With no previous experience in using Dreamweaver(DW) and some knowledge of HTML, I went out to look for some DW books. After reading several pages of this book, I discovered that the results you can produce and the skills you can gain was simply AMAZING.

I was able to create, modify & design, really, really brilliant and professional web designs by the time I completed the first 2 chapters. This book gives you:

-Step-by-step instructions

-Screenshots of almost every step

-Tutorial in easy-to-follow beginner language

-Professional design techniques: like how to optimize webpage design, how to make websites easy to navigate, etc.

-Professional editable graphics: the CD contains editable image files you can either use for your own websites or for you to learn how to create similarly optimized images that's small in size so that they load faster.

-Links to websites that exploit DW's tools to create cutting-edge web designs which can help/inspire you as you go on to design your own websites. Some of the sites recommended have free tutorials.

-An extremely good book. I was turned non-user/beginner to advanced in 12 projects for about [price]. Some people pay thousands for web design training and still cannot come close to producing professional looking sites like the ones I was able to create JUST by reading this book. It's worth every penny.

And if you think you need to learn CascadingStyleSheets(CSS), DynamicHTML(DHTML) or Javascript before reading this book, let me tell you that you'll be wasting time and money. With HTML knowledge, I was able to pick up knowledge in CSS on my own through the Hands-On projects of this book. And because you'll be using Macromedia's DW & Fireworks software, you don't need to know Javascript/DHTML at all to be able to create high-impact websites.

The CD does NOT contain Dreamweaver4 30-day-trial software.

From the moment I picked up Dreamweaver 4 Magic and began to flick through the pages, I new this was going to be a book I'd find immensely useful. Al Sparber and friends take us through some of the more popular dynamic interface effects found on the Web today, as well as a number of cutting edge techniques we'll be finding on the Web tomorrow. Each chapter takes you through a technique step-by-step, and is supported with screen captures when necessary. I was pleased to see that the book wasn't either picture or word biased, but rather struck an excellent balance between detailed explanations and supporting visual material. Dreamweaver 4 Magic even comes with a CD-ROM containing some custom Dreamweaver extensions, designed to support the tutorials in the book. Highly recommended.

This is a really good book on interface design and on incorporating more advanced DW features, like template and style sheet features, into your standard design structure. It is probably best used by intermediate to advanced level users. I've been using DW for about six months and the complexity of the book is just right because it opens up a world of functionality in DW that I sort of had a vague idea of, but which is really fleshed out by Sparber et al. The manner in which the "fleshing out" occurs is "good" because the author sort of presents techniques that lead up to the final project in well-contained procedural modules. It's not like a whole bunch of different techniques are mushed together; in this book you can definitely tell what's responsible for causing what effect.

The precision of the instructions is crucial because it's easy to get lost in Dreamweaver. The book is very explicit in making sure that you do not get lost on the path along the way. Most of the more complex or less obvious steps are repeated or reinforced by screen caps of the DW interface. My only complaint really is that the text is a bit small. I think if they had bumped it up a couple of points, or made the typeface bolder, text would have been more easily read. Other than that, the layout is spacious and visually-appealing -- it is overall a very beautifully designed book -- and there is extensive detail on each page, meaning, the authors get down to business. The composite style is sort of like Lynda Weiman's but with turbocharge. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to get through each project, not including referencing DW Help to clarify new concepts. The projects themselves are useful because they present interface set-ups you would certainly use for conventional web sites. The CD has a browser enabled section that presents the final page designs and its a good interactive way to flip through the projects and see what you like or don't like.

