Holland Mania

Customer Reviews:

A Forgotten Period Brought to Light.......2000-01-19

Ms. Stott has made a valuable contribution to American History with this book. The early Dutch period in America has been overshadowed by the English for so many years that many do not realize the impact on American Culture. Bravo!

Customer Reviews:

In the beginning, there was an odd lad from Strasbourg..........2006-04-05

His name is Thierry 'Manfred' Mugler and he had a unique vision of what clothing could be and what it could do for the wearer. While a garment might simply serve to cover the female form and insulate it from the elements, Mugler knew that clothing can also enhance the female form and transform the woman who wears it into the image of her own imagination. To enhance, empower, enchant, and expand the realm of possibilities of what a woman can become is the drive that makes the Mugler mystique. This collection of images presents Thierry Mugler couture creations set against backdrops that exude as much charisma and presence as the garments themselves. A post-moderne vampire gown ( complete with a bat-formed handbag ) stands on the towering facade of the Chrysler building while, a few pages further stands a liquid, metallic gown with pearl-frosted fur wrap stalking the Gallery of Mirrors at Versailles. Carole Miles wiles the day away in the Algerian Sahara clad in golden body armour (a la C3PO from Star Wars) while nearby, Iman simmers in a confection of golden plating about the wrists, ears, and breasts. This books gives more stage to the heroic monuments where the garments are featured than to the garments themselves. These ae not mere images meant to market this seasons collection or sell a given pair of trousers...far from it. These images are the fulfillment of fantasies that so many have never known enough to dream of themselves. To stand on the crown of the Opera de Paris on a clear, blue day, draped in a ferocious piece of Mugler's mightiest handiwork making a salute to the sun may seem a bit unbelievable but when you see these images you will secretly say to yourself ( or to anyone in earshot ) "Damn, I'd love to try that someday".

The book catalogs some of the most architecturally important
landmarks ( both man-made and natural )paired with some of the most architecturally significant clothing designs of the 20th century. The garments are NOT neccesarily identifiable as 20th century fashions but, rather, were conceived and produced in the 20th century. They will certainly look and wear as inspired and ahead of their time in the 21st century as they do today. The images will demand the same awe and delight as well.
This book is as rare as a great looking man who isn't already married, or gay, or BOTH so if you manage to find one, SNAP it UP!! You'll be the envy of your friends who appreciate impressive photography for its own sake as well as the folks who lose control over a well cut piece of fabric ( or metal, or lucite, or rubber, etc. ). Manfred ( Thierry goes by that name when he is trying to avoid recognition ) tells me he is preparing a new book of "his photographies" and I am looking forward to it's release so if you can't find a copy of this book, or 'Fashion , Fetish, Fantasy' then don't miss the boat when the next book drops. They are never dull and the run out fast.

Average customer rating:

Recommend to Madonna Ciccone

Thierry Mugler (Universe of Fashion)
FranCois Baudot
Manufacturer: The Vendome Press for Universe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fashion | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Designers | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Thierry Mugler: Fashion Fetish Fantasy

ASIN: 0789302055
Release Date: 1998-05-15

Book Description

Muscular and macho, a mystery behind his signature shades, Mugler has always loved to shock. In his teen years, Mugler was a dancer at the Ballet du Rhin, which inspired his passion for movement and theatrical effect. At the same time, he was a student at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs which developed his knowledge of design. At twenty he got a job at Gudule, the first of Strasbourg's "swinging" boutiques, and two years later was working as a freelancer for couturiers in Paris, Milan, and London. In 1973 he created his first independant collection that was the first intimation of the super-cool, ultra-feminine style that was to become his own.

Whether she manifests herself as an astronaut, rodeo girl, Russian peasant, lady vampire, or blue angel, la muglerienne is versed in Freud, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and comic strips. So daring is his vision that such popular icons as Verushka, Dee-Lite, Diana Ross, Ivana Trump, Darryl Hannah, Jerry Hall, and Patty Hearst have willingly participated in his mega fashion shows. Then came the Muglerman, with impeccably cut clothes to echo the male figure, with pronounced shoulders and waist and tapered trousers. In addition, Mugler has designed for the stage and screen, has created a perfume called "Angel" which is only outsold by Chanel No. 5, and is a highly respected photographer. He is truly a superstar in a leather jacket.

