Very clear displays of toolboxes and pallettes, excellent comparisons of the various effects on a single photo, easy, user-friendly, concise and clear. Especially good for people who are newbies or paranoid about using a computer.

Although I don't agree that Amherst books are always a good choice, this one certainly is. There are a few excellent books out there for those wanting to invest the time in learning Photoshop inside out (Real World Photoshop 7, for example, as long as you have the time to read a book of a few hundred pages before you dive in). Usually I want the "most book" I can get for my money, but one asset of this book is its small size. It is an unintimidating introduction to a potentially intimidating program. The book really does start from the beginning, using clear and simple language, so you won't feel frustrated over terms you don't understand (although you might consider reading the part about Photoshop's tools first, then come back to the start of the book). The author manages to boil down Photoshop into several essential and logically chosen components - no small feat considering this program does just about everything. The author's distillation goes a long way toward helping a reader get a sense of this program. You will come away with a complete introduction. In the small space of just over 100 pages, the author also teaches you how to do many of the tasks you'd be most likely to want to do. Even experienced users will probably learn something new or find something that something they were fuzzy about is clarified. Her book, Traditional Photographic Effects with Adobe Photoshop, is an equally good choice, after you read her introductory text.

If the huge and complicated Adobe Photoshop manuals have scared you off, this book can ease you into using Adobe Photoshop and remove your fears. The subtitle for Perkins' book is, "Easy lessons for rapid learning and success," and that's exaclty what this book offers.

Amherst Media's books are always in an easy-to-follow and well-illustrated format. This book is no different. Perkins explains Photoshop terminology easy to understand language. Not only is the language clear, but there are illustrations of what she is explaining - she leaves no room for doubt.

This compact manual holds much information, and I think if you learn what Perkins teaches, you can easily move up to the more complicated Adobe Photoshop manuals and understand what they are talking about.

Really a very nice book to have on hand, especially if you have been scared off from Adobe Photoshop in the past.

This book is a must have for anyone who collects black dolls.It is the reference book that gives insight into your personal treasures. In it I found dolls in my collection I have a greater appreciation for, seeing them listed as well as finding their monetary value.

Once I decided to expand my doll collection I needed reference material for identifying my "babies". I've combed the book stores, internet and so far Ms. Perkins two books are the best source of reference in black doll collecting available. There are other books out there but not as comprehensive. What is still surprising I have a number of dolls that were not included. That means Mrs. Perkins must be planning Vol. III. I hope so!! And thank you!

Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide by Myla Perkins will open up the world of black doll collecting to its readers -- particularly if the readers did not own black dolls as children. Those who possess an interest in black dolls and thirst for more knowledge thereof, are certain to perceive Black Dolls as a satiable quencher of this thirst. Even those who have possessed little to no interest whatsoever in black dolls will develop a peaked interest in them after reading this informative book.

Black Dolls informs readers of the multitude of beautiful black dolls that were actually in existence during and predating their childhoods. It further informs readers of the types of black dolls available at the time of its publication in 1992. This book may, in fact, prompt readers to undertake an avid search for black dolls of varied mediums from varied periods of manufacture.

This well-written, extremely informative book that contains hundreds of pictures to help readers identify black dolls, as well as accurate pricing information, bears the responsibility for this reviewer becoming the proud owner of many of the dolls it identifies, describes, and values.

Not only does Black Dolls provide identification and value information for black dolls, it also gives reverence to them. Black dolls and black playthings play an extremely important role in a black child's development of positive self-esteem; this first-of-its-kind book proclaims this importance.

Reviewer's Final Comment: After reading Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, the reader will also want to purchase Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, Book II, which further identifies, values, and incites one's interest in black dolls.

I am 34 years old, and vividly remember this book. I remember that it was in our school library and I would check it out over and over. The librarian actually told me that I had to let someone else check it out.The story and the illustrations are wonderful for elementary school children.

I am 39 and this book is still firmly entrenched in my brain. It was the first book I ever wrote a book report on for class. The story is about twin brother and sister. The brother plays baseball and the sister feels left out. On the day of the big championship game the brother comes down sick with the flu. The sister is an identical twin when she puts her hair under her cap. Donna plays in the game unsuspectingly and.... you should read the book to catch the ending. It's a wonderful book for youngsters.

Don and Donna Go To Bat is a wonderful book for children to learn about facing up to your own fears to help someone you care for. My love for baseball came from reading this book. Never in my life has a book had such an effect on life.

An absolutely marvellous work in Thermodynamics basics for all ages to come!

This book cost a lot more than it used to, and hasn't been updated since 1977. But the information it provides and the readability that it offers cannot be beat. The presentation given on the first law along with the statistical insight offered on the second law, are among the most readable. Real world examples that are clearly described present insight into applications of the first and second laws. Illustrations and phase diagrams are given for each example, and the effect of different parameters along with results are concisely discussed. Equation of state information is clear and insightful. Overall, it is an excellent text on engineering thermodynamics. The only thing that I would improve (if the authors ever updated) would be the nonreacting mixtures chapter. As a final note, which I add after trying to read another Engineering Thermodynamics book is "what is mechanical work?" and "what is heat?". If a thermo book can't explain these concepts how can you rely on it for anything else. And also, let's say you have a valve, turbine, or heat exchanger for example. If you go to a book's index and can't find these devices listed, your SOL. Fortunately, Reynolds and Perkins lists them along with many other applications.

