2 comments about Buying & Selling Jewelry on eBay (Buying & Selling on Ebay).

1. This book can be interesting even if you have utterly no intention of buying or selling jewelry on eBay. Who would have thought when eBay started up, selling trinkets, that jewelry would rapidly form a multimillion dollar niche? Not a small niche at all.
   
   Gordon goes into the practical details for both buyers and sellers. The book's paramount theme seems to be how to avoid getting ripped off. Unsurprising, considering the high valued nature of the items. For professional sellers, detecting fake buyers is vital to staying solvent. Whereas real buyers tend not to do this as a profession. So while a buyer might suffer a loss due to a fake seller, it's not like being put out of business.
   
   But, if you follow her guidelines and use some common sense, you should have good chances of a successful transaction.



2. In many instances, Gordon seems to be protective of sellers although the first word in the title is "Buyers." As a buyer, I am frustrated with her biased advice, e.g., leave positive feedback for the seller so that they will do the same for you. A buyer completes his/her responsibilities first, that is, to pay. Once done, the logical step would be for the seller to rate that buyer. Then when the piece of jewelry is received--if it is received--the buyer should rate the seller on whether the piece was sold and shipped with integrity.

5 comments about Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book-Hunter in the 21st Century.

1. Reading Basbanes is like engaging in a long, relaxed conversation over coffee in your living room with a very knowledgeable friend. In this third volume of his slightly rambling but always fascinating and well-informed discussions of books, book collectors, booksellers and dealers, and all the periperal subjects they engender, he combines advice on bibliophily in the age of the Internet with reminiscence on how collecting used to be done, and what the old and the new still have in common. As a small-time collector of limited resources myself, I enjoy reading abut the fabulous collections built up by those who not only have money to spend but also the intelligence and passion to add value to what they hunt down and acquire by adding to the accretion of knowledge. In fact, as Basbanes makes clear, becoming personally involved with books and other "stuff" is what separates collectors from mere accumulators. In fact, I find I have also become a collector of Nick Basbanes. . . .



2. In rapturous, elegant prose, the author envelops the reader in his consuming passion for books and the people who love to collect them; as the hours flew by while I curled up with Basbanes, I assuaged my guilt at forsaking mundane tasks with the right-on lines that end the book's first chapter: "... a sentiment that I confess I savor on a daily basis: Books are not Life, But then what is?"



3. In "Among the Gently Mad," Basbanes declares, "the more you read or read about reading, the more you will uncover about other books." And, the more, it seems, you will get to know an ever-expanding circle of people who collect and/or sell books. All their stories are here...what they collect, how they collect them, how much they spend and on and on until the value of this book is almost hidden under their weight.

   However, if you are serious about book collecting, "Among the Gently Mad" is a tremendous resource. Reading between the lines of other book collectors' stories, you will find out which web sites, bookstores, dealers, book fairs, organizations and other sources can help you fill out your collection. By the way, this is not just a book for those who collect rare books. An antiquarian book is simply described as any book that is worth more now than when first published. Basbanes's first rule of collecting books is to focus on subjects that hold your interest and, in fact, your collection should contain books you actually want to read. If you are gently mad, that is "taking delight in the pleasant touching of books long coveted," this book is an indispensable tool to fulfilling your own madness.




4. This is a great book for anyone interested in collecting books, or who likes books, or even anyone just interested in what makes a book collectable. Different people adopt very different approaches and strategies to book collecting and Basbanes documents a number of them. The eccentric madness of it all is what makes it entertaining and I found that this quickly became a hard book to put down. After reading this I suspect that I will never look at books the same way again. The fundamentals of book collection are not unlike other forms of collection, so people who are self confessed "collectors" (You know who you are!) are likely to find this an exciting read. In among all the entertaining yarns is a pretty good starters guide to book collection, and this book contains a number of practical pointers to web sites and book sellers to get the novice started. Overall it was really enjoyable to read and very much a page turner.



