Product Description

A milestone in modern thought, Space, Time and Architecture has been reissued many times since its first publication in 1941 and translated into half a dozen languages. In this revised edition of Mr. Giedion's classic work, major sections have been added and there are 81 new illustrations.

The chapters on leading contemporary architects have been greatly expanded. There is new material on the later development of Frank Lloyd Wright and the more recent buildings of Walter Gropius, particularly his American Embassy in Athens. In his discussion of Le Corbusier, Mr. Giedion provides detailed analyses of the Carpenter Center at Harvard University, Le Corbusier's only building in the United States, and his Priory of La Tourette near Lyons. There is a section on his relations with his clients and an assessment of his influence on contemporary architecture, including a description of the Le Corbusier Center in Zurich (designed just before his death], which houses his works of art. The chapters on Mies van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto have been brought up to date with examples of their buildings in the sixties. There is an entirely new chapter on the Danish architect Jorn Utzon, whose work, as exemplified in his design for the Sydney Opera House, Mr. Giedion considers representative of post-World War II architectural concepts.

A new essay, "Changing Notions of the City," traces the evolution of the structure of the city throughout history and examines current attempts to deal with urban growth, as shown in the work of such architects as José Luis Sert, Kenzo Tange, and Fumihiko Maki. Mr. Sert's Peabody Terrace is discussed as an example of the interlocking of the collective and individual spheres. Finally, the conclusion has been enlarged to include a survey of the limits of the organic in architecture.

Customer Reviews (6)

A dated manifesto whose time has passed
This book is vast in its ambitions, uneven in its analysis, and badly dated in its defense of modern architecture.Giedion's basic premise is that the Industrial Revolution caused a separation to occur between thinking and feeling, this separation was exemplified by what he considers derivative architecture during the 19th century, and that it is up to the modern movement to reunite these two spheres by combining emotions with a scientific approach to architecture, and by adding the dimension of time to its three dimensional depiction of space.His historical analysis is quite erudite, but his treatment of the major architects who founded the modern movement, particularly Gropius and Le Corbusier, verges on hagiography.For instance he considers Gropius' PanAm building in New York, and Le Corbusier's Carpenter Center at Harvard to be great works of architecture, when contemporary critics view these as among their worst.The only American architect given comparable attention is Frank Lloyd Wright.The book flounders at the end in its speculation about the future, praising Le Corbusier's advocacy of separating people from cars by building elevated highways, and housing people in slablike high rise towers.Considering that Pruitt-Igoe was already, at the time of his final revision to his book, failing in St. Louis as an approach to house poor families (it was later blown to smithereens as a total disaster), this advocacy of housing people in high rises rings hollow indeed.He also advocates separating functions in a city, at a time again during his final revision, when Jane Jacobs "Death and Life of Great American Cities" was revolutionizing city planning by advocating just the opposite.It is worth reading because it makes you think, but it is badly dated.

I like this book alot
This book tells the story of important buildings built since a long time ago, even bridges! Lots of nice pictures and drawings, especially of the real important artsy buildings built after WWII. You can learn alot about the history of world culture and architecture just by looking at the pictures! All my friends saw "Wow" when I show them this book! Wow!!

brief and to the point
90 per cent of books in a typical bookstore are not worth the paper they are written on.This is NOT one of those books. The concepts presented in this book are profound. It is the best book I own.

The seminal work on Modern Architecture
One cannot even presume to understand modern architecture until one has read Giedion's classic work. This book did more to shape the view of modern architecture than did any other book. Giedion provides an impressive survey of architecture down through the ages, illustrating those aspects which had an influence on modern architecture. One of his more illucidating chapters is "The Demand for Morality in Architecture," which underscores the content of this work.

The heart of the book is his chapter on "Space-Time in Art, Architecture, adn Construction," in which he examines the leading figures and movements in modern architecture, with the spotlight on Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto. These were the founding fathers. He examines the roots of their ideas as well as the influence they had in shaping the modern movement. This later edition also includes a chapter on "Jorn Utzon and the Third Generation," which Giedion felt had successfully carried the principles of modern architecture into contemporary society.

Giedion also explores the shifts in attitude toward city planning in the late 19th century and early 20th century, reviewing such seminal figures as Ebenezer Howard, Patrick Geddes, Arturo Soria y Mata, and Tony Garnier, which ultimately lead to the creation of C.I.A.M, the International Congress of Modern Architecture.

Giedion is unabashed in his support of modern architecture, which has made this book the favorite whipping post of post-modern critics. But, few have explored the subject as deeply as has Giedion. Don't rely on other interpretations of Giedion. Read "Space, Time and Architecture" before drawing any conclusions.

Excellent history
I enjoyed this book for the author's insights into how 20th century architecture, starting from certain antecedents in the 19th century, such as the early iron-reinforced concrete structures of William LeBaron Jenny, progressed through Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bauhaus school, and so on, up to the style which he calls "the hanging curtain of glass."

Giedion shows how this spectacular 20th-century building originated around the turn of the last century and how it's modern variations represent a triumpth of this type of design.

The basic principle, as exemplified early on in the Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Co. building in Chicago, is that as stuctural members receeded from the outlying masonry walls into the interior skeleton of the building, this allows the architect to open up the facade with windows, skylights, and other penetrating elements in order to let the maximum amount of air and light into the building. Eventually no real supporting structural members need reside on the outside of the building, and the aesthetic result is the "hanging curtain of glass" effect... Whatever one thinks of this type ofbuilding, it has become a major landmark of 20th-century architectural design in cities all over the world.

Giedion's treatment of Robert Maillart's graceful, parabolic spanning bridge designs in the Swiss Alps and some other places,such as the Tavanasa Bridge in the U.S., which he specifically discusses as one of Maillart's most important achievements, is also very interesting.

Overall, Giedion's book is a fine treatment of an important and difficult period in the history of architecture, and is one of the most important books on architecture to be written in recent decades. ... Read more

Product Description
When the thing from outer space visits earth, it is taken first for a trick-or-treater and then for a robot. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Halloween Fun
If an object from space came to Earth on Halloween night, would anyone notice?The illustrations in this book are simple and good (James Marshall did the "Miss Nelson is Missing!" books and some of our favorite fairy tales.)Excellent use of light and dark - the illustrations are top-notch.Very cute story - my kids love it.(Oh - look for maps of Texas - those are a nice surprise.)

The Marshals do it again
"Space Case" is a wonderful book for kids and adults alike. It is just as good at Easter as Halloween. Our older kids were huge fans and now our grand children love it too. I love the dad's response when he lets the trick or treaters in the house. Any book by the Marshals or Harry Allard is a delight. I wish they were all in print.

A Remembered Childhood Halloween
I read this story to my 3 younger brothers every night for weeks when we were little. I remember one night in particular when I just didn't want to read it again and it was hours of them begging and keeping me awake that finally changed my mind. But I decided to just read the first page, "It came from outer space..." and then the last page, "And in a flash, it was gone." We couldn't stop laughing. Years later, I thought about this book and couldn't remember it's title or author except for those lines. One quick search on Google led me to "Space Case" and the rest is history. My siblings and I are all adults now and still love this classic Halloween story from our childhood. I'm so happy I was able to purchase it through Amazon.

