to imitate the adults around her which makes for a wildly hilarious book, and one that each and every one of us (unless they were absolutely PERFECT as a child) can relate to. While Eloise isn't a child you'd want to bring home, she is lovable and her extreme opinions make her the individual who has captured everyone from first grade teachers to first graders.

Anna Sewell's novel Black Beauty is a timeless classic for readers of all ages, but has a main demographic of females from the age 9 to 16.
The story takes place in 19th century England. IT follows the life and experience of a horse named Black Beauty. The horse is born on a farm and sold at the age of four. His first owner Squire Gordon is a great loving man. Black Beauty is treated with respect and dignity. The story follows the horse as he is then sold from owner to owner. He becomes neglected and abused by carriage owners. A loving and gentle man finally purchases Black Beauty. He cares about the horses and treats them well. Black Beauty is finally happy as a carriage horse when tragedy strikes. His owner is struck with illness and is forced to sell the horse. Black Beauty is sold to a poor owner and is neglected. He longs to go back home to squire Gordon's farm and live a happy life once again.

The book is uniquely enough from the horse's point of view. This helps children connect with the horse, and makes the book more interesting and easy to follow along with. The heart breaking tale of a horse's life that will readers leave on the edge of their seat wanting to keep reading, dying to find out what happens next. The book goes into detail about how animal abuse used to be in the early 1900's. Older children have and will continue to enjoy this book for generations to come.

"Black Beauty," written by author Anna Sewell, is one of the most famous horse books during the nineteenth century. Part of its achievement consists that the novel is a classic for people with many different characteristics. First published in 1877, "Black Beauty" continues to enjoy people for new generations of American citizens around the world. Anna Sewell's brilliant account of animal treatment became a historic breakthrough because it was the first book that described a horse's experience in England. "An autobiography of a young stallion," this book follows the life of Black Beauty. Throughout the novel, it is told in a creative first person form, as if Beauty was describing and narrating his life. Ms. Sewell chose to write this book from the "horses point of view," and she remarkably was able to succeed with her novel. Since Sewell intended on writing this novel in Beauty's point of view, the reader begins to understand the impact of good and treatment towards the horse and his loyal friends. Starter of the Humane Society, the author truly captivates readers with this autobiography of a beautiful, friendly, loving black stallion. In a letter to her friend, Sewell expresses that she hopes "Black Beauty will induce kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment towards horses." From Beauty's happy, enjoyable youth to his pleasant retirement, Anna Sewell ingeniously wrote the book to remind the cruel treatment in the 1800's. Most importantly, Sewell wrote the book in a time where horses were not given the same respect today, and "Black Beauty" helped to open the eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of the society in London, England, its message is universal and timeless: animals will serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

Since pictures & illustrations are as much a part of a child's imagination as the written word, then this book beautifully combines both, with the abundant B&W line illustrations by illustrator Lucy Kemp-Welch, in addition to the 12 colour plates included - all in keeping with the time period this novel is set in. A wonderful edition to any child's library. I've been reading horse-topic related books for as long as I can remember; but the very 1st horse story that left an indelible impression on me was ANNA SEWELL's " BLACK BEAUTY ".

It really openend my eyes as to the abuse and cruelty - and majestic fraility - that these wonderful creatures suffer at the hands of their human counterparts.

Ms Sewell opted to write this book from " the horse's point of view " and she was one of the very few authors that was able to pull this off with such great success.

This book also, laid the cornerstone for the ASPCA aims and goals, and brought to light the conditions and treatment of working horses in 20th century London, England ( and elsewhere ).

The story is such a wonderful tale of a horse's life from start to finish; told with a quiet dignity and warmth - and serves as a successful analogy also, as to how humans should interact with one another.

This book also laid the cornerstone for my interest and love of horses, and further spurred my interest in reading about all things Equine.

From there, and I went on to read all of Walter Farley's "The Black Stallion" series ( I used to collect the hardcover editions), and Marguerite Henry's books, and National Velvet(which really wasn't about a horse per se, but more about a little girl who's dreams come true), and anything else I could get my horsey-hungry hands on!

I now keep a copy of Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty" in my library at home, and have given a copy to my daughter to read.

This is a tale that sensitizes the reader to the plight of horses at the hands of their human caregivers, trainers, etc - all told from the horse's mouth ( so to speak )..!

And lest we think that the inhumane treatment of horses has abided since this book was written - one only has to follow the controversy surrounding the use of "Premarin", or abusive training methods of gaited horses, or the Thoroughbred racing industry, or rodeo...etc.

There is still much to be gleaned about the exploitation and abuse of animals from this book - which will always remain a timeless classic.

