Strategic Renaissance, by Evan M. Dudik, gives us a new understanding of how to characterize effective strategy. Mr. Dudik has a great blend of philosophical, historical, business, strategic experience and insight. His practical applications based on his career are very interesting to me and should also be to many other readers.

Strategic Renaissance takes a look at many strategic characteristics of war, business, science and other fields of human endeavor ring the past one the last millennium No CEO will dispute the traditional strategic factors of geography, transportation, cost, price, culture and people. These factors will remain increasingly dynamic as a result of technology.

Therefore, no strategy, regardless of its current success, can sustain itself indefinitely. Dudik helps the reader define a agenda for identifying the continuing process of creating and re-creating successful business strategies.

Strategic Renaissance is very easy to pick up and read. Mr. Dudik's humor and real life experiences make it a refreshing book to read. I found it hard to put it down. It prepares it readers to consider strategic adaptation not as failure but as necessary for continued survival and success.

Strategic thinking (or exploration) is one of my pet subjects. So, when I first browsed this book in a local bookstore, I was intrigued by several terms found in the Index page: strategic hypotheses, opportunity creation & exploitation (OCE), business strategy as falsifiable hypothesis, falsification vs verification, asymmetries (natural, created), web of belief. I was even more surprised when I found terms like astrology and guided imagery in a mainstream book intended for general managers. I bought the book and I have not been disappointed after reading it.

It took me quite a while to appreciate the author's intellectually provocative ideas about strategy formulation.

I find it quite informative to read the author's masterfully intertwining of contemporary models of breakthrough corporate strategies (real-life cases) with revolutionary concepts drawn from science, philosophy, military, political history as well as business history. However, I still think he was a little bit too long-winded in the process.

The author's artful usage of the "Hammer and Pivot" metaphor (drawn from a successful historical military battle formation) in the Strategic Anatomy chapter (3) as a tool for internal capability assessment was quite a gem. This will definitely help to enhance the traditional SWOT Analysis in a company strategy formulation exercise. Overall, I find his insights refreshing.

In a nutshell, his brilliant arguments in the context of strategy formulation, can be summarised as follows:

1. A strategy is a hypothesis.

2. A strategy is a testable and falsifiable hypothesis.

3. Goals and mission statements are only the starting points for strategic hypotheses.

4. A falsifiable strategy has two basic elements for testing and verification: Conditions and Outcomes/Consequences. (The author puts a lot of emphasis here, and also shows how to use IF and THEN statements.)

5. To craft a successful strategic hypothesis, begin by asking questions. (The author provides some penetrating questions. They will help to spell out the conditions and consequences.)

6. When experience or experimentation falsifies a theory, learning naturally takes place, by doing, of course.

7. Strategy formulation is a work of constant refinement.

I enjoyed very much perusing the four chapters (5,6,7, & 8) covering opportunity creation and exploitation (OCE), the two chapters (9,10) on corporate cultures and the web of belief, and the last chapter (11), which summarised the book in the form of Do's and Don'ts.

At the end of each chapter, the author provides many points to ponder (P2P), several questions to ask (Q2A) and some things to do (T2D) in the form of "Consequences, Implications and Checklists." I find these summariser/activator features to be very useful for readers, especially for me. They make the book so much easier to read and digest.

Summing up, this is a MUST-READ and MUST-DO book to be included in your Strategic Thinking Library. Highly recommended for entrepeneurs.

As a small businessman living the "American Dream", I don't get the opportunity to read as much as I would like. That's why I'm very pleased to have spent some precious time with "Strategic Renaissance" by Evan M. Dudik. While receiving some valuable insights into refining strategies for my business, I was also entertained with the connections Mr. Dudik made with classical philosophy, science, and especially, military history.

In addition to the inspiration to re-engage my intellect, the book offers some practical checklists and useful tools to construct a better strategic planning process for my company. I especially appreciate the exposure to three of the themes in the book:

1. The development of an "if-then" quantifiable approach to analysis of strategies that creates the challenge to falsify the underlying hypotheses;

2. The utilization of the time tested "pivot and hammer" strategies to defend against and attack direct competitors, especially those with numerical superiority; and

3. Ways of dealing with corporate culture while making necessary strategic moves.

I highly recommend this book as a management tool - and an interesting read!

I heard the author read his book at a literacy event sponsored by Barbara Bush that was aired on CNN. I found it so gripping! I thought the story was just lovely. It is likely more touching and poignant to adults than to children but shows children the enduring love of a parent. When the father 'smiles' at seeing his daughter dance, it reveals his heart. I have never seen the text or companion pictures but loved hearing it audibly.