The best part of this book is the examples. There are plenty of examples to teach you the process. The exercises are well designed. I've used other thermo books, and I always come back to this one.

The book is laid out so very well. First it teaches control mass applications, then moves on to control volume. It is a damn shame that the book has not been updated since 1977, but then why ruin a good thing?

This is my new fertility dictionary! I can look up all the technical stuff that I need to know while trying to conceive (ttc). It has given me a 'game plan' for what I need to do next. I have used this book to figure out the RIGHT questions before my doctor's visits and understand all that he said afterwards. I also really appreciate the personal stories. I have gotten down and out (even though I've only been trying to have a baby for six months) and worried about what it will take to get pregnant and hearing about other people the same as me has been kind of comforting. I have read some of the stories and suggestions about relationships to my husband as well. He and I have been at each other's throats during this process and at least it has given us some things to laugh about as well.

More so than any fertility book I have read so far, this book combines all the technical information with the emotional side as well.

Fertility for Dummies has become my new fertility dictionary! I have been trying to conceive (ttc!) for 6 months now and this book has helped me form a 'game plan' for what I should do next. I check this before and after my doctor visits to figure out what to ask and then understand what he told me! I also appreciate the stories inside. I have been down and out (even though it hasn't been as long of a struggle as some people have described, so far) and worrying about what it will take to get me pregnant and it helps to hear about other people the same way. Also, my husband and I have been at each other's throats during this procedure and it helps to read him parts of the book that talk about dealing wtih relationships too. If nothing else, it lets us laugh together again.

This has been the first fertility book that I have read that gives me both the technical view as well as the real life emotional stuff.

Having just hit the 2 year mark in trying to conceive this book is long overdue. One of the authors is an IVF nurse and the other is a 3 year infertility success story. They cover everything from starting out naturally through the whole IVF experience. They captured so many of my feelings and experiences, from being the human pin-cushion with endless dr appts to dealing with those difficult baby showers. It also has a great Cheat Sheat that covers common terms used on all the fertility message boards, the 5 most important tests, and normal blood test results during a cycle. It is filled with personal stories and I came away from it knowing once again that I'm not alone. I'm thinking about getting it for all of my friends and family members who have shared my experience so they can have a better idea of what it is all about. My last two years encapsulated in a Dummies book. Thank you Jackie and Sharon for taking the time to write such a comprehensive and important book.

What a great Bible for seekers! This Bible is a subtle, yet provocitive study that lets you make your own decisions and leads you in the right direction. At first, I didn't consider myself a seeker, but I learned that anybody with the slightest spiritual calling should consider the question "Why seek God?"

This is a excellent Bible. It is only the second Bible I read, but I was pleased. I am a skeptic wanting to learn more about the Christian look at God. I have belief in God and am not atheist, but am very unsure about any details.

This Bible has a clear language, and contans a lot of notes. You often feel you have a friend who knows more trying to explain things to you, they guess some of our questions.

Some notes tell modern stories, some give you advice, some others simply analyse things that are not as obvious as they seem.

The intro made me feel very comfortable and it states that you won't be pushed into anything, just read it and then see how you feel about it all.

If you are not a believer yet, this is the Bible for you.

I only wish I ordered the hardcover instead of the flimsy paperback. The ink also smells terribly, but when it comes to content, it is very well done.

"The Journey" is a very user-friendly NIV Bible that is particularly geared toward the seeker. The testimonies, insert boxes throughout and introductions for each new chapter bring the messages of the Bible into a contemporary context. These 'helpers' enhance the reader's understanding of key messages in the Bible and help guide the reader throughout. The personal stories at the end of each book remind the seeker that they 'aren't the only ones' and really personalize the experience of reading the Bible and understanding its potential in the world we live in today. I would recommend "The Journey" to every seeker and Christian alike.

Max Perkins was the emperor of editors. I'm an editor myself (of textbooks), and Editor to Author, a collection of Perkins's letters to many of his writers, taught me how to deal with authors in order to get the best out of them. Two things about Max and Marjorie especially struck me. One was the difference between then and now in speed of communication. We'd never have these wonderful letters if Max and Marjorie had been using email or the telephone. The other was the insensitive attitude toward blacks. These were two educated and sensitive people. They didn't even realize what they were doing or saying. It seems horrible now.

I have worked on textbooks in which the writing process is a prominent feature in teaching students, and it is made to sound deadly dull, but the writing process makes a fascinating subject when it's discussed by Max and Marjorie.

I gave up a night's sleep because I did not want to put this book down.

I had chills when Perkins wrote Rawlings, "I see you book as a story about a boy growing up in the scrub...." and the Yearling was born from America's greatest editor to one of his authors that he understood as only he could.Reading his letters to her is to know American fiction first hand, from the genius's workshop gently passed on to a brilliant pupil. I have nothing but praise for the collector for bringing this to us.