Still great
I had all but forgotten about this gem from my childhood when I saw it sitting on the Halloween display at the library where I work.
That night when I read it to my daughter, the clever illustrations and the humor brought back a flood of memories from my own childhood.And when she told me that she wanted "the movie of Space Case" for her birthday, I knew it was one of those timeless treats that would carry on into her memories when she's a mother.
Marshall's subtle brand of humor, paired with the charming illstrations makes this a great non-spooky choice for Halloween reads.

What a treat!
This book is a real treat! The humor can appeal to the older kids, while the cute Halloween story can appeal to a younger age.

'It came from outerspace' begins the story and as this thing tries to make friends with cows and chickens and learns to trick or treat a cute story unfolds. The pictures are funny. I particularly like the father who lets them in the house after they have been out trick or treating (very funny) and the costumes that everyone wears are great!

It's adorable and it came from outerspace and it should be on your bookshelves. ... Read more

Product Description
Enter a world of discovery with DK Eyewonder. Rocket into space and explore the wonders of the universe. From counting Saturn's rings to living in space stations, Eyewonder Space will take you on an amazing journey through the cosmos and beyond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

fooled by the cover
The cover of this book shows a giant Earth with celestial bodies orbiting around it.So I took a chance and ordered the book.I should have checked the table of contents first.As it turns out, this book is just another typical book pushing the Copernicus based heliocentric model of the universe.As usual with this type of book, the author makes no attempt to prove the theory (which states) that the Earth revolves around the Sun.He pretends that it is already an established fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
(Based on the observable evidence, The Earth is completely stationary, and does not orbit around anything.)

This book also claims that men have walked on the moon.But it presents no real evidence to support such a claim.Instead, it presents a photo of a man pretending to be on the moon, which I admit looks pretty cool.But it doesn't prove anything.

There are subtle aspects of this book which make it clear that the author is intentionally trying to mislead and steer the reader into the idea that we (as a society) should continue giving NASA money to "explore space".

Here is an interesting set of quotes from the book, "The first telescopes were made around 400 years ago.They were not as powerful or accurate as today's equipment"... "Today, astronomers do not even have to look into the sky themselves, because their telescopes have special computers that can collect the information for them."The book then addresses the topic of "radio telescopes".

Fundamentally, the author is trying to blur the line between reality and science fiction.

In the real physical world, a telescope using a magnifying glass represents reality, whereas a "radio telescope" represents science fiction. No astronomer has ever seen anything more than fuzzy lights when looking at the stars using a magnifying glass.All of these spectacular and colorful photos of deep space that we see in books and on TV are computer generated images, based on parameters which are set up by "scientists".They do not represent anything that is factually visible.The word "telescope" refers to the visual realm.So it is dishonest to call a "radio telescope" a telescope.A radio telescope is not a telescope at all.

Generally speaking, this book is beyond suspicious.

My son loves it
My son loves anything to do about space and that includes this book whichhe loves to show his cousins... Thanks

Good Starter
I purchased this book for a four year old boy and he loved it.The pictures are excellent and the descriptions are brief and accurate (enough for a four year old).This is a great supplement book for the price.Yes, there are better space books out there.

Fascinating facts and interesting pictures for curious kids
As soon as we opened this book, my inquisitive 5-year-old was hooked. It is filled with interesting facts about our solar system, written on a level just perfect for ages 4-8 (the target age group for these books). The pictures and graphics are rich and colorful. I bought "Ocean", too, and now we often read these books instead of good-night stories. Each 2-page spread contains so much to see and discuss that it takes the place of a standard good-night story.
Here's an example: "A planet's year is the time it takes to make one full journey (orbit) around the Sun.... Planets with the biggest orbits have the longest years." For a kid who is just beginning to comprehend how long a year is, it's interesting to toy with the idea that a "year" is a different amount of time on each planet. Ok, it's a stretch, and I don't think my 5-year-old really understood, but that's just one example of the types of things we sit and talk about after looking at this book. Fun!
So if your child is curious about the sun, moon and planets, I would really recommend this book. (Even for older kids, frankly. My mother and I both enjoy it and learned from it. And it's much more interesting to read and look at than a typical story book.) ... Read more

Product Description
Join the crew, and prepare to explore the galaxy. This colorful book introduces young readers to the amazing world of space, space travel, and the vehicles we use to explore it.Large, colorful spreads with action-oriented text reveal the answers every young child wants to know, including why the moon seems to change shape, and how spaceships work. Packed with information and detailed pictures, this book makes an exciting gift and an ideal reference for the budding astronaut in the family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Space Introduction
We love to read this book. It gives great factual information that my preschool student loves. It is appropriate for ages 4-8.The information isn't too technical However, we have enjoyed learning information we hadn't read in other resources.

Good Book
My 8 year old son is space crazy. He lives and breathes space and planets. We got this book for him as a suprise and he loves it.

Great book but just like Big Book of Space Ships
I was quite disappointed that this book contained much identical material already covered inThe Big book of Space Ships

That being said this is a really good book. The illustrations are compelling and informative. And it covers more material than the Big Book of Space Ships.

If you don't already have the Big Book of Space Ships then buy this book! ... Read more

Product Description
In a triumphant career spanning more than thirty years, Anne McCaffrey has won the devotion of millions of fans. Now she has written the exciting and long-awaited addition to her classic Pegasus series--and the perfect link to her bestselling Rowan saga . . .

For an overpopulated Earth whose resources are strained to the breaking point, there is only one place to look for relief: straight up. With the successful completion of the Padrugoi Space Station, humanity has at last achieved its first large-scale permanent presence in space. But there are those who, for motives of their own, want Padrugoi to fail. Standing in their way are the Talented, men and women gifted with extraordinary mental powers that have made them as feared as they are respected--and utterly indispensable to the colonization effort. Now, as sabotage and attempted murder strike the Station, it's up to the Talented to save the day. Only who is going to save the Talented?

Pegasus in Space is the tale of Peter Reidinger, first Tower Prime!Amazon.com Review
Anne McCaffrey is best known for The Dragonriders of Pern, but her loose Talents series about superpsychics has been running almost as long. It began with the near-future To Ride Pegasus, continuing a couple of generations later in Pegasus in Flight. Book 2 introduced a crowd of new characters, notably the paralyzed boy Peter whose telekinetic talent can move not only his body without help from his ruined nervous system, but--with practice--even lift payloads into orbit.

Pegasus in Space follows directly, with mayhem and mutiny, at the opening of a manned space station, which Peter and talented friends helped build. Further hassles ensue during his training for space haulage work: obstructive bureaucrats, crooked suppliers, murder attempts, and skillful sabotage. McCaffrey specializes in feel-good adventure SF, full of romance, warm friendships, and hearty meals. Somehow her villains never quite convince, though, and their evil deeds are so rapidly annulled that the story rarely builds up much suspense. Meanwhile, the orphan girl Amiriyah who's adopted into Peter's family has a mysterious, subtle talent of her own, one that we soon guess will change his life. Our young hero's ambitions foreshadow later far-future books in the series (beginning with The Rowan) in which "kinetics" hurl cargo across huge interstellar gulfs. While most people think his talent needs careful conservation, Peter has already teleported supplies to the moon and has secret plans for Mars, the asteroids, and the moons of Jupiter. It all makes for an agreeable, lightweight read. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

A well crafted link.
Book arrived quickly and in good condition.The book was well written, revisiting many characters from "Pegasus in Flight".It neatly closes the gap between the Pegasus series and the Tower and the Hive series.I thoroughly enjoyed this and plan to reread the whole series from start to finish following the chronological order of the plot (as opposed to the order they were published).Recommended.

