I'm already a fan of the Beowulf legend, but for the unitiated, these comics are a great way to be introduced to the Indo-European epic tradition, and to the Beowulf legend in particular. There are no word balloons here, and few onomatopoeic words like "crack" and "boom" (though there are a few well-place exceptions). The comicbook uses text directly from the poem, using the Gummere translation, which is freely available on the Internet, but while the Gummere trans. serves its purpose, I would recommend that any curious reader try Seamus Heaney's new version). The art is beautiful and the comics themselves well-made; and the story stays quite faithful to the poem. In summation, I would say that this comicbook would make a great addition to any Beowulf collection.

Beowulf has served as the inspiration for many comic books and graphic novels, including the 1970s DC series (with Beowulf as a pagan warrior filled with rage) and the 1980s graphic novel by Jerry Bingham. This version, by Gareth Hinds, is a good example of how the Beowulf poem can be effectively translated into a visual medium. It is one of a three-part series, and each of the series of beautifully rendered. Hinds uses the Francis Gummere translation, in part because it is poetic and in part--I suspect--because it is part of public domain. But his use of Gummere's translation is not merely supplemented by the visuals because his illustrations are as important to the translation as anything else. The visuals are absolutely important to his version of Beowulf.

Especially impressive is how Hinds lets his illustrations convey both the action and some of the underlying themes in Beowulf. For instance, the battle with Grendel is "told" by the illustration, without Gummere's translation. One of the most prevalent themes, wyrd (fate) of the Old English poem, is subtly presented throughout this comic book series by the use of constellations in the backgrounds. It is this kind of attention to detail--using both the poem and the artistic medium--that really makes Hinds' work stand out.

This series is recommended to anyone interested in contemporary versions of Beowulf in popular culture (I would even go so far to call this a translation in a certain sense) or for those who enjoy graphic novels.

I would doubtlessly recommend Ivanhoe to read. History may be often dull but Sir Walter Scott makes history extremely exciting by romanticizing his novel. It directly deals with hatred between the Normans and the Saxons, the discrimination of the Jews, chivalry, and politics--but it is a unforgettable tale of heroism, honor, and love. I felt that the characters were so fascinating and fun to read about. I was enjoying and cheering on the good characters like Ivanhoe, King Richard, and Robin Hood to beat the hated and evil villains. I liked the idea of love added in the story, like how Rowena and Rebecca were both in love with Ivanhoe. I even felt a little sorry for Brian de Bois-Guilbert who would do anything for Rebecca's love but is constantly rejected. I thought how it was appealing how the author questions Ivanhoe and Rebecca's feelings for each other. Suspenseful and action sequences also added entertainment to the story. This book may be a little too detailed for some readers, but I didn't mind. I felt that the details were brilliantly used to decorate the story in an outstanding fashion. The old English wording made me feel like I was actually in the medieval England. I have to admit that it took a great deal of persistence for me to finish this book and it was a challenge for me to read. However, I found Ivanhoe to be a wonderful pleasure. It is no wonder that Ivanhoe is such a well-loved tale!

I enjoyed this adventure yarn on many levels.

I was glad to learn about the Knights of Templer and that they were crusaders. I always wondered how Sam Spade in the Maltese Falcon knew that and it is because of this classic.

I was surprised that it talked so much about Robin of Lockesley. The story of Ivanhoe seemed to be the same only told by Ivanhoe's friends and not Robin's.

I thought that the DeBracyn and the Knight of Templer Brian de Bois Guilbert were pretty evil guys which made the story interesting. They were weasels when they had their backs to the wall but did preform with honor when required like when Richard gets DeBracy.

I guess I did not understand the prejudice of the time because they treated the Jews like dirt and they were so sterotypical. I really thought that the Jewish girl Rebecca was going to end up with Ivanhoe instead of that Saxon Lady Roweana. I guess you have to appreciate the times that they lived in.