Customer Reviews:

Recommend to Madonna Ciccone.......2003-01-20

A comprehensive overview of Mugler's work with beautiful shots.
His creations are so thrilling and unique, they make you feel powerful, gorgeous and wicked... Mugler would deserve a lot more attention.
This book is well worth purchasing if you appreciate beauty.
.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.
I would like to see MADONNA team up with him!

Average customer rating:

Exquisite
Mugler makes the clothes that make you say "Oooohhh, AHhhh."
Wow!
dazzling!

Thierry Mugler: Fashion Fetish Fantasy
Thierry Mugler , and Claude Deloffre
Manufacturer: Stoddart
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fashion | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Commercial | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575441055

Amazon.com

Thierry Mugler's perfume "Angel" comes in a bottle shaped like an off-kilter star; it's a telling choice. At first glance, Mugler's designs seem like a 1970s version of space age, with lots of pointy spears, big shoulders, and gravity-defying basques, all executed in his shimmering, "classic" materials--vinyl and leather. But the real influence is late 1920s and '30s Hollywood, the days when Edith Head and Adrian were designing gowns for Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, and Jean Harlow. And it's these outsize personalities who are the key to Mugler: his ideal woman is a dominatrix-cum-star; fashion for him is a "very demanding mistress." So he fills his runways with character supermodels (Jerry, Eva, Naomi, Cindy) and an eclectic mix of stars (Cyd Charisse, Diana Ross, Sharon Stone, Ivana, Tippi Hedren)--in Mugler's words, "personalities who know and accept who they are and fashion themselves accordingly."

This beautifully designed book brings together more than 250 photographs--some by the man himself, others by stars in their own right (Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle)--from his diverse ventures: the first public fashion show, George Michael's "Too Funky" video, Macbeth for the Comédie Française. The collection proves Mugler to be an utterly distinctive, yet endlessly inventive, talent. --Alan Stewart

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite.......2003-04-18

To refer to Mugler merely as a fashion designer would be off target and a great injustice. He has, over the years, managed to transcend the limitations of conventional clothing design and develop his work into an amazing and dazzling art form. This book exemplifies the way photography, art, design and adornment can be brought together and crafted into something unique.

Mugler's designs are staggering, drawing on influences too diverse to adequately list. These are fantasies of the imagination; marine and insect worlds, avian and feline; couture fetish, European old aristocracy, the African and Oriental, along with Metropolis style sci-fi. The photos are beautiful, reminding me of Pierre et Gilles. There are stark graphic locations captured in a superb minimal style, and also many dynamic shots from fashion shows. It is a book of images that renders its few words almost unnecessary.

On the back cover is a quote - "Fashion doesn't suffice. I try to pass on a feeling, a sensation... I always tell stories. Stories about women. From the spy to the madonna, to the heroine, the goddess, the small Parisian, the secretary. I create clothes women will wear in these imaginary adventures." Mugler breathes life into dreams. An inspiring and wonderfully produced book.

Mugler makes the clothes that make you say "Oooohhh, AHhhh.".......2002-12-16

This collection of images and commentary on the creative work of Thierry Muglerserves you some killer imagery of famous people wearing infamous couture..Hardly a single item you would sport at a PTA meeting but, then, would you want to ever GO to a PTA meeting? An unbridled imagination, combined with the technical and architectural skills required bringing his visions to life, are made obvious as you slowly turn the pages ( with scrupulously clean hands, thank you ) and imagine a world where you play the starring role with Mr. Mugler as your wardrobe master..Don't try to attempt to recreate these garments at home. These get-ups come from a PROFESSIONAL!! Wear them at your own risk and don't turn your back on any houseguests who express an interest in this book.It is tough to find and sports a hefty price tag. I keep three copies in the house..and they are all tagged with a Low-Jack!! Glorious production values, high quality paper, and a front cover that defies adequate description make this title a MUST for the dreamer on your holiday shopping list..

