I love this book. It's a large coffee table book, yet at the same time it's a handy reference (almost a field guide) to the whales of the world. It has over 200 pages of information and hundreds of color photographs of whales from all over the planet. The whales are broken down into types: Baleen versus Toothed, and then each type is covered by species. Included are: Baleen whales; Rorqual whales; the Gray whale; Right Whales; Sperm whales; Beaked and Bottlenose whales; Oceanic Dolphins; Beluga and Narwhal; Freshwater Dolphins; and Porpoises.

The introduction has lots of important information about whales, and a number of diagrams showing some of the differences between whales. I liked best the chart that shows the relative size of the various whales in relation to one another. This is followed by pages of information on each individual type of whale, showing a photo (if available), a diagram, and containing information about the whale.

All in all this is a great book if you're interested in these wonderful creatures, and it helps to differentiate between the various types. It's worth looking for even though it's out of print.

This is the only detailed overview of the event.

i am only curious about this book, because I have been studying at Harvard for two years and because of this reason I love Boston and their sport teams.

An incredible book! As a professional in the field of human potential, I found this book very useful to offer to clients. And they got excited and passed the title along to their loved ones and friends. The understanding of the various forces (literal and figurative) that play on our physical form is powerful. Must reading for those exploring the euphoria of possibilities!

I had been working out with weights for over a year, but could not see enough definition forming. I knew I had to change my diet, and then like an answer to a prayer, a friend told me about Master Cleanser. Although you should do the cleanse for 10 days, I only did three and the results were amazing! I found that I lost my cravings for sugar. Now don't get me wrong, I still love sweets, but I don't find myself "needing" them. Instead, I long for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbal teas. I have been a vegetarian since coming off the cleanse and haven't looked back. I've lost almost 10lbs(which I attribute to going meatless) and I am seeing beautiful definition in my muscles. My stomach, which some have called your "sugar meter" has flattened considerably. And I have so much energy and joy lately. I won't say the cleanse did all this, but rather it was a starting point and I was mentally and spiritually ready for a change.

2 pounds a day! Intrigued? In 10 days you can be 20 pounds lighter, no lie! I have read and re-read this book about 5 times and each time I become more and more inspired to eat the right foods. This book will help you achieve the weight you want and it will also cleanse your system of all the calcium deposits in your joints, the mucus from your organs and the fat around your entire body. This cleanse requires at least a 10 day fast drinking only the Lemonade drink as specified in the book. And I was amazed at how easy it was once I was determined enough. I recommend this to everyone I know that wants fast and actually LONG lasting results. I never gained the weight back, no matter how terribly I ate because it is easier for fat to stick to sticky fat inside your body rather than a smooth muscle. I love this cleanse and will continue to promote it. Try it and you'll never eat those fast foods again!

I have been on the Lemonade fast twice in the
last year. The owner of a very well known health food store in my area had recommended it to me. I experienced a number of positive health benefits. Naturally I'm convinced it works!
My blood pressure went down, my skin cleared
up, and some previous joint pains had minimized. I
felt very joyful on the 9th day of the lemonade
fast. I would not say its easy to follow, but
for me the health benefits made it well worth
any discomforts or inconvenience I had to endure.
I lost about 16 lbs., after following the regimen for
ten days. I've maintained about half of that. Its
my understanding that lemons have a diuretic effect, so I
did not really expect to keep all the of initial weight off.
Its stated that its not a diet, but is primarily for the
theraputic benefits of removing toxins from one's
overall cells & vital organs. It really does seem
to be what happens. I was convinced of this early on. I
squeezed a tissue at arm's lengh, when quiet outside, and I
could hear it, almost like a leaf rustling. My hearing
was being restored ! I remember this to be quite dramatic !
Its explained in the book the tongue will become a bit cloudy.
on the 3rd or 4th day. Its explained that it will turn all pink on the 9th or 10th day; this really did happen for me, as proof positive that toxins were leaving my body! I was a bit
amazed at this, along with the other positive changes.
I didnt eat any solid foods for 10 days. The regimen
consists primarily of organic Grade B Maple Syrup or molasses,
plenty of organic lemons, along with a dash of cayenne
pepper, so that one does'nt become chilled, as I understand it.
I was very pleased with the good results from following the
regimen explained in this book. I plan to go on it again.
Anyone who is - or plans to undergo the lemonade
fast, please feel free to contact me to share your story.
I would welcome the positive feedback.

