When one reads this book, which presents a plethora of alternatively humorous, irritating and discouraging (sometimes, all at once) examples of what's defective with "appearance politics" in law, science, government and society, one comes away with a much better idea of why American political life is as inane and depressing as it has become in the '90s: it's just the logical development of a long line of struggles in which the vacuum of appearance has triumphed over the meatier and graver substance of reality. This book demands to be read by a wide audience, as it provides an entirely new perspective on some of the more troubling incidents in our recent political and societal history and how we have gotten there. There's probably a post-Clinton Administration sequel awaiting this for Messrs. Morgan and Reynolds to report, or at least, a updated second printing.

I really enjoyed this book. It covers a lot of ground: from Augustan age England to scientific scandals involving Nobel laureates. But it remains focused throughout on a common human frailty -- the tendency to deal in appearances rather than reality -- and how catering to that frailty has produced an amazingly screwed-up set of political ethics laws. Since I read the book, I view each scandal headline differently. I recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the convoluted and self-serving mess that goes under the name of "ethics" these days.

An excellent and far-reaching guide to the way politicians and interest groups manipulate appearances in the interest of political power and money. The best single guide to understanding today's scandal culture.

Justin came to our school today, he was really funny! I just wanted to check out his book because he talked about it, and he said the same thing, that if your friends do it for you, they will do it to you. There was some other cool stuff he talked about.

Justin just came to our school today, Freedom Middle School, and he was really funny, and i also learned a lot from him! he was so cool! I have not read the book yet, but Justin talked about it and it sounds cool. I rated the book a five, because even though i did not read it, i thought it would be good if i did!

Well I have 4 words for you.... THis is book is awsome. This guy came to our school. He was hilarious, and he helped me point out some things about my relationship. When he was there we would keep us laughen, he talked to all of us who walked up.I know he said alot of inspirational things that got me and alot of my friends really going.He is awsome, his books are awosme, if you EVER get a chance to meet him, do it... and if he reads this letter, i doubt he will, but HEY STORK, HOW'S THE WEATHER UP THERE?lol, and he also helped me realize that if my friends would do it for me, they will do it to me!!! thanks alot Justin...

As one of the recipe testers, I really enjoyed being a part of putting this wonderful cookbook together. My friends loved receiving it as a gift and my mother even though she doesn't have big parties or dinners anymore enjoys sharing this cookbook with her friends. One of the things I like about it the most, is the many seafood recipes offered.

Kudos to Jorj Morgan, she has done it again! In the logical and splendid follow-up to "At Home in the Kitchen," she captures the essence of entertaining in your home. From an intimate dinner for two to a house warming party for 100, Jorj guides the reader, whether a seasoned hostess or novice through the party planning process. Her tips on everything from the recipe to details such as decor are not only marvelous, but are realstic as well. It is refreshing to read a book on entertaining that does not talk down to the reader or expect us to have a bee hive in our backyard from which to extract the honey needed for a recipe! It is well researched and written. I am convinced that if Jorj doesn't know something about throwing a party, she could make it up in a pinch and it would be perfect!! In these times when we just want to stay home and be with friends, this is the perfect primer!!

At Home Entertaining makes throwing a party easy. Not only does Jorj have party menus, recipes and shortcuts in the book but she also offers shopping lists to print out on her web site. The book helps take all the tedious planning out of your next party. It's a keeper!

One year ago, a powerful vampire named Valdier attacked a family that was harboring his old Druid enemy, Joseph Kellum, aka the Old Celt. Valdier killed the parents of the household and made two of the three children into vampires: Dillon and Xander Adler. Out of guilt, the Old Celt and his family "adopted" the children and moved far away from Valdier. They came to Pennsylvania where the story begins.

Tucker Burton is the 12-year-old protagonist in "Blood Brothers". He's captivated by the Irish Gypsies that have come to work on his family's farm. The day that he sees shy, timid Lilly, Tucker follows her and the Kellums home, which happens to be in the Scavengers' Woods, a very dangerous and eerie place. He then witnesses something that is completely unbelievable--the Kellums produce two coffins that are inhabited by twin vampires, Dillon and Xander. One of them (Xander) is nearing his vampire state, while the other (Dillon) struggles to delay the inevitable. With the help of Tucker, the Kellums plan to protect the twin vampire brothers from ever being discovered by humans, or worse--Valdier.

"Blood Brothers" is one of the few vampire books for kids that is really exciting to read whether you're a child or not. Many of the vampire myths are the same in the book--sunshine will burn a vampire's skin, they sleep in coffins during the day, etc.--, but Jill Morgan adds some interesting twists, such as a time lapse between being bitten by a vampire and finally entering vampiredom, and the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or vanish into air.

Since I really enjoy vampire stories, I can't help but praise this book. The reading level is for 8 to 12-year-olds, but I would still encourage older readers who share my interest to pick this one up. It's well worth your time.

I loved this book. It intranced me and frightened me all at the same time. I couldn't stop reading it. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book to anybody who likes vampires, suspense, or adventure. It will change the way you think of vampires FOREVER! But remember only read this book if you dare.

This book was fabulous, it feels like you're right there in the story and it gives you such an intense feeling. For example when Tucker was watching those two vampires come out of there coffin, now that was intense. I would definitely recommend this book for any age group over 10 years of age.

This is one of the many outstanding books that I have in my collection that were written by Gordon Kirby. Bobby Rahal was a 3 time CART champion and the winner of the 1986 Indianapolis 500, now he is successful businessman and car-owner. Like all of the Gordon Kirby books in my collection, the photography in this book is superb. The forward by Nigel Mansfield shows the respect that Bobby Rahal generated from his fellow race car drivers. This is a must-have book for anyone who collects Indianapolis 500 or CART memorabilia.