In counterpoint to what one review mentioned below regarding the CD, and the replication of similar effects in Homesite as in DW, first, I don't agree that the CD is just to inflate the price of the book. The book isn't cheap but you don't feel the cost of the book isn't justified in this case, because this book has such depth. I don't think most web designers have the level of virtuosity in wielding DW that Sparber and the other authors of this book have, much less would be willing to show you how to use it for less than $2000 in a w/e course. The CD actually has little bloat. The project files are well structured and the extensions are used in the projects rather than just thrown in there to fill up disk space. I suppose I could download files from the Internet and unzip them, then virus test them, and then place them somewhere on my hard drive. I could do all that -- but I don't FEEEL like it. The CD more or less just installs everything for you. Saves time. Secondly, while you probably could replicate the projects this book presents using raw HTML in Homesite, the whole idea of DW is that you don't have to, so I don't understand the "you could do this whole thing in Homesite, you know" argument, because its not relevant in the context of a book that uses DW. As for forcing you to learn HTML, you could always split the screen in DW and see how the code directly affects the graphical layout. Last I heard, most people receive information best visually. I can't remember the last time I recognized a picture of my dog Spot as a series of binary digits. I'd rather do the site in DW first then tweak the details in HTML afterwards, and then use DW to mass produce. Saves time and frustration, as does this book.

This book is highly recommended for above-newbie level DW users.
*****

I really enjoyed this book. Although it took a seemingly long time to read, some parts I had to sit back and digest, it was all worth it in the end. Joy had many plot twists that kept me reading. Joy centers around the main character Anya and her professional; personal and daily walk with God. She's engaged to be married but something always seems to stop her from committing to a date. Her financial company is booming, she's pulling in top clients but her fiancé' Braxton, is less than impressed that she has to spend so many hours at work and not enough time with him. Church and her pastor are also crucial parts of her life, thankfully Braxton can agree to a certain extent with her belief in God.

As the book progresses, Anya is instrumental in being a light of Christianity to her cousin Sasha who has come to live with her. She has provided healing to her family including her staunch grandmother, Madear. She led her coworker to Christ, just by living her life as an example and she turned a seemingly tragic incident into the best time to honor God. A well written, but sometimes too detailed accounting, Joy is a wonderful read. I think that it will enlighten anyone who reads it. Ms. Murray did a great job of interspersing religious themes with activities of daily living that we all find ourselves in. I'm sure Joy will be a blessing to all who read it.

If you read Temptation by Ms Murray, then you already know how well she can incorporate a message of christianity into fiction and not be preachy.

In Joy, you will not be disappointed. From page one, you are captiviated by the plights, the trials and tribulations of Anya and Braxton. A Christian couple engaged to be married, but it appears they may be unequally yoked and that could affect their relationship.

Throw in a little mystery (stalker) and a few distractions (handsome co-worker), some family issues (Madear and Sasha) and you have a great novel that will keep you turning the pages, neglecting everything else you need to do.

Scriptures sprinkled throughout the book that Anya relied on, can help anyone overcome obstacles they find in their way during their walk with God.

This book I highly recommend.

This inspiring and suspenseful page-turner brought me great joy! Victoria Christopher Murray did an excellent job on this novel - creatively allowing God's anointing to flow amidst chaos. "Joy" is very well written and encouraging to its readers.

It was such a blessing to witness a successful, attractive sistah taking care of her professional business while maintaining her relationship with the Lord. Anya's strong image is evident as you read the pages detailing how she handles things and people. She is upheld with spiritual strength, wisdom, and love from her family, Pastor and friends.

Although Anya is in love with Braxton, she never lets her love for him supersede her love for Him. Anya is too good to be true, sometimes. However, she comes to life when she is faced with unexpected attacks from those she trusts. As the challenges come, Anya deals with them supernaturally - with faith combating her pain, fears and disappointments.

The characters of "Joy" are vivid and quite interesting... even the bad guys, and there are a few. I pray that readers will be inspired to trust God as they enjoy reading this novel filled with unspeakable joy and hope.

If you find it hard to believe this story, believe HIS story because HE IS REAL!

Nelson DeMille knows of what he writes. As a Lt. in the service in Nam and a keen human observer--we are given over 700 pages that draw us into a world we Americans sometimes do not like to revisit.

The central character, Ben Tyson, is a modern day commuter with a cushy job in NY, a family out in the 'burbs and a sense of honor that is about to be tested to the inth degree. Somone has written a well selling book about the atrocities at Hue. The author's two witnesses have made Ben Tyson culpable for his unit's macabre killing behavior at a French hospital during the war. And now the government plans to make him their scape goat.

