This book is for all fans of S. Clay Wilson. There are all of the favorite villains and heroes(?) involved in their convoluted adventures attempting to do what they deem as good. This stuff requires a thick skin with an open mind hanging in the residue of a previous or newly found brain energy. The characters are all well developed and sure to entice everyone with their intriguing dialogue and antics. The drawing is superb and should be enjoyed by casual art goers and especially comic fans. Some violence and maybe pornograhy is evident if one is searching for such stuff but it is only such if you think it is. Remember both William Burroughs and J. G. Ballard ("only the truly paranoid are never surprised").

S. Clay Wilson's anthology is a long overdue compilation of some great comic artwork. Wilson has been kicking down doors for over thirty years, along with his ZAP compatriots. Not for the weak of heart but definitly for the strong of mind!

S. Clay Wilson breaks all aesthetic boundaries in this wonderful compilation of his cartoons about the trickster/anti-hero Checkered Demon. Wilson's luxurious lines mixed with a primitive bravado are unique and fascinating.

Creative Clay Jewelry is one of the many books that attempt to cover polymer clay work from the very basics to quite advanced. While other books are probably more successful at that (Sue Heaser's Polymer Clay Techniques Book, for example), Creative Clay Jewelry has some good projects and solid information, and would be quite useful to the beginning to intermediate clayer.

It's unfortunate that there's no real indication of level of difficulty in the projects; they don't follow any logical progression. Some of the early projects use very basic techniques only - jelly rolls, marbling - which could probably be discussed in the introduction section. However, just a few projects in, there's a geometric pattern that would be quite difficult and frustrating to do as your third or fourth PC project. I'd advise careful consideration when selecting a project from this book.

Dierks does provide a much more detailed ingredient list, including things like findings and clay amounts, which other books tend to skip. She even specifies particular brands and colors, but it isn't necessary to adhere to them.

On a more personal note, I got less use out of this book than most of my PC books, simply because the projects were very bright, busy, and colorful - and that's very far from my style. But for those who love the casual, cheerful look that polymer clay can provide, this book might well be great.

This book got me into making jewelry. It has everything from the very simple, to complex canework. I've taken many of the examples in this book and made them into my own design. I would definitly recomend this book for anyone, if your just starting out or you already know what your doing.

There are so many examples of beautiful clay jewelry that it makes this book facinating to look at. Anyone can do it, the instructions are very simple with many pictures and diagrams to help you along the way. There are many hints and tips on how to make these beautiful designs with simple household utencils. I would definitly reccomend this book to people who love art and love to work with their hands.

These photographs show proud and dignified human beings living in a culture that once really existed in America (believe it or not). You will not find pictures of people being chased by dogs or being subdued with fire hoses. You will not find pictures of lynchings or cross-burnings...

I am a Greenville native who just sat down and shared this book with my mother who still lives in Greenville, Mississippi. She remembers the photographer and we both knew people mentioned in the book and some of the people in the pictures. It is a great depiction of early Black life in the Delta and tells a compelling story of the photographer,
Mr. Anderson. It shows that not all black Mississippians in the early days were cottonpickers living on plantations. The town of Greenville has a rich history, this book gives a minor glimpse of it. I wish the photo index had of had exact names of the people in them, that would have made it even more personal and touching.

Separate But Equal is a unique gem. A combination of historic photographs and personal essays, it chronicles the lives of an African American working middle-class living in the Mississippi Delta during the years of segregation.

H.C. Anderson snapped the deceptively simple but beautiful photographs, and they are a revelation. Through the lens of his camera, he documented a segregated but proud society aspiring to its own version of the "American dream." Anderson provides us a personal glimpse into the lives of children and families celebrating special events - beauty contests, weddings, proms, birthday parties - and they are truly dressed for the occasion!
One of the more striking photographs depicts a mid-wife who has just helped deliver a baby in a family home. The bedroom floor is covered in newspaper, as the new mother looks on from her bed, covered by a clean crisp white sheet. Although the photographs primarily focus on the every day lives of their subjects, there are also powerful photographs documenting the burgeoning civil rights movement, and a grim reminder of the fate suffered by some individuals who chose to play an active role.

The essays accompanying the photographs provide insight into Greenville's history. As seen through the wide-eyed amazement of a child, noted writer Clifton L. Taulbert paints a vivid picture of his youthful visits to the prosperous and magical Greenville, the "Queen City of the Delta." Taulbert along with Shawn Wilson provides the reader with a fascinating insider's view of the process involved in bringing this book to print. In a personal and touching essay, Wilson reflects on how the search for an old photograph of his mother, long since deceased, led him back home to Greenville and Mr. Anderson. It was there in Anderson's now defunct photography studio, that Wilson discovered the wealth of photographs comprising Anderson's life long work. Reluctant but trusting, the aging Anderson handed over his photographs so that Wilson might share them with the world. In doing so, we have the opportunity to view images of a rarely explored segment of society, one that combines both the struggle AND celebration of life during the period of Southern segregation.

