Books

The Art of War
The Art of War [AUDIOBOOK]
What's in a Name
Cajun Country
South Florida Folklife
The Lasting of the Mohicans: History of an American Myth
Swapping Stories: Folktales from Louisiana
Advanced Drilling Solutions: Lessons from the FSU: v. 1
Modern Jewish Mythologies
The Jew in the Medieval World: A Source Book: 315-1791
That's Not in My American History Book: A Compilation of Little-known Events and Forgotten Heroes
Rough Riders, The
Day Lincoln Was Shot, The: An Illustrated Chronicle
Alamo: An Illustrated History
They Rode for the Lone Star: The Saga of the Texas Rangers
21: Every Day Was New Year's Eve - Memoirs of a Saloon Keeper
The Yankees: an Authorized History of the New York Yankees
22 November: The Day Remembered
Mountains in the Mist: Impressions of the Great Smokies
The Baltimore Orioles: Forty Years of Magic from 33rd Street to Camden Yards
Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community from the Founding of "The Town of George" in 1751 to the Present Day
The Afro-American Jeremiad: Appeals for Justice in America
Democracy and Development in Latin America: Economics, Politics and Religion in the Post-War Period
E.P. Thompson: Critical Perspectives
Fred Allen's Radio Comedy

In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing

Average customer rating:

Excellent Book, Very Insightful
An inspiring story about love and determination
A gripping tale of a news anchor's recovery
Wonderful Book
so-so

In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing
Lee Woodruff , and Bob Woodruff
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family
Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers
The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
Nineteen Minutes: A Novel
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

ASIN: 1400066670
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

In one of the most anticipated books of the year, Lee Woodruff, along with her husband, Bob Woodruff, share their never-before-told story of romance, resilience, and survival following the tragedy that transformed their lives and gripped a nation.

In January 2006, the Woodruffs seemed to have it all–a happy marriage and four beautiful children. Lee was a public relations executive and Bob had just been named co-anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight. Then, while Bob was embedded with the military in Iraq, an improvised explosive device went off near the tank he was riding in. He and his cameraman, Doug Vogt, were hit, and Bob suffered a traumatic brain injury that nearly killed him.

In an Instant is the frank and compelling account of how Bob and Lee’s lives came together, were blown apart, and then were miraculously put together again–and how they persevered, with grit but also with humor, through intense trauma and fear. Here are Lee’s heartfelt memories of their courtship, their travels as Bob left a law practice behind and pursued his news career and Lee her freelance business, the glorious births of her children and the challenges of motherhood.

Bob in turn recalls the moment he caught the journalism “bug” while covering Tiananmen Square for CBS News, his love of overseas assignments and his guilt about long separations from his family, and his pride at attaining the brass ring of television news–being chosen to fill the seat of the late Peter Jennings.

And, for the first time, the Woodruffs reveal the agonizing details of Bob’s terrible injuries and his remarkable recovery. We learn that Bob’s return home was not an end to the journey but the first step into a future they have learned not to fear but to be grateful for.

In an Instant is much more than the dual memoir of love and courage. It is an important, wise, and inspiring guide to coping with tragedy–and an extraordinary drama of marriage, family, war, and nation.

A percentage of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book, Very Insightful.......2007-06-27

I purchased this book for my mother for a Mother's Day present and then read it myself. My father is quadriplegic and my mother and I both thought there was more than one instance in this book where she shared our thoughts word for word. A powerful and fascinating read.

An inspiring story about love and determination.......2007-06-13

I was extremely impressed by this book. I followed the news coverage about the injuries ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and his cameraman, Doug Vogt, sustained in January 2006 while reporting in Iraq, so I was familiar with the severity of Bob's condition. I also knew that he made a remarkable recovery, and I watched the documentary he made for ABC that detailed his experiences in Iraq as well as his time recovering in the hospital and rehabilitation facility. I figured that "In an Instant" would just provide more details that had to be cut out of the TV documentary, but I was wrong. This book is so much more than that.

First of all, Bob only wrote half of this book. The other half was penned by Bob's devoted wife, Lee, who remained vigilant at her husband's side throughout his recovery. In addition to chronicling the circumstances leading up to the explosion in Iraq and the difficulties that Bob faced during his recovery, the book also provides a history of Lee and Bob as a couple. When they first reconnected after college, Bob was a hip young lawyer, but he was soon bit by the journalism bug. Both he and Lee made numerous sacrifices and dragged their family around the world on more than one occasion so that Bob could fulfill his dreams and have a successful career in journalism. The life of a journalist takes a toll on the family, though, and both Lee and Bob discuss the many challenges and personal struggles their marriage faced over the years.

Despite the hardships caused by Bob's career, nothing could prepare this couple for what happened in Iraq in the winter of 2006. The details of what happened to Bob are horrifying, and it's amazing that he's made such great strides in his recovery. "In an Instant" is an inspirational story about how miracles can happen, but it also paints a portrait of an incredibly solid marriage, which is always nice to see.

A gripping tale of a news anchor's recovery.......2007-05-30

Lee and Bob Woodruff were a poster couple for success. However, "in an instant" they became a terrified, grieving wife and a mortally wounded man whose gripping story was played out in a fishbowl of headlines and public sympathy.

Lee was a powerful public relations executive married to a news anchor who had risen in the competitive world of broadcast journalism like a shooting star. His career sometimes put a strain on their marriage, separating him many times and for long periods from Lee and their four children. But the couple's love was durable and overcame a number of obstacles. In his biggest leap up the ladder of achievement, Bob was named co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight" with Elizabeth Vargas in December 2005, replacing Peter Jennings.

