Average customer rating:
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Ties of Distinction (Schiffer Book for Collectors and Designers.)
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
ASIN: 0764306332 |
Book Description
This book details Britain's neckwear of distinction, with 472 regimental, college, university, and club ties pictured in full color. The guide takes readers on an easy-to-follow tour of the ties that distinguish Royal Armoured Corps from Regiments and Yeomanry, the Gurkha, Indian, and Colonial regiments from Naval and Army Corps, and the Royal Marines from Air Force. In addition, the official ties for London colleges, medical schools, Oxford colleges, and universities are pictured, along with Old Boys, clubs, and national and county designs. Ties of Distinction includes an introduction by Christopher Sells of P.L. Sells & Co., Britain's last remaining manufacturer of a complete line of today's regimental stripe ties.
Book Description
More than fifty years ago, America was taken by storm when Al Capp introduced the Shmoo in his comic strip Li'l Abner. The adorable squash-shaped character was so popular it immediately spawned the largest merchandising craze in the nation's history. In the words of Life magazine, the nation was "Shmoo-struck." The Short Life and Happy Times of the Shmoo collects, for the first time in one volume, Capp's essential comic strips about the Shmoo. This is Al Capp and his incisive social criticism at its best.
Customer Reviews:
Comics Junkie.......2007-07-31
Grew up reading this series. Now I have a permanent copy of my own. Good price and great product for comics junkies.
Just as delightful a political statement this side of Gulliver's Travels.......2005-12-20
When I was 5 I would love to have my father read Pogo, Dagwood and Blondie, and Li'l Abner to me from the daily and Sunday newspapers. When I was 7 years old, I loved reading them by myself and about this time, 1958, the Shmoo became a major theme in the Li'l Abner series. I could not wait for the paper to arrive so I could read the latest adventures of these Shmmos that were so accommodating to meet almost all human needs. Yet even then, at age 7, I began to "get" the message behind the series. This is wonderful social commentary on the limits of capitalism and the limits government will go to ensure that capitalism remains our economic model. However for captitalism to work, there has to be need or the threat of need which creates demand which stimulates supply, and I am sure you know the rest of this formula. If the basic needs of labor are met, they won't work, and thus the costs of labor goes up and the profits go down. Al Capp was brilliant to bring this message into America's homes soon after the McCarthy Anti-American hearings in Washington. Capp, like the Shmoo, is subversive in such a clever endearing entertaining way that when I saw this book I had to re-read the scripts to see what I may have remembered from so many years ago.
The book contains the original Shmoo characters and script from 1948-49 and the return of the Shmoo in 1958. If I was ever to teach High School Seniors in an Economics class, I would have them read this book along with their text, maybe not to strengthen the neurons but to lighten them.
Capp's other Dogpatch hillbilly characters and story lines are also delightful. Li'l Abner, Daisy Mae, Ma and Pa Yokum, and Sadie Hawkings are all here!
New Introduction, please.......2005-06-24
This was more amusing that I expected. I hadn't read much of "Li'l Abner" and was surprised. However, I have two objections to this book. First, the original strips seem a bit truncated. Surely, they could have gotten more of the dailies in this book than they did. And second, the awful introduction by Harlan Ellison. He seems to be in love with the sound of his voice and not necessarily a Li'l Abner fan. The Schmoo seems to have been a craze like the "Pet Rock." More information about that and less about Ellison's advertures in New York City would have been welcomed.
"Free food for everybody? That's horrible!".......2004-12-28
Here collected in one volume are the amazing Li'l Abner strips that featured the shmoo. Most people today still know "the shmoo", but few probably know the origins and original purpose of this whiskered globule. In 1948 and 1959 Al Capp used the eager to please and adorable character to make poingant points about the American landscape. For those who don't know, the shmoos were self-maintaining providers of all of humanity's essentials. Ask a shmoo for milk, milk appears. Ask for a pineapple, and presto. What's better, shmoos don't need to eat and they reproduce so fast rabbits hang their heads in shame. They also taste great and when gazed upon with hunger they fall over dead with happiness. Ready to eat, as if they wanted it that way. When shmoos appear in Dogpatch (the setting of Li'l Abner) people realize that all of their troubles are over. With all of their needs met, the crooked grocer can no longer take them for all they have ("Fo' a whole week ah left yo t'sell our below-standard groceries an' condemned meat - an thar's not a cent in th' till..." - the accent reflects the language of the strip), and business starts to fail horribly. Multinational corporations soon feel the sting. Of course this has ramifications for everyone, especially the shmoos. An amazing satire on American society follows, one that still resonates some fifty years later. Along the way the origin of Sadie Hawkins day also pops out of seemingly nowhere. The strips are still hilarious and pointed half a century after their penning. Harlan Ellison's frenetic introduction elucidates some of the nuances of the strip and the hubbub that was the shmoo in 1948. He literally compares the popularity and fuss made by the shmoo in mainstream American culture to Beatlemania. The quality of these strips doesn't dispute his claim. They're hard to put down once looked upon, and they probably won't date anytime soon. A good introduction to Li'l Abner and a piece of American pop culture.
