This is a highly readable history of cryptology written around 1939. In fact, it was the book that inspired David Kahn to write his classic _The Codebreakers_. As Kahn later reported, he was disappointed to discover that much of what he had read in _Secret and Urgent_ as a child was false or exaggerated. I definitely recommend Kahn's book over Pratt's, though Pratt's may be slightly more approachable.

I agree with Mark Riordan's concern about inaccuracies in Fletcher Pratt's book, but I recommend reading "Secret and Urgent" before reading Kahn's book, unless you are already familiar with cryptology. Pratt's book actually leads the reader step by step through the classic processes for breaking ciphers, from simple substitution up through Vigniere ciphers with disordered arrays with long keys. And he gives useful small examples of how to break codes. Kahn doesn't cover this elementary material. Someone who has read Pratt's book is in a much better position to understand what's hard and what's easy in trying to break such ciphers as Enigma, Fish and the M-209, and such codes as the various forms of "Purple".

This, in turn, helps the reader fit into context what the driving forces are behind such more recent ciphers as RSA and the NDES. In short: if you want to understand not only where cryptology is but also where it's been going, Pratt's little book (if the reader actually works through the examples) is a really good starting point.

An interesting, informative book, full of historic details and colourful pictures. From court shoes of Henry VIII's time to Vivienne Westwood's famous 12-inch platform shoe of the 90s, this book is full of description and history of the item we cannot live without. Features the shoes exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Reading the book is almost as good as going there to see the shoes yourself.

I have always been interested in costume design and role playing. Footwear is an area that seems to be the most neglected when attempting to re-create a costume from a past era. For those who strive for accuracy in putting together the perfect historical outfit, or even if you just have an interest in shoes in general, this book fits the bill. Wonderful, colorful photos, a highly readable text detailing the history of the crazy world of footwear--the book covers everything involved with shoes and answers most questions the reader may have. From the grotesque to the mundane, we are presented with styles that run the gamut from shoes of leather and iron (ouch!) to platform soles of 12 inches or more. What is surprising is that some styles are still with us today, modernized but still very recognizable. We also learn the painful lengths that people will go for the sake of fashion. Time has changed nothing in this regard, as we still wobble around on stilleto heels and end up with bunions, corns or worse--but we still look marvelous, darling!!! Seriously, if you love to learn about footwear, like to dress in period attire, or are simply a "shoe freak", don't hesitate to buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

This is a great book for a business library

Business Valuation is a the single largest niche practice area for the CPA today. Mr. Pratt covers an extensive amount of material in this text. As I become more involved in this practice area, I will referring to this text frequently. No valuation specialist should be without this text in his or her reference library.

The premise is that mythology and great works of fiction are really discriptions of alternate universes. The hero of a series of books by Fletcher Pratt and L. Sprague DeCamp learns how to travel to the alternate universes. The Wall of Serpents is set in the world of Irish myth. The authors are great story-tellers and this series works very well. The sword fights, battles of magic, and battles of wit are all delightful. The reader will find this book more enjoyable if it is read after The Compleat Enchanter.

The author's names for _Wall of Serpents_ are

L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt

(not L. Sprague and Fletcher Pratt de Camp).

I havne't read this one yet as it is out of print, but I just finished _The Compleat Enchanter_ by the same two authors and containing the initial (mis)adventures of the same characters, which was such good fun that I am interested in tracking down this sequel! Well written, and with a delightfully intelligent sense of humor.

Long before the days of Robert Jordan's mega-epic, or even before Lord of the Rings, Fletcher Pratt, better known for his collaborations with the likes of L. Sprague De Camp, wrote THE WELL OF THE UNICORN.

More in the tradition of Lord Dunsany than anything else, Well of the Unicorn paints an ever widening scope of a uniquely imagined fantasy world, stocked with locations and people you will never forget.

If you've read Robert Jordan and wished for a fantasy world that was a tad more realistic, or if you have never tried fantasy and want to begin with something literary rather than catering to a lowest common denominator, then Well of the Unicorn might be the book to hold your attention.

