Book Description
The greatest adventure epic since Beowulf continues in this perennial full-color series. Each volume in the series presents close to a year's worth of strips per volume in an oversized format showcasing the strip's spectacular color pages. In Vol. 48 (1978-1979), Valiant's twin daughters Karen and Valeta are no longer impossible to tell apart. Suddenly the wilder of the two, Karen, decides that she wants to be a warrior. She trims her golden locks and dons armor, eager to prove her mettleand when a massive fleet of pirates turns up on the horizon, she may have her chance!
At this point in Prince Valiant's run, Hal Foster's assistant, John Cullen Murphy, who had been quietly assisting Foster for several years, was well into his first decade of drawing the strip over Foster's writing and roughs. Continuing Foster's tradition of meticulous artwork, Murphy was developing his own fan following. 48 pages full-color.
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Seeing the Big Picture: Exploring American Cultures on Film
Ellen Summerfield , and
Sandra Lee
Manufacturer: Intercultural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1877864846 |
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Alan McGee and the Story of Creation Records
Paolo Hewitt
Manufacturer: Mainstream Publishing Company,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1840183500 |
Customer Reviews:
the Creation of Creation.......2007-09-02
Excellent book on the rise and fall of Creation Records and their founder Alan McGee. Creation was one of those labels where one would wait for every release. They provided us with My Bloody Valentine and Oasis as well as Primal Scream and many others. As with Factory Records it was the case of an incredibly inspired individual who created a label that would define its time and eventually go bancrupt. While to some degree the records that came from Creation are probably less important historically(Factory had Joy Division!), they may have had a more important stylistic and artistic impact (Screamadelica by Primal Scream, Loveless by My Blood Valentine). However this great book, written by former NME writer Paolo Hewitt is better than his other efforts writing about the Jam or Oasis.
Average customer rating:
- Great book considering the opening
- This is important
- New Developments in Latvian Gambit
- New Developments in Latvian Gambit
- New Developments in Latvian Gambit
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New Developments in Latvian Gambit
Kon Grivainis , and
John Elburg
Manufacturer: Chess Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 094547069X |
Customer Reviews:
Great book considering the opening.......2005-05-05
Its a 'developments' book, so it is brief, but it covers a complete repertiore with the latvian. Lots of original analysis and even though under the microscope its bad, its surprise value is priceless.
This is important.......2002-07-20
First,I don't have this book.
I have 'The latvian Gambit a grandmaster view' by Anatoly lein and sid pickard.The publisher is Hays Publishing.
For all young players,don't play this opening.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5?!
It is very risky.
I am not against whether you want to but the book or not,but the opening is not good.
New Developments in Latvian Gambit.......2001-11-10
A book that enjoyed me very much for the first time
on my chess club I could surprise chess experts with this
strange looking 2.Nf3 f5 move.
The most chess books don't cover this line and I would like to say a small master piece filled with
exciting chess moves!
Normal seen you would suspect that 2...f5 is a mistake and many players like to refute
this direct and here lays the power of this small but very well thought made chess book!
New Developments in Latvian Gambit.......2001-11-09
A book that enjoyed me very much for the first time
on my chess club I could surprise chess experts with this
strange looking 2.Nf3 f5 move.
The most chess books don't cover this line and I would like to say a small master piece filled with
exciting chess moves!
Normal seen you would suspect that 2...f5 is a mistake and many players like to refute
this direct and here lays the power of this small and well thought made chess book!
New Developments in Latvian Gambit.......2001-11-09
A book that enjoyed me very much,for the first time
on mu chessclub I could surprice chess experts with this
strange looking 2.Nf3 f5 move.
The most chess books don't cover this line and I would like to say a small master piece!
Average customer rating:
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Latvian Gambit
Chess Digest
Manufacturer: Chess Digest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R3SGH4 |
Book Description
-Written for club and tournament players
Counters disparaging claims about this controversial opening.
Written by an extremely popular author, The Lativian Gambit Lives! shows that Black has numerous important resources that prove the validity of the gambit. Tony Kosten's previous book on the opening, The Latvian Gambit, sold well due to the subject's popularity among club players.
