This book was such a joy to read, I was genuinely sorry to see it end. And of course, it doesn't really end; it just goes on into the Guermantes Way. Rarely does one come across a novel that seems so completely pleasing and visionary in its effects upon the reader. Apart from the general relief one feels in seeing the author finally emerge from his prolonged sojourn in the shadow of his mother, there is also the vicarious pleasure derived from experiencing a long-ago summer at the mythical sea-side resort of Balbec, in the shadow of young women in the flower of youth. You feel as if you are truly there with him, walking the promenade, gazing out to sea, hearing the sea-gulls cry, feeling the sand between your toes, and being nineteen again and living carelessly.

Two great characters emerge from this novel who will exercise a profound influence on the young narrator as he matures in future volumes. The first is Robert de Saint-Loup, a dashing young soldier-playboy, whom Marcel clearly adores as a soul mate of sorts. This gives the reader pause; for considering how close the two young men become they manage to still consider themselves straight! Never mind, however, for we eventually learn that Saint-Loup is indeed bisexual, as are so many of the characters in this novel. Secondly we meet the playful, flirty Albertine whom Marcel decides is the one girl in the little band of jeunes filles whom he most wants as his female sexual conquest. Unfortunately, he does not have the capability of relating to her except in the most self-absorbed of ways.

Upon finishing WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE, the reader will have been introduced to virtually all the major characters in IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME. Most importantly for later volumes, we meet and get to know Albertine, Robert de Saint-Loup, the painter Elstir, the diplomat Norpois, and Madame de Villeparasis, as well as a deepened acquaintance with such characters as Gilberte Swann, Madame Swann, and the extravagantly bizarre Baron de Charlus.

Proust's extraordinary genius is evident on every page of this amazing book. One could point to any of a few dozen moments to illustrate this. What is amazing to me about Proust is how he can take an amazingly everyday event, and build it to proportions as great as any battle scene in WAR AND PEACE. For instance, at the end of "Madame Swann at Home," the narrator recounts the times he would wait at the Arc de Triomphe to take a walk with Madame Swann and her entourage. The ensuing eight or nine pages, which merely recount the group walking through Paris, become as majestic and epic as any scene in Homer or Virgil or Tolstoy. No scene would seem to contain less potential for greatness, yet Proust is able to make it something truly unique and beautiful. Or, to take another incident, have there been many incidents in literature as filled with passion and emotion and suspense as the Narrator's first attempt to kiss Albertine? In a mere two pages, Proust is about to pack a surreal amount of dramatic (and comic) action.

Although famous for containing at least part of both of the narrator's great love affairs, I find this novel even more fascinating for the extraordinary detailing of the myriad of social and class distinctions to be found in the seemingly infinitely varied French society. The great theme throughout the book, even when not specifically mentioned, is snobbism, and Proust owns the subject of snobbery as Homer owns that of war. Proust reveals snobbery primarily proceeding from those slightly lower on the social ladder. Ironically, he reveals those at the top guilty not of snobbery but of insolence and disdain, while not even his servant Françoise is innocent of being a snob. The tensions in the novel become particularly acute given the changes that were taking place in French society at the time. This theme is not restricted to this novel alone. It featured in SWANN'S WAY, especially in the attitudes of the Verdurin "faithful" and will be a major theme of ensuing volumes, especially THE GUERMANTES WAY.

The section of the novel recounting his getting to know Elstir contains perhaps my favorite passage in all of Proust, where Elstir, upon the narrator's learning something unflattering of Elstir's past, tells him that no one has not done things that they would not love to expunge, but that no one ought to despise this, because this is the only way one can truly become wise. "We do not receive wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves, after a journey through the wilderness which no one can else can make for us, which no one can spare, us, for our wisdom is the point of view from which we come at last to regard the world." This is not merely the opinion of Proust's character: it could stand as the central meaning of the novel as a whole.

Volume 3 of 12 of proust's Remembrance of things past is another great example of beautiful literature. In this volume Proust's leaves the innocence of boyhood and ventures forth towards young adulthood. His relationship with young Gilberte grows and eventually he falls in love with the pretty thing. Alas however there are problems and the narrator must face the fact that Gilberte will never be the one for him. All the while Proust's writes of Madame Swann the much talked about woman with a shady past. Though the mother of Gilberte the narrator paints her as a vision of beauty and grace. He is captivated by her as well and in one charming passage describes in great detail a spring coat she is wearing on one of her walks where in it he finds treasures and scents like no other. the reader can feel the coat as it is being described such a writer is Proust. this volume ends with Proust arriving at Balbec with his grandmother and observing the Hypocrisy around him. It is quite comical for no one is spared and each class at that time viewed the other with suspicion and disdain. I was quite disappointed when the last CD was through but I have already ordered volume 4. Naxos has done an excellent job in bringing to life Proust's masterpiece and I can't wait to listen to all 12 volumes. I will savor them however ordering one every so often just to excite my anticipation a bit more. this book contains 3 CDs and includes musical breaks between the reading.