5. A wonderful read about the world of books by one of the preeminent writers on the subject of book collecting.Using the word 'subject' to describe the passion of books is akin to using 'subject' to describe love or any other passion.Blame that on me,if you will,not Nicholas.
   It seems I never get enough of these books about books and this is one of the best.Here we are given a look in on the wonderful life the author has in the world of the High End Collectors.Those like me,and that means all but a very miniscule number,who can only dream of attending and partaking in those auctions,where single rare books sell for tens of thousands,and lots or even complete personal libraries sell for sums equalling the national treasury of small countries.That doesn't mean reading about that sort of thing isn't very interesting;and the author has the ability to make one feel they are part of that activity.What one gets from this book is that anyone can have the same desires,same enjoyment,and all the rest of what comes along with having a passsion for reading,collecting,owning,sharing,arranging,their personal collection whether it is a small number of favorite volumes or some huge ammassment--it's their collecion and is what they have the ability,desire and resources to call their own.I suppose many who work with books like booksellers or library staff can even imagine the books around them are their own.I remember once reading somewhere, something to the effect that nobody ever really owns a book,but only has the privilege of being its caretaker for a while until it eventually passes on as its "owner" is sure to do--it's only a matter of time.This idea comes through very clearly as the author shows how collectors spend lifetimes searching for books that eventually end up in university,library and other collections.
   The author describes the personalities he encounters and we can identify with all of them as we pursue our passion with books.
   In a nutshell you'll get from this book that the only real difference between your collection and the world he writes about is a matter of scale
   A great read and highly recommended to anyone who loves books and reading.

5 comments about Oliver Twist (Oxford World's Classics).

1. Perhaps one of Dickens' darkest novels, Oliver Twist is a bittersweet experience throughout. There are some charming Victorian characters here, including the gentleman Mr. Brownlow, the angelic Rose Maylie, and (of course) the innocent Twist himself. There is the somewhat ambiguous character of Nancy, who is brutally murdered in the midst of her scheme to do good. There is also a range of dark villains, including the housebreaker Bill Sikes (who for my money is one of the most despicable villains in literary history), and, of course, Fagin.
   
   Fagin, however, is so heavily influenced by anti-Semitic stereotypes that it is difficult to even call him a character. He is rather the ghost of something we would rather forget. Like Shylock (and he is very much like Shylock indeed), Fagin forces us to come face to face with the dark ignorance entertained by our society in the past. It almost makes one like Dickens less for having created Fagin, but hopefully it also motivates us to take a critical look at the world we live in now.
   
   Oliver Twist may not be Dickens' greatest novel, but it is worthwhile for the critical reader.



2. When I had to read this book in my adolescent years, it was literary torture. Today, reading with 25 more years of life behind me and greater appreciation for literary art, it's a great story. I never would have picked this story back up had it not been for the review/referral from a friend. In retrospect, I'm not really certain this story is best read, comprehended and appreciated by an adolescent. The story, and the seedy sides of life exposed, might be better processed by an adult.
   
   In addition to the story woven by Dickens, I think what I appreciated most about this writing was how Dickens used the novel as a commentary on life in England at the time of the writing, e.g., society's treatment of the paupers and impoverished, the caste system that existed and condemned a pauper child to destitution at birth, and the judicial system with its corruption and brutality, to name a few. Even as a mature adult reader I winced at how Oliver and the young paupers were brutally treated by "the system" in the first half of the book.
   
   I loved how in the end all the characters, excepting Nancy, received their just rewards and ends in accordance with how they had lived life. The only mild criticism I have was the almost too remarkable coincidence of the relationships of Oliver, Brownlow, Rose and Monks, and how life had brought them together prior even to the discovery of the existence of their relationships and ties from the prior generation. Nevertheless, it's a feel-good ending and the story kept me turning the pages with anticipation.



3. 
   What is it about Oliver Twist that keeps people coming back to it so often and for so long? Oliver Twist is actually one of my favourite all-time reads. I try to read it once every few years, and every time I decide to re-read it, I go in search of a copy that I don't already own because it's fascinating the different publishers, typefaces, bindings etc, that this book has gone through. Maybe I'm like Mel Gibson from Conspiracy Theory, collecting all those The Catcher in the Rye copies, but at least I'm reading them. Mel was just trying to save the human race ... or something like that. Poor fool.
   
   A few years ago, I thought that I had run my course with the young Rascal and had actually come away feeling pretty badly about the development of the ending of the story, which, in my honest opinion, is not as strong as the beginning or the arc of Mr. Brownlow. But Dickens was writing in a time when books were not as prevalent and Twist, as we all may know, was a Newspaper column that had developed into a bound and published work due to its popularity. Standards have changed and agents and publishers are more discriminating. But in no way should anyone let that stop them from the experience of reading Oliver Twist as it really is a masterpiece before its time.
   
