This book is an instant classic! Nelson books appear almost every year, as do Napoleon books, but few of them say anything new. This book is the most original book on the world's most famous admiral to appear since, gosh, maybe the second world war.

Who has ever before analysed such themes as the impact of spirituality or religion on Nelson's war-making? Who has ever asked whether Nelson actually fought well when ashore? Who has asked whether Nelson made an effective coalition partner or leader? Who has, in recent decades anyway, asked whether Nelson is still RELEVANT to today's navies?

Joel Hayward has answered these and many other unique questions, and has written his book with such mastery of English that his eloquence and elegance make the book a genuine pleasure to read.

I know nothing about the author but I intend to see what else he has written and I'll buy it. He is a powerfully original thinker and has written the best and most analytical military book I have read aside from the masterly John Keegan himself.

This book has my highest recommendation, and then some!!

Students of Napoleonic warfare have always known that the study of Horatio Lord Nelson's life is a stimulating activity. Nelson was a true genius of war, and mainly because, as this book shows, he was an eccentric and very unorthodox character.

But the scarcity of insightful, informed and UP-TO-DATE analyses of his naval strategies, tactics, leadership, command and management has been very frustrating for those of us who believe that Nelson still has RELEVANCE for TODAY'S warriors.

A ceaseless flow of books essentially narrating Nelson's life without thorough analysis has become boring and adds to our frustrations.

Dr Hayward is the first to address our frustrations, and his book does so splendidly.

Hayward demonstrates through a highly unusual, interesting and effective thematic approach that Nelson rivals Napoleon as their era's "greatest champion" and that, even though sea warfare has changed considerably, a study of Nelson's art of war will teach, challenge, enrich and impress today's naval warriors and all other armed forces personnel.

Like in Hayward's ground-breaking STOPPED AT STALINGRAD, the author asks new questions and often presents highly original answers. Even if a few other Nelson experts will disagree with some conclusions, all will be stimulated to dig deeper themselves as a response to this brilliant and long-overdue book.

The author doesn't disparage the works of other Nelson scholars and writers. On the contrary, he acknowledges openly that his book is an attempt to repay the intellectual debt he owes them. He's gracious and not at all dogmatic even when pointing out where another scholar has apparently erred.

The writing is terrific. It is reflective, engaging, informative and fluent. I read each chapter (effectively separate but related, cutting-edge essays) in single sitting.

The book is also very attractive, with fine maps and illustrations.

If you want to read something new and original about naval warfare's greatest admiral, FOR GOD AND GLORY cannot be (NO! MUST NOT BE) overlooked. It is a lovely book and a great step forward in terms of what we know about Lord Nelson as a warrior.

I loved this book, even though nearly everything in it was new to me and I had to read it slowly to take it all in. Its about time a military expert explained to those of us who devour books on Nelson just how good, and why, Nelson was. Even today's military officers will find great relevance in the way Nelson approached war, says the author, and I agree. I'm buying this book for my nephew, a destroyer officer, because I think he'll get enormous value from Hayward's treatment of Nelson's leadership and command practices. If my nephew realises what Nelson did, that it's better to focus on those below you than those above you, he'll be a successful officer and make his subordinates work willingly for him.

Hayward's coverage of Nelson's abilities is balanced. While Hayward can't hide the fact that he admires him, and doesn't try to hide it, he points out carefully and in a fair way how weak Nelson was in some areas and why these weaknesses caused errors and disasters.

Hayward's approach is to write inter-related chapters that are essentially essays. He doesn't narrate in a chronological fashion like nearly every other writer on Nelson does. He critiques and analyses things, with an expertise in military matters that we haven't seen in Nelson books in recent years.

I applaud this book, which is attractive and has great maps, beautifull illustrations and a handy index.

I purchased the audiotape of this book and listened to it on my daily commute. The presentation of the idea was very simple and made me feel like I could follow their suggestions too! I sat down and worked out my tracking, target, trimming, and training goals and realized that with all of my debt...I could be paid off and debt free by April of 2003 (and I had lots of debts from just finishing my doctorate). I also mentioned some of the ideas in this tape to my 13 year old (that if a 15 year old puts $7 aside each month until s/he was 65...and received 15% return...that they'd be a millionaire at retirement). She, too, is excited about the rules given in this book.

At last! A finance book I can read like a story! Not boring, lecturing, or intimidating like other books of this nature. This book literally saved my financial future. I am now on the road to debt free prosperity, and feeling great about life. My perspective on money and how I spend it has changed completely.