I work in a bookstore, and as such, often at lunch time, I will grab a random childrens book and read it over my break, to better aquaint myself with that section of the store.

This book broke my heart.

The absolutely gorgeous tale of a father and a daughter united by her love of dancing (and his love of watching his daughter dance), this is a tale of a little girl who grows up, and the father who watches her dance every step of the way.

I refuse to ruin this book for you, but to say that you will desire a tissue by the last three pages is not an understatement. It is a beautifully written book that speaks volumes on the love between a father and daughter, and the bittersweet pain of letting a loved one go.

Find this book and read it, it puts "I'll Love You Forever," to shame.

My daughter gave me a clipping from the paper about this book. I was curious so I looked it up here on amazon.com. From what I read I ordered the book. When I received it I read it, and got a little tear in my eye. The same happened to my wife. My daughter doesn't dance but the story told of our relationship. I gave the book to my daughter, it was a perfect gift for her. By the way, my daughter is 41 years old.

This book is probably the pre-eminent "global" text on Ars Moriendi. Stripped of culturally conditioned paraphernalia ( various Bodhisattvas, elaborate Mahayanist mythologies etc ), what remains is probably the most descriptive essay on the "great beyond" ( apart from Plato's "Phaedo", which I find even more aesthetically and cognitively persuasive, but greatly differing in spirit ).

Among the greatest merits of the book are, IMO, a clear exposition of the Trikaya doctrine, ie. Mahayanist ontology; subtle psycho-spiritual analysis ( mainly in footnotes ) of 'Knower' ( principle of consciousness, caitanya or shes-pa - permanent reincarnating "I": an entity in perfect concordance with Tantricism but not very plausible in Buddhist Theravada orthodoxy ) and visionary cartography of the three ( "Divine"( Chikai ), noetic/causal ( Chonyid ), and psychic/imaginal ( Sidpa )) supraphysical Bardo states/worlds.

Probably the biggest failure is Jung's introduction, something that makes a man suspicious whether Jung had read "Bardo Thodhol" at all. Avalon's foreword is not bad, but also not very illuminating. What makes the book readable and understandable are Evans Wentz's intro and footnotes without which "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" would be a dry and dull read. Since inception of Wentz's "Tibetan Canon" ( 4- 5 books ) many eminent authors ( Chogyam Trungpa, Tarthang Tulku, Sogyal Rinpoche,..) have written numerous works on the Vajrayana, but, as far as I'm concerned- they haven't succeeded in surpassing these early masterpieces.

With this translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, or Natural Liberation in the Between, Thurman fulfills the function of a Bodhisattva in helping others attain liberation. This is the most accessible, down-to-earth and learned rendering of this guide to spiritual liberation that I have encountered in modern American English. Thurman even manages to work in a little humor on the edges.

What this translation makes abundantly clear is just how many chances in the in-between we have for liberation. Apparently one has to be very non-aware to go through the in-between and miss the chance for stepping off the carousel. of samsara. (So why am I still here?)

It would be interesting to devote some time to a cross cultural/cross discipline study of death, dying and beyond. In particular, a study comparing Stan Grof's 3rd perinatal matrix; Sufi descriptions of the interworld (barzakh) and the world of Harqalya (see Corbin's Celestial Body); some schools of visualization/dream work; descriptions of the astral world (Robert Bruce's and Robert Monroe's works in particular); and shamanic traditions would be illuminating. Throw Dante in for good measure. There appear to be large areas of overlap and agreement as to what happens during death, and what happens next. (Get enough blind men together and compare their impressions of the elephant and a clearer picture may come to light.)

The best thing about this book, however, is that it invites the reader to learn the Tibetan death ritual for oneself. It helps that, as the book explains, our after-death mind is nine times more intelligent than our current mind. So just a little application now in learning these texts will go a long way later.

Face it. At some moment in the near future you will close your eyes for the last time on this world. Death is more certain than retirement - and longer. Like anything else, the more you learn about it and get acquainted with it, the less shocking and scary it will be.

Tamuning, Guam February 5, 2000

"The Tibetan Book of The Dead"; translated by Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdup, edited by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, is written in clear, formal, academic British English circa 1922.

It is a masterpiece of translation and esoteric religious exposition.

No serious religious scholar should be without it.

It is not particularly easy to read. A good dictionary (look up "numinous" to test) should be at hand. And, unless you are reasonably versed in Tibetan & Oriental Studies, be prepared to learn a great deal of genuinely esoteric lore.