Good luck !

This is one of the very few books that gives insight into one's life. I found it to be a book that made me grasp a part of myself that I never fully knew I had. I first read this book after someone recommended it. I truly am grateful I did read it because it opened up a more spiritual side of me. It is a book of self-realization and I truly loved the way Hesse wrote it. It deals with a "connection" between people that everyone is able to have but few seek out. It's a very spiritual book that deals a lot with religion and deep inner-faith, as well as faith in others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's seeking themselves or even wants to have more inner-strength.

It would be inappropriate to start this review without stating that this book is an absolute timeless classic, and will most likely remain that way. Herman Hesse was a frustrated genius, constantly questioning purpose and meaning to life, and incessantly seeking the "right" religion. This book is the byproduct of this experimentation in theology. Despite the deep philosophical questions this book addresses, it also establishes very unique characters that support each other's individuality remarkably. Max Demian, the mystical character of the novel, takes in Emil Sinclair as his friend. Through his maturation, Emil is constantly seeking a higher level of consciousness, and his experiences in the discovery of such a mindset and periodic association with Max make this book extremely engaging. At times the book may seem difficult to understand if one is not familiar with certain biblical references, which are quickly remedied with short reads yielding absolute clarity on such subjects. If accompanied by "Pictor's Metamorphoses" one can see the foundation of fantasy Hesse worked with and held a great interest in. It deserves to be read, because you also bear the sign.

'Demian' is one of the most insightful books I've read recently and certainly one of the best novels by Hesse. Perhaps it is not as thoroughly satisfying as 'The Glass Bead Game' or 'Siddhartha' - there are some weaker points in the book (I myself dislike the ending), but Hesse explores ideas that are rather innovative and truly fascinating.

In 'Demian' Hesse delves into the importance of coincidences in finding the Self. Only there is nothing coincidental about these coincidences, it is all really the unfolding of the Way. Random things mean much more than the logical ones - that is one of the cornestones of Hesse's philosophy. Chaos is harmony.

The search for the Self is a common theme of Hesse's works, and his approach here is highly interesting and thought-inducing. In order to fully understand this book one would have to read some Jung (particularly 'Memories, Dreams, Reflections') and Nietzsche. However, that's only a suggestion, not a requirement...

A strange object is found on the moon, strange waves travel through space towards Saturn, a computer tries to take over the mission... These are just a few of the events that occur in Arthur Clark's "2001: A Space Odessey. A large piece of alien material is found buried deep inside the body of the moon. Scientists believed that it's age is around three million years. Its finding is kept very secret and governments from around the world try to keep it that way. A group of scientists is sent to study why the big, black object on the Moon sent waves towards Saturn. On the way, they run into many obstacles leading to an incredible climax.

In "2001: A Space Odyssey," setting is a very important part of Clark's book. Since it is set in the future, a lot of description is needed to establish an atmosphere that the reader has never seen. Clark describes the Discovery spaceship, it's shape, it's contents, it's feel; he writes about the space stations, and the planets using vivid metaphors and details. When the main character is describing the planet Saturn, you feel like you are there with him, looking out the space craft window. Although his writing is very rich and almost vibrant, his visions are so complex that it can be difficult to grasp his ideas and to really picture them in your mind. If you enjoy exciting science fiction, this is the book for you!

