Norman Wisdom touched my heart when I was just a boy and he has never let go. After reading his autobiography, DON'T LAUGH AT ME, I was moved to tears with the sadness and heartache he had to endure in his childhood days. To say Norman's life was an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement, but do not fear, for as many tears of sadness in this book, there are tenfold the number of tears of laughter.
If you like Norman now, you will want to adopt him as your grandfather by the time you read this book. A great biography, I highly recommend it.

For years Norman Wisdom has delighted audiences with his wonderfully self-depricating comedy. His remarkable story - his working-class background through to his rise to fame and top-of-the-bill appearances at the London Palladium - is charted in this the first part of his autobiography. This book scores over other showbiz biographies thanks to Wisdom's warmth, affection, and sheer humility, and, above all, this story of "working-class lad makes good" serves as an uplifting reminder to us all that, with hard work and determination, one can achieve anything.

I picked this story up in the Spring to read to my first grade class around Earth Day. First I read it to them with the illustrations, and then we read it a second time, with the children closing their eyes and visualizing. They loved this and produced the most amazing drawings, with writing of how they'd dance upon the Earth. I recommend this book highly to parents or teachers for a variety of reasons: It is beautiful, it inspires imagination, and it reflects love for the Earth.

Not knowing the subject of this book, I sat down to read "Earth Dance" out loud to my young daughter (not because she can't read, but because we enjoy reading to each other). I began as I usually begin a book -- finding the passion in the words and the mood of the illustrations as I read out loud. I was immediately enchanted by the beauty of the words in this poem, and so moved by the message that, to my surprise, tears began to well in my eyes! I was reading the line "You are twirling so gracefully, carefully, not even the sand moves as you spin..". Surprised by my reaction, I looked through my own teary eyes into (surprise again!)the teary eyes of my ten-year-old daughter. She was as deeply affected as I! That truly is the hallmark of a good poet and artist, who can touch your heart and mind so completely with words.

Hours later, still deeply affected by the story, illustrations, and our reaction to them, I realized that I had just experienced a gentle magic moment, no small thing for an adult who has read a hundred children's books.

I cannot say enough about how good this book is --for children and the adults who read to them.

To the mothers of future ecologists, future artists, future parents...to all the readers of Joanne Ryder's Earth Dance: dance slowly, spin gently, and carry this book home to share with all the children of our precious Earth.

Norman Pounds has put together the comprehensive book for understanding medieval Europe through the study of economic systems. The book is designed for the medieval specialist, but a non-specialist would easily understand the material. The first three chapters, which are a chronological introduction to the topic, are absolutely spectacular and could easily stand on their own. The next five chapters deal with the topic thematically. There are chapters on population, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and towns. Each chapter treats the subject chronologically, and are packed with insight. The final two chapters discuss the economic changes taking place in the Late Medieval period.

Pounds has really mastered the material, including the most comprehensive bibliography ever assembled. Much space is devoted to discussing the evidence and the historiographical debate surrounding each sub-topic. Perhaps the only downfall to Pounds' wonderful work is that it is really limited to the periods from which there is substantial evidence. Outside of Chapter Two, the Early Medieval period is hardly discussed. This is, however, made up for with spectacular analysis in the later periods.

Finally, the graphics alone make this book worth the hunt. There are amazing maps, charts, graphs, and illustrations all over this book, all of which are quite usefull.

This book discusses the period between the end of Roman empire and the Renaissance both as a chronological process and as a series of foci on topics as commerce, manufacturing and population. My reason for warmly recommending this book is that it gives an insight into important developments in the middle ages, for example the role of the monasteries as a kind of early multinationals was an eye opener for me. An other reason is that it explains patterns you can see in present day Europe. The way towns were founded in the 12th and 13th century explains a lot of the spacing of the cities you see today. The development of the plough gives insight in why what parts of the countryside were populated.etc. The list is endless.For me it meant the opening up of a whole new field of interest; economic history. Recommended, also for Americans visiting Europe, who really want to understand what they see in Italy, France and Flanders to mention a few countries. Walking through Troyes is a different experience if you have read this book. For the English centred there is a drawback, for an English book England is relatively sparcely mentioned. The book is well written and has a pleasant style.

Edmund abstracts difficult subject matter...you won't find a better summary of the scientific method anywhere else. Edmund provides a concise summary of the method, its history and the problems it faces today in the science education reform movement (which has wrongfully excluded it). The best value you'll ever get for $5!