Customer Reviews:
A detailed labour of love about a very risky opening.......2007-02-09
Viktor Pupols, legendary Seattle chess Master, is a Latvian specialist, mostly in correspondence chess, but he also used it OTB including to beat a young Bobby Fischer. After meeting Pupols at a tournament and then reading the short book "Viktor Pupols: American Master" I decided to learn the Latvian in emulation of this great character. If you are so motivated, then the "Latvian Gambit Lives!" is a great book. It is one of the clearest yet highly detailed opening books I've seen. Kosten loves this opening and is a good writer.
The problem is: he can't really change the nature of the opening. I ultimately decided playing the Latvian is the equivalent of pulling the goalie in hockey...only in the 1st period with the game still tied. Yes, you may be able to get an attack going, but you're made it very easy for White to launch his own attack. Some other wild gambits (the Danish comes to mind) at least pose the opponent problems hard to solve OTB, but even unprepared White players are likely to find good lines against the Latvian.
Is it possible to write a good book about a bad opening? Kosten proves it is, but you can't be surprised if few people read it. Now if we could just convince Kosten to write a book on the Danish!
Well, maybe a better term would be "undead".......2005-02-26
This is a fine chess book on how to play the Latvian Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5), for either side.
In my opinion, the Latvian Gambit is not sound. I think of all Black defences to 1 e4, it may be the one that maximizes White's play.
Still, you have a Right to play it! Don't let anyone deprive you of that right! Especially if you have Black against me!
The Latvian does get its share of points, albeit with rather few draws. It can be played in tournament games, five-minute games, and even correspondence games. You can play it against strong, average, or weak opponents. Contrary to popular belief, it does not take much effort to play it for Black. The ideas for Black are straightforward. If White wastes time, Black will get plenty of play. And if Black gets the chance, she'll probably castle quickly, open the f-file, and blast away at f2.
If, Caissa forbid, you want to play the Latvian for Black as though it were a sound defence, that means vowing to try to play the objectively strongest move at every opportunity after move 2 (if you did that at move two, you would have played 2...Nc6). And that's where this excellent book comes in handy. The main lines are easy to learn, and this book teaches them well.
The main line for White is 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5 3 Nxe5 Qf6 4 d4 d6 5 Nc4 fxe4 6 Nc3 Qg6. Here, White has many tries, and if you simply must play this for Black, I recommend looking at the following lines in the book:
7 f3 exf3 8 Qxf3 Nf6 9 Bd3 Qg4
7 Bf4 Nf6 8 Qd2 Be7 9 0-0-0 0-0 (a popular choice for White, but I prefer Black here)
7 Ne3 Nf6 8 Be2 c6 9 0-0 Be7
7 Be3 Nf6 8 h3 Be7 9 Qd2 0-0 10 0-0-0 c6
7 Nd5 Qf7 8 Nde3 Nf6 9 Be2 Be7
7 Qe2 Nf6 8 f3 Nc6 9 Be3 Be7
7 d5 Nf6 8 Be3 Be7 9 Qd4 0-0 10 Nd2 c5
7 g3 Nf6 8 Bg2 Bg4 9 Qd2 Nc6
7 h3 Nf6 8 g4 Be7 9 g5 Nfd7
7 h4 Nf6 8 h5 Qf7 9 Bg5 d5
There are two dangerous White alternatives on move six:
6 Ne3 c6 7 Bc4 d5 8 Bb3 Be6 9 c4 Qf7 10 Qe2 Nf6 11 0-0 Bd6
6 Be2 Nc6 7 d5 Ne5 8 0-0 Nxc4 9 Bxc4 Qg6 10 Bb5+ Kd8 (a very good line for White)
Right now, the deadliest line for White is:
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5 3 Nxe5 Qf6 4 Nc4 fxe4 5 Nc3 Qf7 6 Ne3 c6 7 d3 exd3 8 Bxd3 d5 9 0-0
In this line, I think you ought to look at 9...Bc5. But be sure you have an idea how to survive after 10 Nexd5 cxd5 11 Nxd5 Be6. If White plays 10 Na4 Bd6 11 c4 Ne7 12 Nc3 there is a new try for Black that Kosten does not mention, namely 12...0-0 13 cxd5 cxd5 14 Nexd5 Nxd5 15 Nxd5 Nc6 16 Nc3 Be5. The idea is to accept this position down a full pawn and try to draw it. It's Black's best chance.