One might think that 2001 the book was based on the screenplay for 2001 the movie (it's written on the back of the book). However, after reading the epilogue before I read the story (oops), I found out that Clarke worked on the two projects simultaneously. The book is actually very well written, with the technical expertise of any good science fiction writer. It does not read like a screenplay at all; it keeps you interested throughout the whole book.

The two different yet related conflicts in the book are well chosen. The struggle between man vs. machine on board the Discovery is similar to the conflict of man's insatiable curiosity vs. the vastness of space. Human beings have always been longing for contact with another race of beings, and this first contact is described flawlessly by Arthur C. Clarke. Clarke also portrays the worst case scenario of modern technology: a computer that is capable of malice and has control over human lives.

All in all, this book is one of science fiction's best and a must-read, whether you've seen the movie or not.

2001: A Space Odyssey was everything a great science fiction novel should be. The day I started to read this book I found it so engrossing that I finished it the same day! The book does a magnificant job of rendering detailed images to us in mankinds' quest to reach intelligent life. The book touches on so many powerful themes, like man vs. machine, the struggle for survival, and humanity's rise to the space age that one can't help but think about these issues in a whole new light after finishing this great novel.

The addicting storyline, along with its pleasant, easy-to-read style will help make this book a favorite of everyone's who can get their hands on it!

My personal thanks to Arthur C. Clarke for creating a literary masterpiece that will stand for all of time!

A sad story .. so cold .. what a hard life! I am not interested in Buddhism but I like Hesse! He is so sensitive and realistic ..just like a painter taking his time to finish his portrait after studying every stroke and every color..

Despite all the hardships that Siddhartha go through, you always feel at ease, relaxed .. totally enjoying the story.. It is full of wisdom .. extreme measures .. but as Siddhartha said no one can feed you his/her experience you have to try and learn .. you can choose to be a falling leaf or a star?! searching and looking for answers .. we can make our own future .. depending on which path we choose .. but fate and luck are part of this future ..and Love conquers all!

Siddhartha now identifies itself as one of the worlds most widely translated books. I have read this book in various languages such as Punjabi, Urdu and English. There is this one thing that i found common about all the versions... they are all equally beautiful and insightful. Siddhartha makes you think... It makes you contemplate on things that we hardy think about in today's fast-paced world. The book tells us that we all have to find our inner-self... out soul. Siddhartha starts as a story of a Brahmin (A higher caste Hindu, There are four castes in the caste system of Hinduism where the lowest, Shudras, are untouchables and hieghest, Brahmins, are the most well respected.) and moves slowly... as his life takes many changes... from Samsara to Nirvana, every stage in the life of Siddhartha teaches a lesson. He learns throughout... not from a teacher neither from a book... he is his own mentor his thoughts act as his book. He tastes everything... from self-sacrifice to greed, lust and fear. His unfolding destiny carries him... or maybe he carries his destiny... There are points where every reader stops to question himself - Do I know my inner-self well enough? Siddhartha is a lovely book... every word touches your heart - its smooth - like crystal blue water cascading down the stream!

Hesse tells the story of a young man, Siddhartha, who is set on finding enlightenment and thus happiness. Initially, Siddhartha adheres to the teachings of his father, but after years of meditation and adulation, he was unhappy. No one had shown him the way to enlightenment. Set on finding it, he embarks on a new journey, with his friend, Govinda, and joins the Samanas. After awhile, Siddhartha feels the same discontent. His teachers, the Samanas, still have not shown him the way to enlightenment, and at this point, he parts with his friend and teachers and attempts to live the life of ordinary people. Although, at first, Siddhartha learns a great deal about business and the art of lovemaking, he again becomes bored and unhappy. He is caught in Samsara, the ways of the world, and once he realizes this, he is disgusted with himself. He leaves all of his riches behind and commences a new journey.

