With his devotion to detail and accuracy Mr. Ross has easily set a new standard for anyone interested in unit histories. "The Supercommandos: First Special Service Force, 1942-1944 An Illustrated History" details the unit history of the First Special Service Force, unquestionably the most elite and little known combat infantry/line unit in the Second World War. Mr. Ross' utilization of Force after-action reports and personal accounts provides a balanced, detailed and indepth narrative, which comprises all aspects of the unit: conception; the recruiting of both US and Canadian forces; training at Fort William H. Harrison in Helena, Montana; overseas deployments; combat; the units break-up in Southern France, and the redeployment of Force survivors. Coupled with this narrative is an astounding assortment of original World War II photograghs, many of which are the most remarkable yet attained by any Force historian in more than fifty-five years. Mr. Ross also capitalizes on many of this units unusual characteristics by providing separate photo sections for specific or various topics: Force weapons; equipment; insignia; uniforms; etc. Also included are many of the original documents and historical facsimiles pertaining to the FSSF, most of which have been unseen for half a century.

For any World War II veteran, historian, re-enactor, or modern Special Force vet researching his/her lineal ancestor, this book is an absolute addition for your personal library.

If only one word could be used to describe Todd Ross's book the Supercommando's, that word would have to be awesome! Ross's book is the most definitive work about the unit known as the 1st Special Service Force since Robert Burhan's book War History of the North Americans. The book contains many never seen before photographs of the force and is worth the price of the book alone. Maps are in vivid color, and are very easy to read and understand. The Force equipment and weapons are authentic and not cheap reproduction look a likes. A real highlight of the book is Ross's attention to detail and accuracy. Ross is to be commended for the outstanding layout of the book and its smooth transition from one point to the next. This book traces the force from its inception to its heartbreaking disbandment and shows the force for what it really was, a tough, daring, resouceful, highly specialized special force that had few equals in WWII. This book dispells the myth created by the highly entertaining but highly inaccurate movie the "Devils Brigade and the book by the same name, No Dirty Dozen here! This is a must have book for those interested in Special Forces, and military history. This book is a must have reference for the professor of military history and historians. This is not a book to be read once and then put away, this is a reference book to be used over and over again. If you have Robert Burhan's book and Ross's book the Supercommandos, you have the history, expolits and unparalleled view of the 1st Special Service Force. I salute Mr. Ross for a job well done!

This is a book about the unit with which I served in World War II. It's the book for which veterans of the Force, like me, have been waiting since Robert Burhans wrote the first Force history in 1947. It's a true successor to Burhans because it contains none of the bombast,mistruths and basic errors of many other writings. Author Todd Ross, in his first book, has proven what a careful, conscientious,and honorable researcher he is, and the book amply demonstrates that. During World War II, there was no other elite unit as unique as the First Special Service Force, if one were to consider only the fact that its Combat Echelon contained trained soldiers from the Canadian Army. They served alongside their U. S. Army compatriots, wearing the same uniform, totally integrated. When I and a fellow Canadian Sergeant walked into our pyramidal tent in 5th Company, Second Regiment, we found two trained American volunteers awaiting our arrival.Within days, it was hard to tell American from Canadian as we learned to parachute together, laughed over trying to integrate basic drill commands and actions. In his text, Ross covers this uniqueness, before moving on to our weapons training, demolitions, mountain climbing, skiing, unarmed combat, the use of German weapons,and the range of other training elements, including development of the Weasel, the first truly effective over-the-snow vehicle. He follows our path into combat, with the dry run at Kiska when the Japanese left before we and others landed. Our sudden shift to Italy: fighting in the mountains leading to Cassino;our 98 days without relief at Anzio holding almost one quarter of the entire Beachhead;the road to Rome--the first Allied troops to enter the Eternal City in force, two days before Normandy; our role in leading the invasion of S. France; and the saddest day of all when the Force was disbanded in December, 1944, in S. France. This is an illustrated history, with photos by Robert Capa, famed WWII photographer, as well as many others; maps which give battle details, charts, reports,an extensive bibliography, and a host of color plates showing our uniforming and equipment. This is the best-appearing and most complete book on the Force ever published. As veterans who lived through the life of the Force, we have nothing but praise for it, and heartily recommend it to Amazon.com readers.

I had never even heard of Robert McGinnis until I was linked to this page by the editors' names (the Fenners) who I know from their affiliation with science fiction art. The reviews were so favorable that I decided to gamble on this book without any other familiarity with McGinnis. I usually lose on these impulsive gambles. Not this time. Suffice it to say this book is a total prize, it's just filled cover to cover with extreme beauty.

