Product Description
The definitive guide to one of the most beloved cult figures in pop music history.

Steven Patrick Morrissey is undoubtedly one of the most original musicians of all time. With The Smiths, he led the most influential British guitar group of the 1980s, and his enigmatic wit and style defined a generation. As a solo artist, he has continued to broach subjects no other singer would dare. The summation of years of interviews and meticulous research by acclaimed music journalist Simon Goddard, Mozipedia is the most in-depth and exhaustive book about the man, the myth, and the music that's ever been published. Bringing together every song, every album, every collaborator, and so much more in over 600 entries, this is a unique and sensational find for music fans and a must-have for Morrissey's legions of devoted admirers. ... Read more

Product Description
The Vought F4U Corsair remains one of the most distinctive and popular aircraft of World War II for aviation enthusiasts. Its unique inverted gull wing design and the colorful characters of some of the aces who gained fame flying it in combat have added to its mystique. In addition, the Corsair was used effectively not only by the United States Navy and Marines, but also saw distinguished service in the Fleet Air Arm in Great Britain and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Thus the Corsair has a multi-national appeal making it an appealing subject as an MDF. ... Read more

Product Description
Morrissey is amongst the most provocative and controversial performers in popular music. From the formation of his Manchester band The Smiths in 1982 through to the release of his acclaimed 2009 solo album "Years of Refusal", his career has spanned 50 UK top 40 singles and 20 UK Top 10 albums. This paperback edition of the bestselling hardback biography gets behind the public image to tell Morrissey's story in the man's own words and explores in detail the extraordinary lyrical content of the songs. It also celebrates the many artists Morrissey has elevated to iconic status - via the lyrics of Smiths covers including Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Billy Fury, Marc Bolan and the New York Dolls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great read for Morrissey fans, in his own words.
This is an excellent book with actual interviews with Morrissey.I even enjoyed the part where he actually dyed his hair gold at the age of 13 and it turned purple.He was sent home from school.The photos were quite good including one with Moz sitting in a car smiling in one and staring at the camera and looking funny in the other. Most of it details what the author was doing at the time. I bought this book because he actually spoke with Morrissey.A great chapter detailing Oscar Wilde's influence on Morrissey's lyrics.I recommend the Morrissey in Conversation book by Paul A. Woods.

Great read and just the book for which this Smiths fan had been searching
I loved this book... and I hate these kinds of books. It was great that it was written by someone that has fondness for the subject and gets the nuances. Lots of insights into the milestones of the band and Morrissey's solo career. Great context and detail to past interviews and quotes. I relived that warm, nostalgia all over again.

Morrissey fans rejoice!
Much as I enjoyed Johnny Rogan's well-researched "Morrissey and Marr:The Severed Alliance," there was one very important voice missing from the pages of that book:Steven Patrick Morrissey's.Len Brown's excellent work gives us Morrissey in all his wondrously complicated splendor, and it's impossible to put down.

If you love Morrissey as much as I do, I don't have to say anything else to you.Read this book!Now!

Essential Reading
Very highly recommended, especially for those interested in the musical and literary references in Morrissey's songs. Great interviews, many photos - and very well written!

Beautifully written...thoroughly researched
Meetings with Morrissey is an account of a series of interviews with Morrissey over a 25 year period conducted by former NME man Len Brown. Not alone, Brown spent the early eighties frustrated and depressed by the state of the country and the music it was producing. That was until September 1983 when he first saw The Smiths and his despair at the re-election of Mrs Thatcher and the accompanying celebration of all things crass had a soundtrack, and a voice. Consequently, this book is more social history than biography. There are other books which focus in on the split between Morrissey and Marr and the endless (and pointless) speculation on Morrisey's sexuality and it is to this books credit that it does neither. Instead, it offers an analysis of not just why The Smiths were a great band but from whence came that searing critique which lifts The Smiths work out of the annals of pop music and places it alongside other great works of art. That critique was Morrissey's. While everybody else seemed to be saying `this is brilliant', Morrissey expressed an emotional language that I didn't have to say what I really thought and felt, `this is awful'. By revisiting the interviews he conducted with Morrissey, Brown is able to shed light on the key influences upon Morrissey. The chapter on Oscar Wilde is brilliant and gets closer than anything else to explaining the sense of sexual alienation and tragedy which underpin Morrissey's best work. However, this is just one aspect of the many and interconnected cultural stimulus that is explored to great effect. From soap opera characters to French cinema Brown creates a work that is insightful on a much deeper level than simply 'what happened where'.

Whilst an illuminating insight of itself, it is the personal and socio-political context of the period through which Brown weaves his insights into Morrissey's life and art which make this book such a tender and worthwhile exposition. Brown gives as much of himself as he does of Morrissey and in doing so brings the reader into intimate contact with something of themselves. Beautifully written and thoroughly researched, somehow, it really did say something about my life.
... Read more

Product Description
Not since The Thorn Birds  has the lush and romantic land of Australia been brought so vividly to life. Tears of the Moon  is the thrilling and dramatic story of an endless love that overcomes all odds.

