Before you call me, look at 'Windows 95 Secrets' by Brian Livingston & Davis Straub, This book provides essential, and much undocumented information about Windows 95 features, installation, Plug and Play, boot files, the Windows desktop, relationships to DOS, networking, performance, and more. Helpful for everyone from the neophyte to the most intense power user. A great gift.

I received my copy of Windows 95 Secrets 4th Edition a couple of weeks back, and already I'm seeing the benefits. Brian Livingston & Davis Straub get really detailed in this edition. My colleagues and I feel like there isn't a part of Windows 95 that we don't know about! If this is the one computer book you ever buy, you definitely won't regret it

This excellent reference manual has become an indispensable corner stone of my computer library. Well written in clear and concise English the book is full of tips and tricks -- many of them undocumented by Microsoft. "Windows 95 Secrets" has helped me through a number of problematic situations including ones having to do with Network, modem, fax and printer setup and trouble shooting. If you are considering the purchase of only one Windows 95 reference book: this is the one.

This was the first Bruce Spizer book that I had bought. It is an amazingly enjoybale piece of work to behold. The thoroughness of the man is never in question and the quality of the book puts many others to shame. The label reproductions are wonderful and helpful if you've bought the original US singles. I've since determined that I've probably picked up a couple of fake Beatles 45's along with the bunch of many originals that I acquired a few years back. Buyer beware but that's luck of the draw I suppose and I'll have to search out original equivalents of those forgeries. This book serves so many useful purposes apart from being entertaining and authorative. Now experienced and would-be collectors can purchase originals better educated than before. Overall the quality is superb and Mr. Spizer's books sit in the same class as those of Mark Lewisohn's "Complete Beatles Chronicle" & "Abbey Road" books as well as the massive "Beatles Anthology" tome. While each part stands alone quite well you must buy Part 2 to complete the set as they complemment each other beautifully. I thoroughly recommend these books to any Beatles fan and lovers of Rock Music books.

I'll make it short and sweet-if your ANY kind of collector of beatles records, then this book is a ABSOLUTE must! As great as the VJ book that was done earlier, this is a MUST HAVE!!!

If you have any interest at all in The Beatles' American issues, this book is the last word on the 45 rpm singles that changed the way music is packaged, marketed, enjoyed and celebrated. Bruce Spizer takes you on a chronological journey from late 1963 to mid 1968 with a detailed account of how and why Capitol Records packaged their Beatles releases for the US market.

There are many people, who are beginning to discover, collect, and appreciate vintage vinyl and The Beatles' issues are undeniably among the primary treasures. However, since the issuance of only the British catalog titles on compact disc, there has not been a resource available to explain the vintage US releases to collectors, let alone dealers. Numerous rumors, counterfeits, bootleg CDs and other pitfalls have been observed in shops, yard-sales, trading floors and auction houses where records can be found, flooding the market with misinformation and ambiguous facts.

This book, and its counterpart, present itemized and detailed information that is practical in style and rich with color illustrations of labels, sleeves, promotional materials and memoranda. For the very first time, in one publication, anyone can see firsthand what made these records so significant and fun! It is a very easy and enjoyable read from cover to cover and it's also broken into useful sections for brief research.

For all the criticisms that have been made about the Capitol releases, much of which has come from The Beatles themselves, these records were the way millions of Americans had initially discovered the "Fab Four" and a certain amount of that magic can be found in the way the music was graphically presented, remixed and issued. This book provides a thorough and highly competent segmental analysis of a cultural phenomenon that still influences generations.

After reading a few of the other reviews I felt like throwing my 2 cents worth. First of all, I am amazed and love the fact that Diebenkorn has recieved so much press. Its a shame he was shunned from the New York art world when he was alive.(Although, I don't think he was terribly upset by this) I didn't even hear of him untill I went to England to do my M.A.! I bought my first book of his then in 94'. I think its whitechaple press. In any case, this book is much more complete with great- great photos and essays. It is pure joy. The biggest problem I have with the book is trying to keep it out of my studio, so as not to get paint on it. If you happen to go to the San Francisco MOMA check out their nice collection of his work!