This book lays it so simply - how to get out of debt, including paying off your house mortgage, in five years or less. I now see how it is happening for me! And what is great is that you don't have to earn more income, it doesn't make any difference how much you earn, it's all about how you spend your money. Great book for everyone, and get the teens to read it now!

This is a great book for those of you that are interested in the Cornish Rex breed. Greta really knows the breed from ear to the tip of the tail.......thanks to years of experience.

A MUST READ!!!

Greta Huls has done an outstanding job in presenting the Cornish Rex in this book. She has prepared the reader well for the fun times ahead with this unique breed of cat.

The beautiful pictures in this book show a wide variety of Cornish Rex colors, sizes and types.

Her book is informative to both the novice and the experienced Cornish Rex owner and breeder. I have used information from this book in my own breeding program.

This book should be owned by every Cornish Rex owner and is the ideal gift for every Cornish Rex breeder for the new owner.

when i first got my two cornish rex, i read all that i could find on the cornish rex breed, and i discovered that there were no comprehensive books on them. i really needed some tips + how-to's specific to rexes. fortunately, greta's book provides that. the text is informative and easy to read, as well as entertaining. thanks, greta! from one owner who's happier + a little more confident in her cat care now.

I enthusiastically recommend this book! Who knew that the journey of a rock through time was dramatic AND fascinating? When was the last time you considered how a simple rock came to be? This story is as educational as it is entertaining to the children who have read it in my home. I had a five-year-old guest for the weekend, and THIS is the book she wanted out of all the books in my library. She was drawn to this rock and cared what happened to it. It was fun for her to "find" the rock in every beautiful illustration. Every time I read it to the younger children, I learn a little more, too!

Earthsteps - A Rocks Journey Through Time, is beautifully done. My grandchildren loved reading it and they have taken a new interest in rocks. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to bring the beauty of science to their children.

Historically accurate! We could find lots of books about dinosaurs, but very little about geology for children. What we liked about this book is that it is scientifically sound, yet not too complicated for children.

Mariah Burton Nelson's new book, "We Are All Athletes", is an excellent guide for daily life. Rather than bland cliches, Mariah offers specific actions and thought patterns that can improve one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. She offers concrete ideas for setting and pursuing exercise goals, thinking like a winner, turning defeat, or setbacks, into lessons and steps forward, and treating yourself and others with respect. This is not a book just for athletes; by using sports as a metaphor, Mariah shows us how we can participate successfully in all aspects of our life, and be proactive, rather than merely reactive. For Mariah, "vicissitudes" are defined as "opportunities". It's a short, easy read, and can be picked up at any point in the text and enjoyed. Another valuable addition to my library; thank you, Mariah!

This thoughtful, straightforward, fast read took me back to all the lessons sports taught me. This would make a terrific companion to any sports program, and is great for adults who want to continue to improve their game--in sports, life, or business. Useful, thought-provoking, fun. As a student of John Wooden, I think Mariah takes coaching to a new level. Thanks, Mariah!

This is a terrific book --- direct and right to the point. It is a short read, but long on food for thought. My "sport" is Duplicate Bridge and this book is just as relevant for that as it is for tennis, basketball or curling. Or even the sport of LIFE, as Ms. Nelson points out.

"Hammer of God" is set in Sweden, when the Swedish Lutheran Church was struggling for its identity. There were many who felt that the "rigid/dead orthodoxy" no longer served a purpose in people's lives. Naturally, nature abhors a vacuum. In place of orthodoxy came two schools of thought: rationalism (scientific thought) and pietism. This masterful volume follows three recent seminary graduates serving their first parishes. Obviously, their mentors are of the "dead orthodoxy" bent. The young pastors feel that the people should be more scientific or live more perfect lives. Needless to say, the new approaches do not work out. Touching is the old soldier, in the throes of senility, barking out fighting orders and using profanity. The young pastor soon realizes that it is by God's grace that we are saved, not in building a better life to become more perfect. This book was required reading at a small Lutheran seminary I attended in Mankato, MN (as was Walther's "The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel."). I will forever be indebted to the professor who required us to read this book. It was very enlightening and graphically displayed Christian faith in action in everyday life.

"Hammer of God" is a touching portrayal of the lives of three new pastors coming to terms with how orthodox, Biblical faith can anchor us securely in Christ when rationalism and pietism finally reach their dead ends. In an age where so many fads and philosophies for "growing the church" vie for a pastor's attention and allegiance, "Hammer of God" helps us to come to grips with our calling and our duty to God and His people to bring them the historic, fundamental truths of Christ and His Word. I have read this book a number of times and am always refreshed and renewed again in my desire to be a faithful pastor in Christ's Church.

