Hands-On English is a well-organized, carefully thought out introduction to how the English language works and how it can be used to help one communicate more effectively. The author discusses the basics of grammar, usage, writing mechanics, and the writing process in straightforward language anyone can understand. At the same time, she has developed a set of illustrations that effectively demonstrate how the parts of speech or parts of a sentence interrelate and that wonderfully enhance this book's value as a learning tool.

This book could help anyone who wants to know how to communicate more effectively-especially anyone who missed, or has long since forgotten, the grammar taught in school. I have recommended Hands-On English to my graduate communications students at a local university, and the ones who have used it have found it beneficial. This book is particularly appealing when one compares it to the many lame and carelessly written "how to" writing books currently on the market. Even though it is apparently aimed at junior high school students, Hands-On English is still an excellent tool for businesspeople, engineers, or anyone else who would like to write more effectively

Hands-On English definitely belongs in every home library. It has been a quick reference for me and a tremendous help in putting together the text for my historical atlas.

For decades Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" rallied us to write our best English, no more and no less. Each of its sentences demonstrated to the listening ear that good writing was a matter--not of Baroque gilding, Gothic loftiness, or Romantic breathlessness--but of Yankee economy, craft, and precision.

Now the lessons that Strunk & White made clear to anyone with ears to hear have been given a visual and tactile dimension by Fran Santoro in "Hands-On English." This is an important enhancement for those of us whose best appendage for learning is not the ear but the eye or the hand--I mean you, joy-sticking Webmaster, and you, number-crunching Engineer, and even you, paint-spattered Marketer . . . Step up and feel with your own hands the difference between the lumpen cube of a noun and the coiled spring of a verb! Admire the tongue-and-groove snugness of a well fitted sentence. For a mind-blowing effect, line up a series of verbs and watch them spring forth like so many slinkies tumbling down the stairs.

See an adjective--with one daub of its paintbrush tip--transform that noun-cube before your very eyes! And then marvel at the transformation of that adjectival paintbrush, in its turn, by one dusting from an adverbial magic wand! Let your fingers grope beneath the noun-cube for the hooks from which you can, if you have need, suspend one!--two!--three!--prepositional magnets, each securely supporting a corresponding object of the preposition.

In short, Fran Santoro succeeds where many others have failed: laying bare the mechanics of "grammar" so that that dread word will shake off forever its Dali-esque surreality. For this we all owe her "Hands-On English" a Siskel-and-Ebert-style two thumbs up!

If you are a parent, a teacher, an employed person of any kind, buy a copy of "Hands-On English": you know someone in desperate need of this book. And if you mastered all this years ago--even if you spent your down time as a kid diagramming sentences!--buy this book for the wicked pleasure its stick-in-the-eye precision of language will bring you. It's a new-and-improved Strunk and White in Furby clothing.

Hamilton addresses the diminishing importance of the individual in the face of the modern superstate. This novel resembles in atmosphere the 'film noir' genre of the contemporary cinema. George Harvey Bone's pathetic career is 'sensationalised', made lurid and larger than life, so that he becomes like a figure in a melodrama. Hamilton uses language that focus the reader's view through those of Bone, self-obsessedly viewing his own actions, his "great golfers hands" on the golf club for example, as he tries to invest himself with some feeling of worth while sub-consciously plotting murder. Bone's schizophrenic world threatens to explode throughout the book , just as the dark clouds of war with Europe gather threateningly in the background. The tiny tragedy of Bone' s demise is deliberately made to read like pulp fiction, in a sense, and the report of his death, forced off the front page by the breaking out of war, is likewise reduced to a tabloid headline.

The whole setting of the book is artificial; "the agony of Netta beneath the electric light"; the great wave of laughter (the world's laughter) that breaks over Bone as he enters the lime-lit Brighton theatre, are part of the harsh artificiality of the world that Bone inhabits. His friends are cynical and talk enthusiastically of fascism.

I am reminded by this book of the world described in Henry Miller's early work (Tropic of Capricorn etc) and of George Orwell's 'Coming up for Air' in which, once again, events build against the mounting threat of World War II, and the protagonists (George 'Fatty' Bowling) sense of personal history, values and identity are buried by the onslaught of suburban sprawl and its attendant advertising, materialism and the dislocation of community.

Hamilton predicts the present day world of media obsession with personal agony, which trivialises all human anguish and tribulation, reducing human experience and suffering to a commodity to be consumed, rather than a shared touchstone of communication, understanding and empathy.