Bob's star fell and nearly burned out when he was embedded with troops in Iraq barely a month later. His armored vehicle was hit by a nearby improvised explosive device (IED), and he and a cameraman were injured. Bob's head was bwoodruffed by hundreds of rocks of various sizes that broke his skull like a melon, and one large rock lodged in his throat. At the moment of impact, Bob was blessed with a vision of white light and a sense of pervading peace. But soon afterwards he awoke, aware of spitting blood and feeling someone touching his head. He recalled being relieved when he learned that the cameraman was fine.

Then followed the slow and agonizing healing process. IN AN INSTANT is written in tandem by Bob and Lee. We learn that being at the bedside and in the waiting room can be as painful as lying on the operating table. Lee describes feeling grateful that she loved her husband, and praying and working for his recovery. As anyone knows who has ever dealt with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), it's excruciating to watch someone who used to be intelligent and on top of his/her game struggling to remember the word for "bird" or "lettuce." Bob talks about how simple words would float by, but he just couldn't catch them. He had to learn how to speak again, and his balance was affected by the loss of that large section of cranium.

Lee and Bob know how lucky they are. They had many allies and advantages to speed Bob's recuperation. He had cranial reconstruction and every necessary therapy. Above all, he had a caring wife who oversaw his treatments --- though she was often in a private hell of worry.

Seeing soldiers with injuries similar to his own has made Bob crucially aware of how much he has regained and how great the loss can be when the brain is affected. Bob has improved sufficiently so that he now feels like a father and husband again. Though his career is still an open question, he participated in producing a documentary called "To Iraq and Back," which highlights his extraordinary journey and the suffering of soldiers with TBI.

--- Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott

Wonderful Book.......2007-05-29

Having been through a similar experience with my husband years ago, this book brought back many memories. What a wonderful and inspiring book. A lot of life's lessons are in here.

so-so.......2007-05-14

I have been dissappointed in this book. It is hard to read. I bought it to read about Bob Woodruff's healing journey, yet the book skips back to the Woodruff's early marriage years. Some of this background is ok, but there is too much. This book just doesn't keep my interest.

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

Average customer rating:

Compiles all three previous books plus more
Loved by an 8 year old boy
A great reference book.
A Hit with Even the Youngest Star Wars Fan
The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars:The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Ultimate Visual Guide to Star Wars
The Complete Locations of Star Wars: Inside the Worlds of the Entire Star Wars Saga
Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections
You Can Draw Star Wars (You Can Draw)
The New Essential Guide to Alien Species (Star Wars)

ASIN: 0756622387

Book Description

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Customer Reviews:

Compiles all three previous books plus more.......2007-05-25

I won't go too far into the basics of the book as there are plenty good reviews here that do that. I will say if you can only have one book go give you information on all sorts of details in the Star Wars movies universe this is the only book you need. It covers characters, events, equipment, weapons, ships, and the background histories of all this stuff too. It's a single source for fleshing out the Star Wars mythos and putting you further into the fantasy George Lucas creates so many decades ago.

This book is essentially collecting the pages of all four previous Star Wars Visual Dictionaries into a single volume. Great way to save space on the bookshelf or coffee table, that's for sure. Also a great way to save a little money for you first time buyers by getting just one book instead of three. The one thing about the book (or rather books, as they did it too) is that some characters are on every chapter. Mainly R2-D2... he gets these giant splash pages on every chapter. I mean I love the little, but c'mon!

Now between you and me there is more to this collection than reprinting the four previous books into one. There is extra information in here too. Now the chapters covering Episodes one and two are identical to the previous books with the exception of losing the pictures that were on the inside cover and title page. The chapter that covers episode three has an additional 12 pages on top of all the original pages (again... minus the side-photos). Now I never got the original Dictionary on the original trilogy, but I can confirm there are at least four additional pages of content from that section.

I'm sure this volume has ticked off devoted fans who bought the previous books, but if you ask me it can still be a worthwhile investment. I'm not just talking about the 16+ extra pages, but the smaller shelf space as well. Think of it this way. Most of you had a few years to enjoy those other Dictionary books before this came out so in the words of an accountant you have already built value from the depreciation. Even if you bought a previous book or three this would still be a great buy (sell your old books, save that book space).

I had three of the four previous books and I am glad I have the new volume. This book is a good buy no matter how you slice it.

Loved by an 8 year old boy.......2007-05-22

I got this for my 8 year old son, who loves all the Star Wars movies, but doesn't always like to read. I have been hoping to find him books that would capture his imagination, and this book absolutely did. He's been poring over it almost every day since I got it a month ago, and has practically memorized it. He also takes it with him to school to share with his friends, who also seem to love it. I highly recommend it.

A great reference book........2007-05-18

This book allows you to go in depths of the characters of Star Wars and some who are not mentioned often. Find the many devices that R2-D2 has that makes him a lovable driod. It has detail descriptions of weapons, data files, and much more.

