No comments about The Art of Vintage Marvel: 100 Collectible Postcards.

No comments about Antique Trader Furniture Price Guide.

No comments about Early Developments of Modern Aerodynamics.

1 comments about Miller's: Encyclopedia of British Transfer-Printed Pottery Patterns, 1790 - 1930 (Mitchell Beazley Antiques & Collectables).

1. The book is good; not totally comprehensive but good for a collector. I ended up finding it elsewhere. Be careful when ordering... I ordered it in early May and just got word that the ship date has been delayed AGAIN until late August! Go find it elsewhere!

2 comments about Lives Through Literature: A Thematic Anthology (3rd Edition).

1. She put her own poetry in the textbook she edited. She uses the textbook she edited for the class she teaches. Who does that? If you had the oppportunity to attend her class... DON'T.

   Very sincerely,
   A Dissatisfied Customer




2. This thematic anthology of literature is wonderful. The selections revolve around a number of different myths, folktales, fairy tales, and bible stories. The editors have collected short stories, poems, and plays that allude to the myths, etc. They've organized these wonderful selections (for example, the myth of Persephone and Demeter, along with Robert Hayden's "Pomegranate" and Louise Gluck's "The Pomegranate")to allow students to explore uses of myth and folktale in literature. Even for the non-lit types, this collection offers a way in because it begins with familiar childhood stories.
   
   It is unfortunate that a previous reviewer of this textbook has chosen to rate his professor (one of the book's editors) rather than evaluate the book itself. I don't know Professor Helane Levine Keating, but the single poem of her own that she includes, "The Envious Heart," alludes to "Snow White," and is a beautiful piece.

2 comments about Noritake : Jewel of the Orient.

1. This is one of the most complete sources of information on Noritake I've come across, featuring full-color photos (with enlargements of pattern details) of many, many Noritake patterns as well as an up-to-date price list. Potential buyers should be aware that the focus is on patterns made before 1960. There are specific chapters on the Azalea Pattern, scalloped and multisided patterns, backstamps and a detailed bibliography (for those who want to do more research), glossary, an explanation of how to find specific patterns, etc. The historical info, while not lengthy, is clear and sufficient to satisfy all but the most obsessive collector. I learned quite a bit that I didn't know before and found many, many patterns which I'd seen online and at auctions but hadn't been able to locate elsewhere. It was an extra pleasure looking at the photos of actual ads, including those from Morimura Brothers (a company whose success at matching Japanese production with American designs led directly to the birth of Noritake). This book was an absolute delight to read and one I plan to use again and again.



2. This is one of the most complete sources of information on Noritake I've come across, featuring full-color photos (with enlargements of pattern details) of many, many Noritake patterns as well as an up-to-date price list. Potential buyers should be aware that the focus is on patterns made before 1960. There are specific chapters on the Azalea Pattern, scalloped and multisided patterns, backstamps and a detailed bibliography (for those who want to do more research), glossary, an explanation of how to find specific patterns, etc. The historical info, while not lengthy, is clear and sufficient to satisfy all but the most obsessive collector. I learned quite a bit that I didn't know before and found many, many patterns which I'd seen online and at auctions but hadn't been able to locate elsewhere. It was an extra pleasure looking at the photos of actual ads, including those from Morimura Brothers (a company whose success at matching Japanese production with American designs led directly to the birth of Noritake). This book was an absolute delight to read and one I plan to use again and again.

1 comments about Tentacles!: Tales of the Giant Squid (Step into Reading).

1. What is more mysterious than giant creatures that live deep in the sea?
   Tentacles! Tales of the Giant Squid grabs the reader from the start. Author Shirley Raye Redmond writes that no one has ever seen a giant squid alive in its home in the deep! And no giant squid has ever been caught alive!

   Redmond describes the mysteries and ancient myths about these animals in a tone that keeps the reader reading. Can a giant squid really hypnotize a human? After all, its eye is as big as a human head. Do they attack freighters and snatch men off boats? She explains what scientists know today about giant squids, how they've come to know these things, and how scientists are using whales to try to learn more about these mysterious creatures. She presents facts and lets the reader decide what myths are true or false. She also explains the things we can never know until...one is filmed or caught alive! Redmond writes in a direct style that is understandable for young readers yet highly intriguing. This book unlocks old mysteries about giant squids and presents those that are still unsolved.
   The illustrations by Bryn Barnard are beautiful, especially the cover and the two-page spreads of ocean scenes. The illustrations match the mysterious feel of the book. The power of the giant squid clearly comes through. The text and pictures effectively show the characteristics, size, and uniqueness of the giant squid. This appealing book will leave young readers thinking of what they've read and seen long after they've closed the cover.

5 comments about 500 Comic Book Villains.

1. First of all i was looking for a book that describes each super heroe's style, character, super powers in detail, even i expected a scala or a chart showing his/her powers, intelligence, agility, dexterity out of say, 10 or 100 what ever. But none is available, just a brief explanation of how he /she is created, and etc. No description of his/her adventures, friends, the very popular speciality etc.
   
   I bought this book with 2 other books "The superhero book" (visible ink production) and "comic book encyclopedia" (ron goulart) and none of them satisfied me.
   
   However "comic book encyclopedia" (ron goulart)is the only one which provides all superheroes with "pictures" other books doesnt even provide picture for all characters but some mostly known ones.
   
   i dont recommend this product for those who is familiar with the super heroes but to those who knows nothing about comics.



2. I know a bit and a dabble about comic book villains. But not as much as I liked. So I figured 500 villains would be a goodly amount of knowledge. No you're not going to get power charts and really rather silly comparisons as to which pajama clad evildoer has a slightly stronger superstrength or laser vision. This gives you a run down of a HUGE number of villains, some I've never heard of, and probably never will again. Few complaints to be had, except that its rather silly to have a picture of Fin Fang Foom on the back and not have him featured anywhere. It has an index so you can trace out anyone you do know, and has an excellent article on Hitler, or as the book describes it, The Real World Supervillain.



