David Weitzman has a love of technology and history. This can be demonstrated by observing the names of books he authored, including titles ranging from "Traces of the Past: A Field Guide to Industrial Archaeology" to "Underfoot: An Everyday Guide to Exploring the American Past." This fortuitous blend of history and technology is the underlying theme of this book.

For those of you who may be expecting a typical 'picture book' about a steam locomotive, this book will definitely come as a surprise. Although well illustrated, there are no photographs. This omission is more than compensated for by the line drawings that are precise and informative. The text is educational and interesting; the text and the line drawings compement each other very nicely. The combination is such that the reader is virtually transported by osmosis back to the year 1925 and to the dark and dingy backshops of the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio, in order to not only personally witness but to actually physically participate in the birth of this magnificent machine, the first 'Super Power' steam locomotive ever.

Another pleasant surprise in this work is the interaction of man and machine, the creator and the fruit of his labor. Too many books about the locomotive ignore the human role; here the combination of man and machine is a symbiotic relationship.

This book is both easy to read and educational, and it is designed to appeal to anyone in age from beginning high-schooler to adult. Anyone possessing an interest in the mechanical world should obtain a copy of this book.

My 10 year old son and I read this book together and loved it. We are both train and locomotives fans but despite what we knew we both learned more. This book is expecially good for kids since it is told through the eyes of an 18 year old boy, but is equally interesting for adults.

This book is amazing on so many levels. It teaches you how trains are designed and built, how math is applicable in the real world, how people get along, how some people are better suited to different, but equally important jobs, engineering, give and take (compromise). But it doesn't quite teach you, it intigrates these lessons in the oral history it is presenting. Superpower could be about anything and you would still learn SO much about life. I recommend this book to anyone, any age. It will change the life of a boy though, guaranteed. It will inspire him to study more at the very least.

I'm not a person is moved often, but there are very insprirational stories here. I bought 2 more books as gifts.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Congratulations to Ms. Hamilton for her success in showing the human qualities of her long-married subjects without being sentimental or overly romantic. She has captured a freshness in her portrayals of the couples that is a tribute to their long years together.

The short essays accompanying the photographs are interesting and informative.

As a gift, this lovely book would give pleasure to couples of any age.

50 or More: A Lifetime Together, by Marcia Hamilton, is beautifully photographed and full of touching vignettes. I found this book to be fascinating. Even though I originally bought the book as a gift, I had to have a copy for myself!

What a great idea for an anniversary, special birthday, or wedding gift!

This is the most detailed book I have found on Elephants. It not only informs you all about the elephants history, it tells you all about the Authors many many years living with them and getting to know each one personally. You are glued to the pages and will not want to put it down. It is so captivating that you actually feel as if you are there with the Douglas-Hamilton family. You become involved with each elephant's life. How they are each an individual just like us. How each has their own personality. This is riviting !!! There are parts that you will laugh with, and cry with, as well. If this does not touch your heart, does not open your eyes to the beauty of one of God's most magnificent creatures put on this earth, and enlighten you to the desperate need to help protect these wonderful animals, then this is not the book for you. I highly recommend this for all ages. A MUST read for anyone who loves elephants!!

In the late sixties and early seventies of the former century, young biologist Ian Douglas-Hamilton set out to study the elephants around Lake Manyara in Tanzania. He learned to distinguish each individual by such characteristics as the tusks , ears or (ear) markings. This approach would later on aid Cynthia Moss in her Amboseli elephant research. When Ian met the energetic Oria Rocco he fell in love with her and she would lend her hand to his studies and provided the wonderful photographs in this book. Among the elephants isn't quite a scientific study but more a highly personal account of a family living with elephants. The Douglas-Hamiltons care deeply about the elephants and really became their champions (they still battle for the elephants). They instilled love and respect for elephants in their two daughters as well. Among the elephants is an idyl of humans and elephants living together quite peacefully. I certainly can't forget the gentle Virgo with whom the Douglas-Hamiltons shared a unique bond or the matriach Boadicea.

This book is one of the greatest pieces on elephants ever read, the pace is swift and makes you not want to put the book down. I have always have been interested in elephants and read everything I could on them, and one day last summer I saw "Among the Elephants" at a small library in a suburb of my town, and before I returned it I had read it twice. The book was so good that I wanted to read it many more times, so instead of constantly checking it out I decided to buy it, so others could read it. This book was wonderful and should be read by anyone who wishes to work with elephants, or by those that just want a good book to read.

Hamilton's outline and word study allows the reader to determine for themselves the best interpretation of verses under challenge. While focusing on the Biblical evidence, Hamilton shows varying opinions on specifics and then challenges each with other areas of Scripture. The format, and easy-to-read structure make it a must for any Old Testament library.