The narrator of the twenty-four stories (plus an introduction) finds a special clock in Father Time's attic, which strikes on the hour with songs and puppet dances. "Four and twenty marvelous tales, one for each hour of the day" all start with a verse to coincide with that particular hour. Drawings are included to add further depth. Each ends with a morality lesson, which never interferes with the story, but helps wrap up that entry.

This nineteenth century collection is remarkable in different ways depending on the reader. The tales provide insight into daily household life and the morality of a bygone era. The contributions also furbish delightful fairy tales for the young at heart that are enhanced by superb figures of speech and tremendous illustrations with a finale moral lesson. This collection is a winner and will send many a reader searching for other works by Howard Pyle.

Harriet Klausner

This book has been in my family for four generations, the 1912 edition having been given to my father by his grandmother in 1948.

The premise of the story is given in the introduction; the narrator happens upon a marvelous clock in Father Time's attic, which strikes the hour with songs and puppet dances. Twenty-four stories follow, one for each hour of the day. Each story begins with a verse that corresponds to the hour of the day: lighting the fire, preparing breakfast, sending the children to school, making the noonday meal, milking, tea, bedtime. The verses alone are fascinating, as they bring to life the househould routines of a very different era.

The stories are illustrated with Howard Pyle's remarkable drawings. Each tale has a frontispiece for the title, and the beginning of the text and each picture caption is heralded with a large ornmental letter like those in illuminated manuscripts. The illustrations are gorgeous. Pyle was fond of capturing scenes of nobility and royal splendour, pastoral life, and witchcraft. Some are stylized portraits of princesses in exquisite gowns and classic poses, while others demonstrate Pyle's gift for caricature and expression.

The stories themselves are wonderful, full of heroes and heroines, bravery, beauty, wits and trickery. Although there are allusions to mystic and Christian themes, and to folklore and fables, most of the stories will be unfamiliar and fresh to modern readers. The langauge is rich with metaphor, droll imagery, and dialogue that is made to be read aloud. As with Aesop's fables, the stories are meant to instruct, but the morals take a back seat to the storytelling, at least until the conclusion of each tale, and a great deal is left up to the reader to interpret.

This was my favorite book as a child, and I still turn to it on sleepless nights. But our beloved family heirloom is growing very delicate, so I am very glad that the book is still in print. I hope to share it with my own children someday.

My father heard these stories as a child. He read them to me. I read them to my kids and my grandkids. The vocabulary, the cadences, the varied plots and the sheer magic of these tales is timeless. The poems at the beginning of each chapter are related to the hours. Kids insist that you read them too. Pyle always sees to it that bullies, evil magicians, cheaters and older nasty siblings get their comeuppance. Little ones enjoy that aspect. Great archaic words are dusted off along with long disused similies and metaphores. It's the kind of book that comes to mind when you meet a bright eyed new child who has read everything else or seen everything else. At age 70 I still keep a copy in my bed's head board. Rap, tap, tap he knocked at the door.

This work is translated from the French, and even though in English it loses some of its lyrical power, it still remains a unique work with a unique voice. This is a story between a would-be-novelist and a girl he meets by chance. What works in the novel is the unpretentiousness of the narrator, whose prose reads almost like a stream of conciousness and yet manages to remain honest. It captures well the mind of 'a man' without censoring much of anything or compromising its literary integrity. It is emotionally charged, and the characters stay with you long after you've finished the book. I highly recommend this book since it is the only one of a dozen Philippe Djian's novels which has been translated.

i loved it. djian is a great writer. i write my own stories but after djian i decided to quit. he's done everything i want to do. u must read this... fabulous.

This book rocks, Djians writeing is pure rythm'blues and his characters are beaming of live and spirit. a real must read for pretty much everybody (unless you are prude 8-)

This is an absolute must for anyone wanting to experience the old North East Kingdom feel. Having lived in the Kingdom myself I could relate to the way of life expressed even though the book was placed many years before me. Also having met Mr. Mosher it lends a peaceful tone that is not matched anywhere in the world. Any of his other writings are well worth the time taken to read them. It was a pleasure to be able to shake his hand and thank him for the beautiful treasure he had blessed us with.

