"L'assommoir" is undoubtedly a powerful and moving book, yet, as a non French speaker who has just finished reading the Penquin translation by Leonard Tancock, I'm left feeling slightly frustrated. Anyone who has read the extraordinary "Germinal" cannot blame Zola for this; afterall, "L'assommoir is considererd to be one of the finest of the Rougon-Macquart cycle. No, it is to this English translator that we must turn to for answers. How is it that a book famous for it's uncompromising and brutal dialogue, is here, almost bereft of the very language that Zola thought so essential? This emasculated and dishonest translation made in 1970 may well suit those who are squeamish, or, of a nervous disposition, but, if you are hoping to catch the real voice of Gervaise and the voices of those with whom she shares her tragic life, it may well be advisable to listen elsewhere.

"L'Assommoir" is widely held to be Zola's masterpiece, and it is certainly true that in his brilliant depiction of the rise and fall of the laundress Gervaise Macquart he manages to leave behind for once the sometimes annoying baggage of his ideological and "scientific" preoccupations. The novel was designed to be a condemnation of the conditions facing the working poor in the Paris of the Second Empire, and Zola's usual methods of intensive linguistic and sociological research are very much on display. But above all, "L'Assommoir" is a book of unfogettable portaits that transcends the specific moment in time when it was written and has captivated readers for nearly 130 years. Gervaise is a truly memorable creation, drawn with loving care; the city in which she lives, the Paris of Haussmanization, is just as vividly rendered; the supporting cast of Lantier the scoundrel, the doomed Coupeau, the admirable but odious Lorrilleux and all their fellows combine to form a whole that really does deserve the sadly degraded encomium of "masterpiece." Read this one, and be captivated in turn!

When Zola wrote this novel, he was some 16 years into his project of writing _Les Rougon-Macquart_, an enormous, beautifully written series describing French society. It's comparable to Balzac's _La Comédie Humaine_ (which you should also read). This particular novel received a lot of flak from Zola's contemporaries when he published it in 1876, because he dared to portray lower-class French society in all its gritty, realistic detail.

"I don't apologise," Zola replied in his preface. "It's morality in action." He had set out to describe the wide-reaching history of the Rougon-Macquart family, which speaks so well to French society's problems at that time (and as one reviewer said, rest assured it holds true now). In this case, a particular problem was passed down, in Jungian fashion, alcohol abuse. This memory resurfaces not just in _Nana_, but in _La Bête humaine_ which shows how someone in a more respectable position in society still wrestles with this inherited demon.

One of Zola's great achievements here was to reproduce the language of Gervaise, Coupeau, and their milieu, for the purposes of realism. This is exactly what got him into trouble -- besides portraying the loose morals of so many downtrodden characters. I can hardly imagine how a translator could do him justice -- by having everyone speak as Southern American rednecks? by transposing the slang into cockney? That may work for our personal versions of the story as we hit the "club" (which is pretty-much what the title, l'Assommoir, literally means) to see folks knock their workaday troubles into oblivion. (Absinthe is now illegal because it is dangerously addictive, but pastis is a tasty substitute.) But I am truly sorry for those of you who must buy this in English, unless the dissapointment of reading it convinces you to learn French. You'll never regret the years it takes to get to the level at which you'll enjoy this, and you'll get to read great books like this along the way.

This volume is filled with great information. I could not imagine touring the Valley of the Kings without having read a similar book. Full of facts and anecdotes, this is an indispensable reference for amateur Egpytologists. Many scholarly works have been written on the various tombs in the Valley, but those sorts of journals are not easily accessed by the general public. Reeve's book serves as a great index and introduction. Each location is thoroughly but briefly summarized. The illustrations, both photographic and drawn, are well produced. Many books on Ancient Egpyt are much more beautiful (and expensive!), but the information presented here is hard to beat.

This book gives readers a tour through the history and archaeology of the Valley of the Kings. The authors provide much detailed information about the tombs and treasures of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Including many illustrations in color and black-and-white, the authors discuss the Egyptian belief in the afterlife, tomb robberies and the discovery of tombs. It also looks at the topography of the Valley's sites, their construction and history. A most excellent source of information for everyone.

This book tell us the information of each tombs in details. It includes pictures of the outside of the tombs, the inside, the drawing on walls, and sometimes even the bones on the floor when it just discovered. It also includes the map of the tombs, the one who discover it , when it had been discovered and also what's inside. The book explains all these to us in details. I really love this book because nearly all the pictures are printed with colours and the imformation is useful. It also show pictures of the pharaohs' mummies, and so I like this most. I highly recommend this to all those who love ancient egypt and those who are interested in Valley of The Kings.

