What if the President of the United States is unwilling to use the military to protect U.S. citizens, and defend the nation 's rights and ideals from attack? What if Congress used a hidden clause in the Constitution to authorize military action without the President's approval? That's the spectacular theme of Balance Of Power, the thrilling debut novel from James W. Huston.

For me, Balance Of Power's unique blend of the fascinating world of today's military technology with the intricacies of high-octane politics and legal maneuvering, makes it a new kind of intellectually-challenging, can't-put-it-down thriller. If you like military/political/adventure thrillers, you won't want to miss this book! It's like Tom Clancy and Stephen Coonts meet John Grisham on Patrick O'Brian's high seas. Balance Of Power's only flaw, albeit a minor one, is that it does not develop well enough the character of the bad guy, George Washington.

Huston has the potential to be a new master in this genre. I can't wait to read The Price Of Power,the sequel to Balance Of Power, to see if Huston can deliver a solid "one-two punch." Look over your shoulders Clancy, Coonts and Grisham-- there's a new player in town!

James W. Huston has garnered a bunch of fans with his debut novel. Along with Rush Limbaugh and the thousands of others who have read this interesting story of a constitutional crisis between a dovish President as Commander in Chief and a hawkish Speaker of the House, I found myself liking this book.

Huston does some interesting things with his characters. His fictional President, like the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has no military experience. His Speaker of the House, unlike his real life model, Newt Gingrich, is a former naval officer who saw combat in Vietnam as a brown water sailor in the navy's riverine forces. As a veteran, I found both the President and the Speaker unlikable. The President was an un- realistic idealist and the Speaker a jingoistic opportunist. Mr. Huston did a good job of developing both of these figures well enough to make me dislike them and in that, I felt he did a creditable job.

Perhaps the most valuable lessons learned from this book, especially to the unitiated, were the descriptions of the workings of the various branches of the federal government. Despite the fact that the book is a novel, I think it could be used as a primer on federalism for high school students. If used at the college level, I would recommend that it be used in political science courses covering both the Presidency and the Congress.

Mr. Huston's credentials as an F-14 NFO and Intelligence Officer shines through. His training as a lawyer shines through as well when he discusses the various constitutional issues that develop as a result of his plot. I would like to correct some of the other critics who wrote here on a point of fact. Mr. Huston was not an F-14 pilot. The dust jacket points out that he was an F-14 NFO (Naval Flight Officer). That's the Guy In Back. Remember Goose in TOP GUN? Needless to say, while he may not have actually flown them, he was trained to fight in them and that background lends him a credibility not available with other authors.

Mr. Huston, like a lot of lawyers has taken to writing and I think his debut novel was a fine first effort. I look forward to his next effort because this one reminds me of the early Tom Clancy. I just hope that he doesn't run out of steam (or plausible story lines) like Tom Clancy seems to have done of late. While Mr. Clancy seems to have invented the techno-thriller as a genre, there have been many who followed his example and provided the reading public with hours of reading entertainment.

I wish Mr. Huston good fortune in his writing career. He may well be Tom Clancy's heir in the political-military thriller arena.

Truly fantastic political and military thriller, one of my favorite works of fiction I have read the last few years. Author James W. Huston, drawing skillfully both upon his military background as an F-14 fighter pilot in the US Navy and his legal background as a lawyer, has crafted a tightly woven yarn about terrorism in the South Pacific - Indonesia to be exact - and what the President and the US Congress do about it.

When terrorists capture the US flagged merchant ship Pacific Flyer, kill most of the crew, kidnap the captain, and then booby-trap the ship to kill potential rescuers, the world is stunned. Though the world expects President Manchester (a fictional president who serves after the President Clinton of this novel's timeline), to react, he does not order a military strike, instead announcing he is against continuing the "cycle of violence" and that while he will order a carrier battle fleet to help find the terrorist's island hideout, will not act militarily, instead seeing it as an internal Indonesian police matter.

Many are outraged as his reaction, none more so than Speaker of the House John Stanbridge. Furous over what he sees as a failure to act and accusing the President of pacifism, he tries to get around the President's orders regarding the terrorists, hidden on a foritified island which the battle group centered around the carrier USS Constitution under Admrial Billings locates.