A Hit with Even the Youngest Star Wars Fan.......2007-05-17

I purchased The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars as a gift for my 2 year old grandson after I had bought him the action figures from the movies. He had watched the movies with his dad who has been a Star Wars fan since he was a youngster. I chose this visual dictionary because of the great photographs of all the characters, creatures and even the weaponry as well as the explanation of each character, etc. All are dealt with in great detail and help to explain to my grandson about each character. This 2 year old carries this book around with him and sits and explores the book by matching his figures with their pictures in the book. He can tell you on which page each character is found and knows them all by name. I have been amazed by this little boy's interest in this book. He is continually wanting someone to "read Star Wars to me" and, of course, we oblige him. This book is a super hit with the entire family. It is the best book of its kind I have ever seen. The book is written on an adult level, but you can be assured it is colorful, well-written, and entertaining to all who pick it up. I will probably buy myself a copy now, so I can learn more about all the world of Star Wars. It is a great coffee table book, also, and invites every visitor to reach out, open the book and become totally engrossed in it! I highly recommend the book for ALL!!!

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars:The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga.......2007-05-12

Includes every bit of the Star Wars Saga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures are the same as in the movies!!! Divided into section of the movies! A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rescuing Da Vinci: Hitler and the Nazis Stole Europe's Great Art - America and Her Allies Recovered It

Average customer rating:

I recommend this book
Great Book!
surprising
Great book, but DON'T MISS the documentary!
Other members of the "Greatest Generation"

Rescuing Da Vinci: Hitler and the Nazis Stole Europe's Great Art - America and Her Allies Recovered It
Robert M. Edsel
Manufacturer: Laurel Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War
Museum of the Missing: A History of Art Theft
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Witness to Nuremberg

ASIN: 0977434907

Book Description

During and following WWII, a special multinational group of more than 350 men and women served behind enemy lines and joined frontline military units to ensure the preservation, protection, liberation and restitution of the world's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. This "band of unsung heroes," formally referred to as the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives (MFAA) section, or commonly referred to as the "Monuments Men," worked tirelessly to track down, identify and catalogue millions of priceless works of art and irreplaceable cultural artifacts, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Vermeer, that had been stolen by Hitler and the Nazis.

The story of the Monuments Men, including their heroics and exploits in rescuing and safeguarding many of the world's greatest artworks for the benefit of mankind, has never before been fully revealed until now, with the publication of Rescuing Da Vinci, an exhaustively researched historical account written by Robert M. Edsel. Mr. Edsel can best be described as a successful athlete and business entrepreneur turned modern day "Indiana Jones." Mr. Edsel has dedicated the last five years of his life to painstaking and far-reaching research to unravel the secrets of the Monuments Men and, in so doing, to make the world aware of their unprecedented contributions, both during and after WWII, and to ensure that these unsung heroes receive appropriate recognition from the United States government, as well as the broad public.

The detailed documentation, inventories and photographs developed and catalogued by the Monuments Men during and following World War II, have made possible, and continue to make possible, the restitution of stolen artworks of to rightful owners and their descendents. Long after WWII, many Monuments Men went on to become renowned directors and curators of preeminent international cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Toledo Museum of Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, among many others, as well as professors at esteemed universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, New York University, Williams College and Columbia University. Others became founders, presidents, and members of associations such as the New York City Ballet, the American Museum Association, the American Association of Museum Directors, the Archaeological Institute of America, the Society of Architectural Historians, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as respected architects, archivists, artists and musicians.

"Mr. Edsel's book is captivating in several respects, from the graphic, garish reminders of the faces of the great plunderers, to the singular beauty of the art they sought to steal. And it is a high and overdue memorial to the "Monuments Men," who did the herculean job of tracking down and repatriating the great art." -- William F. Buckley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

I recommend this book.......2007-05-13

If you enjoy WWII history and art, this is a book that should be in your collection. It is full of wonderful photos that you will not find elsewhere. If you have ever wondered about what happened to the great masterpieces of art during WWII, this is the book to buy. Amazon also has a great price.

Great Book!.......2007-04-14

What a great story. Incredible photos too. Quality of the pages is very good. I'm actually surprised it's only $35 after getting it.

surprising.......2007-04-04

This book which is generously pictorial made me think about aspects of WW2 that had never occurred to me.

Great book, but DON'T MISS the documentary!.......2007-03-17

Having perused the book, which any art, history, or WWII buff should own, everyone should see Mr. Edsel's documentary, "The Rape of Europa" (by the same name as Lynn Nicholas' book), as well. A rich, beautiful telling of a forgotten history that is both heartwarming and disturbing at the same time. Disturbing in the realization of the cultural treasures lost, perhaps forever, but overwhelmingly beautiful in seeing and hearing the stories of the heroes, including these great US Monument Men, that saved Europe's treasures on behalf of a civilized world. Particularly, to hear a woman tell how, as a young girl whose parents were hiding the Mona Lisa in the French countryside, she would sneak into the room where the painting was stored, and pull back the cover just to see that wonderful smile, was a real treat. An extraordinary effort to enrich the contextual history of WWII. I'll never be able to see The Louvre, or any of these priceless cultural treasures again without thinking of the heroic contributions of the great individuals celebrated in this book and in the documentary.

Other members of the "Greatest Generation".......2007-03-09

This book was lovingly self-published in large format. It is heavy on illustrations and light on text. Rescuing Da Vinci is a fascinating look at work done by some of Art History's intellectual heavyweights in conjunction with regular service people in the art recovery efforts after WWII.

Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)

Average customer rating:

Useful, pleasurable
Learning the Rules Before You Break Them
Good book
Great technical information, very useful resource
Visualizing

Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)
Steven Katz
Manufacturer: Michael Wiese Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Setting Up Your Shots: Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know
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Film Directing: Cinematic Motion, Second Edition
The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age, Completely Revised and Updated
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television

ASIN: 0941188108

Amazon.com

Film Directing Shot by Shot offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in-depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.