Wow!.......2002-02-27

Beyond the bland, banal and often sleazy worlds of fashion and fetish there exists a hidden and beautiful world exemplified by Mugler's work and friends (whom he acknowledges with exquisite charm and tact on page 188). All these people 'get it' at a level of subtlety and taste that the lesser practitioners will never understand. They understand the power of bodily eroticism, the magic and mystery of masks and concealment, the attraction of helplessness (try to walk in those shoes and you will understand, too) coupled with the dangerous appeal of domination and submission.
FFF is to EXTREME as vintage wine is to mere plonk. Of course EXTREME had to be assembled as a Met show/book toying with cultural anthropology with the mainstream in mind, but although excellent (and so rated by me and others) EXTREME pales into insignificance by comparison with FFF. FFF combined extremes of other kinds: extreme eroticism, extreme physical transformations, extreme emotional danger. It is hugely to the credit of everyone involved, including models, photographers and the celebrities who comment with dazzling power, that it all comes off as beautiful and powerful, never beyond the bounds of taste. When you read those names, and consider what they have done in their own worlds, you will find yourself thinking (at least I did), that these are people whose persons and work you have admired, whom you would like to know in person, with whom you could have unusual and interesting times. They include Pedro Almodovar, David Bowie, John Epperson, Tippi Hedren, Ute Lemper, Julie Newmar, Jennifer Tilly (yes!), Bruce Vlanch and Raquel Welch, all relentless pushers of the cultural envelope.
Tension is the great sexual aphrodisiac and FFF is all about sexual tension expressed with body, face and hand adornment that is at the very limit of what can be done. My copy is not for sale, ever.

dazzling!.......1998-12-22

Wonderful eye-candy - page after page of beautifully innovative photography of Mugler's imaginative creations. Much more than just a fashion book. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Thierry Mugler

Manufacturer: Ramboro Books PLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 7215987574

Average customer rating:

Thierry Mugler Fahion Fetish Fantasy
Claude; editor [Thierry Mugler] Deloffre
Manufacturer: General Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KTBFI2

Average customer rating:

Universo da Moda: Thierry Mugler

Manufacturer: Cosac & Naify
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Portuguese | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 8586374865

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2006-08-25

I have always loved "For Better or for Worse". This was just another great book for my collection.

More fun at the Patterson home.......1998-09-11

Once again, Lynn johnston brings us life, love, dog hair and a few sticky fingers - just another stop in time in the Patterson home. I have all her books and eagerly await the next installment each year. Don't ever stop, Lynn - your family is my family !!!!

Love Just Screws Everything Up: A for Better or for Worse Collection

Average customer rating:

Love Just Screws Everything Up: A for Better or for Worse Collection

Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HJRRQY

Book Description

These kitschy collections of old ads and magazine covers—little albums of suppressed memories—are designed for instant dispatch to friends, family, and loved ones. Each consists of 23 color postcards.

Book Description

The unofficial guide to James Bond on screen analyzes every Bond performance, from Sean Connery's pantherish assassin (introduced in 1962 as Dr. No) to Pierce Brosnan's elegant and wry portrayal in The World Is Not Enough (1999). Along the way, we consider actors George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, as well as Bond appearances in other films -- such as the spy spoof Casino Royale, starring David Niven. There's a wealth of top secret information for fans of the inimitable 007.

Customer Reviews:

IF YOU CANt GET ENOUGH OF JAMES BOND.......2004-05-02

"Kiss Kiss Bang! Bang!: The Unofficial James Bond Film Companion" by Alan Barnes and Marcus Hearn is a very good book on James Bond info. Even though unofficial it has good information. I like it.

Essential Companion Book on the Cinematic James Bond.......2004-03-03

Alan Barnes and Marcus Hearn's KISS KISS BANG! BANG! is an essential companion book on the cinematic world of James Bond. I like the way the authors choose to take 10 essential elements film by film and critique them. KISS KISS BANG! BANG! is quite insightful and interesting reading. I also enjoy the very handsome layout of the book, which only enhances the reader's interest. The book is also profusely illustrated with very unique photographs not associate with other official books on the cinematic James Bond. This is a well thought out and well-intentioned book. I highly recommend it. If you are a James Bond fan it is quite essential.

