This book is a definitive history of computers and chess up through Deep Thought in 1990. Largely a survey, it rarely takes a strong point of view of its own. For someone looking for such a history, or for a basic consideration of chess algorithms from alpha-beta pruning through hash tables, killer move tables, and quiesence, it is a fine book. For my money, though, it did not go into enough depth either in technical issues such as the details of even a simple evaluation function or move generator, or in the philosophical issues raised by computer chess.

This excellent book was and still is one of the state-of-the-art books in computer chess literature, dealing with both a very interesting history of computer chess, including many rare examples of the play of early programs, and several recent examples of the best actual programs, as well as discussing in sufficient detail the quite complex technical aspects of programming a computer to play chess.

In "The Challenge Is World Champion Kasparov", we are introduced to one of the first encounters between Garry Kasparov and the former incarnation of Deep Blue, then called Deep Thought, through the detailed discussion of the proceedings and analysis of both games. A game between Karpov and Deep Thought is also carefully analyzed.

Next, "The Early Ideas" present historically the pioneer works of Shannon, Turing, Zuse, and many others, whose theorical works provided the basement for writing procedures to allow a machine to play chess.

Then, in "The First Working Programs", we see Bernstein, Kotok, McCarthy, and other AI specialist, as they struggled to implement Shannon's ideas to make Jurassic computers play some passable chess. Several games between both computers and humans are discussed.

After these preliminary attemps, "The Formative Years" discusses more advanced programs, such as Greenblatt's MacHack VI program, Botvinnik's Pioneer, and specially Slate & Atkin's Chess program and soviet Kaissa, focusing both on the internal of the programs and on relevant sample games.

The following chapter, "The Challenges for the Levy Bet", tells us all the details of the famous Levy bet, nicely commented by co-author David Levy himself. The best games between him and Chess are commented, as well as a particularly beautiful miniature of Blitz against Belle.

As the field advances, "The Computer Becomes a Master" discusses the ever increasing achievements of the new generation of stronger hardware-assisted chess programs, such as Belle (written by Ken Thompson, who also has developed many Endgame Databases) and Cray Blitz (written by Bob Hyatt, who is also the author of Crafty, a strong freeware chess program), which use their incredibly fast underlying hardware to compensate for their lack of chess sophistication. We can also read all about how the first International human Masters began to know defeat against them on a regular basis.

The next step, the defeat of strong human Grandmasters, is introduced in "Eyeball to Eyeball with Grandmasters", where we see several commented games between the strongest chess programs, such as Deep Thought and Hitech, and human grandmasters such as Miles and Larsen. Also, microprocessor commercial chess program Mephisto has a close encounter of the 3rd kind against macroprocessor non-commercial Deep Thought, and far from ashamed, beats him hands down !

Once those historical details have been dealt with, the book enters into a discussion of the more advanced chess techniques there are, such as "Endgame Play and Endgame Databases", an area pioneered by Ken Thompson's Belle, where computers have conquered new grounds, and become invincible players. The development of a K+R vs K database is discussed in detail enough to allow anyone to program it, and then both games of the mini-match between grandmaster Walter Browne and Belle, the former trying to mate the computer with K+Q against K+R, are commented in detail.

A very technical chapter follows, "Search Techniques Used by Chess Programs", where the most advanced techniques are explained, such as Minimaxing, Alpha-Beta prunning, Iterative Deepening, and a large, detailed, and complete explanation of Hash tables, with many diagrams and examples, to make it crystal clear. Other aspects such as Time management, Evaluation functions, Move generation, etc. are thoroughly discussed as well.

The next chapter, "The Evolution of Computing Systems for Chess Programs", explains what lies ahead: faster processors, chess-specific hardware, multiprocessors, and makes dire predictions on the increment of playing strength all these advances will bring.

Once these almost unearthly machines have been shown, it is the time for down-to-earth-ones, the ones everyone can buy, and "Commecially Available Chess Computers and Software" introduces them all, from the primitive, very early Chess Challenger, to Mephisto Almeria announcing mate in 7 to a 2350 ELO player under tournament conditions.

On "Writing a Chess Program" gives a concise advice on how to write a chess program oneself, and by way of comparison shows a table with the ELO rating of the best chess programs as compared to that of their programmers and more chess-profficient technical advisors.