Tedious and Disappointing
I loved McCaffrey's "Dragon" series; enjoyed the "Brain Ships"; and found the first two "Pegasus" books (a third the length of this one) interesting. This one, however, was overlong and unbelievably tedious. It is a character-driven (not story-driven) book; a series of thinly-connected vignettes, apparently meant to spotlight the psychic personalities of whom the author seems overly enamored. This style is often seen in fanzine-writing (I know this because I've done it); but it is an indulgence less often seen in a writer this accomplished.

As a reader I was NOT enamored of these characters, who seemed superficially one-dimensional (for the number of pages allotted them!). The "villains" were positively cartoonish; and the circumstances of their "menace," unconvincing.A felon, convicted or heinous crimes against persons, "sentenced" to unsupervised "janitorial work" aboard a space station? Are you KIDDING me?!?No government could be that stupid -- not even a liberal one.

I didn't finish the book. Found myself speed-reading through the middle third, scanning down the middle of the pages hoping SOMETHING believable would happen; gave up on the final third. This was a waste of my time & money.

A great read if you're into SF...
but should be read after "Pegasus in Flight". As with the best of McCaffrey I finished the book too quickly - so reread it immediately!

The Talents make space travel practical
This is the longest and last (to date) volume of McCaffrey's "Saga of the Talents," published 27 years after the first (To Ride Pegasus), 10 after The Rowan, and a year after The Tower and the Hive (Rowan).Her objective was to tie together the chronologically earlier with the later books in the series, while still (as she points out in her Acknowledgments) trying to stay true to the parameters put in place when she wrote the first short story about the Talents in 1959.

In the late 21st Century, humanity is finally making serious attempts to colonize the stars--and none too soon, for Earth is overcrowded and many people live in miserable conditions in vast tenement blocks.Central to the space program are the "parapsychics," the 0.03% of the species who are born with special gifts--the empaths, telepaths, kinetics, precogs, and dozens of lesser talents.Among them is 15-year-old Peter Reidinger, who is a quadriplegic and an enormously powerful telekinetic: given a generator to get in "gestalt" with and draw power from, he can "toss" just about anything, regardless of its size, shape, or mass, to just about any destination, as long as he has a picture of that destination to focus on.He dreams of someday being able to hurl colony ships to distant systems, if he can only, like Archimedes, find "a place to stand"--for in this future the constraints of the speed of light mean that without instantaneous telekinetic transport, colonists must spend centuries in cryogenic suspension and colonies will quickly begin to lag technically behind the homeworld, with news and inventions unable to reach them any faster than that speed.Peter's foster sister Amareeyah has a special gift too, though it's not as showy as his and indeed takes a long time to be identified.

The first great test of Peter's powers comes when his friend Gen. Johnny Greene wangles invitations for him and two others of the Talented to the ceremony marking the inauguration of Padrugoi Space Station--a function for which everyone thought they'd been overlooked.As it turns out, they hadn't--the oversight was 100% deliberate--and it's only their presence that prevents the bitter and jealous Construction Manager, Ludmila Barchenka, from successfully fomenting a mutiny and seizing control of the facility.Because of the part he plays in this action, Peter gets a leg up into the space program--and finds that as his work takes him regularly to Padrugoi and the Moon, he's in peril from enemies old and new, including a couple of very nasty and well-connected figures from Pegasus in Flight.And all the while, as he grows older and his powers mature, he must also search for ways to make his dream come true.

McCaffrey inserts several links to the present in her story: two of her colony ships are the "Andre Norton" (named after the early sf writer who probably inspired most of the author's generation) and the "Arrakis;" Peter conscientiously does his daily "Reeve exercises" to keep muscle tone in his paralyzed body (the novel is dedicated to actor/activist Christopher "Superman" Reeve).And although her future Earth is now unified and at peace, terrorists remain a thorn in everyone's side.The book is lengthy and not notable for action, but given its purpose as stated, that's probably inevitable.Though I didn't like it as well as I have the Pern, Doona, or Brainship books, my deep interest in psychic powers guaranteed that I would find it interesting, and certainly it succeeds on its own terms.

Pegasus in Space
All books by Anne McCaffrey are amazing! She makes her characters real, not just words on a page. ... Read more

Product Description
Space Marines and their evil counterparts, the Traitor Marines, epitomisr the wartorn. Warhammer 40,000 universe. This short story collection focuses entirely on these superhuman warrior, telling high-action tales of heroism and savagery. Combining the talents of Black Library favorite authors such as Mike Lee and Nick Kyme with hot new talent, this collection is not to be missed ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Some Treasure & Some Trash
Before I review anything I would like to say that giving a synopsis of each story is not a review, it is a spoiler.Mrs. Fitch must not play the game or have a clue about the whole 40K universe based on her reviews above.Most of the stories in this book are good, but two of them are not and two really suck.This book should have been given a different title as there are only 2 actual Legends in it.I think that the editor, Christian Dunn fell asleep or simply did not read "Orphans of the Kraken" or "Hell Night" because those two stories should not have been allowed in any book published by the Black Library.
Here is what I thought about the stories in order.

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<<< Hell Night by Nick Kyme >>>

This story fits into Kymes Salamanders Story Arc.I realize that Nick is a new author, but Warp Storms are a really big deal.They are not localized phenomenon that can just appear over a city.In the 40K universe there is no such thing as a Stephen King style "ghost", angry specters are ALWAYS demons of some form or another.I was waiting for Casper the friendly ghost to make an appearance. The characters in this sorry story are bland stereotypes.Nick must have been in a hurry, because the improvement that I have been following in his writing seems to have regressed with this tale.This story is a huge letdown to fans of the Salamanders series of which I am one.

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<<< Cover of Darkness by Mitchel Scanlon >>>

Mitchell did a good job with this White Scar story as I felt as if I was there.His usual illustrative writing style is in full effect here.The end of the story wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste, but I do not like good stories to end.The end of the story will leave you with questions which seem to hint at a possible White Scars series.

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<<< The Relic by Jonathan Green >>>

I think that this story is supposed to fit into Green's Black Templars "Armageddon" story arc.In this yarn he tends to seriously push his boundaries.I know Brother Jarold is a real badass, but destroying a whole Speed Freaks Warband?Digging up a Crimson Fist Dreadnaught that has been buried for 50 years, but the pilot waking up in 10 minutes?Elements of the story seem rushed.This story is not the high point of the series.

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<<< Twelve Wolves by Ben Counter >>>

I really like stories that take place before the 40th millennium.I was happy to see a new Space Wolf story even if it is not part of the Ragnar Blackmane series by Willian King.Ben Counter is an experienced Black Library author with a firm grasp of what life is like in the 41st millennium.This was a well balanced story that I liked and would have liked it to be longer.

