Analyses of James Bond seem to fall into two categories: analytical or anecdotal. The former is the most common -- generally consisting of a look into such quantitative topics as what kind of cigarettes he smokes, how he prepares his martinis, and other easily categorized trivia. But such an analysis -- while thoroughly enjoyable -- never seems to answer the larger question that looms in everyone's mind: "Just why is this guy so cool?"

"Dressed to Kill: James Bond, The Suited Hero" does an admirable job of handling this question. Half a collection of essays, and half a picture-laden coffee table book, "Dressed to Kill" purports to examine the way 007 attires himself and how this has both borrowed from the heroes of the past and contributed to the heroes of the present.

Four essays on Bond are sprinkled throughout the book, written by authors like Jay McIrnery and Nick Sullivan. The essays range from rambling expositions of a boy's love for the hero his parents forbade him to watch, to an almost scholarly look at Bond's dressing habits and how this has contributed to the character.

But the real stars are the pictures. Compiled within "Dressed to Kill" is perhaps the best collection of Bond pictures this side of Cubby Brocolli's personal photo album. The pictures range from Dr. No to GoldenEye, from publicity stills to advertising copy, from black-and-white to color, and they neatly explain the mystique of 007 at a level that the essays never reach. The pictures have been culled from the EON Picture Archive and other collections, and each includes a knowledgeable quote explaining just what 007 is wearing and why.

While Bond receives star billing, the book does try to expand the examination to "the suited hero" in general. Non-bond pictures include such figures as James Coburn as Our Man Flint, Alan Ladd (he had his suits tailored to make him look taller), Humprhey Bogart from Casablanca (the predecessor to Bond's "tuxedo in the midst of chaos" look), and such anti-suits as Bruce Willis from Die Hard and Harrison Ford from Indiana Jones. In discussing the latter two, and Hollywood's eschewing of the suit, Neil Norman writes:

"At the same time, a curious thing happened. The suit wouldn't die. It simply transferred its allegiance from hero to villain. Paul Freeman's villainous Frenchman Belloq, in Raiders, confronted Indy in an immaculate linen suit. And the moment that Alan Rickman strode on to the screen to do battle Bruce Willis's slobbily attired cop hero, villainy meant tailoring sharp enough to slash your wrists on."

In and around the essays are picture-filled asides devoted to topics like Bond's three-piece suits, his sport coats, his naval style, and his tuxedo bow ties:

"The width remains fairly constant while the depth rises and falls, beginning with Sean Connery's 'Slim Jims' up to Roger Moore's velvet high of 1974, and gradually shrinking back down to Timothy Dalton's restrained 1987 version, before deepening yet again for GoldenEye."

"Dressed to Kill" is a wonderful celebration of everyone's favorite secret agent. If you can't tell an Armani from a Brioni, or if you can't tell in which film Bond's "lightweight suit, whose cut, along with the curled trilby hat, gives him the look of a traveling businessman," then it's time for you to give up your underwear and T-shirt look just long enough to get to a bookstore.

(Deane Barker is the forum manager for The World of James Bond on The Microsoft Network

DRESSED TO KILL explores the mystique of Bond in a tasteful coffee-table edition crammed full of rare photographs and enjoyable essays addressing the age old question of just what suits a man.

It wasn't until I read this book that I realized the profound cultural impact which the Bond movies had and have, and the deep and lasting impact they'd had on me, personally, and how they'd unconsciously formed the basis of my impressions of male style.

From the suited hero of the 40's, 50's and 60's (witness Cary Grant), to the styleless 70's (Roger Moore's mod Bond looks just a little ridiculous amongst the Jermyn Street of Connery and the Brioni of Brosnan), the suited antihero of the 80's (and his doppleganger the antisuited hero of the "Die Hard" and Indiana Jones ilk), into the 90's and the new millennium, this ultimately enjoyable book is a paean to the way we all want to look. Gentlemen, fold your pocket squares!

How many steps is it from a boy in a sport jacket pretending to be Bond to an Armani man carrying a slim black briefcase? Not so far as you'd think. Rate this one FIFTY GOLD SOVEREIGNS.

Every programmer using C, C++, or Java should be acquainted with everything in this book and either comply with it or have a good reason for not doing so.