The book is a treat to read. In addition, it has profound wisdom to impart to the reader. In a sense, a revolutionary message permeates the book; this message goes hand and hand with Siddhartha's desire to find enlightenment. Every time Siddhartha attempts to gain enlightenment by following the paths of others, he fails. At one point, he says, "No, a true seeker could not accept any teachings, not if he sincerely wished to find something." The message it sends to the reader is that one can only find enlightenment by listening to the wisdom deep within one. The teachings of others will not necessarily help one achieve true happiness because, according to Siddhartha, "wisdom is not communicable." For instance, Siddhartha believed that the illustrious Gotama, the Buddha, achieved enlightenment, while the followers of Buddha, such as Govinda, may never find it by adhering to the Buddha's teachings. Nevertheless, although Siddhartha's path was arduous, he eventually attained enlightenment by listening to himself and to the wisdom of nature.

This massive work manages to convey both the broader sense of history that many other books lack and an excellent history of the war itself.UNderstanding the country's history is crucial to understanding the folly of our involvement there and the author carefully portrays both the roots of the country's nationalism and its long history of tragedy and conflict.Karnow also goes to great pains to remain objective about the war and for this reason this is the best factual account of the war itself. He does not have an axe to grind as do many of the book's successors. All other books must compare themselves to this one, and all historians of the war must read Karnow's book. However, Karnow's objectivity makes this book read like a textbook, it is difficult to plow through at times, though the work is well worth it. For pure histroy, read it, but if you are also interested in a more passionate account of the war, read A Bright Shining Lie or The Best and the Brightest. Those books will have you in tears by the end, this book will merely increase your knowledge of this seminal event.

As is related in the beginning of this book, Vietnam: A History is well read in Vietnam today--probablly due to the fact-based, unbiased, reporting style the author uses.

The book is split into two divisions. The first, containing a vast history of Vietnam, which can be laborious to get through, yet for history buffs, worth the effort. Second, the Vietnam War.

It is the second part of the book which will leave the readers awed by the ineptness and corruption of U.S. & South Vietnamese leadership--both military and political, especially at top levels--angry by the uninformedness of the American people, and shocked by the great cost in lives and property to two warring groups, whose involvement and happening was entirely preventable.

Probably no other person was, or is better qualified to write the Vietnam story than Stanley Karnow, who lived in Paris in the 1950's, as a U.S. foreign news correspondent during France's fight for dominance in Vietnam. He also interviewed numerous key participants. He dug into once classifed U.S. documents to reveal unknown information, and he researched and reported on the recollections of high-level polticians, dignataries, military leaders, and the soldiers, men, and women who fought on both sides.

An outstanding work!

I'd recommed reading "Paris in the Fifties" by the same author as a primer to this book.

"Vietnam: A History" is a masterfully written history of America's involvement in Vietnam - certainly one of the two best single-volume histories (along with "A Bright Shining Lie," by Neil Sheehan) of America's most regrettable war that I've read. Written by Stanley Karnow, a former Southeast Asian correspondent for "Time" and "Life" magazines, and "The Washington Post," this book is a comprehensive and fascinating look at the Vietnam war, from its underlying causes at the end of World War II, to the final takeover of South Vietnam by its Communist neighbor, North Vietnam, in April 1975.

Karnow delivers with crisp and precise prose an account of the Vietnam War which is both fair and objective. He analyzes the conflict from both the political and military standpoint, and is unsparing in his criticism of errors made by political and military leaders on all sides of the conflict. Three areas of this book were especially interesting to me: first, the author's account of the conflict between the French and Viet Minh, and how the French were defeated at Dienbienphu in 1954; second, how the U.S. government formulated its Vietnam policy under the Kennedy administration, and how that policy ultimately failed; and third, how Richard Nixon, upon becoming President in 1969, changed America's Vietnam policy and began the process of "Vietnamizing" the war. (Karnow's candid description of how the Kennedy administration initially supported South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, then tacitly approved of the 1963 coup d'etat which resulted in Diem's murder is fascinating.)

"Vietnam: A History" is an essential book for the reader interested in gaining a good understanding of the war and its causes. Highly recommendable reading!