Lily Barton's most prized possession is a beautiful tear-drop pearl pendant. Alone in the world, she has no idea where it came from or why she has it. But she is desperate to learn more of her forgotten past, to find her identity and claim her legacy, whatever it might be. Seeking everwhere for answers, she discovers her great-grandmother Olivia's diary. Across the years it reaches out to her, revealing the truth behind a love that is so profound, so passionate and so complete, that nothing can destroy the power of its magic.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A SPELLBINDING FAMILY SAGA...
This author is a born storyteller. She weaves a spellbinding story of a young woman, Lily Burton who, upon the death of her mother, embarks upon a search for her roots. The only link with her past is a beautiful mother-of-pearl pendant with distinctive markings.Her voyage of discovery takes her to western Australia and a town called Broome. It is there that she finds her great-grandmother Olivia's diary and discovers the rich, though startling, truth about her family and its heritage.

This is a vastly entertaining book that transports the reader to the hardscrabble world of late nineteenthcentury western Australia, which findsyoung, pregnant Olivia Hennessey and her husband, Conrad, newly arrived from England, embarkingupon a journey and adventure of a lifetime. There, they would meet Captain John Tyndall, a handsome and dashing adventurer with whom they would forge a thriving business alliance that would later transform itself into something else for both Olivia and the Captain. These star-crossed lovers would find that the path to true love is not an easy one.

This is an exciting story told against the backdrop of Australia's pearling industry of the time. It is an adventure story laced with romance, as well as an epic family saga.It is a storythat will keep the reader riveted to the pages of this book, as Lily's search for her family's heritage unfolds. This book is an enthralling work of romantic historical fiction.

four stars for now
I just came across this book at a garage sale last week.I liked the title and the art work.(Yeah,I'm guilty of judging a book by it's cover art)I've only begun reading it, but if a prologue and the first chapter can get me intrigued to read on, then I'm banking on it being a great way to spend my 50 cents. I'm a page away from chapter 2.So far, so good, and I'm sure it'll be worth 5 stars.Di's books will no doubt be favorites for me to look for, and I'm eager to catch up on the ones I've missed.

Absolutely spellbinding---Lives up to it's reputation!
This story is full of enchantment and will keep you in another time and era until the end!A must-read indeed!

Turn of the century Australia...what a beautiful frontier!
I was so enthralled with Tears of the Moon that the day I finished reading it I went on a search for more books by Di Morrissey.She is a phenomenal storyteller!It is rare to read a book and not figure out where the authoris headed, but Lily's story was wrought with twists, turns, and unexpectedconnection throughout her life's story.I loved it so much I convinced my17 year old daughter to read it for her next school review...she did andloved it as much as I did.

An Excellent Storyteller
I came across this book by accident and couldn't believe what a superb story it was. Like others who have read it, I didn't want it to end. It was enchanting and so unpredictable, which is great. Di Morrissey is anexcellent writer. I have looked for her other books but were told they'renot available in th U.S. I can't wait until they are. ... Read more

Product Description
Rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, New Thought, like Science of Mind, is captured by the idea that our thoughts create our lives, not the other way around.

New Thought: A Practical Spirituality is the perfect introduction to this exciting, living faith. The book's editor, Mary Manin Morrissey, is a leading New Thought minister of the Living Enrichment Center, and the author of the popular Building Your Field of Dreams.

In this volume, Morrissey collects brief, powerful essays from today's most popular New Thought clergy. Each piece addresses issues you can use right now to improve your life. ... Read more

Product Description
A photographic portrait of Morrissey which offers an insight into life on the road and the private world of a pop performer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

To Gaze at Morrissey
It's lovely to look at pictures of Morrissey online, but the experience is enhanced ten-fold when holding the photographs in your hands.Much credit to Sterling for capturing Morrissey's essence.

Morrissey Shot rules!!!!!
This book is really great if you are somebody who is really into Morrissey--or even if you have just a slight interest.You get to see the hard work of touring the world which is normally kept behind thehard-to-reach gates of backstage.A great book for anyone with ANY interestin the world of Moz.

Flawless
After gazing at countless photographs of Morrissey, I still get that magical mysterious feeling whenever I see pictures of him.This book is definitely a must have.The world still won't listen.

Great Black and White Photography
This is a great book for those who not only enjoy Morrissey's music and songwriting, but who also like to look at him ;) Linder Sterling is an excellent black and white photographer who chose the Kill Uncle Tour- aprime time indeed- to showcase her work with him.

This one is for the Morrissey fans. Great pictures.
Linder Sterling, long-time companion of Morrissey, has here collected allher photographs of the star in question, all ranging from the time with TheSmiths to his solo career. The photographs display Morrissey in differentmoods, all ranging from his superficial superstar egocentrecity to hisextremely introverted vunerable self. A great book for the fans, or justpeople studying photography. ... Read more

Product Description
It's the psychedelic 70s and social conventions are being challenged. When Catherine Moreland from rural Australia goes on her first trip abroad, a handsome American naval officer sweeps her off her feet and she goes to live in beautiful, romantic Hawaii with her new husband.At first, the magic and loveliness of the Islands lead Catherine to believe she is living in paradise. She befriends Kiann'e, a traditional dancer; Eleanor, the owner of the legendary Palm Grove Hotel; Lester, a reclusive old surfer; and royal Beatrice, leading the fight to maintain Hawaii's heritage and culture.However, as Catherine learns more about the Islands, she begins to discover that paradise has a darker side. And when she meets a mystery man of the sea, as though hit by a tsunami, her life is turned upside down and changed forever. ... Read more

Product Description
There is no other contemporary artist who is so famously difficult, so seemingly enigmatic, and so passionately loved by his fans as Morrissey. From the moment he caught the public's eye in the early 1980s as the iconic front man of the Smiths, and through his subsequent solo career, the patron saint of misfits has fascinated and baffled in equal measure.