After 20 years of living with the past, the truth starts to come out. Slowly, in stages, as DeMille builds the tension with episodes between Tyson's wife, his lawyer, his reunion with his men, the author who revealed his secrets, and a cout-martial trial.

I always appreciate DeMille's well researched novels. Mixing actual events with fiction using humor and pathos is his baliwick. Characters you want to know and dialogue that snaps.

A moving read of war, adventure, and trust.

I have read all of Demille's books. I have enjoyed all of his books. I do not think that any can compete with Word of Honor. First of all, he truly allows the reader to understand the central character, Benjamin Tyson. I would catch myself on numerous occasions, understanding in certain situations exactly how he felt. His character development is flawless and the reader truly gets to know the characters.

The plot itself was incredibly interesting with the Vietnam war backdrop against a modern family in Long Island. In addition, a military courtroom drama is an uncommon trait in modern fiction. In reality, the last one I read was the Caine Mutiny.

I could not put this book down, and it's pretty long. I think I read it in just two sittings (not bad for 700+ pages). Demille truly engages the reader, unflods the plot in small steps, and keeps the reader on his toes. In addition, the detail of all aspects is incredible. I would recommend this book to everyone and have actually purchased it twice because when I lost it I could not live without it.

This book brings out everything that a Demille fan expects from him: great story line, page-turning intrigue, and most importantly, Demille's own inimitable sardonic dialogue that is unmatched by any author. If you liked John Cory in Plum Island and Lion's Game (which any Demille fan does), then you'll really appreciate Ben Tyson in this one. Even better, he gets a sidekick (his attorney) who's just as bad/good as he is.

The story is built well, providing ample, but not too lengthy background of the main story - a civilian murder in Vietnam. This is NOT, however a Vietnam War story as much as it is a trial of an upwardly mobile family man from New York. AS you move through the book, you will find the pages turning faster adn faster, especially the last 100 pages.

Plum Island was my favorite until this read. Truly excellent!

If you want to read a great book about murder and mystery read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. This saga is a great book to read because it is an adventure. We'll start out by telling you about the three main characters. Charlotte is very tactful and shy young lady. She comes aboard the ship to go home to America to her father. Captain Jaggery is malignant and hostile. He is notable for being harsh to the crew and to Charlotte. Zachariah is known for his hospitality towards Charlotte since she is the only girl on the ship. He is never grim but always prudent and watches out for Charlotte. The whole story is mainly about a girl named Charlotte Doyle. On her voyage to America she faces the hardships of being part of the crew. She learns how to be more independant. She has to deal with her friend Zachariah and what happened to him. Also, she has to deal with being accused of murder. This book hold you in suspense. The details were put in chronological order. Mystery and mjurder on sea is very creative theme. The dialogues include understandable language. When the book mentions the parts of the ship, you will find there is a diagram in the back, so all you have to do is just flip back. You just heard our narrative part of the book. If you want to read the true confessions of Charlotte, Zachariah, and Captain Jaggery, you have to read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.

The year is 1832. Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is instructed by her family to travel from Liverpool, England to Providence, Rhode Island on board the Seahawk. Despite the warnings that Charlotte receives against boarding the ship, she does not wish to contradict her father (she is, after all, a young lady). Once aboard, Charlotte is horrified to find herself the only lady on the entire ship! Nevertheless, she quickly befriends both the highly refined Captain Jaggery and the old cook, Zachariah (tattered and crude in appearance, yet kind and gentle). After witnessing the captain's brutal behavior towards the crew, however, Charlotte joins the men in a revolt against him. The story continues as Charlotte and the crew brave a raging storm, fight the captain once again, and finally dock in Providence. At the end of the story, Charlotte must make a hard decision regarding her plans for the future (of course, I will not disclose her answer). Rarely does a book appeal to people of different ages, genders, and interests, but it is safe to say that this is one of them. When my sixth grade class read this book, I anticipated a boring and uneventful story ahead. I am now thankful that we read it, for it has become one of my all-time favorite novels. I highly recommend "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" to anyone looking for a book unlike any other...a book that has it all: adventure, suspense, mystery, and a riveting plot suitable for absolutely anybody.