I am particularly impressed with this man's diversity of talent...he does great "pin up" type art of beautiful women, and then he does these embracing outdoor scenes which are almost within the genre of "Marlboro" commercials and then there are other pieces which are evocative of Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish. Each painting is fantastic and to me represents a dinstinct aspect of the best phenomena in Earthly life. However, there is even a little sci-fi art in here, so not all his fantastic visions are necessarily Earth-bound!

I love unexpected treasure!

Is there anything Robert McGinnis CAN'T paint? His movie posters are instantly recognizable to millions who've never heard of him, but his landscapes and magazine illustrations -- his western art in particular -- are his real masterpieces. The reproductions are sumptuous and the editors have given us a wide-ranging sampling of the artist's prodigious output. The price is so good it looks like a misprint, but it's not. Kudos to Underwood Books for making material like this available in such a beautiful volume at what is truly a bargain price!

I've been familiar with Robert F. McGinnis's work since the mid-1960s, when the covers he painted for "kiss-kiss bang-bang" paperback mystery novels by Carter Brown, Richard S. Prather, and Brett Halliday got my attention sitting on the bookstands. I was a teenager and I thought they were HOT, and collected them.

However, I had no idea who he was until a few years ago, and was astounded to find out that nearly ALL these covers were by the same guy! And that this same guy did the famous movie posters for the James Bond series and BARBARELLA, not to mention illustrations for westerns and romance novels.

The cover of TAPESTRY features a western painting, which hinted that McGinnis's notorious "dangerous dames" would get short shrift, but the back cover, from John D. MacDonald's CANCEL ALL OUR VOWS, suggested otherwise, and in fact there's plenty to go around for everyone. The book is cleanly laid out and the plates are gorgeous. Cover paintings from Prather's STRIP FOR MURDER and THE SCRAMBLED YEGGS are a punch in the eye. At $24, TAPESTRY's a steal. I would have paid $50 and not thought myself ripped off.

McGinnis has been called the "last great pinup artist", and I hope this gives him the recognition in that field that he deserves. Whether he is in a league with the great Alberto Vargas may be debated, but there is no doubt that he at least matches other leaders in the field, such as George Petty or Gil Elvgren, and few other pinup artists could match his diversity.

If you want a book to help you decide whether you are "rightly dividing the truth" on popular issues, or simply being belligerent, pick up this book! It offers great insight into seven topics commonly causing disagreement among Christians. In addition to tackling contemporary issues, he offers a framework for dealing with all disagreements in a biblical way. Butkins helps us understand when to take an uncompromising stand on divisive issues.

Butkins begins his book by getting back to the basics. He believes you can't understand what issues threaten Christianity until you understand its foundational beliefs. He lists four "Pillars of Faith" which comprise the primary tenets of Christianity. When a stand on a particular subject begins to undercut these elements, then it is time to take a stand. The rest of chapter one is a quick course on how to study the Bible, a necessary skill in understanding what the Bible says on a particular topic. Butkins explains the process in a manner even new Christians will find easy to understand.

Each subsequent chapter is devoted to a single, controversial topic: Catholicism and Christianity; the word-faith movement; old earth vs. young earth; homosexuality and the Church; Christian music; Christian counseling; and marketing the message. Butkins does a good job of laying out each argument and looking at each side in light of the Bible. He also brings in historical and scientific data when relevant. Each argument is examined thoroughly, but in terms simple enough for people to understand who haven't previously examined these topics.

The seven topics Butkins addresses are currently hotly debated in Christian circles. But how can we make biblical judgments on future issues? Butkins takes up this point in his final chapter. To determine whether to get embroiled in an argument on a subject Butkins suggests asking the following questions: is it a foundation of the Faith? what does the Bible really say? Finally, we should evaluate the fruit of a ministry and evaluate ourselves.

While Butkins encourages us to defend Scripture, he reminds us to submit ourselves to the Lord and not allow our personal feelings to cloud our judgment. This is an easy to understand book that will be appreciated by anyone trying to sincerely understand how to take a biblical stand on popular cultural topics.

That Which Divides Us is a must-have library addition for every believer who wants to know how to defend his or her faith in this age of bickering, confusion and mixed messages. Based on a lifetime of personal experience, and a heart burdened for those who need to know the truth, the author presents well-researched information and a balanced perspective on several of the major concerns of our day, using language anyone can understand. Beyond the scope of current issues, That Which Divides Us equips readers to deal with any false doctrine in our midst.

