Reading this book reminded me of attending a good conference where lots of company executives provide detailed examples of the issues they faced, and how they went about dealing with those issues. Since such conferences usually cost several hundred dollars, this book is a real bargain -- and you don't have to get on an airplane and fly someplace!

One of the strengths of the book is that you receive several perspectives on the context for each case history. The editors describe what each case means, and the conclusions section summarizes general patterns. Also, each case is presented in the same format which makes it easier to understand what is being shared. I was particularly grateful for the exhibits (which exist in electronic form in the CD enclosed in the book). I also appreciated that the cases were primarily written by Human Resources professionals inside the companies, rather than being a consultant's take on what happened.

Having said all those positive things, let me share some concerns. First, I looked in vain for my favorite examples of outstanding work in recruiting, retention, knowledge encouragement, and executive development. If this book is about "best practices" where were GE, Disney, Motorola, Ritz Carlton, and SAS Institute? Second, many of the cases involved companies that are better known for their poor performance than for excellence. If they are developing their people so well, what happened? Third, a lot of these cases involve new initiatives where the long-term consequences are hard to see. Fourth, the profit impact on the organizations was not well documented. That makes it hard to use these cases as examples to encourage your own company to follow suit. Fifth, as change management processes, most of these cases are far behind the curve of what is described in Peter Senge's various books of case histories such as The Dance of Change. Part of the reason seems to be that a number of these cases aren't very new.

Of the cases in the book, I recommend the ServiceMASTER, Westinghouse, Johnson & Johnson, Allstate, and Case Corporation examples as the most helpful to me. I mention that because there's a lot of material in this book. I read a lot and rapidly, and I found this book hard to tackle. By being more selective in what you go after, you can help avoid some of that problem. Naturally, if your own issues are only in a few areas, just look at those cases.

Develop the full potential of everyone, beginning with yourself!

"The principal goal of this book is to provide you with the key ingredients taken from best-companies to help you create and enhance your organization and human resource development (OD/HRD) initiative. Through a case study approach, this book provides practical, easy-to-apply tools, instruments, training, concepts, and competency models that can be used as benchmarks for the successful implementation of your specific OD/HRD initiative (from the Introduction)."

In this context, Louis Carter, David Giber, and Marshall Goldsmith (editors) divide core part of this book -Organization and Human Resources Development Case Studies- into following five OD/HRD topic areas:

I. Organization Development and Change: In this section, W. Warner Burke says, "Seven rich cases (Kraft Foods, Nortel, ServiceMASTER, SmithKline Beecham, Westinghouse, CK Witko, and Xerox) of organization development and change are discussed...The cases cover a wide range of change from how OD occurs every day to deep change in an organization's culture...Without doubt we can learn from these cases. And learn we must. Changing organization is too intricate to be left to novices. We have indeed learned and noted at the outset, but we still have much to learn. As one who has been involved for more than 35 years, helping organizations change is both thrilling and very satisfying. Learning, however, is the most exciting part (pp.6-8)."

II. Leadership Development: In this section, Jay A. Congerwrites that "In the cases that follow, we look at three companies (Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, and Sun Microsystems,Inc.) that have dedicated serious time and resources to leadership development...In addition, all three of the company cases make extended use of competency models, 360-degree feedback, and action learning (p.186)."

III. Recruitment and Retention: In this section of the book, John Sullivan writes, "you'll learn how three diverse companies tackled their retention and recruiting problems. Two of the firms are high tech (AMD and Cellular One), while another (Allstate) is in a more traditional industry. Both AMD and Cellular One focus on solving the hot issue of retention while Allstate takes a new look at the recruiting and selection processes. All three of the case studies use a scientific approach to identify which solutions have the most impact...All three of these case studies are worth examining because of their scientific methodology as well as their results. All are full of powerfull 'lessons learned' for those who are soon to begin a major recruitment or retention effort (pp.303-304)."

IV. Performance Management: This section examines performance management systems of Case Corporation and Sonoco. Edward E. Lawler III says that "the performance management systems in most organizations are contoversial, ineffective, and constantly under construction. They are so problematic that critics argue many organizations would be better off if they simply didn't have a performance management system, particularly one in which performance appraisals are tied to pay actions. But-and it is an important but- if individuals are not appraised, counseled, coached, and rewarded for performance, how can an organization pruduce the organized, coordinated, and motivated behavior that it takes to perform well? The answer most likely is that it can't (p.393)."