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<<< The Returned by James Swallow >>>

I read this story before I read "Red Fury" in the Blood Angels series by the same author so I was a little skeptical in parts of it.Since I just finished "Red Fury", I like the story a lot more.The story is well written and provides insight into the Doom Eagles Chapter.There is not a lot of fluff about the Doom Eagles and in fact I have only seen one other story about this chapter "On Mournful Wings" in "Crucible of War" by Simon Spurrier.James Swallow is a good author with an excellent grasp of the overall 40K universe.I highly recommend this story even though there is no battle in it.

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<<< Consequences by Graham McNeill >>>

Graham McNeill, need I say more?As with all of his work this is top shelf.Since I am a huge fan of the Uriel Ventris saga, this was my favorite story in this book.

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<<< The Last Detail by Paul Kearney >>>

This is the first Dark Hunters story that I have read.There is not a lot of chapter specific fluff in it as it is written from the standpoint of a normal human.I do not think that I have ever read anything from this author before, but he did a good job of conveying the gritty nature of the 40K Universe.Additionally, and most importantly, he portrayed Space Marines in the correct light and did not try to humanize them.Very good read.

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<<< The Trial of The Mantis Warriors by CS Goto >>>

I have been a fan of CS Goto for quite a while (Even the Dawn of War series).I was first introduced to the Mantis Warriors Chapter in the 1st book of the Deathwatch series "Warrior Brood".This story provides detail of their involvement on the side of Huron Blackheart and the Astral Claws (later renamed Red Corsairs in the Badab War).As with the rest of Mr. Goto's work, this story is well written escape.

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<<< Orphans of the Kraken by Richard Williams >>>

THIS STORY SUCKS!!!

It actually pissed me off.Richard Williams did an outstanding job with his Imperial Navy Book "Relentless" and other short stories that he has written, but actually did a worse job of mis-portraying Space Marines than Chris Roberson does.This guy has done a huge disservice to the Scythes of the Emperor.Let me sum this up, Space Marines do not get depressed!!!They do not allow subordinates to bad mouth them!!!A Space Marine stuck for 50 years in a live Hiveship would have been dissolved!!!Only Chaos Marines are driven by Ego to the extent in this story.I cannot think of a single good thing to say about this story.

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<<< At Gaius Point by Aaron Dembski-Bowden >>>

Aaron Dembski-Bowden is my favorite new Black Library author.He is a master wordsmith who I think has the skill to make it up to Dan "The Man" Abnett & Graham McNeill's level.He paints a very different picture of the Flesh Tearers than James Swallow does in the Blood Angels stories.


-Garrick

A Decent Collection
Legends of the Space Marines is a short story collection that focuses, as the title suggests, on space marines. If you've never heard of these semi-immortal sci-fi warriors from the Warhammer 40K Universe, don't worry - this book is the perfect place to start. The authors give enough details about the subject matter for both new readers to understand what is going on and longstanding fans to remain interested.

The biggest problem with this anthology is that the space marines, as written, tend to fall into a limited number of archetypes. About halfway through the collection, the characters start to blur together because too many are so similar. They are thrown into different situations, but the characters themselves tend to be almost interchangeable. If you're looking for an old-fashioned science fiction shoot-em-up, however, that may not matter much.

There are a few stand-out stories that should be noted. Ben Counter's "Twelve Wolves" is a Sons of Fenris parable that mixes traditional fire-side story telling with modern science fiction. "Consequences" is a story by Graham McNeill that includes the popular characters from his Ultramarines series. "The Last Detail," by Paul Kearney, shows the never ending war of the future through the eyes of civilians. These stories help to make this collection worth reading, overcoming the previously mentioned problem with stereotypical characters.

If you like this book, there are two other similar anthologies to consider. _Heroes of the Space Marines_ was published roughly a year before _Legends_, and contains similar tales. _Victories of the Space Marines_ is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2011, and will also be a space marines-focused short story collection.

Different than I expected but not bad
I should begin by explaining that I have never played Warhammer 40,000.I was still interested in this book as I'm a big science fiction fan and love military sci-fi.So even though I don't play the game, I figured the book would still be fun to read.The first thing I realized is that this is not science fiction.It is "Science Fantasy" (an unfortunate name in my opinion as there is no science. Future Fantasy would be more accurate.)

That said, the stories are relatively well written.They take place in a number of settings and involve various space marines on their home worlds or involved in various campaigns across the galaxy.These settings may be of some importance to the reader who also plays the game.To me they were just names.

The emphasis isn't so much on the military side of things or strategy but rather the personality and thoughts of the various marines featured.There is a heavy emphasis on the religious, spiritual and supernatural aspects of each story.This is where the Fantasy part of the Science Fantasy genre comes in.It did get a bit repetitive at times but I guess is in keeping with the world developed for the game.While I didn't expect this to be the case, it was somewhat enjoyable.

I can't speak to the fact of how true the stories are to the game world, but I would guess that barring any glaring issues that I missed, a player of the game would enjoy seeing the world brought to life.

There are quite a few stories, and I found that it got to be a bit too much to just plow through them all at once.I broke up the reading, taking time away between stories.I don't see this as a weakness but rather as a strength.There is a lot of value her in that I think this collection of stories will entertain for a while.Even if one were to read straight through, there is a lot of material.

Any other sci-fi fans looking for additional material may enjoy adding this in as long as they go in knowing that they'll be reading about spirits, possession and dark forces as well as marines that view their mission as a religious one. It's interesting and fun, but not something I would spend the bulk of my time reading.

Who Ra
I suppose it is the Warhammer 40000 history that
I dislike and not these short stories of heroes
who are all but human in their genetic manipulation.
The Dark Angel TV series talked about children genetically engineered to
be super soldiers. The Army Airborn Rangers, the Navy Seals
and certain Marine units share this gung ho picked
soldier psychology in the real world.
The mind set of men who will die for their country, right or wrong,
isn't new, but isn't one that I think is a good idea.
Here we have men designed to fight an alien menace
for an empire that is far from being worth their effort of saving?
I just could get my sympathy up for these super soldiers.

A Solid Collection Of Space Marine Short Stories
Ten short stories comprise "Legends of the Space Marines," a Black Library collection focusing entirely on the ultimate warriors in the Warhammer 40K universe.The tales are written by popular and well-established Warhammer authors such as Ben Counter, CS Goto, and Graham McNeill and newcomers like Paul Kearney.

While all of these shorts follow the standard guns, guts, and glory angle that one usually finds in a Warhammer 40K novel, a few of them will surprise you by going in a number of other directions as well.Counter's "Twelve Wolves" focuses on the legend of Fenris' twelve children who lead and protect the Space Wolves as they protect humanity.There's also a very big surprise in this story as well.Richard Williams' "Orphans of the Kraken" finds a Scythe of the Emperor attempting to prevent the extinction of his Chapter of the Space Marines.

One of the best stories in the collection belongs to Kearney, who's "The Last Detail" follows a young boy's development into a warrior as he assists a Dark Hunter on the boy's war-ravaged planet.Another highlight is James Swallow's "The Returned," which finds a Doom Eagle long-thought to be dead attempting to reclaim his place in his Chapter.

