I got Sawyer's book used in a book store and for 15 years I have used it's wisdom in my work on non Euclidean geometry, fractals and group theory. I just got " Elliptic Curves" by Mc Kean and Moll. For once a Cambridge book that doesn't eat dust! It is so hard to read papers by Yau that one gives up! Most Modern mathematics is written by people who can't communicate... Sawyer is a guide for writers of mathematics... how to do it well!

Please also read Sawyer's Mathematician's Delight. My last review was more appropriate for that book, as it refers to the infinite series example. But this also a superb book. I like M.D. slightly better because of its narrative bent.

This is the book that really got me interested in mathematics. I had never thought that a math book could be so engrossing. I finished reading it in a couple days and i immediately seeked out the author's other books. And the quality of the other book are of the same level as this one. It is a shame that the author's other books are mostly out of print. What i appreciate most about the book is that the math concepts are always are related to where it came from. The part on series is a small gem, and the book is full of ones like that. Without having met the author, he is in my mind certainly one of the best math teachers ever. (George Polya is another). Thank you, Mr Sawyer.

Tom Sawyer lives with his Aunt Polly and his half-brother Sid in the town of St. Petersburg on the Mississippi River. A mischievous boy, Tom frequently gets into trouble. As punishment one Saturday, his Aunt forces him to whitewash the fence; however, he cleverly convinces his friends to trade him small treasures for the "privilege" of doing his work. He trades those treasures for tickets given out by the Sunday School for memorizing Bible verses, and uses those tickets to claim a Bible as a prize. However, he loses the Bible when he states that the first two disciples were David and Goliath. Tom falls in love with Becky Thatcher, the new girl in town, and convinces her to get "engaged." Their romance collapses when she learns that he had been engaged before. Shortly afterward, Tom accompanies Huckleberry Finn, the son of the town drunk, to the graveyard at night to try out a "cure" for warts. There, they witness the murder of young Doctor Robinson by the part-Indian "half-breed, " Injun Joe, and run away. They swear a blood oath not to tell anyone what they saw. Injun Joe blames Muff Potter, a hapless drunk, for the crime. Potter is arrested, and meanwhile, Tom, Huck, and Tom's friend Joe Harper run away to an island to become pirates. They return a few days later, and interrupt their own funeral. A little later, Tom accepts the blame for a book ripped by Becky; his noble act restores him to her favor. The trial of Muff Potter arrives, and Tom, overcome by guilt, testifies. Potter is acquitted, but Injun Joe flees the courtroom through a window. Summer arrives, and Tom and Huck go hunting for buried treasure in a "ha'nted house." There, they spy on Injun Joe, disguised as a deaf and dumb Spaniard and see him and a partner find a box of gold and carry it to another hiding place. While Huck shadows Injun Joe, Tom goes on a picnic to McDougal's Cave with Becky, where the two become lost in the cavern. Meanwhile, Huck saves the Widow Douglas from being attacked by Injun Joe, and the entire town, realizing that Tom and Becky are missing, begins to search for them. Looking for a way out, Tom spots Injun Joe in the cave. Eventually, just as the searchers are giving up, Tom finds a way out. The town celebrates, and Becky's father, Judge Thatcher, locks up the cave. Injun Joe, trapped inside, starves to death. A week later Tom takes Huck to the cave and they find the box of gold, which is given to Judge Thatcher to invest for them. Widow Douglas adopts Huck, and when he attempts to escape civilized life, Tom promises him that if he returns to the Widow, he can join Tom's robber band. Huck agrees, reluctantly.

I give it a two thumbs up, I am soooo impressed, mark Twain could be this years best writer.

1000 words

Out of all the books I have read, this one comes out on top(and I've read a lot of books)!!! I have read it at least three times since that first time, and each time I discover something new. This is one of the greatest classics by Mark Twain. I am suprised that so very few people in this world have read it. You should make this few become many and read this book. You won't regret it!!!