V. Coaching and Mentoring: Introduction of this section, Beverly Kaye writes, "the last 5 years have seen a groundswell in both arenas. And it's not just been more of the same; organizations have begun to use mentoring and coaching more purposefully. HR and OD practitioners have worked to utilize both interventions to meet pressing business problems having to do with the development and retention of talent, as well as the growth of future leaders. These interventions have been more systemic, more thoughtful, and more innovative than ever before. The case studies (Dow Corning, and MediaOne Group-AT&T) illustrate this trend. Both were motivated by specific business drivers, both were preceded by intensive research, both were implemented over time, and both were evaluated seriously. Readers will find them instructive, detailed, and engaging (p.438)."

Finally, Louis Carter (editor) says that "contributors were asked to indicate where they envision their organization is heading with its initiative within the next 5 to 10 years. Responses indicate that the contributors want to keep the organization on a track to continuously learn and develop its capabilities. Comments from some contributors indicate that they want to leverage lessons learned from this experience. Some contributors commented that they want to firmly ingrain the initiative into the organization to the point that it is almost invisible to the user, making it an accepted part of life at the company. Other contributors will continue to refine the present initiative in place, while others will expand their efforts into other business lines. Survey results clearly indicate that the present state of the initiatives represented in this book represent snapshots of moving targets. Further growth and innovation is inevitable for these best practice organizations, as they work to stay ahead of their competitors by embracing change and continuously learning and improving (pp.531-532)."

Strongly recommended.

Here in a single volume is about all that is needed to design, implement, and then monitor a program through which to achieve organizational transformation. Moreover, the editors have selected both information and wisdom which can help to ensure that such a program is comprehensive, cohesive, and cost-effective. The phrase "best practices" is apt but should not be misconstrued to mean that strategies and tactics which have been highly successful in some organizations are necessary going to be successful in all others. Moreover, I urge the reader to keep in mind that, although the organizations featured (e.g. Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft Foods, Nortel Networks, ServiceMASTER, SmithKline Beecham, and Sun Microsystems) are among the largest in their respective industries, much of the material in this book is also relevant to small-to-midsize organizations. My own rather extensive past experience with all manner of organizations (including non-profits) has convinced me that most people do not fear change; rather, they fear the unfamiliar. Hence the importance of three on-going initiatives: communicate, communicate, and communicate.

Part One consists of Acknowledgments, About This Book, How to Use This Book, and an excellent Foreword by Richard Beckhard. Carter, Giber, and Goldsmith then shift their attention in Part Two of "Organization & Human Resources Development Case Studies." The individual case studies are distributed within this thematic structure:

Organizational Development & Change

Leadership Development

Recruitment & Retention

Performance Management

Coaching & Mentoring

Part Three: Conclusion consists of Research (OD/HRD Trends and Findings), Endnotes, About Linkage, Inc., About the Editors, Index, and How to Use the CD-ROM, terrific value-added benefit.

Back to Beckhard's Foreword for a moment. In it, he identifies six (6) "elements" which are basic to each case study; all are central to and sequential within the change process associated with organizational development/human resource development (OD/HRD). They are: Business Diagnosis, Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, On-the-Job Support, and Evaluation. It is helpful to keep these six "elements" clearly in mind while working your way through the abundance of information which the editors provide. Fortunately, they have organized the (sometimes daunting) material with meticulous care and write exceptionally well. I also urge you to use the same six "elements" as guidelines when determining what the design of your own program for organizational change should be, and, when selecting those strategies and tactics discussed in the book which are most appropriate to the implementation and evaluation of that program. This is especially true of decision-makers in small-to-midsize organizations.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out O'Toole's Leading Change, Katzenbach's Real Change Leaders as well as his Peak Performance , Kaplan and Norton's The Balanced Scorecard and The Strategy-Focused Organization, Quinn's Deep Change, O'Dell and Grayson's If Only We Knew What We Know, Isaacs' Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together, and Senge's The Dance of Change. Those especially interested in Six Sigma are encouraged to check out (and read in this order) Pande's The Six Sigma Way, Breyfogle's Implementing Six Sigma, and Eckes's Making Six Sigma Last.