Finally, closing the book with a gem, "Stop Press" shows commercial program Mephisto Portoroz defeating former World Champion Anatoli Karpov during a simultaneous exhibition. That such a machine, which anyone could buy, without any special ultrafast hardware, can defend successfully against as superb a grandmaster as Karpov, says much about how far computer chess has progressed.

The book closes with an extensive bibliography given in "Additional Reading", and some information on the ICCA, given in "Appendix A: The International Computer Chess Association", and a table with complementary data in "Appendix B: Results of Major Tournaments".

If you like to program computers and you love chess then "How Computers Play Chess" is for you. This easy to read and intuitive book by Chess Master David Levy takes you on a tour guide of man's attempt to create a machine that can master that ancient game of strategy, Chess. You'll gain an introductory view of how computers go about playing the game of chess including the types the algorithms that are used and the general theorys behind these "thinking machines". Levy also introduces some of his own thoughts on the strenghts of computer chess and even includes a few pradictions on when a computer will be able to defeat a human world champion. I read this book in an attemp to satisfy a life long desire I've had to create a computer program that could be me in chess. I've found that this book as gotten me off to an excellent start

Many biographers of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain have treated Fanny Adams as an after-thought. Some have even treated her as a subject of disdain. Ms. Smith effectively refutes those authors, using Adam's and Chamberlain's letters to one another as her primary source materials.

What emerges is the vision of a strong, educated, ambitious, self-directed, courageous, emotionally-stable and patient woman, who endured every hardship brought to her home by her husband's long career of service to his country.

What also emerges is a more complete picture of our nation's greatest hero. The same man who quietly endured the terrors of war, who courageously accepted an horrific wound, and who was so gracious with a defeated enemy, could become quaintly insecure when dealing with the woman he loved. The stellar academic, warrior and politician was as much of a quivering paramour as any other husband in love.

For Chamberlain fans, this book offers a more human image of the titan. For everyone else, this book offers a touching tribute to the power of love.

A wonderful book that "fleshes" out the outlines of JLC and Fanny. For years, their lives were painted with a "light brushstroke" yet one felt that had to be more behind these very complex people and their relationship.

The author has painted a very complex picture of these two with all the dark and light hues of the palette. Fanny was not merely JLC's wife, or the Reverend's adopted daughter, but a much more complex individual who could be considered an early feminist.

JLC's inner feelings about service to country and greater good are reflected and help to answer that question of why a college professor in Maine would take it upon himself to defend the country he loved to the extent he did. It is easy to understand why nothing ever again measured up to his experience of leading those men at Gettysburg.

I developed an interest in Chamberlain after reading "The Killer Angels", and had been looking for a good biography of him. Last summer I visited the Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, Me. and bought this book based on the recommendation of our tour guide. I can't begin to say how wonderful I think this book is. Smith has excellent insight into Victorian character and mores, and transmits that insight to her reader. I've always thought that JLC was about 50 years ahead of his time. After reading this book, I've come to realize that part of his forward thinking might have been a product of his relationship with his remarkable wife. Fannys self sufficient persona was NOT typical of the 19th century; through Smith, the reader comes to realize Fanny was in fact 20th century in much of her thinking. The marriage of such an independent soul with the soul of a such a fair minded, yet fierce, warrior makes for a fascinating read. I read this book into the wee hours of the morning until I finished it, in about 3 days. I never thought I'd read a history book that I just couldn't put down. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

I purchased this thinking it would work for my 90 Bronco, but it is for older engines. Beware of this book it is outdated for newer engines.

I am in the process of returning it, and boy is that a hassel in it's self.

This is a great book for anyone wishing to rebuild any of the engines this book covers.I used it years ago when I built my first 460.It is easy to read and understand.I would also recommend "THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO ENGINE BLUEPRINTING" by Rick Voegelin.

Be aware: this book does not cover the 360/390 Ford Engines (so I'm troubled that your title heading states:"covers all makes & models")...

This book is written at a very easy-to-follow pace.

This excellent book does NOT cover all Nissan overhead cam engines, only the now-ancient L types. Since the title addresses overhead cam engines and the current edition is 1998, I had hoped my 1989 GA16i overhead cam engine would be covered. It isn't. So, if you have a newer Nissan engine, buy this book anyway for the great advice and techniques but also get a separate shop manual for your engine. And I hope the author will update this book soon to cover the newer engines.

