Amanda Craig's book "In A Dark Wood" is the first of hers I've read. There must have been at least five times in the reading of the story that I put the book down in disgust wondering how anyone as obnoxiously self-centered as Benedick Hunter could be the main character. Craig certainly was not shooting for a "Conspiracy of Dunces" effect. It wasn't until I got to the end, realized what the unifying issue was to the character, that the heartstrings open and you feel great for having read this book. Having a protagonist with mental illness is always an uphill battle because sane readers need a handle to hold onto. While I agree that this was a great book, it was somewhat difficult to live with this character for the duration of the read. For example, near the end of the story when Benedick is in South Carolina, he hangs up on his ex-wife and says that he's not bringing their son back; how does one have sympathy for a kidnapper? I'm glad I came back and finished the book. The fairy tales within the book are marvelous. It would have been fun to have the illustrations referred to also included. The unravelling of the family secrets propels the novel and gives it a nice sense of pacing. While I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I could have read it backwards, I do think it's one worth the read.

Although the words "a real page-turner...couldn't put it down" are as over-used in reviews as an ATM in Vegas, no other words more accurately describe this book. From page one, Craig carries the reader through a delightful roller-coaster ride of emotions. Combining our hero's search for the truth (about his deceased mother) with the fairy tales (his Mother wrote) he can not escape, IN A DARK WOOD makes for an intriguing novel, sure to be on every critics "ten best" list come December. Please, more from Amanda Craig (she has a number of novels available in England, but not America)- and soon!

Anybody who still thinks fairy tales are mere bedtime stories for kids has to check out Amanda Craig's new In a Dark Wood, which uses their mythic, roadmap qualities to illuminate a life and in the process create a fascinating, intelligent, page-turner of a novel. Grounded in a fictional fairy tale created by the protagonist's author-illustrator mother, In a Dark Wood takes off, in a smartly multi-layered way, into explorations of family history, failure, loss, survival and breakdown. Amazingly Craig (whose work is finally crossing the ocean from England to North America, thank heavens,) manages this with a miraculous dark wit - a kind of authorial magic flashing through her dark wood.

Craig Roberts follows his wonderful success, "Kill Zone, A Sniper Looks at Dealey Plaza", with this excellent description of many of the covert conspirational activities of our federal government. Like his above mentioned book, this is a read that you will probably have a hard time putting down after first beginning it. The information is important, well researched, and extraordinarily relevant to our current situation. To Craig Roberts, once again, "Bravo Zulu!"

An old saying I have heard alot is that the truth hurt's. I feel this book is a must read for American's to get themselves out of the dark. I have also heard people say that I love my country, but I fear my government. The truth is out there, it's just getting harder to find it. I has me wondering if we ever realy landed a man on the moon, how aids realy started. Truth is absolute, I'd like to thank Craig Roberts for getting it out. May GOD Bless those who try to reveil it.

I have about 600+ various books on corrupt government practices (both US and foreign governments). Some are real well researched and substantiated with FOIA and other such documents, others lean more towards the la-la land of "could be" conspiracies.

The Medusa File book belongs to the group of well researched works with substantial amount of evidence. After reading it I can think of at least 30 other books whose reading I could have saved by opening this one first.

I only wish author Craig Roberts read Antony Sutton's book "Wall Street and the Russian revolution" which documents how the Communist uprising was financed by Standard Oil and Wall Street financial interests. (Russia as a banana republic - with no bananas.) It would have been really interesting to see which way Roberts could add that information to the contents of this book... that Washington not only abandoned 10,000s of POWs to Communist States, it CREATED those Communist states in the first place.

The wireless web is expected to eclipse the wired Internet and it is difficult to find books that treat the many emerging forms of this technology well. The book is easy to read, and ranges over both the practical and the theoretical in a well balanced and useful manner. With the many connections and devices forming the new wireless web, Peter Alesso and Craig Smith outline and describe the key underpinnings and implications that every technologist and business person should be aware of. This book is useful to business and technology planning. It details the relevant and hard to get information about the emerging wireless technology. With intelligence, it goes further to sensibly describe my favorite parts - the challenges and opportunities of each technology. I recommend it to any senior technology professional - aspiring or already practicing.