   Recently though, watching MSNBC (a new hangout for me, I admit), I saw a documentary regarding the global sex trade of young woman forced into boarding, shipped around, mistreated, taken advantage of, stolen, uprooted, you name it ... and my mind wandered to a comparison of Young Oliver and the Ageing and scheming Fagin. In the lives of the girls they covered, there always seemed to be the `Artful Dodger' character who would start off as the mentor, but meet a bad end eventually, and the `Fagin', who controlled the roost and kept the girls feeling dejected and trapped, thus benefiting monetarily from their toils and of course the 'Sykes', who was the one who met head-first with the law. I felt incredibly bad for those girls and disgusted about the habits of some of my fellow "men".
   
   It really is a shame that in 150 years, this year, Dickens moralist tale of child abuse is still just as prevalent, just as relevant and unfortunately just as insidious and heart-breaking as it was on the cold night that he penned the first article.



4. Originally published in a serialized format, OLIVER TWIST represents some of Charles Dickens very first writings. It is easy to imagine his first readers eagerly (and impatiently) awaiting the next installment of little Oliver's saga. Evocative of so much compassion, this powerful tale has reached the hearts of readers for over 150 years, and is every bit as powerful now as it was originally. Both its message of personal triumph despite overwhelming odds, and its broader admonishment for us all to look more closely at the plight of the destitute and homeless, speak powerfully to every reader.
   
   This book gives you a very disturbing glimpse into life in England during the early 1800s (or at least Dickens' view of that life). Dark, cold, dangerous, and filthy are some adjectives that are nearly always at the fore when reading OLIVER TWIST, as Dickens employs his unparalleled talent for bringing his settings to life with words. The worst in human attributes are also on prominent display in this work, with Bumble, Fagin, and Sikes being the epitome cowardliness, cruelty, and brutality, respectively. Rather uncomfortably, this book also highlights the all-too-common failures of society in general. While we may have come a long way since the time of Dickens, there remains much that we would rather not have to face about our own culture. Abuse and neglect of innocent children has not altogether faded away, but maintains its evil hold on parts of society.
   
   Not to make you think that this book is all about the negatives of humanity. It is also a tale of triumph over evil, goodness coming from love and compassion, and innocence being preserved. Oliver's friends in the second half of the book represent all the best things about humankind and turn this tale into an essentially happy one. That being said, I actually liked the first half of the book (prior to the failed house-breaking attempt) better than the second, primarily because from that point on, while events occur at an increased rate, they are essentially taken out of Oliver's hands.
   
   This is a great book, highly enjoyable, humorous, and evocative of powerful emotion. The famous wit of Charles Dickens is in full display here, with puns (Master Bates), sarcasm, and all manner of plays on words and phrasings, being found throughout. It is also a good example of Dickens' penchant for overly verbose writing. Sentences that simply HAVE to be run-ons are found in nearly every paragraph, to the point where you forget the subject of interest as you get lost in flowing descriptive writing (was that a run-on?). For that reason only, I'd suggest this book for more experienced readers looking to sit down and enjoy one of my favorite classics.



5. Charles Dicken's classic tale of Oliver Twist and the people he comes across is a definite must-read. The poor orphan is one of the most memorable protagonists in English literature. The supporting cast is something worth mentioning, also. The distinctive portrayals of Master Bates, the artful Dodger, Fagin (who is sadly a Jewish caricature), and Bill Sykes make this novel a page-turner.
   
   Much of the satire in this story involves the 19th-century English social class, political upheaval, and daily life in the slums of London. And they work so well here.
   
   A-

1 comments about Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.

1. This was one of the old Randome House Landmark Books, a series for juvenile readers. I first read this one shortly after publication in 1954. The book does give a rather good look at the life of Teddy Roosevelt at this time, along with the Spanish American War. It discribes rather well Roosevelt's part in the war and the part played by the Rough Riders. Naturally, most is over simplified, but it is still a good start and even after all these years, quite readable. This work, along with others in the Landmark Series are great starter books to get kids interested in history. I do highly recommend this one.

4 comments about A Question of Loyalty: Gen. Billy Mitchell and the Court-Martial That Gripped the Nation.