However, "The Tibetan Book of The Dead" will take you places beyond the Plane of Earthly Existence, through the Light, the Joys, Fears & Desires of the AfterLife & Back a New Born Babe.

I'd say that's worth the effort to read it & to try to understand.

Rabbi Vander Cecil

I read over 400 self-help books. I have a B.A. in psychology and currently involved in M.A. in psychology. I recenlty wrote my own book (how to love yourself when no one else does, available from publishamerica.com in a few month). I came across this book by accident. And i was shocked. This is one of the greatest books I read. I love the style of the author, the way she explains the nature of controlling people is very unique and un-scientific. She is not afraid to put forth her own unique and very special perspective of these people. I love her unique style of writing and it really gave me a new perspective on why controlling people the way they are and the true nature of their behavior and behavior of people who occassionally tolerate such behavior. I was so happy with her book, that I ordered author's other books. I'm very impressed and aplaud her for such a great job. I advise this book greatly. You will not waste your time and you will not waste your money. I just love it!

Some books are good, others are great, and then there are those that change lives. Patricia Evan's latest book, Controlling People, will change lives. In her first book, The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Patricia Evans pulled back the curtain on the "Wizard" of verbal abuse, to reveal varying realities and control techniques existing in verbally abusive relationships. In Controlling People, Patricia Evans takes us on a journey through the "Wizard's" inner workings, in what can best be described as an unprecedented comprehensive analysis of controlling behaviors in verbally abusive relationships.
Facing the ominous task of revealing one of our cultures long-ignored social taboos, Controlling People, as the title suggests, takes its reader on a step-by-step analysis of how we can recognize, understand, and deal with people who try to control us. In doing so, Patricia Evans continues to offer validation, strength, and hope to those who have suffered in verbally abusive relationships. Controlling People not only reveals these behaviors for what they really are, but then goes further in analyzing, and providing a conceptual vocabulary that makes it possible to discuss, address, understand, and deal with controlling behaviors. The Verbally Abusive Relationship introduced us to new concepts and vocabulary in a world of dysfunctional interpersonal communication which was relatively uncharted. In The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Patricia Evans introduced us to Reality I, and Reality II, perspectives, as well as signs to help us identify verbally abusive relationships. The articulation and establishment of these concepts and vocabulary made possible, for the first time, a meaningful dialogue on verbally abusive relationships.
Controlling People takes it to the next level by introducing us to more details and sophisticated concepts - Disconnections and Backwards Connections; The Pretend Person and Giving up the Anchor of Pretend Person; Silencing Separateness; The Spell, The Spellbound, and The Spell Breakers; Confabulation and Clarity - Concepts which will continue to revolutionize continuing dialogue in the realm of verbally abusive relationships and associated controlling behaviors.
Written in a manner which can be easily followed and clearly understood by both layperson and professional, Controlling People presents an honest, straight-forward and hard-hitting look at verbal abuse related behaviors. Whether the reader is victim, or abuser, this book will not let you escape the truth.

In the famed "Velveteen Rabbit", the child's stuffed animal is loved so much that it comes to life. In some relationships because of control, the opposite happens. The real person is reduced to feeling like a mere stuffed animal, without life. Thanks to Patricia Evans, there is now a clear roadmap for relationships, leading to renewed life for each individual as well as the relationship.
Patricia innately captures mysterious communication problems and gives understanding to people who've been struggling for answers. Her work is unique. One will not get this information from counselors or other books. The treasure contained in this book has been life-changing and life-giving to me. This is an excellent book for every person. It is extremely practial and easy to read and understand. Don't wait a day to get your own copy.

ADAM BEDE is a thrilling read, though it may seem hard to believe given the unpromising setting and the stilted way Eliot introduces her story. But after the first few starchy chapters, abruptly, something wonderful happens: she gets wise to herself. It's as if you can see her realize that the upright characters she *thought* she was pinning her story on, dull Dinah and Mr Irwine, aren't really the stuff of which fiction is made -- so she shoves them aside and takes up the flawed characters of her triangle, who resonate with possibility at every turn. Suddenly, miraculously, with almost no warning, all Eliot's amazing gifts as a writer take center stage: Her psychological insight. Her phenomenal wit. The dramatizing genius that allows her, effortlessly, to plot the most intimate narrative developments against the gigantic backdrop of a county-wide feast or funeral. Her fearlessness and surefootedness in picking her way (and ours) through the tangle of social and class relationships of an entire village. In this embarrassment of riches, maybe most rewarding for a reader like me is Eliot's unerring ability to pay off her plots: here, ladies and gentlemen, is a writer who knows how to write the hell out of a climax -- George Eliot's big confrontation scenes never, ever disappoint.