I greatly enjoyed reading this book with its comfortable dialog and interesting historical asides. The Intelligent Wireless Web covers a wide variety of overlapping topics that makes for an exciting glimpse into a possible future. It makes a strong case for its central theme: evolving ubiquitous computing centralized upon mobile wireless communications, speech recognition and AI. It offers some new proactive avenues of thought. While I may not agree with all the projections, the different aspects of alternative controversial technologies in competition were well examined.

The book provided some important technology comparsions, including listing the necessary steps for a particular technology to succeed and its current developmental status. It offered a list of provocative questions that it intended to explore early in the book and I think the authors were, for the most part, successful. In addition, I found the concluding
strategic planning guideline interesting.

I highly recommend this book.

The Intelligent Wireless Web provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies that will combine to bring the wireless web to pervasive use. The book provides an explanation of the technology fundamentals, summarizing and explaining the jargon. A snapshot is provided of today's technology and enough information is provided that one can understand possible technology evolution over the next 5-10 years. For an professional working in this field, the book provides an overview of all aspects of the subject. For an investor, the book provides insights to technologies and companies that will be key players as the wireless web evolves. The book provides a wonderful who, what, where, when, why, and how explanation.

The layout includes graphics to summarize points made in the text and text boxes that provide background information on concepts that are addressed in the text. Many of the text boxes had information that I was aware of, but the format allowed me to easily skip this information and return to the text.

This book has an excellent historical perspective of Japanese jujitsu. Like many other books on martial arts, it can not be used alone to learn actual techniques. However it describes a variety of ancient techniques that are still used today by the Japanese police, including some lesser known methods such as rope tying. Although I understand that the author was probably attempting a specific "historical" look with the somewhat crude drawings, I would have preferred more modern illustrations.

This book is packed with techniques that are quite effective. There is also an interesting pictorial retrospective by the author who studied at the Japanese Police Academy. It is not a book for those looking to self teach themselves a martial art. However, those who are already familiar with some form of grappling martial art such as another form of Jujutsu, will find this book a fine addition to their collection that documents some of the history, philosophy and techniques of this powerful martial art.

An excellent primer on Jujitsu, the precursor to Judo. The author outlines the relevant history and insight into Japan and the Samurai and its relationship with the martial art from 1100 A.D. There is alot of technical data, whichs serves as a guide to be used along with a qualified instructor to help any student become a master of Jujitsu. Craig has written an excellent resource for Jujitsu students and individuals interested in practical self defense techniques.

This book was absolutely nothing like I expected, and I think the advertising for it and the description were sort of intentionally misleading. But I did find myself liking the book very much by the midway point, mostly because the characters were all so odd and unpredictable. Eventually I forgot the whole label-thing, and I just enjoyed the book. Don't read this if you expect some gossipy Hollywood novel. It's actually a good little comedy about a lot of amusing and neurotic people trying to keep it together.

I enjoyed this book primarily because of the engaging and witty characters, particularly Camilla. The author has a good ear for dialogue, and allows his characters room to speak and develop. The "Hollywood" aspect of this book seemed to be just a backdrop, while the real story was the dynamic between all of these eccentric but likable people. Even the character of Barbara, who is a gold-digger type, is treated fairly. By the end, she seems to have a point also. I appreciated how the author didn't seem to favor characters, but seemed to have affection for all of them.

This was an enjoying tale of Hollywood. Enough has already been said. But my concern is now that he hasn't written about something he knows well, will there be a follow. It has been about three years now and no news over a sophmore book.

I think Don't Waste Your Time in the North Cascades will compel you to get out even more. I've lived in Bellingham for most of my life. I know the Cascades well. I'm a very experienced hiker and mountaineer. That negative-minded Mike who put this book down isn't comparing apples with apples. Most people would be appalled with the difficulty of the scrambles in the book that he thinks is so good. Most people want trails and need trails. And there's a terrific network of trails in the Cascades. The Copelands' book is an invaluable guide for the vast majority of hikers.