You've got to love a book that starts with a "murdered," prize-winning bullfrog. Of course, that's just the beginning of Connor Westphal's adventures. This is a pleasant read--there is a warm voice and a sense of humor. I liked the main character and immediately started rooting for her. The book IS a little too didactic--Connor is deaf and her friend is blind, so there is information about both disabilities--but I still enjoyed the story. The small-town setting gives the novel more focus and even more credibility. I felt that I was right there in Calaveras getting ready to watch some jumping frogs--ribbet!

It is hard for me to give less than a five to one of Penny Warner's mysteries because I want so badly to be able to encourage and cheer on her deaf protagonist, Connor. This is an fun read, an entertaining read, and it teaches those who are nondisabled much about the deaf and hard-of-hearing world. This particular novel with its give-away title is also teaching about those who have sight disabilities. While I applaud Ms. Warner's determination to teach about deafness and other differences, sometimes the plot of the mystery and the characterization ends up taking a back seat to the details with which Warner almost floods the book about American Sign Language, about reading lips or trying to make sense of partial sentences, and in this book, how diabetes can cause blindness and the development of other senses in the face of loss of hearing or sight.

Having said that, most people will find this book intriguing and certainly I found the use of Mark Twain's story about the frog jumping entertainment of that area of California to be great fun. I also enjoy Connor's snide and irreverent attitude toward 'stupid hearing people' such as the mayor, and her coming to terms with her own deafness and the occasional social problems it brings (yes, there is a sign for 'stupid hearing people' but it may be different in California!) I have read other books of Warner's and enjoyed them more...I think she put just a bit too much information in here about disabilities when she should have fleshed out the other characters more, such as Miah who was introduced as the major suspect and then he totally disappeared until the end of the book with no explanation.

I will continue to look for and read Ms. Warner's books. For the most part they are fun mysteries and I certainly appreciate the education that she provides to those who have no disabilities about those of us who do have them. She continues to break the stereotypes for us, but next time...more mystery, and less preaching please! Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh

Penny Warner is a wonder. She has written over twenty-five books; teaches Child Development and sign language at local colleges, has been nominated for the Agatha award and won the Macavity Award for best first mystery. She teaches nonfiction, mystery writing and has experience as a journalist.

Blind Side is her fifth Connor Westphal mystery. Connor, or C.J., as her friends call her, owns and operates the Eureka!, which is the local newspaper in Calaveras County (yes, the very same county of Mark Twain fame). Naturally there is a frog jumping contest each year, but no one counted on the fierce competition that evolved between Jeremiah Mercer, C.J.'s employee and friend; better known as "Miah," and Dakota Webster, Miah's old school chum. Dakota's frog turns up dead; then Dakota himself, with Miah's frog stuffed into his mouth:

"Where did you find it?" I managed to ask. "You sure you want to know?" I nodded. "In Dakota's mouth." "Oh, my God!" I gasped in horror. Talk about a frog in your throat. But it wasn't the thought of the frog in the dead man's mouth that caused the blood to leave my head."

Connor Westphal is one enjoyable heroine. She is independent; has an attitude that makes dull people cringe; and is deaf. Penny Warner manages to slip in quite an education for the hearing public, and to make us laugh in the process. Connor is constantly getting herself into scrapes; occasionally being rescued by her "anvil-armed" boyfriend, Dan Smith, who good-naturedly upbraids her for her antics. But secretly Dan is proud of Connor, and their relationship is warm and true. Blind Side is one raucous mystery, and Warner is a helluva writer.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

The music is amazing, the book is incredible, the story is haunting; these are all things credited to make this musical spectacular. Sweeny Todd tells the story of revenge, love, death, and ofcoarse pies. Sweeny Todd is a Barber who seeks revenge on all man kind. Mrs Lovett is his assistant who hides the evidence, in her delicious meat pies. "Have you seen the Priest?" asked the Judge. "No, I havent." replied the Beadle Bamford smaking his lips. "By the way judge have you tasted this delicious PRIEST PIE."

In 1979, Stephen Sondheim had a long and illustrious career on the Broadway stage, with "Company", "Follies", and "A Little Night Music" to his credit. "Sweeney Todd" capped that career with an extraordinarily inspired score, ably seconded by Hugh Wheeler's insightful and clever book. A triumph on all counts.

Not only does the music book capture many of the aspects of the tale of Sweeney Todd, it captures Stephen Sondheim's brilliance in the world of music as a writer. This music book is well worth the price paid for it.