Brash and brilliant aide to Standbridge, Jim Dillon, comes up with a little known provision in the US Constituion in Article I, Secton 8, relating to the power of the Congress to issues Letters of Marque and Reprisal. Researching it, he finds that the power was formerly used to grant legal authority to armed merchantmen in times of war, authorizing private ships to act as war ships. Instead, with Standbrige's support, it is proposed, voted on, and passed, the Letter instead issued to the Constitution battle group!

I won't comment much more on the course of the novel, other than to say it is great political thriller to see the constitutional crisis that comes to embroil all three branches of the federal government, and the struggle of Congress and the President to get the battle group to act how they see fit. It is also a great military thriller, to see a US carrier battle group, with fighters, attack craft, helicopters, and Marines operating against terrorists, a true joy to read particularly in the wake of the tragic and horrid attacks of September 11, 2001.

Highly recommend this work to all fans of military fiction, technothrillers, political thrillers, and fans of Tom Clancy. Pay close attention to the events in the novel, as there is truly excellent follow up in the riveting sequel, The Price of Power.

It pains me to give American Aurora a relatively negative review, as the book was entertaining and well-prepared. I must do so, however, because the book offers only part of the story. James Thomas Callendar is one of the most amusing characters of early American history -- the forefather of folks like Walter Winchell and Matt Drudge, the first American "scandalmonger," as William Safire calls him. But he was motivated by money and personal pique, embracing and denouncing Washington, Adams, and Jefferson in turn to sell papers and whenever he felt one had slighted his ambitions. American Aurora focuses only on the period of the Alien and Sedition Acts and Callendar's campaign against Adams. The book makes Callendar out to be a John Peter Zenger-caliber hero of free expression, ignoring the fact that Callendar once praised Adams, and would later tarnish Jefferson -- Callendar's hero in American Aurora -- and breaking the story of Sally Hemings. This is a fun read. Too bad it's not the whole truth.

You will notice that even the reviewers that hate this book are passionate in their hatred. Which is more than you can say for those damn text books that went something like Our FOUNDING FATHERS blah blah, Founding fathers blah blah, etc... that's because this book fleshes out these historical figures, makes you like them and hate them.

Part One sets the stage with the initial articles of The Aurora claiming that Adams is a monarchist who only wants to be king. Published by William Duane and Benny Bache (grandson of Benjamin Franklin) the Aurora pulls no punches and neither do its detractors. The historical background is told from the perspective of Duane which is irritating at first because you feel like you are being confronted rather than informed. The articles seem just a little bit like a radical college student rambling on about how bad everything is (Gore Vidal's history books are like this as well).

Part Two goes back to before the Revolutionary War to trace the personal and professional conflict between John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Adams wants a government like England's while Franklin sees a one house parliament as ideal (much like Revolutionary France). Not only are they split in the professional sense but they don't like each other either. Washington is seen as a spoiled elitist who spends all his time whining about the army when its Franklin that wins the war by involving France.

Part Three comes up to the 1800s in which Adams' Sedition Law is in effect and one by one papers that are seen as disloyal face jail sentences and high fines. Most are shut down. Aurora stays in business even though the publisher has to go into hiding. There are street brawls and open hostilities as every article of the bill of rights is challenged by the Adams administration. The problems don't end until Jefferson's election.

Important things in this book -- many of the Founding Fathers hated each other. Washington was a popular president more due to reputation than anything presidential. Adams could be compared to George Bush in many ways (vice president for mediocre popular president, mediocre president, loses election to charismatic whoremonger, son goes into politics), History is a LOT more interesting than the high school textbook would have you believe.

Love this book or hate it, you won't come away neutral.

I never knew about this America. I didn't know John Adams was jealous of Ben Franklin, and that Thomas Jefferson was kind of like a bright kid in my high school class who always hid when there was trouble. I knew George Washington wasn't a great general, but I never knew that all that junk in the history books of the 50s was fantasy. The Continental Congress started a war in spite of the fact that they had no gun powder, no money to fight the war, no food to feed the army, and a reluctant army. I didn't know that the French had truly won the war. They supplied billions of dollars, ships, generals and fighting men. -- in fact, after they won the war for the Americans they were bankrupt. Now I want to know more about the French King who fought this war. I am only half way throught this book.

This book is a wonderful loving look at the charming basset hound. Daine Morgan knows this unique breed inside and out. She gives good sound advice along with other basset owners. They share sweet stories about there loved pets. This book is interesting and will keep your attention. It is a must have if you have a Basset or if your thinking of getting one!