NEW SHMOO REVIEW.......2004-10-09
Whoa! My old pal JOE SUGGS from Atlanta! - sharp and insightful, as per usual. I can't add anything to Joe's perceptive analysis except to say that abridged Capp is better than no Capp at all, and easily better than EVERYTHING you'll find on today's comics page combined.
I remember scouring the Vagabond bookshop in Los Angeles with Joe, searching in vain for our two favorite cartoonists: Al Capp and Walt Kelly. We couldn't find them - not until the wise proprietress told us she puts them in the Literature section - alongside the likes of James Joyce and Jonathan Swift. (LI'L ABNER and POGO are much too good to go in the cartooning section, she explained, next to modern garbage like GARFIELD and CATHY. We couldn't have agreed more.. )
I consider Al Capp to be in the highest echelon of American arts and letters, as well as a crackerjack cartoonist and a brilliant social satirist.
His American masterpiece LI'L ABNER was arguably the greatest comic strip of them all. What a pleasure to remake the acquaintance of the Yokums again after all these years.
Book Description
“Imagine if Monty Python wrote the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, and you sort of get the idea. Afraid you’re afflicted with an unknown malady? Finally you have a place to turn!” —Book Sense
You hold in your hands the most complete and official guide to imaginary ailments ever assembled—each disease carefully documented by the most stellar collection of speculative fiction writers ever to play doctor. Detailed within for your reading and diagnostic pleasure are the frightening, ridiculous, and downright absurdly hilarious symptoms, histories, and possible cures to all the ills human flesh isn’t heir to, including Ballistic Organ Disease, Delusions of Universal Grandeur, and Reverse Pinocchio Syndrome.
Lavishly illustrated with cunning examples of everything that can’t go wrong with you, the Lambshead Guide provides a healthy dose of good humor and relief for hypochondriacs, pessimists, and lovers of imaginative fiction everywhere. Even if you don’t have Pentzler’s Lubriciousness or Tian Shan-Gobi Assimilation, the cure for whatever seriousness may ail you is in this remarkable collection.
Customer Reviews:
Fictional collection from some great fantasy writers, a bit disappointing.......2006-05-03
This is a collection of fictional ailments in the style of a nineteenth century health book. It has an interesting array of diseases, symptons, history and possible cures. Written by such luminaries as Cory Doctrow, Maicheal Moorcock and Alan Moore there are better and worse ones.
Some almost sound real, the bone leprosy has an air of possibility, whereas the Nepalese bubos are so patently ridiculous as to remove all possible suspension of disbelief.
I must admit an error on my part is that when I first picked it up I assumed that it was strange diseases which people HAD been diagnosed with in the past (of which I think would make a much better read given the stuff I have read in seventeenth century medical texts) so I was quite disappointed.
It has some bright moments and I would have given it a 3.5 stars for amusing without challenging me. I think it is fairer to say it is 4 stars because I picked it up to read under my own misconception. There is some excellent writing in here even if it isn't my cup of tea, but I do think that the style is too patchy to really hold my attention for all of them.
Don't Read All at Once! Savor These Bites of Dadaism...........2005-09-28
This guide to uncommon and unlikely diseases is, to be blunt, the perfect bathroom book. It invites brief visits to sample the latest absurd malady and then wonder to yourself, "Dear God! I think I may be SUFFERING from this horrid and loathesome disease MYSELF!" Indeed, some of the illnesses here can be CONTRACTED by merely READING about them-- so beware! But a close study of these bite-sized descriptions of alternate realities is stimulating, and you'll be amused at the cross-referenced sicknesses that dot the book-- the editors are nothing if not attentive to detail. And fans of H. P. Lovecraft and J. L. Borges and Wm. S Burroughs will be especially pleased...