Have you read a really good action packed book lately? Well, "The True confessions Of Charlotte Doyle" is the one to read; and is written by AVI, an awesome writer. This is just one of his many very far out books. He uses lots of author tricks, such as suspense , and cliffhangers,for example "There before me stood the looming head of Zachariah...", and foreshadowing. These tricks are really important to this double plot line story. The first thing Avi did well is tell about the main characters like Charlotte, Captain Jaggery, and Zachariah. One of the main characters (Zachariah) was based on a prophet from the Old Testament in the bible. Captain Jaggery's name perfectly fits his personality. Charlotte sounds like she could be like a real snob. When we first saw this cover we thought this was a girlish book but yet again, AVI comes to the rescue.This book is another reason looks can be deceiving. Another reason looks can be deceiving in this book is Charlotte's character change. What she is in the beginning is not at the end. Our opinion of Avi's wonderful words is a really optimistic one. For example, vexation means to be really mad or sad. Grotesque means ugly, ill-favored. Avi uses these wonderful words many times through the book to make the book interesting. In conclusion, we rate this book, " The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle," five out of five Huzzahs. The reason why we chose this is that AVI uses so many author tricks such as suspense, character change, double plot line , cliffhangers, and foreshadowing.

The soviets are back, taking a beating as the bad guys. After their largest oil refinery is blown to pieces by terrorists, their plan is to first split NATO by attacking Germany and then to seize supplies in the Gulf area.

This loose plot starts the extraordinarily long book (800 pages). Soon Clancy focuses on tactical details and technical descriptions of conventional warfare on land, the sea and in the air. With much attention to detail, action and reaction of both parties are outlined. We learn what we've believed for the past decades, that the soviets have more men and artillery, but that NATO has the technical advantage of more sophisticated weaponry.

One of my problems with the book is that the stereotypical image presented of soviet officers is much reminiscent of the cold war. Then there is the unsatisfying ending. Once NATO overcomes the soviets' advantage in numbers, we learn that the war has been nothing but a mistake, and both parties pull back their troops to pre-war lines and act as if nothing has ever happened.

Something has happened, but the book shows us a clean videogame war -- soldiers push a button and kill a tank, submarine or fighter aircraft without thinking of its crew. Never does the book hint at the civilian desaster behind the fronts, or even the numerous losses of the armies.

Yet if you don't mind these deficiencies, it is a recommendable, very thrilling book. The book is long, but the pages turn fast.

_Red Storm Rising_ is undoubtably Tom Clancy's finest book. It depicts an all-out war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in the mid-'80s. While the political reasoning behind the Soviet invasion is a bit far-fetched, the description of modern-day land, sea, and air combat is riveting. In contrast to some of the one-dimensional characters in Clancy's other work, this book features two unforgettable ones: Lieutenant Mike Edwards, codenamed "Doghouse", an unlikely hero who leads a squad of Marines trapped in Soviet-occupied territory, and General "Pasha" Alekseyev, who commands the Red Army with brilliance and courage in spite of his own mixed feelings.

If you like Clancy's other books, you will love this one. And if you have found some of his more recent stuff to be tedious and overly political, give _Red Storm Rising_ a try so you can see him at his best. My mom and I have very different literary tastes, but even she really enjoyed it after I convinced her to give it a shot.

_Red Storm Rising_ has no rivals in its description of modern naval combat. And only _Red Army_, by Ralph Peters, surpasses its incredible look at World War III on the ground. I just purchased the hardcover version to replaced my overused paperback. Its a classic that will be enjoyed by readers of all tastes.