1. In another century another age we forget how far American aviation history and the American military has progressed since the World War I era. Waller creates a vivid picture of the Billy Mitchell trial during the period that gripped the nation. The book provides interesting background on the man who challenged the Washington establishment and gives a view of military policy and capability just before and after World War I. Given the amount and length of the trial material Waller does a good job of presenting the both sides evenly. Mitchell was a compelling but flawed man who argued for an aviation future while living values more akin to his time.



2. This is a very good biography of one of the 20th century's controversial figures; Army General Billy Mitchell. Prior to his court-martial in 1925, Mitchell had served in combat in the Spanish-American war and rose to Brigadier General in World War I as Pershing's Air Commander. Mitchell is best remembered for his demonstration of aircraft sinking a battleship. The movie "The Court- martial of Billy Mitchell" staring Gary Cooper glamorized the sinking and the court-martial. The battle ship was stationary and it took two days and many bombs to sink it. But, Mitchell proved correct about the vulnerability of capitol ships, as demonstrated in World War II. Mitchell liked to live the good life and to supplement his income, he did a lot of writing that cut against the grain of the mind set of the military commanders. What really got him in trouble was his press release after the disastrous loss of the airship Shenandoah and the loss of a Navy seaplane attempting a nonstop flight from San Diego to Hawaii. His press release was so scathing of the military command, there was no option but a court-martial for insubordination. Mitchell had many good ideas, but he went about pushing them forward the wrong way. He had a big mouth and no patience and in the end, got what he deserved.
   A couple of interesting facts. Eddie Rickenbacker, famous WWI ace, was Mitchell's driver and Mitchell put him in the air. Douglas McArther was a member of the court-martial board. When asked after he had read the screenplay for the Mitchell movie if he could accurately play Mitchell, Gary Cooper replied, "I get paid to play myself".



3. The Air Force is the brashest arm of the armed forces. It is far newer than the Army or Navy, and more reliant on the latest in technology. There is an image of the flyboy as handsome, heroic, and rule-bending if not rule-breaking. The archetype of such an image is General Billy Mitchell, whose most famous act was getting a court-martial in 1925 for speaking up about how he felt air power ought to be developed. His is a story that has been told before, even (badly) in the movies, but in _A Question of Loyalty: Gen. Billy Mitchell and the Court-Martial that Gripped the Nation_ (HarperCollins), Douglas Waller has retold the story with a wealth of new information and the help of the Mitchell family. Mitchell's story was a sensation during his trial, and as part of the universal drama of the iconoclastic genius against the system, presents issues for current times, besides being a lesson in how big organizations change or resist change.
   
   The trial was the climactic event in Mitchell's life, and Waller has told it in lengthy detail, interspersing facts of Mitchell's earlier life and career within it. Mitchell didn't think his trial was the most important event in his life; he would have listed his role in WWI and his successful demonstration in 1921 that aircraft could sink a ship. Mitchell loved being a populist, skillfully using the media to enlist the support of the public for his causes. In September 1925, the Navy's dirigible _Shenandoah_ crashed in a thunderstorm, killing fourteen of its crew. Mitchell wrote a 6,000 word statement and issued it at a press conference, listing the _Shenandoah_'s demise specifically and other general ailments that he said "... are the direct result of the incompetency, criminal negligence and almost treasonable administration of the national defense by the Navy and War Departments." Mitchell was ordered to stand court-martial in Washington on catch-all charges that he had violated Army order and discipline and brought discredit to the military. The trial proved to be a sensation, studied daily and argued over by people who would have otherwise had no interest in air defense. The outcome is unsurprising; even if Mitchell had had ever fact correct in detail, he still would have been insubordinate. Hap Arnold, who admired him and commanded the Army Air Forces during World War II, said simply, "In accordance with the army code, Billy had it coming."
   