Yet, as Mark Simpson argues in this wickedly funny and deeply sacrilegious "psycho-bio" -- told through the lens of his own obsession as a lifelong fan -- Morrissey isn't quite so enigmatic as he might appear. To understand this most private (and sexually ambivalent) of stars, one need only uncover the countless clues to his personality in his startlingly candid song lyrics and his innumerable provocative interviews.

Simpson deftly explores why Morrissey bewitched a generation -- and why he remains as intriguing as ever. Both an insightful look at the singer's career and a personal story of a boy's first love for his music idol, Saint Morrissey is, like its subject, shrewd, sharp-witted, charming, and utterly original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Mozturbation.
This is a great book. It provides a deep-dish psychological insight and fanalysis into Morrissey, and also more alliteration and word-bouncery than any sane human being could ever want. It's very well written, and any true Moz fanatic couldn't do any better than read this. I love The Smiths and I loved this. 'Nuff said.

My review
This book is a lot of fun. I read it while sitting infront of my computer to access youtube.com, dictionary.com, and wikipedia.com to learn about all the references. What can I say I was a business major. It made melaugh frequently. I especially loved the description of Morrissey's androgenous appearance as:"looking like a lesbian attempting a half-hearted gesture at femininity for her visiting parents". The author of course loves Morrissey as do I and it was nice to celebrate this great artist with someone.

Still Ill
I've finally finished reading Saint Morrissey after picking it up and putting it down for months and wincing in pain.
Written in some painfull form of Brittish splashy rag Daily Mirror type styling, the book offers no further insight into Morrissey's world as the Mirror might, without even bothering to make anything interesting up!
Using cookie-cut lines from Morrissey's few and formidably vague interviews throughout, Mark Simpson takes thimble sized dives into Morrissey's secret world.
What Simpson is very very good at is stylishly spewing tidbits of Morrissey's prose into Simpson's own context, which only adds to the feeling that one's reading the back of a box of something mediocre, desperately trying to sound tasty.
Simpson spends no less than three chapters lost in wonder about what Stephen Morrissey did in his bedroom for eighteen years.As much as I'd liked to have been there myself, I felt a nagging fear that Simpson was going to follow him to the loo.
Had this been a gorgeous picture book with Mark's borrowed interviews strewn about this book might have stayed in my collection.

Easy, breezy, pleased me.
Through the first twenty or so pages, Simpson's apparent attempt to appropriate and emulate Morrissey's wit/sense of humor sort of turned me off. But while I would've enjoyed a slightly less precious delivery, Simpson does turn out to have a reasonable amount of original observations on Morrissey's career.

Promoted as a "psychobio," Saint Morrissey is more about the man than the music - you may be surprised how little Simpson has to say about the actual albums through 250 pages (though this may be down to the fact that Morrissey offers much more opportunity for intellectual tangents than the average artist). You might call it a Unified Theory of Morrisseyism: it's less about "he did this, then he recorded this, then this happened" (which is what a lot of otherwise fine bios, like Complicated Shadows, devolve into) than it is about what it all means. It's an emotional response instead of a historical exercise, and that really appealed to me. It's also less...invasive, I guess?...than, say, Heavier Than Heaven, which took disgusting license in trying to get into its subject's head. Saint Morrissey isn't about exposing its subject's secrets, because Simpson understands Morrissey's career well enough to realize that his secrets are a massive element of his appeal. That understanding and respect is the key appeal here. Of course, it's written by a fan, and an alarming one at that, so Saint Morrissey is never critical in any serious sense, but it never panders the way Landscapes of the Mind does, either.

In the end, it's a quick, cute read designed for those who already know all the significant dates and chart placements and catalogue numbers. Why don't you find out for yourself?

A Morrissey book that made me want to be sociable!
Simpson takes as his source material only that which Morrissey has written in his lyrics or spoken in interview, and thus claims no special privilege to know him, any more than any other fan knows him - (i.e. intimately). As such, it may or may not bear any relationship to the truth as Morrissey himself sees it, for Simpson acknowledges the self-defeating nature of trying to interpret those enigmatic lyrics. But that's irrelevant. I have never read a book before like this: every page or two, I wanted to stop and talk about what Simpson had written with someone else - I wanted to discuss, argue, complain, gasp, share the experience. Mostly, I wanted to laugh. Considering that this is a book about a man whose isolation, morbidity and alienation is legendary, this book made me want to be sociable. ... Read more

Product Description
When Paddy goes on an overnight visit to his grandfather's, he thinks his grandfather's house is bigger and darker and spookier than he remembered. When things start to go bump in the night, Paddy is sure that he's hearing monsters. So Pop does what any grandfather would do -- he builds a monster trap.

The next night, the monster trap is set, baited with a delicious (to a monster) snack that Pop assures Paddy no monster will be able to resist. Paddy waits for a sign that the trap has snared a monster, but he soon discovers that the trap doesn't work in quite the way that Pop imagined.