This book was of great assistance to me during the rebuild of my Datsun 240Z. The information was instrumental and helpful all along the way. Compared to the Haynes and Chilton manuals, this book presented pictures and words which matched and cohered to what I was doing on the motor at the time. Also the amount of illustrations and clarity were excellent, as a picture is worth a thousand words. Aside from the Nissan shop manual which you can't get your hands on I feel this is the best publication to have at your side during any Nissan rebuild.

Bring back the Z-car!

I have just used this text in addition to a factory manual and another third party publication. Whenever there was ambiguous or missing information in the other two texts Monroe's always came through. The clear photo's were a real bonus when the words were hard to understand. I found the torque specs. to be spot on and this was confirmed by the factory manual. I guess you have to know your ft/lbs from your Nm's. I did not have any trouble fitting the front cover as per Monroe's instructions and the head gasket suffered no damage. The rebuild was made much easier with this manual and I would have no hesitation recommending it.

I am a high school student, trying to write my term paper on one of the most influential women in Amercan history. What it is that this book lacks, is the "stuff" that made her an icon. It goes into her early years and helps the reader to figure out who Norma Jean (a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe) really was. I hope that anyone who buys this book realize's that it won't be of any help to them, if they are trying to prove how she got to be an American icon, and what it was she did to get there! I only gave it 3 stars, because it has some great pictures of Marilyn.

This book is one of the best books about Marilyn you'll ever find. Mainly because it's very easy to read. (Not to mention it's appropriate for all ages.) The only things I didn't enjoy about it was it's inaccuracy--Marilyn DOESN'T perform a "glamorous dance number" in her movie "How To Marry a Millionare." And when the author wrote about Marilyn seeing "Gone With The Wind" when she was 13 Vivien Leigh's name was misspelled. (She spelled it V-i-v-i-A-n.)
Otherwise, this book is very colorful and full of information. The pictures are vibrant and clear. This book is a little pricey ([$$]bucks!) but worth it.

That's what I thought when I first picked up this book.

I'm a teacher of young students and wondered why in the world someone would publish a book on Monroe for children. But then I read the book, and I thought it was both sensitive and compelling and of use to young persons today who tend to be "starstruck" with celebrities and celebritism.

I learned something from the book...a view of who Marilyn was, really. I have recommended this book to my students.

I read The Beach House last summer and loved it. This book, however, is much less engaging. The characters, with the exception of Lijah, are dull and formulaic. While some facts about raptors were interesting, overall, the use of that device did not capture my attention as did the use of sea turtles in Beach House. The author did, however, do an excellent job of describing Type 1 diabetes and its management in young children.

I found SKYWARD to be a wonderful book... I usually don't pick up less-known titles, but a friend recommended this book to me, and I loved it... I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful summer read, who enjoys a well-crafted story and believable characters.

I recommend this book to everyone and anyone. After reading her last book The Beach House, I beacame much more aware with the status of our beloved sea turtles. Now after reading Skyward, I have a new appreciation for the birds of prey. Monroe skillfully intertwines the power and beauty of natural elements into her stories. Her novel was so captivating that I didn't even realize how I had come to better understand the low-country area that I'm from. Reading this novel will make you feel like a better person just for reading it. No matter where you are from, this novel will leave you speaking with a Southern drawl. I absolutely loved it.

The Ultimate Marilyn is a biography which is filled with information. It has facts, myths, and theories. However, it is also boring to read. Unlike most Marilyn biographies which I have read, it is not set up like a story. It merely has short blurbs on each aspect of her life.

This is such a good book. I had a report on Marilyn Monroe and this helped out so much! This had pictures which were beautiful pictures. Some things that were in this book were family, friends, husbands, lovers, teachers, mentors, rivals, enemies, agents, publicists, studio heads, producers, directors, writers, photographers, costume designers, gossip, scandals, innuendo, intrigues, threats, rumors, conspiracy theories, murder or suicide, books, biographies, movies, stage plays, songs, imitators, impersonators, worshippers, detractors, fan clubs, web sites, and much more!

The book market is flooded with Monroe works, as everyone knows. However, there are several "must have" volumes, and Ernest Cunningham's work is definitely on that list. The book provides the reader with a wealth of information, divided into easily understood sections which, in turn, will lead the reader to virtually every book ever printed dealing with this screen goddess. Cunningham's research is both broad and impeccable, not duplicated anywhere else on the market. His writing is clean and clear with a tongue-in-cheek touch that is entertaining while also being informative. This book is truly "essential" for any Monroe fan or collector and would also be of high interest for the less devoted who simly want to know a bit more about the "why" and "how" of the Monroe legend.