God is at work through word and sacrament in this wonderful book of grace and forgiveness. Three young, Sweedish pastors are given "front-line" experience in the war against sin and imperfection, their own and the members around them. God shows His power through their supervising pastors and through His love in the crucified and risen Savior, Jesus.

This is a timeless book that will refresh any reader who is searching for meaning in life. I have red and re-read the book and am in the process of sending a copy to a friend.

God is good and patient in "The Hammer of God."

I was privileged to receive an advance copy of this book as a gift. The title so intrigued me that I just had to see what was inside; I couldn't put it down. This easy to read, well-written book is both funny and poignant, and the authors don't pull any punches. I found my ex-husband, the "Macho-Man" with a dash of "Couch Potato," in the pages of this book, and explored the depth and breadth of such subjects as commitment, faithfulness, honesty, maturity, romance and that all important subject, sex, in different brands of men. If this guidebook had been available 30 years ago, I might have done a better job of picking a mate. So, whether you're shopping for a husband or just "driving" the current one this book is for you. Maybe you qualify for the D.J.M. degree (it's in the book).

"This book is a GREAT contribution! It is practical, funny, and outlines an objective approach to shopping for a husband. It provides the brain with a role in the selection process instead of leaving matters to the hormones. My step daughter needs this book to prevent another disaster."

This fun little book offers witty, irreverant and utterly practical advice for choosing a great husband. By comparing different types of men to cars, Nelson and Justice highlight the merits and drawbacks of sporty roadsters, reliable sedans and road hogs. The authors correctly observe that not everyone really wants to drive a Mercedes. They genuinely appreciate the benefits of pickups and Camrys and help the readers move past the 'handsome and rich' stereotype to the kind, reliable and trustworthy qualities that really matter in a marriage.

While this book's 'been there, done that' tone may not hit home with the starry-eyed romantic, it's a perfict fit for the 30+ still-looking or the once-married 'smarter this time' woman.

There are plenty of good men out there once you know what to look for, and this book can help you recognize one.

Every recipe I have tried from this cookbook has been fantastic. There are some wonderful combinations such as orange and chocolate scones. The directions are easy, the ingredients are usually common items that are easy to find and all the recipes I have tried turned out yummy.

Although it is a small book, in size, it is not small in yumminess or easiness. I have to admit that scones have become a staple in our house, due in a large part, to this book.

Enjoy.

I searched high and low for a book on scones, and finally found this one a few years ago. Since then, it has been used frequently. I have tried many of the recipes in it, and without exception have found them to be delicious. The book also contains recipes for spreads you can use on scones. I would highly recommend it for anyone who loves scones.

I've made about 10 of the recipes out of this book, and each one came out perfectly. If you've only experienced dry-as-sawdust "scones" at trendy coffee shops, but this book and be pleasantly surprised at what scones are REALLY like. Some of the scones are beyond rich (like the Brownie Scones), but every batch I've tried so far from this book has turned out buttery, tender, and utterly irresistable. Try the Classic Cream Scones first and then go from there.

The rise of department store culture in late 19th century Paris is the subject of this wonderful novel. It's quintessential Zola, in that the book is a top-notch combination of realistic writing and soap opera. Like other classics by Zola - "L'Assomoir," "Germinal" - "The Ladies Paradise" uses a somewhat overheated storyline to comment on social change and how a rapacious capitalism changed the lives of everyone it touched. The novel is especially poignant in its depiction of small, family-owned businesses which are eventually destroyed by the kind of modern marketing techniques that created the department store. A real page-turner, "The Ladies Paradise" works as both exceptional trash novel and social critique. Zola is a real genius and this, one of his more obscure works, is also one of his best.

"The Ladies Paradise" or "Au Bonheur des Dames" is the continuation of Zola's Rougon-Macquart series. The series' purpose, according to Zola, is to study how environment effects the character of one family line. Three "environments" have appeared in Zola's work: the first is the idyllic countryside, the second is the harsh countryside, and the third is Paris--the city. "Au Bonheur des Dames" is situated in the third of the "environments", Paris.

From his previous works, Paris is already known for its potential as a corruptionist of morality and goodness. Thus, the heroine already is facing an insurmountable task of remaining adverse to Paris' degradation of moral values. She is the ultimate martyr: her sacrifices to her younger brothers seem endless. She scrapes money together to have the youngest in a boarding house for children, and always manage to find money (even in desperate times)to give to the other spendthrift brother. All of these sacrifices she did out of love.