"Dr. Faustus," the play by 16th century writer Christopher Marlowe, has been published as part of the Dover Thrift Edition series. The brief introduction to this version notes that the play was first published in 1604, and also discusses its relationship to a German text from 1587 known as the "Faustbuch." In his play Marlowe tells the story of the title character, a scholar who is "swollen with cunning." Faust dabbles in the dark arts of "magicians / And necromantic books," and literally makes a deal with the devil. These actions drive the tragedy forward.

This play is a curious mixture of Christian theology, tragedy, slapstick comedy, and colorful pageantry. It moves along fast, and contains some really beautiful and stately language.

"Dr. Faustus" is ultimately a cautionary tale about human pride and ambition. I must admit that in the end I find it less satisfying than some of the other great tragedies of the Elizabethan era, perhaps because this play relies less on universal human issues than on a culturally-bound theological contrivance. Still, it's a noteworthy play that, I believe, still holds relevance for contemporary audiences. ...

Not everybody knows Faust(us). But a lot do. Most readers know this tragic personnage who allied himself with the devil and finally paid the price for his betrayal of God from a famous play written by J.W. Goethe. It was him who wrote the most famous version of Faust's history. (If you want to know more about Goethe's work, please visit my reviewer page.) But he wasn't the only dramatist who considered this lost magician worth a tragedy. Exactly 2 centuries and 1 year before Goethe published his work, a play by the Englishman Christopher Marlowe saw the light of the world.

Marlowe and Goethe are different personalities living in completely different times so that it's no wonder their plays vary in character. Goethe lived in prosperity and had all his life to think about subjects like human nature, social relationships, history and its influence on the present, love, religion and much more. He was a philosoph, and that's the reason why Goethe's "Faust" is sometimes difficult to understand because you have to dive under the surface of things to understand their true nature. Marlowe's work is different: This man was certainly very intelligent and knew a lot about the forces that moved the world, but, unlike Goethe, he didn't have a lifetime to think about one single play. You can imagine that Marlowe's "Faust" became more shallow, but still not shallow enough to be ignored by this imaginary institution we call World Literature. As a compensation, Marlowe's work contains more life and action in it, something I can't say about Goethe's. Both men were geniuses. In this review, I'd like to pay my tribute to the Englishman.

As stated above, the play tells the story of a medieval scientist who allies himself with the devil. The latter promises to serve the first in this world, whereas Faust must do the same in hell. The poor doctor doubts his choices because it's his soul being sold, still he follows the devil and has the time of his life. I beg your pardon, for I feel the need to return to Goethe to show you another important difference between both versions: Whereas Marlowe's Faust wants the devil to provide him with fun and all richness of the world (materialism), Goethe's alter ego feels the importance to be educated by the devil to get a complete picture of the world. At the end, Marlowe's Faust realizes that all experiences weren't worth his soul. He begs God to save him, but it is no longer possible. The devil tears his body apart and takes his soul with him to infinite sufferings.

The effect this play had on me was tremedous. Fascinated, I watched Faust's development. I particularly liked the 5th act where he realizes that all is finally lost. You can really feel his pain in those scenes; the effect is unbelievable.

So, if you want to be touched by human tragedy, I really advise you to read this book. It's done very quickly, so you needn't worry about the time it takes. If you want to make a step further and find additional material on Faust, read Goethe's "Faust 1" as well as Thomas Mann's "Doctor Faustus". It's a marvelous novel and the most modern narration based on the medieval German scientist named Johann(es) Faust(us).

I, like many English majors, was assigned this play for my English Lit I class thinking it would be more of an exercise than anything else. I was pleasantly taken off guard. I was surprised about how well I could relate to or at least empathize with the character of Faustus, in a play written hundreds of years ago.
Marlowe has a great sense of style in his writing which was ahead of his time, rivialing Shakespeare historically though slightly predating him. He shows a great sense conflict and tension throughout the plot and characters who are very much architypical of the human condition; the quest for forbidden fruit, dealing with own's own need to conquer, lust for greed, exhibiting vanity (the other of the seven deadly sins make appearances) and so on. There is a religious undertone to the play which is easy enough to follow without having much knowledge of Christianity, this play is easy to enjoy without considering much of the religious dogma which was inserted as a guide for the audience of the time.
Perhaps what is most interesting about the play is Marlowe's use of black humor as the reader will find that there is much comic relief spread throughout the play (mostly through other characters mocking Faustus in ways unbeknowst to him, and you yourself may be laughing alongside of them.) Marlowe's style could arguably be seen as a significant influence on Monty Python and other British comedies going back as far as Shakespeare. The play is very much in the vein of what we might consider modern day 'British humor'; dark, often bleak, obsurd, hysterical.
Dr. Faustus doesn't take long to read, is highly entertaining, and you may even get something extra from it by examing your own moral tendencies. Without a doubt the best piece of literature I've read last semester.

