Book Description
New York Times bestselling novelist Jeffrey Archer further describes his harrowing stay in prison On August 9, 2001, twenty-two days after Archer-now known as Prisoner FF8282-was sentenced to four years in prison for per-jury, he was transferred from a maximum security prison in London to HMP Wayland, a medium security prison in Norfolk. For the next sixty-seven days, as he waited to be reclassified for an 'open,' mini-mum security prison, he encountered not only the daily degrada-tions of a dangerously overstretched prison system but also the spirit and courage of his fellow inmates.
Customer Reviews:
An Insight Into What Life is Like Behind Bars for the Rich and Selfish.......2006-08-30
I read this trilogy out of order and Purgatory was the last one I read. The first I read was the finale Heaven which is where this edition leads up to. I must admit I have formed a totally different opinion of Archer than I had after reading Heaven. I actually felt sorry for him after Heaven but after reading the initial and more to the point this Volume II edition my opinion has drastically changed That empathy disappeared after the first diary series Hell, and has transformed into disgust with Purgatory as this edition highlights what a selfish and uncaring about his fellow man type of individual Lord Archer really is.
His pathetic refusal to drink tap water (where does he think bottled water comes from anyway) and eat the every day food that every other prisoner does continues on from the first novel. He disgustingly avoids doing this in his new prison by purchasing with his money from the outside world additional water, chocolate and other food as well as phone cards, additional pillows, blankets, towels and other luxuries from the prison black market. He never once mentions remorse for these actions even though obviously his supplier Dale isn't going to the local Tesco Supermarket and purchasing these items. Obviously other prisoners are either swapping these items for drugs or being severely beaten and threatened for them and having to do without just so Archer can be more comfortable and not have to lower himself to do things like drink tap water. Even though he always has visitors he has no problem with purchasing phone cards the same way even though the victims' phone cards he is using may have no other way to communicate with their loved ones. When he is caught by the prison officials he tries to evoke the feeling of pity for him from his readers for these repulsive actions, it is just disgraceful!
If he'd at least acknowledged the detrimental outcomes for others as a result of his selfish behaviour I would have at least given him some credence but he never mentions this once in his diaries. He is however quick to criticise any prison official who doesn't provide him with special treatment such as the guard who told him he could be put on report for going into the enhanced wing that every other prisoner has to wait three months or so on good behaviour to visit, let alone live there which he shortly there after is granted. I find it hard to fathom how he constantly complains about the papers saying he is given special treatment when that is exactly what happens and he uses the media as an excuse for everything such as demanding his own cell, as his cell mates will talk to the papers if he has to share. He never once criticises himself or his actions for being in prison, always maintaining he is a victim and his sentence will be overruled in the near future which history has proven never happened.
Other unique aspects of this edition to the others are that Archer befriends a Columbian prisoner to get the prisoner's brother smuggle out an emerald from his homeland and sell it to Archer so he can save ten to twenty thousand pounds. He also wanted a painting from a Columbian artist at a much cheaper price as his prison buddy's relatives knew the Columbian family selling it and could convince them (which obviously would have involved threatening them) but thankfully this turned out to be all talk. Either Archer is extremely naive and stupid from living such a privileged and sheltered life, or an extremely selfish individual prepared to live of the misery of others to further himself and live more comfortably. Obviously Britain doesn't have the law that criminals can't profit from their crimes that Australia and other countries do. Although this does result in an interesting look for readers into prison life for the wealthy. It is just a shame Archer is allowed to make money from these books. Surely he could donate proceeds to a childrens' hospital or victims of crime groups or something but I guess as he proved by actions in this book, he has no conscience.
Easy Read, Insightful.......2005-09-18
I have to disagree with some of the other reviews. I find this book very easy to read, not boring at all. I could not put it down.
I'm no big fan of Jeffrey Archer, but this Second Book does go into more of the dark side of British Jails and Prisons. The drugs, the violence.... the way the inmates stick together, swapping Mar's bars for Phone Cards.. Very good.
it makes me feel better.......2005-03-12
archer has written a book that gives us a clear insite into the workings of a c-cat prison its easy reading with interesting characters full of dark humour a bit showy when he states that he can do 2000 miles or kms on a rowing machine(they are really hard and tiring) in 10 minutes though read them from the start as you won't have experiences hell and you know that would be cheating
Dear Diary: Today I used the rowing machine.......2005-02-13
Prison is boring, unpleasant. This book is boring, but not unpleasant. That is the lesson learned from reading this book. Archer spends so much of his time objecting to and fighting his conviction to really analyze prison life other than to make a few facile observations on the unintended consequences of some laws and prison practices.
