The previous reviewer went into a great degree of detail into both the novel and its author, so I won't bore you to tears trying to recount everything. Suffice to say, the characterizations are very vivid, and the science-fictional elements, though not very detailed, are convincing. Parts of the exposition are a little underdone -- Turner was obviously more interested in the payoff than in the setup -- and I'm curious to know more about the works of art that are so captivating that they can actually hypnotize the viewer and cause them to lose track of reality. Turner obviously skimped here to let the reader's imagination design whatever work of art it wanted, but at least a little of the nature would have been handy. Still, it's a convincing and readable novel that the average reader, even a neophyto to SF, could get through quite easily. Highly recommended if you can get your hands on a copy, and I hope it comes out of the moratorium soon so I can give copies as gifts.

I'm flabbergasted that this book is out of print. Just as the superbrain clone characters in his fascinating novel died without heirs, so must have George Turner. This work is like a sequel to Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD. Set 50 years into our future, our current Genome Project makes this work totally current. A bureaucratic test tube manipulation of human brain cells produces three sets of quadruplets (Group A, B & C) each with a different and genius combination of mental qualities: one computational, one artistic/creative, and one power driven. These three sets of characters grow up to become mechanistic characters who cannot fit in with the barnyard IQs that spawned and surrounded them.

Although their limited ranges of intellect liken them to idiot savants, Turner uses the clones experiences like a scalpel to reveal the current foolishness of man's real life hopes to genetically engineer mankind. Turner's intellectual spokesman, clone Arthur, sums the whole field of cloning up nicely, to paraphrase: since evolution is based on death and decay so that mutations can continue to replace ineffective life forms and adapt to climatic change, extended life spans would result in species stagnation. Man's mind must evolve slowly to fit his surroundings. The manipulation of IQ genes or muscle genes will produce only misfits. Sudden genetic changes become reproductive dead ends. To prevent its misuse, Clone Arthur chooses not to trust mankind with the knowledge of genetic topology discovered by one of the power driven C group of clones.

The most creative Sci-fi device was in implanting visual/audio biochips to bio-wire the eyes and ears of the narrator, David Chance, to become a human camcorder -- imprinting the sights and sounds on a molecular layer inside of his skull which could be later played back like a tape recording. This idea gives a whole new slant to where human memory might reside. The brain may be merely a recording device and consciousness only a playback of that recording.

From the early 80s until his death in 1996 George Turner was widely held to be the best Australian SF writer, and a formidably incisive and literate critic of the genre. Though his work lacks the hard SF elements of, for example, Greg Egan, his characterisations are more convincing, reflecting his earlier career as an award-winning mainstream novelist (he turned to SF late in life). This is probably his best book, having the emotional and intellectual force of the Clarke-award winning Drowning Towers but set against a more believable (and less depressing) future Australia.

The plot concerns the aftermath of Project IQ, a failed experiment in generating high IQ children by genetic manipulation and (more speculatively) totally in vitro gestation. Five groups of four clones each were developed, each having a specialised form of intelligence, three of which survived into adulthood. At this point, however, the transcendentally intelligent 'C' group committed suicide, whilst the 'A' group (scientists) and 'B' group (artists) withdrew into seclusion. The action takes place some 25 years further on, as young journalist David Chance belatedly discovers that he is the son of one of the 'A' group (Arthur), who encourages him to investigate the background to (and motivation for) the 'C' group suicides. Did Conrad, the group's leader, leave a mysterious intellectual legacy behind?

David's investigations take the form of a series of interviews with people connected with the project; Armstrong, its political godfather (in every sense); Conrad's nurse; the brother and the former lover of Derek, the head of security, whom Conrad first befriended and then manipulated to destruction, and so on. As David slowly untangles the disastrous history of the project, he begins to wonder as to the motivations of his seemingly amoral father, the government agents who hijack his quest, and later even himself .....

Where the book really excels is in carrying the reader along with David's fears and fumbling attempts to "do the right thing", only to pull back at the end (which I won't reveal) and indict him for his paranoia and lack of vision (which he predictably characterises as his "humanity"). There are well-directed barbs against contemporary targets too; mindless sf fandom (who find real science "boring" and "uncreative" !), conceptual artists (B group develop a "hypnotic" new product, which "traps viewers into a circular discovery of nothing"), scientific careerists (who, as in Stanislaw Lem's work, react with a mixture of pious waffle and petty savagery when outsmarted) and, of course, politicians. The portrait of the cynical, ego-driven Armstrong (a "robot of greed and menace") is particularly memorable, and indeed bears an uncanny resemblance to the Aussie prime minister of the time. And the horrible fate of the admittedly unsympathetic Derek is hard to forget ...