This book is wonderful especially for people who would like a solid knowledge of the grammar of Russian. The explanations are clear and complete. A very nice feature of the book is the Grammatical Tables at the back which simplifies the mind-twisting struggle to remember all the inflections of the Russian language. The Cyrillic font used is also very clear (a sans serif font is used) and easy to read for those who are not familiar with that alphabet.

There is ample opportunity for excercising what you have learnt and fairly large portions of literary works are up for translation towards the end of the book, which are a good test for your grasp of the language.

I picked up this book at the library on a whim, and was so quickly drawn in that I decided to purchase the living language course with CDs to be able to continue learning Russian on my own when the book was due. I found, though, that while the CDs are helpful for pronunciation and aural comprehension, the Penguin course has been most helpful overall. I plan to purchase it now, and highly recommend it for any beginning (self-taught) Russian student.

As far as learning a new language goes, I think that starting with being able to read it is equally important to being able to speak it. They go hand in hand with adult education. I was sick of discovering that most of the russian books out there are devoted almost entirely to teaching you catch phrases to "get you going". This book starts with the alphabet. It is detailed and actually does "get you going." Russian is a tough language to learn, but this book will help you through it without condescending you. I would highly recommend it for people who are serious about learning the russian language.

Dr. sandra Grabowski (the author of the book) is my anatomy teacher at Purdue University. Although the book does have some excellent graphics and visual enhancements in all of the crucial areas of anatomy, the actual explanation of the material is rather weak and ambiguous. There isn't much clinical or experimental information, aside from simple definitions of disorders. I believe that the book would be better served by more elaborate explanations of key concepts in the text as opposed to filling the book cover to cover with pretty pictures. In my opinion, this makes the book ineligible to be a trusty reference. The blanks need to be filled in by the authors, and this would be an excellent improvement for the ninth edition.

In response to the last review, any text book titled "Principles of Anatomy & Physiology" was never meant to be exhaustive. This textbook merely endeavors to skim the surface and provide a basic understanding of a very broad discipline. (Read the Preface). No book can plumb the depths of every human physiological system AND its clinical applications in 1000 pages. (But if one exists, I'd sure like to know about it!) In terms of presenting the introductory information I think the authors have done a great job. I admire the excellent design layout and the numerous visuals. I don't think there can be too many visuals in a book that attempts to introduce complex concepts to those who would be unfamiliar with them. And as a reference book, these make it pretty easy to locate information.

I loved this book it is my bible. I found it the most comprehensive guide that I have ever read. The only thing that other books have over it is the CD-Rom could be a little more interactive and more helpful. But the book rocked. It has that ablity to take you from the basis of all knowledge of this field of study and slowly and carfully unfold the knowledge in just the right way that it establishes it in your mind forever. I loved it and look forward to using it in other ways not just in class.

Anastasia Author Peter Kurth has compiled one of the best books published on the last Russian imperial family. He summarized the life of Nicholas II and Alexandra of Russia and their children excellently. Stories from the old black and white pictures came alive with Peter Christopher's photographs on the relics of Imperial Russia. This book is already a classic

...with an excellent accompanying text. The photos a generally well-presented and wonderfully-selected. The book as a whole presents to the reader a family that is at once normal and extraordinary, silly and stately, casual and imperial, joyful and tragic. Great for the coffee table.

I've read about the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II, and his family for years, but I never felt like I really understood their lives and their lifestyle until I bought and read this book. The text is an interesting historical summation, but it doesn't reveal anything your average student of Russian history wouldn't already know. What is so special about this book is the pictures. Beautiful full-color photos of the magnificient palaces and locations frequented by the Russian royal family are displayed next to a comprehensive collection of historical photos from the era. In addition to the classic royal portraits you have probably seen, there are many candid photos of the family going about their daily life. Frequently, a historical picture is shown next to a gorgeous contemporary photograph of the same locale. For example, a black and white photograph of two of the Grand Duchess rowing past the "children's island" at Tsarkoe Selo is shown with a brilliantly colored picture of the same spot as it looks today. Thanks to these beautiful photographs, I have a whole new appreciation of the incredible luxury of the royal surroundings, and what a grand contrast it must have been to the lifestyle of the average Russian peasants.