This wonderful book would make a great holiday gift for those that love history or photography!

This book should be considered a novel of fiction rather than non-fiction. It is a very interesting book if one has never done a full study of the Garrison investigation. Much of the information contained in this book is inaccurate, and when reading at the very beginning, he tells which side he is on, and rather than bring about the truth, he only brings forth evidence in which will side with the defense, leaving out very pertinent information. This book is in the category of "plot or Politics" By Rosemary James, and "False Witness" By Patricia Lambert, whom all attack Jim Garrison. One must look at the sources in which they use, and when you look, you see that the sources in which they use is reworded to fit their account of the investigation. Don't take this book seriously if you are seeking the truth!

This book ought to interest a wider audience, who are concerned about civil liberties and abuses by government agencies. In this case, Clay Shaw was hounded by Jim Garrison, who announced when indicting Shaw that he Garrison had no case, but he expected Shaw to commit suicide, thus proving his guilt. Shaw did not. Shaw was found innocent in less than an hour by a jury. On the Monday following, Garrison indicted Shaw again for perjury, Garrison had a crowd picture showing Shaw and someone else whom Shaw had declared under oath he didn't know. Garrison produced a picture in which the two appeared. but were not talking to one another! It took another 2 years and an order from a federal judge to Garrison to stop harassing Shaw. Shaw died broke from all the court costs. .... Yes, this book should be reprinted and have the wider audience it deserves.

In the late 60's, New Orleans district attorney, Jim Garrison (played by Kevin Costner in the Oliver Stone move, "JFK") indicted businessman Clay Shaw for his alleged participation in a plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. A true and bizarre story told by a reporter covering the daily happenings of the trial. Although the author's bias is evident due to his personal liking for the defendant, nonetheless, his insightfulness into the legal wranglings is incredibly interesting. This book may have limited appeal to only those keenly interested in the details and history of the Kennedy assassination. If that is the case, you won't be disappointed.

i thought that his book was boring and not entertaining. i didn't laugh once while reading the book, and i almost fell asleep towards the end.

I enjoyed this book very much. The book is a little different than normal Christmas books. A person never knew where the story was going. I plan on reading this book to my grandchildren this holiday when they visit. I know we all will enjoy reading it many times while we are together. This is perfect for people to read in Kansas. This was written by someone who grew-up in Kansas. This book is great for the holidays to read to children!

The story kept me interested and I'm 17 yrs. old. You never know when the story is going to end. I'd recomend this book for all ages.

Alyce Faye Bragg's first collection of stories has already been reprinted and at least part of the credit goes to her love affair with the hills. These are the hills of West Virginia and from the small, very small town of Ovapa in sparsely populated Clay County. In her new book, Alyce Faye will tell you about drinking clear Appalachian mountain spring water, an addictive experience. If you have ever been exposed to farm living, you will be reached by her writing of the old vacant farm, "a sad sight." Alyce Faye says we can all go `back home' since she had already done this. She also recalls early holiday memories and her mother's Christian examples. Alyce Faye takes you there; her descriptions are powerful and enjoyable. But there are many things about rural life you may not already know: a shucking peg, about duck sitting, a pennyroyal, leather britches (not clothing), the horse that should have gone to jail and all about green apples and yellow jackets (ouch!). She writes about the real Mountaineer and a real Mountain woman. It may be humorous or sometimes sad, but it is never dull. A gracious real mountain woman herself, Alyce Faye Bragg brings real insight to her stories about country life.

I was very impress with this book it was also the best book i've read about wv.

A wonderful collection of nostalgic essays on the joys and sorrows of life in the hills. Based in a love for life and a deep faith, this second collection of Ms. Bragg's heartwarming writings will delight any reader seeking a reason to be thankful and hopeful.

I checked this book out from the local library, as I do with most books before I purchase them.

While there are some interesting techniques for sculpting figures in this book, I found myself not wanting to make any of the animals presented. They appeared raw and somewhat unfinished to me.

Sherian Frey builds the animals bit by bit, using flattened sheets of clay cut out in the desired shapes. I found this method interesting. Overall, The instructions are well written and the pictures are helpful, but I do not reccommend the purchase of this book unless you really like what is on the cover.