Hamilton's brilliance lies in the clever contrivance of allowing us to feel Bone's pathetic agony, and yet to see it transformed into a trite, turgid melodrama, which is interchangeable in the daily press with a major international war. This is the kind of attitude, towards the small business of being human, that was necessary to prepare the world for the introduction of concentration camps and mass political executions.

Imagine George Harvey Bone as a character in a Thomas Hardy novel: (Bone could be transformed into a country rube quite easily!) His unfortunate story would be imbued with a sense of sanctity and respect that Hamilton deliberately defiles and destroys before our very eyes, using exactly the same means in achieving this end as the media of his day, and as the media of the present day does in a way that both Hamilton and Orwell could forsee, perhaps, but surely never appreciate the oppressive monstrous extent to which it has come.

This is one of the last novels, it seems to me, written before the obsession with the selfish concerns of the individual (the first article of faith of capitalism) became the only concern of the writer. Hamilton's book clearly indicates the coming of this self obsession. From here on, solipsism rules OK?

This is truly one of the literary masterpieces of the 20th century...it's a sad commentary on our country when this is unavailable in the US while so much trash can be had in every mall bookstore. Netta is without a doubt the most memorable villain in modern literature.

Simple, stupid George is in with a bad crowd - the sinister Peter, his crowd of unemployed hangers-on and the beautiful but cruel Netta with whom George is love. Spurned over and over, humiliated and ultimately resented for his weakness, it becomes increasingly difficult not to offer George your greatest sympathy, even given his occasional psychotic episodes where he realises he must kill Netta and escape his flimsy existence. This tale is an intense and moving study into the pain of unrequited love.

I have read the book in the last 3 days, all I can say, is that this book is excellent, it covers everything from the simplest to the more difficult ideas, yet making them all look simple. a very satisfied customer. Joe Scheibel

Finally,a diorama book that doesn't focus on battle scenes (but those guys can learn a LOT with this book).

Instead, Ken shows how to spice up your automotive subjects, from simple display base scenes to complete, contained scenes.

Rust, mud, grime, and slime. Beaten, dented, worn out, used and abused. Ken shows you how.

Also, there is plenty about texturing, photo-reducing and sign-making, as well as an excellent primer on figure posing and painting.

This is a book that has been long overdue for model car builders, but as I said, anyone who works with scale models of any sort will find this to be a gold mine.

Great book which will help you to build your cars or trucks dioramas.
There are very nice examples which take you step by step in building nice dioramas. It can help and begginers and expert modelers to improve their models.

In middle age,life can seem to drag to a halt. Marion Woodman and her coauthors demonstrate that the richest part of inner work is possible when we no longer are focusing most of our energy on the outer world of our families,or our careers. the stories these women tell of their own dream journeys are almost beyond belief, and inspired me to resume dream work i abandoned years ago. the journey never ends, and Leaving My Father's House begins a whole new ring on the spiral to wholeness. my only complaint is that at times the book felt too wordy.

If life had a reading list, this book would certainly be on it. Woodman does a supreme job of linking the women's narratives -- clarifying and filling in their experiences in archtypical and Jungian terms -- without dimming the spotlight on their individual experiences.

How long will we live our lives unwhole and blaming others (or even ourselves!) for our unhappiness? Until we all read this book and others like it, I'd guess.

With this book, Marion Woodman guides us through a complex and difficult journey. Her work with women through the often painful and lonely process of coming into their own life is shared with wisdom, compassion and deep love. I have found this book to be fundamental to my growth and my process. The women who shared their stories have enriched my life and have helped guide me on my way. I've given this book as a gift to many women friends, and I feel it can be a helpful and useful tool for anyone embarking on the inner journey.

This novel is a joy! We finally find out some of the reasons Miss Seeton is the way she is! As a'prequel', this one is very well done, and fits with all that we already know about Miss Seeton. I was finished with it far too soon, and still would like to know more about Miss Seeton. She is an interesting and quirky character. Even if you haven't read the other Miss Seeton books, you will find much to enjoy here. Hamilton Crane (aka Sarah J. Mason) weaves a wonderful plot, full of twists and turns. All of her Miss Seeton books, and her own series the Trewley and Stone stories, are very tightly plotted and well written. A very enjoyable read!

For people already aquainted with Miss Seeton, this is a must read about an earlier time in Miss Seeton's life. I have had little success with character series going "back" in time with the latest book but this one is very well done.

