2 comments about Selected Works of Stephen Vincent Benet.

1. This book contains poems and short stories by Stephen Vincent Benet. His works make you think, and include some of the most entertaining stories ever told.



2. Volume one consists of 22 short stories and one short novel by Benet. Volume two consist of poetry, most of which I have not read.
   
   After 30 years or so, I reread many of the short stories in this volume. His most famous story "The Devil and Daniel Webster" is still superb and should be included in every high school American Literature course. Perhaps it still is, although the ACLU has probably petitioned for the removal of TDADW from classes on the ground that the Devil is a character and the story promotes religion.
   
   Benet is an unabashed patriot, a liberal, and a humanist. The stories in the book deal with American history, tales of our time (i.e. the 1930s), and "fantasies and prophesies." One of the most interesting stories in the latter category is the apocalyptic tale "The Waters of Babylon." While its message may be familiar to us now, the story was written before the Atomic bomb and thus was highly original -- and shocking -- in its day.
   
   Most of the other stories in the book are good, clever stories but not essential reading. Therefore, somewhat sadly, I conclude that Benet doesn't deserve the highest rating -- although "The Devil and Daniel Webster" should be included in any collection of best American short stories.
   
   Smallchief

5 comments about Dungeon Master Option: High-Level Campaigns (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition: Rulebook/2156).

1. High Level Options, as can be expected, is designed to appeal to the player who has a god-complex. Oddly, however, the book is split evenly between a very useful discourse on good DMing and some bells and whistles for characters of 15th level and higher.

   The first half of the book should have been part of the reprinted Dungeon Master's guide. While TSR has a tendancy to publish fairly uncreative and "hack-and-slash" style adventures, the suggestions and guidelines here are wonderful, a good review for an experienced DM and a great primer for an amateur DM.

   The second half of the book leaves a bit to be desired. I'm not a fan of "high level" campaigns, but the information presented here has some rather obvious flaws. In many ways, the 10th level spells are disappointing in effect. They aren't more ingenious than 9th level spells, nor are they particularly effective. Likewise, the material presented for additional class abilities is too little, too late, in my opinion. These abilities do little to make a more formidable character.

   All in all, the book is best thought of as a supplement for the DMG.




2. After reading this book, I felt that if I had read this along with the Dungeon Master Guide before I started my campaigns my world would have been improved greatly. It's perfect for those characters that have reached insanely high levels, but it also tells the DM how to avoid creating God-like characters that can ruin any campaign.



3. Chapter 1 is about how to avoid irrealistic powerful characters! (very useful with high level characters)

   Chapter 2 is about how to plan and organize an adventure. It shows clearly on what a DM has to take a look. (very helpful for every DM)

   Chapter 3-5 is about the dangers with magic. It explains how to integrate magic in the right way in an adventure. (very very good!! it's so simple to destroy the game with to much magic)

   chapter 7 : learn managing high level characters

   This is a very good and usefull book, and I have the impression that good books are becomming rare; to much comerce!!




4. Although I doubt that a DM without the Munchkin syndrome can lead several PC to such apexes of power without getting a few clues on how to run the campaign, the high level campaigns has several very good guiding lights for those DMs that have strayed into the darkness and can't get out ( overpowerful items, characters, and other forms of blight). This should have included some type of section dealing with STRIPPING overly mighty characters of their powers within the bounds of rational role-playing. Overall, I find that some sections of this book should have actually been included in the basic rules several years ago, rather than be used as a leaky life-boat for a dying game. Useful, but less than spectacular.



5. This book is excellent, it can help extremely to improve the real role-playing of a high-level campaign. Not only does it help the DM make very interesting adventures, but it includes some very cool high-level abilities for characters that manage to get to high levels. It also includes a section devoted to characters who achieve 30th level, and how a mortal can attain godhood. Highly recommended.

No comments about Museum Environment, Second Edition (Butterworth - Heinemann Series in Conservation and Museology).

No comments about Zenith TRANS-OCEANIC: The Royalty of Radios.

2 comments about Bud Hastins Avon Collectors' Encyclopedia: The Official Guide for Avon Bottle & Cpc Collectors (Bud Hastin's Avon and Collector's Encyclopedia).

1. As a whole it is fantastic. But, by not listing the men's by name, such as "Leather"; it caused me a lot of time and trouble trying to find it.



2. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE BOOK I PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM THIS BOOK DID GIVE ME ALL THE INFORMATION I WAS LOOKING FOR. AND DOING BUSINESS WITH AMAZON.COM WAS VERY GOOD, AND THE PRICES AND SHIPPING WERE VERY SATISFACTORY.

3 comments about Illustrated Directory of Guitars (Illustrated Directory).

1. The Illustrated Directory of Guitars tracks the evolution of the acoustic and the electric guitar in two seperate sections. It's a handy size for carrying in your bag, and full of interesting information about the different developments and excellent pictures showing details of guitar models on every page. The influence of many designers and performers is described in brief.

   Unfortunately, the publisher provided no index to the information, and only a very vague contents page. (eg. Acoustic guitars, section 2: Twentieth Century Developments pp. 79-218) It can hardly be called a directory if there's no way of looking up the information!

   If you just want a book to read cover-to-cover or to open randomly, though, this could be the book for you.




2. The following are basically the same books but with different titles and author names:
   
   A) The Illustrated Directory of Guitar: Edited by Ray Bonds. Same as C) + D) but in pocket size. Authors name are not mentioned. Exactly same as B) but with different title and author.
   
   B) Illustrated Directory of Acoustic and Electric Guitars: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander. Exactly same as above A) but changed the title.
   
   C) The Acoustic Guitar: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander
   
   D) The Electric Guitar: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander
   
   E) The Guitar: By Martin Taylor, Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander. Combined the above C) & D) but changed the title. On "Recently Review", Amazon shows Martin Taylor as author. Very confusing & misleading.
   
   As a guitars collector, I collect guitar books too. Confused by this marketing strategy, I have bought duplicates of these books. Feel being cheated.
   
   I heard Nick Freeth has a new book; "Classical Guitar" coming out next year. I hope it is not another duplication with different title. I will check the "Search Inside" on Amazon or read it at local book stores before purchase it.



3. Regarding acoustinc steel string guitars, I think the book covers well. However, when talking about the origins of the guitar, it lacks a lot. I can understand not talking too much regarding 17th and 18th centuries, but regarding 19th century, it should have some more info. More details regarding other french constructors as Laprevotte or Pons, some more of the 2 Stauffers (father and son), Scherzer,more details regarding Fabricatore family, etc... Also regarding 20th century classical guitars, there are too few info.

1 comments about Exploring Ancient Egypt Fun Kit (Boxed Sets/Bindups).

1. My child really enjoyed the whole set.The masks were so much fun and the reading was great!All the little stickers and stencils really enhanced her understanding of ancient Egyptian life with the coloring books that came with it.I purchased it for my 5 year old because she showed interest in ancient Egypt, and it really got her going, perfect for her age so that she had things to manipulate and use her imagination with. For someone who really is just getting started in learning about ancient Egypt I would say that this a great starter filled with fun and interesting things!

1 comments about J. Chein & Co.: A Collector's Guide to an American Toymaker.

1. Great reference book for collectors and dealers. Covers all the years of the great American Tin Litho toy manufacturer, J. Chein (pronounced CHAIN). Color pics are invaluable as a reference and guide to finding this highly desirable Chein tin toys. If you are a tin toy collector it is a must have pictorial guide to Chein toys.

5 comments about Antique Tractor Bible: The Complete Guide to Buying, Using and Restoring Old Farm Tractors (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. Mr. Yost has done a fine job in researching, exhibiting and explaining the antique tractor hobby. So many details from "why should I be involved in the hobby?" to trailering your newly restored tractor to that favorite show are covered. He answers many of the questions most of us have learned the hard way and does it in such a way as to inspire, rather than to alarm. The book reaches out to one comtemplating the hobby of antique tractor restoration like a friendly, helping hand and performs as a lantern, guiding one through the other wise dark and mysterious avenues sometimes associated with the hobby. Mr. Yosts book is as essential a tool for the beginner, or those of us who have "been there, done that", as that old dog curled next to the shop stove and our grandfather's words of wisdom echoing in our mind as we scrape, clean, bang and paint these loveable machines which are our agricultural heritage. Three cheers for Mr. Yost!



2. If you were going to buy just one book about tractor collecting this would be the one to buy.



3. This is a good all-round reference for restoring antique tractors. You expect a good discussion of "how-to" information on restoring old tractors. The book has that and many illustrations to help you understand particular repair techniques. Yost has included useful tips on nearly every page. These tips cut to the heart of the topic he's explaining. He also has a useful section on how to choose and operate your old machinery. A section on shows, demonstrations and pulls helps you find a way to show off your new pride and joy. Among the more useful information is a good section on further specialized references for particular tractor brands, and several pages listing parts sources for old machinery. Old-timers in the restoration business will appreciate the references, while beginners will benefit from basic explanations that more technical manuals assume you already know.



4. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a neophyte who doesn't know which end of the wrench to hold, Spencer Yost's Antique Tractor Bible is a comprehensive guide to buying, using and restoring antique tractors. There is enough information here, so even if you don't intend to do your own work, you'll know how things are done and why. Additionally, the author shows how to use your antique tractor and equipment. This book is not model-specific, and the author touches on many different tractors. This is a major new resource work that will become indispensable to antique tractor owners. I wish the photographs were in color, which is a minor complaint in light of the wealth of information presented.



5. This is a good all-around tractor book with a lot of historical tidbits about different makes of tractors. If you are interested in one particular brand/style etc..., this may not be the book for you. If you simply like tractors, and enjoy learning reading general information about antique tractors, then this is a good addition to your book collection. It offers information on a few interesting and not so typical tractor types.

5 comments about American Air Rifles.

1. This is by far the best book for beginners and intermediate users of air rifles that I have seen so far. Lots of practical information on the selection and use of pellets and rifles. The author has a way of explaining some difficult topics in ballistics that makes the material useful to the non expert. I was also suprised to find out how accurate and powerful American air rifles are. The only additions I would have liked to have seen in the book are, 1) A chapter on shooting technique (target and hunting. and 2) A chapter on maintenance and lubrication. I would highly recommend this book.



2. Mr. House's book on air rifles is a good informational book for the masses. It may fall short of Mr. Lumley's expectations but it is fine for the rest of us.

   Mr. Lumley stoops to attacking the author and supposing his motives for writing the book. I don't think Mr. Lumley's comments are constructive nor will they scare off a thinking person.

   The book has good information on air rifles and their performance.




3. I purchased this book for my husband who loves airguns(all guns), hence the title. He would not put that book down until he read the whole thing! Especially about the Benjamin 392, which is his personal favorite(if you could pin him down to choose a favorite). In his own words,"It is the best book written on American made pneumatic "pump-up" Air rifles that he has read to date. It has plenty of statistics on fps and fpe and pellet accuracy just to name a few. Also great info on small game hunting using "magnum" powered airguns". I am very pleased with my husband's pleasure with this book and I would imagine any airgun buff/collector would not be complete with a copy for his/her library.
   Sincerely,
   S.Morales-SAN JOSE,CA



4. This book is an excellent introduction to air rifles, pellets and the ballistics of air rifles. It would serve as a good guide to someone interested in purchasing an air rifle for hunting or plinking. The cover indicates that it covers target shooting, small-game hunting, complete ballistics and pellet selection. The latter three items are covered. However, there is essentially no information on target shooting or rifles designed for target shooting. I realize that the book is limited to American air rifles, but at least the Daisy Avanti models could have been included. There was also a lack of discussion of triggers, a critical rifle component for accurate shooting. I would have rated the book at least 4 stars, if it had not given the impression on the front cover that it included target shooting and target rifles, which was the reason that I bought it.



5. The information in this book is now 5-6 years old and, in this age of product volatility, a lot of the mentioned rifles are no longer available. There's more here than you probably want to know when it comes to ballistics--I just skip the technical parts. As a casual airgun shooter, I'm really not too interested in the finer points involving physics. What House did in this book was to investigate a subject that is mostly ignored. He reviewed relatively inexpensive American multi-pump air rifles in the context of how they perform in relation to the more sophisticated, expensive--and decidedly less shooter-friendly--European rifles. His conclusion is somewhat astonishing in finding that the American rifles offer a lot of accuracy and utility for a reasonable price.
   
   After reading this book, I felt obliged to dust off my old Daisy and give it a try at 10 meters. Unfortunately, it's been abused and neglected for well over 10 years and the whole barrel assembly was too loose to even attempt to use it again. I again consulted House and went out and picked up a Benjamin 392 that has proven to be a real joy. Every pellet I've tried gives substantially less than .5" groups at 10 meters even in my fairly unsteady hands and with my aging eyes.
   
   The Crosmans, Daisies, Benjamins and Sheridans will never have the following or accolades of the finely crafted spring-piston European models but this book goes a long way in giving them the respect they deserve.