This is a breathtaking book . . . I felt like I was in the room with Marjorie as she wrote each letter to Max Perkins. She is engaging, perceptive, very charming and brutally honest by turns. Max Perkins knew how to motivate Marjorie toward her best work through compliments and gentle reminders. When Max dies, it is hearbreaking, because the book is over, and I wanted it to continue on.

This is a very good book published right on-time. Covers hot mobile communications topics with good enough detail. Introduces mobile data communication concepts at first and explains mobile VPN's for 2.5G and 3G technologies. Although concentrated on CDMA2000 in stead of W-CDMA, this book is still useful on mobile data comunications and VPNs. Warmly recommended.

I have just finished going through this book yesterday and realized, I
didn't have this much detailed knowledge on the subject (even being a
networking professional for over 20 years). The book is definitely lives
up to the expectations, in fact I am yet to see a better book on
cellular wireless data (though this is not a main topic here). This book
goes quite in depth on some very unique aspects of GPRS and CDMA2000
data services, while presenting fresh view on the problem and uncovering

some of the interesting industry secrets. This book is a must have for
any one who wants to master wireless data and learn what Mobile or
wireless VPN is about.
Shneyderman and Casati do a great job of writing about this fascinating
topic. This book makes a great reference for data and wireless pros as
well as a good (but not too easy) introduction for any beginner. Style
is great and fresh too. Recommend it to all.
- Enjoy

I've heard plenty about mobile VPNs, and I've been looking everywhere for some meat on it. Finally, I found this book. If you are looking for solid, useful info on this topic, this is the book for you.

...life forms are required to use a seldom-exercised ability called "imagination" which, with effort, allows the user to paint a mental tapestry that is superior in many respects to any computer generated image or subjective image of perfection.

(takes a breath)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy goes on a bit about the relative superiority of radio as a medium that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, but it also notes several references to various works that endure in a medium regarded as deader than the telegraph.

The Hitchhiker's Guide is not only proof that radio is still a viable medium for drama, but that Douglas Adams is a genius. The show, scripted week-by-week by DNA and Geoffrey Perkins was easily translated to books and television with minimal edits. Yes, the second series is a bit off the ultimate track, but it is quite original and the foot notes from Douglas and Perkins are very insightful. These footnotes exist as a log of what took place when it all began and, sadly, as the only memoir to them.

If you can find it, get it.

As a longtime fan of Adam's Sci-Fi Comedy series, I was delighted to discover this book. It was a lot of fun to read, and offered much insight into the process behind the Original Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Show. And there are a few scenes that never made it to the novels. Douglas Adams is funny in any form, and this was no exception.

It's a shame that this book sems to be so hard to find. I was actually introduced to the Hitchhiker stories through the radio show (the audio recordings of which are probably even harder to find), which was a marvel of storytelling and sound effects when it came out (it still is, of course). Ultimately, the script book is a much better read if you have heard the original radio series, but even if you haven't, check it out (if you can). The scripts are written in true Douglas Adams style, with directions written in there that often don't have to do with the show itself (such as Adams' long description of the Bugblatter Beast of Traal), and it may be your only chance to learn about the Haggunenonns, the super-evolutionary race of aliens originally put in place of the rock group Disaster Area during the black stuntship scene. Be warned, however, since the series was written episodically, meaning that Adams never had any grand scheme for the show, and just wrote it as he went along (explains a lot, doesn't it?). You may think that the plot of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was convoluted, but I thought it made perfect sense in comparison to the plot of the two radio series. Either way, it's a crazy ride, and worth every minute spent trying to make sense of it. If you consider yourself a HHG fan, then take it upon yourself to listen to the original radio series, and then read the scripts (which clarify it a good deal). Just make sure that you know where your towel is first.

This spare volume contains three essays; the author's experiences with mental illness and the resultant confinement; his sojourn in the tundra; and the "afterlife" following his wife's death of breast cancer.

Perkins writes with a rhythm and a delicacy that allows you to be part of each of these journeys. Reading this book is a peaceful and moving experience that calls out to be shared with others.

This book is a true gift.

I came upon this book by accident while looking for a book for my husband who was dying of cancer. After he read it I asked him 'Should I read it too?' He responded 'After I have died, it might be a good idea.' Now I see what he was referring to. I love this book for several reasons. #1 Because I often think of my husband reading the same words I am reading. #2 I love the way Robert Perkins writes. He is writing about a discovery of ourselves when he writes about his experiences in a mental institution, an Arctic Journey, or the death of his young wife. I guarantee you will want to read this many times as I have done and am doing again.

I ran accross this tome under travel narriatives in my local book store. Little did I know the journey and the distance this work would take me. Mr. Perkins' personal and spiritual travels engulfed me completely as I have felt some of the same emotions with similar experiences. I found myself on the last page some hours later (as I did not put the book down) in tears. I have read this book upwards of seven times now and still come away with more. I can't put my finger upon just what I come away with but I do come away with more. Feelings, reverence, peace and some odd sort of understanding are all gifts from this tome. This book is my most prized possession and is read often. A must read. Now I wish I could get his other books!