Lavishly illustrated with Dean Morrissey's spectacular oil paintings, the monster trap will delight fans of his earlier works, as well as anyone who has ever wondered just what it was they heard under their bed or deep in their closet in the middle of the night. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent Imagination
This is a great book for children who are curious about monsters but aren't really afraid of them; even if they're a little afraid, this book is very good with making monsters seem silly.My 2 year old daughter loves this book (although she's afraid of Swiper, from Dora, and the big 'Max wolf' from Max and Ruby), she's not afraid of the monsters in this book.
The condition of the book was excellent, I couldn't have told a difference from a new one.

So Cute... the Art is Awesome
"The Monster Trap" is an adorable book that deserves to be read by more kids. The artwork is so cute and the 'monsters' positively sweet; just the sort of thing that might convince a small child that they want to meet 'monsters' instead of avoiding them.

The story begins when a young boy named Paddy visits his Grandfather, who lives over a shop which looks like an antique store. Together they listen to a radio show called "Monster Radio Theater". This gets Paddy's imagination working overtime and in response to his fears, his grandfather creates a trap. When the first trap fails, he builds another. And low and behold -- and much to Grandfather's surprise -- they catch some monsters. Well... not exactly catch. For you see, the contraption they built is more like a monster playground.

This book is a Good Read-aloud, and just the thing to take the edge off of nighttime fear. Do check it out.

a Pam T mini review
(booksforkids-reviews)

shine a friendyly light on childhood monsters....
This story is wonderful. It has helped my son to see monsters as something other than just a source of fear and introduced the idea that even monsters like to play and anyone can be a friend if you give them a chance. The illustrations are wonderful and charming. Mr. Morrisey is a fabulous illustrator and story teller. He has done a great job in seeing from a child's point of view.

Amazingly Painted Illustrations
This book still engages my kids who can now read it for themselves, ages 6 and 7. We've been reading this at night for at least 3 years, not because we've had any fear of monsters.It may help that I'm an artist and can revel in the imagery and explain the magic that Dean Morrisey exhibits with his paintings.I want one!I love the imagination and the magic of the combined antique toys that make up the Monster Trap....we study it and find new things all the time.Each of my children has a special part that they always point out.This is a fabulous gift and that is how it got into our library.I think there will be a fight between my 2 kids when they become adults and go to claim this for their own library!Get your own!

Great Book!!
I bought my 2 year old daughter several books recently, including Peter and the Wolf and the tale of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.She expressed only mild interest in any of them except this one.She absolutely LOVES this book and makes me read it to her at least 3 times every night before bed.She gets it out during the day and reads it to her little brother (who's 16 months old) and to all of her favorite toys. She had a lot of questions about what monsters are, and I felt it was a great way to have the idea of "monsters" introduced to her since they were not at all scary in this book.They turned out to be fun, friendly monsters (not unlike Elmo or Cookie Monster of Sesame Street).She was never frightened by this book, only extremely fascinated. The illustration is excellent and the story is simple and easy for children to follow. ... Read more

Product Description
Sailing off into the night sky in his "Redd Rocket" wagon to meet the Sandman, Joey experiences a grand adventure and heart-stopping rescue, discovering the Sandman's amazing ship and all of its wondrous secrets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Wonderfully done.
This book and The Christmas Ship by Dean Morrissey are both amazing books. The artwork in this book is all original oil paintings on canvas. The illustrations are tremendous; you can look at them again and again and find new and interesting details. This is the story of young Joey. His friend claims he saw the sandman the night before. So Joey imagines how he would get to see the Sandman. He rides his Redd Rocket , and soon he is soaring off into space; he falls from the rocket and is caught in a strange net. Not only does he meet the Sandman but he starts to learn all of the Sandman's secrets. Wonderful tale, well told.

Adorable book
My son loves this book, and after reading it every night before bed, we're still not tired of it. The illustrations are amazing.

My favorite Morrisseybook.
After reading this book, we had to buy more of this author.Love it!

Wonderful:
Pay no attention to the Publishers Weekly review; it's an adult attempting to review a book written for children, while reviewing it as an adult book. It's not garrulous: to a child, wondering whether or not a star is straight or crooked will seem perfectly normal; I remember reading this book in second grade, and not questioning the narration at all. In short, it's a wonderfully beautiful book.

Fabulous artwork - good story
Absolutely gorgeous artwork.... so good in fact that it may actually outshine the story. Not that it's a bad story - it's not. It's good.It's just that with artwork like that you expect the story to be extraordinary as well. You get the feeling the story was written to showcase the artwork instead of the other way around. ... Read more

Product Description
Morrissey is arguably the greatest disturbance popular music has ever known. Even more than the choreographed carelessness of punk and the hyperbolic gestures of glam rock and the New Romantics, Morrissey's early bookish ineptitude, his celebration of the ordinary, and his subversive endorsement of celibacy, abstinence and rock `n' roll revolutionized the world of British pop. As an increasingly pugnacious solo artist, too, he consistently adopts the outsider's perspective and dares us to confront genuinely uncomfortable subjects. In his brilliant and original book, Gavin Hopps examines the work of this compelling performer, whose intelligence, humour, suffering and awkwardness have fascinated audiences around the world for the last 25 years.