Ms. Sawyer's "Meditations for the Creative Spirit" is not only inspiring and up-lifting, but thought provoking as well. The short "chapters" are just the right note to start or close a day. My only regret is that I didn't discover this gem sooner!

What Joy has so uniquely presented has turned my perspective upside down. Her conversational tone draws me in. The freedom she offers to artists using all canvasses is liberating and motivational.

She has masterfully combined wit, wisdom and inspiration from a wide range of sources--including her own--with a refreshing spiritual perspective. She gives the pursuit of desire permission and a playground. Her practical suggestions along the way are perfect for anyone doubting his or her true artist self.

This is a far cry from some otherwise stuffy, typical books of meditation. I feel Joy has truly tapped the art of my soul as I sit nodding with affirmation and understanding while reading each chapter. She has found a delightfully inspiring way to praise imagination and talent that God has already provided but until now may have gone unnoticed.

Anyone second guessing the artist within should read this book for rebirth of their creativity and to stimulate hope in their potential. Joy's reminders of God's masterpiece creations in each of us--and His purpose that we in turn create--are deeply encouraging.

Joy seems to have captured what the true art of her own soul is. What better example? Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!

Joy Sawyer has given us a book of meditations on the creative soul. However, it is more than a book of meditations. It is a book which lays out in simple and inspiring lessons a theology of creativity.

Sawyer has insightful comments on the majesty and the grace of a loving God. She leaves us appreciating the imago dei in each of us. She challenges us to go for the gold -- to reach for the highest by taking simple steps.

The book is lavish with quotes from literary masters and other luminaries. It is rich with a play on cultural illusions and slogans which reveal a writer who is not only in touch with permanent things but those of our transitory times.

Seldom do we see a merger of insight, intelligence, humor, faith, love and the joy of life that we find in this book. Sawyer demonstrates that those who believe in God are not stupid but have tapped into a resource out-of-the-ordinary.

If pressed to mention a series of books I love more than all others, I would have to cite Library of America; this is not because I am a fan of stictly American literature, but because I have never seen a series so dedicated--and so good at--a mission of preserving and presenting a body of literature of such greatness in such a worthy manner. Perhaps some day there will be a Library of Russia, Library of France, Library of England, etc.

Twain is a delight and underrated by modern critics; here lies a good collection of some of his fine works. Especially good are Life on the Mississippi and Pudd'nhead Wilson, along with the indesposable Huckleberry Finn. Also contained is Tom Sawyer, which I cannot praise, but I cannot deny its position as a classic and its deservence to be included in this volume.

Once they were absolute rulers - laws made to meet their needs, unstinting respect their due, their commands obeyed without hesitation or reluctance. They are vanished today, the last of their lineage in tourist boats, unremarked, nearly unremembered. Nearly two centuries ago, the Mississippi steamboat pilot was a legendary figure. Mark Twain conveys us to that time and environment in one of his finest writings. Life On the Mississippi is a superb descriptive achievement in portraying the river scene , but also conveys vivid images of the people living on and along it. It's an outstanding example of painting with both a broad brush and enhancing with fine detail.

Beginning with a history of European "discovery" and exploration of this mighty stream, Twain moves us into his own history as a "cub" pilot. Perhaps no-one before or since has so effectively exposed what it meant to "tackle the river" in learning to safely man the wheel of a river steamer. From his first astonishment at discovering he must "get a notebook and write down" the names of all the points, landmarks, snags and "crossings" through the realization that most of that information would change before his next trip, he comes to understand that a pilot must "know the river" with full dedication. As we follow him through the process he introduces us to the river's wonders and the people it supports. He explains the ranking of pilots, steamboat captains, mates and "hands." None of his observations are boring, from the most mundane river condition to dramatic events such as boiler explosions.

Those fearing that Twain's information may be "outdated" may take heart. Much of the book views his early days on the river from the vantage point of thirty years later. He is reminiscing, but Twain's excellent style brings us with him into each memory. Our feelings readily align with his as he guides us. The latter part of the book is a collection of images of the river valley in the latter part of the 19th Century as Twain revisits the river after a long absence. The only real distinction, apart from the automobile, which did for the railroad what the latter did to the steamboat, are the statistics of agriculture and industry. His descriptions of towns, villages and cities differ little from what we might encounter duplicating his journey.