Mr. Acton spent the football season traveling from NYC to the cities of the Atlantic Coast Football League. His pursuit included: a) describing the fantasies of young men endeavoring to develop skills to compete and survive in the profession. b)the sacrifice of youthful indulgence. c) the monopolistic NFL enterprise. d) the lock-out/slave auction (Draft system).. e) the emerging expansion of two leagues and their need for a 'feeder system', as well as a hiding place for 'developing talent'. Mr. Acton captured a cross-section of the many unique personalities, the agony of frustrated castoffs, the social complexity of the Vietnam era..and the 'community pride' witnessed by the --natives, businessmen, seasonal professionals , and ex-jocks from the region. They were pulled together by the wealthiest man in town... Mr. Ed Gruber.

This was an example of 'Smalltown America' challenging the big city- Roanoke, Richmond, Hartford, Bridgeport, Norfolk, Orlando, Indianapolis, Lowell, the regional populace- Long Island, Northern New Jersey... The outcome never in doubt.

The main characters included: Head Coach, Dave DePhillipo; (DT) 'Tulsa tornado' Joe Blake; (DL) Bill Stetz athlete-turned-entrepreneur; Jim Corcoran, (QB) self-proclaimed 'King' of minor league football; and many other subplot souls. (Such as, myself #16, strong safety, and my roommate #42, cornerback.)

The story comes close but never fully grasps the desperation, the mayhem of last hope, the full scope of the experience on the field.. mixed- messages in the town.. the foolhardy destruction of pride and person.. the social chaos of the late 60's into the 70's... and most importantly the depth of friendships that have remained for decades. It is the unspoken words, moods, and exhilaration that only the performers can fully reclaim.

Mr. Acton has been able to provide some insights for that generation of 'castoffs'. He describes, but does not feel 'the moment'.. yet a sense of appreciation lingers for those of us that were willing to give it 'a shot', and move on into society. A small slice of Americana as the 'baby boomers' were emerging from adolescence. This story prompted NfL Films to join the team in their late season push toward the ACFL Championship game... held in Hartford, Conn.. The documentary was viewed prior to the 1971 SuperBowl game.

And the story continues...

My bigggest criticism of this book has nothing to do (directly) with Holmes himself. Like many memoirs written in the decades immediately after the war, this book is limited by the fact that much of the information Holmes would otherwise have been able to share was still officially secret. It would be for later researchers to say what Holmes couldn't.

The other complaint I have is that, based on what I've read elsewhere, Holmes modestly understates the important role he played in the events he describes. It's to his credit that he's eager to praise talented and dedicated cryptologists and analysts. But Holmes frequently makes himself sound like someone standing on the sidelines watching the varsity team play. In fact, he was one of the team's key players.

What could be a highly technical memoir is leavened by a light tone and entertaining asides, like his tales of trying to drive through Honolulu with darkened headlights (a feat he describes as probably a greater danger to the citizens of Honolulu than the Japanese attack was).

Any student of the war in the Pacific, and particularly of Naval Intelligence operations or the attack on Pearl Harbor, will find this an interesting and entertaining memoir.

With over a 1000 entries and well over 300 photos, this book goes beyond Jesse and Frank James, The Cole-Younger gang, Billy the Kidd, Pat Garrett, Bat Masterson and The Earps. You'll read about judges, Sheriffs, outlaws and so much more.

I spent over four hours reading this book form cover to cover and every page has something new and fascinating. Facts and myths, legends and tales, it's all here and waiting for you to explore. You'll ride along with the Texas Rangers and help out the Pinkertons, and never have get dirty.

I have seen books on lawmen of the old west, and also books on outlaws of the west, for the first time you have a reference book that gives you both and at a price that makes it a great gift for anyone.

The text by Harry Davis is so wonderful and brings to light how Tasha Tudor does things and how important passing on family customs is and can be. The photographs by Jay Paul are so crisp, clear and delightful and match the text so well. Something that is a rarity.

Chapter on The Animals Christmas which begins on page 38 is something the homesteader person will appreciate and identify with. And we so laugh out loud literally to see her great sense of humor and the whole serving Hannah on a plater. And how nice to be reminded that she like the rest of us who have goats and chickens, decorates their abodes for the holidays. Heck I think her goat set up is the best I have seen.

I also love her section on Christmas dinner and for all you homesteaders reading this, you will notice we all seem to own the same china. And it nice to see a kindred spirit being photographed using their fireplace for cooking food.

For those who homestead or live a lot like Tasha Tudor this is a book you will want because it will provide years of pleasure and in a way a reminder that you (we) aren't the lost breed everyone thinks. Or a novelty or oddity. And you will also glean some wonderful ideas to incorporate into your lifestyle.