   He died in 1936, so he did not live to see his vindication in World War II. Mitchell had predicted, for instance, that the Japanese would bomb Pearl Harbor from the air. Like any prophet, he didn't get all the details right, but his predictions about blitzkrieg, strategic bombing of cities, and others proved his thinking on the issues to be far more firmly grounded than his accusers. He has been vindicated in many ways. Of course the Air Force eventually became an independent part of the military as he had wanted. The "Mitchellites", those who had been his disciples, put his theories into practice during the war he knew was coming. Congress posthumously awarded him a special medal. The Air Force Academy's dining hall is named for him, and its class of 2001 selected him as the man they most wanted to emulate. It is a curious choice for our times. Waller clearly shows in this full biography that Mitchell was a brilliant and innovative leader and a daring commander in combat, as well as being a visionary on the future of air power, but he was during his lifetime mostly a pain in the neck for those he worked with. In the current atmosphere where questioning governmental decisions quickly leads to charges of supporting liberals or terrorists, any Billy Mitchell that is rising in the ranks could expect no better treatment from the military.



4. Brig Gen Billy Mitchell is easily the most controversial leader in the history of the United States Air Force. A military leader with a quick grasp of America's emerging strategic threats, he had an equally quick tongue to express those opinions to the American public.
   
   To truly appreciate the book, one needs to understand the era. It was the roaring twenties. America had just won a war, there was dramatic public support to pursue a large peace dividend, and all of America loved the newest method of travel -- the Airplane. Sensing the public's love of Aviation, and sensing the looming strategic threats to America, Mitchell went to the press to make the case for an independent Air Corps.
   
   This book begins with a very quick introduction to Mitchell, and the USS Shenandoah's crash -- an aviation catastrophe that killed 14 naval airmen. Mitchell wrote a scathing 6,000 word essay for the nation's newspapers that insinuated that America's military and civilian leaders (including the President) were inept and unable to effectively use the Air Force. This essay proved to be the impetus to Mitchell's court martial.
   
   The biography intersperses the trial with relevant biographical segments of Mitchell's life. The book lays out the facts, absent passion. Billy Mitchell wrote an incindiary article about our America's senior leaders. Was he guilty of insubordination? Was he tried by a Kangaroo court? After reading this book, you will be able to form your own opinions.
   
   After reading the book, I am inclined to believe that Billy Mitchell was a genius, who liked to live beyond his means. He relied on this public controversy to create a demand for his magazine articles and recently published book "Winged Defense". Many of Billy Mitchell's theories were vindicated in World War II, and some of them waited more than 60 years for Operation Desert Storm to prove him correct. The man was truly an insightful strategist, but were his methods correct? This book documents the Air Corps' opinion on that question.

No comments about Snow People: A Book of Postcards.

5 comments about Survivor : The Ultimate Game.

1. This book by Mark Burnett gave me a different view about the first Survivor. The details given didn't give much more insight than the TV show, but I did notice that the story was told somewhat differently.

   One very small downer in this book is the number of spelling errors, not many, but it is a small hint that this book may have been rushed and not edited properly.

   If you haven't watched the first season of Survivor, this book does capture some of the moments, but the VHS or DVD of season 1 may be a better choice.




2. This book is supposedly based upon Mark Burnett's journal of his forty days behind the scenes of the first SURVIVOR. There isn't a whole lot of new information here and there are many typos. Everything in the book is filtered through the mind of Burnett, which has positive and negatives. Positive: readers are given insight into how Burnett felt about the players of the game (he had several favorites and there were a few people he didn't like at all) and it's interesting to see how those feelings may have influenced parts of the show. Negative: much of what Burnett tells is old news, it's as though he was trying to reach a different audience with the book than he was with the show and therefore tried not to offend too many people. The book is simple to read (I flew through it in a day) and fairly entertaining. Fans of the show may enjoy it and it makes a good primer for anyone who has never seen the show.



3. I thought this book would be a bit spicier than what can go on TV, but I found details and stories to be a bit thin. It was as though the book was an after-thought to the hit show; another piece of merchandise not quite up to snuff. Not a bad book, but I think it could have been better.



4. I loved this book. I bought it used off of Borders and had my doubts about it. But it came through. I was written by Mark Burnett while he was on the island as the filming progressed. Mark wrote about the game itself along with insights to what happens behind the scenes. Although the sotry is basically a recap of the show, it also give more. I learned many things like- the production crew and the castways know each other by names and intermingle and also I learned more about each castaway and his or her ideas about the game going into it and afterwards. I totally recommend this book for any fans (and even non-fans!)