Typically, I have a bias against abridged editions of literary works. Nevertheless, prudent editing and abridgement enhances the casual reader's appreciation of this literary tome. Undergraduates working a required reading list for English Lit classes are on their own. Anyway, Samuel Johnson was a noted author and editor of the 18th century English literary scene. Instead of an exhaustive study of Johnson's life as author and editor, biographer Boswell compiled a series of anecdotes, quotations, and correspondence that is held together by his friendship with Johnson. Boswell's purpose was to capture the essence of the man. Johnson was adept at articulating pithy remarks with surgical precision. For example, "...a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprized to find it done at all." The 18th century spellings, etc. remain intact. We have Johnson to thank for the familiar "...hell is paved with good intentions," and "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Boswell takes care to portray Johnson as sexually moral. After the death of his wife, Johnson (according to Boswell) was apparently celibate. Johnson rebuffed "women of the town," and said he wasn't interested in their carnal delights. Johnson told David Garrick, the actor, that he would not go backstage at the theater because "the white bubbies and silk stockings of your Actresses excite my genitals." As an interesting aside, the editor's introduction speculates that Johnson's relationship with the widow Thrale may have been sexual, with bondage overtones. Who knows? The description of London coffeehouses, theaters, and gathering places are heavy with 18th century atmosphere. Bottom line, reading this book is interesting as a curiosity. Its relevance for 21st century readers may seem limited, but don't let that stop you from sampling the fare. ;-)

Boswell was not the obvious choice to write the best biography about Samuel Johnson, much less one of the greatest biographies in world literature. He had much less contact with Johnson than Mrs. Thrale, for many years a close friend of Johnson who spent much more time with him than did Boswell. In fact, Boswell spent perhaps 400 days with Johnson over a period of many years. He also was not Johnson's literary executor. Finally, Boswell was regarded by many of his day, and afterwards, as something of an 18th Century celebrity hound. He made a point of meeting every famous person he could (Voltaire, Rousseau), and went to great efforts to make himself famous. Nevertheless, in his Life of Johnson, Boswell succeeded in portraying Johnson and his circle so vividly that more than 200 years later they come across as real human beings. He did this by breaking the convention of concentrating only on the most favorable aspects of his subject's life, and instead describing Johnson's eccentricities of dress, behavior, etc. Moreover, Boswell did not neglect to include incidents that make himself appear ridiculous. The book is both extremely funny and moving. If you read this, you will want to immediatley get a copy of Boswell's book on the trip that Johnson and he took to the Hebrides.

Needless to say, Boswell's LIFE OF JOHNSON is one of the preeminent works of biography and should be read by anyone interested in Johnson or the genre. It is a great book (also great is W. Jackson Bate's SAMUEL JOHNSON [1st published 1975]which is a MUST for anyone interested in Johnson). But although I love the Everyman's Library, I do not recommend this edition of Boswell. Unlike the usual quality of the Everyman's Library, its Boswell is rife with typographical errors (there's even missing text!). Though it's the only edition of Boswell I've read, I regret that a correct edition is not on my bookshelf. That being said, if this is the only affordable hardcover version you can find -- and you buy only hardcovers -- go ahead and purchase the Everyman's despite the numerous and distracting errors.

I am usually not interested in anything with math. This book
is concise, easy to read, and interesting. I used Nick's method
and found it extremely simple to utilize. My husband has a few
habits that drove me to distraction on occasion. I did his
numbers and found out that habits were part of his pattern. It
has made a HUGE difference in how we relate. I looked at my
numbers, also, and found out my quirks (a nice way to put it).
This makes your actions and reactions make so much more sense.
I would recommend this to any person who wants to improve their
relationships or life in general. I would tell the casual reader
to try it, it's fun!

Newmorology is awesome! I have used this system and found it to be very accurate -- and very revealing. Calculating my numbers using Nick's directions has pinpointed my personality to a tee, and it has also brought to light some of the less obvious trends in my life. For example, I have been drawn to certain personalities (27/9's to be exact), and that is because I am a 43/7. However, for me, I prefer someone with a slightly different compound number to mesh with me! So, now I have the tool to assist me in my relationships, both personal and business wise. All I have to do is figure out the Newmorology Birth Path number for the other person, and I know how the numbers relate to each other and what to expect in the relationship, and how I can best serve that relationship.

I highly recommmend this book to anyone looking for insight into the world in which we live and how to relate to that world in a positive and affirmative way.