Archer has a few admiring reviews. From the Independent on Sunday: "The finest thing that he's ever written." From The Washington Post: "A tale that is not only important but true." These read more like sarcasm than praise. Just read them again, and scratch your head.
Archer has written some readable fiction. I've read and enjoyed many of his novels and short stories. He can write well enough. Regardless of your perspective on whether or not he should be in jail, or deserved to be convicted, my conclusion is that Archer should stick to fiction.
Best Prison Diary Ever .......2004-07-24
While passing through the airport in London two years ago I had a six hour layover and decided to look around the bookstore where I found a book called "Prisoner FF8282" by some author named Jeffrey Archer.
Since I speak english (American) and am not English I did not know who this Sir Archer is or was. I, however, purchased the book, and, proceeded up to the BA business lounge where I proceeded to begin, reading this book. I, did, finish, the first book "Prisoner FF8282" before I arrived on my nonstop, flight to New York. Sir Archer is a great, author, who, knows, how, to write, a, diary, of, the, workings, and, goings, on, inside, prison. I took pause, upon, arriving home to, re-read, the book and enjoyed it, even, more, the, second, time.
Now, out comes the second Prison Diary from Archer. Again,,, I loved the second installment. In it he details his stay at the second prison called Wayland that sounds pleasant but is far from it. Several House of Lords Sirs visited Sir Archer and were shocked to find that the food was bad, the bedding dirty, and two inmates have to share each cell.
Mr. Archer ended up involved in several fights where he had to defend himself from advances from other inmates. In one horrible incident Mr. Archer had to use a snooker ball (pool ball for we American's)) in a white sock to keep a mentally retarded (his wording, not mine) inmate from entering his cell and having his way. Keep in mind that Mr. Archer is 73 years old and had every right to protect his and what is his.
Jeffrey Archer is to be applauded for his writing skills and dedication to sit each day and document the cummings and goings inside the three prisons.
Each book in the series has received five plus stars from the New York Prison Diary Book Reading Club that I volunteer for.
Should you ever find yourself convicted and on the way to prison the ten books in this series are must read to know the in's and out's of prison routine and unroutine and how to get through your sentance without being violated or made to do things that you generally wouldn't do, even if paid.
I highly recommend this book to all Amazon customers that read books. This book and the other nine in the series are gripping.
I would recommend that you purchase each of the ten in the series... all are well worth reading.
Book Description
The story of up-and-coming NASCAR racing phenomenon Ryan Newman is told, from his racing start at the age of four-and-a-half to this debut with Penske Raching in 2000 and beyond.
Customer Reviews:
Great Great Great !!.......2004-11-03
This is a really good book, I`m a Ryan Newman fan since his beginning in the Nascar Cup debut, i thought i knew a lot about him, but this book proove me wrong...NOW i Know everything about him!!! If you a Ryan fan, don`t miss this one !!!
Book Description
CELLULOID MIRRORS is an exciting new survey of major developments in American filmmaking since 1945. Coverage includes changes in film content, alterations in the business structure of Hollywood, shifts in theater design, the impact of television, and Hollywood's enduring mystique. This supplement is appropriate for a variety of courses, including American History Survey courses, Modern America History courses, American Cultural History, Film History, and Popular Culture.
Customer Reviews:
Informative but oddly confusing too--.......2002-04-12
"Celluloid Mirrors: Hollywood and American Society since 1945," is a small, dense, compact book designed to give a concise history of the relationship between Hollywood and American culture since 1945. The book does is premised on a statement in the Preface: "During the decades since World War II, the entertainment industry has reflected shifting American values and business practices." While not arguing for this proposition in the formal sense, this guiding assertion is an accurate reflection of the tone and tenor of this book.