If you're a lover of elaborate hoaxes and like humor mixed with your fantasy/sf, you'll enjoy this immensely.
Every Doctor Should Have One.......2005-07-21
There are many great things about this book: the stunning visual design (made up to look like a 19th century medical guide, complete with original line drawings of all of the diseases and strange medical devices), the great line-up of authors, and the writing itself. I also like that the disease entries themselves are short, allowing for great bathroom or bedtime reading. The best thing about this book, though, is it's sense of humor. There is a lot of funny stuff in here.
There are a lot of genre-oriented writers posing as doctors (such as Dr.'s Alan Moore and Michael Moorcock), but the appeal is in no way limited to people who like to read fantasy, science fiction, etc. In particular, all medical doctors (real ones, that is), should own a copy of this book. If you have a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional on your gift list, grab one of these and give them some good laughs.
Excellent.......2005-06-21
An imaginative collection of tales disguised as whole body scratching diseases. I'm sure the authors -and editors- enjoyed the creative act with the same guilty-sick pleasure of pocking a dead rat with a stick.
Structured alphabetically, but warranteed to be sought for further random consultation as needed.
Average customer rating:
- Not bad, not bad...
- Moderate Amusement for the Morbid
- It just might save your life!
- thinking person's humor
- Stunningly original, superbly written, riotously fun
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The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric and Discredited Diseases
Jeff Vandermeer ,
Tim Lebbon ,
Alan Moore ,
Neil Gaiman ,
China Mieville ,
Michael Moorcock ,
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Stepan Chapman
Manufacturer: Night Shade Books
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ASIN: 1892389541 |
Book Description
From Delusions of Universal Grandeur to Twentieth Century Chronoshock, this amusing pocket guide to concocted diseases - designed and illustrated by John Coulthart - features an anthology of slightly morbid, darkly humorous ailments and prognosis srved up by such renowned luminaries as Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Michael Moorcock, Gahan Wilson, Brian Stableford, and Michael Bishop.
Customer Reviews:
Not bad, not bad..........2005-09-30
Jeff VanderMeer (ed.), The Thackery T. Lambshead Guide to Eccentric and Discredited Diseases, 83rd Edition (Night Shade Books, 2003)
Thwack's at it again-- publishing another compendium of diseases that seem like outright fabrications. Until, that is, you find yourself faced with someone suffering from Clear Rice Sickness. Then, of course, you will find this book invaluable.
It helps somewhat that this time round, the esteemed Dr. Lambshead, now at the spry old age of 103 (as of this edition), has combed the planet for some of the finest talents in the medical profession. Such luminaries as K. J. Bishop, Jeffrey Thomas, Neil Gaiman, and many others have contributed their expensive medical knowledge to this volume. He even goes outside the bounds of the medical profession every once in a while, for example in the cast of the Right Rev. Michael Moorcock; one would think that perhaps a man of the cloth wouldn't have much to contribute to a medical volume, but you'd be surprised.
If there is a problem with the newest version of the guide, it is to be found in the environment itself. There are so many eccentric diseases around these days (very few, surprisingly, are discredited; doesn't everyone know by now that Twentieth-Century Chronoshock is nothing more than a bad hangover?) that it sometimes seems that the enterprising young physician with an open mind will be paging through the blasted thing for years, if not decades, trying to figure out what's wrong with his patient. During which time, naturally, the patient might expire. Imagine, if you will, the good doctor's chagrin upon running into the patient's house with the proper tincture and finding the patient had been buried six months previous.
Still, an invaluable asset that belongs on the shelf of any good physician. If yours does not keep a copy of the Guide handy, you'd best go find yourself one who does, or risk the most severe of consequences. ***
Moderate Amusement for the Morbid.......2005-05-04
This is a compilation of accounts of various and sundry diseases and ailments as reported by such contributors as China Mieville, Michael Moorcock, Alan Moore, Brian Stableford, Gahan Wilson, and some flash little twerp named Neil Gaiman. Needless to say, all of these diseases are fictional--OR ARE THEY? (Yes, they are.)