What that Mike dude doesn't tell you is how much work it takes to go beyond the end the Perry trail and climb up those mountains unaided by trail. Dickerman has a moderately-ascending, switchbacking trail that makes the 4,000 foot ascent pleasant. Copelands didn't write their book for a handful of scramblers.

In addition to having thorough and accurate trail descriptions, this book is literature: intelligent, enjoyable, inspiring. And it's obvious the Copelands love hiking, as this quote displays: "At Whatcom Pass you'll stand in awe of cloud-bursting Whatcom Peak and heart-stopping Challenger Glacier. For those whose place of worship is the mountains, hiking this grand loop (Trip 88) feels like a pilgrimage."

This is a tremendous resource, particularly for the occassional hiker/backpacker. One could say that _all_ of the Cascades are beautiful--and they are. But too often, books by the Mountaineers make everything sound wonderful, even if its been clear-cut, has limited views, or is crowded. I've never had a bad time in the Cascades, but some hikes are less spectacular than others.

If you're only heading into the woods a few times a year, why not shoot for the very best? I cherish this book, and very much appreciate its candor and descriptions. It is, without a doubt, the best trail guide I have ever read. Let's hope for more of these guides. Happy hiking!

Living in the shadow of Mt. Baker, I am blessed with the opportunity of hiking the North Cascades all summer long. As a result, I've hiked many of the trails in this book, from "Premier" to "Don't Do." In my opinion, the Copeland's advice is right on track. Another reviewer said something to the effect of "if you read their book you'll miss a lot of opportunities." True, but no guide can cover every trail, and of the 104 trails featured, only 15 are classified as "Don't Do." If you're not familiar with the region this book can help you discover the real gems, which is worth the cost of the book if you only have a short time to spend in our little slice of heaven.

In my opinion, Symonds' is the best biography of a great Civil War general.

From Cleburne's early childhood to his tragic death at Franklin, Symonds presents a well-rounded picture of what Patrick Cleburne the person was like. For example, while Cleburne was a strong disciplinarian and incessantly drilled his troops, he also let his hair down and participated in a snowball fight with his division while in winter encampment in Georgia. Twice he was captured" twice by his troops, endearing himself to his troops even more. Symonds also presents Cleburne's sensitive nature, as evidenced with his romance and engagement with Sue Tarlton and his proposal to offer slaves freedom if they fought for the South. Ironically, the very men who opposed his proposal eventually approved the opportunity of freedom for slaves who would fight. Unfortunately for the South, the action took place only after its situation was hopeless. Another interesting part of the book was Cleburne's early life (losing both parents at an early age, the potato famine that eventually resulted in him coming to America) and how his life's experiences shaped him into the kind of man he was.

While Symonds' description of the battles were interesting, I would have liked to have seen more detailed maps (for example, Peter Cozzens' title on Chickamauga and Mark Bradley's title on Bentonville are filled with excellent and detailed maps). Personally, I like detailed maps because they make it easier for me to understand the text and specific troop manuevers an author is trying to describe.

While Cleburne is easily one of my favorite generals, I did appreciate Symonds' apparently accurate portrayal of Cleburne being the consummate division commander while perhaps not belonging in the league of corps commanders (see his performance at Jonesboro GA, for example). Nevertheless, Cleburne was one of those rare generals with excellent leadership ability and able to hold the high esteem of superior and subordinate alike.

All in all, an excellent read!

For many years the officers and men who made up the Army of Tennessee have played second fiddle to Lee's eastern army. The very title of this book clearly illustrates this point for one never hears a general in Lee's army referred to as the Cleburne of the east. Finally though, thanks in large part to the efforts of historians like Thomas L. Connelly and Shelby Foote and the diaries of Sam Watkins, the brave men of the Army of Tennessee are being given due credit.