Other stories feature the Black Templars, Flesh Tearers, Mantis Warriors, Salamanders, Ultra Marines, and White Scars.Not one of them is subpar, and if you're a fan of the Space Marines, you will not be disappointed by this collection.

The rest of the authors with stories in this book include Nick Kyme, Mitchel Scanlon, Jonathan Green, and Aaron Dembski-Bowden.The collection is edited by Christian Dunn.

Once again, fans of the Space Marines or Warhammer 40K in general will find something to enjoy in these ten stories.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description

UNSAILED SEAS

The political intrigue aboard Deep Space 9 ™ escalates when Gul Macet's warship arrives at the station with an unexpected passenger. Cardassian Ambassador Natima Lang has returned to the station on a mission of hope, but it's one that will bring back old wounds and old ghosts. As tensions rise on all sides, Colonel Kira Nerys discovers that the line between friend and foe is narrower than she ever imagined.

Elsewhere, the crew of the damaged Starship Defiant forges an uneasy alliance with an unusual alien species -- one whose unique biological makeup is the key to the balance of power in that region of the Gamma Quadrant. As the crew becomes ensnared in a web of deceit, Lieutenant Ezri Dax and Ensign Thirishar ch'Thane struggle to staveoff a genocidal civil war. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Anthology - This needs to be four stars instead of five.
I originally placed this book on my Wish List until I realized I already have this.I'm in the process of reading the anthology "Star Trek Deep Space Nine:These Haunted Seas".I finished reading this book this morning, (March 23, 2009) and it has met my expectations up to a point.I was hoping to find out what happened to Jake Sisko after his disappearance into the Wormhole, (described in Twist of Faith).Unfortunately, that did not happen.

Now I have to search for the other anthologies to continue to search for the denouement given that the remaining two books have to be purchased through other sellers dealing with Amazon rather than directly from Amazon.I find that very disappointing and frustrating.I would like to change my rating to four stars but the software program here will not permit me to change my mind on this rating.I wish Amazon would give us more options in this regard.

Good, not great.
Not as good as book one of the series, still this is a very worthwhile addition to the DS9 storyline and the Star Trek genre in general. Good characterizations, good pacing, fair to middling plot. Unspectacular, but definitely worth reading.

Little suspense or action andorian plot non starter
I am amazed that the second of this series is so inferior to the first book. There is very little action or suspense. If you read this book skip all of the sections dealing with the 3 andorians left behind on the station. You won't miss a thing and you'll save a lot of boring irrational whinning. Since the 1st installment was so good I will assume that this was an anomally and try # 3 anyway. The entire Andiorian reproductive system (4 people have to get together during a 5 year window of fertility to produce just one offspring) is unbelievable.

Angst here, angst there...I'm really feeling bad about that.
This Gray Spirit is the first book written by Heather Jarman, which I think is unusual for a Star Trek book.It has the difficult job of continuing the Defiant's exploration of the Gamma Quadrant and the political machinations that are resulting from Bajor's application to join the Federation.As such, there's a lot of story to juggle.While not as big as Twilight, it's still almost 400 packed pages.For a first effort, it's very good, but there are some real problems with it that I hope she rectifies in her subsequent books.

I said in my review of Twilight that the book was full of Vaughn's angst.Unfortunately, the trend continues in This Gray Spirit, though this time it's Dax's turn.Dax is a Trill, a species with a humanoid host containing a slug that's been alive for a long time, and Dax has been alive for three hundred years.Ezri was joined against her will as the only Trill on board when her ship was attacked by the Dominion.Thus, she's had to assimilate a lot of abilities and memories, and she's still working toward that.She's forced into an extremely diplomatic situation on the planet and she has to try and use her various Dax personalities to come up with a way out of the current problem.While it's interesting to see Dax's dilemma, I do have to say that the angst factor was turned up to a high level and got a bit tiring to read about.It helps that Dax is an interesting character, though.

Unfortunately, Dax angst isn't the only angst to deal with.Ensign ch'Thane's Andorian reproductive problems also take center stage in this book. Ch'Thane isn't the problem, however.It's his bondmates back on the station who really started to grate on my nerves.One of his three bondmates, Thriss, is extremely fragile and very hurt that he went off to the Gamma Quadrant rather than go home to Andor with them.In fact, occasionally she turns violent, and there is one vivid scene with the security chief, Lieutenant Ro, trying to break up a fight between Thriss and another of her bondmates.Scenes like this really bring home the dilemma, but there are just too many of them.They start to become repetitious and boring.We get the idea that Thriss is despondent over what's going on.Let's get on with it!These scenes do introduce us to the new station counselor, Phillipa Matthias.She is an intriguing character who Ro immediately begins to like (and knowing Ro's feelings about counselors, that's a good thing).I also really liked her, though it will be nice to get to know her a little better than we get in this book.

In addition to the angst, there is the problem of characters.The regulars are fine.No, the characters I'm talking about are the Yrythny, the people who Vaughn and his crew are dealing with.We see the caste system that they have set up, we get an interesting world where these amphibious aliens go back in the water to spawn, with a class of other Yrythny who have no home waters to go to and are thus "lesser" people.The problems on this world are fascinating and I loved how the crew of the Defiant interacted with them.However, there are no real characters for the crew to interact with.The closest we get to a character is Keran, the Delegate who befriends ch'Thane and is trying to get more rights for her fellow Wanderers.Other than Keran, we get a bunch of faceless aliens who I couldn't really distinguish between.When the conspiracy is revealed and the story hits its climax, I didn't really care.I didn't have anything invested in anybody other than whether or not Dax and ch'Thane succeeded in what they were trying to do.If you can't get us to care about any of the characters you introduce, then you've lost half the battle of making an enjoyable book.

That being said, I loved bits and pieces of the book.The climax is full of tension and since it involved the entire Defiant crew in different places, the fact that I didn't care about any of the Yrythny didn't bother me.Plus the events on the station were really intriguing too.Unfortunately, I've been spoiled about what's happening there, so instead of trying to figure out what was going on, I was trying to figure out how what I knew fit in with what was going on, but it was still satisfying.So far I'm finding the political problems on Bajor to be much more interesting than the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.I hope that improves.

Jarman is a pretty good writer, and the fact that I ultimately enjoyed This Gray Spirit despite not really caring about the Andorians or the aliens that she created didn't really take away from that.She did create an intriguing society, and if she ever decides to populate that society with characters I actually want to read about, I'm looking forward to reading that book.The fact that she does such a great job with the regulars also saves this one.Give it a try, even if it is just to get to the next book in the series.It's definitely worth a read.At least once.

David Roy

The series turns lighter
This book turns to the lighter side of character development. To begin with, there is a lot of wit and humour and amusingly dry observations. The author manages that fine blend of presenting a story that is quite serious for those involved but amusing for us. The Defiant side of the story is entirely in this vein, letting us get to know the new major and many minor characters. It concludes with a neatly done action finale. The pacing of the book is very good in the first and last thirds, but the middle third could have advanced the story in a lot less words. On the station side, the last third of the book is much more serious and hard-hitting. When Cardassian-Bajoran negotiations finally start, they go against what the reader might expect, and establish a mystery for later books. The style of the negotiations is not a pleasant one for the characters, and to a certain extent that extends to reading about them. However there is only one part of the book I did not like, the Andorian subplot. The Andorians on the station are disdainfully manipulative and irritatingly neurotic. It is basically impossible to like or sympathize with them. Also, they contribute nothing to the book except to show off the station's new counselor. Shar and his quest, a major feature of the Defiant's story, seems strong enough to me to stand on its own. With everything else happening on the station, and involving more familiar and far more likeable characters, dropping the Andorian story would have improved the book. All in all, this is a good and entertaining story that needed some tightening up and a few less displays of Andorian temper. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

No secrets reveled. But an excellent reference
this book is kind of like a manual without the dogma of being one. This book doesn't tell you how to do anything. It just presents facts and the such.