3. Mystified by the multitude of arcane characters who have come out of the DC Universe woodwork during its latest "Crisis," I was pleased to find this book in Cody's, a bay area bookstore. So many villains have become heroes over the years that I have so far been able to identify 32 characters I had never noticed before. Expanded essays have been written about major characters, such as Marvel's Galactus and DC's Sinestro. Highly recommended.



4. I purchased the books for resources and information in a genre I don't much about. The books had all the information I needed and more. And my younger son is reading it also.



5. I was very satisfied with the book, it was just what I was looking for and arrived in great shape and on time.

2 comments about Great American Billboards: 100 Years of History by the Side of the Road.

1. In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the world to his first Model T automobile, and with only 150 miles of paved road in America, the American billboard industry first took hold. Billboard advertising is unlike any other advertising in that the sponsor has only a few split seconds to get his message across. By nature, billboards have historically been about immediacy and impact. One need only look through Fred Basten's chronicle, "Great American Billboards" to see the sudden impact an advertiser's message must convey to be an effective marketing tool. Basten's quest began at a 1995 luncheon where he was introduced to Joe Blackstock, the historian for the famed outdoor advertising company Foster and Kleiser. By gaining access to F&K's vaults. Basten was able to assemble what may be the most comprehensive catalog of billboard photos throughout the 20th Century. From the early days of motorcars and now defunct consumer goods companies, to the years of the war effort of WWII ("Smash the Axis. Pay Your Taxes") liquor, movie ads and cigarettes (including the famous Camel smoking billboard in Times Square) America's billboards reflect the times we live in. Basten chronicles the evolution of outdoor advertising from one-color product shots and clever slogans from the 20's and 30's to the 70's era 'less is more' statements to the 80's and 90's versions of the construction board, where three dimensional installations were used to expand the borders of the traditional board to grab drivers attention. (Shamu, anyone?) Unfortunately, most of the book relies on Basten's access to one company's archives and thus it's examples are more limited than they might otherwise be, but 'Great American Billboards' is nonetheless a look at our consumer society from a unique historical perspective.



2. The first thing that came mind when I looked through this book was why there were so many black and white photos. The first color billboard photo is from 1954 for Budweiser on page 136. The previous pages have some color but they are illusrations. Most of the contents seem to be mono photos which can hardly do justice to this obviously colorful medium. The book evolved from the archives of Foster and Kleiser (now owned by Clear Channel Outdoor) and maybe the company didn't need to take color shots for their files. As the contents relate only to F and K sites the word Great in the tile is rather misleading, this is not a collection of well designed posters by any means.
   
   I thought the most interesting part of the book were the chapters covering the Second World War. Companies and the Government went all out to use billboards as morale boosters. There are several examples of recruiting, buy War Bonds, give blood, share you car with a serviceman or War services come first...that's why you can't always buy Wrigley's.
   
   Missing from the pages is any in depth reference to how these huge posters and paintings are produced. On page 154 there is a fascinating photo of a painter working, in 1962, on a huge female face, I assume in the F and K studio and the author mentions contemporary posters using digital imaging printed on weather-resistant vinyl. Production techniques would have made an interesting two or three pages.
   
   Basten's book invites comparison with one by James Fraser The American Billboard: 100 Years which came out in 1991 but I see it is still available quite cheaply from several internet sellers. This has 166 illustrations (with 150 in color) and nicely the editorial tends to feature more award winning and distinctive posters than Great American Billboards, also the text relates to the poster industry, ad agencies and designers. Of the two books I much prefer Fraser's, it's larger and overall a much more lavish production.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

4 comments about Peak Performers.

1. I can not really articulate the logic and a reassurance this book gave me, with direction, honesty and fierce tactics, Peak Performers paves the road for success. If you are stuck in a job or career that is not right for you than this is the book for you.



2. The book that outlines six aspects of peak performance: 1. A mission that motivates you 2. Real results in real time 3. Self management through self-mastery 4. Be a team builder and member 5. Course Correction and last, 6. Change management. He defines each one well and provides techniques such as visualization which aid in achieving each dimension of being a peak performer. The writing is very straightforward and logical, and avoids the hyperbole and slickness of many other self-improvement books, that are long on rah-rah advice but short on actual how-to steps for each critical dimension.



3. I bought this book along with Dr. Garfield's first book Peak Performance after I read him in the Wall Street Journal. Since I was just starting a sales career at the time, I was eager to learn any trick or techniques that would help me.

   I found it fascinating to learn of the toll booth attendant who was high energy and classified by Garfield as a "Peak Performer." Here was a guy having a ball and preparing for a career and then tells Dr. Garfield that he will share his secrets if Dr. Garfield takes him out to dinner at a place called Ernies, one of the highest of the high class restaurants in the Bay area and $100 a plate (this was in 1985!)

   Dr. Garfield offers many similiar examples of "Peak Performers" in various fields of endeavor; athletes, business people, science and more.

   I highly recommend Peak Performers to anyone who wants to be the best they can be.




4. Every industry has people who climb to the top. These successful professionals fill the top ten percent and reap all the rewards and glory why others just occupy the middle and the bottom. What is it that makes these folks successful where others are not. And beyond that top ten percent, what is it that makes the even more rare performer achieve the top one percent.
   
   Dr. Charles Garfield's research of what makes "the new heroes of American Business" is a book that makes you think about success. We all want success, but it does not happen by accident. Garfield tells us that peak performers are not born, they are made. This is encouraging to all of us who want to accomplish more within our careers.
   
   If you are interested in success....read this book.