Just like the basset hound, this book elicits a mixture of emotions--funny, sad, enlightening, and always entertaining. The basic information about the breed is very helpful, but the anecdotes about bassets are the part that should not be missed. Any basset owner or lover will recognize characteristics of his own pet in these touching stories. It's a book that I plan to sit down and read again soon--just for the fun of it.

Don't get fooled by the casual way this book is written. It really is valuable, and provides deep information about this special breed of dogs. Having two basset hounds myself, Diane Morgan's insightful information made me understand my dogs better and when I faced serious health problems with my female puppy I knew who to contact via e-mail to give me some expert advice. I also appreciated the wit of the book; bassets are indeed dogs best suited for owners with a sense of humor since they have lots of it themselves. In a few words, if you own or you are thinking to own a basset hound, this is a must-have!

1916 Good Story and Solid History

Some element of this book that I found helpful and interesting:

* It's a novel that employs footnotes.
* Characterizations are excellent and historically accurate
* Maps are helpful
* Listing of Characters is absolutely great.

I am not normally a fan of historical romance novels but 1916 was very well written. Really the romance portion was overshadowed by the momentous events of the day. The story of the 1916 Irish Rebellion (later called the Easter Rebellion) is a thoughtful tale of a country boy caught up in Irish nationalist fervor. Some key events led up to the Rebellion were: the forced conscription of Irish citizens for World War I, the rise of nationalism and German promises of assistance. The author brings all of these to light as well as other elements all interwoven in her story. Overall a good story well told.

I recommend this book to readers that enjoy histories, light romance and especially Irish culture.

Morgan LLywellyn departs from her customary ancient Ireland and Gaul to show us the early twentieth century. From County Clare to the Titanic to New York to Dublin, the character of Ned Halloran lets us live vicariously through all of these places. While he comes of age, learning of family, friendship, tradjedy, honor, loyalty, and, of course, love, we experience it all as if we were following him around ourselves. Padraic Pearse, Michael Collins and the other historic figures from Ireland's fight for freedom during the Great War are not the mythic heroes Llywellyn fans are used to; but they are great men who work in the modern era to try to free a united Ireland from subjugation. It is difficult to compare 1916 to Morgan Llywellyn's previous novels, simply because she isnt showing us heroes who've become mythological (Cuchulain, Amergin, Finn MacCool, Brian Boru, etc.). She now shows "real" men (and women) who did what they thought had to be done in a much more modern setting. A "must-read" for those interested in all aspects of Irealand's long & glorious history.

Llwelyn captures a period in contemporary Irish history integrating fictional major characters with those who fought for Home Rule in Ireland. It's a compelling story which makes setting aside the book a difficult challenge. Ned and Caitlin bring to life a story about being Irish, being Catholic, being separated by the Atlantic, the loss of parents on the Titanic, and fighting for a free Erie. While we know, from history the outcome of the fight for freedom, the story rivets our attention because the all characters capture us and our emotions. The best book read in 1998!! You'll love it, whether you're Irish, Catholic or not.

Not so much unimpressed at Joe's knowledge, which is impressive indeed: the book reads a lot more like a teaching text than most technical books.

But there are things in here which may lead astray some who have already done things that Joe advises strongly against. I will concentrate on one example: In chapter 3 "Numeric Data in SQL", under the heading "Generator Functions" (e.g., IDENTITY, AUTO_INCREMENT) we get this doozy: "This is a horrible, nonstandard, nonrelational proprietary extension that should be avoided whenever possible". Just a statement, no reason whatsoever provided for it, because I guess he assumes we know some "math rule" or something behind why it is such a bad idea. Now, we must think for a minute why one uses such a data column. In my own case, I have a table called Parts that contains parts from several different companies. So, I guess Joe would have me make a composite primary key from PN and CompanyID. But, wait a minute, that complicates matters when I need to have a foreign key reference to the Parts table, and, oh by the way, just what is CompanyID anyway, maybe some other composite key, or some goofy "rule-based" (can you say TRIBAL KNOWLEDGE) thing? You can't seriously believe that "ALFKI" is a better key than,say, 33. What happens when I get a new customer named "Alfred Kiplinger", and have to change the "rule" that I came up with for defining the primary key? See the problem? You're not going to remember the ID anyway, because the rule will be broken at some point. I also happen to think that a part number (to give one example) should be changeable. So, I don't make PN the primary key (because you should NEVER change a PK), I simply have the database generate one for me. What am I missing here? It was not explained to me in this book, it was just a blanket statement of preference, put across like a hard and fast rule.