Kim C. Montreal, 05/2000

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a superb animation of the Russian Revolutioon. The book is amusing and interesting; it includes a comic element as it synonymously demonstrates the evolution from the proletariat revolution to a totalitarian government led by the swine of the society. Orwell successfully simplified the not-so-simple theory of class stratification and Karl Marx's proposed solution of communism. Orwell's method of conveyance is incredibly inventive. He uses satire in the form of a fairy tale to share his indignation for ideological doctrines that would, if allowed, lead to the eventual destruction of a society. Each character in the story is representative of someone who was involved in the Russian Revolution. Old Major is Marx, and inspires the proletariat revolution by motivating the over-worked animals and educating them on the ways of the human beings, who represent the bourgeoisie. Orwell's creativity convinces the reader that the animals on the farm are intellectual beings, revolting against the tyranny of the humans. Animal Farm offers itself as an example of a responsible criticism of Marxism. The story gives us a peek at the Utopian vision, and then offers a long look at what results from using a Marxist approach at achieving it. I strongly reccomend this book, as it is entertaining and educational. Orwell succeeded in creating a fairy tale that evokes both sadness and laughter, while causing us to feel sympathy and even empathy for the working class animals. The book escapes complexity, but its message does not.

Taking a Russian history class and learning in detail about Joseph Stalin's rule would help one understand Animal Farm much better, as well as the characters. George Orwell's hatred of totalitarianism, especially that of the Stalinist USSR, formed the basis for this short satirical fiction.

A band of oppressed farm animals oust Jones, their cruel human owner and take over the farm. Led by two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, the animals proceed to run the farm by themselves so they are no longer exploited.

Napoleon is clearly Stalin, while Snowball is based on Leon Trotsky, and the Old Major is Lenin. Squealer may be Molotov or Kaganovich, but I'm not sure. The first attack on the Farm by Jones and his men is based on the Russian Civil War (1918-1921), where disorganized factions of anti-communists attacked the Soviet Union from all sides, and lost. However, things don't always go in parallel, as the Old Major dies before the Revolution. Lenin of course precipitated the Revolution in 1917. And note the date of the liberation of Manor Farm: 12 October. That is close to 24 October, the date of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Other items: Boxer the horse is the epitome of the hard worker whose two sayings are "Napoleon is always right" and "I will work harder." In fact he may be Stakhanov, the worker whose team so efficiently met their quota in one of Stalin's 5-Year Plans, that the word Stakhanovite became synonymous with an A-One Soviet worker. And the inability of most animals to read only the first two letters of the alphabet hint at their being lowly, illiterate subjects blindly obedient to the State.

The Seven Commandments--ironic for a Biblical reference in an atheist system-- plays an important key to the book, as they keep changing during Napoleon's reign. They are: "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy, 2) Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend, 3) No animal shall wear clothes, 4) No animal shall sleep in a bed, 5) No animal shall drink alcohol, 6) No animal shall kill any other animal, and 7) All animals are equal." However, as Napoleon consolidates his rule, the Commandments become slightly altered. For example, after the animal executions, analogous to Stalin's purges, the sixth Commandment has the words "without cause" appended. And talk about irony in using the name of Napoleon for the Stalin character when in fact Napoleon invaded Russia, the result of which increased distrust of the West by Russians.

Orwell's portrait of the totalitarian state would be finalized in his masterpiece 1984. Animal Farm was a preview for that grand work, but the final thing that comes through in this book is that the Stalinist regime was just as oppressive as the czarist regime, with the ordinary animals on the receiving end-i.e. "but some animals are more equal than others."

I enjoyed reading 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. It is a book that if you don't read all that carefully can just be mistaken for a book about the revolution that happens in just one farm, but it is really much much more.
George Orwell was a very political writer in books such as '1984' and, this book, 'Animal Farm.' He was a socialist that was critical of Communism and hated Totalitaianism. He thought that the modern man was unable to deal with demands of his history, so it is interesting that he chose animals to tell this interpretation of government.
I see it as an interpretation of what went down in Germany during and prior to World War 2, starting with Stalin and going to Hitler. The different figures from actual history are sometimes blended into one character, but it still follows the same principles. The way that Orwell does this is very clever and creative. It takes the idea of talking animals to the next level and shows them using some extreme personification.
If you are contemplating this book, I think that you really should. It is a great way to see not only an interesting way to look at the government, but as the book progresses you will see a very interesting comment about human nature. I give it a good two thumbs up. It may not be that long or that thick of a book, but it is really good with good statements. ENJOY!!!