I am highly impressed with this book. The format of the book is easy to read. I'd imagine even a beginner would be able to work through it and create a sculpture as well. The photos are very high quality and detailed.

She supplies tips and suggestions for each project as well as patterns on completing each one in the book.

It's great for those anthro styled animals from fairy tales and cartoons.

The characters are cute and interesting... the Dalmation in turnouts is adorable. The instructions appear to be easy to follow, and the projects are within anyone's reach, even beginners. Original style on new and old themes.

This was my first B-26 book and I liked it...until I found much better books. The best aspect of this book is that it is available in recent print. The problem is that it is only an average book. It is a small format book. Every picture is small and grainy. The paper is not glossy enough to allow the black and white pictures to look decent. Several color pictures have been stuck in the back but they are small and worse yet they are available in "Bomber Command" as larger glossy pictures. The text is very readable. My complaint is that Roger Freeman's book "B-26 Marauder at War" is ten times as good of book and was printed 20 years earlier. The book manufactures should reprint it and not this book. This book has few bits of additional information that isn't in Freeman's book. The best quality of the book is that the author was actually a wartime pilot. I recommend "B-26 Marauder at War" and "WWII: Flying the B-26 over Europe" and "Marauder Men" by Moench. The upcoming warbird tech b-26 book by Johnson with great luck will be better than the very poor P-61 Black Widow that I unfortunately purchased. Good Luck.

This book is an excellent in-depth account of the B-26. All aspects of the aircraft are covered, not just its combat exploits. I especially enjoyed the extensive chapters on the development and testing, which are very helpful in understanding the origins of the B-26's bad reputation and its subsequent rehabilitation into the most effective medium bomber in the European Theater. The book is an easy and informative read with just the right balance between technology and narrative. By the way, I met and spoke with the guy whose Marauder is pictured on the cover in a bookstore. He was looking for this book (I had bought the last one a week earlier) and I let him know of another store that had a copy. He was a real nice guy. I guess that would be the best endorsement this book could have. Like my review title says, the Marauder Men read it. That was a few years before amazon.com.

There are not many books on the B-26 out there and to me this is one is the best. I had a copy when it originally came out by TAB/Aero books and had long since lost it. It is nice to have it back again. I am glad that they decided to put some of the author's color photos from WWII in it. I had seen some of his other color photos in "The 9th Air Force in Color." You cannot get a more comprehensive book on the Marauder.

As a teacher in training I'am always searching for suitable adolescent literature. I was intrigued when I came across "Stone Markers." Like the best children's books, this one can be enjoyed on more than one level. Twin brothers stumble on to what looks like an old grave in the woods near their house. The discovery leads to their involvement with a sinister and dangerous "shadow man." With a few friends they uncover and eventually solve decades-old crimes that adults in their community have tried to forget. The story is well told and fast-paced. The characters ring true, as anyone who's ever been around young teenage boys will see immediately. A powerful and welcome affirmation of friendship and loyalty, "Stone Marker" takes up and answers the age old question of; "what do we do when we are confronted by evil?" The Willard Aspen Detective Agency is off to a good start.

The Mystery of the Stone Markers, by Clay Sharman, is a breath of fresh air for the young teen book genre. Finally, we see a return to some "old school" values that The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew once represented: wholesome, clean, fun. These kids aren't popular at school, they get good grades, and they aren't interested in sneaking into rated R movies. The six boys portrayed in Mr. Sharman's book are all good kids. It's as simple as that. But above all else, this book is about friendship.

Take for example, Cory, the main character of the story and a boy with the opportunity to be more popular within his school, who purposely CHOOSES not to be. He remains true to his brother and his friends ... period. Of course he's fictional, but for a self-conscious thirteen-year-old, how comforting is it to read about a boy his own age who makes the right decisions instead of the easy ones, and is comfortable with that? This young group of detectives - The Willard Aspen Detective Agency as they later name themselves -- is able to operate because they never get far from the bond of friendship and equality they share. In fact, in almost every scene in which they are all together, each one has equal input in the problem-solving process. There are no egos here.

What I think is most impressive about the story is that, though the mystery revolves around a serious crime, the author never loses sight of the fact that his characters are just kids. The injection of a "bully" element in the form of two classmates, Serge and Trevor, adds even more realism to the book. These boys, both obviously envious of the relationship that Cory and his friends share with one another, try to intimidate the group rather than understand the bond. We all know kids like Serge and Trevor. This is a wonderful story about the bond of friendship, the innocence of youth, the spirit of adventure and above all, the idea that fitting in with peers is not nearly as important as discovering who your true friends are. I feel confident in saying that no parent will object to his or her child hanging out with the Willard Aspen Detective Agency. I can't wait to see what these boys get into next!