But then come the contradictions. In the very next chapter on temporal data types, we get a very long paragraph on "key generators" and how they need to be designed to eliminate or minimize identical keys (I kid ye not!). He talks about elaborate hashing algorithms, the server system clock, random number generators, and how pseudorandom numbers are not usually a problem since the cycle size can be "hundreds of thousands or even millions of numbers". Huh? Amazon has 50,000,000 customers! I'm sure they wouldn't be too happy if "only" every millionth one had the same id! No mention in this entire section on GUID or UNIQUEIDENTIFIER, which won't repeat forever in the known universe!

Then there is seeming randomness to the topics introduced. I think I work with a guy that's a lot like Joe, but man, can it be hard to follow the "why" of what he is talking about! I usually figure it out about two days later when I'm sitting at my desk working on something completely different. Here's one example: We go from an incredibly long section on Domain Key Normal Form, with all of its calculus functional dependency stuff ("A determines B, therefore if CA = B, &c, &c, &c....."), to a paragraph right after this about normalization, and how a Students table should not have "Student data and also bowling scores". But come on, that's DB101, not Math335!

Bottom Line: The reason I gave three stars to this book is that I think I misread its intention. I believed it to be a book for someone who knew SQL, and wanted to become more advanced in SQL. Now that I ponder the title, however, I believe that it means "OK, here's a book for you scientific math types out there who want to apply your math degree to learn SQL", i.e., SQL for smarties, not for non-degreed dummies like myself. That, to me, is exactly how the book is written, and it probably succeeds against that yardstick.

This is a good book when used correctly: as an introduction to advanced database topics for someone who is already comfortable using SQL for "normal" problems. It is not a manual, a textbook, or an introduction to SQL. There are many parts of this book that I did not understand at all the first time I read them, but that I understood and found useful later when I returned to the book in the hope of getting ideas for a particular problem. Also, this book does not shy away from providing useful suggestions for procedural algorithms in areas where standard SQL is not enough. A few thought-provoking technical books like this are a good addition to a technical reference library.

I bought this book because Henderson "TSQL for gurus" mentioned it, actually I bought all Celkos books, they are great and even if you think you can outsmart the book and the writer you wont get far. It takes time to be good in SQL since it is totaly different from standard procedural language. This books shows you lots of things you may ask why the heck do I need this? abd many would say well the SQL I used has this feature and I dont need that Ansi stuff, but the point is the book makes you think SQL and that is what its goal was not compare or choose a particular SQL implementation, I myself am attached to T-SQL so i tried to do things MS way.

I recomend it and if you really want to pushed the way you think SQL forward buy some miles buy it..

Sure anybody can write a query .....but how many ways can you do it?

I read Barnhardt's previous books (Emma Who Saved My Life and Gospel) and fell in love with his storytelling genius. He is incredibly smart in his writing - and Show World doesn't disappoint! He has a unique talent of spinning a great tale, but he writes to the reader's intelligence as well as our innate salaciousness. Show World was to be trite, nearly impossible to put down. His characters and plot put the CLinton White House to shame, and you get the impression that he has an insider's view into Hollywood, Washington and the literary world. Wilton Barnhardt is a treasure to discover- If Show World isn't a hit, then it's a damn shame - finally there is an author who can really write - AND tell a hell of a good story! His description of an assimilated New Yorker's Seder is a scream - worth the whole book just to read this vignette!

Wilton Barnhardt is one of the most fascinating young novelists working today. In Show World, as in his other two masterpieces, the reader meets funny, intelligent, conflicted, mean, tortured, and all too real characters. And unlike in so many current novels, these characters get to particpate in a rollercoaster of a story -- a story so seductive and thrilling that by the time it moved to LA, I stayed up all night, reading as fast as I could,desperate and terrified to see what happened next. And as always, Barnhardt has done his homework. As someone who has worked in politics for years, I was amazed at how gut-wrenchingly real Barnhardt's slimy Senator Shanker and spin obsessed DC are. On top of that, the book made me laugh out loud (the family scenes are classics -- passover dinner in NY to beers in front of the TV in a Florida trailor park). And, just when Barnhardt's cynicism is at its peak, he turns around and throws in some sections so sweet and human, that I defy you not to cry. I don't agree with the critics who say Barnhardt should have stuck to the style of Emma or Gospel -- thank god he is always finding new ways to bring us his unique and genius brand of humor, story telling, and characters. If you buy another book this year, buy this one.