Some people may try 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5 3 Bc4 fxe4 4 Nxe5. That's a mistake. They obviously haven't read this book! You'll play 4...d5 5 Qh5+ g6 6 Nxg6 hxg6. At this point, White will probably think she's winning. But after 7 Qxh8 Kf7 8 Qd4 Be6, White generally stands worse. More likely, White will try something like 7 Qxg6+ Kd7 8 Bxd5 Nf6 9 Nc3 Qe7 10 d3 exd3 11 Be3 c6 12 Bb3 Bh6 13 0-0-0 Bxe3+ 14 fxe3 b6 after which she'll probably get into serious trouble. Or you may see 7 Qxg6+ Kd7 8 Qf7+ Qe7 9 Qxd5+ Ke8 10 Nc3 Nf6 11 Qg5 Be6, which is good for Black.
Of course, White may play 3 exf5, so you may want to look at lines such as:
3...e4 4 Ne5 Qg5 5 d4 Qxf5 6 Bc4 Nc6 7 g4 Qf6 8 Nf7 d5 9 Bxd5 Nxd4 or maybe
3...e4 4 Ne5 Nf6 5 Be2 d6 6 Bh5+ Ke7 7 Nf7 Qe8 as well as
3...e4 4 Nd4 Qf6
You also need to know the wild line 3 d4 fxe4 4 Nxe5 Nf6 5 Bg5 d6 6 Nc3 dxe5 7 dxe5 Qxd1+ 8 Rxd1 h6 9 Bxf6 gxf6 10 Nd5 Kd7 11 Nb6 (double check) Kc6 12 Nxa8 fxe5.
Against 3 Nc3, just play 3...fxe4 4 Nxe5 (4 Nxe4 Nf6) Qf6 5 d4 exd3.
One last line to look at is 3 d3 Nc6 4 Nc3 Nf6 5 exf5 d5 6 d4 exd4 7 Nxd4 Nxd4 8 Qxd4 Bxf5 9 Bg5 Bxc2 10 Rc1 Bg6 11 Bxf6 Qxf6 12 Qe3+ Qe7 13 Qxe7+ Kxe7.
If you play 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 as White, you might want to read this just to make sure you take full advantage of anyone who tries 2...f5.
I recommend this book for those on both sides of this gambit.
Latvian for clubbers.......2005-01-06
The Latvian is a great opening for beginners who still need to work on their tactics. Of course, you will probably lose your first 50 games or so (even after preparation), but after that... In response to another reviewer's comments regarding this gambit versus Fritz, well of course this isn't the opening against a computer. Computers excel at wide open tactical positions. If you really want to win against Fritz, play something like the Stonewall attack or the closed Sicilian. But what do you really learn about chess playing in that style. Most games below the expert level are decided by tactics, not by shrewd positional subtleties. And, that business about it not being playable at the GM level -- just nonsense. You don't see it much OTB because it is not pragmatic from a clock management point of view. However, there are many GM correspondence games in which black does fine. For clubbers like me, this opening has three good things to recommend it: (1) how many white players are really going to know the theory on this?!; (2) most players (you know who you are) think this gambit is completely unsound and try to "prove it" with really aggressive moves that usually lead them down the road of ruin; and (3) you will learn more about tactics, defense, initiative, time, and mating nets than in just about any other gambit. I would have added the following, but the more you play the gambit in your club, the less it will be true: white players will often smugly think you have fallen for the oldest trick in the book (Qh5+ g6, Nxg6) only to be brought roughly down to Earth when you prove that it is they who have fallen into the trap. Even if you lose after that, the satisfaction of watching their smugness turn to astonishment (in your "blindness"), then slowly into uneasiness and finally (and usually rather abruptly) into desperation is well worth the lost point. Schadenfreude to be sure, but also another opportunity to exercise your creativity in searching for the best punishment for your overzealous opponent. Kosten has really done some homework for this (and the first book) and it will pay off for you (eventually anyway, just hang in there and don't worry about your rating for a few months!) even if you ultimately decide another opening is better for your heart....