For an art lover Diebenkorn has the rare gift of sharing the sensation of painting. Lucious, sensual and pricise color harmonies, and those rythmic intervals. For a european it is another one of those deserving american miracles that such an artist gets a catalog and museum exhibition like this. The text is as precise as Diebenkorns color harmonies, and shows in depth great concern and understanding of his art and time.

Im one of Diebenkorn's fans, and this book is whatever you want if you like colorism, and pure painting! highly recommended!

Not only did I purchase this book, I purchased one for a friend of mine who is a quilter. The quilts and the incredible stories behind them are powerful motivators for those who wish to accomplish anything, not just quilting. It is the triumph of the human spirit and proves that deep down, each of us has an indominable core. I am envious of the skill that these women posessed and of the oral history and cultural traditions which have been created and passed down. It's a reminder of the scope of human potential.

I am an Alabama native. I have visited Gee's Bend, Alabama many times, but mainly to EAT!! They have more than pretty quilts in Gee's Bend. I have seen the quilts but because I love quilts and even tried unsuccessully to make one but, not being an expert, I guess I did not appreciate how popular the Gee's Bend quilts would become until I saw the story on CBS's Sunday Morning about the quilts being on display at the Whitney Museum in New York. The current quilters visited the opening at the museum and song those old gospel songs to their many fans.

The book itself is filled with stories and lovely photographs of the quilts. All the quilts are hand-stitched, of course. I couldn't imagine anyone creating such beauty with a needle and thread.

I am so happy I pre-ordered the book from Amazon. It will be a prized part of my collection.

Congratulations!!!! A few of these women are my aunts and they have been working so hard at this all their lives, I am so happy that they are finally getting the recognition that they deserve. They used to make so many quilts when we were younger and just give them away to family members as Xmas gifts, now they are being hung in museums around the US and I have proudly displayed my childhood quilts so everyone will know just how proud I am of them!!! Now I know the Pettway woman will always be remembered for the proud and strong women they are.

I bought this book after hearing about the death of the great Ferdinand.
This book shows many of the great ones that have come along, many that are still breeding and many that are living out the rest of their days in quiet comfort. Livingston is a fan of all of these horses, writing as if each one is her own. I read this book in one sitting, crying and laughing all at the same time.

I can't help but think of all the horses that didn't make it, the horse that met the same end as Ferdinand. The one's that were bred for speed but couldn't quite turn it on at the right time. The horses in this book were and are all very, very lucky indeed.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at Gulfstream Park . She was doing a book-signing at the Florida Derby and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. She is a kind and gracious lady. She took her time with everyone who approached her. I was already planning to purchase book and was so happy to get an autographed copy! The pictures are incredible and the grace and dignity she conveys with them is perfect for such beautiful animals as thoroughbred horses. I recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or horse racing. As Ms Livingston signed in my book : Track fever is a good thing!"

Barbara has devoted much time and heart into a wonderful book reflecting the lives of many racing legends. She's been able to touch on individual aspects of each animal including a little racing background and breeding. After reading each chapter, I felt I knew each one personally.
As a frequent browser of Bloodhorse.com, I've come across obituaries of several horses that were in the book and have printed the articles and inserted them into their appropriate chapters. I recently emailed Barbara with some inquiries and she was very kind in responding back to me. She is currently working on Old Friends-Part 2 and you can bet I'll purchase a copy for my library.
I recommend this book to all horse enthusiates!

I have seen Liv live on a number of occasions. He is an amazing performer - not as technically proficient as, say, Vince Gill, but he never claims to me. One walks away from his concert feeling as though their emotions have undergone Ty-Bo.

He mixes grace, humor, and modesty in a way that few have managed to master. For the new (or experienced) performmer, this book is a great way to begin that Mastery process.

Highly recommended, to say the least.

Liv Taylor's book is an excellent resource for all musicians and performers who engage in live performance or touring. As a writer, Taylor brings the reader into his Berklee College of Music Stage Performance Class, where assorted characters (based on real students) receive coaching and wisdom Liv has garnered from his 30+ years of performing and touring experience.

Taylor's primary message is one of cultivating a sensitive and attentive relationship between the performer and his or her audience. He also presents useful thoughts on stage presence, performance anxiety, audience interaction, life on the road, and the requirements for maintaining a viable performing career.

Though Taylor's book is primarily targeted at young, aspiring popular musicians at the beginning of their careers, more experienced artists, musicians from other disciplines, and even actors and public speakers can benefit as well.