Overall this is a masterly exploration of the nature of manufactured high intelligence and of its likely impact on society. Sadly, my scientific conscience wouldn't allow me to give it a 10, as Turner just can't resist throwing in an entirely gratuitous (if thankfully unobtrusive) puff for Rupert Sheldrake's lunatic ideas, which unfortunately take centre stage in Genetic Soldier, his final book.

Turner's books seem to go in and out of print in the US and UK, but are consistently available in Australia.

This was my first Stan Turner mystery, but it won't be my last. The story unfolded realistically and the suspense built, as it should, with plenty of unexexpected twists. Just as I figured out what would happen next, the author surprised me. The Texas setting made me feel right at home--even though I've never seen an oil well come in. It's also nice to know there are some lawyers who care more about clients than about money. I intend to start with the first book in the series and catch up before the next book is published. Stan Turner, as a naive lawyer at the beginning of his career is believable, likable, and worth looking in on again...and again.

Brash Endeavor is an intriqing story of a young lawyer, Stan Turner, who has made some wrong choices. He is faced with his wife's arrest for the murder of a woman Turner almost had an affair with. To complicate matters, Turner is left holding the bag on a land scam. In addition, he's receiving calls from a dead woman asking for help. What else can go wrong for Turner? Read this fascinating story packed with surprises. Overall, a good read.

When I was first given a copy of Undaunted, another Stan Turner mystery also written by William Manchee, I put it aside - I'm not a reader. The day came when I had nothing else to do (I was working switchboard) so I picked it up and began to read. I was immediately drawn into the characters' worlds and found myself unable to put the book down until I knew what happened to everyone! The only bad part to the book was that there was no more to read. I wanted to know where these characters's lives would take them in the future. Then, I was given a copy of Brash Endeavor! Mr. Manchee knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Brash Endeavor is the continuing story of Stan Turner's life as a lawyer in Dallas, Texas. In both books, Stan Turner seems to attract trouble, and many times, unusually good fortune. Mr. Manchee has a way of making you seem like you're there in the story . . . and I'm already trying to find out if there is another Stan Turner Mystery in the book stores. Mr. Manchee has my loyalty as a reader and I hope he continues to write more of the Stan Turner mystery books.

For once, I like all of the authors who contributed to this book. I got it because I wanted to read about Maris McKenzie. It was very satisfying to me. I love the McKenzie family.

Debbie Macomber and Linda Howard also contributed a good story each. The only reason I give this book 4 stars is the stories were too short. I prefer these authors in longer formats.

The kook on the McKinzies mountain and the mission were just Great ,I also like where they always got the family togeather, it shows much love for each one even Chance, I would like one where Chance finds some one and gets married,

I especially enjoyed Linda Howard's continuation of the Mackenzie family. Maris' story includes all of the elements that make a Linda Howard book so difficlut to put down. The hero was a surprise. A must for this author's fans. Debbie Macomber's "Silver Bells" was one of her better stories and a true pleasure to read. Then Linda Turner added her story to make this one of the best holiday books published for Christmas.

I never give anything the 100% praise because I think that everything is capable of being improved! However this books answered every question I asked! I use it as a reference and really like the easy read.

You have a winner here in my book!

James

I just purchased this book creditbible.com and it was very informative and detailed step by step instructions. The should charge much more.

I really enjoyed this book and think its a must buy for anyone seeking more knowledge how the system works.

Longus's ancient novel, "Daphnis and Chloe" tells the absolutely charming story of a boy (Daphnis) and a girl (Chloe), left to die by exposure in the Greek countryside. Miraculously, the deities are watching out for them--a goat is selected to nurse Daphnis, and a sheep to nurse Chloe--until a goatherd, Lamo, and a shepherd, Dryas, respectively discover the two children. They are raised in the town of Mytilene, a humble agricultural community, where they tend their adopted fathers's herds of goats and sheep.

Here, the mischievous god of love, Eros, sets them aflame with love for each other. Both Daphnis and Chloe are extremely innocent in their affections throughout the novel, experimenting with their feelings and exposing the amusing limits of their little knowledge. Various incidents involving pirates, kidnapping, inter-city war between Mytilene and Methymna, and the suit of Chloe by a host of lusty young men all provide interesting diversions from the main love story. With a very casual cultural attitude towards homoerotic love, we also see the impertinent male slave, Gnatho, make advances toward the clueless Daphnis. Daphnis's run-in with Lycaenium, a married woman of Mytilene, is also an episode of note in the complex sexual landscape of Longus's novel.

