Lee Ao did it again! Another great yet enthralling work by Lee Ao, the best Chinese critique writer. Lee Ao does it in a serious cum humorous way, from poems to elite phrases. There isn't a boring page. If possible, get the Chinese version (for those Chinese literate). A highly recommended piece of work.

I've read the original of this book about ten times, and the more I read this book, the more thoughts and after-thoughts occur in my mind. As a Chinese born in Taiwan, This book really inspired me. Not only its depth of historical records and eloqunce of critique are unprecedented in the history of Chinese literature, but the passions, the intellectual's hope for salvation and revolutionaries' struggle to improve China expressed between the lines are set on a trageic stage in a way that is both dramatic and calm, violent and peaceful. You can see the flow of time and the continuation and history when reading this book. And that feeling, is what makes Chinese people and Chinese civilization distinctive. Li Ao is one of the most talented, humorous, arrogant, witty, insightful, and controversial liberal intellctual in the modern China. He has been imprisoned for treason(the accusation was totally groundless). He has been supressed by the maintream media in Taiwan because of his humiliating disclosure of government official's scandals.But he has won the heart of the contemporary readers through his stylish, if not flirting and combative, writings(over 15 million ords and still mounting). The Martyr'sShrine is by far his greatest achievement. He was even nominated to compete for the Nobel Prize for literature. In my opinion he absolutely deserves the prize. To understand this book requires a solid background knowledge in Chinese history and culture. I don't know if the ordinary Western readers are up to the task. However, if you really want to understand China and its struggle of modernization in the 19-20 century, this book is a good start.

Based on the history of reform movement of 1898 in China, the great thinker, historian, and writer of China, Ao Li( who lives in Taiwan) created this fiction. In the story, through the conversations and actions of the elits of Chinese intellecturalists, the author discussed the true thought and spirit of budhhism and Chinese thought of loyalty, patriatism, etc.; and expressed his idealist's thought. This is more a philosophy book and history than a novel. Six months ago when I finished reading this book in Chinese, I said it ought to have an English translation for people who don't read in Chinese. I am glad there is an English translation now.

Although many remember Steve Ditko's art work on Spider-man, a character he illustrated from the beginning for about 2 years, it is his work on Marvel's Doctor Strange that stands out.

This is a rare hardcover (never out in paperback) collection from 1992 reprinting the master mage's earliest stories - from Strange Tales 110-111 & 114-141, from 1963-1966.

The quality of the color reproduction is excellent, which is great as some of the early Marvel Comics' wildest colors and backgrounds were used and depicted when Dr. Strange journeyed to some other dimension to fight another (evil) magician.

Some of the Marvel Masterworks library are relatively slim but you get your money's worth with this one - 272 pages of mystical combat with Dormammu, Baron Mordo, Loki and others.

Sure, other reviewers are correct in pointing out the dialog and stories may seem corny to some raised on the "grittier, more realistic" stories from the 80's, but I feel that is comparing apples to oranges - like comparing say the movies Gladiator to Ben Hur - both classics but products of their times.

I recommend this as among the best of Marvel Masterworks library. Shame you can't still buy it over the counter at your friendly neighborhood comic book store.

This volume is a wonderful introduction to Dr. Strange, containing the classic original stories of my most favorite comic book hero. We also get the great first-time intros of some of the best villains--Baron Mordo, the Dread Dormammu, and Umar the Unrelenting.

The 'modern' reader, won't necessarily appreciate a lot of these things when compared to the current generation of writing in other comic books (like the edgy X-Men, Avengers, etc). After all, this was written in the 60's, so it's sometimes cheesy and has simplistic plots. But for a Dr. Strange fan, this volume is a necessary and refreshing addition.

I recently read Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, and while doing so encountered this passage: "...and Kesey is old and haggard and his face is lopsided...and then Sandy looks and Kesey is young, serene, and his face is lineless, and round and smooth as a baby's as he sits for hours on end reading comic books, absorbed in the plunging Steve Ditko shadows of Dr. Strange attired in capes and chiaroscuro, saying: "How could they have known that this gem was merely a device to bridge DIMENSIONS!" I couldn't have said it better myself. This is the cosmic stuff that shaped the dreams of a generation.

Stan Lee once described Steve Ditko as "the most unique genius".As a long time fan of Spiderman,(and everything else illustrated by Steve Ditko),I feel those words describe the man to a T. While I would not deny the quality of the artwork of all the other comic book artists that have tried their hand at drawing Spiderman,in particular,Frank Miller,the hand of Steve Ditko made us all believe that Peter Parker really was the SPIDER MAN.(with the emphasis on both words).