-Doc Wallace, Faculty, the Juilliard School

Excellent, engaging, compassionate, humorous, with lots of useful information on myriad facets of the music business. This material is the fruit of 30 years of experience, and is laced with gritty, funny anecdotes that bring each of Taylor's "lessons" to life. I'm buying another two copies for friends.

'The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church', edited by the late F.L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, is perhaps the authoritative, one-volume encyclopedia of information on Christianity. With over 480 contributors, from a myriad of denominational backgrounds, this book has a completeness that is unrivalled. Scholars from Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and other denominations, as well as Jewish and secular authorities from all over the world, have written or contributed to articles that reflect as best possible an unbiased and authoritative compilation of history, theology, liturgy, scriptural study, art, biographies, denominational and calendrical organisation, and inter-religious attitudes.

The current edition, published in 1997, is the third edition of the ODCC to appear since its was first issued in 1957. It has an unrivalled reputation since first being published by Oxford don and cleric F.L. Cross. After his death, Dr. E.A. Livingstone took the helm to oversee production of the current volume.

There is increased coverage of the Eastern Churches, certain issues in moral theology, and developments stemming from the Second Vatican Council. Numerous new entries have been added and the extensive bibliographies have been brought up to date. Readers are provided with over 6,000 authoritative cross-referenced entries covering all aspects of the subject.

The book is over 1750 pages in length, very much the ready reference rather than the narrative sort, but many of the longer articles provide depth and detail, and articles generally include references for further research at the conclusion.

Topical entries include:

Theology
Discussion of theological topics from the earliest days of creeds and heresies to current topics on Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and other topics Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox.

Patristic Scholarship
The early Church Fathers are covered in detail, particularly in creedal development. Likewise, recent scholarship on Nag Hammadi writings, newer Augustinian sermon discoveries, new scholarship on Gnosticism, and established work on early church history are included in the articles.

Churches and Denominations
Beliefs and organisation of the major denominations are covered, as well as lesser-known and smaller denominations such as the Amish, Shakers, Old Catholics (my own denomination); as well as particular national structures and variants on the Christian scene.

Church Calendar and Organisation
This includes feast days, saints days, calender issues (such as the date of Easter), sacramental and liturgical systems, rites, church and canon law, and discussion of religious orders.

The Bible
An entry on each book of the Bible, including apocryphal and deutero-canonical scriptures, as well as entries on major Biblical figures are included along with major schools of thought on scriptural interpretation and study.

Biographical Entries
Saints, popes, reformers, church leaders, mystics, heretics, kings and emperors, theologians, philosophers, artists, musicians and poets are included among the many people with an impact on Christianity.

New Entries
These entries include ecumenical dialogues, ethics of procreation, contraception and abortion issues, theology of religions and different religions, articles on Black Churches, C.S. Lewis, and the Holiness Movement.

I find this an almost indispensable reference book. Priced at suggested retail of [retail price], it is unfortunately out of the reach of most of those who need it most -- seminary students. But it belongs on the shelf of anyone who has intention of being scholarly in their approach to Christianity.

Okay, my title is a bit oversimplified. But the truth is this: If you wish to study Church history and need to find the basic salient facts quickly, there is no better place to look than the Oxford Dictionary. The entries are extremely concise, but sources and other references are provided for possible future research. While the Dictionary is certainly dominated by Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox scholars (because the church history field is dominated by these denominations), the third edition is more ecumenical than past editions. I attend a Methodist seminary and the professors highly suggested that if we buy any book, we buy this one.

Whenever I have a church question I come to this dictionary. As a seminary student I have used the dictionary in every class, even Bible classes (many Biblical books and theological terms have entries). When professors' lectures become muddled, the textbooks do not explain the material clearly, or a parishioner has a tricky question about the Church, the Oxford Dictionary will come through. Virtually every topic in early and later Church history, and Christian thought has an entry. While the price might be a bit steep, for seminarians, scholars, pastors/priests, and church history buffs, this is the essential one-volume set. Also, at the very end is a convenient list of popes and anti-popes.