Book Description

A complete catalogue of motion picture techniques for filmmakers. It concentrates on the 'storytelling' school of filmmaking, utilizing the work of the great stylists who established the versatile vocabulary of technique that has dominated the movies
since 1915. This graphic approach includes comparisons of style by interpreting a 'model script', created for the book, in storyboard form.

Customer Reviews:

Useful, pleasurable.......2007-05-07

I'm a college student, not at film school, who makes videos as a serious hobby. I thought this book was much better than other titles in the same market, because it's so specific. Instead of telling you what anyone with common sense knows, like "keep continuity" and "composition can affect the mood of a scene," this film lays it all out in detail. I recommend this for everyone who wants to improve. Even if you're not particularly interested in storyboarding, you'll learn how to think about your sequences in advance much better.

Learning the Rules Before You Break Them.......2007-01-13

Even though many of the great filmmakers may have not utilized storyboards, every one of them has pre-visualized their films.

Pre-visualization is the essence of what it means to be a director. A director can only be effective if he/she properly prepares for each scene. Even if one does not have every shot precisely planned out, they will still have an idea of the look and the flow of the process.

There are certainly many people who feel directing should be intuitive, that there should be no structure to the process or else creativity is stifled. This is a valid point from the perspective of the artist.

What is wonderful about this book is that it gives extensive insight into WHY one should cover a scene in a certain way. Directing as a profession requires a certain amount of preparation and PROOF that you have a handle on the film. Producers want reassurance that you have a vision worth pouring tens of millions of dollars into. Armed with the ability to properly express yourself in regard to your vision, you will have a much easier time convincing others to follow you.

So, in the end, if you are interested in studying the language of film and the methodology behind classic film composition and editing, then this book and the accompanying Film Directing: Cinematic Motion are essential.

Good book.......2007-01-11

This book goes a little overboard with all the storyboard info in it, but its still a highly educational book for novices. This book really wants you to develope technique for visualizing your film before you start shooting. That is beneficial for writers and filmmakers alike. I also have Katz' "Cinematic Motion" which a very good film directing book as well. I recommend buying them as a combo.

I wish the books were more aimed at video instead of film, but it really dont make much difference. The rules still apply.

Great technical information, very useful resource.......2006-06-01

This book covers everything you need from the technical aspects of setting up shots and planning your action. It uses storyboards as an effective teaching device to convey the basic and some more advanced concepts and does a better job than most of explaining the 180 degree rule. Negative reviews of this book state that it is too focused on the technical aspects of filmmaking and not as much on the people skills needed, which is true, but can a book really teach you how to talk to people? A great addition to any filmmaking library but would need resources for the non-technical aspects of film. You could make a great looking film based just on what is in this book, but it might not be the most thrilling. The writer does a good job of focusing on the work and not in telling his own stories.

Visualizing.......2006-03-05

This book is the only one I have found that goes extremely in depth into shot composition. Great book. However, if you are looking for a book that will take you step by step into how to acctually produce the movie, this isnt what you are looking for. This book is all about properly translating your vision to the screen, what works and what doesnt. Overall, this book was an amazing resource.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Average customer rating:

It's a must have for everyone
Most powerful motivational book I've come across in ages
Procrastinate No More
Wow!
Brilliant

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
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Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real-Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Building a Multimillion-Dollar Business (Rich Dad's)

ASIN: 0446691437

Book Description

DO YOU:

· dream about writing the Great American Novel?

· regret not finishing your paintings, poems, or screenplays?

· want to start a business or charity?

· wish you could start dieting or exercising today?

· hope to run a marathon someday?

If "yes," then you need…THE WAR OF ART

Now, in this powerful, straight-from-the-hip examination of the internal obstacles to success, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity. THE WAR OF ART is an inspirational, funny, well-aimed kick in the pants guaranteed to galvanize every would-be artist, visionary, or entrepreneur.

Steven Pressfield enjoys great international success as a bestselling novelist. But in order to reach the top he had to do a lot of work to fight the inner demons that told him he couldn't make it. THE WAR OF ART is his challenge to creative block, and his succinct, straight-from-the-hip style will help every reader unleash their personal ambitions, be they literary, artistic, or business-minded.

According to Pressfield, the internal obstacle to success is Resistance. Resistance is the difference between the life you lead and the life you want to lead, and can take many forms. Pressfield shows readers how to identify and defeat Resistance at every turn and challenges them to change their amateurish, unsuccessful habits into a professional attitude that can get the job done. Finally, Sun Tzu for the soul!

Inspirational, funny, and a great kick in the pants, THE WAR OF ART is the perfect book for anybody who had a goal circumvented by life and circumstance: which is to say, you and everybody you've ever met.

Customer Reviews:

It's a must have for everyone.......2007-06-26

This book is a must have for everyone: for young kids, for adults, for old people.

It's has a fantastic approach to the problem of procrastination and of not knowing what to do in life.

Get it today!

Most powerful motivational book I've come across in ages.......2007-06-24

I have been on a self-help kick the past couple years. Something inside me compels me to buy any book that could possibly improve my situation in life. As a creative, my crises tend to focus on self-doubt, fear of rejection and fear of failure or success.