I was greatly surprised by this book. It is probably the best of the comics, and focuses on the survival of Hicks and Newt. I heard other reviewers say that the comics were better than the last two movies, and I must agree. ... The story focuses on the survivors of the Aliens mission, Hicks and Newt. After their arrival on Earth, they were seperated and unable to communicate with each other. But when an Alien Hiveworld is found the goverment needs Hicks expertise and drag him along. But not before he rescues Newt(who is much older due to the elapsed time spent on earth) and takes her with him. After barely escaping the alien mission, Newt and Hicks realize that the aliens are setting up a bigger hiveworld, a hiveworld on the planet earth.

Written before Alien3, this book is not in line with the films after Aliens. It is far better than any of them. The story is the best I have read in a graphic novel. Only one word need describe it-epic. We do not have cheesy INDEPENDANCE DAY type theatrics, we have a panorama of love, ambition, strife and perdition. The aliens' invasion of Earth is brilliantly portrayed, as is the subsequent collapse of civilization. We have human civilization and savagery juxtaposed clearly. Philosophy and terror go hand in hand in this extraordinary book. The most emotionally moving title in this series. This should have been ALIEN3. It has all the poeticism and emotional depth of that brilliant movie, while it dispenses with the plotting infelicities and sketchy characterization. Compared to ALIEN RESURRECTION, the latest title in the movie saga, this book is a prime piece of science-fiction. Ironically that movie was more like a cheesy comicbook, while this book is like an excellent movie. Comparisons th Kubrick's SPACE ODYSSEY 2001 would indeed be justified when talking of this book. The illustrations are beautiful, with special attention on the faces of the characters. One final note: this was rereleasd under the title OUTBREAK with changes made to fit it in with ALIEN3.

What can I say; an absolute classic tour de force, Paul Verheiden is Mr. 'Aliens.' for those who are in the know this is the where it all begins; the first book in the excellent Aliens graphic novel series, and it's an absolute stormer! It hits on so many levels, not just the obvious sci - fi horror of killer bugs that are born by bursting out of your stomach and grow to the size of men but also the meaning - and nature of life - what it means to be human (is a clone a human?), our psychology, the origin of the aliens, their psychology and social organisation, mankind's place in the universe, the problems of our planet, and more. Verheiden goes deep into what the aliens stand for, what they mean, their implications for us, as well as the obligatory comparisons between man and alien. He shows us that he knows aliens more than the filmmakers did. If ever there was a case study of how to take a concept and run with it, then this is it. Verheiden sensibly cuts out Alien 3 continuity: the two characters who survived Aliens along with Ripley (the girl Newt and the soldier Hicks) but were pronounced dead at the beginning of Alien 3 are central characters in this book. The book's underlying premise is the downward tendency of human nature when confronted with challenges and problems beyond our ken and normal frame of reference. We see twisted people trying to use the alien menace for their own ends: depravity that includes twisted scientific experiments, bio-weaponry and focuses for cult worship, with the resultant excesses of human suffering and dying. Indeed, it is humanity's collective weaknesses and baser desires that let the monsters in; that let them get a foothold on the planet (hence the title 'outbreak'), that causes earth's infestation as the aliens' - despite not possessing 'intelligence' - exploit our human failings. All too late do we realise that the aliens are a cancer, a cancer that has infected our earth and made it unliveable. Thus the scattered remnants of humanity have to flee, for earth is lost. A quite superb plot that leaves you speechless. A gripping, complex and ultimately tragic sci-fi horror saga from the one and only Paul Verheiden, who saw the potential in the Aliens phenomena and went into creative overdrive, giving us a timeless scince-fiction classic. Who cares about film sequels when the comics are this good?

Very easy reading. This is a book based on faith and real life issues such as divorce which seems to be a "hidden" aspect of Christian life. Yet, it's not and I'm glad the author presented this struggle that is very common for Christians and non-Christians, both. The main character, Amanda, was presented to me as a "real life" Christian with faults and good points, both. That's hard to find in an "inspirational" these days. The story, about a young mother moving on after divorce and her successes and incredible faith, was refreshing to read and provided a nice, cozy escape from my own day to day happenings. The characters seemed real to me, especially Amanda, and her day to day life helped me reflect on my own. She abounded in faith, which I reasoned I could work on for myself. It's single-plot focus made it a quick, easy read. For a first-time author, I thought the author did a balanced piece of work. In future novels by Arlene, I would like to see sub-plots included in the body of work. This story is based on actual events, so, understandably that would be difficult to provide. But, if you're looking for an uplifting, easy read, I recommend Amanda's New Song. Amanda, the main character will make you feel human while also struggling to maintain faith in God as we all do. And, I loved how she provided an "on-the-spot" opportunity for people to commit their lives to the Lord, and to do so in the method of a one to one conversion. That often makes it easier for people to give their lives to the Lord. I felt compatible with Amanda and I look forward to reading more books by this author. This is talent in the works. Very good job!