As is not surprising, considering the publishing source, the "Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church" is the foremost single-volume reference work of its kind. Indispensible for clergy, seminarians, and academics, this book is valuable and accessible for the layman as well. Regardless of whether you are Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant; regardless of whether you are liberal, conservative, progressive or revisionist; if you take any serious interest in the whys and wherefores of Christianity -- you need this book on your shelf.

This volume is non-denominational and non-polemic. It does not seek to convince, but rather to inform. And it accomplishes its task with impressive thoroughness. Even if you already have an earlier edition, strongly consider this purchase.

The author starts this book by the story of Albert Einstein at the age of four or five, when his father showed him a compass needle. The behavior of the needle gave a deep and lasting impression on young Einstein. Then the author describes ten facts about the magnetic force in earlier chapters. Using these facts, he gives detailed explanations on the workings of various magnetic devices and the modern technologies of magnets in plain words. The topics covered includes superconducting magnets, magnets in motors, speakers, TVs, toys, fiction, magic and weapons, magnetic recording, magnets in medicine, biomagnetism, and so on, namely everything about magnets. The book is also interspersed with humorous comments. In the last chapter the author goes back again to young Einstein's wondering at a compass needle. The reader notices here that the title of the book has the triple meaning. This is one of the most educational and well written books I have ever read in the genre of science for laypersons.

This is a wonderful book. It is full of information, but Livingston made it very understandable. Full of info on the many uses of magnets and their importance to technology today. Explained the physics of magnetics very well.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in magnets at all. Very much worth the money!

This is the best book I have ever read on the subject of magnets and magnetism. It is very up to date and includes current technology of magnets and many applications that most people take for granted. Also, the manner in which this book is written makes it suitable for a wide range of age groups. For the most part it is not real technical or mathematical and can be enjoyed by all. If you have an ounce of curiosity about magnets, magnetism or science you will love this book. I am on my third reading and it won't be my last.

One of the most interesting chapters in this book explained the connection between magnets and Einstein's theory of relativity. This is explained very simply and easy to understand and even has a one page cartoon to illustrate this.

Also explains dozens of applications of magnets in our lives, our homes, our cars, our hospitals, our defense systems etc. I thought I was pretty aware of most applications of magnets and magetism but this book was a real and amazing eye opener.

Read it and enjoy it!

I received this book from my adopted parents when I was in Grade School and really enjoyed the illustrations and the way it explained adoption. I lost by first version - so I just ordered it again and still absolutley love it almost 15 years later! I like how it mentions the different types of adoption. They go through single parent adoption and also traditional adoption. I highly recommend this book for children and parents.

Carole Livingston WHY WAS I ADOPTED?; Carol Publishing Co.; N.J.; 1996. This unique book's introduction starts the readers with whom we are not ( neither a gorilla nor a puppy. . .). This helps us explain who we are (humans) and what we are (unique people). As the adopted character in the book asks the reader(s) questions about their role in human relationships, the reader begins to have an idea that being a unique human is great and being a unique human who is adopted is very special. "An 'adoptive parent" is a special kind of person." This book can do a great job at making an adopted child feel very special with great reasons of why children are adopted and how they are adopted. As well, it shares to the reader (the adopted child) that though he or she is special, he or she does not receive special treatments. The adopted child has to go to bed at a certain time, has to eat his or her carrots, and neither Mom nor Dad will not ignore ignore negetive behavior. This book is great for introducing an adopted child into a family, to a child who might feel embarrassed or ashamed about using the "adopted" when describing the self, to an elementary classroom with children who aren't too familiar with adoption or for whatever great reason YOU may have.

Many children's adoption books have a particular slant i.e. single parent adoption, or international, or domestic, newborn, older child... This book covers all aspects. It's detailed, informative, and humorous. The question and answer format appeals to both parents and children. It's a book you should have on your child's bookshelf and re-read as your child grows and develops new awarness about their sometimes complicated lives.

Susan M. Ward, mama to Hannah, adopted at age 6

I loved reading about J-3's adventuers and his life. Made me wish that I lived on the island paradise of San Felipe and could hang out with J-3 and his pals. Good fun read for a cold winter evening.

I have read the book three times. Each time I find something I missed before. I have purchsed the book as christmas presents for my staff. I would recommend it to everyone.

A Great entertaining book which also lets you dream as you travel through history!! A best Kept secret and I agree with the other readers it would be a great movie or TV series..Imagine the characters!