Hopps traces the trajectory of Morrissey's career - from its beginning in the early 80s with the Smiths to the release of his latest album Ringleader of the Tormentors - and outlines the contours and contradictions of the singer's elusive persona. The book illuminates Morrissey's coyness (how can he remain a mystery when he tells us too much?), his dramatized melancholy (surely more of a radical existential protest than the gimmick some believe it to be), and his complex attitudes towards loneliness and alienation, as well as his intriguing sense of the religious.

In the course of this penetrating study of Morrissey's oeuvre, Hopps offers close readings of individual lyrics and illuminating comparisons with a range of literary figures - such as Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, George Eliot, Christina Rossetti, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Paul Celan and Philip Larkin. Morrissey: The Pageant of His Bleeding Heart, at once erudite and accessible, argues convincingly for Morrissey's inclusion in the pantheon of literary greats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Squeezing My Skull
Any true Morrissey fan knows he's brilliant, and that the majority of what he does or says is definitely well-calculated or has hidden/double meanings.However, this book has some definite over analyzation leaving it quite dry as a whole.It is written like an extremely long dissertation, which makes it a bit boring, and at times strays onto different topics. Some points made in the book seem a real reach, and I was often thinking "What would the Man say to this?Perhaps that moment was completely off the cuff, yet the author is TRYING to extricate all this hidden meaning behind it?"If you are looking for a book about Moz, definitely stick with Len Brown, as Hopps has no direct interviews he's conducted that make me relaxed and confident that his meanings and interpretations about the songs are spot on. Besides, Mozza wants us to think and feel the music on an individual basis, not via others analysis.

An Excellent, Much-needed Look at Morrissey's Lyrics
If you want a further rehash of Morrissey's collaboration with Johnny Marr and the Smiths or another speculative inquiry into his love life, then this book is NOT for you.If, however, you have been longing for a thoughtful, respectful reading of Morrissey's lyrics in terms of theme, word choice and strategy, as well as an analysis of his work in the specific context of Britain and Ireland's literary greats (Wilde, Larkin, Rossetti, Joyce, Betjeman, Beckett, Joyce), then you should buy this book immediately and prepare for an enjoyable read. "Morrissey: The Pageant of his Bleeding Heart" adroitly brings together many observations of Morrissey's work (its simultaneous emphasis on despair and levity; its tendency to dwell on the eccentric, the infirm, the monstrous; the attempts at finding a way to live and love in a world beset by categorization, failure and embarrassment, etc.) and weaves them into a coherent whole. What is most striking is how Hopps is somehow able to articulate what many Morrissey devotees have felt (ok--what I have felt!), sensed or loved about his work but have as yet been unable to express in so eloquent a fashion.Hopps' work, with its judicious use of literary criticism and passionate emphasis on always going back to the source--Morrissey's words--, makes one long for a print edition of Morrissey's complete lyrics."The Pageant of His Bleeding Heart" is an intelligent examination of the artist--one that Morrissey very much deserves and one that we have been needing for a very long time. ... Read more

Product Description
The book that launched Di Morrissey as Australia's most popular female novelist.At twenty-one, Queenie Hanlon has the world at her feet and the love of handsome bushman TR Hamilton.Beautiful, wealthy and intelligent she is the only daughter of Tingulla Station, the famed outback property in the wilds of western Queensland.At twenty-two, her life lies in ruins. A series of disasters has robbed her of everything she ever loved. Everything except Tingulla - her ancestral home and her spirit's Dreaming place. . .And now she is about to lose that too. . .An extraordinary story of thwarted love and heroic struggle, Heart of the Dreaming is the tale of one woman's courage and her determination to take on the world and win. ... Read more

Product Description
Step through the magic door...

A blizzard in Florida? An ice storm in the desert? Everyone in Old Bridgeport is wondering what's causing such wacky weather. When Sarah meets a strange old man at The Magic Door Toyshop, she suspects someone in another world -- the magical land of the Great Kettles -- is responsible for the weather trouble. Old Man Winter's castle has been taken over by a dangerous novice who wants to make winter last all year long! Can Sarah help stop winter from running wild forever?

Customer Reviews (1)

"Narnia Lite"
This background is reminiscent ofC.S. Lewis' Narnia. A young child enters a different world through a magic door and meets good and evil characters. The comparison ends here. There is none of Narnia's rich texture, excitement and underlying morality. The book is poorly written, the plot could have been written by a (not very talented) 11 year old and leaves one feeling cheated. The beautiful illustrations make up the only redeeming feature. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical guide explores the world of ice skating. The book starts with basic steps and moves through turns, jumps, and spins, describing each technique in detail. There are also special sections on the rink, what to wear, terminology, staying warm on the ice, and safety tips. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic book for the young ice skater
Having just read this book I am astonished at it's beauty. The skaters all look at ease which has motivated my daughter to want to do more. Both my daughter and I enjoy reading the book together and it has been a great helpafter each private skating lesson to understand exactly what my daughterscoach has been saying. As a parent it is essential that I understand whatmy child needs to practise and this book certainly, has not only helped mydaughter but has helped me understand much more about this wonderful sportof figure skating. Many thanks to Peter Morrissey ... Read more

Product Description
By 1781 Britain's struggle to contain the rebels in her American colonies had reached an inglorious stalemate. Six years on from the British defeat by the New England militia at Boston, George Washington's rebuilt Continental Army - with support from the French - now systematically began to seek out and destroy British forces even if protected by seemingly impregnable defences.Yorktown would be a salutary lesson to the British Crown about the odds she now faced in holding on to her colonies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent writer stresses the wrong points
In "Yorktown 1781" Morrissey walks the line of once more capably describing the events of one of the great moments in American history and still somehow managing to completely misinterpret the important elements of the event.