That being said, it is doubly powerful for me to read a motivational book written by a WRITER, a fellow artist, a 'creative'. Sure, we are all creative (bankers and janitors alike), but I felt like this book addressed me in a way that Wayne Dyer's or Eckhart Tolle's books didn't (tho those authors are helpful in their own ways).

What Steven Pressfield does in THE WAR OF ART is unique in that he defines the forces that keep your 'genius' paralyzed and locked in potential, unmanifested. He contextualizes this battle with references to Blake, Homer's The Odyssey, the Kabbalah, Krishna. He enlightens us by reminding us that ART for art's sake is a truly spiritual path, serving God.

This is not a book that will tell you how to manifest a mansion in the suburbs, or how to beat 'the system' into rewarding you with other material trappings. This is a book about TRANSCENDENCE. How to appeal to a Higher Power, how to put your passion, your suffering, and your struggle within a perspective larger than your petty ego trips. But most importantly, how to get STARTED. How to get to work, and stay steady on the track of working.

The spiritual principles in the book were not new to me, but the CONTEXT and the author's PURPOSE for sharing these principles took me by surprise. One can tell that this book was written through Divine love and inspiration. Every word carefully placed. Every phrase and sentence consciously constructed for maximum impact. This speaks more volumes than a self-help book that tries to come up with a gimmick, or with a cute acronym, or a 5-step standard for success.

If you are a born artist (and trust me, after reading the first two pages of this book you'll know. I cried all through the first two sections) then this is the book to shake you out of complacency, to remind you that it's not about you, it's about God, it's about serving the higher good. To waste that potential would be a sin.

Procrastinate No More.......2007-06-15

If you're anything like me, you know you should be sitting down and writing instead of just surfing the net, checking email (though writing email messages may count as writing), looking out the window, taking out the trash, washing the car, and whatever else follows this pattern.

When you get back in (after a day filled with other created things to do), you have this feeling that you got nothing done with what you were meant to write.

Well, this book will help you break that pattern. But it does take a bit of work. In his book, Steven Pressfield talks of the many ways we keep ourselves from doing what we know we should be doing. He talks of the evil that is resistance and how to sit down and battle it by being professional.

It is a quick read. My suggestion is read it through the first time in a single sitting. Then, the next day, go back to it and study it, gain ideas that get your attention, that you truly believe can work (and even a few you may wonder about). It is well worth the price.

Wow!.......2007-06-13

I agree with the book's introduction that the final third is not quite as good as the first 2/3's, but do not let that stop you. This book changed how I viewed my life.

Brilliant.......2007-06-13

Simply the best book on creativity ever written. Honestly changed my life. First read it three years ago and still mentally refer to it constantly. If you are prevaricating about buying it, don't: just do it. You'll never make such a good investment in your life. Nothing will give your creativity a kickstart like Pressfield's call to arms.

Average customer rating:

Star wars
How Cool!!!
perfect
A must for star wars fan.
All four previous book + more

Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections
David Reynolds , and Curtis Saxton
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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You Can Draw Star Wars (You Can Draw)

ASIN: 0756627044

Book Description

This amazing title unites all four Incredible Cross-Sections books in one volume, enlarged and updated with brand-new illustrations-including the TIE bomber, Imperial shuttle, A-wing, and B-wing-along with revised technical introductions, behind-the-scenes pages, glossary, and index. (c) 2006 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM AUTHOR BIO: Hans Jenssen Hans Jenssen has spent the last nine years in a galaxy far, far away, co-illustrating a total of ten Star Wars books with Richard Chasemore, with whom he has developed a close friendship. They have traveled across three continents, sampled exotic beverages with Boba Fett, and partied with R2-D2. He now lives a quiet life in Devon, England, with his partner and young son. RICHARD CHASEMORE Richard Chasemore has worked as an illustrator and 3-D computer artist in the United States and Europe, most notably on DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections and, Inside the Worlds of the Star Wars series. Lately he has written educational books for budding digital artists. He lives on the south coast of England, where he enjoys sports involving boards and high speeds!

Customer Reviews:

Star wars.......2007-06-09

My son has not put this book away since we bought it. It goes on every car ride with us, and even to school for free time reading. The pictures are beautiful. He absolutely loves it.

How Cool!!!.......2007-06-01

I bought this as a present for my son, who loves all things Star Wars. He is fascinated with maps and detail, and this book is perfect for him.

perfect.......2007-05-26

The best cross section series for now in my opinion.From episode 1 to 6 the book cover most of the vehicles and ships.Perfect piece for every star wars book collection i think.As 3d modeler that like to make machines this book is very helpful to me with the detailed description and perfect illustrations inside.A must have for every star wars fan .

A must for star wars fan........2007-05-18

The book has every detailed pointed out and lets you see what goes inside every vehicle. The only thing i thought was missing was the Republic fighter tank. Not to get mixed up with the Clone turbo tank.

All four previous book + more.......2007-05-16

I have loved these cross-section books since even before these came out (seen a cool Star Trek OS cutout of the Enterprise). What you are getting with this volume is every entry in the previous four cross-section books as well as some extras. That's right. Even if you have all four original books you are still not getting everything.

This book adds cross-section entries for the TIE Bomber, TIE Advanced (something only touch on in the original trilogy cross-section), A-Wing Fighter, B-Wing Fighter, and the Imperial Shuttle. That's roughly half the vehicles you would find on a regular cross-section book added to this volume. On top of that you get a forward by both artists/writers talking about the fun they had making the books.