Many of these books are difficult to understand because they are meant to be used as study and reference guides along with a teacher. The Book of Five Rings (of which I've read 3 of the 5, and am just a few pages away from finishing) is a treatise describing Musashi Miyamoto's personal school of fighting - the school of two skies. He eschews other schools as too this or too that. They concentrate, he says, on technique rather than what swordfighting is all about - killing your opponent.

The text is dry, and the sections are short. They are intended (a) for swordfighters, and (b) to be meditated on. The principals in this book would take a swordfighter years to master. In fact, at one point he says one should study for about 3 years (he gives a specific number of weeks) and then practice for 30 or so more years.

How does this translate into my life? I'm not sure. I don't have enough of a background in swordfighting, the culture, etc. to know how these concepts apply to my life. If perhaps I had a guide, in the form of commentary, I could more easily integrate these concepts into my life. As is, however, this book isn't of much use to me, except as reference for the day when I do have commentary.

I reccomend, instead, Cleary's Classics of Strategy and Counsel. This trilogy of books includes the Art of War, Mastering the Art of War, The Lost Art of War, The Silver Sparrow Art of War, Thunder in the Sky, The Japanese Art of War, The Book of Five Rings, Ways of Warriors, Codes of Kings (which includes several works), The Art of Wealth, Living a Good Life, The Human Element, and Back to Beginnings.

In addition to the text, there is often commentary, and supplementary material that can put the text in context and aid the student on his or her journey. Amazon lists several of these as the same book...

Everybody should read this book. That's all there is to it. Musashi takes the reader into a world filled to the brim with devotion, self-respect, disciplin, honesty and purity of thought. Even though this book was written by and for warriors and samurai, and in a completely different time and culture, it is a remarkabe source of inspiration for selv-developement. Musashi's teachings are concise and to the point. He uses phrases like "you must understand this" and "you must practice diligently" and explains only general, but unquestionable and fundamental, concepts of the Way of the Warrior. These guidelines are not directly applicable in our time and age, but what is applicable are the things this book contains about working with yourself. Striving to achieve improvement on the inside as well as the outside.

It would be a lie to say that this book is a "positive" book. Taken litterally it's about how to become an efficient, albeit enlightened, killer. The value of this book comes from reading between the lines, and let me tell you: Those lines could fill volumes.

What I prefer about Victor Harris's translation of Musashi Miyamoto's book is the fact that Harris has gone through exacting lengths not just to present an accurate translation in the context of a 17th-century samurai, but to present Musashi in his proper historical context. As opposed to every other English translation I have read, this one includes a chapter which gives a biography of Musashi, and shows many of his creations, such as paintings (including a self-portrait), tsuba (swordguards), etc. We can see where Musashi stayed, and what his grave looks like, etc. For clarity in understanding, this volume, along with the translation by Thomas Cleary, are the best. I should justify that by explaining that I practice martial arts--for those of you looking for a business oriented edition, there are several translations and interpretations out there which are geared towards your needs. For those of you involved in the practice of martial arts, sports, or with an interest in historical strategy texts, I heartily recommend this translation!

Whay does this book discuss? Musashi's masterpiece eschews practice, and decries vanity, ego, and "secrets". Musashi was a practitioner of Zen Buddhism, and the influence of Zen philosophy can be seen everywhere in his writing. This is however, definately a book on the strategy of swordsmanship, and not a treatis on religion. Musashi Miyamoto fought in a number of duels--back in the era of true challenge matches--when usually the victor was the man left living! The realities of his times, the fact that life was so cheap and had to be guarded fiercly, and that Musashi succeeded in doing this is what makes his writing even more precious. This was the book Musashi passed on to the students of his school, the unusual two-bladed Ni-to Ryu (two-sword school). For more on the historical Musashi Miyamoto, read Makoto Sugawara's excellent (non-fiction) "Lives of Master Swordsmen".