Thanks to Nick for bringing New-insight to this world's realm!

To coin the phrase: this is a must read - well, I can say it IS! I too read Newmerology cover to cover in one sitting. Anyone who studies numerology, or has even a minor interest in the subject will enjoy Newmont's book. Gone is the dry, impersonal and confusing approach found in most texts about the subject. Newmerology's system of numbers is easily deciphered and translatable, literally, from stocks to sex -- to say nothing of the fact that they ring true to their forecast. Newmont's style of writing is warm and casual making you feel as if he's right in the room with you and the anecdotal examples of athletes, celebrities and business tycoons is both insightful and entertaining reading. Newmerology -- a highly recommended read!

The House of Niccolo, Dunnett's second mammoth historical series, begins here powerfully enough to challenge one's affection for her first, the peerless Lymond Chronicles.

Where the Lymond books depicted the aristocracy, this first book of Niccolo digs deep into the merchant middle classes of Fifteenth century Europe, trading some of Lymond's Dumas-style adventuring and near-Wildean wit for an even stronger focus on character -- and emotional clarity.

Dunnett whips her fictional world into vivid detail like some wonderous love child of George R.R. Martin and George Eliot -- the endlessly complex, Machievellian back dealings of "Old Europe" here beautifully counterpointed by the emotional lives of the huge cast of characters. The bravura storytelling twists and turns from Bruges to Milan, Scotland to Brittany, all rendered with near supernatural power. Read slowly, read carefully, and this glorious past comes alive like a dream before your mind's eye.

Niccolo Rising ends on a startling revelation and an intriguing cliffhanger, and we're off to the next story: only seven left to go.

Complex characters, convoluted plots, and fascinating locations make the House Of Niccolo series of books a dream read for anyone who loves historical novels or adventure stories. Set during the Renaissance, the book's settings range from continental Europe to Asia Minor to Africa, Iceland, Russia and Scotland. The main character, Nicholas vander Poele, searches for his roots as he rises from apprentice dyeworker to banker and adviser to monarchs through a combination of intelligence, an engaging personality and ruthlessness. As the series progresses, he gathers to him a group of fascinating characters that are both drawn to his warmth and are repelled by his actions, as is the reader---he is exasperating, but we can always, always see his point of view. Dorothy Dunnett's muscular prose paints a man (and what a man!) and his world with colors that are by turns tender and bold, sensual and spiritual. I haven't read anything this good in this genre for ages. Lymond seems effete by comparison!

I enjoyed the Lymond chronicles so much that I couldn't wait to begin the Niccolo series. Make no mistake about it. This hero is different entirely from the refined and genteel Lymond.It took me awhile to get used to that. Once I did I found I enjoyed the book. Again, it's not an easy read since Ms. Dunnett's plots are intricate and her characters are not what they appear on the outside. This character looks like he is going to be dangerous as well as extremely clever! I just hope that he's as entertaining as Lymond was.Who knows, maybe I may "like" him better as I found Lymond very difficult to "like". Ms. Dunnett peoples her book with her usual interesting and diverse characters, and the usual villains. A good start to a brand new series for me.

This book is one of my treasures, and a must for anyone wishing to know more about the lost world of Tsar Nicholas and Alexandra. From menus of the coronation supper to artifacts found after the murders at Ekaterinburg, the life of the last Imperial family is presented in rich and poignant detail. The notes are also extremely well written, adding to the pleasure of this book.

First time I saw this book, I wasn't very interested. But I bought it anyway because it was on sale, and I like to have everything Romanov. But as it turned out, it grew on me like a fungus. Now it is one of my treasures, I look through it often, it is so full of pictures of artifacts you won't see in any other Romanov book and it thus gives color to a world that is otherwise in black and white. Pictures of the members of the extended family were also fascinating and also got me interested in them, though NAOTMAA are still my favorites. What a pity I didn't get to see the exhibition, but this book is I think as close as you'll ever get to the real thing, unless you get the chance to see the palaces.

If you know nothing of Nicholas and Alexandra, this is not the book to buy. However, if the Romanovs already captivate you, you will be captivated by this book. The work catalogs many of the imperial family's possessions. The color photographs are stunning; I was particularly moved by the photo of the tsarevich's teddy bear. Such an intimate glimpse makes these people all too "real" (and, hence, their merciless slaughter all the more appalling). The book features the Romonov's ornate palaces, family and studio photographs, clothing, and much more. For the price, one cannot find a better photographic chronicle of the last Romanovs.