So what does that mean? Well if you have never gotten a Star Wars Incredible Cross-Sections book this is the one to get. You get ALL of the vehicles fromt he previous books plus another 1/2 book worth of exclusive material. If you don't quite have all of the previous books then I say get this one at the price of a regular book (shouldn't hard at all). If you don't have the original trilogy book that makes the purchase that much more sweet as that's where the new material is.

If you have the complete collection then you have to make a choice. Do you buy the book, thus get the extra ships and more shelf space? Do you complain to Lucas for the double dipping? Personally I am one of those people with the complete set and figured I didn't need the new book, however I really, really love the B-Wing and relished the idea of having a view of its innards so I got it. I'm pretty pleased with the purchase, and besides I can sell my old books to recoup some of what I spent.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition

Average customer rating:

Be careful of the black cover edition!!!
Timeless Wisdom
Excellent Edition !!!
Excellent Edition
The Best Edition

The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
Sun Tzu
Manufacturer: El Paso Norte Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976072696

Book Description

This Special Edition of The Art of War by Sun Tzu presents this timeless classic in two forms:

Section I contains the complete thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu's masterpiece in Chinese together with the English translation of Lionel Giles without notes or commentary. This presentation avoids the objection that commentary tends to clutter and obscure the clarity of thought of the ancient military genius.

Section II contains the complete translation by Lionel Giles including his extensive introduction and the fully annotated text with explanatory notes and critical commentary. His Introduction includes an historical account of Sun Tzu's work, evaluations by and of early Chinese commentators, an essay examining the traditional Chinese attitudes toward war and a bibliography that details Giles' source materials. The text in this section includes critical commentary and notes by both the Chinese historians as well as by Giles himself.

Lionel Giles, as the Keeper of the Department of Oriental printed Books and Manuscripts of the British Museum, was uniquely qualified to translate and explain this great classic Chinese work to Western readers. First published in 1910, Giles' translation is widely considered to be the definitive English version.

Other Special Editions in this series which deal with the subject of warfare and strategy include:
The Art of War By Mao Tse-tung - Special Edition
The Art of War By Baron De Jomini - Special Edition
The Art of War & The Prince By Machiavelli - Special Edition

Customer Reviews:

Be careful of the black cover edition!!!.......2007-06-14

I noticed that my review for The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition is now showing up on another edition of The Art of War, one with a black cover. If you are looking at the black cover edition of The Art of War, then THIS IS NOT THE EDITION THE REVIEWS ARE REFERRING TO. The Special Edition version has an orange cover. If you notice the publication date for the black cover edition, it is May of 2007. My review was done last year. I am a student of Sun Tzu's teachings, and I would not want my review (as well as many other fans of the book) to be mis-used on a book I have not read.

Timeless Wisdom .......2007-06-14

As others have noted some of the tactical advice is thousands of years out of date, but the vision of strategic issues is still very relevant. This edition is well written and an easy read.

It does not take an interest in the military to make this a great read.
It is also a great read for anyone interested in politics and will help one to understand the antics of folks like James Carville.

Sun Tzu is also the foundation of much of the work of Col John Boyd that has had such a major impact on the current military.

Knowledge of Sun Tzu is most helpful in understanding a major force on current world leaders from Chinese leadership Muslim fundamentalists.

Excellent Edition !!!.......2006-12-10

This particular edition of Sun Tzu's Art of War is really excellent. It contains three separate copies of Sun Tzu's book:
1. The original Chinese text (in modern simplified Chinese characters),
2. A facing version of Lionel Giles' superb translation into English (without notes or comments) and
3. The complete Giles Translation with an extensive introduction and notes throughout the text that provides detailed insight into the meaning and intentions of the text.

Of all the versions of Sun Tzu's book on the market, this one is undoubtedly the best. The scholarship and detail to attention of this edition pays the respect and gives the credit to the great work that it deserves. Other, abbreviated, versions of Sun Tzu's book have their place, but not for those who actually want to understand the lessons of history that have been passed down through the centuries. The meaning of the text, after 25 centuries, requires the perspective of an oriental scholar with Giles' credentials. It is unlikely that the bare English translation, without notes or commentary, can convey to a modern reader the real meaning and intentions of a 2,000 year old Chinese genius.

Lionel Giles's translation is the gold standard for Sun Tzu. His deep understanding of ancient Chinese culture and his own roots in Western culture gave him a unique opportunity to bridge the gap and present native English speakers the opportunity to really understand and appreciate the mindset of this voice from antiquity.

This edition does NOT contain a CD. In spite of the masterful use of the English language by Lionel Giles, the Art of War is not poetry and probably doesn't benefit from oral recitation. This particular edition is THE BOOK for those whose native language is English... and who know how to read.

Excellent Edition.......2006-11-10

The Giles translation by itself is excellent, but by having an effective three versions in one (the original chinese, the translation without notes, and the translation with notes) this edition stands above the rest. In addition, a historical section was a great addition.

The Best Edition.......2006-08-25

This special edition of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is absolutely the best edition on the market. Not only is Lionel Giles' translation widely considered to be the most readable and scholarly, this particular book gives you two copies of the famous classic: one simple direct translation from the Chinese characters (which are also included in the book) and another copy which is interspersed with extensive notes and commentary by both Lionel Giles and a several native Chinese scholars.