I read this book ages ago and fondly recall it as a really good piece of adventure/fantasy, and one written by a historian well capable of handling its military theme. It deserves reprinting and revival by a major publisher. If you can find it in your library, or anywhere, get it. It's good.

If you are looking for a great book to engage you, a bible of sorts for the online classroom, and a well-written, pedagogically sound reading to enable you to design an online course, look no further. If you need something concrete to show your administration "best practice" applications of online learning, you've found it here.

For anyone contemplating distance learning, or even simply supplementing a traditional course with online activities, this book is a must. Clearly written with a focus on the pedagogical rather than the technological aspects of online learning, this teaching guide offers specific advice for any number of situations and practical applications of online activities applicable to any course. The focus is constructivist in nature - "learner centered" - and there are numerous suggestions for incorporating collaborative learning in distance education, hence the title choice. The authors even define dialogue and discussion, stressing why both are necessities in collaborative learning environments. Dialogue focuses more on learners being open to "restructuring their mental models" while discussion seems more like a game of ping pong, a "volley of views between people."

The authors stress how both are necessary for collaborative learning, and there are many examples showing how online learning can be used to focus on issues of Bloom's Taxonomy, something often missing from lecture-based courses. This is the kind of book you'll read and reread often.

The authors share their extensive background in online education, both as educators and students, in the beginning of the book. Their extensive research prior to their writing is clearly evident from the references included throughout the text and the examples from various courses besides their own.

They set the tone and purpose by providing a brief glimpse of the origins of online learning in their own lives. Having been students as well as educators, these two draw on considerable experiences to establish their authority in this field. Throughout the book, Drs. Palloff and Pratt bring in specific examples from their own classes to illustrate what has worked and how they structured classes, as well as student responses/reactions.

There are specific examples of syllabi which readers can adopt in part or whole. Graphics illustrate how the online courses look, and the brief mention of course management applications clearly shows the authors are less concerned with the technical applications than with the learning resulting from the course. Online learning, as noted by Drs. Palloff & Pratt, is about learning, not technology. This is unquestionably written for educators.

If anyone believes online learning creates dysfunctional communication or eliminates meaningful interactions between instructors and students, these authors show how easily discussion groups can be created, pointing out that online learning enhances rather than deters from good communication within groups, as well as between instructors and students. Practical applications, concrete examples of student dialogue, and suggestions of how problems can be best handled help the reader see how this could work in any course.

The section devoted to "netiquette," the rules for proper online communication, will be borrowed for my fall syllabi. These guidelines are necessary for instructors and students to ensure meaning is clear in all written communication. As an English teacher, I found this discussion extremely beneficial as a way of reinforcing with my own students the need for writing's meaning to be clear for readers. Concrete ideas for online responses - quote pieces to connect ideas, respond frequently, follow grammar guidelines - help instructors new to online learning create a positive atmosphere for learners. There are even helpful hints and a discussion on how to "chunk" material to avoid having students scroll through and miss points in lengthy passages.

Another idea I'll borrow is the "Cyber Café," a place for students to meet and mingle online to avoid off-topic discussion in course forums. Having taken an online class as a student, I would have enjoyed this feature myself. Many times some of us came very close to straying from the topic in order to discuss things happening in our own classrooms, and we knew better! Added to this is the idea of a "FAQ" (frequently asked questions) area in order to save instructors time and encourage students to help each other.

Worried that online learning will take too much time? These authors suggest ways to involve students in course development. One idea is to require students to find and post readings for everyone in class; another is using online forums to share papers and research ideas.

Collaboration is a major focus of the book and the authors have countless ideas for creating opportunities for students to interact. There is the suggestion for creating two parts for group work grades: individual and group effort. Using their individual responses to a question, students work together to synthesize the material and arrive at a group consensus to submit as the final answer. Group participation can only happen once individuals have done their part.

These authors show you how to take attendance online. Instructors need to be very specific about how attendance in their courses is determined since "lurking" - simply reading what has been posted by someone else - is not measurable. The authors suggest going even further, discussing just what counts as a proper response or participation, thus evading the "I agree" or "sounds good" answers. Palloff & Pratt share ways to define acceptable online participation in addition to what constitutes a response: how often should students go online and the fact that active participation in course forums is necessary to pass the class. Clearly delineating student expectations and how grades are determined for the course using specific language reduces grade concerns at the end of the course.