I'm always eager to read anything by Margaret Atwood because of her sincere understanding of not only the female spirit but of the soul of humanity. In Alias Grace Atwood gives us the voice of Grace Marks as she moves through her Victorian life. Grace is convicted of participating in a news-making double murder. Atwood's story is based on an actual crime and she complements the tale with real - and sometimes raw - human emotions. A doctor searching for his own identity looks into Grace's psyche with experimental psychology for the mirror that will reflect his purpose. Grace herself remains ethereal and spirit-like throughout her narrative. Was she a murderer? Is her confusion and innocence a ruse to disarm those around her? Because these questions aren't clearly answered the readers of Alias Grace are captivated by every word, every incident, every symbol. You'll want to start reading this book again after you've finished the last page.

For my Advanced Contemporary Literature class we were asked to choose one novel to read for our last project. After a lot of searching and thinking, I came upon the book Alias Grace. The book caught my interest because it was based on an actual murder mystery in the mid 1800s.

Atwood manages to create a truly authentic victorian setting that envelops the reader. One feels as if they are witnessing everything first hand, rather than reading it out of the book.

The style of the writing contained in the book is very diverse. To break up the monotony of the dialogue, Atwood includes letters written by the various characters. Readers will also enjoy the poems and quotes that introduce each new section in the book. The issues brought up in Alias Grace are alcoholism, death, psychiatry and the role of women in our society.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read an exciting, suspense filled novel. Alias Grace even managed to hold the interest of one high school senior, who will graduate in less than two weeks. Alias Grace is a mysteriously clever written book, that leaves the reader in suspense up to the last page.

At first glance you might feel compelled to read it because it's quite a thick book. But once you lay your eyes on the words magaret atwood has written, you are more compelled not to read it. There's an element of reality and truth to the story but at the same time it's fiction. You have a character Grace Marks who, at age of 15, is convicted of killing her master and head mistress with an accomplice but she is pardoned from being hanged. A young psychologist comes into town interested in marks' case and he tries to figure if grace's stand on her innocense is true or a basis of lies. You are along for the so called ride, trying to figure out if this girl has actually done it or not. The interesting thing is that you don't really know who is to be trusted. In many novels, you being to trust or believe the protaganist is telling the truth or innocent. But in this case, atwood makes you think and bring into reason instead of giving you the reason to believe grace. It's a very intelligent book but anyone can read it. You will not feel as if you're reading a two inch book but rather wondering how did you finished the book and not feel as if it has been an eternity. I surely recommend it. The characters feel real and there's always emotional highs and lows throughout the novel. Enjoy it.

There are two good reasons to read Machiavelli's classic, "The Prince."

First, so you'll know what everyone is referring to when you come across the adjective "machiavellian" in news stories or other media. This adjective has become so commonplace (and overused) it is almost a cliche. Also, most who use it have never read this letter from Machiavelli, a Rennaisance courtier to his Prince (written from prison), but they insist on peppering writings with this noun turned adjective so much that as a matter of clearly understanding what is meant by the term, famiality with this brief treatise is helpful.

Second, this book does describe most (not all) power situations very well. From politics to corporations to most settings where advancement, influence and control exist, Machiavelli's observations and rules apply.

You will also discover that Machiavelli was not as evil as he is understood to be in popular thought. What he was doing was describing the rules of the game that have existed and always will exist for many situations involving selfish humans in competition. Machiavelli's rules are neither good nor bad in themselves -- they describe a process. What is good or bad is how those who master Machiavelli's rules use their power and position, in a society that tempers actions according to law and basic Judeo-Christian principals. When those principals do not exist (as in Nazi Germany, the Middle Ages or under Communism, or by those who refuse to live by these constraints), Machiavelli's rules take on their demonic and evil cloak; usually because they serve demonic and evil ends. In societies where positive constraints exist, for example the U.S. political system, Machiavellian behavior can produce excellent results. A good example involves Abraham Lincoln, whose ambition led him to use every legitimate trick and stragety to master (and remove) political opponents. His mastery of Machiavellian behavior constrained by the US political system allowed him to save the Union and end slavery.

To fully appreciate the modern lessons that can be taken from this writing, one must translate Medieval sensibilites to their contemporary counterparts. The casual way in which Machiavelli discusses the need to kill opponents was necessary to those who wished to be princes 500 years ago. Today, of course, "killing" is translated as rendering less powerful, or taking an opponent out of the game.

What does one get from this book? It is a roadmap with insights and lessons about how to 1) get ahead of others to attain power; and 2) maintain and expand one's power in the face of others who would usurp one who is in a desirable position.