It has a lot of things that you should have memorized or at least have a simple knowledge of. It is great for students of both architecture and interior design because it has information useful to both.


My girlfriend is a layperson in the construction/ architecture field and she asked to borrow it. It has useful things like the differences in types of paint and other materials. Things that aren't really thought about all that much but are useful and important non the less.


I would recommend this book to add to one's reference library.

Brilliant and a must have for anyone in a design career
Color, Space and Style is a plethora of useful information, tips of the trade, ideas, and resources at your fingertips.

The content is easy to read and understand with well thought out categories.

Full color pages outline the design process from start to finish.

It is obvious a great deal of energy, time and effort went into its creation.A must read for anyone interested in interior design and design related fields, in fact would be an excellent tool in a teaching environment.

Bravo!

... Read more

Product Description
Designing a brochure or web site without an art background? Step away from the computer and read this breezy introduction to visual communications first. Written for non-designers, White Space is Not Your Enemy is a practical graphic design and layout text introducing the concepts and practices necessary for producing effective visual communications across a variety of formats, from print to Web.

This beautifully illustrated, full-color book covers the basics to help you develop your eye and produce attractive work. Topics include:
* The basics of effective design that communicates its intended message
* Pre-design planning
* 13 Layout Sins to avoid
* Basic typography
* Working with color
* Storyboarding for video, Web, and presentions
* Information graphics
* Mini Art School--all the basics in one chapter
* Outputting your work

* Finally--the basics of layout, design, and visual communication for print and web in one easy-to-digest book!
* "Try This" sections in each chapter include fun, hands-on activities to develop skills.
* The companion web site includes text and photo support material; video clips that put the principles in practice; interactive multimedia components; and links.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Terrific overview of basic design
This book has a lot of clearly articulated suggestions for how to execute good design. As this is something that many of us struggle with, a good book on this topic is definitely needed, especially with so many projects emphasizing the look more than the content. There are lots of examples of just what constitutes good design and suggestions for how to improve. I wish this book had come out years ago!

visual communication 101
As a non-designer often tasked with creating graphic materials for people I work with, there are two issues I find most difficult. One is convincing people that they don't need to fill every bit of a page with "something." The other is defending my design decisions with more than just "because it looks right." "White Space is Not Your Enemy" definitely helps me with both of those problems with its thorough coverage of design concepts written in clear language and supported by excellent examples and exercises. I definitely recommend this book for anyone put in the position of creating visual materials and unsure of how to get a result they won't be embarassed by.

The design book for non-designers
What a great book this is. The way a design book should be done: not just a bunch of endless text but lots and lots of pics of what to do vs what is wrong with this picture kind of samples.This was the ideal book to get your feet wet in the design world. Highly recommended.

Great for the non-designer
This is a very well written, well organized, very engaging book.I'm typically a skimmer.This book immediately drew me in and I spent several weeks reading it cover to cover.The reason it took me several weeks was that I would read a bit.Then I would spend time exploring the concepts presented.I found as I read this book I looked more critically at visual images I encountered.

I am planning on applying the principles I learned in this book to a variety of media I work with as a hobbyist.I strongly feel it will help me redesign my web page as well as improve my cropping and overall composition when taking photographs.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to find insight into how to better visually present information regardless of format.

A decent text for true beginners
"White Space is Not Your Enemy" does a good job of covering the very basics of graphic design. It could be a good textbook for a Graphic Design 101 class, or a serviceable primer for a small business owner with no design background who wants to create his or her own promotional materials. It doesn't achieve enough depth to be useful to someone with even a basic foundation in graphic design.

I do some in-house design for the small school where I work, as well as a bit of web design. I'm certainly not a designer -- I do the design work because when you have five employees and a small budget, someone's gotta do it. I've picked up design basics over the years, mostly through paying attention to what I like, and also from talking to others in similar situations. I have no formal design background at all. This book reinforced what I already know, and "concretized" some things for me, but didn't really teach me anything new.

This is also very heavy toward print design, despite the sub-title emphasizing non-print media. Yes, much of what's applicable to print is also applicable to the web, and they do a good (if somewhat boring) job of explaining CMYK color vs RGB color, as well as resolution needs, and outlining the things any designer needs to be aware of, but I was expecting something with a little more emphasis on electronic and new media.

All in all, this would be a perfectly fine book to get you started if you just need to quickly pick up the basics of design. My only real complaint about it is that, somewhat ironically, the text is a little too small for comfortable reading (I don't wear, or need, glasses). My dad would probably be so frustrated with the text size, especially against the coated paper, that he'd give up on it.

If you're looking to dive a little deeper, as I was, or if you're looking for inspiration, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Georges Perec produced some of the most entertaining and spirited essays of his age. His literary output was amazingly varied in form and style and this generous selection of Perec's non-fictional work also demonstrates his characteristic lightness of touch, wry humour and accessibility. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I'll try to think like this
What a joy reading these placid small thoughts.The everyday was never so interesting until Perec showed how.I'll be keeping this paperback.I'll be opening it whenever I feel a slump in my own writing.He's a real inspiration for writers of all kinds--those doing high minded literature and those of us doing the good old historical fiction Westerns.

Truly Inspirational
After reading some of Perec's other, less notable work, this book fell into my hands during an analysis of modern architecture and space dynamics.His consideration of the individual's interaction within spaces and the identity prescribed by such spaces is enlightening and stimulating.This was a very enjoyable read and is an excellent translation of the original French.

humane and intimate
Perec's work reminds me of a potted plant on a windowsill of an old apartment, a free-growing natural form set in an urban environment. It's like seeing that one tree outside your apartment window, the one that reminds you that not everything has to hold to the grid. His style reminds me somewhat of Glenn Gould's interpretations of Bach.

The best two pieces are a review of an old 19th century travel guide to London and an interview where Perec describes his experience serving as a paratrooper during France's Gaullist period.

Lyrical, measured, and humane; a great read.

virtuoso
humor, imagination and wit combined at their best in a unique exploration of ordinary things. a profound and pleasurable book to read, flowing like a letter from a friend.

uncategorizable and wonderful
As the author of the world's longest palindrome and other literary feats, Perec's phenomenal linguistic skills and imagination remain incomparable.His works, however, on not merely experiments within the constraints of language; I am not as impressed with his ability to write a 300-page novel without a single letter "e" as much as his endearing sense of humor and humanity."Species of Spaces" stands as a critical piece of his oeuvre in that it serves as a primer of sorts for his other major works, like a meta-text or map of his other works.Beyond this function, though, lies a vision of what literature can be, beyond genre.Perec explores the spaces we inhabit, beginning with the most evident, the page itself on which he writes (and you read), and "zooming out" into ever grander scales: the apartment, the street, the city, the country, and the universe itself.He does not cease to inscribe himself in each of these spaces, for the crisis that drives this book is that Perec does not exist except in language, on the page, in the apartment, in the street, etc.Every act of writing is an existential re-affirmation, made poignant by the author's circumstances (Perec was the son of Holocaust victims).The darkness of his own history is mitigated, however, by these attempts to capture the here-and-now in writing.