In it, Wilton Barnhardt further evidences his remarkable command of subject matter. Show World's story is nothing like those of Emma or Gospel (both of which I enjoyed). Barnhardt's versatility in storytelling from novel to novel is one of his finest qualities as a writer and Show World is easily his finest and most focused effort to date. I loved reading this book. Alternately funny, lurid, observant, and extraordinarily moving, no publisher has released a more entertaining novel in the past few years. I read the final 100 pages non-stop. I could not put the book down.

Very highly recommended.

Fans of Nora Robert's Macgregor series will not be disappointed. This is Mac Blade's story- the son of Serena Macgregor and Justin Blade (don't forget to read their story). Darcy Wallace is a librarian running away from her small town life and marriage to a local bully. She ends up in Vegas- penniless, homeless and like a fairy tale, ends up winning almost 2 million dollars w/ the last of her money.
Darcy is very likable and her naivete in Vegas bring's out the hero's protective instincts- shielding her from the press, her ex-fiance, and people who would take advantage of her new found wealth. It is a predictable love story, but i thought that was the charm- the two characters (esp Mac) struggle through their feelings, their differences and end up together.
It was nice to bring back old favorites -Serena, Justin, and of course, Daniel Macgregor himself. His matchmaking attempts are so funny and the basis of this series. However, even if you have never read any of the Macgregor books- this one can stand alone. Its a must read!

"The Winning Hand" is a highly enjoyable book, and reunites readers with one of Nora Roberts' most beloved families, The MacGregors. This is a quick read, but it still contains well thought out and lovable characters, an interesting storyline and setting, and of course, a wonderfully satisfying visit with some of our favourite characters from previous books.
When Darcy Wallace arrives in Las Vegas, things just aren't going her way. She's down to her last few dollars when she happens upon The Comanche, a huge hotel/casino, and takes her chances on the pull of a slot machine. Suddenly, Darcy finds herself the winner of nearly two million dollars. Mac, son of Serena and Justin from "Playing the Odds", runs the Vegas Comanche, and the innocent Darcy finds this handsome gambler irresistible. Mac can't stop thinking about Darcy either, and berates himself for even thinking about taking advantage of this sweet and lonely fairy of a woman. But their feelings are too strong to deny and Darcy and Mac begin a whirlwind romance.
It is wonderful to watch Darcy grow as a person and gain confidence as the book progresses. She will surely win readers' hearts. We also get to see lots of Serena and Justin, as well as The MacGregor himself!
This book contains an enjoyable, if slightly predictable romance, and characters who all readers will love. It is perfect for curling up by the fire on rainy days or lounging on the beach on sunny ones. I highly recommend this book for those times when you just need to take a break from reality and visit some good friends!

The latest in the MacGregors does not disappoint. Nora Roberts tells the story of a down on her luck girl who decides to take a different direction in her life. Darcy winds up in Las Vegas and one lucky pull on a slot machine makes her a millionaire. Darcy's money allows her to experience a life she has never dreamed of before complete with georgous casino owner Mac MacGregor. But is this innocent young girls ready to pick up and leave Kansas? Find out read, The Winning Hand. A great place place to start reading about the MacGregors - it's a stand alone book but it also gives you a look at how old favorites such as The MacGregor, Serena and Justin are getting along.

What "Titanic" buff hasn't heard of the infamous story of the "Titan?" Here, at a very reasonable price, is a chance to actually read the fiticious story which has been unavailable for so long. Unfortunately, once having read the story, most will find it a minor disappointment.

"Futility" is not the epic story of a shipwreck. Indeed, the actual wreck and sinking of the "Titan" takes place over the course of only five paragraphs.

Rather than a maritime disaster, the title "Futility" refers to the events surrounding the main character, John Rowland, before, on and after the "Titan." Morgan Robertson (the author) uses the ship and wreck only to establish a circumstance in which Rowland's true character can be contrasted with the hypocracy of Victorian society.

"Futility" is a novella, easily readable in about two hours. Robertson's writing is flowery by modern standards but always intelligible. After reading it, most are likely to understand why the book has been out of print for so long: it is not great literature. It is, however, part of the "Titanic" legend and therefor deserves to be on every "Titanic" buff's shelf.