This is a really good two volume commentary on Genesis. I like it better than Gordon Wenham's two volume work for several reasons: 1) It is easier to read. 2) There are many points where Hamilton focus on applying the text to the New Testament and to the practical Christian life, 3) you don't have to have a knowledge of hebrew to access this mammoth work. So if you're doing a Bible study on Genesis or if you're preaching through it, then this is the top of the line.

The commentary by Hamilton is one of the best that I'm aware of on Genesis. I'm taking an introduction course at seminary and I leaned very heavily on Hamilton's book. It is accessible to the beginning student, but experts should find it is hearty enough to help them too. I would definitely recommend this to any student of Genesis or of the Bible.

One of the earliest (1986) accounts from the survivors of the Pol Pot regime, "The Stones Cry Out" seems to have set the style and standard for another more recent child's-eye perspective on the same era, "When Broken Glass Floats". The minute details of everyday life, not abstract poltical assessments, form the basis for our childhood memories. The author's account carries an unvarnished realism which draws the reader into her film-like image of daily life under threat of starvation and execution. This is probably as close as a reader can come to the truth of events in Cambodia during 1975-79. Oral histories such as "The Stones Cry Out" are perhaps the best way for survivors of human rights abuses to indict the perpetrators. Sadly, tribunals driven by international politics are unlikely to have the same impact as the simple testimony of a victimized child. Highly recommended reading for all those with an interest in human rights, Cambodia, and Southeast Asian culture.

Actualy I would rate this 4 and 1/2 stars.

Having read "First they killed my father" by Loung Ung It would be difficult for me to review this book with out comparing it to Loung Ung's memoir.

Both are essentially the same story, a young upper middle class girl living in Phnom Phen in april of 1975 when thier life, family and happiness are torn from them by the khmer rouge.

Many of thier experinces are similar as you might expect (long hours in forced labor, family deaths, witnessing murder ect..) but each has a unique story of thier own.

The writing styles also vary greatly and this is where Loung's "First they killed my Father is the better" book. Molyda tells her story in a very straight foward manner. Her discriptions of murder, torture and rotting corpses are alomost clinical in tone as if she is afaid to visit or express her real feelings at the time (and who could realy blame her) we are giving only hints about her family and life before April 17th 1975 (to be fair this may be in part to spare distant family members still in Cambodia from retalation)

In Loung's book however we are treated to two light hearted chapters discribing her life in Phnom Pehn before April 17th 1975 this gives the reader a chance to feel they realy know her, her brother's, sisters and parents thier strengths and weakness'.

Loung's memoir is far more emotional in tone and feeling leaving the reader almost gasping for air at points.

For those overly squimish that makes "The Stones Cry Out" the better of the two books. It is also the better of the two books if your sole interest is the surrounding history of the killing fields.

But for those just wishing to read a great emotional book "first They killed My father" is the better choice but I would highly recomend both to all.

I am a 12 year old reader, and this book was heart-breaking. It is so sad that something like this hapenned, and so many peoples' lives were destroyed. Molyda Szymusiak's story makes me realize how lucky I am to enjoy my freedoms.

I, too, could not put this book down. Ms. Hamilton's writing style (one of the best), coupled with the great plot and interesting descriptions of Los Angeles (I also live in the L.A. area) were great. I look forward to reading much more of Eve Diamond's adventures.

I'm not a big reader of mystery novels, especially American mysteries, but I will always read Hamilton's works because I believe in supporting local writers. Eve Diamond's home is just over the hill from me, and Hamilton writes of areas that are all too familiar to me. I think this is why I loved this novel; you can relate so readily to its familiar suroundings. The Jasmine Trade was good, but this novel is far more accomplished and much more intricately plotted, also, you'll just never guess how the murder mystery plays out.

Los Angeles is portrayed as a city so diverse, and so disparate in so many ways. And Hamilton has such an indelible handle on what makes Los Angeles "tick" as a city. I'm looking forward to reading some more adventures of Eve Diamond, for Hamilton has created an exciting, passionate and gutsy protagonist.

An entertaining and very enjoyable read!

Michael

Denise Hamilton takes you on an extraordinary ride through Los Angeles from its seamy underside to the opulent estates, into the territory of WASPs and yuppies and on east to the teaming streets of the Latinos. It is evident that Hamilton knows these streets well and she can turn a phrase equally as well. For this trip alone 'Sugar Skulls' is worth your time. Hamilton has also created an astute and gritty protagonist in Eve Diamond the LA Times investigative reporter we first met in 'Jasmine Trade'and her story which ties together three unrelated deaths that occur in the one weekend is suspenseful and compelling.