This is a scary story of boys own adventure, sure to thrill any teenage boy. It is fast paced and I found it a bit of a page turner.

Six boys band together to form the Willard Aspen Detective Agency to solve the mystery surrounding strange happenings in their local woods.

Cory, his twin Connor, Jake, Jerry, Mac and Len are all somewhat misfits at school. They are considered geeks and therefore are on the fringes of the "teenager" things that are beginning to consume all their thirteen year old classmates. As a response they have banded together in friendship and conduct the normal boyhood adventures and feats of bravado together.

Their activities soon are ranging outside the normal when they discover a set of mysterious stone markers in the nearby woods, and are suddenly the subject of the menacing attention of the shadowy stranger who has recently come to haunt the woods.

The boys are not scared off, but are drawn further into an investigation of the shadowy stranger by some close personal encounters and by the disappearance of a local boy.

They formalize their investigations by setting up the Willard Aspen Detective Agency, complete with filing cabinet and pc in the basement. However, the shadowy stranger is not content to sit by and be investigated. While the boys go about finding the clues to the mystery in the woods, the stranger stalks them one by one, and his intentions are deadly.

The boys are depicted as independent, adventurous and normal with all the teenage concerns of girls, sexual identity and schoolyard bullies. The book is written for teenagers, but it can be read by adults who will experience with some wonderment and aprehension the daring do of the boys.

"Philoctetes" takes place near the climax of the Trojan War. The title character has the great bow of Hercules, given by the demi-god on his pyre to Philoctetes's father. A member of the Achaean expedition that sailed to Troy, Philoctetes was making an altar on an island along the way when he was bitten by a snake. His cries of pain were so great that he was abandoned by his shipments, under the orders of Odysseus, and marooned on the deserted island of Lemnos. Alone and crippled, Philoctetes used the great bow to survive for the ten years the Achaeans have been fighting against Troy. During that time his hatred against the Achaeans in general, and Odysseus in particular, has grown.

Meanwhile, back at Troy, Odysseus and the other Achaean chieftains have learned from an oracle that Troy will fall only with the help of Philoctetes and his bow (a juicy tidbit it certainly would have been nice to have known eight or nine years earlier). Odysseus and Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, are sent to bring Philoctetes and his bow back to the war. Of course, Odysseus dare not show himself to Philoctetes and sends Neoptolemus to do the dirty work. Neoptolemus gains the confidences of the crippled man by lying about taking him home. During one of his agonizing spasms of pain, Philoctetes gives his bow to Neoptolemus. Regretting having lied to this helpless cripple, Philoctetes returns the bow and admits all, begging him to come to Troy of his own free will. Philoctetes refuses and when Odysseus shows his face and threatens to use force to achieve their goal, he finds himself facing a very angry archer.

In "Philoctetes" Sophocles clearly deals with the balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of society. But this is also a play about citizenship and the need for the idealism of youth to be give way to the responsibilities of adulthood. In fact, this lesson is learned both by Philoctetes, who is taught by the shade of Hercules who appears to resolve the tenses conclusion, and Neoptolemus, who finds his duties at odds with his idealized conception of heroism based upon his father. Although this is a lesser known myth and play, "Philoctetes" does raise some issues worth considering in the classroom by contemporary students.

"Philoctetes" is similar to other plays by Sophocles, which deal with the conflict between the individual and society, although this is a rare instance where Odysseus appears in good light in one of his plays; usually he is presented as a corrupter of innocence (remember, the Greeks considered the hero of Homer's epic poem to be more of a pirate than a true hero), but here he is but a spokesperson for the interests of the state. Final Note: We know of lost plays about "Philoctetes" written by both Aeschylus and Euripides. Certainly it would have been interesting to have these to compare and contrast with this play by Sophocles, just as we have with the "Electra" tragedies.

Good Greek tragedy. I especially find interesting the controversy behind the happy ending.

A group of plays, of which this was a member, won first prize in Athens. Philoctetes had been left marooned on an island several years earlier (because of his disease) under orders of Agamemnon and Menelaus. But, the two kings later discover that Troy cannot be conquered without Philoctetes and his bow, a bow given to him by Heracles. Odysseus and Neoptolemus (the son of the late Achilles) arrive at the island to persuade or trick Philoctetes to return with them. Neoptolemus wants to be noble in his actions; yet, his commander, Odysseus, wants to use guile. At the end, a deus-ex-machina device is used to resolve the conflict. The play has excellent characterization, a good plot, and steady movement.