Red Storm Rising Tom Clancy

Red Storm Rising is a fast paced and exciting science fiction novel authored by Tom Clancy. Although not noted on the cover or title page, Larry Bond also contributed a great deal to the story making the story more realistic from a military perspective. About the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's attempt to over take the Atlantic so they can launch an offensive against the United States of America and other NATO countries such as Britain and Germany. First, terrorists attack a large power plant in Russia. The Russians make it seem as if someone from the "outside" attacked them so they can "counterattack". They invade part of Germany and Iceland. Taking Iceland is an important step because this allows the Russians to reach farther into the Atlantic and possibly into North America with their aircraft. This also disrupts the anti-submarine line that the Americans have across the North Atlantic. When the Russians attack Iceland, that starts a war that the Russians start so they can obtain more territory and more materials for more war campaigns. The Russians' greed causes them a great deal throughout and after the war. This book is interesting, especially if one likes wars, battles and suspense. This book is unique because the story is told through many different eyes. Tom Clancy tells the story through the eyes of the Russians and the NATO. Under these divisions, he also goes into the lives of different people in the war i.e. he tells the story through the eyes of many naval captains in both surface and underwater boats, through the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic (American), and through the Politburo (Russian, like cabinet of the president). Some of the vocabulary is hard to understand e.g. titles of names: CINC-West, Commander in Chief-West, however; after reading on, the reader can figure out what they mean. There are some Russian words whose meanings can only be guessed. Most of the many characters are very believable. Although there are many characters and the story is told from multiple points of view, one can figure out most of the characters attitudes and descriptions throughout the book. Red Storm Rising is a science fiction book about the dangers of greediness and war. Since the Russians are greedy and want more land and materials such as oil and coal, they become desperate and end up loosing, since they are already in need of many things before the war, they are even more needy because of the war. Although the book is long, I enjoyed it because of the war scenes and suspense of not knowing 'what will happen next'.

I definitely recommend this book to all kids who love plays and musicals. This book is very well written but may have some words that younger children may not understand. One of the things I didn't like about the book was that the story line went to slow. By that I mean the plot was dragged out when it didn't have to be. This book is about an opera house that is said to be haunted by a phantom. But the owners do not believe this story and disregard it. But then strange things start to happen. They start getting letters from the phantom that threaten the lives of people in the opera. He does this because he only wants Christine (one of the main characters) to sing the solo parts of the opera. He wants Christine all for himself so he starts giving her singing lessons. The another man comes into Christine's life and everything is turned upside down. I'll be polite not to give you the end to this book but it is a very exciting book that will always keep you on the edge of your seat.

Take one beautiful, mysterious and talented soprano opera singer, add two bold opera house owners, a dashing, confused, in-love young man in searh for the opera singer's heart, and one tortured, genius, masked man, and you've got one great book. This book is not merely a book, but a haunting story of horror and love. The noted opera singer, Christine, has been taking secret opera lessons from her adoring Angel of Music, who loves her enough to kill an opera and its audience. Christine also has another admirer, Raoul, who would do anything for her, including save her from the dread Opera Ghost who kills everyone who stands in his way, with the help of the Persian who is owed a favor by the Phantom. As we read on, we find that Erik, The Phantom of the Opera, the Angel of Music, and the Opera Ghost (a.k.a. O.G.) are one, and indeed a terrifying collaboration. Christine refuses to marry Erik, so she, the persian and Raoul are in fatal danger. For years upon reading the haunting story, I can't get it out of my head. I love it. The opera is one to see also. This book will enthral a captivated audience, I quite assure you.

The discriptive language pulls you into the book, into the Paris Opera House, into the backstage shadows. It forces images upon you of the churchyard, of the spectacular opera performances, of the cellars, of Christine and of the Phantom... Never a dull moment. Suspenceful nights in box 5 and throughout the opera house. Read this and just try not to fall madly in love with the Angel of Music and his dark allure.
Get the cover of the blue staircase without the illustrations. The illustrations aren't as good as you own imagination.