Prime Minister Churchill arouses England's patriotism in the upcoming Battle of Britain against Nazi Germany. However, suspicions of treachery and sabotage run high throughout the countryside in the summer of 1940. When the Ministry of Information, Subsection P(F/S) learns that an art teacher Miss Emily Seeton seems to be sketching military secrets, they investigate. Mr. Steptoe arrives and explains that his office is the Publicity and Fact Sheet subsection of the Information Ministry. He "borrows" several of Emily's drawings of the area. Soon the officials debate whether Emily is spying for the Nazis because she seemed to know in advance the plans behind the Miracle at Dunkirk.

After proving her loyalty to her country, Major Haynes hires Emily to sketch the workers at the Spitfire Factory where escalating sabotage on a minor scale seems to have occurred. Emily quickly realizes that someone is more than just a traitor. That unknown individual will murder to insure the success of his quest, which Emily believes is personal and not misguided loyalty to Hitler.

The twenty-second Miss Seeton novel actually takes place prior to the previous books (five authored by Heron Carvic, three by Hampton Charles, and fourteen by Hamilton Crane). MISS SEETON'S FINEST HOUR is indeed the first case for the amateur detective. Ms. Crane ingeniously describes the disposition of a young Emily that cleverly fits the personality of Emily in her future tales. The story line's feel for the hysteria yet courage of 1940 England adds to the overall depth of the tremendous novel. The who-done-it is intriguing, but the characterization of a young Emily turns this tale into Ms. Crane's finest hour.

Harriet Klausner

Douglas MacGowan's book, Murder in Victorian Scotland..., depicts Madeline Smith's life and trial with a clarity and focus that allow the reader a glimpse into a bygone era. Using historical references and letters saved by the deceased to build the world of Madeline Smith and Emile L'Angelier, MacGowan takes his reader into the lives of these two figures in context of 18th century Scotland and allow them to come to their own conclusion regarding the historic trial and its rather odd verdict of "Not Proven". Overall, a fascinating look at another life, time, and judicial system.

Most mystery buffs relish the challenge of piecing together the clues and figuring out "who done it" before the author discloses the guilty party(ies). A smug satisfaction settles in after the reader wades through a complex set of circumstances and successfully solves the puzzle. Of course, the fiction author always reveals the answers by the last page. Not so in the true crime story related in "Murder in Victorian Scotland : The Trial of Madeleine Smith." We know that Emile died of arsenic poisoning, and that his secret lover Madeleine was tried for his murder, then released with the unusual verdict of "Not Proven." However, author Douglas MacGowan won't give us much more than that. His clever, 'diarist' style of chronologically detailing the available facts and surviving evidence puts readers smack in the middle of this intriguing story -- to decide for themselves what really happened.

Those who usually avoid non-fiction will likely find the saga of Madeleine and Emile as riveting as a blood and guts novel -- pondering clues and re-reading pages in an attempt to fit together pieces of the puzzle. Madeleine's letters to Emile offer a fascinating study in human psychology, through both her emotional missives to her lover, and his apparent responses which are implied in her references. Other characters are woven in, making us wonder if there is more to this tale than just an inappropriate love affair gone wrong. We get to glimpse a time and society where morals, laws and investigative tools were much different from those of today. Yet, it all boils down in the end to -- an upper class young woman carries on a passionate and secret love affair with a common man, who ends up dead by poison just as the woman plans to wed another of her own class. A timeless scenario. And, one that presents more questions than answers.

This book provides a rare chance for the reader to "rewrite" history with his/her own verdict...and to wonder about the author's own conclusion. Did she do it? Or not? Puzzling. Thought-provoking. Challenging. Terrific! A must read for historians AND mystery lovers!

In what was called "The Trial of the Century" in 1857, a young lady named Madeleine Smith was accused of poisoning a lover of a lower class so that she could marry a man her family deemed more suitable.

The subject of this case does not seem to inspire moderation of views, as earlier works seem to be nakedly pro or anti Smith. Unlike previous works on the case (and many books of this genre), the author resists the temptation to take a stand on the innocence or guilt of the accused. Perhaps MacGowan has enough faith in his readers intelligence to allow them to come to their own conclusions.

People who want to read a murder mystery in which the answers are handed to them at the end might want to read an Agatha Christie novel instead. Those that don't mind thinking for themselves, and getting a glimpse of the culture and justice system of the Victorian age will enjoy this book.