This is a fantastic book. Some of these issues are considered so taboo by Christians that they are never discussed in an open and respectful manner. Typically, the only ones who get airtime on these issues, are the most outspoken and divisive of the bunch.

Well, Bob Butkins does an admirable job at presenting these controversial matters with a non-threatening and compelling style that makes you want to get involved in discussing these issues again. Bob is about heart first, information second, and position third.

Christians can't back down on truth. But we can discuss truth in a gentle and respectful way. This is exactly what Bob Butkins does -- a very refreshing book for Christians and seekers alike.

This is the type of book that you need five or ten copies in your trunk. When one of these issues comes up at church, at dinner, or in the workplace, you can now say, "I have something great for you to read about that!"

A coffee table book sure to inspire you. This book was one of the things that really sparked my interest in nature photography. The stunning vistas and colors will capture your imagination and inspire you to travel to the beautiful places of this country!

Jorstad's photographic review of each of America's 54 national parks is an absolutely amazing look at some of the most beautiful places in our country. Jorstad visited each park several times, during different seasons. His visits enabled him to capture the light of each park, and provides the reader with incredibly nuanced and beautiful panoramas of each location. The pictures are accompanied by a lovely, lyrical text.

Overall, this book is a great investment for armchair travelers who want to experience the wonders of nature. Very highly recommended.

One of my favourite books with wonderful pictures by Stan Jorstad and intuitive texts by Mark Strand which helped me to understand more about the importance of the American National Park System and which overwhelmed me with its beauty. I was attempted to go there immediately and enjoy the pure beauty of nature again as I will surely do soon !

Robert Plamondon has packed more great information about chick brooding into this book than can be found in any other current "how to" poultry book. The author combines his own chick brooding experiences with still valuable material from out-of-print poultry books, and shows the reader how to apply it using new technology. It is well illustrated with both old and new photos. This book is a must have if you want to raise chicks. I wish it had been available when I first started, but I have it now!

It's about time someone compiled a book on how to brood chickens properly. Robert took his many years of experience and knowledge, and also his old library of out of print books and compiled a very detailed yet concise book that will help you have the greatest success or improve your past success to a higher level. I would recommend this book to anyone who is brooding chicks in numbers from 10 to 100,000. Thanks Robert for putting together this information.

Plamondon raises chickens and eggs at his successful Oregon pastured poultry operation. He is also a respected member of the internet poultry mail groups.

He has gleaned the best of the past--tried and true information--the almost lost "Secrets of the Past Poultry Masters".The Ohio Brooder plans alone are worth the price of the volume. The guidelines are suitable for all climates and breeds.

The book is strong on up-to-date nutritional and disease control information, and explainations of what does and does not work.

Easy to understand charts and illustrations help the novice and experienced poultry person to grasp the concepts. Plamondon writes in an easy to read, engaging style.

Highly recommended!

I used this for a class in creative writing. Anytime I got writers block I would read a few of the stories in Sudden Fiction. It didn't always help but all the stories are highly entertaining and from time to time the stories inspired me to pen up my own experiences in their voice or mine. All in all, whether you're using it seriously or not, you'll enjoy this book's short stories. There's a wide variety for all moods and writing styles. It'd be hard not to like at least some of the stories and if you're a writing student or pro I'd think this type of material would be essential for those lean times.

This is priceless collection of very short stories from all over the world.In this cosmopolitan range of stories many known authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez,Julio Cortazar,Heinrich Boll,Nadine Gordimer and Mrozeck are joined by those we will come to know better later by reading their well crafted short short stories.
I have translated 37 of these collection into Farsi.The Farsi title is Dastan e Nagahan meaning Sudden Fiction.
Thanks to the talented authors of this anthology and its fine predecessors,Sudden Fiction and other titles like Flash Fiction and Sudden Fiction Continued.
I recommend the readers to buy this book and enjoy its taste in discovering a world wide scenery,multi cultural surprises and find new friends.
The stories are indeed perfect for bed time reading

A great book for those with short attention spans, short story writers (or aspiring short story writers), and those who want to see the variety of short shorts available. These stories are short but they have a sharp impact on the reader. The Afternotes section provides extra information about the author, which is often not included in short story collections. It also provides interviews with the authors on their inspiration for the story of theirs included in this volume and occasional interviews with translators on how they set about getting the most accurate translation of the story.

"I am Lord Weldon! __I__ am Lord of Weldon Castle!!"

I must have been about 7 or 8 when I read those words, spoken by a 9 year old whose father was believed dead, to his evil uncle. The boy's mother stood by silently.