It is a wonderful journey where the author takes you back and forward in a smooth way through the live in Macondo the little town in the middle of nowhere.It may takes you a while to understad I read the book 3 times the first time I had it and so far I read it 8 times in my lifetime and it never stops to excite me.You want to forget your problems, travel to Macondo and learn about making gold and many other things! discover another world.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude is an enchanting and engaging read that chronicles the lives of the Buendia family. The lively and eccentric characters like Jose Arcadio Buendia, the patriarch of the family, whose pursuits include getting a daguerreotype of God will make you laugh and make you think. Humorous incidents abound, including a supposed insomnia plague which causes the town to label every item in their house including the cow. Marquez's style is intoxicating and with every word he challenges the limits of reality and unearths the magical aspects of daily life. When Marquez describes carpets laden down with passengers flying through the air you simply accept an obviously impossible act as truth. The novel's length is somewhat daunting but very accessible. I would recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys fantasy or has an interest in Latin American culture. As the title suggests each character has his/her own private battle regarding the amount of solitude which is necessary and beneficial and amount that is overwhelming and debilitating. Sometimes the character's actions, like Rebecca eating earth and whitewash, seem absurd but Marquez always keeps in mind the nature of humanity and its varying inclinations. This novel won both the Nobel Prize and my admiration.

This remarkable novel had been on my "Must Read Soon" list for nearly twenty years, and with some shame I admit that I only recently got around to it. What a stunning masterpiece this is! I had read LOVE IN A TIME OF CHOLERA shortly after it appeared in English translation, and enjoyed it immensely, but as excellent as that was, it in no way prepared me for this amazing book. García Márquez's virtuosity is apparent on every page, assembling a vast array of improbable and unusual elements and blending them together to produce something utterly unique. He reminds me of those jugglers in a circus who spin plates on sticks, balancing them on every conceivable part of their body. García Márquez brings in such disparate elements that one can't imagine that he will manage to be able to keep all his plates up in the air. Remarkably, he does.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE is the novel we most frequently associate with Magical Realism. It is impossible to think of this book without referring to "magic," but the magic has as much to do with García Márquez's astonishing mastery of his material as it does with the extraordinary events that occur in the novel. In the hands of a lesser writer, this could have been a dreadful novel. Even a very good writer could be given a Cliff Notes summary of the book, and be asked to produce their own version, and produce a literary horror. The material is difficult, but García Márquez works it with a phenomenally deft touch, crafting it as superbly as Colonel Aureliano does his tiny gold fish. What is as unlikely is the way that he continuously introduces one supernatural element-a woman ascending to heaven while folding sheets, four years of rain followed by ten years of drought, a woman so sensual that her lovemaking causes livestock to reproduce at an usually fecund pace, a priest who levitates when drinking hot chocolate-after another without each new miracle seeming stale or losing its effect.

The novel differs from most modern novels in that it does not contain in depth analyses of the characters. In fact, the characters aren't in general realistic characters at all. They function more like archetypes, and are sharply divided by gender. Men tend to act in the public arena, while women are guardians of the home and have it as their realm of influence. But not even the more fully drawn characters in the novel, such as Colonel Aureliano or his mother Ursula, emerge as full blown characters as in most serious novels in the 20th century. Nor is there a tightly constructed plot. Rather, the novel consists of a series of remarkable, fantastical collection of events and characters centered on a particular South American town. Some readers I know who want in depth, realistic characters have found the novel disappointing. But I have trouble accepting that a novel can take only one form.

One could easily make the case that this is the most influential novel of the past forty years. It has had a profound influence not only in the Latin American world, but on writers in virtually every culture in the world. It has achieved a remarkable success in countries as disparate as Japan, Russia, the United States, and the various European nations. It is widely read in Africa and has been embraced in the Arab world as a modern day version of the Arabian Nights. The novel enjoys as close as one can find to universal appeal of any work of the past half century. My belief is that its success is merited and that it is one of the most remarkable novels that one can find.

The Hound of the Baskervilles was an excellent book, and one of the best mysteries I have ever read. Holmes, the superhuman detective, is asked to investigate the death of Charles Baskerville, which many believe to be the work of the ferocious hound, a curse brought about by the misdeeds of Hugo Baskerville. When Sir Henry inherits the estate, Holmes must solve the mystery before another Baskerville meets his end!