Too, some wizardry seems to keep her narrative touch both incomparably delicate and completely unflinching at the same time. At the heart of ADAM BEDE is a story so sordid I wonder whether it could be broadcast on network TV today, and Eliot tells it without vulgarity but without ever shying away from its ugliness. My most serious criticism of the book is that Eliot didn't quite trust herself enough not to tack an unconvincing (and, worse, uninteresting) happy ending onto her story. But the hair-raising drive of the middle two-thirds of the book is something you'll never forget.

George Eliot weaves a simple story of love, suffering, and goodness. While the plot is hardly complex (boy loves girl, another boy gets girl, unhappiness abounds - also reused in Mill on the Floss), the manner in which Eliot develops her characters and their emotions and actions ring as true and resoundingly as a bell. It's so clear, so obvious, but also moving and textured. You feel Adam's absolute love for vain little Hetty, Dinah's calming grace, Arthur's good intentions, Lisbeth's fretting nature. Eliot draws you in with her honest observations of life in a country town, without the background becoming a dominant factor. The near idyllic life the characters lead is a healthy contrast to the town's emotional upheaval.

Adam is an upright, genuine character, and not as perfect as he seems. If his love for Hetty seems unfounded at times, it only serves to highlight how dangerous delusions can be. All the "sinners" are ultimately redeemed by truth - true love, true friends, true promises, and true acceptance. Religion plays a significant part in the novel, but don't let that deter you. It's so much more than that - Adam Bede is truly one of the few works that encompass a world of humanity between two covers.

AB reminded me of Tess of the D'Ubervilles a bit, but there is no villain here, just flawed, honest people in search of unattainable dreams. In the process of trying to get a bit of happiness, they stumble and bleed, but ultimately find something truly worth having. Bittersweetness is Eliot's trademark for good reason.

George Eliot's first full novel is obviously a bit less polished than her later works, but you see the wonderful command she has over language and expression. The book, the people, the story all come alive with her touch. A rare read that has something to say and says it beautifully.

This book was a dirty task to complete, but I was so enchanted with the romances that I couldn't put this book down. Not only of romance (Eliot's forte), but with tragic twists. Superb, and also difficult read. Readers of all ages will find this story beautiful and hard to forget.

Drug-running, counterfeiting rackets and terrorism are all combined and land in the lap of the 87th Precinct. They are called into action after trouble in the lion enclosure at the zoo. Circumstances conspire to ensure that Fat Ollie Weeks of the 88th Precinct is also brought into the case, livening up proceedings no end.

Steve Carella and Ollie Weeks join forces to head up the homicide investigation, which becomes a lot more involved as they uncover more about the victim. Counterfeit $100 notes are found that are somehow linked to the victim, as are drugs - a lot of drugs, actually. The irreverent Ollie Weeks provides the lighter moments of the book as he imposes his charm on the unsuspecting public. Steve Carella still has family problems as well as personal ones, providing a more sober and darker sub-plot.

This is yet another strong case for the cops from the 87th Precinct combining a fast-paced story with amusing banter from the investigating officers as they go through their standard police procedures. I get the feeling that Ed McBain is becoming more and more happy with his creation of Ollie Weeks and seems to have delighted in developing his character over recent books. His personal hygiene, interviewing techniques and view on minority groups are all so bad, it's good.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY is the first Ed McBain (or Evan Hunter) novel that I have read. I am sure I would have appreciated this novel better had I read previous 87th precinct novels. This is the first time I meet the characters from the squad and there were some chapters I had to reread in order to understand what was going on, particularly the death of Steve Carella's father.

The case begins with a gruesome discovery at the town zoo's lion cage. Five lions are having Cassandra Ridley for breakfast. Most of the zoo's territory falls on the 87th precinct; however, the victim's leg winds up reaching the 88th precinct where Fat Ollie Weeks works for the police department.

In the course of the investigation they learn that Ms. Ridley was working a pilot for Mexican drug runners. Inadvertently, she was also involved with counterfeit money, which brings the Secret Service to the mix. There is also a death involving a book salesman who also plays a part in this caper.

I cannot be too critical about this novel since this is my first McBain novel out of over fifty. I think I would have preferred to learn more of the series regulars before having started this novel. I do not intend to give up with this author since I am sure he has other good novels.