Another intriguing factor in Longus's novel is the relationship between humanity and nature. The figure of the goat is omnipresent throughout the novel. Standing apart from our own cultural/religious associations with the goat, in "Daphnis and Chloe," the goat is all at once associated with maternity, reverence, respect, and honesty. In the novel, we see humanity in general in harmony with the natural world all around: plant, beast, and natural divinities.

Into this seemingly innocent landscape, Longus introduces the problematics of class and wealth. The love story between Daphnis and Chloe is further stalled while these issues play themselves out. Society's intrusion into the pastoral story seems to indicate the fantastic nature of the idyll itself. "Daphnis and Chloe" is a brilliant and beautiful ancient tale, and well worth the short time it takes to read.

Man...Daphnis and Chloe. Surely, this is one of the Best Things Ever. An utterly gorgeous evocation of innocent, sweetly naive pastoral life. I honestly can't think of a single work of literature I've enjoyed more. It's short, but richly deserving of multiple readings. If you're not capable of enjoying it, I don't want to know you. It is truly Great, capital 'G'. However, in the interest of objectivity, I should note that there is one thing about it that somewhat irks me: in the end, the title characters are revealed to by of noble birth. That's not a spoiler; you know it right from the get-go. So, while it was inevitable, it just didn't quite work for me. I would have liked to see them go on in idyllic splendour (note the British spelling) forever.

That, however, is a minor quibble. You must read this. It could even save your life: let's say you've read it, and then, sometime later, for whatever reason, you decide to commit suicide. You'd be very likely to think, at some point, 'hey, wait a minute--I can't die now; I need to reread Daphnis and Chloe!' So then you'd turn the engine off, and after you finished your rereading, you'd realize, 'hey--life is GOOD! What was I thinking?' And you'd be right. Something like this couldn't exist if the world wasn't in some sense fundamentally good.

This book masterfully combines a beautiful love story with amazing lithographs by Chagall. Chagall brings spring to the canvas with his omnipitant use of color and his composition remnisant of ambrosia and nectar. Emphisizing the Greece of Aphrodite, the sensuality of the mortal body, and simplicity of true love, Chagall combines vibrant colors, simple figures, and a flowing narrative to achieve perfection. To put it bluntly, the book should be bought if only for the lithograph reproductions, which turn out quite well. The quality is well worth the extraordinary good price, having seen the originals on display in galleries for upwards of $19,000.

"David Walker's Appeal" was one of the most extraordinary documents of the 19th century United States. The author, David Walker, was a free black man who used this tract to expose and denounce racism. Walker published 3 editions of the pamphlet from 1829 to 1830, the year he was found dead--possibly the victim of a political assassination. The Black Classics Press edition contains an informative introduction by James Turner.

The "Appeal" contains a preamble and four "Articles." Each of the Articles targets a phenomenon that contributes to the oppression of African Americans: slavery, ignorance, the "Preachers of the Religion of Jesus Christ," and the "Colonizing Plan."

Walker's tone is bold, but at times he sounds frenzied, even maniacal. In his more outraged moments, he sounds like a 19th century religious fanatic. Consider this statement from Article III: "O Americans! Americans!! I call God--I call angels--I call men, to witness, that your DESTRUCTION is at hand, and will be speedily consummated unless you REPENT." But if you can read such outbursts in context, you will find the book as a whole to be an incisive, intelligent analysis of a racist societal superstructure.

Particularly important is Walker's harsh condemnation of white Christian preachers and institutions who promoted the oppression of black people. Walker reminds us that the "status quo" forces in American Christianity were key pillars of white supremacy. Overall, "David Walker's Appeal" is a crucial document which deserves a wide contemporary audience.

Intelligent, honest, straightforward, this book actually came close to bringing tears to my eyes on several occasions. Mr. Walker, while a religious man, confirmed a lot of the things I prepondered were true about america. There is nothing "MILITANT" about this book- He candidly points out the EVIL he was exposed to in this country and some of the horrors he witnessed himself. Here are a few quotes

"America is more our country, than it is the whites-we have enriched it with our blood and tears. The greatest riches in all America have arisen from our blood and tears: -- and will they drive us from our property and homes, which we have earned with our blood? They must look sharp or this very thing will bring swift destruction upon them. The Americans have got so fat on our blood and groans, that they have almost forgotten the God of armies. But let the go on."