This novel has one of the most complex plots of any mystery, with many unexpected twists, and is one that will keep you reading until its suspenseful, engrossing climax. The setting is also well put together, and the danger of the foggy moor only adds to the drama.

This story had huge appeal for me, largely because of the believability of the characters. Holmes, Watson, and Henry are very realistic - and people that I would want to know. Holmes was so real to many readers, that they actually wrote to 221 Baker Street, his fictional address!

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not only a great mystery writer, but a wonderful novelist as well. This novel is proof that he really deserved the title of knight!

Follow Sherlock Holmes and his trusty colleague, Watson, in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's best murder mystery ever, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Watch while Sherlock Holmes uncovers the mysteries of the Baskerville Hall of London.

You and Sherlock Holmes get to discover all the clues of Charles Baskerville's mysterious death and protect Henry Baskerville from being murdered. You listen to stories of the notorious hound. Finally, before its too late, decide who is behind the murder of Charles Baskerville. Was it the baronet, Mr. And Mrs. Stapleton, or was it possibly Laura Lynes? Find out in the end.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle keeps you in suspense throughout the book. He keeps bringing in more leads to the story. The author also provides an interesting and intriguing topic with a tall tale creature tied in.

This book is wonderful and would be best appreciated by all readers 10 and up.

As a mystery writer with my debut novel in its initial release, I always appreciate the classics of the mystery genre. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works are among the best of the genre, and THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is Doyle's best novel. Those readers expecting to find in this book the famous Holmes line about the dog that didn't bark will be disappointed. That nonbarking dog isn't here. It's in one of the Holmes short stories. What we have here is a moody work set among the moors with a strong and obvious Gothic influence upon Doyle by the mystery genre's founder, Edgar Allan Poe. Holmes and his supporting cast are all in fine form. The plot works, as does the setting and the tone. THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES has endured. It will continue to endure in the future. It is a classic that people actually read.

I just finished reading Grahm and Dodds Security Analysis, and
was completely overwhelemed. If you can read this book, understand everything in it, and be able to apply it, you are golden. However, if you do not really have much background in finance and accounting, it will be VERY hard to read certain parts. As a college sophomore, who has not yet taken any finance or accounting classes, i was only able to understand and benefit from perhaps 50% of the books content. This is a book where after further education in finance and accounting, it will be absolutley essential to successful investing. Also, because of the year the first edition was written, certain terminology, and examples (ie railroads) will not seem useful, however the principles those examples demonstrate are still very much applicable.
I would recommend reading the book to anyone who is interested in investing, however do not think it is something you can finish in a weekend or even a week. It took me a month.

This is book has been updated many times (through the fifth edition). If you have read the latest edition, and believe you have read anything like the original, go back and read this one. Once you have read 'Old Ben', you will find other editions very disappointing. That could be why Warren Buffet suggested going back to the original if you want to know what value investing is all about.

Current investment practice, and later editions of this book concentrate on the one thing that Graham said was, if not impossible, very non-productive - estimating future earnings. This book concentrates on understanding proven value. Where one spends most of its time on the income statement, this book spends most of its time on the balance sheet. There is a world of difference, and the difference leads to a much different portfolio, and future.

There is, as the author points out repeatedly, a difference between investment and speculation. There is also a difference between helpful discussion and meaningful analysis. The original edition is full of meaning, written by a practitioner who also could teach. Later editions (especially the fifth) make me wonder how much of the master's works the new authors read before starting. It also makes me question how much influence Donaldson, Lufkin, & Jenrette and Autanet exercised in return for their grant to finance the book.

If you want a great book on investing read the original. It will give you much more insight and at least twice as much 'food for thought'.

Someone wrote reviews to this book indicating that the major downside to it is its age. The book was written in 1934 therefore it misses all the modern developments of finance - modern portfolio theory for example - and all the new techniques that Wall Street "experts" use today.

As an answer I give an anecdote from Warren Buffett's life:
When stock investments started to become popular, the volume increased ten fold, and the modern techniques to make a profit were developed, Warren Buffet was extremely worried. He remembered what happened in 1929. He loathed the new trends in investment that tried to predict the future price of a stock. Therefore he had a meeting with all his fellow Graham students, he expressly forbid to bring anything newer than the 1934 edition of Security Analysis.