Craig Symonds has added his name to the above list with this excellent study of General Patrick Cleburne. No study of the Army of Tennessee would be complete without a study of one of its best generals, and therefore this biography is a very important addition to any Civil War library. Best of all, the author writes in a flowing style that helps make this book a joy to read.

Unfortunately, much of Cleburne's personal correspondence has not survived but Symonds has done an excellent job of digging up what does exist. Fortunately, the Irish general was very precise with his battle reports and the correspondence of many of his close associates does still exist. Working with these sources the author weaves together a fascinating story. He doesn't dwell on the logistics of various battles, which tends to make for dry reading but instead describes very concisely the part Cleburne played in the battle

Symonds also deals in some detail with Cleburne's personal life, from his early life in Ireland to his engagement. There is also a good deal of attention given to Cleburne's close friendships, both before and during the war, and his political beliefs and activities. Of course, Cleburne's proposal to arm and free the slaves is also dealt with in detail. From his own formulation of the plan, to the icy reception it received, to the possibility that his proposal may have been partially responsible for his lack of further promotion, the plan and its ramifications and insights into Cleburne's personality are closely examined.

For any student of the war this would be a worthwhile read, but for anyone with a particular interest in the Army of Tennessee it is an indispensable read.

Quite simply, one of the finest biographies it has ever been my pleasure to read. Craig Symonds does a magnificent job in re-telling a story that all Civil War followers, particualry those of a Southern persuasion, should read.

After serving a short term in the British Infantry, Patrick Ronayne Cleburne travelled over from his native Ireland (to correct one earlier reviewer's mistake - Cleburne was an Irish Protestant, not Catholic!) to settle in Arkansas and make a successful life for himself. He became a high-ranking member of the local masonic institute and did extremely well in business. When his adopted state seceded and went to war he did the only thing his conscience would allow and volunteered to fight alongside his friends and neighbours.

His talent was quickly recognised and he would eventually reach the rank of Major General. He would (and should ) have gone even higher but his call for the south to free and arm its slaves won him many enemies. In time even Robert E. Lee would come to agree with what Cleburne had earlier advocated but by then it was too late for the Confedracy.

The one thing that comes shining through in this excellent book is Cleburne's practical battleground genius. He inspired confidence in his men and never failed them. His division performed consistently in fight after fight and must be considered to be one of the very best that saw conflict in the entire war. History does not treat bad commanders well and it is a measure of Cleburne's reputation and stature that so many have called him the "Stonewall of the West".

I thoroughly enjoyed Symonds' style of writing. He covers all of the angles and gives all of the necessary information but he never allows the book to become bogged down in needless detail and that allows for a brisk pace to be set, which often leads to you not being able to put the book down for long periods of time. He should be very proud of what he has achieved here. I have four written volumes on the life and military career of Patrick Cleburne and this is, IMHO, the best of all. I shall be checking out other books written by Craig Symonds.

For many years Cleburne was something of a forgotten hero, possibly because he fought for the hard luck Army of Tennessee, and partly because history tends to ignore the Western part of the Civil War and stick to the the better known Eastern theatre. In recent times though there does seem to have been a greater awareness of the fight in the west and therefore it is inevitable that Cleburne's name will come to the fore. He was a remarkable man and a remarkable soldier and this book does justice to his life and achievements.

To conclude this review I will make a small confession. I was so moved by the final chapter, covering Cleburne's futile death in the terrible carnage at the Battle of Franklin, that I almost started to cry. It was a close run thing as the tears welled up in my eyes, but I just managed to keep them back. If we hadn't have had guests in the house at the time I wouldn't have even tried to stop the tears from falling!

I'm a VB, ASP and Coldfusion programmer. I've read the "Using Powerbuilder 6" and the "Powerbuilder Unleashed" series. The "Powerbuilder Unleashed" is a good reference for the intermediate and the "Using Powerbuilder 6" is worthless!! After purchasing this book I was up and coding, creating a multi-form application in a week. If you're a beginner and want a solid foundation this is the book.