The second ten issues collected in "Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2" are better than the first ten issues collected in Volume 1. Of course, you cannot appreciate the second ten issues without having read the first ten issues, so do not think that you should begin your appreciation of Spider-Man with this second volume. Unlike the "Essential Spider-Man, Volume 1," which combines all of the aforementioned comic book stories in a single volume, these reprints are in color. Either way one of the things that stands out in these issues is the outstanding artwork of Steve Ditko. I was never really a fan of the way Ditko drew people, but his compositional skills are absolutely first rate.

In these ten issues Stan Lee and Ditko consistently work in all of the familiar elements that made Spider-Man the most popular comic book superhero of the 1960s. Peter Parker loves Betty Bryant, but when her brother is shot during a fight she ends up blaming Spider-Man (#11), showing that when it comes to the romance department our hero rarely has any good luck. To add to his troubles Spider-Man is "Unmasked by Dr. Octopus" (#12), has to tangle with both the Green Goblin and the Incredible Hulk (#14), teams up with Daredevil to battle the Ringmaster (#16), has to deal with a supervillain created specifically by J. Jonah Jameson ("The Coming of the Scorpion," #20), has to worry about poor old frail Aunt May (#17), and even ends up seeing a psychiatrist because Mysterio is driving him crazy (#13). For Spider-Man, being a superhero is not all it is cracked up to be.

One of the improvements in this second collection is that we are dealing with the best of Spider-Man's villains: Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Scorpion, with Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin appearing in two issues apiece. This is a big improvement over the Terrible Tinkerer and crossover bad guys like Dr. Doom. Stan Lee is writing better stories about both Spider-Man and his secret identity, creating a situation that is more and more complex. The predictability of these stories is getting less and less as Lee goes out of his way to keep taking things in new directions. But keep in mind: this is not the best of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' by Lee and Ditko; that is yet to come (that would be the Master Planner/Doctor Octopus trilogy in issues #31-33, which means you have to wait for Masterworks Volume 4).

This is where Ditko (who must have been the driving force in much of the early series) and Lee really hit their stride. Yes, the colors are brighter than when originally printed on cheap comic paper, but you can see great storytelling and great art combined. Any of these comics, if produced today, would span numerous issues because the art would dominate. Not so here in the mid-60's Marvels. It's a beautiful blend.

This was a great book to read. It allows you to think about math in a totally diffrent way. The illustrations were great. A must have in any classroom.

Wow. Poetry about math. And it's fun! Every classroom should have a copy of this book. It's a teacher's treasure!

"Marvelous Math" is a wonderful way to connect mathematics to communication arts. This book of math poetry shows children how math is readily used in one's daily life. The colorful illustrations help keep the children intersted. It has given my students the enthusiasm for trying to write some poems about math also. This is great for home and also as a teaching tool.

Just the other day, I had the good fortune to chat with the author at a book signing. The quick wit and good humor that I was privy to during that chat is contained, undistilled, within the pages of this book.

Ms. Cartier approaches the banalities of everyday life along with the vicissitudes offered by the same with a somewhat cynical, oft sarcastic, but always "real" point of view, and her work, thankfully, is not mired in bathos thereby. Much like a conversation with a good friend, it never fails to be both genuine and natural. Readers looking to bridge the gap between Dennis Miller and Dave Barry can find in Ms. Cartier the perfect hypotenuse, if you will, if but one with a slightly deranged angle.

Ok, there I was just sitting in my underwear and reading this book. Actually if you must know-and I do think it is relevant-I was in the bathroom reading this book. I began to laugh so hard that my guests yelled through the door, "Are you ok?" I came out of the bathroom adjusting my clothes and told them that this book is hilarious. They wanted to see it and now I've lost my copy to them. I'll have to buy another. This book is not only funny, it is insightful and thought provoking. Nothing too serious, just interesting. ...a great look at human behavior. Jody Lee Cartier's observations of herself are refreshing. I didn't find all the answers to life's questions; however, I sure do enjoy knowing that someone else is having a sojourn like mine. This is a book that you can read one little vignette at a time or all at once. If you enjoy snippets of thought or reading about someone laughing at themselves, you'll love this book. And so will your close friends-it is that time of year you know!