Does It Really Live?.......2003-12-03
Objectively, the gambit is as unsound as it ever was. I'm convinced that, if the world's two best players, say, Kasparov and Kramnik, played a match wherein Black had to play the Latvian in every game, the only question would be whether or not White would win all the games or allow a draw here and there.
Having said that, is it fair to say that it's so bad, it's unplayable? Well, given a sufficiently weak opponent, almost anything "works." I believe the proper answer to the question of the soundness and playability of the Latvian is: it depends on who is playing. If both players are reasonably well prepared, and White is well below the Grandmaster level, Black should find that he's dug a pretty formidable hole for himself; but if White is the sort of fellow who just wants to play quietly and develop his pieces in peace, Black should be okay; in fact, it's then when he might be able to seize the initiative.
Kosten has definitely improved on his previous book on the Latvian, but unless your definition of a "live" opening is one that you can spring on your friends at the local chess club, and NOT something Kosten can use to successfully surprise players at his level, I am afraid the burden of proof is still on the author. Am I wrong? Well, try playing the Latvian against Fritz or Junior and see how long you last. Or, could you imagine what would have happened to Kasparov had he played the Latvian against Fritz in their recent match? (Fritz and Junior are extremely strong computer programs, by the way).
Risky, knife edge. But unknown........2003-09-16
I have not read this particular book; however, I do own (and do read!) its predecessor, by the same author.
In response to the previous review, I would say that, on the contrary, this defence is well worth playing. I find that the surprise value is well worth the investment: players of e4, Nf3 seldom encounter the Latvian Gambit and realise over the board that its ramifications are dangerous. It is difficult to play 'standard' developing moves against it because Black can easily gain the initiative. The sharpness has its drawbacks though: unlike other openings, the Latvian Gambit is on a knife edge and any innacuracy can be punished quite dramatically - this is true for both Black and White. This is where Black can gain an advantage against someone who is unprepared: "I know it is unsound but if White does not know how to take advantage I will come out better."
This is why I like to play it.
Take a chance! If White does not know the theory, it is certainly playable. If he does, hang on in there - its going to be a bumpy ride.
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The Latvian Gambit: A Grandmaster View
Pickard , and
Lein
Manufacturer: Everyman Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Chess
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ASIN: 1880673975 |
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- Throw White a Curve Ball
- The Latvian Gambit by Kosten
- Great for adventurous players
- A Delightful Surprise
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Latvian Gambit (Openings)
Tony Kosten
Manufacturer: Henry Holt & Co (P)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0805039031 |
Customer Reviews:
Throw White a Curve Ball.......2000-08-24
Published in 1995, this 140 page volume tackles the advantages and disadvantages of 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 f5!? Considered a King's Gambit with colours reversed, White can get in trouble real early if care is not taken. This is not the most solid defence in the world, but it's fun to play and fits my style of 'what they dont know WILL hurt them'. 13 Chapters on the various lines played are given, so it's not lacking in study by any means. I've always enjoyed Tony Kosten's books and this one is no exception. Buyer Beware though: if you're not prepared to venture into uncharted waters then you may find this book a waste of your time. For the rest of us, who occasionally grow tired of facing the Spanish or Guioco Piano, or using the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann, Philidor, Petroff or the Modern defences, it's well worth the effort.
The Latvian Gambit by Kosten.......1999-12-20
Kosten provides much new analysis in this book and goes along way in correcting previous faulty analysis in this opening.Unfortunately some lines have clearly been lifted from data basis without being scrutinised and are wrong.Similarly some suggested lines are wrong as computer checking demonstrates.e.g. 12--kd7 p60 loses.In addition some lines are not given proper weight of analysis.e,g. 4d4 p64 is close to a refutation of Blacks play Nevertheless the book is a must for players of the Latvian.