This book is about ruthlessness and putting the attainment of goals ahead of any other consideration. Plenty of maxims that are also tossed about frequently in media are to be found in Machiavelli's book: "the end justifies the means," "it is better to be feared than loved," "if you fight the prince, kill the prince" to name a few.

It is essential reading to anyone who would be in a competitive environment and hope to advance, if for no other reason than many of one's competitors operate by Machiavelli's dictums (which arise out of human instinct and selfishness). One does not have to operate according to Machaivelli's code -- many examples of alturism and "pluck and luck" exist to defeat any claim that Machiavelli's road map is essential for success. However, human nature and human history deliver far more examples of ruthless self-interest (Machiavellianism) behind success in power situations.

Is Machiavellianism bad? Not in and of itself. Remember, one must translate the Middle Age ethos to current practices -- there usually isn't blood spilled as a result of today's Machiavellian duels, just power and positon. Most political and business leaders are at least partly Machiavellian. The trick is using one's power to good ends. Thus, even though Lincoln and all of our presidents were Machiavellian in their climb to the White House, some of them did darn good work there. The same is true for business leaders. Jack Welch (GE), Bill Gates (Microsoft), anyone who advances past the first few rungs of the corporate ladder or dominates markets at the expense of competitors is using Machiavelli's dictums. The trick of a just and good society is to set the bounds by which power can be attained and exercised so that good and benefits will flow from those who are able to "claw their way to the top."

To summarize, read this book if you want to 1) truly understand when the adjective "Machiavelli" is used to describe people and 2) understand the rules by which most people navigate their way to power.

Machiavelli wrote this book for the Medici back in a time that is suppossed to be so different from today. Yet, The Prince is as applicable as the day it was wrote- maybe more so. It's a concise, almost surgical, guidebook to world domination. Superficially, this book is written like stereo instructions with precise directions on control of your enemies, followers, and friends. But, deeply, it will force any serious reader to take stock of the lengths neccessary to attain great power. Lives are flited at like pieces on a chess board with absolutely no uneccessary concern (if they can't hurt ya, screw 'em). Why, aside from that whole learning about world domination thing, this book is such a neccessary read for anybody with a stake in daily life is because this is the book your leaders sleep with under their pillow. There hasn't been an intelligent, powerful, and influential political leader that hasn't been influenced by Machiavelli and this book. It's very important to really wrap yourself around reality in reading this book so as to open your own eyes to what people do to lead (not just dictators, facists, and imperialists, but deomcrats and republicans.). This book is Political Reality 101- you must read it.

Based upon Michiavelli's first hand experience as an emissary of the Florentine Republic to the courts of Europe The Prince analyzes the often violent means by which political power is seized and retained, and the circumstance in which it is lost. Because The Prince is a political commentary, and not a work of fiction, Michiavelli does not use "characters" in the sense of a novel or a short story. Instead he draws his examples from the current political and social events, as well as from history. His characters are the political leaders of his time. The book is a declaration in plain language the conduct of great men and the principles of princely governments. The book can be divided into four sections.

1. The types of principalities. Michiavelli lists four types of principalities.

* Hereditary principalities, which are inherited by the ruler.

* Mixed principalities, territories that are annexed to the rulers existing territories.

* New principalities which may be acquired by several methods: by own power, by the power of others by criminal acts or extreme cruelty, or by the will of the people

* Ecclesiastical principalities, namely the papal states belonging to the catholic churches.

2. The character and behavior of the prince. Michiavelli recommends the following character and behavior for princes:

* It is better to be miserly than generous.

* It is better to be cruel than merciful.

* It is better to break promises if keeping than would be against ones interest.

* Princes must avoid making them hated and despised; the goodwill of the people is a better defense than any fortress.

* Princes should undertake great projects to enhance their reputation.

* Princes should choose wise advisors to confide and consult with

3. The types of armies A prince must always pay close attention to military affairs if he wants to remain in power. A prince must lay good foundation and those foundations include good laws and good armies. There cannot be good laws without good armies, and where there are good laws there must be good armies. The study of war should be a prince's main goal, for war is a rulers only art.If princes become too refined to study this art they loose their state. The types of armies are:

* Mercenaries or Auxiliaries (loaned to you by another ruler) are both dangerous and unreliable, as they will maintain their interests preceding yours.

* Native troops composed of ones own citizens or subjects are by far the most desirable kind.

4. Italy's political situation Michiavelli outlines and recommends the following

* The rulers of Italy have lost their states by ignoring the political and military principles.

* Fortune controls half of human affairs, but free will controls the rest, leaving the prince free to act. However, the few princes can adopt their actions to times

I have trouble reading classic literature. I am an avid reader and I want to enjoy the classics, but just find it difficult to understand the meaning in some of the writing.