My strongest complaint with the 100th Anniversary Edition is the complete absence of editing. Mis-spellings abound and words are obviously omitted. Spell-check doesn't catch syntax errors or word substitutions such as "to" for "two." We've all come to accept and expect this sloppiness in e-mail and on web-sites, but the printed word deserves closer scrutiny and better acuracy.

Do buy the book. Be aware of what it isn't.

Futility is a story about a huge ocean liner called the "Titan" which was the largest and most luxurious ship in the world. The Titan hits an iceberg on its starboard side and sinks in the icy North Atlantic during the month of April. I wanted to read this story because it was believed by some that this story would foretell the sinking of the Titanic 14 years later. I found parts of the book to be interesting; but I had a hard time trying to follow all of the events without rereading some of the pages. At one point, I put the book down because it became a little boring at times. Overall, Futility is a good book to read, and no doubt was a good sea adventure in 1898! I cannot really say there is any similarities to the way the "Titan" sank compared to the Titanic disaster. I gave this book 4 stars, because Morgan Robertson spoke of important nautical terms (like the Titan's 19 watertight compartments, triple screw expansion,etc). These were on ocean liners of the late 1800's and early 1900's. Futility is not the best book I have ever read, but I think it was a pretty good one. It is hard not to try to compare the events unfolding in Futility and compare it to the events leading up to the sinking of Titanic; since the two events are similiar. It is a story that any Titanic enthusiast or historian must read!

According to http://www.im.gte.com/titanic/fof.html: English writer Morgan Robertson wrote Futility, an imaginary account of a collision between a large trans-Atlantic oceanliner and an iceberg on her maiden voyage to New York. He called his ship the Titan. Did he cash in on the disaster? Hardly. Robertson published his book in 1898--14 years before the Titanic sank. Robertson later wrote a book, Beyond the Spectrum, that described a future war fought with aircraft that carried "sun bombs". Incredibly powerful, one bomb could destroy a city, erupting in a flash of light that blinds all who look at it. The war begins in December, started by the Japanese with a sneak attack on Hawaii. . . .

The first Colleen McCullough book I read was "The First Man in Rome" and I absolutely fell in love with it. I read each subsequent "Masters of Rome" book trying to recapture that love but none of them quite hit the spot. Finally, my perseverance has been rewarded. The only reason I gave "Morgan's Run" four stars is that I'm reluctant to give any book five. I love a book that's packed with detail and Ms. McCullough obviously does an exhaustive amount of research. Richard Morgan was just a good person that you couldn't help but cheer on. Perhaps he is a little too enlightened and kind-hearted to be true but it's a novel, why not. I once more eagerly await Ms. McCullough's next book.

Colleen McCullough is Australian, and established herself as a writer with The Thorn Birds, a novel of Australia. In the last few years she has been writing stories of ancient Rome, but in Morgan's Run returns to her native Australia. This novel is about the initial colonization of Australia with the Botany Bay penal colony and its offshoot on Norfolk Island, a thousand miles away. The story begins in Bristol, England, as the American Revolution is starting. Richard Morgan is middle class, unassuming, and devoted to his wife and son-unusually so for the time. Prospering until after the American war is lost, Morgan Job-like loses his fortune and family, and runs afoul of aristocratic shenanigans, ending up a convicted felon sentenced to be transported. But with the American colonies gone, England has no place to send her gaol-filling convicts. Barely discovered, much less explored, Australia is picked as the ideal dumping ground. After all, it is two oceans away, and the problem will definitely be out of sight. And by sending only convicts and their keepers, there is not likely to be another of those pesky revolutions. McCullogh captures the soul of long-suffering, long-enduring Richard Morgan as he copes with horrific prison conditions, convict labor, a transport ship little better than a slaver (which it was before being contracted as a convict transport), and a totally disorganized and corrupt expedition. A reader cannot but help to understand why the newly independent Americans insisted on the Bill of Rights as part of its written Constitution. Inept bureaucrats and corruption have been harder to overcome. This is not an action-adventure. It is a well-told tale of a man with deep inner strength, a man who perseveres through adversity. A Job. In her afterword, McCullough promises more about Richard Morgan and his family. Perhaps we will not have to wait too long.