During this pilgrimage, Twain brings in numerous anecdotal episodes to further sparkle his descriptive and historical accounts. Although all are entertaining at one level or another, several stand out as representatives of Twain's inventive genius. Ritter's Narrative is among the grimmest of Twain's essays in any of his publications. It's a story of a long-term quest for vengeance with a bizarre outcome. A far lighter note is struck with the story of a sleepwalking steamboat pilot. An account of the pilots organizing a "protective association" is told with light humour, not quite obscuring the serious nature of its intent.

In all, no matter that this book's focus lies in a period stretching back nearly two centuries, the writing is vigorous enough to capture today's readers. The history is related with Twain's always lively skill, something as mundane as a sunset is imparted with his special verve. This book can be taken up repeatedly; for reminders of a lost era, for an examination of values or, the best reason of all, for a prime example of what North America's greatest writer could produce in his passion for narrative.

This is the kind of book reserved for the word "volume" and by that I mean it carries all the weight of Twain's most accessible works. All of the Library of America books carry this weight but this was one of the first and deservedly so. I'm reviewing this book not just on its contents but on its sheer style and scholarly editing, its fitness in the hand (or lap), the way it will look on your bookshelf and the 10-point Linotron Galliard printing that makes the very act of reading much easier.
Now, the contents cannot be less magnificent as the river all these writings have in common. Funny, wise and as much a part of 19th century American history as you'll find anywhere, these are great examples of the best American writing in one "volume" by one of the world's most recognized authors. No self-respecting booklover should be without it.

Beautifully written book which you will read quickly and be inspired after finishing.

This little gem of a book reached me in many ways. I saw my own life experiences in the author's account of hers. I found myself interpreting my experiences in different and more positive ways than I had been able to do in the past. As I read, I freqently highlighted sentences and paragraphs that seemed particularly meaningful to me. The small vignettes lend themselves to daily devotional reading, if you can force yourself to put the book down and save it for another day!

Good book about how the Holy Spirit has influenced and participated in one woman's life-long journey with God. An appealing testimony for women wondering about or longing for a deeper relationship with God, and what that looks like in an ordinary person's life. Powerful.

This book rocks. Seriously, I loved it

A poignant tale of a mother and daughter coming to terms with themselves and each other. Deftly examines the characters of these women and navigates the complicated relationships that bind families together.

Half parts mystery and coming of age tale, this book is destined to be an inspiration for the millions of middle-aged women out there who are tired of reading books about themselves -- written by women half their age! Author Ann Sawyer knows of which she speaks and weaves her magical tale with a keen eye and deft hand. It's funny, it's sad, it's charming, it's suspenseful. What more could you want in a book?!?

My favorite characters in the book were Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, and Huck Finn. They made the book very interesting. This is why I think they make the book very interesting: Huck Finn is an orphan and sleeps in hogsheds and on doorsteps, Tom Sawyer is always on the lookout for adventure, and Becky comes with Tom on all of his adventures.What else was interesting about the book is because Injun Joe murdered someone and accused someone else for doing it. I cannot tell you any more because you have to figure out what happens next by reading the book!!!

This book was so good and intesting that I read it over and over again.