I was recommended this book by a friend while climbing Worcester Mountain near Middlesex, Vermont. I grabbed it just before a solo overnight on a section of the Long Trail. The only copy the store had was an autographed (for cover price), but the owner assured me that Mr. Mosher would appreciate my stuffing the book into my pack for a hike in the Green Mountains. I trusted the person who recommended the book, but was not prepared for how good it is.
One part Beat, one part magical realsim, one part historical fiction. All this (and more) combined with an engaging writing style that keeps the pages turning. More than any other book, I felt completly satisfied at the end. Every word sits gently in my memory, so that I won't need to re-read it for a while. It now sits on the shelf in the company of 'The Dharma Bums' and 'Sometimes a Great Notion'.

I first read this book in college in 1987, and go back to it every few years when I need to be reminded how wonderful life is. It is beautifully written, incredibly funny and very, very moving. I don't know why this book isn't more widely read, it certainly deserves to be.

We had received this book from a friend when our daughter was born. We started reading to her at 4 months of age, and this has always been one of her favorites. She is now 19 months old, and this is the only book she wants us to read at bedtime. We try others, but she always goes and gets this one. It is such a nice story, and a nice way to end the day. The illustrations are beautiful as well. This should definitely be a "must-have" for every child's book collection.

My 2 year old daughter received this book for Christmas from her great-grandmother. It's sweet, innocent, and an excellent way to incorporate God into your night time routine. The pictures at beautiful. We enjoy reading to together often.

I was so pleased the first time I read this book to my son. He received it as a Baptismal gift. The story is so sweet and the illustrations are beautiful... great detail. This book is an important part of our bedtime routine.

There are no words to describe what an amazing book this is. I read this book when I began my journey down the road of grief and healing over my dad's death. I wept. I laughed. Sometimes at the same time,but God ministered to me through the openeness of this family. They allow you into such a private, intimate time and let you see that you can grieve with hope. There is no doubt that you will be blessed by their courage, strength, faith, and unending devotion to the Lord. May God bless them for their willingness to be used by him in such a vulnerable way.

Gregory Floyd writes from the heart - and what he has to share is compelling not just from the perspective that he is sharing the depths of his grief - and how his faith in God helped him to deal with that grief. His insights are for ALL Christians, and will benefit the non-Christian as well. Gregory shares poignantly about the world - wanting to provide only worldly comfort, some Christians who only wanted to offer "spiritual" consolation, and how the most precious who reached out to him and his family were those who BLENDED the heavenly and earthly realities. He gained insights into how all Christians are called, albeit in different ways, to bear their share of the suffering of Christ to ultimately experience the true JOY of Jesus. I can't say enough how every Christian will benefit from reading this book: it will help men to see the need to not be afraid to show their feelings (after all - "Jesus wept"), and will enable them (through reading of Gregory's many examples with helping his wife and children deal with the death of John Paul) better husbands, fathers, and spiritual heads of their households; it will speak to all of how to deal better with catastophic personal suffering, or improve their consolation and compassion on those around them who are in the throes of some form of suffering. Don't think twice about getting this book!

In High Schools, the students watch "Schindler's List", a difficult but important film, in order to learn from the tragedy. This book is the "Schindler's List" for marriage prep. Without it, "For better or for worse" is a glib statement, by two egotists who are unprepared when that "worse" (whatever it may be) inevitably rears its head. Because I'm reading it before my wedding, I have a firmer grasp (like cement) of the importance of the commitment, the experience of a family (albeit a large family), and confirmation of that ever-present presence of grace, God's grace, still flickering while nearly everything else is in shambles.

While the story is agonizing to tell, Gregory Floyd handles such impossible material with grace. There's great potential for the book to be a dual threat: to be emotionally draining, and repetitive. Granted, it's both, but it's never boring. The book grabs you by the jugular and causes personal introspection to take over. I was reminded of how a child can have a dual personality, angelic wonder intermixed with a carnal longing for playtime and candy, all within a half-hour. I was encouraged by his friends and large family, and reminded of the blessings of what a family could mean. I was floored by the powerful words of wisdom of Fr. Philip Merdinger at the funeral mass, the stunning reassurance that where Johnny-Paul was, he would never want to leave. All this and I'm still not halfway through.