"Money, Money, Money" is the 51st 87the Precinct novel by the master of the police procedural, Ed McBain. Steve Carella and Meyer Meyer from the 87th Precinct and Fat Ollie Weeks from the 88th are called to the Grover Park Zoo to investigate the death of a woman who has been eaten by lions. They find out that she is Cassandra Ridley, a former Gulf War pilot. They also learn that she had recently made a drug run to Mexico. They also find out that she was paid a tip with "super-bills", bogus $100 bills. The plot to this one is rather complex with drugs, bogus money, murder, and a bombing at Clarendon Hall. More attention is given to the criminal element than is usual in McBain's novels. The characters are all well-drawn, especially a drug dealer named "Wiggy the Lid", a man you would not wish to meet. This is another excellent addition to a series that began in 1956. I have 45 of them, and I have not read a bad one yet.

This is a ridiculously entertaining book of Hollywood life and values, occasionally reminiscent of Caligula, more often of the yellowing adventures of the Black Mask. Evans is, despite himself, deathlessly enjoyable. It is clear from the start that he has scores to settle, but to his credit, he starts with himself. Hollywood, by definition, is a crazy place - Charles Bukowski's "Hollywood" cuts it to the bone - but Evans manages to make it beguilingly funny-crazy. Excesses pile on excesses, coke on crime, adultery on tragedy, until you can hardly stand up. I read this between a Henry Miller and a Hunter S Thompson and it made the others seem like choirboys. But it's not all lava-lamp-land. Eloquent and moving is Evans' account of the loss of his favorite home, and Jack Nicholson's kindness in supporting his fight back. And the coda? Can anyone not remain friends with a memoirist who takes his dollar, charges him like a bull, then tells the gallery to ... well, read it and believe it.

Bob Evans. What a guy. I must admit I loved this book. It is pure gossip and not exactly Dickens. But, Evans is completely honest and his own harshest critic. He tells fantastic stories (was there a woman in Hollywood he did not date between 1950 and 1980?). He takes responsiblity for the many, many mistakes in his life and spins fantastic yarns. Toward the end, it can be a bit annoying reading about how once again, he made the right choice and get railroaded by justice, but at the same time, you care about him. Those amazingly honest stories (particularly about his destruction of his marriages--the story on Phyllis George is a hoot) make the book even more interesting. A must read for film fans and anyone interested in one of our more fascinating Americans. Who else would tell stories about Jack, Warren, and Henry Kissinger? It ends in 1994, before his stroke and bizarre 10 day marriage to Catherine Oxenberg (and his highly medicore movies of the last 7 years or so); but that is nomatter. You'll want to hang at Woodland with Evans by the end. You might even be using "the kid stays in the picture" as your own mantra. Then again, maybe not. Just find a copy and read it.

I spent two days with Bob Evans in Wash., D.C., promoting his movie "Black Sunday" and found him to be honest & straightforward, a class act. No phoniness, no ego stroking like a lot of movie types I dealt with. His book, also, is not just another Hollywood hype whitewash, but an honest recounting of the facts--pretty and ugly--as he remembers them. Read it! A helluva story; a helluva life; a helluva guy!

I liked this book, it sheds much light on demonic operations. The schemes of the devil, as well as the attributes of evil spirits and their way of attack is exposed.

I read this book twice, one time after the other. It is a difficult book to read, one that takes time because of the nature of the subject.

I agree with at least 85% of it, however it does not shed a favorable light on those Christians who manifest speaking in tounges, prophecy, etc.

The author is very conservative and that is o.k. but Charasmatic readers may find a tidbit of the author's analysis offensive.

Surely, as Christians we can look over those things we don't agree with, in order to learn more about the subject matter at hand.

This book is not for the "weak" Christian! It is replete with spiritual truth that will overwhelm those who are not well grounded in the Word of God. The faint-hearted need not read it, for with it will most assuredly come trials from the enemy of your soul who does not want you to appropriate these truths. I've read and studied both the abridged and the unabridged versions, and would recommend either - the abridged for younger (in the Lord) Christians, and the unabridged for those ready and able to handle the "meatier" spiritual matters. Arm yourselves, men and women of God, with the truth of this book and go out to do battle in His Name and by the power of His blood!