Unlike some of his other titles for Osprey Morrissey does provide an adequate description of the senior commanders on all sides, Army, Navy, French, American and British and the troops involved and how they differed.He also has enough maps without the unnecessary clutter of cameo's that all start to blur together.

He goes into detail about the naval action which most Americans barely know happened, but which was in fact vital to the ultimate victory. The problem with the book comes with the fact he does not go into as much detail about the siege itself and, like in his work on Monmouth, Morrissey seems to fail to understand the importance of what happened on the ground.

He spends much of the early book describing the fighting in Virginia between Lafayette and Benedict Arnold who was raiding along the James River with both sides waiting for Cornwallis' army to march up from the Carolinas. Interesting reading but Arnold's forces had little to do with Yorktown and the space might have been better used to focus on Cornwallis' army and the campaign it was fighting which so ground it down that when it reach Yorktown it had almost 20% casualties from illness.

Once the players are in place Morrissey also seems to rush through the action and in so doing, misses the point. The plan was for the French, who had experience and a siege train to conduct the serious work of the siege from the north while the Americans, unused to a formal siege would just contain the British to the south, allowing the French to do the bulk of the fighting and in effect win the war.

This plan came apart when the French were unable to dislodge the outermost British strong point after 3 assaults with supporting artillery fire from the siege train. That is why to this day that outer defense still holds the name "Fusilier Redoubt" after the Royal Welch Fusiliers who defended it and could not be moved. The failure of the French to force the issue meant that the action moved to the south and it was the American troops who bore the brunt of the fighting and so won the battle. It also explains the bitterness the Americans felt towards the French officers who were happily socializing with their British captives, since they had been unable to beat them in the field and relied on Americans to do what they had failed to achieve.

Morrissey's work does set the stage and explain in excellent detail the key players. He covers the usually neglected naval engagements between the British and French that sealed the fate of the war, but by neglecting the details of the siege itself, he misses, and leads the reader to miss, the key event at Yorktown. That is the failure of the French regulars and the success of the American soldiers, that it was the Americans and not their allies who won the battle, the war and their independence. that in this deciding momment in the life of the nation, it was the American Soldier no longer the militia minute man or the ragged survivor of Valley Forge, who proved he was the equal or better of the European regular.

Outstanding Short History
Brendan Morrissey is an exceptional historian. He has the talent and scholarship to take the complex history of the battles of the American Revolution and summarize them into a compact, accurate, unbiased and immensely readable short format for the Osprey Campaign Series. His chose of artwork strongly supports the text and often includes uncommon artwork and illustrations. He consults with the major experts and keeps a neutral perspective concerning the combatants. I have all of his books in my collection.

Col. Kim R. Stacy, Savannah, GA, USA

His contribution to the Osprey Campaign Series includes:
Monmouth Courthouse 1778: The Last Great Battle in the North (Campaign)
Saratoga 1777: Turning Point of a Revolution (Campaign)
Quebec 1775: The American Invasion of Canada (Campaign)
Boston 1775: The Shot Heard Around the World (Campaign)
Yorktown 1781
The American Revolution: The Global Struggle for National Independence
On to Victory: Guilford Courthouse and Yorktown 1781 (The History Channel, American History Archives)

well done
This is a good resource on a (the) critical battle of the American Revolution. It includes the first and second naval Battles of the Capes, the American march south, events at Gloucester Point and Green Spring Farm, and the advance and siege of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Commanders and troop numbers of each force (English, American, French) are covered, and ample maps and illustrations provided (as well as a chronology 1775-83).

This is a good, well illustrated reference.

A lot of information and nice maps
The reader of Osprey's excellent Campaign series will not be disappointed by this book which has all the usual merits: detailed orders of battle, color 2-D and 3-D maps, nice photos and a text full of information and good analysis of the Yorktown campaign. The author is right to use some pages to explain the strategic scope of the battle and its rather complicated background, without which it would be difficult for a novice to follow the action. He also pays attention to the naval side of the campaign which was the really decisive factor. This is a very good book for the layman and will also satisfy the more demanding reader.

Highly detailed and well illustrated account of the battle.
As usual, the Osprey Campaign Series sets high standards for detailed histories of key battles.Yorktown 1781 certainly meets these standards and explains the battle and events leading up to it.The illustrations arecommendable and relevant including excellent 3-D diagrams of the battlefield at various times.The only problem I had with this book was thesomewhat dry wording by the author.The narrative is presented with astuffy tone that sounds to the reader more like a college lecture than anaccount of a life or death struggle.This may be too critical however whenconsidering the typical reader of Osprey Military books and militaryhistory in general.Aside from the dry writing style, this book is anexcellent addition to the series and gives more than enough detailsurrounding the battle of Yorktown and the events leading up to it.Thisbook only gets 3 stars because the other Osprey titles are so darn goodthey are hard to measure up to. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most controversial and complete rockbiographies ever written. (b/w photos) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Dense and hard to read
This book is not an easy read. Rogan includes way too many meaningless details. I couldn't get through it. It's worth the cost though for the pics.