"Do they think to drive us from our country and homes, after having enriched it with our blood and tears, and keep back millions of our dear brethren, sunk in the most barbarous wretchedness, to dig up gold and silver for them and their children? Surely, the Americans must think that we are brutes, as some of them have represented us to be."

He goes on with ACTUAL MURDERS in Boston- one in the Boston Street Church where an African-american male was murdered. YEs, inside of a Church. To all African-americans, you MUST read this book. He cared. He witnesses the horrible murder and crimes of those people, right around the time of their "great forefathers" LOL. Published 1829.

An early and powerful indictment of racism. One can feel the anger of the author as he relates what white men committed in the name of greed, patriarchy, and race hatred. As a feminist who is also a white woman, I side completely with African Americans who are combatting the continuous tide of racism in this country, which the author singles out in his discourse. An absolutely extraordinary book, one that needs to be read.

Edward Robb Ellis' "A Diary of the Century," a 578 page book collecting selections from diaries spanning 68 years, opens with a typically stylish introduction by Pete Hamill and closes with an index, the latter being the first place I looked after acquiring this mammoth volume. Searching for familiar names, I found Elvis Presley to whom Ellis refers on page 539 in an entry dated January 8, 1993, what would have been the King of Rock and Roll's 58th birthday: "Elvis Presley stamps went on sale today, much to my disgust. Years ago, when he was being discharged from the army, I was one of many reporters interviewing him. I remember asking him how he could justify his enormous wealth when school teachers were being underpaid. He gave me a non-answer with a smile and extreme politeness."

That little passage suggests that, though he may be an excellent diarist, Ellis must have been a lousy reporter, one completely lacking in the objectivity supposedly required by the

profession. If Elvis had had access to Ellis' diary, he might have answered Ellis' question with a question of his own: "How can YOU justify asking ME that question when you did not ask it of Grace Kelly, who not only acquired enormous wealth in her acting career, but married into more millions by bagging Prince Rainier of Monaco?"

Ellis interviewed Kelly in 1956, an experience detailed in his entry of January 11 that year. His questions to her are never more challenging than this one: "Will you see the prince today?" (p. 232) Ellis didn't ask Clark Gable's widow how her late husband justified the millions he made when school teachers were underpaid, nor did the reporter grill composer Irving Berlin on the matter either. Apparently it was alright for Kelly, Gable, and Berlin to make millions because Ellis appreciated their "talents," but Presley and rock and roll didn't pass muster with "America's Greatest Diarist," as Ellis is called on the jacket of his book, and, therefore, it was wrong for Presley to strike it rich. The question, if it was worthy of being asked at all, should have been directed at a society that values performers more than it does the teachers in whose hands our children's education is placed.

That being said, Ellis' book is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in fine writing and a purely subjective (and, as noted, sometimes hypocritical) account of life as it was lived and observed by Ellis in the 20th century.

I rec'd this book in 1997 and have relished it ever since. It's a wonderful read and gives great insight into the last 80 or so years. Ellis died in 1998, but his books leave a lasting legacy.

First rate. A good luck at the past century by a keen observer

With over 500 pages of listings, the "Dictionary of Ancient Deities" is an excellent guide to ancient deities, as well as related topics such as spirits, festivals, places, sacred objects, heroes, monsters, demigods, and mythical beasts. Not only mojor religions represented (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.) but also various mythologies (Norse, Roman, Greek) as well as less commonly found info on Native American and African deities.

The index includes not only the entries, but aslo subjects (such as dreams). Each entry includes its source in parentheses, plus alternate spellings and similiar entries from other cultures.

The index does include some useful groupings (i.e. India, Norse Mythology, etc) but an appendix that grouped the entries exclusively by culture or religion would have been a nice bonus. Also, there are some strange omissions: Archangel Gabriel is listed, but Michael is not; Abraham is here, Moses is not. Still, this well-indexed book is highly recommeded for researchers, students and those interested in comparitive religion.

Go to the mythology section of any bookstore and peruse the shelves--what is the ratio of Greek/Roman & Norse mythology to any other? As much as I love delving deeper into the more well known myths/religions, a little variety would be wonderful. And it just so happened that one day it was necessary.

I was hunting about for some information on Egyptian and Slavic mythology, but found precious little on the latter and only a little more on the former. That's when I came across the *Dictionary of Ancient Deities*. I flipped to the index and found every name that I was looking for(including some obscure ones that I had found no mention of in any other books.) This wonderful reference tool spans just about every continent and gives a concise accounting of people, places, etc.