Everybody has to endure the slings and arrows of daily living. Most of us hunker down and wait for life to get better. Jody Cartier dosen't simply endure, she embraces life, the good and the bad, and writes about it in this collection of essays. This book is about thoughts most of us have; the author articulates those thoughts in a thoughtful, wry and funny voice. Who has not wondered about the road not taken, about the mpact one tiny decision has on your life? Read about the $418.89 emery board. Everybody has had a day that spun out of control but not everybody could write about it in a funny way. I laughed out loud several times when I read this book. When I finished the book, I resolved to try to find the inherent humour in my life that Cartier finds in hers.

I have the first edition of this book and, unlike other professors, he did not lecture verbatim from his own book. I appreciated this.

His lectures are dynamic, humorous and insightful. His books can give you a fine taste of his vast knowledge but don't adequately reflect his excellent teaching style.

Furthermore, his material applies directly to your career. No matter what career you choose. He makes certain that there are contemporary touchstones and references. I went directly from his upper level classes into a career in PR and Marketing Communications with confidence that I would never encounter issues similar to his case studies. Wrong!

The funny thing about his writings and lectures is that they trigger epiphanies over a period of years.

I made only average grades in his classes (they are VERY difficult and I admittedly didn't always apply myself) but I am able to quote key legal cases, recall ethics case-studies and comprehend media principles that most people with years in the MarCom/PR field can't even grasp.

If you get a chance, buy any of his publications. If you feel bold and really seek some enlightenment on Media Ethics and Law issues, you should call Oklahoma Christian University and request any of his lecture videos.

If you are reading this Dr. P, I'm still waiting on your book on Media Law. I liked ethics but your media law courses rocked!

I have gone on to become an Information Technology engineer and yet still find myself applying knowledge gained from his courses. (Such as Intellectual Property law, copyrights, libel and fair use.)

In case you folks think I'm a shill, it should be noted that I haven't been in contact with Dr. Patterson since around 1991 and I'm fairly certain I was among his least-promising students, so we had no casual relationship.

Regardless of this, I credit his classes and books as the major force for saving my professional and, to some extent, my personal life, from self-destruction.

Most books on ethics and laws are boring. And those that aren't boring usually lean towards not giving any practical information. This book, however, is different.

Each chapter has information to explain a specific ethical question, then a real-life example of how that question might come about, then more questions to stimulate responses. I had the honor of being in a Media Ethics class taught by the author, and our discussions were always A) in depth B) heated C) helpful.

If you are considering becoming a journalist, photographer, tv personality or any other sower of information, read this book. It will help you to formulate your opinions now, instead of being stuck in an ethical no-win situation later.

Read it.

I am from the Philippines and your book is one of the major references being used by the best professor and college instructor in our country. I have searched through and through but still couldn't get a copy of your book. I am in dire need to read your book. Where can i find it here ? Who are your local distributors or publisher ? pleeeassseeee help ???

i enjoyed the wonder of this book. the magic of the new world and the ideas represented. good clean fun.

The best book ever written! Beats Harry Potter!! Adrian, a solidified aura, travels to wonderful planets and meets Cree-L (A small man that rides in his pocket). He also meets Seth Biggs, Rhesus, walks through frozen fog, travels on rail bikes at great speeds and almost gets eaten by a Reozzy (A creature that is walking bait). You have to read the book to know what I'm talking about!

It was a pleasure to read this book. It is full of action similar to Indiana Jones--one event after another. And what made it especially worthwhile for me was that it contained no explicit sex, gore nor profanity. It is a fun book for a family - all ages from preteens on up. Once I started it I wanted to keep reading. For a good, clean , fun book--this is it.

Diane Holloway is a retired Dallas psychologist who was involved with the psychological assessment of one of Lee Harvey Oswald's assassination targets, Major General Edwin Walker (when Attorney General Robert Kennedy ordered an evaluation because of Walker's bizarre anti-government activities). Holloway as painstakingly gathered the works of Lee Harvey Oswald over a period of ten years and in The Mind Of Oswald: Accused Assassin Of President John F. Kennedy, incorporates Oswald's letters, diary, book about Russia, miscellaneous papers, notes, address book, job applications, radio interviews, and post-arrest television statements into a remarkable presentation of Oswald and the times leading up to the Kennedy assassination. The Mind Of Oswald is a "must read" for anyone with an interest in the Kennedy assassination, its impact on the American political system, and the controversies that surrounded it then -- and some of which continue to linger in the public mind to this day.