Davis's intent is to sketch a broad series of trends that have affected Hollywood and its relationship to American culture. Most of these are fairly well known-the union strikes of 1945-46, the blacklisting of writers during the time of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Some of these are less well known-the rise of conglomeration in the industry, the advent of Norman Lear's rise in the television community of the early 1970's. All of these trends though, are described in detail and with enough contextual information to anchor film and television trends to issues of larger American culture. This is not to say that major issues are not skipped, such as the Cold War itself or the changing (?) roles of women on television.
More so than the particular cultural trends, though, is Davis's need to provide names and brief descriptions of movies and television shows that he believes had the most impact and relevancy to his discussion. Thus, his book reads more like a catalog of different movies, and when they were made. In this way Celluloid Mirrors functions well as an introductory text for those who wish to engage movies and American culture at a basic level.
On the other hand, the book suffers from two main problems. First, the author often outlines a chapter under different subject headings, including some that do not always flow together with other subjects in the same chapter, and at the end of each chapter, a conclusion is offered that rarely attempts to reprise the material at hand or link it to upcoming material. Because of this, the book is difficult to follow a get a sense of overall, even though it is easy to understand from page to page. Secondly, the author has a distinct tendency to project a narrative of moral decline on American society, a narrative that with exceptions (especially in the 80's) paints a steadily decaying picture of American society. At the same time, Davis sometimes claims that this represents a form of maturity for movies and television, most notably in the discussion of Norman Lear's situation comedies. However he is not consistent with his descriptions, and the odd nature of the chapters' internal economy of meaning makes it unable to be describes as hermeneutic tension, outright contradiction, or simply poor editing.
Davis's book is not bad, but it needs to be read through more than once (for clarity's sake) , and needs some better organization before it can be classified as truly helpful.
Christopher W. Chase, PhD Fellow , Michigan St. Univ.
History and the Cinema.......1999-12-01
"Celluloid Mirrors" is a great book for those who might be studying the history of the cinema or the motion-picture industry. The author, Ronald L. Davis, did a great job of summarizing the life of the motion-picture industry. His extensive research shows the enormous role that Hollywood has and does play in the reflecting and shaping of our society. "Celluloid Mirrors" is a very informative book that should be read by everyone who considers themself an avid movie buff or film historian.
Glenn Vaught
Average customer rating:
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Charles Villiers Stanford: Man and Musician
Jeremy Dibble
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0198163835 |
Book Description
Charles Villiers Stanford is invariably remembered as the teacher of many of Britain's first generation of twentieth-century composers, and as the author of many much-loved works for the Anglican liturgy. He was, however, a composers fo great diversity and vision. A symphonist, songwriter, and composer of the Requiem, the Stabat Mater, the memorable, Songs of the Sea, Songs of the Fleet, and the haunting setting of Mary Coleridge's 'The Blue Bird', he aspired most of all to be a successful operatic composer though in this province of composition his fortunes were plagued by disappointment and neglect. More cosmopolitan in outlook than his contemporary, Parry, he was driven by ambition and a sense of mission to advance the cause of British music not only as a composer but as a university professor, practical musician, and public proselyte. Pre-eminent in the 1880s and 90s, he was eclipsed by Elgar during the Edwardian years. Resentment, fuelled by the hurt of Elgar's inaugural Birmingham lecture, served to accentuate an innate irascibility and truculence which blighted his friendships and professional life. Nevertheless, Stanford must be recognised as one of the most natural musical talents Britain has ever produced, which is evident in the extraordinary breadth of his creative output, which, on closer acquaintance, reveals a fecund originality shaped by classical equipoise and fertile melodic gift.
Customer Reviews:
Step by Step my high school prep!.......2007-01-02
When I was in Elementary School studying chess from grades 3-6) I learned from "Chess For Juniors" as my text book (probably the best and most easy book to learn from for a 9 to 13 year old). However, for a higher reading level I found this book to be an equal if not a better book for an 8th or 9th grader (not to put "Chess for Juniors" down (it is certainly better for your average elementeary, and early middle school reader and has everything needed for the non-high school player), but "Learn Chess" is like what I like, A college text book, like my older brothers in college use. Simple suggesting, NO BETTER BOOK FOR AGE 16+ reading level is this one, LEARN CHESS, under that "Chess for Juniors". Get Started in Chess these books are the best!!!!