Bobby Rahal is one of the greats of motorsports, and Gordon Kirby is one of the greats of motorsports journalism. Put them together, and the result is an engrossing look at the career of one of America's finest champions.

This is not just a listing of races and results. You get the story behind the races, and insight into Rahal's life and career you won't find anywhere else. The great photos (many from Rahal's private collection) make the book visually beautiful.

If you are a fan of auto racing, this book belongs in your collection.

First, a disclaimer: I am a friend and colleague of the author.

With that out of the way, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys racing. It does an excellent job of describing the less-than-glamorous grunt work required to make it to top-level motorsports. Many people know about Rahal's CART championships and Indianapolis 500 victory; few know about his exploits racing all around the world against guys like Gilles Villeneuve, Keke Rosberg and Nelson Piquet.

The text is an excellent balance between Kirby's narrative and Rahal's own words, and the book is attractively laid out with thoughtful photo choices. Some of the Rahal family photos are priceless.

Rahal wasn't always the fastest guy on the track, but he may have been the smartest. He's extremely intelligent and well-read in almost every subject, and this book demonstrates his success as a team owner has not come by accident.

In general, this is one of the best racing books I have read. Get it.

I know Brother Blue well, and must say, this book captures him. The layout of the language (wandering over the page, exuberant, lyrical) echoes his words, rhythms, and movement far more eloquently than I ever thought a written genre could. I am very impressed with this work, and recommend it to anyone interested in modern poetry, storytelling, and sheer passion for an artform. Be prepared to be challenged. Parents should review some of the content before sharing it with younger kids.

I read this book for an oral history class and loved it. I read the entire portrait series but this book and Claude were my favorites. i never got through the other two. I liked this book above Claude because of Brother Blue. His personality is all over this book and I would love someday to meet him. After reading this, I feel like I know him. This is one of those books that really draws you in with it's straightforward honesty and realness. I love the reality of this man who just feels like a real person to me. Definately a great book.

Anyone and everyone will come away from this story-telling masterpiece with a bit of wisdom to keep and share... "The second chance," for instance, is a mordant narrative of a downtrodden black family and its caring but hopeless father-figure who is willing to do the ultimate sacrifice to see his family pull through the Great Depression. More importantly it is the crucial point in a young boy's life: Brother Blue's life as an eight year old boy forced to become his "father's father" in a life-and-death situation... Equally beautiful is the artistry that Warren Lehrer has put to work in crafting a book that is itself an aesthetic and typographical work of art...In conjunction with a powerful and moving 80+minutes cassette reading of the book by Brother Blue himself, this book is a gem. Wonderful , packed with hope and wisdom!

I have the original 1894 version of this book and have enjoyed it for many years. The perspective of battles is fresh in comparison to the history books of today.There is so much more in this book, the engravings and pictures are wonderful. I would highly recommend even a copy.

This review comes from a reading of the original 1894 edition. Filled with many obscure and forgotten details, this book is a treasure for Civil War historians. Songs, complete with full lyrics, as well as specific orders of battle give this reading a timely presence. Written in the traditional language of the era, the events have a kind of realism that brings you face to face with history. Originally this volume was sold by subscription only @ N.Y. BY KNIGHT AND BROWN. After having this book in my possession for many years it is very exciting to see that it has been reprinted at long last.

The Civil War was the most important conflict the U.S. has ever been involved in, bar none. The military, ethical, and governmental consequences have been enormous. Campfire & Battlefield gives us a unique perspective of this great event.

this book has become a regular resource guide for me and my wife. it is clear and accurate with great photos. quite frankly i needed a little help and this book was and continues to be the ticket!

We loved this book. It is a wonderful aid as you try to record your childrens' growing up. I would say it is a must for all parents.

A great guide for getting better photos of your kids - helpful for novice photographers, especially new parents, and those who have used cameras for years but never given much thought to getting good pictures of their children in all different situations. Grandparents will also find this book useful.

I originally bought this book for my son when he was 2. It was his favorite for many years. It has been passed down and now my youngest daughter has me read it to her every night. After 6 years it is finally starting to fall apart. I would love to replace it as I can see it will get much more use, before it is finally retired from our family. No other book has gotten this much attention from all of my children!

When my twins were two they wanted to read this book every night for almost a year! It is a very cute book. My boys are now four and we just got this book out for Christmas again. I wish it was in print - our copies have fallen apart from reading them so much!!

Lewison's writing is very sweet and endearing. This is one of my favorite books for my child.

This beautiful, completely revised, latest edition, 296 page volume has colorful, laminated hard covers. There are over 1,300 full color, sharp, large photos of very type of TV toy and memorabilia. If you were around in the 60's or 70's or enjoyed re-runs of some of these shows you'll really enjoy using and owning this book. Having the book is almost as good as owning the items! It includes shows from Beverly Hillbillies to Fantasy Island, to Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Partridge Family, Patty Duke, Welcome Back Kotter and Saturday morning shows. Estimated values are shown. Very, very nice book.

Tv Toys is the all time greatest book ever written for toy collectors. I haven't found anything that even begins to compare to this book. I wish that Mr Davis and Mr. Morgan would write more like it. Great job guys. Thanks

This is a GREAT book for collecting TV Toys!! The book covers most hit shows from the 60's to the 70's. Ever see a Samantha doll from Bewitched? Ever see a Bewitched coloring book or a Brady Bunch Fan Club Kit? Well if you buy this book you'll see nice color photos of LOTS of TV Memorbilla!! The book has a nice forward in it by Erin Murphy who played Tabatha on the 60's hit sitcom "Bewitched". The book even has price ranges for the memorbilla listed. If you love classic TV or TV toys this book is for you! So take a walk down memory lane and pick it up today!! Or for other information visit the author's website at TVTOYS.com