Most people wouldn't consider getting a book like this until (God forbid) this sort of tragedy strikes home. Don't wait until then... you will not have the strength to read this. Don't be intimidated by the material... it's easy to read, it flows, it goes down easy (if easy is the best word). Though it all, my hope in families are invigorated, and my faith in God is reassured (like fire).

It's a nice book, well written and with a nice alternating between anedocts and game recaps with box scores and precise recollection of the Mets most important games over their history. I wish the author had expanded a bit more the final part of the book dedicated to players profiles. But overall it's a nice reading for baseball fans interested in the recent history of the game, not only Mets fans

Might this be the best Mets book -- ever? I'm old enough to recall the Mets first win in 1962, and here's that game again, one of dozens of games -- from the good years and the wishful -- with dozens of box scores (box scores! Why don't baseball books have more box scores like Blatt gives us?) and excellent game stories, with the best quotes, scene-setting and analysis you could want. I just pick this book up, read any game at random and next thing I know I'm reading three games, four, and the writing of each game-story is so crisp, evocative, witty and intelligent that nothing about it tires. It's like sitting next to a great afficianado who's seen it all and makes you feel as if you're seeing it fresh in the thrill of the original nights and afternoons. Like a time machine, you're placed in the game's seasonal situation, the immediate dugout calculations, and the cultural implications for the Blue and Orange. And then there are the chapters on best/worst trades, best players (complete with stats and rain-delay musings) and like the song says, "I don't care if I ever get back." And the topper is that he even includes "bonus" games, plucking the extraordinary from the ordinary (if there is such a thing as ordinary in baseball). Any old book can give you the World Series games but Blatt gives you it all, from the Aprils to the warm summers to the October chill. It works on every level. Not only is this a book for the deepest, most passionate fan but also the perfect volume to introduce and explain to your girlfriend, wife or kids why the Mets matter, why this is not just the Mets history but our own. Just as you can love and appreciate Wrigley without being a Cubs fan, or appreciate Jordan without being his team's fan, you can love this book even if you're not a Mets fan. If you value great baseball writing you'll become a Howard Blatt fan. As do all great authors and their classics, this book transcends its particulars to become something any fan will find fascinating and historically compelling. This book will become as dog-eared as your first scorecard and just as precious.

I just finished reading Howard Blatt's book, Amazin' Met Memories. I really enjoyed the trip down memory lane with the Mets. This book had terrific accounts of over 40 of the greatest games in Met history. My whole family have been fans of The NY Mets for many years. Since we don't live in New York anymore we can't attend the games, but this book made me feel that I was sitting on the third base line at Shea. I will keep this book in the company of every Met yearbook I own, since '62. Mr. Blatt, keep the Met books coming!!!

For anyone interested in how the rapid changes in our society have affected traditional ideas about retirement, this book provides a wonderful resource that not only questions a variety of traditional notions regarding aging and retirement, but also provides a plethora of thought-provoking considerations that help us to reconsider both the fact of growing older and the idea of retirement as they are currently viewed in this culture. Of course, the fact that I have already retired from one profession and am rapidly approaching the same conclusion with a brief secondary teaching career may make me the perfect candidate for such a book.

Yet I must admit that while I do not fully agree with many of the particulars that authors Marika and Howard Stone so enthusiastically espouse, I do find their overall message regarding the exciting possibilities for individual achievement and continuing contribution that such a life situation offers the retirement-eligible individual or couple. They embark from the substantial philosophical position carved out by former academic Theodore Roszak ("The Making of a Counterculture") in his absorbing tome, "America The Wise, The Longevity Revolution and the Wealth of Nations"(see my review), pointing out the facts associated with the new and burgeoning potential of the so-called baby boomer generation which is rapidly approaching retirement age with an incredible reserve of both financial and human resources at its disposal. Both Roszak and the Stones both argue for unleashing the human potential in a wave of creative activity, which is socially useful, and personally enriching.

What this book represents, then, is an eminently useful and immensely practical resource for people hoping to restructure their expectations, values, and personal experiences about what the retirement years are going to mean for them. Given the realities that traditional ideas about retirement are undergoing a revolution, the Stones provide the reader with an easy way through the maze toward a better understanding of what all the options are, as well as how to evaluate and assess these options and opportunities for a better and more fulfilling experience in the later years of life. And while the Stones find the mantra of life to be closely connected to work and expression through one's livelihood, they are wise enough to recognize other options for others, and encourage the reader to explore whatever seems valuable and worthwhile. This is a wonderful book, a delicious treat for those of us anxiously peering over the fence into the retirement years and wondering what to make of it all. Enjoy!