A good, quick read, however incomplete
True, this does delve into the divorce of Marr/Morrissey, as well as the inner workings of a great band on the brink of international success and stardom.What could have been...

Morrissey's face, his howling & wailing plastered on billboards and television screens.This wasn't what he wanted at the time, now I can see.The breakup came at the peak and soon the split made them all artists in their own right, with Morrissey 's solo act now conjuring eight albums and more top ten hits than the Smiths entire history.

However, Rogan didn't get his side of the story.Sure, Morrissey could be controlling and introverted; this is why he appeals to us.He didn't get much out of Morrissey in terms of dialogue.

The Marr conversations were also truly fascinating.I have a newfound respect for this already legendary songwriter and guitar master.His dealing with Morrissey's emotions, and his firing of anyone Morrissey wasn't into at the moment was truly another alarming and perfect account of how Rock Stars might do the weirdest things, isn't it?

All in all, I read this just now in a few days, and it is now 2007, with Morrissey still touring on his own and Marr joining the band Modest Mouse.It is safe to say that they are both doing well, and the book is now quite old.Maybe this mythical Boxed Set can finally come out with Marr & Morrissey digging up the archives together and putting it out for their fans?

Only time will tell...for now, I'll stretch out and wait...

Scathing, unauthorized account provides some insight, but ultimately fails to satisfy
Speaking as one Moz fan to another, I know it's tempting to buy this book, as we are all hungry to learn more about the greatest lyricist of the 20th century. What makes it even worse is that Morrissey himself hinted that he was in the throngs of writing a bio--but that was way back whilst promoing the Quarry LP, and the wait is hard to bear for us devotees. Still, if you're considering slapping out your hard earned cash for this trash let me just give you a couple of words of advice:If you must get it, get it used.(It really isn't worth it, though--really!).First off, the title is far more intriguing than anything actually IN the book, so don't "judge it by the cover."And, although there is a section on Morrissey's brief career stint as a music journalist, most of his accomplishments (pre and post Smiths) are rebuked as being just part of the narcissistic confidence we all already know Morrissey has a tendency towards.That being said, I think it's quite difficult to read a book by someone who cannot conceal his disdain of someone so well accomplished, who couldn't get the interview for the book (its unauthorized), and so sets out to write a thinly veiled criticism instead...there is no balance....none.Second, this book addresses none of the points that ultimately make the Moz such a cult icon in the first place:his early life, his alleged estrangement from his father, veganism, love interests, or his bouts with depression.(Nice cover jacket, though).

dont listen to "philmarlowe39" 's review.
Continental Op "philmarlowe39 obviously doesn't know what it means to be a true fan of music. he claims you outgrow the smiths. you dont outgrow great music. its timeless. sure the smiths are great to listen to as a teen, but if you love and understand great song writing and melody then its always great. i get tired of hearing these older folks saying "oh i've outgrow this band and that band" when they mention someone like the smiths. i can understand that if your speaking of mc hammer or madonna but not a group which was as amazing as the smiths. oh and this book was great also. thanks

Best Smiths book on the market, but...
The Smiths are like your high school sweetheart.You fondly remember all the good times you had together, but don't particularly desire a reunion.The truth for me--and many others like me--is that The Smiths were an integral part of my adolescence.I loved the mixture of Johnny Marr's guitars-upon-jangling-guitars with Morrissey's humorously depressing lyrics.As a rhythm section Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce proved more than capable of Moz and Marr's virtuosity.However, it's been years since I plopped "The Queen Is Dead" into my CD player.The strange truth about The Smiths is that people seem to outgrow their music.

That being said, fans (both old and new) of this 1980s Mancunian quartet won't be disappointed with Johnny Rogan's exposé of what went on behind the scenes during the band's five-year run (1982-87).

As a matter of fact, considering The Smiths' importance in rock music, it's amazing that so little (in terms of books) has been written about them and that most of their fanbase knows little about the group aside from their music and the fact they broke up.Perhaps that is the fate of a cult band, even an important one.

Within these pages, Johnny Rogan gives tons of analysis on the Morrissey family, from their origins in the Irish capital of Dublin to their emigration to Manchester.Morrissey's education at a sadistic high school is examined, as well as Johnny Marr's musical awakenings.

We see the group's beginnings and quick ascent as the indie darlings of British rock.We learn of Rourke's heroin habit, Morrissey's passive-aggressive drama queen antics, and the band's inability to hire a qualified manager (which ultimately proved to be their undoing).

The book's strengths lie in Rogan's meticulous research about the band members, their songs, their origins, and those individuals affiliated with the group (producers, managers, roadies, etc.).I was both saddened and amazed to discover just how quickly (and stupidly unnecessary) the band's 1987 break-up was.

The book's weaknesses lie in two areas.First, Rogan has the annoying habit of putting Smiths lyrics in sentences.Heaven knows I'm miserable now just thinking about it.Capisce?

Second, unlike truly great rock bios--like Stephen Davis' "Hammer of the Gods:The Led Zeppelin Saga" and Peter Guralnick's masterful two volume set on Elvis Presley ("Last Train to Memphis"/"Careless Love")--Rogan never captures the AURA of The Smiths.Why were they so important?Why did they matter to so many people?Why was their fanbase so passionately devoted to them?Why does their music still matter?It's much harder to answer these questions and Rogan's failure to do so prevents "Morrissey & Marr:The Severed Alliance" from joining the ranks of the truly great rock biographies.