As a child, I sympathized with him.
As a female, I felt offended. I didn't understand why the little boy believed he outranked his fully grown adult mother in power and prestige.

As an adult with some historical perspective, it makes more sense.

This was a great story, about family love and adventure and history, and I will always be grateful to Clyde Bulla for awakening the earliest feelings of feminism.

I read this out loud to my 4-year-old son, who loves anything involving King Arthur, and he was captivated. His only disappointment was that there is no book to follow with more tales of the young Shan and his adventures. I highly recommend this as well as other historical fiction by Bulla. I have also read "Pocahontas and the Strangers" to my son, and he loved that as well.

Once your child has moved beyond easy phonetic readers, you'll want to find interesting books with large print that aren't too difficult or overwhelming for the new reader. Bulla's "The Sword in the Tree" fits this description perfectly.

Try reading the first chapter to your young reader to spark his interest. Then read the next chapter or two aloud together so he/she becomes familiar with the words and flow. Then sit back and listen as your child finishes reading this exciting book about greed, courage, and chivalry.

As a beginning Taiji student, I've found this book to be a great tool for further developing/practicing at home. It is a great guide to those studying the short Yang 37 form style. I've found it supplements training by helping you remember the essential footwork, handposition, and weight transfers from class. The pictures can be a little challenging as they are 'mirror' images of what you are actually doing. However, they are all there in a complete pull-out form as well, including footwork. The writing is to the point and descriptive. The book does NOT provide the transitions between each form very well though and thus I recommend it a supplemental tool to going to your taiji class. It will be a well-worn book though!

This book is really comprehensive. It has many pictures and descriptions of them to help you along with the forms. I'm taking a Tai Chi class at my college, and this book is the perfect companion. It is very well layed out and can be easily followed. Of course it is always necessary to have an actual master, but this book is probably the best on the market. Many Tai Chi books are confusing and poorly made, but this is one of the few that is not. Learning Tai Chi straight from a book is a little silly, at least look for classes or a video. But this is the perfect companion piece to perfecting your Tai Chi. If you want to buy the best, this is the one - no question about it.

The photos on the cover have varied over the thirty years this book has been printed. My preference is the original one with Chen Man Ching vice the leotard clad dancers, old people, etc. that had evolved from marketing. This book is a classic. The highest point are the photographs of Chen Man Ching. What an example of elegant and correct Tai-chi.

The Horseclans series will hopefully live on as the classic extended trilogy. In all my reading over the years of extended trilogies, including Abbey, Hubbard, Anthony and Pournelle, has a writer been able to give such a rich tightly woven narrative. He has history that is consistent, and a timeline that moves forward and keeps the reader hooked.

I too wished that the story lines had been cleaned up, but alas, Mr. Adams has allegedly passed on. I say allegedly because I have not been able to find any definitive information. The most probable reason for no future releases or reprints is probably due to probate or rights of the descendents.

Good bye and thank you for all of the adventures with Milo, the Clan of the Cats and Bili the Axe.

I have the complete set of the Horseclans series. I was very dissapointed that it just ended with several plots left hanging. I have frequently checked book stores and the Internet for new releases. I have not even been able to find the fan sites that were up several years ago. The author actualy lived less than an hour from my home town. Of course I didn't know it then or could drive anyway.

It seens if their are only 18 books in the set + the one's not numbered I have the hole set. I injoyed reading the Houseclans, it was hard to put the books down. Wish there was more.

My mom bought me this book when I was ten I immediately thought it was going to be a good book as it had a charming front cover showing an innocent looking otter. Tarka is a sweet young otter and the book is like his life story in a way his life is like a human's . He is born ,he grows up,he loves he loses and he dies. The discription of him and his surroundings create a vivid picture in the readers mind. It really is a charming story and I would recommend this to anyone who loves animals and/or reading.

I really loved this book. It really did a wonderful job of showing how joyful Tarka's life was, and how, even when he was hunted, his life was still joyful. I highly recommend this book!

Tarka the Otter is written very descriptively, from an otter's point of view. It's similar to Watership Down, but Tarka's thought is much less anthropomorphized than that of the characters in Watership Down. You'll find this book quite sad in places, perhaps even upsettingly so, because of the realistic (and unfair) interactions Tarka and others have with English hunters and their dogs a few times (such is life). If you cried at the end of Where the Red Fern Grows, beware. If you are unfamiliar with the endearing antics of members of the weasel family, you are in for an educational and fun treat. Perhaps you'll run out and get a ferret after this.