The couple that worte "Too Young to Retire" tried out the idea of a Sunbelt retirement in Palm Springs and ended up realizing that this was not the life they'd had in mind. Is retirement meant to be living at 70% of your income, completely at leisure in a warm climate, or do you want something more challenging, such as a new career?

The Stones give alternatives to the leisure life, including ideas for new types of jobs such as doula (childbirth coach), Navy contract teacher, and housecleaner.

The only vague part of the book is that it doesn't give a complete picture about health insurance; this can be quite a burden financially and fraught with dangers until you can qualify for Medicare. Even COBRA's (carry-over insurance from your employer) are expensive for family coverage and can be a significant part of your (now-reduced) retirement income unless you get another job that has benefits.

But I certainly support the Stones' assertion that retirement can be a lot more than golfing and bingo, and if you are of the same suspicion about your own leanings, this book may give you some sharp ideas about life alternatives to that Florida condo.

"It is already clear the 21st Century will demand more of all of us, young or old. The gifts we are given - longevity, better health, education and financial resources - come with responsibility. After all, we have inherited and even helped create a world that needs our wisdom, experience, and compassion now."

I've always thought the idea of retiring to be a strange concept. Why would you just give up your entire life? Even if you gave up your job should there not be other interests you would pursue, perhaps even more aggressively than your previous job.

It has been said that a "hobby" is more the man than his "job." I jest not when I say reviewing can be quite a great job/hobby.

The authors explain how to awaken the inner activist or volunteer. Chapter 5 gives a list of 101 Opportunities you could pursue. I know for sure there is a need for professional people who can keep giving their talents to society. Some of the ideas include:

Relocation Specialist
Personal Coach
Home Tutor
Travel Writer
Yoga Teacher
Massage Therapist
Author
Executive chef
Cabaret Singer

You might be thinking, "Hey, those sound more fun than what I'm doing now!" I personally like the "author" and "massage therapist" idea.

The authors explain how life is uncharted territory. How we live in a culture preoccupied with wealth. Are we not living our lives to find our deepest purpose?

The Contents Include:

Money - The Prose of Life
It's Not Working
It Is Working - Volunteering Revisited
101 Opportunities for the Open-Minded
Toward Wellness
Radical Departures
Resources

After you read this book, you will wonder if retirement really represents the "good life."

Well if you take Chapter 7 into account and start traveling the world, this might be just the bliss your soul has been craving. I also "loved" the idea of becoming a care taker. Who would not want to go live in a beautiful location as a property manager?

This book is about living in the moment and seeing your new freedom as an excuse to do exactly what you love.

Creative and Wise!

This book examines U.S. immigration, documenting what's happening as 10's of millions of people (largely from the 3rd world) are allowed into the U.S.

It's difficult to find accurate accounts of the immigration situation. Business lobbies for immigration to obtain cheap labor and keep wages down. Left-leaning intellectuals advocate immigration because of a hatred of the Western Civilization and desire to see it eliminated via diversity and multiculturalism. Politicians advocate immigration because they want to import dependent populations that need services and will vote for them (kings need peasants). Conservatives accept immigration because it seems to validate the desirability of American society and free-enterprise and they are afraid of being called names by the others.

The result is a population growth curve for the U.S. like that of 3rd world nations, with corresponding social strains. If continued at the same rate, the U.S. will reach 400 million people by the year 2050 at huge social, economic and environmental costs. The President of Mexico campaigns here in California even as Mexicans talk about retaking the southeastern U.S. states "stolen" from them centuries ago by repopulating it and effectively eliminating the border; the effort is called the "Reconquista". Don't expect in-depth coverage of this by ABC or the New York Times.

The U.S. was created and maintained by the sacrifice, lives, hopes held by millions of ancestors many of whom paid the ultimate price to create the future: our present. The current generation now has the option of piddling that all away with a whimper or educating themselves and stopping destructive forces. This will mean enduring and refuting charges of racism, among the other antics of the cultural elite, without being deflected.

This book a good starting place. It provides specifics on how high immigration damages the U.S. at multiple levels. The first to feel the effect of immigration are native blacks whose attempts to integrate into American mainstream have been substantially halted by preferences for immigrants. But all are affected.

As an example, why do engineers developing the air traffic control system -- involving billions of dollars and millions of lives -- make one-half to one-tenth the salary of a routine lawyer or doctor? Employers can go to Congress and say "Americans aren't interested and not smart enough. Our schools can't produce engineers, we need to hire foreigners".