I highly recommend this book.

Palloff and Pratt do an exemplary job at presenting the theoretical as well as practical aspects of building an online learning community. Using the constructivist approach as a foundation, the authors discuss step-by-step how to create an online environment that supports collaboration, dialogue, reflection, and transformational learning. The examples of student and facilitator coversations as well as sample syllibi helped me to visualize the concepts that were presented. Thanks to this book, I have a much better understanding of where to begin. I recommend this book for anyone involved in online learning, especially facilitators, instructional designers, administrators, and learners!

Finally, a book that captures the essence of a class online. It's not gorgeous web pages or streaming audio or video. It's the human communication, interaction and the building of learning communities. And that's exciting.

For those, who want to know how this all works, here's the book that finally explains, demos with real student interactions, and celebrates learning.

As an online teacher since 1992(BW-before the web), I appreciate this text which shows how exciting an online classroom can be. It also serves to show teachers where the "teach" is in web-based courses.

In recent years, a variety of sentimental books like The Lighhouse Keeper have entranced readers everywhere. And this title is no exception for those who enjoy this genre. The reader is consumed by a wonderful story based around a gentle man's past experiences as a once proud lighthouse keeper to a stoic man now suffering from a terminal illness. In a series of flashbacks we learn of his early tragedy, how he came to be a lighhouse keeper and about his powerful love for a woman who becomes his wife.

For those who enjoy windswept beaches and flashbacks to the past, pick up this book. You will enjoy the read and remember it for sometime.

This delightful story of personal and family trials, tribulations and triumphs will appeal to all readers. James Pratt allows his readers to share his characters' lifes as he introduces the reader to Peter, Billie, Anna, Katie and Kathleen. Life is a struggle but it also has its rewards. As I was reading, I felt empathy for the characters. I laughed with them; I cried with them. I experienced their misery and I experienced their joy. Seldom has a book pulled at my heart and emotions as much as "Lighthouse Keeper" did. James Pratt has not just written a wonderful story but also a book that teaches a moral. I'm glad that i read "Lighthouse Keeper".

I was inspired and lifted by James Michael Pratt's first book, The Last Valentine. Now with his second work, The Lighthouse Keeper, he proves that his first book was no fluke. Once again, Mr. Pratt has achieved that which so few fiction writers today seem able or willing to attain: a story that lifts the human spirit; speaks of love, compassion, trial and triumph-and all without the crutch of "Hollywood-style" profanity and sex. As with the lighthouse in his story, the reader is gently drawn into Mr. Pratt's book and encounters an uplifting and unforgettable experience. For all those who enjoy reading words of light, I highly recommend The Lighthouse Keeper. I can't wait for Mr. Pratt's next book!

This book was, I believe, Hynek's last, and was primarilly written by Phil Imbrogno. It is a good read, frequently backed up with eyewitness testimony and impressions. Several incidents are covered, leaving little doubt that people in the Hudson Valley saw SOMETHING, but what? The flying triangles have since been seen in other areas, and skeptics still point to government "explanations" which seem to leave as much unexplained as the initial reports themselves.

Readers familiar with the recent "Stealth Blimp" sightings in Illinois, the triangles over Belgium, or the Phoenix lights will spot similarities. There are also apparently sincere witnesses who completely disagree with each other-sometimes over the same sighting-as to what has been seen.

I originally discovered this book a number of years ago and found myself devouring its contents in a matter of a day or so. I was impressed by the straightforward and sceptical(though cencerned) attitude of the researchers/authors toward a subject that is fraught with silly cultural hyperbole and media saturation. They do not presume to know what is going on at any time during their accounts of the events nor do they presume to tell readers what to think about same. Thier apparent honesty in reporting the facts and my living in such close proximity to the research area made reading the many detailed encounters that much more chilling. I read most of the updated section recently while waiting for friends at a local bookstore. This section, if my memory serves me well, seemed out of sych with rest of the book with regard to the types of sightings; there seemed to be more of the close-up and invasive kind in the years since the first research in the area. All in all I have! read few other books on this subject that I found myself reading cover to cover. Enjoy!