The afflictions discussed are sometimes comical, sometimes ghastly. Some of the more notable ones include buboparazygosia (where the victim is covered by plague-like buboes that swell up to grotesque proportions, eating away the body and then bursting to reveal miniature human fetuses), Buscard's murrain (in which a certain "wormword", when pronounced in just such a way, causes chemical reactions in listeners such that nerve fibers in their brains are converted to self-reproducing parasites), Emordny's Syndrome (which causes those affected to basically chameleonically mimic their surroundings), internalized tattooing disease (where autopsies reveal that certain people have somehow unconsciously created artwork on their spleens and livers), and the unearthly Tian Shan-Gobi assimilation (a "The Thing"-like consumption of the host by fungal colonies).
About two-thirds of the book is taken up by these case studies, and the remainder by short accounts by the contributors of their encounters with the titular doctor and of "reprints" of lengthier studies from previous editions. In some ways, this last section is stronger than the preceding pages. A lot of the material in the first part is repetitious (the collected authors sometimes seemed to all come up with the same idea) or just not that great. Also, many of these folk appear to be English in nature. Americans these days can't seem to stir themselves to dash off a few pages for genre anthologies. But it did introduce me to the work of Kage Baker, whose "Anvil of the World" I recommend.
If you can find this at a library (good luck), it's worth perusing, but I wouldn't commit your monthly book-buying budget to it, unless you've sworn a solemn vow to collect all things Gaiman. But I guess there are worse manias to have.
It just might save your life!.......2004-04-21
Normally, when a person reviews a book, they aren't actually reviewing "the book" but the ideas contained therein. And normally, such a semantic quibble would be absurd, but in the case of "The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases" it holds some merit. Because not only does it contain a fascinating selection of the bizarre from a remarkably talented group of authors, but it compiles their writings in a visually stunning collection that beautifully mimics the style, and rather drolly the content, of a Victorian Era monograph.
The basic premise of the Guide is that it is the long running publication of the eponymous Dr. Lambshead, who specializes in bizarre diseases. Moreover, the esteemed Dr. Lambshead is 102 years old, and his guide focuses on diseases that are, shall we say, beyond the pale of modern medicine. From Bone Leprosy to Wife Blindness there isn't an eccentric or discredited disease uncovered by such medical luminaries as Jeff Vandermeer, Paul Di Fillipo, China Mieville and K. J. Bishop (to name a few).
The book begins with two introductions, one from Lambshead and one from the editors, both of which are hilarious. The book concludes with entries from past guides, as well as remembrances from Lambshead's associates, a history of the guide and biographies of each of the contributors (in doctor manifestation, of course). However, the obvious reason to read the Guide is the meat between these two pieces of bread: the diseases. Each author spends anywhere from two to four pages detailing the history, cause and treatment of their own particular disease.
It would be impossible to consider each contribution here, and would spoil the fun of the book for other readers, but there are a few highlights worth mentioning just to offer the flavor of the Guide. First up is Michael Barry's "Ballistic Organ Syndrome" which should be self-explanatory, and which nicely sets the tone for the rest of the Guide. China Mieville's "Buscard's Murrain" is the first (and best) of several literary, or word based, diseases; it's characterized by his dry wit and excellent use of language and tone. Michael Cisco's "Clear Rice Syndrome" has an almost Lovecraft-ian feel, and is one of several contributions that could easily be fleshed out into something longer. John Coulthart's "Printer's Evil" is cleverly placed within historical context and is superbly printed (more on this later). Finally, there is "Tian Shan-Gobi Assimilation" by Jeff Vandermeer; not only is it another disease that could easily turn into something bigger, but it echoes numerous themes in his Ambergris work (without explicitly tying back to them) and will thus be a particular treat for fans of his work. These are just a few of the many great contributions to the Guide, and my failure to mention others shouldn't be treated as an indictment, but rather as an acknowledgement of the consistently high standard of writing displayed throughout the guide.