Birthdays are intensely personal events, some happy, others bittersweet. This book provides insights into how celebrities reacted to, celebrated, mulled over and contemplated their own birthdays or those of relatives and friends. Among the little-known tales: What Bob Dylan did on his 30th, Marilyn Monroe's "steamy" rendition of "Happy Birthday" to her "friend," JFK, the gift sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov bought for himself and the birthday poem Anne Frank's father wrote her while the family was hiding from the Nazis. It's a gift book that both entertains and puts perspective into birthdays.

Dr. Hoffman has brought together a myriad of highly articulated statements offering insight into the heart and soul of graduating. The hallmark of every entry is a love of life, a call to the unselfish creative life,the conquest of fear,and of the goodness and nobility of serving others.

When one reads a Hoffman book one must be prepared to think deeply and to consider the well spring of your life. Every selection offers a taste of wisdom. Practicality is clearly stated and spirituality too. The Creative Spirit of Life can be seen hidden deeply in the words and pages of this splendid gift book.

If one wants to turn "Graduation Day" into a spiritual event that addresses the inmost heat and soul of a person,,,then this book is a true gift to the soul of the graduate.

It would be a wise "graduate" that considered the meaning of this marvelous little book and it would be a wise SOUL that offered this treasure as a gift to a graduate. I recomend it.

I was disappointed with this book.Its a wonderful idea to make a book like this but most of the recipes are not something that my family & i would use.The titles of the recipes are great,gnarled witch fingers,tongues on toast,brains on the half skull,etc.This book just needs some better recipes.

i used this book for an adult business halloween party. they all acted like kids grossing out at each item (yet eating them ALL and asking for more). i only made a few items last year to see their reaction and couldn't believe how they devoured them and started searching my refrigerator for more! this year i'll be adding many more of these recipes to my menu.

If you can get past the names of the dishes (and your imagination doesn't go into overdrive), you will love this book! The instructions are simple, and there are plenty of opportunities to teach kids about good kitchen technique. This book belongs in every parent's collection.

With careful attention to the social climate of her life Marilyn Monroe's pscyhe is revealed as tellingly as her body was in the famous calender photos. Norma Jean addresses the inevitability of Monroe's multiple marriages and disintegration into depression. The reader will empathise with this driven young woman who seemed to "have it all" and tragically had nothing. The lonely childhood and increasingly isolated adult years of Monore are presented against the backdrop of a world that idolized her without sympathizing with her. The book is a great read for femenist, film buffs, Monroe fans and anyone interested in Tweniteth century American culture.

The first thing that struck me was the numerous personal photographs in the center of the book, including the calender page of 'golden girl'. When I had time to read, I picked it up and started, from then on unable to put it down [as an avid reader this is a HUGE compliment to the writer]. I was to finish the almost 400 pages in less than 3 days. It was the BEST biography I have EVER read. It is a classic, heart wrenching tale about the personal struggles of a beautiful and sensitive woman. I am now a HUGE fan of hers, and I feel honored to have had a glimpse into her soul [through this book]. Also, the book is beautiful looking, with a simple gold script Norma Jean on the hard cover, hot pink inside the covers, beautifully haunting images in the center.
I can't imagine finding another biography of her that can even come close to comparing. It changed my life.

I was visting my boyfriends parents in Bay City Michigan, and wandered about there wonderful antique shops. At one of them, I came across some old hard covered books, including some first eddition star biographies. Among them was Norma Jean by Lawrence Guiles. I didn't know much of the life of 'Marilyn Monroe', but I was drawn to it none the less. The price of the book was around $30, alittle too much for something I knew little about, besides I just didn't have the money [I regretted having to leave it behind]. Two months later it was Christmas. I had gotten it as a gift.
The first thing that struck me was the numerous personal photographs in the center of the book, including the calender page of 'golden girl'. I had put the book aside for a few months. When I had time to read, I picked it up and started. I was to finish the over 300 pages in less than 3 days. It was the BEST biography I have EVER read. It is a classic, heart wrenching tale about the personal struggles of a beautiful and sensitive woman. I am now a HUGE fan of hers, and I feel honored to have had a glimpse into her soul [through this book].
I can't imagine finding another biography of her that can even come close to comparing. It changed my life.