Outstanding review of a complex subject.

An excellent book on the life of Hubert H. Humphrey, by the subject himself. I have read others pieces on Humphrey, but this work comes through in his own voice, as if he is sitting there talking to you. As biographies go, I think Carl Solberg's book on the late Vice President is the most thorough on the subject, but Humphrey's account is the most readable. The subject is also well done by Dan Cohen.

This is a great read. Here, Humphrey sums up his life, his beliefs and his goals for the coming years. Those who want to know what our nation should be like ought to read this book.

Humphrey dreamed of an opportunity society in which the public and private good made sure that all of our citizens had access to such basic human needs as health care, a human and living wage, education, day care, family leave, a job and a safe neighobrhood and environment. He dreamed of a society in which we would all be equal, regardless of who we are or what our skin color is. Has his dream come true? Of course not. The 'new right' in America has declared war on all that is good about our government and its humanitarian goals. They have declared war on the workers and unions which Humphrey so adored. They have declared war on basic labor regulations. They ought to read Humphrey's autobiography and grow a heart!

Hubert Humphrey in his last speech before Congerss said something which has touched me and is my political motto:"The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped." We need to make sure that America does not fail the 'moral test of government.'

For those who see Humphrey as a has-been civil rights leader and as LBJ's Vice President, I urge you to read this book and see how radically pro-labor and pro-civil rights he was. It's a good read!

if "Esoteric Sience" (the evolution of the earth) left you with questions, this will answer some...

once you started reading you don't want to stop, (except to recapitulate...)

In this book, Steiner gives a compelling and very astute description of the zodiacal signs and their relationship to the formation of the physical body. This is a book that artists, astrologers and anyone interested in the evolution of the human form will find absolutly facinating.

I thought this book of Norman Rockwell's work was a fascinatining look into the typical/almost idealistic life of everyday embarrassing/comical/poignant situations which do commonly occur. The picture I enjoyed the most was "The Gossips" where upon I could imagine the tale behind the laughter and enjoy looking at the different facial expressions and that there was such a great twist to the tale. Thank you for such a great book!.

The book is small, but the illustrations still are reproduced extremely well. The essay alone is worth every penny. If you feel uneasy about your love for the work of Norman Rockwell, this book will give you the courage to like what you really like, without any more appologies. Buy it, read it, enjoy. You will, I guarantee.

There has been much talk in US church leader circles over the last ten years or so about large-scale revival in the US and other English speaking countries and then worldwide. Revival is often the dream of evangelically minded Christians, but what has made this of particular interest is that many prominent, respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders are also now sensing that such an event is near. The 'Transformations' video by George Otis added some support to this view - on a world scale. An important alternative view that is held by a number of other prominent respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders, takes almost the opposite interpretation of events. One that the western church in the US but possibly first in Europe and in particular in England, is facing imminent and severe persecution. Which ever view is true maybe both, there is likely to be a shortage of experienced Christians able to lead, nurture and disciple new believers.

The Essential Survival Guide (ESG) concept in this book is anointed and prophetic. It is designed for those who have recently become Christians, to prepare them to be mature functioning Christians quickly. This could equally take place within, or in the absence of a formal church structure. Certainly if revival, persecution or both come, then existing church structures will be stretched or challenged beyond their likely capability to manage the training and apprenticing of new Christians. Clearly while it is possible, working within the local church structure is to be preferred and strongly encouraged!

It would appear that ESG is aimed at a specific target audience - for example those who have passed through and completed successfully a conversion or immediate post-conversion course. ESG deals effectively with the difficult time between the post-conversion 'honeymoon period', of having to deal with the very real day to day issues of life and that of being fully integrated into a church as a functioning Christian. A time, which is for many a matter of survival, a stage when sadly help of the right kind is too often not available and many new Christians give up. Recent surveys show that between 65 and 80% of all clear converts had given up their new faith within two years! A frightening statistic, one that caused concern and real prayerful soul searching within the churches concerned!

ESG is suitable to be run not by church leaders or church organisations but by recent converts themselves, at a 'grass roots' level, possibly if or when no experienced leaders are available. Clearly a church could mastermind and run a series of ESG cell groups and this could work well. Equally, it could be run in a manner akin to an 'underground' church concept, where no formal church for whatever reason is available to help. We have run it successfully within our church.

