William Banks has done an excellent work in writing this book. He avoids (often and wherever possible) the ramblings of confused myths and fables going straight to the heart of the issues. A Definite + for students of Biblical Astronomy and something any intermediate student of this subject should own.

The authors have done a wonderful work here in explaining in simple terms another aspect of Creation and of the designer behind His Creation. Man has greatly to benefit from the insight this book offers. The Apostle Paul confirms in his Holy Spirit inspired writings how prone man is to worship the creation ( Mother Nature, Mother Earth) and ignore The Creator. Awesome how the Constellations reveal the WAY OF TRUTH even before the bible was written, but it harmonizes with the bible account. Amazing.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

This book is a complete surprise. Although the author spent many years researching the Zodiac, he points out very obvious facts that most people overlook. The book is easy to read as the author steps through each sign of the Zodiac and describes the original names of the stars and the symbols they represent as well as many Biblical references. The final conclusion is that the gospel is spelled out in the Zodiac. It starts with a Virgin with a baby and ends with a Lion destroying a serpent with many more analogies in between. A very thought provoking book.

This is such an enjoyable book. My daughter has enjoyed it since she was about 3 1/2. We often conclude by going in the kitchen and making the very cake that hedgehog had so much trouble with. The recipe is simple enough for little ones and really does taste delicious - - even without frosting. I highly recommend this book. It's a fun experience for you and your child.

My son (approaching 5) has loved this probably since he was 3. Whether or not he got the "lesson" at the beginning, the artwork is wonderful and the story about making a mess close to every child's heart...Can't wait until the next one by this team comes out in paperback.

My second grade son has been stuggling to learn to read. I bought this book for him after his older sister bought a hedgehog as a pet. The family interest in hedgehogs encouraged him to read this adorable story. He has read it repeatedly. He reads it to his parents, siblings, and any of the family pets that will sit still long enough to listen. :-) I was pleased to see the positive values shown by the main character, Hedgehog. He doesn't lose patience when his friends cause him problems and he is always careful not to hurt their feelings. He never lets on that their help was not helpful at all, and lets them believe they were invaluable to him. This was a great example of friendship. I was also pleased with the fact that Hedgehog, being male, showed that is alright for a boy to like to cook. I want to teach my sons to cook for themselves so they want starve when they are on their own.

I loved both books by this author. I couldn't put In Quest of the Pearl down! It touched me with the message of hope and faith and what hidden resources we have. Mamma Lila stirs the mind and insights happen. This book has changed my life. I want to hear more from this author. He has a wonderful way of presenting the mysteries of life with simplicity. I can't wait for his next book.

In Quest of the Pearl is the sequel to an equally enjoyable book by Syd Banks, called Second Chance. Both books are set on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Through the eyes of the main character, Richard Sullivan, the reader gets an enchanting view of the beauty of Hawaii and its people. The author is a master at bringing to life Richard's adventures in a way that allows the reader to see their own reality from a fresher, more promising perspective. For those willing to truly hear what the author is saying in this book, there awaits a unique and precious opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of life and all the wonderful possibilities it holds.

This is truly one of those books that will rock you to the foundation of your soul. In a beautifully descriptive fashion Syd Banks, a person who writes from wisdom and humility, guides the writer to the Pearl of Pearls that lies forgotten within themselves. Anyone looking for peace and contentment need only follow the gentle direction of the writer to "realize" happiness. From this gentle man has come a tremendously successful model of community empowerment and psychology known as Health Realization / Psychology of Mind. This model has already helped thousands of people overcome impossible odds to become happy and contented. Housing projects over run with crime that have utilized this model have realized tremendous success. (Miami, Oakland, L.A., and New York). This is the second book in a series, so purchase "Second Chance" when you order.

Broz provides an easy to read text. His premises are clear, leading to true understanding. I've read much on this subject, but never such a complete work. It is as economical as can be expected; and I would argue more general than others have claimed. I highly suggest this book, and thank Dr. Broz for his contribution.

Broz's "The International Origins of the Federal Reserve System" is a excellent example of how single-case qualitative empirical research should be done. By providing a detailed formal theory framework, Broz is able to derive specific hypothesis about the development of the Federal Reserve in a manner that is both scientifically rigorous and historically detailed. While comparison with other cases would have been helpful (and neccessary if the model is to be generalized), this book is one of the best qualitative works in political science in general and political economy in particular in years.

You can't find a more accessible text for this topic. I have scoured the librarys of academia and find that this text is not only readable and enjoyable, but it is superior in its treatment of subject matter. A look at the index will tell any reader that Mr. Broz's volume is the compleat guide.

Don't miss your chance to read this welcoming introductory text.

"It was the autumn of 1956. That night I had made love to Ann for the first time." Thus the narrative begins in this facsimile edition of the great 1954 fictional story of Geri, Ann, and Manuel on the Left Bank of Paris.