Great read for those wanting more info on the Bond movies!.......2001-09-19

If you are wanting more information on the James Bond movies (background stories on how they got made, info on how various actors came to be Bond, ratings of the movies, etc.) then this is the book for you. At over 200 pages, the tome certainly isn't short on information.

The authors definitely have their favorite, and there is room for argument with some of their ratings, which makes the book even more interesting. They rate each Bond movie in a variety of areas (Villains, Women, Plot, Action, Bond, Gadgets, Dialogue, etc.)

I've found this to be a book I go back to quite often. It's great to read right before or after I've watched a Bond DVD. It illuminates some of the background on actors, producers, directors, locations, etc.

Highly recommended for the Bond movie fan.

Highly informative insight into making the James Bond films........1999-01-05

Unlike the "official" James Bond compendiums written before it, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" offers a broader, more objective view of the history of the James Bond film franchise. While the finished product could have used a polish from a real editor (there are typos everywhere,) the raw material contained here is worth the read alone. Everything from Fleming's early failed attempts to bring his hero to film, to Saltzman and Broccoli's instrumental casting of Sean Connery as the first James Bond is documented and seemingly well researched. Each film production receives it's own chapter, From "Dr. No" to "Tomorrow Never Dies" including the non-Eon produced "Casino Royale" and "Never Say Never Again." All chapters open with production stories as recollected by the cast and crew and includes initial reviews by film critics (a real plus here) who reflect on the sexual and moral perversion that audiences succumb to when viewing a James Bond film. The authors close each chapter with a 10 point fan-boy rating system, grading everything from the opening sequence and titles to the girls and gadgets. Overall the book is a quite refreshing and insightful companion. There aren't a lot of photos in the book, but the ones that are included aren't ones we've seen before. As a fan it left me thankful that Burt Reynolds was never cast as 007, upset that "Casino Royale" was wasted as a spoof and imagining what the franchise would be today if George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton did more films and if Roger Moore did less.

Book Description

A complete guide to the band that has set the standard for alternative rock since the early 80s
.

Customer Reviews:

Life and How to Live It.........2004-05-18

Not the best R.E.M. book I've ever read, but certainly not the worst. This book finishes up at New Adventures in HiFi, before Bill Berry's departure from the band on October 31, 1997. As a huge R.E.M. fan, most of the information wasn't new to me, but I enjoyed it anyways. I had a big gripe with the book, and that was that pictures of the band were not chronologically placed (i.e. a picture from 1991, in "Fables of the Reconstruction". Also it used many sources that weren't 100% reliable like "most fans", or "According to an unnamed source in the R.E.M. camp..", which I felt cheapened it somewhat. It wasn't totally bad, but it wasn't totally good. If you're a casual fan of R.E.M., you'll probably be ok with it, but if you're a rabid R.E.M. fan and this isn't the first book you've read about them, you won't enjoy it as much.

Good read.......2002-09-11

I always find it fascinating to find out the whys a song was written and this book tells the whys. Very informative.

Put that, put that, put that on your wall.......2001-02-22

As a dedicated, longtime fan of the fabled Athens quartet, and a reader/owner of half a dozen other R.E.M. tomes, I thought I knew everything worth knowing. So when I saw it in a bargain bin at my local bookstore, I picked it up more on a whim than anything else. But I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of information contained therein. Many factoids abound. The author clearly read virtually all of the worldwide press on the band. And his enthuusiasm for the subject shines through on every page. Anyone who has ever read interviews with R.E.M. knows that they are a good read. J.M. Stipe is often the source of many a memorable non-sequitir, such as the description of Fables of the Reconstruction sounding like "two oranges being nailed to a board." Peter Buck on the other hand, is what Rhino Records would call a music "geekus maximus," (albeit an extrememly cool one) who liberally sprinkles descriptions of his songs with references to cult heroes like Nick Drake, the Velvet Underground, Strawberry Alarm Clock and the 13th Floor Elevators. Occassionally we get a glimmer into their legendarily mysterious songwriting process as well. And the songs are divided by album with a nice overview of the sessions for said record, placed nicely in the context of their stunning evolution. To quote the Voice of Harold, a must.

all u need to know..........2000-01-25

this book can be the bible of REM. it is THE book review of all the songs written by rem up till NAIHF. every song has a story behind it; why it was written, where it was created and for whom it was meant to be. the coverage is extensive and satisfying.buy it ..and u'll know who Maria Calais is.