Having read all but two of her books, I am still an avid Colleen McCullough fan, after having just completed her latest, "Morgan's Run." I have never been disappointed in anything she has written, for this author has a rare gift for both seeing into the depths of the human soul, understanding all the sociological, anthropological, medical and legal aspects of the history she so fastidiously studies to present us with these flawless books. The Masters of Rome series is the most insightful and thorough work I have read on that era in human history, and I was a bit resentful when the final volume was set aside to write this book first. However, now that she promises it will be two volumes to complete that series, I am happier again. With this book I had the same feeling that I always experience with her writing: "It can't stop here...I want more of the ongoing story as only she can tell it!" So her closing promise that we would learn more of Richard Morgan and Norfolk Island really gladdened my heart. Perhaps the majority of us knew little of the terrible experiment that created the penal colony of Australia, and nothing of this tiny island, and we can now appreciate more fully the strength of those castaways who created such flourishing new colonies. Thank you, Colleen McCullough, for some of the best reading I have ever enjoyed. Keep them coming!

Author Jean Strouse presents an in-depth historical account of J. Pierpont Morgan's life and times as a preeminent financier during the expansion of the American economy in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She details the deals he engaged in to raise capital in Europe, help the railroads overcome bankruptcy, and provide bonds and loans to clients. She also details his role in working with other financial leaders and government officials to stabilize markets and - at a time when the U.S. had no national bank - to set up many of the corporate and financial structures we now take for granted. We at getAbstract.com were particularly interested in Strouse's descriptions of the political, economic, and social history of each period as a backdrop for Morgan's life. Morgan comes alive in her descriptions of his family life, travels, and art collection. This excellent, comprehensive biography will intrigue executives, managers, historians and anyone who appreciates war stories about a master dealmaker.

Jean Strouse has written a well researched, first rate biography. She dispels the myth of J. P. Morgan being a 19th Century greedy capitalist. After all, he almost singularly saved the United States from financial collapse. All aspects of his life are handled meticulously; from his childhood, education, going into business with his father and finally taking over the reins of the business, to his outside interests including art collecting, travels to Egypt and extra-marital affairs. It is all there . One marvels on how accurately Ms. Strouse describes his financial dealings making them understandable and fascinating to the general reader. The description of late 19th Century America and how the rich lived rounds out this wonderful book. Perhaps most importantly, after finishing this book, one feels that he knows Mr. Morgan, big nose and all.

i read ron chernow's book on j. p morgan before reading this one and initially did not think i would like jean strouse's book as much, but ended up liking it just as much. i suggest reading both of them to get a picture of j. p. morgan, who was, with john d. rockefeller, perhaps the most influential man in america between 1875 and 1925.

chernow's book is about the house of morgan, and j.p. morgan dies halfway through it, but jean strouse devotes all of her attention to j.p. morgan himself, both to his business and pleasure...

it struck me that both biographers seemed to grow fond of their subject, a difficult man to warm to, and at times rationalized or explained away some pretty nasty behavior. e.g., if i were jewish, i woud not be nearly so tolerant of morgan's virulent anti-semitism as chernow and stroouse charitably were. they seemed to accept that as a by-product of his time and class.

j. p morgan could be an arrogant, haughty jerk and a prick to peole, including his family, but he grew up when the upper classes felt entitled to think and act that way, assuming the rightness of their noblesse station in this world. and, he was in a hardball business and playing for keeps with the biggest money of anyone, at any time.

on the positive side, morgan was an inarticulate but deep inside, sort of warm man who genuinely perceived of his role as being the steward of the american banking and financial system, to enable large amounts of capital to flow westward, from europe, to enable the usa to industrialize and expand. he was our banking system and federal reserve system all rolled into one and there is no one like him and has not been since he died. alan greenspan does only a third of what morgan did for the us economy.

jean strouse does a good job of explaining all of this in a way that is not arcane or booring. i am not versed in banking and economics and some of what morgan did in effecting the acquisition and push of big money into the economy and railroads, oil, and other emerging industriesx is difficult to explain without going into some technical detail.

jean strouse carries this off and i imagine that when she starrted she had to educate herself about economics to know her subject well enough to not make a fool of herself, as she knew everyone on wall street would read her book.

the non-business aspect of strouse's book and treatment of morgan the man is just as interesting. morgan was no philanthopist on the scale of rockefeller, but was a fabulous art and raare book and antiquity collector. a good portion of his collections, except for what his son sold off, became the basis for several new york museum collections that we now enjoy.

i heartily recommend that you read this book. stick with it early on, as it bogs down in some list-making detail. if you do, you will find it worthwhile, well-written and interesting.