As one can discern, the writing more than justifies the purchase price of the Guide, but what clinches it is the superb quality of the presentation. Liberal use is made of different fonts to denote different periods in the Guide's history, and occasionally (as in the case of the aforementioned "Printer's Evil") to lend a period effect to a given disease. However, the superb illustrations are what set the guide apart. First, each disease is provided with an illustration, in the style of an 18th century illustrated book or newspaper (or the Wall Street Journal today). Some are grotesque, some hilariously subtle, but they all nicely capture the disease in one snapshot. Secondly, there are photographs of "old" copies of the guide and various locations and personalities, all of which are beautifully presented such that they actually look like a sixty year old book or a team of doctors working to contain a vicious outbreak of venereal disease or what have you.
Finally, the editors brought a real sense of historical weight to the Guide by creating "characters" and texts that appear repeatedly throughout the Guide. Not only does this link together what would otherwise be largely unrelated vignettes, but it also deepens the satire by creating a comprehensive sense of realism around an entirely absurd creation.
Clever in its conception and execution, contributed to by an astonishingly talented pool of authors, and beautifully produced, "The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric and Discredited Diseases" is an absolute joy to read and a must have for anyone who appreciates books as works of art. Its mind-bending amalgam of genres and influences is all the more intriguing for their smooth integration into one truly original work; the Guide was an enormously ambitious project that the contributors, and especially the editors, pulled off in spades.
Enjoy!
Jake Mohlman
thinking person's humor.......2004-01-27
This is a fine example of fiction that takes so many pains to prove its veracity that you almost find yourself falling for the joke, even though you know going in that you're reading a fiction. Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder comes close to the same subtle and painful humor as the Lambshead guide, creating a reality that is completely palatable as much as it is made up. The collection of fine talent from the entire spectrum of fantastic fiction delivers the goods. Vandermeer deserves credit for lighting the fire under such an entertaining project.
Stunningly original, superbly written, riotously fun.......2004-01-14
If you allow yourself to be contaminated by the gallows humour at work in the Thackery T. Lambshead Disease Guide, I'm quite sure you'll find it a treasured addition to your library. The writing is often quirky and inventive, and while not all of it is great, the work of such talented people as Stepan Chapman (who writes the best stuff in the Guide), Michael Cisco, Jeff Ford, Shelley Jackson, Michael Moorcock, Alan Moore and Jeffrey Thomas, easily makes up for the few uneven spots the book has.
The Guide is also beautifully produced, with superb design and illustrations by John Coulthart that reflect his obsessive attention to detail. Michael Moorcock's disease entry, set in flawless mock-Victorian style, is perhaps the most striking example.
The Lambshead Disease Guide is a strange and original book that overflows with talent. It's perhaps not for the squeamish, but the humour, though dark, is brave and commendable for it dares to laugh (or at least chuckle) in the face of our own mortality and some of our greatest fears. Can't recommend it enough, definitely one of the best books of 2003.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Review of Contemporary Fiction, published by Review of Contemporary Fiction on March 22, 2004. The length of the article is 1909 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Jeff VanderMeer and Mark Roberts, eds. The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases.(Book Review)
Author: Steve Tomasula
Publication:
The Review of Contemporary Fiction (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 2004
Publisher: Review of Contemporary Fiction
Volume: 24
Issue: 1
Page: 145(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
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More of Hollywood's Unsolved Mysteries
John Austin
Manufacturer: Ulverscroft Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 156171237X |
Customer Reviews:
Wait for the movie(s).......2001-06-06
Lots of speculation and innuendo; very short on facts.
This book offered nothing new on any of the cases featured. In fact, most of the information appeared to come from old newspaper clippings. If you're looking for "who-dun-it-and -why," this is not the book for you.
For anyone who knows absolutely nothing about "old" Hollywood and its stars, you might find it interesting.
Customer Reviews:
Very well done.......2006-10-07
I enjoyed this well written book about 10 of Hollywood's most famous mysterious deaths.The Author has a down to earth but glamorous writing style that is very appealing.
I feel that he did a fine job in giving the reader the facts, rumors and general story about each case even though as there are 10 cases in the book, he must have been hampered from getting as deep into the cases as he probably would have liked because of space constraints.He also makes a clear delineation between what is fact and what is speculation and rumor and that is always appreciated.
This book has a real air of Old Hollywood noir about it.
I look forward to reading the sequel to this book-More of Hollywood's Unsolved mysteries.
Product Description
The true stories behind the Hollywood stories - told for the first time!
Average customer rating:
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Piano Playing Made Easy Christmas Songs
Consumer Guide
Manufacturer: Publications Intl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Piano
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Christian
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ASIN: 0785320105 |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful series.......2007-01-09
I totally enjoy this series and have improved my "beginner" playing with the DeBenedetti books.