Great for adventurous players.......1998-06-11
I bought this book out of curiosity about how playable an opening the Latvian Gambit is.The answer is:it's risky but worth trying.The book gives extremely in-depth analysis.The only minus is that some of the evaluations are a bit vague.
A Delightful Surprise.......1998-01-02
The Latvian Gambit is the sort of kooky opening about which minor masters love to write creepy little pamphlets. Well, the author is no minor master (he's a GM, in fact) and this is no creepy little pamphlet, but, rather a carefully prepared monograph on an opening so amusingly bizarre as to put one in positions that are a world apart from ordinary chess.
The book got me interested in playing this opening in casual games, and, believe me, I always have a great time, win, lose or draw (and there aren't many draws). I don't remember why I bought this book originally. I think it might have had something to do with the fact that I couldn't think of anything else to do with my money. What a terrific surprise!
Book Description
Let's face it... in today's world, senior citizens and their families face more complicated financial, legal and personal planning decisions than ever before--and making the wrong decisions can be catastrophic. In this book, Steven J.J. Weisman, renowned estate planning attorney and host of the nationally syndicated radio show "A Touch of Grey," offers you practical, simple guidance on every one of these issues. Written with simplicity and humor, Elder Planning uncovers strategies and loopholes for retirement, health care, long-term care, asset protection, investments, taxes, social security, housing, Medicare/Medicaid, estate planning, substitute decision, and more. This book is easy to read and easy to use, making it the indispensable resource for anyone needing to protect themselves, their parents and their heirs.
Customer Reviews:
Good Overview (But lacking in current information.).......2007-04-28
I own this book and found it to be a good source of information on the general world of elder care planning. It brings together the subjects of Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and housing issues in one place. I was disappointed in that it did not deal with the subject of Medicaid more fully. It should also be noted that this book was published in 2003. This specifically makes the information contained within it on the subject of Medicaid out-of-date and useless to the reader. For an example of an up-to-date book on using Medicaid to pay for care in a nursing home or an assisted living facility please check out The Medicaid Handbook 2007.
Better than Title - Should be "THE Guide..........2006-11-10
With a 17-page index, even an info maniac like myself can find anything and everything in this book.
I can't begin to describe the scope and layout throughout. I'm learning things about elder planning that I didn't even know I needed, not to mention the questions I already had. The author's opinions are woven into the descriptions, along with "Loophole" information on various senior subjects. The author obviously has a birdseye view of many subjects that are skimmed over by columnists that I've read.
The best way to read this book is probably cover to cover, so as not to miss anything.
Not just "Elder" Planning.......2005-09-02
I wish I had read this when I was 20! It provides a bunch of savvy information for any age. It is clearly written, and (surprisingly) an interesting read. I highly recommend it.
Elder Planning Review.......2003-11-13
For each generation it seems that a reference book comes along that becomes the universal guide for the audience it intends to reach. Examples that come to mind are the Farmers Almanac and the Guinness Book of Records. For their intended reader these books are the starting and ending points of the information sought.
Steve Weisman has filled that void for those considering elder planning issues. The book's fund of knowledge takes pains to begin at defining terms and strategies and, only then, provides the advice needed by all. To best illustrate the breadth of topics contained in the treatise, the issues range from asset protection to planning for your pets. The book is of value not only to the elderly but also to extended families facing elder planning issues and provides methods for non-elderly adults to maximize their assets throughout their life. As with any great book aimed at helping the populace, the use of clear, concise language is remarkable. In reviewing the book, I am left with the old refrain, "why didn't I think of that" but I can happily report that Steve Weisman did think of that and his efforts benefit us all.
Aging can be humorous.......2003-11-10
Who would have thought that a topic as seemingly dry and dull as financial and legal planning could be handled in such a humorous fashion while still providing a great deal of helpful information and suggestions for personal planning? This is a book that has important information for everyone, particularly older people, presented in a style that will make you smile.
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- Grand Street 50: Models (Fall 1994)
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- History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- House Of Lies: A Visual and Poetic Archive
- How Artists See Play: Sports Games Toys Imagination (How Artists See)
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