Very enjoyable reading! I suggested this book to a very dear friend as she was having relationship problems. Brought her and her other half closer to each other and closer to the lord. Couldn't put the book down untill the final page...looking forward to the continuation.

In my advancing years, time is important. There are books I've started and have closed after the first chapter.

Amanda's New Song is about life's hopes, questions, despairs, sadness, - almost all emotions are included in this book. It is not a book that a reader will close before the final page.

Thoroughly recommended.

When their grandfather's friend, Carrie Bell, invites the Alden youngsters to help her restore an old castle, the children become involved in searching for a missing Stradivarius violin, investigating mysterious lights and following a treasure map. Can the children solve the mystery hidden within the castle?

Children who are creative thinkers and problem-solvers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery found in #36 of the Boxcar Children series. The story takes place in dreary Drummond Castle, a smaller version of a German castle that is built on a cliff with a cave beneath. The Alden family has been invited by Grandfather's friend, Carrie Bell, to help turn the once-magnificent home into a museum. When the Alden children learn that a Stradivarius violin owned by the original Mr. Drummond has disappeared, they work together to find the missing instrument.
Three shady characters become the children's suspects: Mr. Tooner, the groundskeeper; Sandy Munson, Carrie's assistant; and Tom Brady, the antiques expert. As the Aldens bravely encounter seeing lights coming from uninhabited parts of the castle, hearing eerie music at night, and being locked in the cave, they succeed in figuring out who really has the valuable violin--and the true identity of one of the suspects comes as a surprise to all!
Being a second-grade teacher, I recommend this book to children who are entering the world of chapter books. The spooky setting and strange happenings will keep young readers highly interested. The clues and foreshadowing of the book will stimulate higher-level thinking skills, as well. Parents or teachers who read this book aloud to children will undoubtedly have insightful discussions as they try together to solve the mystery.

Besides The Boxcar Children, The Castle Mytery was the best Boxcar Children mystery I have ever read. And I have read 34 Boxcar Children Mysterys. Anyone who loves The Boxcar Children just has to own this. Its great. Get it as soon as you can. It is so good you will read it in 2 days! Kids from age 8 to 12 just have to read this and own it.

This book is part of a series of books that has been coming out now for many years. They consist of an article section, a trends in cutlery section (with lots of artfully done photos, and a directory section of the cutlery collectible trade and custom makers, etc. I have the whole run and look at them now and again for reference.

I bought it as a gift for my husband and he loves it. It has every knife imaginable in it. He hasn't put it away yet and he has had it for 6 months! Gives you values of knives. Good for someone who likes to collect knives and maybe just starting out as well.

Ken Warner is up to his usual high quality pulling together of fascinating articles and photos of the world of knives. It is a delight to anticipate opening the covers of the book each year.

Of course I'm a little prejudiced as he saw fit to include an article by me, and to my amazement the book is a well done accomplishment in spite of my being included. Seriously, if you do not have this book and have an interest in handmade knives it is a must-read. You will not be disappointed.

I'm a technical writer and website builder who asked the webmaster of a national PC manufacturer's site what was the very best book to buy to learn MacroMedia's Dreamweaver -- and he said without missing a beat, "Believe it or not, get DREAMWEAVER FOR DUMMIES! You can go to college with web engineers learning this stuff and you'll see them carrying this book around." Need I say more?

This book is extremely easy to use, but you should have somewhat of a background on the subject.

I like Dummies books because they lack a tutorial - this book gets right to the point. I prefer to dive right into my project and work it out as I go. I am familiar with other web editors, but new to Dreamweaver and this book has given me the overview that I wanted without having to suffer through a tutorial I didn't really want to work on or mounds and mounds of detail that I don't even need (or that I can find on the web somewhere else.) My web site is relatively simple, though large, so the Dummies book fit the bill.

The book title and description imply that the text contains mostly actual techniques used by Japanese swordsmen. In reality, the book is 70% about the history of Japanese swords, 20% about the customs relating to swords, and 10% technique and practice. It's interesting if you're a museum curator or historian, but for the person looking for an introduction to the art of sword handling, it's really not useful.