Average customer rating:
- A Good Place To Start
- An entertaining and inexpensive way to teach yourself piano.
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Piano Playing Made Easy
Gilbert DeBenedetti
Manufacturer: Ashley Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
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ASIN: 1561737372 |
Customer Reviews:
A Good Place To Start.......2006-06-29
This review refers to "Piano Playing Made Easy"
This 64 page spiral bound keyboard instruction makes for a great guide to the very basics for the piano or keyboard beginner.The instructions are clear and simple. With patience and practice anyone, any age will be able to learn hand positions,shifts, reading uncomplicated music and notations,symbols, letter names of the notes, rhythm,long and short notes, differences between white and black keys, etc. By page 8 you will be able to put the instruction to use for some one-handed(treble clef) recognizable tunes(Hot Cross Buns,Merrily We Roll Along), and eventually you will be playing both treble and bass clef (right and left hands) together.
There are MANY fun songs to fool around with The Old Gray Mare, Alouette, Clementine, Skip to My Lou, Jingle Bells.You should be able to entertain the troops at the holidays with a few carols. Most songs are helpful to the lesson at hand. There are also warm-ups exercises, and practices with chords.
There is probably nothing like having an experienced player or professional teacher explaining it all to you, however this book is a good start, and may also be a very useful refresher, to those who may have taken lessons in their youth, and now want to start up again. I think it is also a good way to tell if lessons will be the next step. If your child(or you) seems to be enjoying the practicing and learning, the next step would probably be lessons. On the other hand if she has lost interest or is not enjoying it, you won't be out too much(assuming you already have some sort of keyboard for them to practice on), and maybe the exposure to it, will make them want to pick it up again later in life.
The book is a soft cover but good quality.A good place to start...have fun...Laurie
An entertaining and inexpensive way to teach yourself piano........1999-08-10
In as little as four months, with some patience and a half an hour a day, you too can learn the basics of piano playing. There are wonderfully clear written instructions and page after page of familiar tunes that will bring back memories and provide a lifetime of entertainment for anyone you play for. There are more than 50 songs including "Ode To Joy", "The Marine's Hymn", "Jingle Bells", and "Oh! Susanna". Each one is easy to play with numbers displayed for fingering and makes the beginner feel like a pro in no time. Even if you've never read music before, this book is a great value and an easy way to learn.
Book Description
Every chess player needs a defense to 1 e4, the most popular first move for White. The ideal response is the easy-to-learn, unrefuted and surprising Scandinavian Defense: The Dynamic 3 Qd6 is such a system. It gives players room for creativity and offers strategic ideas they can understand quickly. With brand-new analysis, correspondence master Michael Melts shows that this long-nelglected line is a little-known but venomous response lying in wait for unsuspecting players of White. For beginners, to master- and international-level competitors, the opening covered in this volume offers a complete system against 1 e4. GMs Roman Dzindzichashvili, Kiril Georgiev, legendary world championship contender David Bronstein and dozens of other top players have called on this variation for important encounters. Forty complete and deeply annotated games are presented along with the relevant portions of hundreds of other contests.
Customer Reviews:
If you play the Qd6 Scandinavian, you need this book.......2006-06-22
This is one of the better opening books I've seen, and I've seen a lot. Regarding the Qd6 Scandinavian, Melts argues it is an offbeat but viable line that offers black many opportunities for reaching reasonable middlegames with counterplay.
As another reviewer noted, the book is heavy on theory. Melts provides comprehensive coverage of the Qd6 Scandinavian via 40 stem games with hundreds of other games and lines included. While most books that use the "model game" format (as opposed to the "tree of variations" format) fail to include many reasonable moves, Melts' comprehensive work does not suffer from this problem. The games and variations have minimal text commentary (though there are some Informator symbols in the lines). Normally this would be a problem for most players, myself included (USCF 1500s), but Melts finishes each game with a brief summary of the merits of the main variations demonstrated in each game, such as which lines are dubious, risky, solid, or offer the best chances for counterplay. For these reasons the book is excellent as a reference (since so many moves are included) and for picking a repertoire using the Qd6 Scandinavian, but there is little if any material on how to play the resulting middlegame positions. The book also has a well-organized index of variations that makes it very easy to find the lines you are interested in (i.e. after a game), though as always one must look out for transpositions. If you are serious about playing the Qd6 Scandinavian, you simply must have this book.