this book i recomend for standard readers.I liked it alot!
Very interesting about curing warts.Loved it alot, hope
the people that read it liked it too.From my rating from 1-10
i'll give it a 9.Thanks for reading.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures Huckleberry Finn as great book to read. It's way better than the movie, like most books are. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry do things that would give your life such a rush. The adventures they go through and the trouble they get into is just great. Children these days can't do some of the stuff they do without being gounded for life or send to a military camp, but on thing they can do is use there imagination like Tom and Huck do in this book. This is a really good book to read and it feels like your part of the book, which is a cool feeling. This is one of my all time favorite books. I read it once already but I just want to open it and start reading it again. Mark Twain, AKA Samuel Clemens, had a taste for adventure now it's your to taste it. There are many moods to go thrugh in this book happy, sad, angry and etc. Just got to read it. There is excitement around ever corner.Uproariously funny, Tom and Huck even run away awhile, to show you how hard it is to live on your own if your a kid to see how hard it is to support yourself on you own. There is even a murder in this story and it's a cool court case to. But there more not like I'm going to tell you, Oh Ok you pulled my leg hard enough. They also fine buried tresure enough said. I hope you read this book. ENJOY

A MUST READ FOR ANIMAL LOVERS! "Beaversprite" has boosted my inspiration to continue helping all animal life on this planet. Living only 20 minutes from the site of this sanctuary and being a wildlife rehabilitator I felt as though I was living this beautiful story of someone so very dedicated to the cause of God's other creatures on this earth. Dorothy Richards was a wonderful person with an unconditional love for not only the beavers but for all animals and nature. She has shown the world that one person can make a difference to better this world and right a wrong done to living creatures. This is a very important book for both youngsters and adults. It teaches us to respect animals and nature and to appreciate them. Dorothy Richards demonstrated that humans and animals can co-exist in a beautiful world together and that the animals have a lot to teach us humans! She describes in detail the vast intelligence of the beavers showing us that humans are not the only living creatures on this earth capable of intelligence, love and emotions. This is one of the best books I've read and recommend it for all!

"Beaversprite" changed forever the way I regard beavers. This amazing book describes the life of Dorothy Richards and the beavers who lived in the sanctuary she established around her home at the south end of the Adirondak National Park. The photographs in the book of Mrs. Richards and the beavers are guaranteed to thrill all readers, old and young -- animal lovers or not. Mrs. Richards did not begin life as an animal protector. Rather, it was after agreeing to allow the release of a pair of beavers onto her property, and spending some time watching them, that she realized how complex and fascinating is the life of beavers. Mrs. Richards changed from disinterested observer, to guardian and protector of these critical members of our ecosystem. She established the Beaversprite sanctuary and spent the rest of her life fighting to save beavers from extinction. They were all but gone from the northeastern US due to hunting for their fur, and still struggle to stay alive. This is an important book for youngsters of any age, as well as adults. It teaches children to respect animals and nature. I have given many copies as gifts to children and they have all thrilled to read the story of Mrs. Richards, and to see the pictures of her sitting by the pond with beavers cuddled in her lap. This wonderful book demonstrates that we can learn to co-exist with our animal neighbors. This book should be part of every child's library.

Tom's adventures were exciting because he does a lot of things he shouldn't do. For instance, he gets lost in a cave with his girlfriend Becky and risks his life for her. He tricks his Aunt Polly into forgiving him and so he ends up not getting the punishment he deserves. Tom witnesses a terrible murder with one of his best friends, Huckleberry Finn. I think this book is one of the most frightening, mysterious and exciting books I've ever read.