Think of this story as the illustrated version of Kerouac's "On the Road" for the bohemians from abroad living in Paris at the same time.

Anyone who has visited Paris has seen the young people living in cars, sleeping on the Metro and on park benches, and panhandling while enjoying the dubious pleasures of illegal drugs and the inspiration of great jazz. Well, it was like that in the early fifties, too, as this book so brilliantly displays.

Before going further, let me caution potential readers that the book openly discusses sexual topics (including sexual transmitted diseases), drug use, theft, and other crimes. No one will find this book as an exemplar of "right" living. In addition, some of the photographs are sexually suggestive or involve partial nudity. I have rated this as a five star book for its photographic essay and accompanying text. I would have rated it very low for the lack of morals that it projects if that were the basis of my rating.

Like "On the Road," this fictionalized account is based on real people. The central figure is Australian Ann, an artist who lived with Geri. Mexican Manuel met Ann through Geri, even though Geri eventually fell in love with him. The author followed these young people through Paris for months to capture the brilliant moments of their lives, and added a spare commentary to tie it together.

Ann had orange hair and black around her eyes. "She danced like a negress" in the jazz club where Manuel first saw her. When Manuel told her that she said, "Thank you. I'd like to have a child by a negro. They are so elegant. Gentle and restful, too." Manuel reports, "I fell in love with her."

Over the course of the book, Ann takes many lovers and her relationship comes and goes with Manuel. So he is always on the outside looking in. This is literal as well as figurative, because he was often living on the streets while she had a place with Geri.

The photographs are the heart of the story. And they tell a dynamic story indeed of a vibrant and fascinating young woman who easily drew others to her. You will see the power of her personality and attractiveness in almost every image. Men stand straighter and move in languid circles to match her every twist. You can feel the pounding jazz and the self-confidence that take turns in animating her.

Her power over Manuel is intense. She eventually starts going with an American sailor. When the two of them go for a meal, Manuel is jealous and eats in the same restaurant in order to watch them. Unable to pay, he is arrested and spends two months in jail. He is sure that this has impressed her. The photographs capture the American and the jail where Manuel is sent in equally powerful images.

Ann's artistic work is nicely captured in a series of images that feature her work in progress as well as finished canvases.

Each of the photographs is very dark, often with graininess that suggests seedy surroundings -- which these were. The compositions are both complex and spontaneous. It must have taken remarkable patience to capture both simultaneously.

Part of the book's appeal is that it will make you feel quite young, and remember how intensely you felt at that age. The book is remarkably effective in that way.

After you finish enjoying the book and its noir environment, I suggest that you think about how the energy and intensity of youth can be directed into more constructive pursuits. What challenges can be made to be as much fun as partying nonstop in Paris cellars while great jazz pounds? Obviously, whatever you come up with should be sure to include its own fair share of partying, to celebrate important progress. I wonder if working for Habitat for Humanity abroad or doing missionary work could hold or be made to hold this kind of appeal. What do you think?

Live vividly with every cell of your existence . . . in pursuit of a worthy cause!

Melbourne, Australia, September 2000. I have recently been sitting at Vali Myer's feet, listening to her marvellous stories about the people and places she lived in Europe from the late 40's. She set me straight about some things that appeared in "Love on the Left Bank" Her name was never "Ann" although she was married to Rudy Rappold, her name has always been Vali Myers! So, sorry for my mistake in assuming Ann had been Vali's name, it never was!

This beautiful facsimile edition of "Love on the Left Bank" by Ed van der Elsken, (originally published in 1954) is a photographic narrative of the artists, writers and other creative characters that gave the Left Bank, Paris, its distinctive bohemian flavor. Through Ed van der Elsken's evocative black and white photography we participate in the cafe and street culture of the famous "Latin Quarter."

Ed van der Elsken's photographs have been exhibited in Paris, the Netherlands, London and New York. In "Love on the Left Bank" its impossible not to notice his adoration of Ann, "the girl with orange hair who danced like a negress." She appears throughout the book., with her entourage of men. The camera follows her intimately, like a jealous lover, into the bedroom she shares with a girlfriend, to the bars and cafes where she dances passionately, and glancing over the shoulders of her friends and the many men who swarm around her.

Van der Elsken gives us this rare opportunity to see the young Vali Myers, (formerly Ann Rappold) who is now recognized world wide for her amazing and magically intricate paintings, first begun whilst she was living hand to mouth in Paris in the 1950's. Some of Vali Myer's earlier drawings are also included in this unique book, which is yet another reason why it is a must for collectors of art and photography.