Sure, the entries may not be incredibly long, but it's the best starting place I've yet to find. And even just thumbing through it, stopping when an interesting name or ritual popped out at me, gave me some interesting writing ideas. *The Dictionary of Ancient Deities* is surely a must for anyone wishing to explore world mythology.

This reference was filled with a smaller number of Gods and Goddesses than some other books that can be found, but as far as the references go, They were down to the point and yet still full of usefull information. I recomend this book to those who wish to crss reference Gods and Goddesses from many different religions and just read in general.

Friends are more important than money. Making music is better than fighting. These are the two lessons Myers successfully conveys in this story. The language used in this tale flows like the words in a blues song. Although I widh that the dogs were a little less anthropomorphically drawn (Flats looks like a teenager in a dog suit), the illustrations reflect the "down home" tone of the story. Overall, this is an excellent picture book.

This was a very cute story about the desire of two animals that wanted to follow their dream, to play blues music. It also shows that fighting is not something you have to do, even if you are pushed into it. The author made a point of explaining to the reader that if you show someone kindness and caring (even though they may not be kind or caring), it may turn that person's feelings around. This is a wonderful story that has several themes, and should be shared with children.

Flats Brown is a junkyard dog along with his best friend, an old mutt named Caleb. The junkyard is owned by an incredibly cruel man named A.J. Grubbs, who wants to turn our boys into fighting dogs. When a dogfight injures old Caleb, he and Flats decide to run away. Each place they go, they find somewhere for Flats to play his guitar and sing the blues, backed up by Ol' Caleb on the bones. And each time, A.J. Grubbs finds them and tries to claim ownership on them and drag them home. Flats and Caleb escape him time and time again, until finally, Caleb puts Flats on a train and sends him to New York. Flats finds yet another place to play the blues, and - you guessed it- ol' A.J. Grubbs finds him yet again. But a song Flats plays stirs some deep heartfelt emotions in A.J. Does Flats go back to Mississippi? You'll have to read it to find out. I loved this book- it helps kids to learn to follow what their heart tells them to do, and also, to see beyond people's exteriors to discover that sometimes all we need is someone to show us a little kindness.

Another example of the rich and miserable. Although the story is captivating, Ms. Crane seems more interested in explaining away her preference for girls than in getting to the real reasons why she murdered her stepfather. I found the book fascinating, however I would have enjoyed a bit less self pity from one who led a very priviledged life.

I have read dozens of non-fiction books, many in the True Crime and Hollywood genres, but no book left me more stunned that the spectacular, horrifying, amazing story of screen siren Lana Turner's daughter Cheryl Crane. Cheryl grew up during the heyday of movie gods and goddesses, and, as a bona fide Hollywood princess herself, saw first-hand the over-the-top lifestyle of excess and spoilage the industry wrought. The heart of the book is about one of the most talked-about scandals in Hollywood history--the murder of reputed mob soldier Johnny Stampanato. It was 14-year-old Cheryl, overhearing a fierce argument between her mother and then-boyfriend Stampanato, that compelled her to rush into the boudiour and stab the man to death. What followed is a well-documented, horrific life that only the softspoken and well-mannered Cheryl Crane could live to tell--the true detour of this forceful and harrowing story. Throughout the book are tales of growing up abused, rich, spoiled and sheltered in the demanding world of Old Hollywood. Ms. Crane's story is sure to shake awake the demons of yesteryear with her unblinking portrayal of her mother, Ms. Turner, and the situations that led up to her betrayal by the Juvenile Courts and her own family. If the classic Mommie Dearest was about murder, you'd have Detour. An amazing read that deserves a space on your shelf.

Maybe I am the wrong person to ask since Lana Turner is my all time favorite hollywood star but her daughter's book "Detour" is the best hollywood book I have ever read. She tells what it was like to be a Hollywood Princess, back when the word really ment something. The tells what it was like to be pampered and spoiled. She tells about having one of the most famous stars in the world as her mother. She lived next door to Judy Garland and across the street from Humphry Boogart. Ava Gardner gossiped in her mother's room and Tarzan star Lex Barker became her step father-later sexually abusing her for years. But mostly, she tells the story that only Cheryl Crane can tell-what it was like to be the key player in one of the great Hollywood scandals of all time; the murder of Johnny Stompanato. Cheryl lived an amazing life under amazing situations and now lives quietly in a loving, stable relationship of love and respect. She writes a true Hollywood story, un! like anyone else could write.