In addition to the murders she must resolve Eve is caught up in the sordid underground lives of street kids, in particular one lost girl, Scout, whom she befriends and the wealthy teenagers who enable them. She is also attracted to the Latino businessman whose brother's death may be the connection to the other murders.

Hamilton's understanding of investigative procedure and her care in detailing Eve's complex background and personality make this story fascinating and enjoyable.

One of the classic -- early -- Matt Helm books. Forget most other rivals, only Mr Helm, with his taste in women, hunting knives and total espionage professionalism -- will do.

Every Matt Helm book is great. Don't delay getting this book. You'll fall in love with this rough, tough, lovable guy.

Our Man Helm is in trouble. It seems he carried out a mission as required but overlooked an ex-Nazi agent and a Russian missile in the process. Matt is sent to find both after they disappear. He is also given a broken female agent to rehabilitate as an extra duty. An above average Helm adventure, this mission introduces Vadya, the seductive Russian agent who will bedevil our hero in several more adventures. The political assassination in the first chapters will also have future repercussions for Helm. As always, Hamilton mixes an exciting tale with bits of Helm's sardonic humor ( a hallmark of the Fawcett paperback series heroes). By all means find this book.

I'm a literary dilletante and I admit it. I picked up this book because of its swell cover and title.

Upon skimming it in the bookstore, I was hooked. Poems about life, without sappy metaphor or tricky construction. Good earthy, practical poetry. Such breadth of matter, such depth of understanding. I felt that I'd met a poet of substance.

Let's leave it at this, Adair nudged me into reading more poetry, more often.

Virginia Hamilton Adair was raised in an environment which seemed truly perfect for a (budding) poet. She was born as the daughter of Robert Browning Hamilton (a poet himself). Her parents suffused her with poetry and gave her loving encouragement. Though for certain reasons she began only to publish them as a book collection in her eighties.

And I for one am very glad to have discovered her! Mrs. Adair doesn't mince words and speaks in a direct, assured and clear voice, so no mannerisms here. She takes a refreshing and intelligent look at things. I do love her fine and wicked humour.

These poems cover a wide range of subjects. The experience of a long life is distilled here. Heartwrenching are many of the poems in the Exit Amor section, because in 1968 her husband committed suicide. Her grief and despair found it's voice in her poetry (One Ordinary Evening, Dark Lines, The Ruin, Exit Amor, The Year After or Coronach).

So try out Ants on the Melon and you'll discover a wonderful poet!

It's always unfair to compare one writer to another, but if you love Emily Dickinson, then Adair's book is for you. Succinct, masterful use of the language. I loved this collection. Buy it!

Basha was one of the greatest books i have ever read. For someone who is looking for a fascinating thriller and finds the events of the middle east riveting this is a must read......

This espionage mystery is a thrill a minute.A real page-turner set in the explosive Middle East.Spy on spy in the fast paced world of professional tennis.The charachters were deadly and attractive and the action was riveting.Once I picked it up,I coudn't put it down!

BASHA hooked me from the first sentence on. When I finished reading the last word, I closed the book and whispered "Wow." This is the best thriller I've ever read.
An avid reader.

If you're looking for a tightly written, disciplined thriller,
a la Dorothy Sayers, this is not the book for you. However, if you like pitchperfect satirical writing on a par with Kingsley Amis, "the Charmer" will leave you as sweetly satisfied as a strychnine petit four.
Hamilton is an oddly overlooked novelist. His plays "Rope" and "Gaslight" (from "Angel Street") garnered him welldeserved attention, but his novels are brilliant, and I don't understand why they're out of print. "The Charmer" is a portait of four suburban British self-deluded "normal" people, each playing out his or her own fantasy of who he/she fancies himself, while the author gives us an unsparing, brilliantly misanthropic portrait of who each actually is. -Doesn't sound thrilling, but this novel is funny, hard to put down, and ultimately profoundly sad.
It was made into a PBS Masterpiece Theatre series a decade or so ago, with Nigel Havers as the eponymous Charmer.

Ernest Ralph Gorse - you can call him "Rafe" or "Ralph", is the best way to discover how easy it is sympathize with the criminal kind. Hamilton is wonderful at sending up those-who-should-be-sent-up. Originally titled 'Mr. Stimpson and Mr. Gorse", this is part of 'The Gorse Trilogy" chronicalling the rise, rise and fall of E.R.G. Available in England only as a trilogy. Please, please insist upon re-publication of it in this country

Fans of sharp, dry wit will love this book. The unfolding of the plot is entertaining, and the stellar writing makes it even better. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Check out the Masterpiece Theater presentation of the book as well.