Having two copies of the translation in one volume makes this edition a real treasure. The explanations and details, like the story of training the concubines and several other tales, are not available in the plain translations and they add immeasurably to the richness of the book. By the same token, having a plain, unadorned version in hand so you can just follow Sun Tzu's logical progression is a great plus. Having it all together in one volume is what makes this particular edition remarkable.

If you are looking for the best version of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", then look no further. This is it.

The Art of War: The oldest military treatise in the world (Miniature book)

Average customer rating:

The little book G.W. should have read
beautiful little book!
The Art of War for Lilliputians......
Too Small
Perfect Size

The Art of War: The oldest military treatise in the world (Miniature book)
Sun-Tzu
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762415983
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Book Description

The ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu is universally recognized as the greatest military strategist in history, a master of warfare interpretation. This condensed version of his influential classic imparts the knowledge and skills to overcome every adversary in war, at the office, or in everyday life.

Download Description

The art of war is an excellent reference for anyone who commands a military force and needs guidance.Perhaps a buisiness owner or manager would find similar qualities between the book and their situation.

Customer Reviews:

The little book G.W. should have read.......2007-05-14

Wisdom in a little book, what more can I say. Required reading at any military Academy,worth a damn {G.W. AWOL} Oh well. It translates thur the technological advances.

beautiful little book!.......2007-04-10

a must-have classic sent in great conditions! a collectable item without a doubt!

The Art of War for Lilliputians.............2007-03-19

I'm sure the text is fin, however wha I received was a 3" x 3" micro book that's all but unreadable. What's worse is there was no indication in it's listing that I could find that said it was a book for munchkins.
Not happy.

Too Small.......2007-03-10

Alot of the important writings were left out of this book. It was a bad idea not to read the review before buying.

Perfect Size.......2007-03-08

Although is a mini book, the letter size is perfect. The content... well surely you must know if it's good...

The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars)

Average customer rating:

Very few have EVER seen this stuff!! AMAZING!!
The Best Behind the Scenes Star Wars Book Hands Down!
JUST WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
very informative
Thank the Maker!!!

The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars)
J.W. Rinzler
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Winston Effect: The Art & History of Stan Winston Studio

ASIN: 0345494768
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Book Description

After the 1973 success of American Graffiti, filmmaker George Lucas made the fateful decision to pursue a longtime dream project: a space fantasy movie unlike any ever produced. Lucas envisioned a swashbuckling SF saga inspired by the Flash Gordon serials classic American westerns, the epic cinema of Japanese auteur Akira Kurosawa, and mythological heroes. Its original title: The Star Wars. The rest is history, and how it was made is a story as entertaining and exciting as the movie that has enthralled millions for thirty years–a story that has never been told as it was meant to be. Until now.

Using his unprecedented access to the Lucasfilm Archives and its trove of never-before-published “lost” interviews, photos, production notes, factoids, and anecdotes, Star Wars scholar J. W. Rinzler hurtles readers back in time for a one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes look at the nearly decade-long quest of George Lucas and his key collaborators to make the “little” movie that became a phenomenon. For the first time, it’s all here:

• the evolution of the now-classic story and characters–including “Annikin Starkiller” and “a huge green-skinned monster with no nose and large gills” named Han Solo
• excerpts from George Lucas’s numerous, ever-morphing script drafts
• the birth of Industrial Light & Magic, the special-effects company that revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking
• the studio-hopping and budget battles that nearly scuttled the entire project
• the director’s early casting saga, which might have led to a film spoken mostly in Japanese–including the intensive auditions that won the cast members their roles and made them legends
• the grueling, nearly catastrophic location shoot in Tunisia and the subsequent breakneck dash at Elstree Studios in London
• the who’s who of young film rebels who pitched in to help–including Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Brian DePalma

But perhaps most exciting, and rarest of all, are the interviews conducted before and during production and immediately after the release of Star Wars–in which George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Sir Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, composer John Williams, effects masters Dennis Muren, Richard Edlund, and John Dykstra, Phil Tippett, Rick Baker, legendary production designer John Barry, and a host of others share their fascinating tales from the trenches and candid opinions of the film that would ultimately change their lives.

No matter how you view the spectrum of this thirty-year phenomenon, The Making of Star Wars stands as a crucial document–rich in fascination and revelation–of a genuine cinematic and cultural touchstone.

Customer Reviews:

Very few have EVER seen this stuff!! AMAZING!!.......2007-06-28

Being a child of the 70's, Star Wars pretty much WAS my childhood. And my imagination would fill in all the blanks about things I wondered most about. Like, what did the Stormtroopers look like without their helmets? Who played Greedo? Was there really a full sized Sand Crawler?

Then as a teen, I became interested in filmmaking, and wanted to know all about the behind the scene trickery and special effects. Where did the TIE fighter sound come from? How big was the Star Destroyer model? How did they blow up the ships?

Every one of these questions are answered in full color (and sometimes black & white) glory. Shots of sideburned actors hanging out without their Trooper helmets (WOW!! Had I seen THAT as kid...), an actress using a clothespin to make Greedo appear to speak, and more model shop pictures than you can shake a Ghaffi stick at. Not to mention amazingly detailed personal stories of the hardships of shooting a weird science fiction flick in strange foreign countries for the same budget that probably barely bought a week's meals for the Spiderman III crew.

Very, very pleased with this huge book. It's literally overwhelming, with page after page of secrets finally revealed.

The Best Behind the Scenes Star Wars Book Hands Down!.......2007-06-27

This book is phenomenal! I've been a star wars fan since age 3; saw it in the theatre in '77 and yes...it's left an impact. I'm fascinated by historical events and how things are made. The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars)by J.W. Rinzler is no exception. You book was resonably priced and fun to read.