5. First of all, don't bother purchasing this book until you have seen the series "Survivor: Borneo", because, basically, the book won't have the same meaning to those who have yet to see the series on which it is based (What are you waiting for? Go watch it!). For those who have seen "Borneo", this is an ideal way to relive the moments of Pulau Tiga seen from an entirely different perspective; that of the producer, Mark Burnett. Burnett describes the activities of island life as they occured on the island, making this a descriptive insight into the personalities and personas of each of the 16 castaways as pictured by Burnett. He covers the backround of each "character" by actually attempting to see things from that survivor's point of view. The description of many of the things not shown on TV is quite interesting (to say the least), with backround information provided on the technicalities of the shoot and island living (including not only the cast, but the crew as well). I was extremely disappointed by the rather abrupt end to book, and that the final tribal council, one of the most pivotal moments of the entire series, was so swiftly covered, without even remarking on Sue's "Rat & Snake" speech (Oh good God, you just gotta see it!) or the other jury members' votes. (Now I'm told that all this comes in Burnett's next book, the Survival Guide for the Autrailian Outback. What in God's name is the point of that?). The interview with the million-dollar winner (the sole suvivor) is interesting, but could hardly be called "in-depth". The most important thing about this book, though, is Burnett's analysis of each of the castaway's mentality and strategies, and, like me, those of you who have seen the show and have appreciated the castaways' outer values will be most intrigued by the psychology of their mentality Burnett discusses here. This book is an absolute must-have for any Survivor fans (and any Colleen Haskell fans like me!), but will still be better appreciated by those who are actually familiar with the entire "Borneo" thing.

3 comments about Mt. Washington Art Glass Plus Webb Burmese: Identification & Value Guide.

1. We have waited a very long time for a comprehensive book on this beautiful American art glass and Betty Sisk has provided us with a treat for the eyes! The photos are beautiful in full color and plentiful. I did not know that such examples of this artform existed until feasting on this book. All collectors of art glass must add this to their libraries. The information with each type of glass is insightful and just enough to ready the reader for the pictures to follow. The insight provided is both scholarly and from a collector's perspective. Prices are given in a fair range to give a fair market value. And what pictures there are to enjoy! Many glass types are well covered for the first time. This book will set a very high standard by which all other references on this glass will be judged in the years to come. We indeed owe the author a debt due to this subject's neglect until now. This is a must buy! We have waited a long time to get this book-thanks Betty!!



2. Author Kenneth M. Wilson passed away before publication of his opus MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPOINT GLASS - but he reviewed and approved the page proofs and had written two chapters of the projected second volume (which will be prepared in future using his research materials and illustrations), so nothing lacks in MT. WASHINGTON except the author's ability to enjoy his finished product. The Mt. Washington Glass Works and the companies after it make up America's second-oldest glass manufacturer: the factory opened for business in the mid-1800s and spun off another business in silver plating. Glass collectors will find MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPORT GLASS the definitive encyclopedia of the manufacturer's works: the volume has been long awaited by collectors and provides an extensive company history to compliment an in-depth coverage of its many products. Chapters come packed with black and white and color illustrations and photos, providing descriptions and color illustrations of all glasses and silver-plated wares and reviewing design, craftsmanship and unique attributes. Add indexes of patents and trademarks, glass decorators who operated in the region from 1867 to 1902, and illustrations of ads, production records and more and you have a truly outstanding reference.



3. What's not to like? The pictures are beautiful and the information is good. Prices are accurate too. One of the few items in my short history of collecting glass that I've found actually can be bought and sold for the prices listed. My only complaint is that a number of times they picture the same item twice. We love pictures, surely there were enough items available that pictures didn't have to be repeated.

No comments about Lincoln Cents Folder 1909-1940.

5 comments about The Rise of Apocalypse (X-Men).

1. Terry Kavanagh is one writer who does the most uninteresting stories in comics. He gave us the Spider-clone saga and a teenage Iron Man. This story where he supposedly gives us the origin of one of the X-Men's most dangerous foes has now been contradicted by current stories going on in the X-Men comics and must be placed as one of those false lead stoires like those that have shown Wolverine's origins,



2. For some reason, the movie "The Scorpion King" made me think of this book. Maybe it's because both of them contain muscle-bound, anti-heroes overthrowing an oppresive Egyptian Monarchy. There are even some scenes where The Rock, with his top-knot ponytail and overly buff physique sort of resembles Apocalypse without the blue facepaint.