It was a different look the Richard/Prince John history.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but this book, by Sir Walter Scott, was the progenitor of what was to become a venerable tradition in English letters (and in other European literatures as well): the historical romance. There have been many after IVANHOE, and frequently with a finer eye to the period in which the tale is set (for IVANHOE contains quite a number of anachronisms -- even Scott acknowledged it), but few have done it quite as well as Scott. He uses an archaic English to give voice to his characters, but one which is readily absorbed because of the speed & quality of the tale. So, though these people certainly wouldn't really have spoken as he has them speaking, they yet sound as though they should have. Peopled by many 'stock' characters and situations, this tale was fresh in its time & still reads well today -- a testament to Scott's skills as a teller of tales and a sketcher of marvelously wrought characters. In this tale of the 'disinherited knight' returning home to find the world he left turned upside down, young Ivanhoe, after a stint with King Richard in the Holy Land, must fight the enemies of his king and kinsmen anew. Yet the hero is oddly sidelined for much of the tale as events swirl around him and the brilliantly evoked villain, Sir Brian de Bois Gilbert, in the pay of Prince John, struggles to win treasure and the beautiful Rebeccah, who yet has eyes only for Ivanhoe, a knight she can never hope to win herself. There's lots of action and coincidences galore here and Robin Hood makes more than a cameo appearance, as does the noble Richard. In sum, this one's great fun, a great tale, and the progenitor of a whole genre. All those which came after owe their form to it. Worth the price and the read.

Essence has come up with a very attractive coffe table book. The photos are lovely and the profiles/commentary is pleasant and non demanding. If you are serious collector of books on black culture you can safely skip this one but if you just want a pretty picture book then this is a nice addition.

The book is easy to read and takes the reader through the various stages of stroke recovery - the pain, the anger, the depression, the frustration, the acceptance and the gradual, very gradual road to recovery. Covering the pertinent and the practical aspects of strokes the book is amazingly written in a light hearted, and even entertaining style, for such a serious subject. It's easy to pick out relevant sections at different stages of recovery. I can highly recommend this book to both stroke sufferers but especially to their nearest and dearest as a way to try to understand and help the sufferer. There is hope - even when, at first, everything appears desperate. Read, enjoy and recover.

This book really does show a unique perspective on Cats. I think that it would make a great addition to school classrooms as another way to introduce children to the animal kingdom.

Has complete, step by step instructions for making doll dresses, party dresses and nightgowns.. for girl dolls ranging in size from about 15 inches to 23 inches. Teaches how to easily fit the clothes and explains that body measurements are more important than height. I bought this book to make one dress and I am now on my fifth outfit...

The beauty of the american carousel seems to radiate from the pages of this book. There are some fantastic photographs of carousel animals and machines that are still around, she also has photos of various carousels that have been lost or destroyed over the years. These photos are truly a window into time.

The only criticism that I have of this book is that there is not enough background information on the carvers and their family history.

Invasion & Conquest of North Carolina is an excellent example of what a well-researched CW history should be. Through the use of actual letters written to friends and relatives, both before and during the early war years, the main character of this book, Lt. Flusser (USN) becomes a real person. The lieutenants 'Letters to Mama' give the reader a feeling of being at the scene of the action that the usual references of date & place cannot possibly impart. I highly recommend 'Invasion' to all who are interested in the gunboat war, North Carolina, or just the Civil War in general. This is a readable book that contains the type of information not normally found in other CW books that I have read.

Dave Clark Mt. Holly NC

Loco Run is an engaging read of Adam, a son abandoned by his father, who vows retribution and embarks on a search for his heartless life-giver. His contempt for his father drives him into the heart of the Mexican jungle, where his father was last known to have lived and worked. An unlikely partnership is made with Hank, his new best and only friend, who persuades Adam to let him be his guide to Mexico. The improbable duo find danger, romance, and closure in the midst of battling not only their present enemies, but past demons, as well.

The cast of characters are colorful, lively and are integrated well, into the story line. A great mixture of culture, ideologies and traditions make for an interesting blend of adventure telling.

While the folks at White Wolf have always been a little guilty of playing hack-fiction-writer when they should have been writing a gaming book, the book of Worlds takes the cake. The artwork is mediocre as well. A large majority of the material therein is covered elsewhere better.

A great book which explores the different places you can meet in the Umbra. I specially loved this book because it lets you get your Mages in whole new universes, where rules can be as twisted as you can devise. It also brings information about what Mages seem to know about more obscure subjects, such as the Dark Umbra (Shadowlands) and Maya (The Dreaming), and even information about the worlds beyond the Horizon, which can become a very interesting setting for a chronicle (a deep space etherite exploration vessel chronicle anyone?).

The style is also great, resembling a scientific article compilation made by Alexis Hastings, etherite extraordinare, with the colaboration of several of her contacts. Each section is written by an "expert" in that area.

This book is a must for Mage fans interested in dimensional adventures. Whether you're a Void Engineer, Son of Ether, Dreamspeaker, a sleeper etc, this book has something for you. The book is presented as a guide by a charismatic Daughter of Ether and her associates. Not only is it an entertaining book, it also provides a tremendous amount of information on various dimensions, worlds, starships, and creatures from the Void. Story possibilities are endless. Don't hesitate to obtain a copy of this book.