This is a perfect book for the writer seeking inspiration, since the way Perec does not use language as a clunky tool but rather plays with it, tests its limits.Literature seems then not a struggle for self-expression but an exercise in creativity.Perec's approach is refreshing, original, and terribly underappreciated. ... Read more

Product Description
Providing your children with a safe, stimulating living space is an essential job for any parent. Taking you through the process, from conception to construction, Cool Spaces for Kids gives you all the ideas and know-how you need to create appealing areas in your home for your kids, whatever their age. From imaginative playrooms and bedrooms to customizing a corner of your living room or garden, creating special spaces for your little ones will help them to enjoy playing, working, relaxing and learning. With over 50 stunning ideas comprising step-by-step projects, stylish alternatives, quick fixes and more, you can give your kids cool spaces they'll enjoy for years to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Cool Spaces for Kids
A lovely book to have with very simple ideas for parents. All projects are achievable and inexpensive.

nice piece of kids design eye candy
I bought this book after it was recommended on a blog I read.It has some nice ideas- but a lot of them I don't think I will use.What I was excited about was the instructions to make a bower.That being said I felt it was beautifully designed and fun to page through on a lazy Sunday afternoon. ... Read more

Product Description
Seventh-grader Jason narrates the events of his year, from school, hair, and pimples, to mothers, little brothers, and a girl. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

nostalgia
This is one of those books I randomly grabbed from the library and ready cover to cover when I was probably 10 years old(35 now). The only specific things I recalled about it was the football physical which I had already been through and the word 'gonads' which I had never heard before, and last chapter titled "girl" which had a surreal effect on me at the time, a sort of genetic awakening. Despite not remembering much specifically, the charisma and confidence of the main character is kind of the basis of the character I played when I wrote and played songs for my garage band, I always wondered where he came :) The language and subjects are not for the weak minded:)

perfect seventh grade voice
Jason narrates his first year of seventh grade, the joys and horrors of entering puberty, of his first crush on the pretty cheerleader, of building his space station, of dealing with his friends and family (particularly his stepfather and little brother). Spinelli, as always, perfectly captures the voice of young adolescence, the consciousness beginning to grasp mature and adult ideas, but still with the understanding of a child (particularly Jason's dealing with other religions and races, not to mention women, which no longer fall into easy categories). Humorous, exciting, and true, the young adult novel will appeal to middle school ages. Jason's voice is right-on: an impulsive, observant, silly, "good kid" trying to find his place in middle school. If there is one complaint, it is that the novel is not a strong as Spinelli's others (Maniac Magee, Crash, and Wringer are stronger in terms of theme and plot). Grade: B+

Cornwall, New York Sixth Grader
I'm a sixth grader.This book was interesting and funny to read.Jason is a seventh grader who has a goal to build a space ship in his bedroom in the midst of all his experiences of the seventh grade.Jason had a fun relationship with his friends and had nicknames for each of them. There were many adventures that Jason experienced throughout the year.My favorite was the camping trip he went on with his class.The author writes in a way that kids our age can relate to what Jason is experiencing.Some of the things that happened were so funny because they are so easy to imagine happening in real life.

The author lets the reader know all about Jason's family and his relationship with each of them.This book is like no other book that I have read.My least favorite part of the book was someone died.That part was also very scary and heart breaking.Other than that, the book was so much better than I thought it would be.
R.A.S.

i dont think so
In the bokk Space Station Seventh grade by Jerry Spinelli a kid named jason wants to build a space station.Ididnt really like this book because the author made the main idea hard to present.I thought that the author jumped around from one subject to another.For example one chapter was talking about football then the next was about halloween.The author focuses on other subjects and doesn't realizes theres not enought infiormation about the main idea

Spinelli's First
Written over 20 years ago, "Space Station Seventh Grade" was author Jerry Spinelli's first published book.Oddly, he had not originally envisioned it as being written for juveniles, but instead submitted it to publishers as being written for adults.(The remnants of its adult's oriented writing can still be seen by the rather harsh language used throughout the book).It was rejected by all adult publishers, however, almost by chance juvenile publishers embraced it.Thus started the career of one finest authors of children's/young adult fiction.

"Space Station Seventh Grade" follows the first year of middle school for Jason Herkimer- a suburban Pennsylvanian everykid.The book follows Jason from the sad end of summer to the terrors of middle school where 9th grade monsters prey upon 7th graders, where one has to take a shower after gym, where Home Economics is a subject, and where his teenage hormones start to wreak havoc upon him- creating pimples, making him act up and become a discipline problem, and making him go ga-ga for cheerleader Debbie Breen.

We are also introduced to Jason's homelife- he lives with his mother, his stepfather- Ham (who lives up to his name), his younger sister Mary, whom he can't stand, and his annoying young half-brother, Timmy.Meanwhile, his father lives alone in a big city where he indulges in his passion for kosher food.Jason also has an ecletic group of friends- fellow WASP Richie, Korean American Peter, African American Calvin, and Irish American Dugan.Jason is also an avid, but not particularly gifted athlete, and his interests revolve around dinosaurs and space travel which has led him to build a giant model space station.

"Space Station Seventh Grade" contains many themes that have popped up again and again in Spinelli's other books- a love of athletics, interest in space, sibling antagonism, snow days, unrequited crushes, and the importance of individuality represented here by the character of Marceline McAllister.

Overall, "Space Station Seventh Grade" is an entertaining depiction of middle school life.It's told with Spinelli's trademark humor which is one of the big reasons he has became such a success, and this book has some very funny parts.However, it does contain a shocking "Bridge to Terabithia" moment with a supporting character meeting a tragic death.It's aged fairly well- granted kids today may not know what a pocket football game looks like, but Spinelli wisely avoided references to pop culture which would have immediately dated his book.

However, if there is one criticism I have with Spinelli's portrayal of seventh grade is that he doesn't really touch upon the overwhelming peer pressure to conform and bullying that results when one doesn't that exists at that age.When I look back on my school days, I now like to remember grade school as a halcyon time and high school as a lot of laughs, but I do not have any rose-colored views of my middle school years which I remember as just a horror show of kids viciously picking on each other over the stupidiest stuff!Although Marceline is something of an outcast for her individualism, Jason seems remarkably untouched by any pressure to dress or act a certain way which is not how I remember middle school. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Interesting comic
My students loved looking at and reading this comic book.I will buy more from this series.

Book Review: Sardine In Outer Space
As many librarians will tell you, "give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Give a child an age-appropriate graphic novel and it will circulate until the pages disintegrate". Kind of an odd saying, I know, but a true one. This title was originally published in France and has now been translated for the American audience. Less graphic novel than serial, this collection of short comics tell the story of a little girl (Sardine), her uncle Captain Yellow Shoulder, and cousin Louie. Together they fight against the evil combo of Supermuscleman, chief executive dictator of the universe, and his large headed sidekick Doc Krok.