If you want to know what its all about........1999-11-24

This is simply the best book for any R.E.M. fan. It contains alot of pictures and the explanation to every song from Chronic Town to New Adventures In Hi-Fi. You must buy it.

Average customer rating:

All other guides should bow down to this one...

Very Good with great detail

Exceptional guide

Star Ocean: Second Story - The Official Strategy Guide

A must for this game!

Star Ocean: The Second Story -- Prima's Official Strategy Guide
Elizabeth M. Hollinger , James Ratkos , and James M. Ratkos
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Strategy Guides | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761521283

Book Description

Complete walkthroughs for Claude and Rena
Create your own items
Secret areas explored
Weapons and item tables
Definitive monster compendium
Comprehensive analysis of the Skill System

Customer Reviews:

All other guides should bow down to this one..........2007-06-04

This is, by far, the best guide you can have while playing Star Ocean. This guide is full of great tips and information that will help with every aspect of the game. There are detailed information on all the characters, monsters, weapons, Private Actions and much more.

If you're like me and don't like to go online looking for some help and want something that you can thumb through, this is the guide to get.

Very Good with great detail.......2007-03-09

The prima strategy guide is a must have for anyone who wants to pursue different endings for Star Ocean: The Second Story. I highly recommand for video gamers to play and beat the game first before they buy a strategy guide.

Exceptional guide.......2004-06-27

Prima unleashed probably one of the most voyeristic walkthroughs out there. Very little is held back, letting you in on almost every item, Public Action, town, major secret, boss stat, relationship factor and the most imporant one: how to pickpocket.

Okay, I'm joking on that last one, but to be honest, this is one of the best ones I've seen despite a few not-so-obvious spelling errors and a few (minor) mistaken facts. But other than that it is jam-packed and a worthy addition to your gaming needs. Too bad that the quality is only hindered by the flimsy material they used to make it, which really holds it back from a perfect score.

Prima, this is how every guide of yours should be.

Star Ocean: Second Story - The Official Strategy Guide.......2002-05-21

I used to own the game and this guide. You'll have to severely nit-pick this guide to find anything missing/incorrect. The only mistake I found was that a sword that Claude can make was omitted. I'll let you try and see if you can find out which one. You'll find better swords though, so don't worry about it. Completionists will still get it easy enough.

With all the things you can do in Star Ocean 2, I thought this guide would be full of holes. It wasn't. Prima did a job on this guide that far surpasses any work they have done before and since this game's release. I doubt that they or their competitors will ever surpass this kind of thurough research and quality.

A must for this game!.......2001-07-24

I had no idea how big this game was until I got this book. This is a very good guide, easy to understand and follow. Colorful maps and detailed item location. My only problem with this is in a few part (typically the ruins) the maps were a tiny bit hard to follow. A+++

Average customer rating:

Keeps you focused on long term success.

Great Insight but Reads Like an Infomercial for Harvard Business School

Excellent guide to those starting out or early in their careers

Valuable insights

must read if you are serious about your career

The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers: The Guide for Achieving Success and Satisfaction (Crown Business Briefings)
James M. Citrin , and Richard Smith
Manufacturer: Crown Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Right From The Start: Taking Charge In A New Leadership Role

ASIN: 1400047943
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Book Description

What is different about the careers of people like Lou Gerstner, the acclaimed, recently retired chairman and CEO of IBM? Or Senator Elizabeth Dole, Yahoo! COO Dan Rosensweig, and Tom Freston, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks?

Why did they ascend to the top and prosper—why did they have extraordinary careers—while others equally talented never reached their potential or aspirations?

Jim Citrin and Rick Smith of Spencer Stuart, the world’s most influential executive search firm, set out to explore this question. The result—based on in-depth, original research—is sure to be the most important and useful book for anyone seeking to crack the code of how to build a rewarding, personally satisfying career.