I should also note that this book works well with Andrew Martin's Chessbase DVD "The Scandinavian the Easy Way". Martin does a good job of picking out lines for a black repertoire using the Qd6 Scandinavian, and the Melts book is the perfect reference for looking up the "book" continuation when your opponent deviates from Martin's lines or for supplementing Martin's material.
If you are considering playing the Qd6 Scandinavian as part (or all) of your black repertoire against 1.e4, I would recommend getting Martin's DVD to see if you like the opening, then follow up by getting this book.
Plusses:
- Well organized
- Excellent reference w/ comprehensive theoretical coverage
Minuses:
- Minimal content on the resulting middlegames.
Despite being light on explanations, I still think the book deserves five stars.
Beautiful book on a viable line.......2003-09-23
This is a great work on the Scandinavian Defence with 3... Qd6. This is an excellent opening to play, as you have a good chance of knowing it much better than white. The book is light on instruction, heavy on variations. But there is a nice history section and good sumamries of chapters to let you know the overview of what's going on. The format of the book is quite a bit like the Blackmar-Diemer Keybook II by Sawyer, with 40 base games, filled with hundreds of game fragments. There is an excellent index and bibliography. Plus, the book has the excellent Russell Enterprises production values. I have used this book a lot and really like it.
Average customer rating:
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The Norwegian Armed Forces and Defense Policy, 1905-1955 (Scandinavian Studies 11)
David G. Thompson
Manufacturer: Edwin Mellen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Norway
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ASIN: 0773464220 |
Average customer rating:
- Never seen anything like it!
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Scandinavian Defense Anderssen Counter Attack
Lutes
Manufacturer: Chess Enterprises
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0945470215 |
Customer Reviews:
Never seen anything like it!.......2002-11-22
I have probably 100 openings books, and this one on the Anderssen counter attack (1. e4 d5, 2. exd5 Qxd5, 3. Nc3 Qa5, 4. d4 e5!) is unique, and in some ways puts all the others to shame. I found this book at a used book store recently. It is like a doctoral thesis on the opening. It has a historical section at the beginning in which very mention of the Center Counter Defence going back to the beginning of recorded chess history is meticulously detailed and footnoted. Then, throughout the book, the lines themselves are set out in the columns format, similar to openings encyclopedias like Horowitz' classic "Chess Openings: Theory and Practice," and Nunn's Chess openings." Throughout, the footnote references are unlike anything I have seen. For instance, a certain move will have a footnote reference to a Lasker quote from a magazine article from 1912. This book has to be seen to be believed. The font looks like typewriter style, but the book (I have the second edition) is very well-produced. This 1992 edition shows no signs of wear. The book is so great the one feels almost compelled to play the opening. 136 pages, with a detailed index and bibliography at the back. A superlative reference work on a little known variation, that you can play hand have a great deal of fun with. This guy Lutes must be an incredible chess fanatic. Snatch this book up if you can find it if you have any interest in the Center Counter (Scandinavian).
Amazon.com
It's become trendy for business books to exhort managers to "empower" their people and imbue them with a sense of workplace "ownership"--still, it all comes down to the vexing question of how to motivate people to do their best work everyday. In its 72 sprightly and well-designed pages, this hardworking pocket-sized book shows you how to do just that. First, you'll learn how to tap into what it is your people really want from their jobs (other than a paycheck and paid holidays); then, how to act on those needs to get them really psyched (by improving communication, encouraging initiative, and creating a "no-blame" work culture); and fire them up to give their best, both individually and in groups, by preventing or resparking "demotivated" workers, enriching each job's potential and scope, and helping them build their career profiles. More importantly, you'll learn how to reward employee achievement by motivating through change, recognizing exceptional performance, and keeping motivation at a constantly high level. On every page, boxed tips, quick-reference checklists, vivid mini case studies, and easy-to-follow flow charts make the motivation process not only clear and simple to activate, but even rather fun. Granted, if you're looking for very specific or in-depth guidance, you might find this book too cursory and general in its approach. But, if you're looking for a thumbnail guide to the basics, it'll do just fine.