This PowerBuilder 6 book is a fast paced introduction to PowerBuilder. The CD includes a 30 day demo version of PowerBuilder; although the book is 650 pages, 30 days is satisfactory. The authors introduce PowerBuilder by leading the reader through several hands-on examples that eventually culminate into a small application. It was helpful to have each example relate to a single project. The first half of the book teaches the basics of PowerBuilder with very detailed and thoroughly explained examples. The second half introduces several more advanced topics without spending a lot of time on any single subject. I was impressed enough with this book that I plan to order the next book from Sybase Press on Advanced PowerBuilder.

I bought this book in desperation, after having trudged through the awful Using PowerBuilder 6 by Que, and having learned very little. It is an excellent, well designed, and thoughtfully laid out introduction to PowerBuilder that will have you up and coding in no time. I was a little put off by the 'Official' tag, expecting a re-hash of the online help, but this is an outside publication, written by people who know what they are talking about, and more importantly, know how to explain what they know. The book is divided into sections, each building on the previous. The tutorial in Section B is a great introduction to building applications with PowerBuilder. Forget Que's book, this is the introduction for beginners, and it also covers more advanced topics not even mentioned in Using PowerBuilder, like modifying the database .ini files. In summary, a great buy!

It is a good book, but there are some aspects which I find lacking in the book which could be helpful. For example, brief outline answers to some of the problems at the end of the chapter will help most readers no doubt. Also, a more comprehensive cover on the rational bubbles and GARCH type models for asset returns will help no doubt, as well as problems that may arise during implementation. This book is aimed at the advance graduate student who is pretty proficient in theoretical finance and advance econometric issues already.

This is really a classic book on financial econometrics. I like the design of the book. The content is also pretty up-to-date. A little bit advanced - requires solid background in econometrics, analysis, statistics, and some stochastic calculus. The only problem I have is the authors did not provide background data, so it's really hard for people to do self-study like me. If the authors could include a preferred computer program (i.e. Matlab, GAUSS, EViews, etc.) with codes and data, that will make the book a true bible of financial econometrics.

Finally, we have a book like this. It is comprehensive, not so hard to follow, and handsomely structured. It shows you the power of combination of mathematics, statistics, and finance. It is like beer. It makes you dizzy and enchanted simutaneously.

It stimulates you to dream of modeling the stock market and know the tomorrow's price of Amazon.com. At least, I am going to give it a try! You can have fun, make money, and look mysterious at the same time.

Review or learn the math and statistics courses necessary for the book. Read the book three times. Then, you are near the top of mountain.

Iai: The Art of Drawing the Sword is good as a refresher, at best. Craig opens his tome with some personal history and stories, which is a fine method of doing things, until he brings his own opinion into it. He gives the impression that spiritualism should account for most everything in iaido; as most practitioners are aware, spiritualism is only one aspect, and technique is equally or more important.

Throughout the book, Craig provides small interludes detailing Japanese history, and other information, some of which is accurate, some of which is very much exaggerated, and some of which is not true. While the thought was nice, he should have researched his facts more.

The drawings accompanying his descriptions of the kata are sketchy and vague; a beginner would have difficulty following them, although someone with grounding in another Japanese sword art such as kenjitsu may have better luck. However, with knowledge of the kata, or at least of the mechanics of the motions, a reader would find this book a helpful reminder, as long as he does not try to base his study entirely on this book.

Overall, this is not a terrible book, but there are much better on the subject, with regards to technique, illustration, and history.

This book covers all aspects of Japanese sword.From examining a sword, ettiquete,seppuku, kata and history. This book is a must reference book for any martial artisit who is studying the sword. Iai, iai-jutsu, kendo etc...

This book offers a lot of great information. It starts with care of the blade, and a little history. It then progresses into several basic techniques, a history of ritual suicide, the 47 ronin and how the old blades were tested on prisoners, their results printed on the tang (I have actually found blades with such ratings on them). It also covers identifying marks on blades, what to look for when looking at a historic sword and more.

Worth every penny I spent for it.