That being said, it's imporant to note that this book is currently out-of-print, so it only covers up to 1992 (the prickly preface included).The patently greedy and unfair "contract" Morrissey and Marr signed with Rourke and Joyce is discussed, but Joyce's ultimately successful lawsuit against the songwriting duo is only mentioned in its early stages.Considering the bitterness involved (Morrissey still hasn't paid Joyce the money he owes him), I personally doubt The Smiths will ever reunite.

BOTTOM LINE:This book is a must-buy for Smiths fans.It's very good, not great, but still a worthy read. ... Read more

Product Description
The journey that changes her life. . .A young Australian woman leaves Sydney for a new world . . . Guyana, South America.Captivated by Guyana's wild, unspoilt beauty, Madison Wright Jones joins the native Amerindians struggling to preserve their culture against corporate exploitation. But her new-found commitment soon plunges Madison into a mire of murder, drug smuggling and political corruption. And finally, an unexpected love that pits her heart against her beliefs.From Sydney's sparkling harbour to the lush rainforests of South America, When the Singing Stops is a triumph of storytelling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

'When the Singing Stops' stopped me in my tracks
I finished reading the book yesterday and still have pieces of the lyrical imagery floating in my head. Maybe the plot occasionally seemed a bitcontrived, but the story was good and had enough twists to keep meentertained. What got me though was the description of Guyana - I couldtaste it, smell it, see it's vivid scenery. I'm not really a greenie, butthe impact of the legend of the tiny golden frogs raised many a heartfeltsigh, and the change of attitude wrought on the lead character Madi wastotally believable. She is lifted from being a woman who has had all herzest for living stripped from her, but suddenly regains her strength andthen some. I'll certainly look for some of Di Morrissey's other books

Disappointed in California
I really enjoyed Tears of the Moon and was looking forward to reading When the Singing Stops. However it failed to live up to the previous novel. I found Ms Morrissey's character development lacking, especially in the maincharacter Madi. She was very disjointed, switching from very bold andcourageous in one sentence to being a helpless female in the next. She keptgetting herself into serious trouble by her actions and then kept wonderingwhy all of this stuff was happening to her. I kept waiting for somecontinuity of character development that never happened. I felt that Ms.Morrissey could have also developed some of the minor characters more.There were a few characters and scenes that were brought into the story andI never did figure out the reason why. I kept waiting for the tie in to theplot that never came. I did however enjoy Ms Morrissey's very vividdescriptions of the scenery and of the landscape. I could very easilypicture the setting of the story. I also found the topic of ecology and ofsaving the environment well written without being preachy.

Need more.
I have only read "Tears of The Moon" and thoroughly enjoyed it (5+ stars).I am interested in reading more of Di Morrissey's novels, however, they are difficult to find.I would like to get hard bound in anyof her works. I will consider used.Please respond.

Yet another captivatingly brilliant Aussie tale.
Di Morrissey is simply brilliant, I have read all herworks including the lastest "Scatter The Stars". It's great to read her refreshing and captivating novelsAustralian tales. The settings are easy to relateto as an Australian reader and the characters reflect that unique"Auzzie - ism" also. I have all her novels and have read each oneover and over. I began reading them when I was 15 at boarding school. Soonthe entire boarding school had read my copies and we were all in love withDi's brilliant story telling. As an eighteen year old now, and a buddingauthor myself, I recommend any of Di's books to anyway who enjoys fresh,realistic and heart warming tales.

Another entertaining book by the queen of Aussie literature
I totally enjoyed this offering from Di Morrissey. Well developed and likeable characters along with a strong plot that made sense.I found that I was totally swept away by the scenery and the happenings of Georgetown.

I find Di Morrissey novels to be totally absorbing.They take you awayinto the world of her characters, totally emersing you .You feel that youcan relate to the charcter and always want them to come out on top.Ifound the plot of "When the Singing Stops" to be refreshing.Asimple story about an average everyday Australian.A little mystery andlove and travel thrown in and you have yourself another wonderful offeringfrom the queen of Australian literature.

I found it hard to put the noveldown at times.The plot is a tapestry of storied rolled into one.Youhave the personal life and happenings of the main female character as wellas the other story lines of her brother and other interesting locals thatthey meet in Guana.It keeps you interested from front to back.

Alongwith this I feel that anyone who enjoyed this novel will love all of herothers too."The Last Mile Home" is another example of a simpleplot, yet made interesting by the characters and what happens to them.

I totally loved this novel and hope that all who read it do.As anAussie, I am proud to say that Di Morrissey is an Australian author who isworth her salt. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Very nice book
For those who likes the music and life of Morrissey this is a very good book. It is worth the money. Full of good interviews and pictures.

Great collection
I've read over half of the interviews in the book, but to have them all in one place is fantastic.It's a bit dangerous to open the book because you'll inevitably find that 2 hours have passed and you've done nothing but let yourself be caressed by Morrissey's wit.Definitely recommended.

Purchased as a gift and he loved it....
I purchased this as a gift to add to his collection and he loved it. ... Read more

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