Like weather systems and financial markets, careers contain patterns. What Citrin and Smith found from their research and extensive experience is that people with extraordinary careers are guided by five straightforward patterns that can be harnessed and used by everyone. These individuals:

• Understand the value of you by translating their knowledge and experience into action, building their personal value over each phase of their career
• Practice benevolent leadership by not clawing their way to the top but by being carried there
• Solve the permission paradox, the dilemma of not being able to get a job without experience and not getting the experience without the job
• Differentiate using the 20/80 principle of performance by storming past their defined jobs to create breakthrough ideas and deliver unexpected impact
• Do not micromanage their careers, but macromanage them by gravitating toward the things they are best at and have a passion for, and working with people they like and respect

No one manages your career for you. But with Citrin and Smith as your guide, you’ll be able to understand—and act on—the root causes of success. And what better source for strategic career advice than Spencer Stuart, the firm that over the past ten years has conducted more than 60 percent of the searches for Fortune 1000 CEOs?

Customer Reviews:

Keeps you focused on long term success........2007-09-08

It can be easy to feel insecure about your performance in a highly competitive environment. Failure to receive immediate and visible affirmations of success, such as bonuses, promotions and awards, may lead to the belief that you have not succeeded.

This book helps to keep you focused on things that lead to long term success. The idea of "detached impact" suggests that creating real value for yourself and your organization will always lead to reward, but not always immediately.

Great Insight but Reads Like an Infomercial for Harvard Business School.......2007-01-05

This book offers great insight into behaviors that create an extraordinary career. However, it would have been nice if Mssrs. Citrin and Smith had come down from the ivory tower long enough to do more research in fields other than business.

All of the examples in the book are taken from the business world but, contrary to reviewer Chuang's opinion below, I believe these principles work equally well in technical and artistic fields. Most of the examples are Harvard Business School alums who started in consulting (Bain, McKinsey) or investment banking and then moved over to the client side.

There are far more examples that could and should have been explored other than the execs the author's firm handles.

Excellent guide to those starting out or early in their careers.......2006-11-17

To be clear, 5 Patterns is not a job hunting guide, nor will it help you figure out what career is right for you. What the book does offer are approaches/ways of thinking about your career that are valuable for those early in their careers.

This book is aimed at those in the business world, as all of its examples and much of its guidance focus on success stories in business (like Lou Gerstner of American Express/IBM fame). The themes are general enough to be applicable in other fields, but I don't think the book would have the same impact for someone pursuing other types of careers, such as the arts, teaching, or research.

The book explains the value of choices early in your career - the importance of going "blue-chip" with highly recognized and respected companies in early jobs, the value and costs associated with advanced degrees such as an MBA, focusing on culture fit and passion for the work in a job rather than just looking at the short-term compensation issues, and how to stand out and guide your career as a leader.

For those in mid-career, it's helpful to review it now and then as a reminder to keep thinking about what things to be doing to be happy and successful, and what kinds of oppportunities should be next.

Valuable insights.......2006-03-30

If you are looking for step-by-step handholding, this book will not provide that. Rather, "5 Patterns" identifies 5 patterns, as you might gather from the title, that are common to successful leaders. I prefer that approach to the all-too-common connect-the-dots approach of the typical management/leadership book that attempts to shoehorn you into the "one true formula" for success. "5 Patterns" provides a good balance between personal histories of successful leaders and the lessons that one can learn from those histories.

While the book sets forth suggestions based on the 5 patterns that may help you in your career, it is ultimately up to you to decide what lessons you wish to draw from this book. Particularly if you are feeling stalled in or dissatisfied with your career, you should at least get this book from your library; you will likely be impressed enough to add it to your personal collection.

must read if you are serious about your career.......2005-04-21

I wish I had read it five years ago - I found this book more powerful than any course I have taken in career management at business school 5 years ago. Hard to belive it took so long for me to figure out the tricks, but at least it is not too late yet. I read in average 1-2 books on business/management every month, and this one is definitely on my top 5 favorite list

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