It's worth mentioning that the book is part of the "Essential Managers" series by reference publisher Dorling-Kindersley--a series comprising 20 itty-bitty books on business and career topics that range from communication, leadership, and decision-making to the management of time, budgets, change, meetings, people, projects, and teams. Combining the talent of the "For Dummies" book series for breaking down a lot of information into bite-sized bits and sidebars with Dorling-Kindersley's signature design style of crisp, classy graphics on a gleaming white backdrop, the books don't represent the cutting edge of business thinking or reflect necessarily any unique individual perspective. Instead, it's as if someone had collated the best general thinking on these 20 topics, and rolled them out into 72 brightly designed and easy-to-read pages--studded along the way with boxed tips, color shots of a multiracial cast of "coworkers" animatedly hashing through the workplace issues of the day, and, on the last few pages of each volume, a self-test of one's skills in the topic at hand. Again, they're not for anyone who's looking for more in-depth or focused help on any of the covered subjects, but they're perfect as a quick general-interest reference; and, let's face it, they're so damn cute, and look so smart in a neat little stack or row, that probably you'll want to buy a whole bunch to give as gifts to your entire staff or department. --Timothy Murphy
Book Description
Learn how to instill the traits of an inspirational leader in your employees ---- and reap the rewards! Learn all you need to know about motivating people, from learning how to bring out the best in people by understanding basic human needs to encouraging individual initiative and rewarding achievement. Motivating People shows you how to increase production and job satisfaction, and it provides practical techniques to try in different situations. Power tips help you handle real--life situations and develop the first--class motivation skills that are the key to a productive and informed workplace. The Essential Manager has sold more than 1.9 million copies worldwide! Experienced and novice managers alike can benefit from these compact guides that slip easily into a briefcase or a portfolio. The topics are relevant to every work environment, from large corporations to small businesses. Concise treatments of dozens of business techniques, skills, methods, and problems are presented with hundreds of photos, charts, and diagrams. It is the most exciting and accessible approach to business and self--improvement available.
Customer Reviews:
Good travel book.......2007-02-17
I bought this book for an interview trip. It fits nicely in your coat pocket and is durable. This book is a good review of the best of American and Japanese management ideas for motivating people. As promised on the backcover, the presentation is excellent. The text is a good review no new material is presented. That is why I give it only 4 stars.
If this review was helpful, please add your vote.
Motivation - Providing Best Techniques to People.......2004-01-10
It has ever been my observation that where there is no motivation, the staff tends to fall prey to being lazy-bugs, dumb and losing their charm and interest in their jobs! People who adopt TQM (Total Quality Management) which is about constantly improving every process and product by progressive methods motivate with the Change and quip for empowerment at workplace. If there isn't Motivation, however well you want TQM, it fails as psychologically needs is not fulfilled. Self esteem is hurt too. Recently, during my Insurance Group meet, the young boys supported the training with motivational tips that promoted Discussions, provided information and feedback but missed out on encouraging initiatives. Effectively appraising, listening to opinions, discussing weaknesses are all best explained in this book. Raising Interest levels and developing skills is one yet two different things altogether. The book has techniques to widen perspectives too and getting the most from Training sessions. An Exceptional Book, I recommend for all Team Managers who need to 'Motivate' freshers and tune them up for Achievement. A good Pick and Great Gift to offer.
What does it take to Motivate People?.......2001-05-08
Robert Heller is a leading authority on management consulting. He was the founding editor of Management Today. He has written this book to teach you all you need to know about how to motivate people. Motivating people will show you how to increase production and job satisfaction. It will provide you with practical techniques like rewarding achievement.
Are your employees overloaded with work? Are they clearly demotivated? When you start to see the negative signs you might also see absenteeism is increasing. You could try a employee survey or you can analyze your own talks with your employees to find out what they are feeling.
Some of the power tips I enjoyed reading:
"Praise work well done, even if some targets are missed." -pg. 24 "Provide training in small, regular doses rather than one long course." -pg. 45
Very practical and I think the points in this book will help you to create a more positive work environment for your employees.
Concise yet useful handbook.......2000-07-14
This is a great little handbook. The little motivational tips throughout are things that can easily be done in the workplace on a daily basis with little effort, yet act as motivators for employees. A lot will seem simple and common sense but those little things are sometimes lacking in the work environment.
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