Petesasauce

JUST WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!.......2007-06-27

This book is a treasure trove, filled with tons of wonderful material that people like me have been waiting THIRTY YEARS to see! I recommend it for anybody who loves Star Wars, and who wants to learn about the making of the film that started it all.

very informative.......2007-06-20

This book is great for fans of the 1st Star Wars movie. There's lots of interesting pictures taken during the filming of the movie and pictures of actors who tried out for some of the roles

Thank the Maker!!!.......2007-06-12

Excellent book! Not only for Star Wars fans such as myself, but I could see how young aspiring movie-makers would love this story. George would not give up on his dream... thank goodness! This book has some great still shots, models, and rough notes about the movie throughout. My highest recommendation!

Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age

Average customer rating:

Makers of Modern Strategy
Mandatory Reading for Army Staff Majors
Good general military history overview.
Still, this is a good book.....
Newer is Not Necessarily Better

Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age

Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691027641

Customer Reviews:

Makers of Modern Strategy .......2005-09-22

"Makers of Modern Strategy" is a scholarly collection of high quality papers on strategy since Machiavelli to the present nuclear age. The beauty of the book is that one can focus on the era that one is interested in. There is no need to read the book cover to cover as the various essays are stand alone although they are presented sequentially and related papers are adjacent to each other. I have read and re-read some of the papers. The book is about strategy and the realities of war. The essays are clearly balanced and not biased. The phenomenon of war was clearly explained from the studies of past wars. It is clear that war has been a fundamental reality of social and political existence from an early stage of political organisation to the present times. The tragic aspects of war and the intellectual and emotional disturbances it creates could be discerned from the essays.

The book is divided into the following five parts:

Part One: The Origins of Modern War.
Part Two: The Expansion of war
Part Three: From the Industrial Revolution to the First World War.
Part Four: From the First to the Second World War.
Part Five: Since 1945.

The eminent contributors include Peter Paret, Felix Gilbert, John Shy, Gordon A. Craig, Maurice Matloff, Condoleezza Rice, Lawrence Freadman, Michael Carver and D. Clayton James. Their essays showed the role of force in the relations between states. It is now very clear to me that war has always been a compound of many elements ranging from politics to technology, to human emotions under extreme stress. Strategy is one of the critical elements of war.

The various essays trace the ideas and actions of past generations, as they used war to achieve their national goals, an analysis of military thought and policy in the recent past and present

My favourite part is Part Two. Here three great historical figures are highlighted namely Napoleon, Jomini and Clausewitz. I can now see the genius of Napoleon as one of the greatest soldiers in history in its proper strategic context. I think history need to rescue Jomini from the obscurity he is now relegated since it is largely him who has clearly related the greatness of Napoleon and the attempt to reduce war to some sort of science.

Makers of Modern Strategy add immense value to any study of warfare and strategy. I recommend it to Army Staff Colleges and those studying military history at postgraduate level.

Mandatory Reading for Army Staff Majors.......2002-03-13

As the title indicates, the Army's Command & General Staff College requires students to read Makers of Modern Strategy in the core history class. Professors can make best use of this book as a supplement. As other reviewers have noted, the chapters are disjointed with each other. Taken separately, however, many of the chapters help the history student or enthusiast to develop a depth of understanding on a particular subject. Authors such as John Shy, Douglas Porch, Michael Howard, and Condoleeza Rice, just to name a few, explore many of the strategic issues involved with the evolution of military thought.

From Machiavelli and Clausewitz to strategies of world wars and colonial wars, Makers of Modern Strategy adds value to any serious study of warfare. The high quality academic research and thought that underlies many of the articles is worth the price of the book. Highly recommended.

Good general military history overview........2001-03-05

One of the essentials, a good starting point for the study of military history and strategy.

Still, this is a good book............2000-08-12

Although I agree with the reviewer preceeding me that this might not be as strong of a book as was the masterpiece which preceeded it (by Earle), it is still a strong book and does (generally) what it sets out to do: to provide an accounting of major developments in military thought (i.e. western military thought) from the Renassance to the modern age.

As a text or as a reference, this is still a powerful and useful book. Each of the chapters discusses a major figure's thought in a fashion that can be dealt with easily in a sitting: for those people who don't want to sit and sort through Jomini (though everyone reading this should sit down with Clausewitz! ) or Douhet, to see their rights and wrongs....

I like this book. I bought my copy for $8.00 in NYC and have had it with me through a number of moves since....

Newer is Not Necessarily Better.......2000-07-18

This second version of the book is disappointing. I would have thought that it being edited by an historian as good as Peter Paret would have improved on the original, which was edited by Robert Earle. However, it is weaker both in scholarship and accuracy, especially John Shy's essay on Jomini. Old myths are resurrected about the Swiss renegade whose own works are generally historically inaccurate.

Many of the older, more professional, historians, who are unfortunately no longer with us were much more careful in their research and writing, hunting down sources that newer historians either refuse to look for or refuse to use. they also were more blunt, calling a spade a spade, and weren't worried about offending people or in 'revisionist' (read inaccurate) history. Political correctness was unknown to these stalwarts.

Books of this type are highly useful. If you are looking for this particular volume, get the first version edited by Earle, even if you have to go looking in second hand book stores or on the internet in used book services. I did, and it is well worth the effort.

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