I'm 47 and have been an avid bank fisherman most of my life and have read many books on the subject...but, not in many years as they all always said the same things. Not so with this book...a whole different approach, different rigs, different equipment, etc. I've put into practice many of the things in this well written, well illustrated book and have found them very rewarding. One thing...if you fish for carp and get tired of them picking and dropping your bait...find out what a hair rig is and how they hook themselves. European techniques and equipment are great...and this book tells you how.

If you want to learn how to catch big fish read this book! Modern Bank Fishing takes us Americans one step past using doughballs for carp and catfish. Mike doesnt even put the bait on the hook anymore, he puts it on a little string tied to the hook leaving the hook bare. Thats crazy right? Now the hook is bare, how is this going to work? The fish inhales in the bait, the hook goes right along with the bait, the fish figures out something isnt right with this meal and tries to spit it out, the bare hook then digs in and the fish set the hook themselves! This is a cool way to catch big fish and is easy to learn. Mike tells us the easy ways to make and use this hair rig as it is called. Mike also introduces us to chumming for carp and catfish as well as showing us some of the new tackle for bank fishing. Mike advances us from using forked sticks stuck in the mud to bite alarms and even how to make your own bait.

I have a fairly large collection of fishing books. Most I have read once and they now sit on my bookshelves getting dusty. Modern Bank Fishing is an exception. I find myself taking it down over and over. It is both an excellent source for someone learning European bank fishing methods and a fine reference for later. It is also fun to read. Keyes is a witty and interesting writer. I promise you will learn valuable skills and be entertained at the same time.

this is a great book, but i think you will want to read the book before you watch the movie, the prince of egypt. but if you have already watched the movie like me you will still enjoy the book alot. this book was inspired by the prince of egypt and the book of exodus. i know you will love this book as much as me.

I loved the movie 'The price of Egypt'. As I am a Jew, this book has a special meaning to me. I love this book and I recomend it to everyone.

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I READ IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER. IT IS SO GOOD! I RECOMEND YOU BUY IT NOW! IT REALLY MOVES YOU. AT FIRST WHEN I BOUGHT IT, I WOULD TAKE IT TO SCHOOL AND WOULD GET IN TROUBLE BECAUSE I WOULLD NOT STOP READING IT WHEN WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO SOMETHING ELSE!! I LOVE IT. LYNNE REID BANKS HAS DONE SO WELL WITH IT!!!!!! I LOVE HER FOR THAT. WELL PLEASE BUY IT! AND REVIEW IT AFTER YOU BUY IT SO OTHERS WILL KNOW HOW *GREAT* IT IS! THANK YOU SARA YOK

All of Carolyn's books are funny, and Murder Well-Bred is no exception. To horse people, the most important thing in a book is accuracy - nothing peeves us more than reading a book that has horses in it and trip over inaccuracies on every page. Banks' books are "equinely" accurate, entertaining, and fun!

But I gave it to all my horse-loving friends, because this Carolyn Banks, set in Mexico, is sooo funny and true. ( you'll never drink the local water anymore.)

I haven't read a book this much fun in a LOOOONG time! Being a horse person myself, I can appreciate her horsey descriptions (which are right on) and her other "bodily function" descriptions are a hoot. A great mystery which I'd love to see on the TV screen.

I'm not sure why, but this book just completely captured my imagination and ran with it. This is one of m favorite books of all time. What I really love, though, is the copy I read was a musty old tome, probably printed in the 30s or 40s, from my library, that just had the mosr wonderful smell and the comfortable, dusty feel. If at all possible, read a copy like that.

What would the Old West have been without the Mustang? Frank Dobie regales the reader with tales ranging from the legendary Pacing White Mustang to more obscure but nonetheless fascinating legends such as Blue Streak and Starface, to insight into the mysterious origins of the breed.

I read this book for the first time years ago, and I still can't get enough of it! This book is must-read for any horse lover or Wild West enthusiast!

Dobie tells the story of the impact that the introduction of the horse had on life in the Americas, with an emphasis on the American West. His historical research is good, citing a number of written sources (and even giving new perspective on Fremont or Pike).

But the real color of the book comes from his anecdotes, many of which come from discussions with cowboys and mustangers who lived through the final days of the open range in the American West. Great color, great stories throughout!

Highly entertaining, yet with good research and historical value. Wonderful insight into the character of horses.

Just thought I would let you know that my daughter's 1st grade teacher loves this book. She says it is her favorite. She loves it so much that the class had a play with it! It was so cute and so neat! Had to buy the book!

This book is an wonderful exampl that shows how children often use their wild imaginations to escape into a world of fantasy!

I ordered this book for my niece's sixth birthday. She loved the illustrations, because they correspond so much to her imagination! I met Tim at Bob Jones University. He works for the press as an illustrator while attending school full time. He is very willing to use his wonderful talents. His is also very kind and courteous. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to supply their imagination with a little bit of realistic creativity! -Scott Norris