Although a little outdated as the book now has only 10 of the 12 new Setei kata, which were added after the book was published, this is still an essential classic on the history and practice of Iaido. If you need info on the katas and practical techniques, however, there are better sources these days than a book--such as the many videos that are often available used for less than the price of this book new--so if it's that's what you're interested in, I would refer you to those. However, for an in-depth study of the history of the Japanese sword, the different styles and periods of craftsmanship and how they differ, the practical aspects of sword making, and many of the other cultural aspects surrounding the practice of the Japanese sword, and so on, Draeger's book is still the best one I know out there.

I did have one other comment to make. Draeger comments that, especially since WWII, as a result of various changes in the teaching curriculum of Iaido it has become a more formalized, aesthetic art and has lost touch with the original combative, samurai aspect of the art. While I certainly respect Draeger, and his redoubtable skill, knowledge, and opinions in many arts, I would out that this problem isn't unique to Iaido. It's a problem with all the martial and combative arts of both the east and west.

For example, students of karate have the same problem. A student, even a skilled black belt, can do all the point sparring he wants, but unless he actually puts on the full-contact gear and risks getting his head bashed in, he isn't subjecting himself to the ultimate combative aspect of his art, either. So the problem isn't unique to Iaido. So although I respect Draeger and understand that his concern is genuine and arises from that fact that he's a sincere, hard-nosed traditionalist on this issue, I would point out that it's not really practical to do this anymore.

The samurai of old practiced and trained in the discipline of Iaido in the dojo because their lives depended on it, and then their skills were ultimately tested and forged on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels and combat. As I said, this is no longer the case and is no longer practical, either. So although I might agree with Draeger that perhaps something has been lost, nevertheless, unless one is proposing to recreate much more realistic but impractical sparring practices I don't see any remedy for the situation.

So overall, a fine book on learning about this fascinating art.

My Sensei recommended this book and the recommendation holds true 20 years after it was published. It is now outdated as it only has the first 10 of the now 12 Seite kata of the ZNKR(All Japan Kendo Federation). These kata are used around the world as a standard for grading no matter what ryu (school) you study. But the rest of the book is timeless!

This book is for the study of Iaido. If you want to learn what that is, buy this book. It includes chapters on tradation and history vital for an understanding of the practice of Iaido. It should be used as a supplement to study with a qualified Sensei.

Not really a full review, but would like to point out that there are inaccuracies in the research. For example, spinning wheels are found in Armenia during the reign of Caligula whereas this invention didn't start appearing until the 15th century. Chariots are depicted as smashing into enemy lines but in reality they were normally used to quickly move archers about. Then too there are larger inaccuracies such as a Roman legate deciding to make war on other nations on his own initiative. Not to mention their blind continued obedience of the orders of the mad Caligula, even after they know he has been assassinated and his policies entirely repudiated. Near the end, the group travels through the terrible Taklamakan desert, but no mention is made of their using camels, without which such was impossible even in the 19th century. At the same time, the author appears to have spent too much time reading under the oil lamp. Highly technical terms, especially military terms, are strewn everywhere and only rarely explained for the ordinary reader. What good is all this learning if it is not clearly communicated? I think ideally such an ambitious book (and this one, wanting to be the next Ben-Hur clocks in at 621 pages) should be written by a team of authors as what individual can really expect to hold in their heads so many details of ancient life in the Roman empire, Armenia, Parthia, the Xiong Nu, China and the ancient Tarim basin? One of the unfortunate consequences is too much attention on the Roman empire and too little on the Silk Road oases of the Tarim basin, not to mention Han Dynasty China. So congratulations to the author on the valiant attempt, but there is still plenty of room for a successor to do better.

An adventure story about a Roman Legion sent on a suicide mission to find information about survivors of Crassus's defeated legions in ancient Parthia (modern Afghanistan and Iran.)

The story is told mostly from the eyes of a young Roman woman recently married to a "recruit" captured by a Roman press gang and by the commander of the legion who learns that he was sent on the mission out of jealously by the Emperor Caligula of the commander's popularity and lineage.

The material of daily Roman life is pretty well fictionalized and it is easy to suspend belief as to some of the improbalities and licenses taken.

I picked this up without expecting too much... it was the find of the year, easily. Very well written, and if you loved the Gor novels, you'll love this. All the best of that which was Rome, is here...