This is a great book, easy to read and follow. Concise enough where you can read it fast but with enough background information so the drug therapy makes sense. You will get a thorough understanding on what drugs are used and why. Picks up on the key points a pharmacist needs to know in practice and a student or someone who is studying for the boards needs to know for exams. Flowcharts are great, has JNC-VI guidelines which are the standard when it comes to drug therapy and pharmaceutical care. Overall, a great book that will enhance your understanding by leaps and bounds.

an excellent reference for students in their clinical clerkship rotations. It does facilitate life as it is extremely well written with the right details..

This is the best formatted, most current handbook on pharmacotherapy. I especially appreciate the pathophysiologic approach, drug treatment, and monitoring parameters outlined throughout the book. Chapters are concise, and yet offer thorough coverage of the most commonly encountered disease states. Each chapter is written by one or more expert in the field; chapters can be read very quickly. A great working tool for clinical pharmacists. I definetely recommend it.

Several years ago, while attending Emery-Riddle Aeronautical University, this book was used as our textbook for Aviation Law. To this day, anytime I get on the subject of Aviation Law, I recommend this book to anyone who holds an FAA certificate. I'm a Maintenance Supervisor for a major airline and have suggested it to my employees who have found themselves in less than desirable situations involving enforcement actions. They always come back to me with the same comment; "I wish I had read this book before I got into trouble." Learn from their mistakes - read the book before you NEED the book. It's short and to the point, you won't be sorry!

Now in a completed updated, revised and expanded second edition, Scott Hamilton's Practical Aviation Law provides complete, competent course for self-study or undergraduate study on how the legal system works with respect to aviation activities. With entertaining examples of aviation law in action, all of the recent changes to date in statutory and regulatory law are clarified, including international law. Practical Aviation Law is soundly recommended as a quick reference guide for aviation managers, private and professional aviators, flight cres, airline personnel, aircraft owners, air traffic controllers, air safety investigators, and the non-specialist general reader involved in aviation as a profession or hobby.

I'm a pilot not a lawyer and I have no connection with the author or the company. This excellent book explains in easy to understand language how the aviation legal system works (and doesn't work). The book tells you what steps to take or more importantly, not to take when dealing with the FAA or other aviation related parties. All pilots should read this book to learn how to protect your license.

If your going to Austin Community College & Taking Akins you will need this book

As a college instructor of oral communication for ten years, I complained bitterly about the poor selection of books for beginning students--until now. This is the single best book of its kind on the market, bar none. In all my years, I've never had students brag on a book like this one: easy to read, well-organized, thoughtful, practical, visually attractive, and substantive. My best compliment is that I can teach three times the material in half the time just by using this text--and people understand it! I can't brag enough on the author's work. This is phenomenal. ANYONE who wants to master the basics of public speaking should read this cover to cover. The principles and techniques Mr. Gregory describes are effective, powerful, and described in a simple way. BRAVO! I'll recommend this to everyone.

I'm a student at a local college here in Jersey City. I found this book very easy to read but doesn't defeat the purpose to inform. I really wish I can have him as my teacher.

THANKS HAMILTON!

I've been a fan of the wee Scott for many years following his career first as a driver and now as an entrant. One cannot imagine the problems faced by someone wanting to enter the competitive world of Formula One motor racing until you read this book.

A very informative account of the conception, launch and first year of a brand new Grand Prix race team. The book is extremely well written and supplemented by beautiful photography in both b&w and colour.

Now that Stewart Grand Prix has been bought out by Jaguar, this book is a must for any Formula One fan and provides a much valued documentary of this era of Grand Prix history.

I read a lot of books for research on starting a Race team, this is one of the best books I chose!! This book takes you though the in's and out's and up's and down's of starting Stewart Ford. A lot of books give WAY too much detail, this one is just right, it gives the reader (race fan) just the right amount of content and excitement in the text followed by wonderful color and black and white photos. If you were not a Stewart Ford fan before, this book will at least make you have a little pull for them come race day. If you are interested in how it all started this is a great book, I couldn't put it down, it kept me going from front cover to back... I'll be looking for them this race year!

As fan of the Stewart Grand prix team, this book was the number one book on my christmas list last year. Here, a grand prix team opens it's doors to you, and shows you around. The whole book charts the first year of the Stewart Team in the world of F1. Described to you are the problems, barriers and hinderances in the way of setting up a grand prix team from next to nothing. It also re-accounts the moments of joy and great acheivement the team had in it's first year. "The" book for any supporter of the new guys in F1.