ESG is aimed primarily at those who have until their conversion never been in a church and at the young in particular; those aged 18 - 30. It would be suitable for use on a college campus, in the military, in the workplace, in prison, in a home group, or by a local community group. The author clearly has deliberately drawn on his experience of secular life. That of working as a University Professor teaching the full range of students, to develop ESG as a programme that communicates in non-church language, but would appeal to the young of a 'non-church' background.

I recommend this great book - try it! I hope you find it as helpful as we have.

This book is aimed at new Christians - those from a non church background. Studies have shown that a majority of new Christians give up within 2 years. This book seeks to help new Christians relate their faith to the world around them and the problems they encounter every day.

A ten week course that has apparently been used with great success in the military, in schools and colleges, in church cell groups, in corrective institutions and at work. We have just finished it in my church and all gave it the top rating. We plan to use it again soon with a new group of people.

It is well written and easy to follow - it is also very thought provoking as it deals with many of the current big issues of world and faith. But be warned the author clearly believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God!

A good read!

Although now out of print and quite difficult to find this book is a rare gem. Beautifully photographed and rich in historical text concerning the Estancia system in general and 20-odd Estancias in particular. The reader is taken on a journey from Argentina's north to the Pampas outisde Buenos Aires, to Patagonia and finally to the Southern most tip where Argentina meets the icey waters of the South Atlantic. Over all a great "Coffee Table" box and a wonderful read too.

A coffee table book filled with exquisite photographs and detailed historical and cultural insight on Argentina's premier properties -- the estancias. Through this book we catch a glimpse of the Argentine estancias that rivaled the great homes of Europe and also formed the backbone of the Argentine economy.

A must see for anyone interested in all things Argentine. In no other publication can you find such a profusion of photographic, historical and cultural information on Argentine architecture and society.

Additionally, this book is a steal when purchased in the United States -- I have seen it retail in Buenos Aires for up to $140.00 US.

I credit this book hands-down with inspiring and introducing me to the beautiful art of glass etching. Page after page of breathtaking sophisticated etched glass carvings are interspersed with photos of smaller examples easily within reach of a beginner. The authors have had over 25 years in the business and now hold beginner through master level classes at their art studio in New Mexico.

This is a thorough book describing the various methods of etching, the materials, types of glass, types of techniques, etc. For example, etching cream - which is what I'm learning to use as a beginner is only capable of surface etching. Even so, this simple technique can make very beautiful designs on different types of glass. I've been practicing on jelly and juice jars I keep after finishing off said jelly or juice. That way, if or when I mess up it doesn't matter as much like it would had I practiced on an expensive wine glass or bowl. Soon I'll be ready to move on to the next project and type of glass to practice on. The authors discuss in particular detail surface etching, carving and shading. Applying and cutting various types of resists and etching creams, numbering patterns so you know which order to etch for a proper 3-dimensional effect, beveling, how to hold the carving/blasting wand, etc. is all here. Most of these techniques can be done now (at least on a small scale) with a small air compressor like the ones used for airbrush, portable blaster and tabletop sandblasting cabinets. Chapter 8 gives extensive advise on the various types of equipment (from hobbiest tabletop units to industrial room-sized) used for sandblast etching along with each piece of equipment's pros and cons.

I'm looking at one tabletop unit that is moderately priced (less than $270). With this one tabletop unit (which the book shows a photo of and discusses) anyone can start recreating even the most sophisticated designs and projects included in this book for beginners and beyond. Detailed step-by-step photos for each project are shown in each chapter and the patterns for each project are provided in Appendix B. The other Appendices cover a glossary of terms, suppliers of etching machines, stencil sources, sources for glass, further reading and handy reference charts covering Moh's hardness scale, volume/linear/pressure measurements and abrasive grit sizes including microgrit powders. It really presents a very broad overview of everything one needs to get started making beautiful glass etching/carvings.

And I want to stess again that page after page is a visual feast of gallery designs of what professional glass etchers can do. The cover of the book does not even begin to show how beautiful the artwork displayed inside really is. I can not stress this point enough. The artwork shown inside is truly worthy of anyone's coffee table. The fantastic thing is that I'm having a ton of fun learning this beautiful art - and all thanks to this one comprehensive book. Bravo! I want a sequel!

It was a boon to have this book Mr. Dobbins!! I have been able to etch and carve glass successfully and beautifully just with the help of the detailed instructions in the book! Today, if I am successful it is because of this book. Thankyou Mr. Dobbins for putting in your heart and soul into this book!! Aarti Jhawar(India)