The four stories combined here are, if not Mark Twain's best work, then certainly his most well known and celebrated. The first two, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" have been engrained into popular American culture, and there aren't too many people who haven't read of, or heard of, these characters. "The Prince and the Pauper", and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" also have been celebrated, though not as widely as the first two, and certainly not immortalized like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is based on Twain's own childhood experiences living in Hannibal, MO., a small town along the Mississippi River. Much of What Twain wrote about centered around his own life; and in "Tom Sawyer" Twain uses real life experiences and people he was familiar with. Tom Sawyer is based on himself, and several of his freinds; Huck Finn is based on Tom Blankenship, son of Hannibal's town drunk; Becky Thatcher is based on Laura Hawkins, Twain's childhood sweetheart; Aunt Polly is based on Twain's mother; sid is based on his younger brother Henry; and Injun Joe is based on a man, half indian, who lived in Hannibal.
"Tom Sawyer" is Twain's way of reliving a time in his life he so enjoyed, and an era he was painfully aware was fastly disappearing. Interestingly enough, when "Tom Sawyer" was first published in 1874, it was something of a failure, and initially did not catch on with American readers. It's hard to believe that now, knowing of it's emense popularity; and the countless Tom Sawyer movies that have been made, although none really come close to matching the story itself.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" has been praised as much as it has been condemned. The story of a white boy escaping the vindictiveness of his father and the smothering of "civilization", who inadvertantly must also confront the brutality of slavery at the same time.
Twain originally began this story merely as another adventure, similar to "Tom sawyer". However, he soon realized it would not be written in the same innocent style. Indeed, the story begins that way; yet when Huck and Jim pass Cairo, IL., the city along the Mississippi River famous for being connected with the underground railroad, Twain puts down the manuscript for several years, and has thoughts of even burning it.
It took ten years, and many exasperating rewrites, and many looming, internal questions and struggles, but in 1886 "Huck Finn was finally published. It was not initially well received. Twain went on a tour to promote his book; that, and the calls to ban "Huck finn" helped to generate interest, and sales began to pick up. Over one hundred years later, "Huck Finn" still has its detractors; however, it has survived and become one of America's true classics, taught and studied in schools, and fiercely debated in auditoriums.

"The Prince and the Pauper" was one of Twain's personal favorites; his daughters Susy and Clara's as well, which they begged him to read over and over again. The girls loved it so much Twain converted it into a play, which his daughters, and a friend acted out in the Twain household in Hartford, CT. for the residents, quite successfully. What the reader did not know until later was that "The Prince and the Pauper" was a subtle satire of England and english custom, which Twain loved to criticize.
This story takes place in early 16th century England, and recounts, as alleged by the author, "a tale as it was told to me by one who had it of his father, who latter had it of his father ... and so on".
Tom Canty is the pauper, born on the same day as the prince, Edward Tudor. Quite coincidentally, they both look alike. Tom was born to very poor parents; his father and grandmother loathed him, and as he grew older used him to pickpocket and steal for them.
Years go by and Tom grows into a young, intellectual boy who loves learning and studying. Still, one thing lacks; he wishes he could be royalty. The Prince has also grown, and soon will be crowned King of England. A title he despises. He hates the way he is being treated, and wishes he could be a commoner. As fate would have it, the two eventually meet and switch places. Both are very happy at first, until Edward realizes just how badly commoners are treated, and how badly Tom's father treats him. Meanwhile, the king is on his deathbed, and Tom is a nervous wreck, knowing he must find the real prince before he is crowned the new king. Suddenly the need to switch back is crucial, but neither boy can find each other to make the switch.
A long succession of events follows, much of which is written in Twain's own humorous style. And although the scenes in this story are similar to those in "Tom Sawyer", and often reflect early nineteenth century America, Twain still captures the flavor, however bitterly so, of english life under the rule of the Tudor family.

"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" was written in an age when new mechanical inventions were sweeping the nation, and Twain used this new age in the story, combining it with his own fascination with the King Arthur legend.
The narrator, himself, is a gunsmith, and blacksmith, and very good at working with and creating mechanical wonders; it isn't until the end we learn his name.
An accident causes him to fall unconscious. When he awakes, he discovers he is no longer in Connecticut, but in sixth century England. He is taken prisoner and brought before King Arthur himself. Condemned to die, he uses his knowledge of mechanics to trick Arthur and the people into believing he is a magician. Merlin, jealous of the man and his power, sets out to disprove him. In the meanwhile, the yankee is busy at work by putting his knowledge of machines to good use, or so he attempts; though things do not go as well as hoped.
"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" is another one of Twain's satires against England, and english customs; perhaps more bitterly written than "Prince and the Pauper".

As an author with my debut novel in its initial release, I recommend this collection of Mark Twain's works highly. Singularly, each of these books is a landmark in American literature. Collectively, they form the comprehensive "must-read" collection of one of the giants of American writing. If you could own just one book by Mark Twain, this one would be it.