This happened decades ago, but history repeats. We all know what happened 3 years ago. We all know how "experts" thought that the market was booming, and how they let it crash. We all know how they made a profit on the money that private investors lost.

Nowadays when I go shopping for a book I always look at the date of pubblication, if it is between 1997 and 2000 I'm very wary. All those books about "new economy", "digital era", "e-commerce", "dot coms", etc. have to be taken with the maximum attention. Usually they contain a lot of inflated ideas that as we look at what happened after they were written we understand how much those "experts" really understand about stock investments.

If they were wrong then, why should they be righ now?
Trust me, but more importantly, trust Graham, trust Buffett, (those that have been consistently right for 50 years) this is the book to buy, "anything newer looks suspicious."

I was introduced to Dracula as a child watching Bela Lugosi portray the Count on the late night horror show "Shock Theater". This began a semi-fascination with vampire movies which continues to this day. I've not seen all the Dracula movies, but I'd seen dozens before I read the novel after graduating college. Nothing I've ever seen on the screen compares to Bram Stoker's original story. The story, which is told in the format of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, engrossed me and carried me headlong to the final chapter.

The power of Stoker's written masterpiece exceeds the power of any screen production by a power of 10. Film isn't even the second most powerful medium for Dracula. The Naxos Audiobooks production of Dracula features a full cast but retains the format of the book. Different actors speak the journal entries of the various parties, with dialog and action being dramatized. Audio plays have been called "the theater of the mind", and that description well suits the Naxos production of Dracula. All in all, the audio play gives a satisfying way to experience the legend of Dracula.

Dracula is a masterpiece of Horror fiction, undoubtedly a classic and a necessary read for anyone who would consider him/herself a Horror fan. The title character has been forever imprinted on the minds of the world as the true name of the Vampire, and almost anyone who you could possibly ask could give you a pretty good description of the framework of the story.

A rich, reclusive count from the dark land of Transylvania tires of his homeland and searches for a home abroad to quench his thirst. Not for riches, not for glory, but for blood. For this count is a member of the damned breed, the Nosferatu, the Vampire. A demon condemned to live off of the blood of the living, while being neither alive, nor dead. It is a sad and frightening tale, filled with action and suspense.

Dracula is not only famous for its introduction of the mythology of Vlad the Impaler (in somewhat diluted form) to Western culture, but also for its formula. The inescapable evil (Dracula) to be confronted by a small, yet wary band of people lead by one who knows all of the creature's secrets and weaknesses (Van Helsing) has become a Horror staple. And folks never seem to get tired of it. The subject of Van Helsing, a character who almost, but not quite, overshadows Dracula in popularity is long overdue for a novelization of his own. Van Helsing's encounters with the supernatural would most definitely draw a fanbase.

If you're a Horror fan, or just like good old storytelling, Dracula is a book not to be missed. In fact, this novel should be required reading. It just might help increase the literacy rate!

Note: this edition has an awesome cover drawn by Boris Vallejo and it claims to be unabridged (abridging this story ought to be illegal!)

Bram Stoker's tale of terror, 'Dracula,' is just as chilling today as it must have been to readers a hundred years ago. Stoker's original story, which has been told many times since in film and book, is the tale of Johnathen Harker, his love, and his friends, and their horrific experiences at the hands of Count Dracula. The book begins with Harker traveling to Transylvania to meet with the mysterious Dracula. Aquainting him with English customs and traditions when the Count buys land all over London from his firm, Harker soons learns of Dracula's true nature- that of an unnatural fiend who causes destruction wherever he goes. When Dracula travels to England Harker's friends enlist the aide of Dr. Van Helsing, the only man who understands just what evil the Count is capable of. The story that follows is one of love, hate, maddness, and adventure as Dracula seeks to destroy Harker and his friends. As well as being a great work of literature, 'Dracula' is a wonderful tale of horror that modern readers are sure to enjoy!