   Personally, I liked the artwork in "The Rise of Apocalypse". The lush character design and splash-page layouts tend to grab your attention.

   Unfortunately, the story detracts from the experience as much as the artwork enhances it. As the other reviewer said, it's pretty poorly written. Apocalypse, who is (was) supposed to be one of the Marvel Universe's most powerful villians doesn't even get a decent backstory in his own origin. Terry Cavanaugh does a horrible job illustrating Apocalypse's mutant ability and an even worse job explaining the spark that sets off his millenia-old war on humanity.

   Still...it's fun to look at. I'd give it 2.5 stars for the artwork alone.




3. Another trade paperback where I have to mention that I don't have this format of the material; I have the original four-issue mini-series.
   
   Both as an essential piece of the X-Men continuity and an individual piece of storytelling that could be read by anyone unfamiliar with the X-mythos, "The Rise Of Apocalypse" is one of the great pieces of literature ever presented in comic book format. Probably more rewarding if you've been long familiar with the entity known as Apocalypse, this could nonetheless serve as the first X-Men story you've ever read, taking place as it does entirely in ancient Egypt, eons before the formation of the X-Men or the births of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, or even the dawn of Sinister (magnificently told in the "Further Adventures Of Cyclops And Phoenix" trade paperback, possibly THE greatest 4-issue mini-series Marvel has ever published). Taking place at the beginning of the building of the pyramids, the book tells the tale of Apocalypse, aka En Sabah Nur, apparantly the first Homo Superior mutation in world history. Chronicles a period of years, from his very beginnings as a newborn infant left by his tribe to die out in a sandstorm because of their fear of his mutated physical appearance to his dawn as early conqueror and the manifestation of the first hints of his true power potential. It performs a difficult task in arousing sympathy for the character without diminishing the evil of what you know he's going to become. For a few years Marvel had been making the mistake of turning almost all their top-tier villains good; it's good to do that sometimes, and it's good to have characters like Magneto and Doom who can often straddle the line between 'good guy' and 'bad guy' distinctions, but if you turn All your villains into straight-up 'good' characters, you're left with no adversaries higher than Tier 2. This book makes one empathise with En Sabah Nur while superbly foreshadowing the eternal terror and bane on the world he's to become, both making the character even more frightening and adding a previously undreamt-of air of tragedy.
   
   There is not a single appearance by any of the other main 'X-Men' characters, but the tale ingeniously weaves in the Fantastic Four by juxtaposing itself with an FF/Rama-Tut time travel story originally told in the 60s (I believe) and takes place in the exact same time frame without even a hint of contrivance. The FF doesn't have a large role but Rama-Tut is a major player and fills his role perfectly.
   
   An outstanding book, amongst the best X-material in Trade Paperback form out there. Definately among the best things Terry Kavanagh has ever written.



4. Apocalypse, one of the strongest characters in the Marvel universe, has long deserved a strong origin story for a long time. Sadly, this isn't it. The story starts off with a roar. The first 40 or so pages develop an interesting story with En Sabah Nur being cast out from his tribe for his mutation and perceived weakness, then the infant is found by a tough nomadic tribe that believes in survival of the fittest over all else. This is certainly a way to explain the beginnings of Apocalypse's obsession.
   
   Unfortunately, after the first 40 or so pages, it seems both scripter Kavanagh and penciller Pollina loose interest and they have to have people brought in to help them finish. That might be because in the middle of a story in ancient Egypt, the Fantastic Four are brought in. I know technically they did travel to this time period, but why this has to be included in the middle of an Apocalypse story is beyond me.
   
   Kavanagh has produced great work before and will again. Adam Pollina remains one of my favorite pencillers for his off beat style. My fear of Apocalypse continues, but this is one graphic where the stars did not line up right. It's a weak effort, and should probably be avoided unless you're a die hard X-Men fan.



5. Apart from being the X-Men's most dangerous enemy, Apocalypse is one of my favorite X-Men villains (he may even be my favorite X-Men villain). I was rather surprised to read the other reviewers' thoughts about Apocalypes's origin story. I thought the storyline was pretty good, although I do agree with the detractors that it could've been better than what it was. But I wouldn't say it SUCKED either. The artwork is awesome! Really good stuff. If you have the money and time, check this out. It's pretty good.