This, however, was a pleasant surprise. Although written in the early 1700s, the story itself was fairly easy to follow. Even towards the end, I began to see the underlying theme of the satire that Swift has been praised for in this work.

Being someone who reads primarily science fiction and fantasy novels, I thought this might be an opportunity to culture myself while also enjoying a good story. I was correct in my thinking. Even if you can't pick up on the satire, there is still a good classic fantasy story.

Essentially, the book details the travels of Lemuel Gulliver, who by several misfortunes, visits remote and unheard of lands. In each, Gulliver spends enough time to understand the language and culture of each of these land's inhabitants. He also details the difference in culture of his native England to the highest rulers of the visted nations. In his writing of these differences, he is able to show his dislike with the system of government of England. He does this by simply stating how things are in England and then uses the reaction of the strangers as outsiders looking in, showing their lack of respect for what Gulliver describes.

I found it very interesting to see that even as early as the 1700s there was a general dislike of government as well as lawyers.

I would recommend this book to anyone who reads the fantasy genre. Obviously, it's not an epic saga like so many most fantasy readers enjoy, but it's a nice break. I would also recommend this to high school students who are asked to pick a classic piece for a book report. It reads relatively quick and isn't as difficult to read as some of the others that I've tried to read.

Lemuel Gulliver is a surgeon/ship¨ˆs captain who embarks on several intriguing adventures. His first endeavor takes him to Lilliput, where all inhabitants are six inches tall, but resemble normal humans in every other respect. His next voyage lands him on Brobdingnag, where a grown man is sixty feet tall, and even the shortest dwarf stands thirty feet tall. On his third trip, he travels to several locations, including a floating island. During Gulliver¨ˆs final voyage, he is abandoned by his mutinous crew on the island of the Houyhnhnms, which are extremely intelligent horses. No evil or concept of lying exists among these creatures. The island is also inhabited by Yahoos, savage, irrational human-like creatures who are kept as pets by the Houyhnhnms. Gulliver wishes to spend the rest of his life on this peaceful island, but he is banished and forced to return to England.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to people 14 or older. Since the novel was written in the 1700¡¯s, the words, grammar and usage are a little confusing. The reader also must have prior knowledge of 18th-century politics to get a full image of what Swift is trying to convey. At some points, the author goes into detail about nautical terms and happenings, and that tends to drag. Overall, the book is well-written, slightly humorous, if not a little confusing.

It's amazing how our perspective changes as we age. What we thought was important as children may now seem completely insignificant, replaced by entirely new priorities, priorities children wouldn't even understand. At the same time, things we used to take for granted, like having dinner on the table, being taken care of when we're ill, or getting toys fixed when they are broken, have become items on adult worry lists.

Your perspective on literature can change, too. Reading a story for a second time can give you a completely different view of it. "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, which I enjoyed as a sort of an adventure story when I was a kid, now reads as a harsh criticism of society in general and the institution of slavery in particular.

The same thing is true of "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift. The first thing I realized upon opening the cover of this book as a college student was that I probably had never really read it before.

I knew the basic plot of Lemuel Gulliver's first two voyages to Lilliput and Brobdingnag, home of the tiny and giant people, respectively, but he had two other voyages of which I was not even aware: to a land of philosophers who are so lost in thought they can't see the simplest practical details, Laputa, and to a land ruled by wise and gentle horses or Houyhnhnms and peopled by wild, beastly human-like creatures called Yahoos.

While this book has become famous and even beloved by children, Jonathan Swift was certainly not trying to write a children's book.

Swift was well known for his sharp, biting wit, and his bitter criticism of 18th century England and all her ills. This is the man who, to point out how ridiculous English prejudices had become, wrote "A Modest Proposal" which suggested that the Irish raise their children as cattle, to be eaten as meat, and thereby solve the problems of poverty and starvation faced in that country. As horrible as that proposal is, it was only an extension of the kinds of solutions being proposed at the time.

So, although "Gulliver's Travels" is entertaining, entertainment was not Swift's primary purpose. Swift used this tale of a guillable traveler exploring strange lands to point out some of the inane and ridiculous elements of his own society.

For example, in describing the government of Lilliput, Swift explains that officials are selected based on how well they can play two games, Rope-Dancing and Leaping and Creeping. These two games required great skill in balance, entertained the watching public, and placed the politicians in rather ridiculous positions, perhaps not so differently from elections of leaders in the 18th century and even in modern times.

Give this book a look again, or for the first time. Even in cases in which the exact object of Swift's satire has been forgotten, his sweeping social commentary still rings true. Sometimes it really does seem that we are all a bunch of Yahoos.