This is not an option for professions like law, being dependent on language and cultural skills. So salaries for engineers are comparatively low and a shortage results despite the critical need. At the same time, law and medical schools are overflowing with people attracted by the high earning potential. The results of the immigration policy create the imbalance in the first place. Need more engineers? Pay more to attract them.

It is like nothing has been learned. Slavery developed in this country to provide cheap labor. Yet the cotton pulled from the fields by slaves has long since rotted away to nothing. The consequences have not: civil war and ongoing social struggles spanning centuries. Much of the original intent and structure of the nation has been distorted or dissipated attempting to solve self-made, predictable problems. One can only wonder at what this country could have done if it had not wasted such massive resources in contortions over unimportant social issues.

Now the concern is over a matter even more trivial, if that is possible: whether strawberries will be $1.20 a carton or $4.50 a carton in the 2-3 days before they rot away. Perhaps someone should sit down and design a decent strawberry picking machine and save future generations untold grief. It's called menial labor because no human should be doing it.

The U.S. is not a strip mall with jingling cash registers the national anthem. It is based on a set of specific ideas about human nature: that people are spiritually created in the image of God, thus have instrinsic worth and dignity. That humans are corrupted by sin, something that is real, thus power must be decentralized to avoid concentration in the hands of a single individual. These ideas are what distinguish the U.S. from the others (and a major reason the concept of human rights tends not to "catch on" in cultures lacking Christian background.)

People are not like refrigerators or cars. When you import them, you also import their hopes, dreams and understandings for generations to come. We are now importing people who do not share the understanding of human nature this country is based on. They are rather from 3rd world countries which view people as disposable, government simply a source of power to control the people. When immigrants arrive here, they are now greeted by intellectuals and educators and media who share the same view. Why would newcomers perpetuate a society and institutions they have no way of understanding and are outside their tradition? Because they can make $7.50 an hour instead of $1.00?

Columnist P. Roberts write, "The basis for a successful political life is a common language, history and culture, which create a people sufficiently cohesive for self-rule to arrive at compromises that solve conflicts. When "multicultural diversity" replaces "a people", cohesion must be provided by coercion."

The U.S. (and Europe) are on a self-destructive path that has been walked over and over throughout history. Only the rationalizations for inaction are more clever. Educate yourself with the facts, steel yourself for the vicious onslaught you will provoke, and speak up.

Great book on how immigration is ruinning this great country. After reading it I have become much more aware on how important it is to stop immigration. We must fight immigration in order to save this great nation!!

Roy Beck gives every possible argument for reducing immigration. He talks about how our enviroment is at stake with overcrowding. He talked about and proved how immigration causes a drop in wages of low income earners. But the best chapter was without a doubt "Jobs Americans Will Do". He disproved the myth on how immigrants today take only jobs that no one else wants. He argues for reducing the number of immigrants admitted based on population replacment rate. This book was written by a man who is actually left of center politically. Thus the pro-immigration lobby can't do their usual name calling to anyone who supports cutting immigration. Roy Beck has done us a great service.

The Anton book appears to be the standard in teaching undergrad LA, but I personally didn't like it very much. Part of the problem is due to several misprints in the early chapters. Some of the definitions of basic concepts are confusing at best, wrong at the worst. I found myself relying on the Hubbard-Hubbard "Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Forms" to get through the course. The explanations were more concise and easier to understand. If you'r eteaching yourself, Hubbard-Hubbard is the way to go.

I used Anton in my linear algebra class a few years back and I have referred to it often since. Anton's approach is to introduce the notation and basic tools, i.e. vector and matrix arithmetic, within the intuitive geometric settings of the Euclidean plane and space. Once the basic concepts of Euclidean vector spaces have been mastered, Anton moves into abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvectors. One chapter is spent on complex matrices, and another chapter deals with numerical issues and least-squares applications. The only topic which is noticably missing is the singular value decomposition, but other than that, Anton is a remarkably complete text. The definitions and theorems are clearly presented, along with the motivating intuitions. The exercises at the end of the chapter sections are a nice balance between computational and theoretical problems. Overall I highly recommend Anton as a first linear algebra text.

I've been teaching out of Anton's Linear Algebra books for 17 years, and I'm especially impressed with the 8th edition. Difficult concepts are visited again and again in increasing levels of abstraction, easing students into them. I'm amazed at the organization of topics. I'm able to deliver punch lines arrive several times a day: "Now we see why we learned this yesterday. Here's something we saw a while back, remember this?"

As always, the writing style is clear and the exercises are well-chosen. I can't imagine teaching linear algebra with any other author.