War on the Saints (unabridged edition) is the absolute classic work on spiritual warfare and demonic oppression of Christians and non-Christians by the devil and his demonic forces bar none. It is the foundation of similar works by authors Mark Bubeck, Neil Anderson, and Kurt Koch on the same subect. If you will read and memorize the definitions in the beginning of the book, the book makes total sense. If you do not, you will be aruguing with the author's statements. I have ministered to countless "everyday" people that struggle with the exact same battles and issues documented in this book. It is an eye-opener for every believing child of God and a must read for all those who seek to biblically counsel and minister to others both Christian and non-Christian. An awesome work! Buy it and give it to your Pastor!

I disagree with most of the reviews on this book. I was tasked with writing a MIB and this book did not do much for me. For instance, the IMPORTS clause, standard in any MIB. The author only gave a brief defenition of what it is, no examples, no explination of WHY one imports something! A MIB you write will not compile or work without a proper IMPORT clause.

Reading this book takes great effort. Not an easy reas at all and I have been working with SNMP for 5 years and am a Certified OpenView Consultant, and have been for 3 years. There are part of this book that are helpful, but if you are going to be writing a MIB for the first time do not count on this book to help you get it done. Try Total SNMP, which gived a better breakdown and look at some of the MIBs already out there like the UPS MIB.

I found this book to be excellent in helping me write my own SNMP MIBs for my job. No other reference or book was even close.

The book focuses on explaining SNMP MIBs and their syntax. This is extremely important, because the SNMP MIB syntax, while standardized by the IETF RFCs, is not followed strictly by vendors (probably because they didn't have this book).

The strength of this book is that it provides PRACTICAL information on making your own MIBs. Whereas books like Stalling's SNMP book cover the standard, they don't always give you the practical day-to-day help for your job. The authors experience in SNMP MIBs is geniuine as evidenced by their development of a commercial MIB compiler.

Now the negatives:
1) This book was published in 1997 and needs updating
2) Book plugs the author's own MIB compiler. These days other
MIB compilers are available. Nice to have it included on the CDROM
3) Authors periodically express their "Own Opinion" regarding RFCs and make their recommendations. While these are interesting, I don't find them useful. For example, recommending disallowing hypens from labels from v1 to v2. At this point, the standard is the standard. Again, these may have made more sense in 1997.

In summary, buy this book if you are a need to understand MIBs - either a MIB writer or an SNMP developer.

The book "Understanding SNMP MIBs" introduces the reader to the Management Information Base (the MIB) used to describe data managed through the SNMP protocol. The book covers the basic ideas behind SNMP and the operations supported by SNMP, but the major part of the text really focuses on the syntax and the structure of the information base and on defining and maintaining MIBs.

The book does a wonderful job in covering all the related aspects around MIBs. It gives a very good introduction to SNMP (yes, it is brief, but it is much easier to read than some of the texts that focus on SNMP) it gives a detailed description of the MIB syntax and on how to define, build and maintain MIBs. The task of designing and implementing a MIB is illustrated from different points of views. In one chapter, the practical considerations in building MIBs are laid out, e.g. v1 vs. v2, module naming and module layout, in another chapter, the authors lead the readers through the definition process of the MIBs for a hypothetical company with a small product. I addition an analysis of some standard MIBs and the techniques applied in these is included. The whole book is written very well and is in fact very understandable and clear. A lot of critical points in SNMP and the structure of MIBs are explained and commented (although some of the comments are not really constructive).

There are only a few minor points that I did not like about this text. a) Some of the illustrations are just plain horrible, b) the chapter ordering is a little weird: SNMP intro, MIB syntax, SNMP operations, MIB design, MIB browser, MIB design example (but maybe that's just me?) and c) where is the 2nd edition including v3?

Overall, this is a very helpful book. The material is very well presented and really helps to understand SNMP MIBs.

I think this a book worth reading for people who like time-travel. It's well written en well researched (people with their own specialities, ancient Rome for example, or police procedures). It's a real shame that, as the other reviewers mentioned, it was not a story in itself and has to be continued. When will the sequel be published???

feel free to read it....only it has no ending. At the end it says look for her next book, Unholy trinity, coming soon, or something like that. Seeing as the publishing date was '96, which is four years ago, I'd have to say the author isn't writing anymore, is dead or is taking a REALLY long time and writing a REALLy long book. Long books, unless they get dull, don't bother me, but still.....4 years is one hell of a cliffhanger (the most tv does is a week or two and at least lotsa other authors write other books in the meantime.....

This novel is even better than the time travel novels she wrote with Robert Asprin. You taste and smell the past. The characters are well developed. The story is a great adventure. When the second half of this book comes out, I'll reread this one just so I don't miss anything.