A first rate book to learn all the basics!.......2006-09-16
"Learn Chess" is a great place to start if you are either someone who doesn't know the difference between a Horse and a Knight or what the "en passant rule" is. It is also good if you know a little about chess but what formal instruction. This is not a small kiddie book! It is written as if it was like a book to be used in a high school chess class (about the right level).
"Learn Chess" is very clear and goes way beyond the starting rules by covering strategy that will take you to an intermedate player! You get a lot of material that is well organized. If you are looking for a book for an elementary school kid you might consider a lower reading level and more simple presentatiion with "chess, a complete guide for the beginner" that is written for the young reader. Once you finish "Learn Chess" you will be ready for books on tactics, traps, openings, endgames and complete game collections!
Efficient and tremendously clear.......2003-09-25
A classic: the best A-to-Z course in chess I've ever seen; ideal for teaching smart kids to play. It's very, very efficient, which means that it can cover everything from the basics to more complicated material in just 170 pages. The elegance of the presentation makes its points easy to hold in your head when you're playing.
The real glory of this book is the middle sections: the chapters on double attack, forks, pins and skewers, and the like are great. It's easy to explain the basics of chess and some of the advanced student subjects like openings; but the middle game subjects can be hard to explain logically (rather than through endless examples). This book does a great job of that.
The same text used to come in two very attractively bound slim volumes.
All the basics in one book.......2003-03-01
This is a very good book on the basics of chess. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to learn to play chess, or who already knows but would like to improve.
This book was originally published in 2 volumes. Now they have been combined into one. Volume explains the rules, and the most basic info about the opening, ending, and how one wins a chess game.
Volume 2 covers the most useful ways to win material (pins, skewers, forks). There follows a chapter on mating attacks. Then there is more info about openings and endings. The last couple of chapters give some general advice and points the reader to other sources of chess information.
Each chapter has exercises. Some of them are simple, others challenging. Don't be discouraged if you can't work them all. My advice is to do every exercise. Write down your answers before looking at the solution. If possible, work the exercises without using a set and board in order to develop the ability to look ahead. I enjoyed working the exercises. They illustrate the lessons, and some of them challenge you to think a little deeper.
The Alburt and Pelts books are also very good. Learn Chess could be used before, after, or along with the A&P books to get a couple of views of the same information.
Excelente libro introductorio.......1999-08-30
Es un grandioso libro que explica muy bien, y de forma muy sencilla, los principales topicos del juego de ajedrez. Es un libro excelente para principiantes.
Average customer rating:
- Great annotations, high energy
- Disappointing
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H.O.T. Chess
Paul Motwani
Manufacturer: Intl Chess Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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C.O.O.L. Chess
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S.T.A.R. Chess (Gambit Chess)
ASIN: 1879479435 |
Book Description
Highly Original Thinking is GM's Motwani's description of the acronym-based approach he advocates for chess thinking.
Those who play
H.O.T. chess will build up an armory of mnemonics to help them concentrate all of their powers on key chessboard issues in a systematic way, even in the full heat of battle. After GM Motwani explains how you can adopt this methodical approach to their game, you will automatically give due thought to King safety, pawn structure, etc., and so come to a clear, objective assessment of positions. His ideas even extend to situations beyond the board, and allow you to maximize your strengths in relation to your opponent's. This book includes dozens of Motwani's deeply annotated games, with GM Motwani describing his thought process during the game, and how he uses his unique approach to chess thinking.
Customer Reviews:
Great annotations, high energy.......2002-02-23
Yes, Motwani is quirky, but he keeps you awake and alert. All of his books are wonderful; they are challenging, witty and instructive. His style (using many little stories, bizarre word games, weird astrological-type descriptions) rub some chess hardcores the wrong way (see Silman reviews and also the review of Chess under the Microscope by Taylor Kingston at chesscafe.com). But, for me, again, his style keeps me AWAKE. I can't count the number of nights I have fallen asleep with a book by Reuben Fine or John Nunn on my lap in front of me. So, I seek quirkiness in chess books, because the originality is so stimulating. This is one reason why My System by Nimzo. is such a classic. Plus, I liked The Syste, by Berliner for similar reasons. Finally, Motwani's annotations are very in depth and even his critics argue that there is a lot of good pure chess annotations in his work. I highly recommend all of his books.