Dr. Diane Holloway's new book, The Mind of Oswald, is a breath of fresh air in the JFK assassination literature. As a former FBI agent, attorney, and judge (in fact, I was the presiding judge in the much celebrated case depicted in the recent movie "Boys Don't Cry"), I rely on facts. I am so pleased that someone, and especially a psychologist, has looked at the facts about accused assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. The facts are what he said and wrote. Then she looked at it from the psychological viewpoint. The psychological approach is much like our approach; the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. Dr. Holloway, a retired Dallas psychologist, has taken all of Oswald's words and life and tried to look at whether he was the kind of person who would kill a president. It is an excellent approach. I heartily recommend this book and give it a five star rating. Libraries would do well to add this to their list because there is too much crazy conspiracy literature available and the facts are needed about this important tragedy. Judge Robert T. Finn.

Dr. Holloway has done a meticulous job of researching the career of Lee Harvey Oswald and sharing her findings with us. She has several unique perspectives working for her: being in Dallas at the time of the Kennedy assassination; having tested Gen. Edwin Walker, whom Oswald undoubtedly tried to shoot some months before JFK was shot; being a psychologist and thus able to give the reader her expert take on Oswald's capacity for violence. I felt as if I were able to watch Oswald virtually every day of his life right up to the moment he was killed by Jack Ruby. One has to feel a little sorry for Oswald, who never seemed to be happy no matter where he was or what he was doing. He couldn't spell, he lied about his height, he was just such a loser his entire life. Besides the close look at Oswald, Dr. Holloway gives us the historical background--what was happening in the world as Oswald was being Oswald.

I love this book more than anything I have ever read. No I am not just saying this. After the passed away this Halloween, I decided that it was important to read the WHOLE thing. Well I did, and I never realized that I said some of that stuff! No I'm just kidding, I think that his message has helped many people. One family said that he was their hero (now in heaven) because they have a downsyndrom boy of 22, and this message has helped them deal with many critical issues. I am extremly glad that he wote this book and got his message out to all of these people. I hope that it reaches more.

It has a very good poem at the end and it has a very good review on how you can deal with life with motavation and self esteem.

This book is wonderful for anyone that may be raising a handicapped child. It will give you a look at what the possibilities are and start off by getting you to think of all of the potentials that child may possess.

I read a lot of mystery books. And most of them are about women and/or by women. And I've read all of the Lee Harris Christine Bennett books. But this book is the best mystery I've read in a long, long time! And nothing against the Bennett books but this one is a cut way above them. It is much more than a police procedural - but it is that, too. Great and evolving characters, good mystery - if this is the beginning of a series, I can't wait for the next one.

I will admit I bought this book thinking it was another Christine Bennet book, which I had been waiting for. I have read all Ms. Harris' chapters in the life of that interesting woman. But I had only read three pages before I became lost in the world of Jane Bauer, a new and thoroughly likeable new heroine. This is not a bloody book, not a violent book, although people do die. But I like Jane (with maybe a reservation or two about her romance with a married man, although I'm sure this part is rather true to life) and I like Ms. Harris' writing style. You enter Jane's world and you could be walking right along beside her. You wll enjoy the journey and you won't have nightmares at night. A most enjoyable read that leaves you wanting to know how Jane will resolve her personal issues and what twists and turns her professional life will take. I'm ready for another episode in the life of this likeable policewoman.

After almost twenty years in the New York City Police Department, Detective Jane Bauer is near retirement and ready to start a cushy job in an insurance company. Her last three months will be spent on the newly formed cold case task force. She is assigned the case of Arlan Quill, who was killed in the entranceway of his apartment building. When she goes to talk to some of Quill's neighbor, she learns that every tenant who lived in the building while Quill resided there is gone.

Nobody leaves a rent-controlled apartment in Manhattan and further investigation shows that all the former tenants except one are dead and circumstances taken as a whole make it look like wholesale contract killings. Jane traces the last tenant to Omaha where she learns that he is scared for his life. Shortly afterward, he is beaten with in an inch of his life, which means there is a mole in the department who had Jane followed to her witness. When Jane returns home, she traces the killer to one of his lairs and almost loses her life in the process.

Lee Bennett, the author of the cozy Christine Bennett mysteries, has written an exciting, stimulating gritty urban noir police procedural that displays the wide range of the author's talent. The heroine is a three dimensional character whose personal life shows she is a caring person while as a cop she is a dedicated pro who goes all out even with her career winding down. The plot is fast paced with never a dull moment but the heart of MURDER IN HELL'S KITCHEN are the men and women in blue who risk their lives to keep the streets safe.

Harriet Klausner