This book has to be one of the best well researched book I have ever read. It takes thousands of sightings and puts them into a frame of no nonsense. It is books like this that will make the public accept the truth that UFOs are real!

As an avid fan of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, I was thrilled to find Dikkers had written a book critiquing the feel-good self-help books that are so popular nowadays. However, once you get the "Paradigm" of "You are Worthless" (it's a "self-help" book that makes you "help-yourself!"), your spellboud throughout the book's 230 pages. Dikkers deftly writes page after page of constructive "advice" like "You are a toaster," "God made a great big world," and "Think about the sweet release of orgasm," and it never ceases to be illuminating. After about five such homilies you get exhausted. Frankly, a work of this sort of "Life's Little Instruction Book"-esque, bite-sized "wisdom" just seems entirely too perfect! Cleverly mean-spirited as Dikkers's mind is it's well within his abilities to do a brilliant anthology of, say, the "Jeffersons" series, or the "Gita" books in addition to this "One-To-Grow-On. Peace.

I thought that this book was the funniest book that anyone could ever read that wasn't going psycho. When I first picked up this book I had no idea what it was. I mean, what are you supposed to think when you see a book titled You Are Worthless? Anyway, I started reading a couple pages and I could not stop laughing out loud. This brings out a lot of details that are very, very true about a lot of people. I must have read the entire thing in about thirty minutes to an hour. I couldn't put it down. I always wanted to know what Oswald T. Pratt was going to say next. The stories he told and the things that he said made me want to make the book even longer with more topics. He talked just about everything: your life, your self-esteem, your friends, love, jobs, God, religion, and even more. I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers. They would be the ones who would laugh the most about what Pratt talks about. Adults, if you have a really great sense of humor and you aren't seeing a psychologist, then this is the book for you.

This kind of humor isn't for everyone, but I do recommend this book for anyone with a sense of humor that's a little off-center. My 15-year-old son and I both laughed ourselves silly at various parts of the book.

Thought I'd like this book, since I know Vermont, have lived through a similar mountain vs. ski resort conflict in New England and am fascinated by dowsing. BUT - the characters are not well developed; they are unconvincing. Hence, the plot doesnt' work. It's essential to the plot that we believe in the conversion of the main character from "cynical lawyer" to environmentalist. This conversion is not believeable. In addition, the writing itself is wooden: heavy-handed metaphor, cliche. The sex scenes, especially the second one, seem irrelevant to the story, too. Not a great book.

The story, at heart, of one man's acceptance of who he is. Scottie Winston is a lobbiest for several large resorts in Vermont. Resorts which use (or abuse) the environment. He is also married into a family of dousers, who, along with many others, oppose the current development in their neck of the woods. Through the processes of time, the timely intervention of three wildcats, and, most of all, love for his wife and daughter, he becomes true to himself. This is a nicely written book, with well-defined characters, a coherent plot, and a happy ending.

Chris Bohjalian's book, Water Witches, is a fascinating study of one Vermont family. Laura and her daughter Miranda are "water witches" - they are able to use rods, and their intuition, to advise people where to place wells so as to have clear, drinkable water in their homes. Laura's sister is also a dowser - however her power extends beyond water, and she is able to find lost items and people.

Scottie is married to Laura. After moving to Vermont, he took the highest-paid job he could find, as a lobbyist for the ski industry. While he has built a name for himself, this job has pitted him against environmental activists. However, Scottie finds himself in a bind when his current employer, Powder Peak, wants to build new trails and tap a depleted river for water to make snow. Scottie, however, becomes a reluctant convert to the environmentalists' point of view when he spies a catamount, an endangered Vermont mountain, where the ski resort was planning on placing the trails. He must wrestle with himself and his commitments to do the right thing.

The ending of the story is incredibly powerful, and winds these two tales together with astonishing grace.

Overall, this book is highly recommended for fans of Bohjalian's other books, including Midwives, and readers who are interested in the often delicate balance between environmental preservation and economic growth.