Disappointing.......2000-03-21
I have to say that this book promises much more than it offers. The Highly Original Thinking turns out to be a set of thinking rules which usefulness for chess is not clear. Also, the book is rater asystematic, but some people may find this entertaining.
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H. O. T. Chess
Paul Mowtani
Manufacturer: Owl Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0805050477 |
Book Description
Now in its Sixth Edition, this OB reader continues to both instruct and entertain the current generation of students and professionals about workplace realities.
Going beyond the usual technical/rational analysis of books on organizational behavior, each chapter is a fictionalized account of actual workplace happenings, and involves a continuing cast of characters whom readers come to know. Each account makes a point of its own, or illustrates theoretical material covered in the introductions to parts and sections.
For instance, why would a plant manager call a continuing series of 6:30am meetings about coordination of efforts, and then cancel them after a short while? (He effectively used negative reinforcement to reward the coordination that resulted from imposing the inconvenient meetings – aside from whatever the participants may have discussed.)
The "realness" of this text continues to draw a kind of fan mail from both students and others. As one Vice President of Sales for a nationally known corporation put it: "After 18 years in business life I only wish I had read it much earlier. Your book should be required reading for anyone embarking into any kind of organizational life . . ."
Customer Reviews:
The most inane drivel that I have ever read........2007-08-12
This book is truly the most inane drivel that I have ever read. I am being forced to read it for a class. Unless you must read it at the point of a bayonnet, pass on the opportunity. The authors offer politically-correct socialization, under the guise of an exploration of modern day corporate culture. What else is new? But, this is offered via some of the most poorly-written vignettes that I have ever read. One can only guess that somebody watched a 1960s Doris Day movie, and decided to describe modern corporate culture based on that single viewing. Essentially, the book stereotypes white male "corporate" archetypes as a way of explaining them, and highlighting their many failings, while painting women and minorities as helpless victims. Mercifully, it is writtten in short vignettes, so you can read one, throw up, and read another. Truly awful!
good practical reference.......2007-02-11
This is a great reference for anyone who is first starting out in business or for the seasoned employee or manager who wants to know why crazy, stupid things happen at work. This is an owner's manual for your job, especially if you work for a big company. The book is laid out in a series of small stories or tales. Each tale goes on to describe an event in the life of a fictitious employee and company. The tales will ring true to anyone who has spent time in the trenches. The book then goes on to explain these events from an organizational behaviorists point of view. You will be saying..."ah hah" alot.
speedy delivery - new condition.......2005-09-25
Thank you for a speedy delivery and the nice new condition of the text.
Excellent view of corporate culture.......2001-11-17
Ritti writes an excellent view of corporate culture explaining the "why" decisions are made and "why" people act as they do in corporate America. It really helps to put the discipline of change management into perspective. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in organizational behavior (American companies only). My only criticism is that there is no short and simple explanation for each of the behaviors. The reader is forced to read the entire chapter and all of the short stories in order to get an idea as to what behavior is being described.
Excellent view of coporate culture.......2001-11-17
Ritti writes an excellent view of corporate culture explaining the "why" decisions are made and "why" people act as they do in corporate America. It really helps to put the discipline of change management into perspective. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in organizational behavior (American companies only). My only criticism is that there is no short and simple explanation for each of the behaviors. The reader is forced to read the entire chapter and all of the short stories in order to get an idea as to what behavior is being described.
Average customer rating:
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Website to Accompany the Ropes to Skip and the Rop Es to Know: Studies in Organizational Behavior 6e
Ritti
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: 0471460168 |
Books:
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- Richard & Philip: The Burtons : A Book of Memories
- Rothschild: A Story of Wealth and Power
- Sara and Eleanor: The Story of Sara Delano Roosevelt and Her Daughter-in-Law, Eleanor Roosevelt
- SAVING BODY & SOUL: THE MISSION OF MARY JO COPELAND, CD INCLUDED
- Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis
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Heaven: A Prison Diary Volume 3 (A Prison Diary)
A Prison Diary
A Prison Diary
False Impression
To Cut a Long Story Short