With such heart and of such noble spirit, she enters Paris. She is struck by the first sight she sees in Paris. A gigantic structure has swallowed an entire block of old and fading smaller stores. She is astounded, awed, and fascinated by it. Her loyalty is divided between her Uncle's small clothier and her fascination and desire to work in the store.

"Au Bonheur des Dames" has two stories: (1) the spread of the popularity of department stores and the death of smaller family owned stores in "modern" Paris, and (2) the noble heroine. Will the heroine be crushed by Paris and swallowed up by the department store? Will her nobler spirit defeat all the odds that have been predestined to be against her?

The most surprising event I find was that I did not have to answer with pessimism about "Au Bonheur des Dames". The usual gloom and sense of helplessness and resignation of being human did not reverberate in this novel. Yes, the department thrives and therefore consumed all the "moms and pops" stores along its path, but our heroine conquers that depraved city Paris with her courage, innocence, and nobility.

What a truly remarkable book, as all of Zola's magnificent work. I find this book different from any of the series, because there is more than a sense of hope for humanity in our struggle against corruption, against technological advancement, and our own weakness of spirit.

With his Rougon-Macquart series, Emile Zola established the family saga. He put into naturalistic prose and photographic narrative the tales of a family and how their lives are affected by their surroundings. In L'Assomoir, he focused on the lives of the Provencals, those who live in the French countryside, whose lives may appear peaceful and orderly but might not be at a closer look. In Nana, he wrote about the world of the courtesan or high class prostitute operating in the beauty and sex-obscessed French culture of Paris. In "Au Bonheur Des Dames" (The Lady's Paradise) Zola exposes the capitalism and consumer culture of fashion, as expressed in the sales at the department stores.

It was the time of Karl Marx, a time when conservative elements came into conflict with those of individual expression and equal rights. Previously, Emile Zola's novels were bleak, Dickensian and depressing, making a cynical social commentary that progress and idealism is stifled under staunch older generations of Republican power (in this case the French Second Empire under Louis Napoleon III). He conveyed so much pain and suffering in "Germinal" about the coal mine workers in rural France. Like John Steinbeck of the 19th century, Emile Zola immersed himself in what he wrote, treating people as humanly real as possible, touching a chord to so many for his unabashed truths.

In The Ladies Paradise (the title refers to the name of the high class department store in downtown Paris), Zola portrays the fetish and profitable business of women's fashion. Octave Mouret, who at fist comes off as a money-loving, greedy, corporate seducer learns the value of progress and the rights of the individual. Where as he had always dominated women, manipulating them to buy his endless carrousel of hats, silks, gowns and shoes, he cannot win the affections of the newcomer sales girls Denise.

Denis eyes become our eyes as we see into the sexist world of consumer capitalism. Even today, this holds true. Women are encouraged, enforced and expected to be beautiful and attractive, with 0 size dresses, with fashionable tastes and so forth. Those who cannot meet society's self-imposed ideals of beauty crack under the pressure, becoming anorexic, anxious and sick. Super models, department stores, fashion magazines and the latest trends to look like Britney Spears (and behave just as shallow and air-headed) is the way to happiness they say. Emile Zola completely transports you to Paris of the 1870's and 1880's a time when the world seemed to be losing its better values. Is it still losing its values ? Only through advocating women's rights, individual expression, equality, and less stifling elements in society are we truly to be happy.

Powerful Prayers is a Must Read Reading Powerful Prayers provides you amazingly simple examples of commuincating with God through personal everyday prayer. It opens the door to an otherwise complex arena of thought. The discussion between Larry King and Rabbi Katsof is sensitive and thought provoking. The interviews add incredible depth to the discussion. They also legitimize informal prayer, and the many different ways people have found to communicate with their respective spiritual beings. I recommend this book to everyone who is open to exlporing their individual communication with God. It is a must read. It has changed my entire understanding or paradigm in regards to my relationship with God outside of a house of worship.

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Unlike most "religious" category books, this book lacks the preachy quality that causes most readers to not absorb the text. This book insightfully breaks down barriers between different religious beliefs and simply brings forth the universal belief in a higher power. The people that Larry King and Rabbi Katsof chose to interview are made more personable and are made more tangible through their everyday prayers, which are similar to ours, and their quest to be closer to God. This book would make a fabulous holiday gift that is sure to please a recipient of any religious background.