The adventures are fast paced and goofy, occasionally straying into the absurd. In one tale, our heros travel to planet Discoball to take part in a dance contest with The Empress Laser Diskette. Providing the music? Diskette's son Prince BeeJeez. Yes, like the band.

Kids will enjoy the action and silly situations, but this reviewer was left wanting just a little bit more.

A GEM FROM A PAIR OF FRENCH CARTOONISTS
Sardine in Outer Space is the creation of a couple of two brilliant French cartoonists and writers Emmanuel Guibert and Joann Sfar.This book collects twelve stories featuring the adventures of a little girl named Sardine, her cousin Louie, and her Uncle, the pirate Captain Yellow Shoulder as they travel through space on their ship The Huckleberry with a crew of kids and battle the evil Supermuscleman and his chief henchman Doc Krok.

In the opening tale Sardine has to rescue her uncle who has been captured by the diabolical pair who are trying to force him to tell where his ship is hidden.It's up to Sardine to save the day but only after she eludes a giant space leech.In another tale, the kids are swimming on a planet made almost entirely of water called "Glug" when Sardine and Louie are captured by some honking and tooting undersea fishmen.

In "Planet Discoball" uncle Yellow Shoulder is forced to land on a planet that looks, well, just like a glittering discoball in order to re-fuel.Gas is in short supply but the Empress Laser Diskette have promised a full tank of gas to the winner of her tournament.All you have to do is dance with the slug-like Empress to win!

As you can see these are stories geared towards a younger reader, but not too young as there is some wonderfully clever humor that very young ones won't catch.That said, adults will get a kick out of these wacky antics as well as the book has a look very reminiscent of old underground comics.The colors by Walter Pezalli must also be pointed out as his bold coloring truly makes the book come alive.I found myself enjoying this book so much more than I would have ever dreamed.Unfortunately we don't often get much exposure to comics outside of the U.S. and kudos to First Second books for publishing this gem.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Cool book!
Geared more toward children, more so the middle reader, Sardine in Outer Space is the first "graphic novel" I've reviewed.

The cartoon drawings will attract children and can be enjoyed by adults as well.

This story was translated from French by Sasha Watson. Comic authors Guibert and Sfar took turns writing the script and drawing pictures.

The heroine Sardine, her uncle Yellow Shoulder and Little Louie board the Huckleberry and blast off into space. There they encounter cosmic squid, masters of the universe, leeches, talking clouds and many evil characters. Your child would love think this is so cool.

Supermuscleman is the evil guy and with his helper Doc Krok, they chase Sardine and friends. The story line also includes manners, moral stories and human--teaching and reinforcing messages.

About one character they say, "He is so brave," to which another says, "No, that's just his job." Another chimes in, "But he is NOT crazy."

Many of the space-age characters will remind you of the Star Wars space mutants.

Armchair Interviews says: If your child is imaginative and enjoys quirky things they will like Sardine in Outer Space, a good example these new graphic novels (that means a comic bound like a book).



... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Long before "What the Bleep?" was this book
If you can get your hands on a copy, it's well worth reading.

I had no idea how rare this book is. I'm glad to have my copy. I found it in my grandparents' basement (aka my mom's old bedroom) on Christmas Eve one year while I was in college, could NOT put it down and spent ALL NIGHT reading it, and walked upstairs holding this book and asking my grandmother, "Nana, can I have this book?" ... so, if you can't find it on Amazon, you could try that.

For all(most) ages
When I was a 5th grader, back around 1982, I had a privilege of having this crazy man wearing one red sock and one yellow sock coming into my class and explain to us kids that if you could travel faster than light and escape the light cone it might be possible to be in two places at the same time. He went on to explain that some things like electrons can make a quantum leap, moving from one space to another without traveling in the space in between. Afterward, I peppered him with questions and ask how I could learn more. He said he had a book called Space Time and Beyond and that he thought I would understand it. I begged my parents to take me to the science museum so I could get a copy. I read it until it fell apart, taped it back together, and read it somemore.

That man was Fred Wolf. Thus began a lifetime of exploration. He was the Mr Electrico to my young Ray Bradbury. The book has long disappeared sometime in the past decades. It is high time for a replacement.

Why only four stars? For the adult, there are better more detailed books. For the child, I don't think you can force it on any Tom, Dick, or Sarah. It should sit on an upper shelf as a hidden treat, awaiting to be discovered by curious child.

Physics, metaphysics, telepathy, wormholes, time travel
This book of physics/metaphysics is clear enough for the layman, very suitable for a dabbler, and interesting enough for the expert. The cartoons cutely explain theories of the universe and consciousness, so that by the time you reach the commentary, you "get it". The deliberate splitting of the book into first cartoons and then commentary stimulates both hemispheres of the brain.

buy this book! buy this book!
you're stupid if you don't snap this one up; enough said.

The interpenetration of the universes has begun....
This seemingly light and trivial book covers some extremely heavy and profound concepts. In fact, it is amazing how well a few pictures, diagrams, and cartoons can clarify concepts better than chapters of dense text from more "scholarly" sources. Of course, if the pictures don't do it for you, there is the excellent commentary by Fred Allen Wolf, as well as, an extensive bibliography for further reading.

I've lost track of how many times I've read this little book since it first started to crack open my narrow Newtonian mind-set back in the '80's. It is an especially good book to read just before going to sleep- the subconscious loves to process this level of material. Here is the best introduction to not only the probably structure of the universe of space-time, but to what lies beyond it. You get very interesting speculations on the nature of paranormal phenomena, reincarnation, the nature of archetypes and the mythological level of perception, survival after death- all of which conventional "science" choses to reject or ignore.

I especially enjoyed the discussion of how quantum waves can affect all levels of existance simultaneously at different scales of organization from sub-atomic, to the natural world of normal perception, to the human mind, to the stellar and galactic level. It adds new significance to the ancient maxim, "As above, so below." This is especially true when you consider that human consciousness helps function as a co-creator of the perceived material world ( along with our higher Selves beyond space-time.) In fact, the purpose of existance seems to be to reunite ourselves with ourselves so that all of creation may become fully aware of itself in harmony.

Yeah, I know it sounds pretty "hippy-dippy", that is it does until you begin to seriously contemplate the true nature of things.... ... Read more

Product Description

Jim Palmer's critically acclaimed Divine Nobodies was only half the story - the deconstruction and shedding of a religious mentality that hindered his knowing God. In his next book, Jim takes the reader along into the wide open spaces of exploring and experiencing God beyond religion. Jim writes, "It is no secret that God can be lost beneath the waving banner of religion. Divine Nobodies is my story of how this happened to me. Sometimes you have to disentangle God from religion, even Christ from Christianity, to find the truth. With the help of some unsuspecting nobodies, I uncovered a new starting line with God. As I've put one foot in front of another, I've experienced God in ways that are deeply transforming."

Customer Reviews (16)

Only The Devil Within?
Don't get me wrong....I loved Divine Nobodies; it really spoke to my heart.I was
cruising through Wide Open Spaces and kind of experiencing it as "Divine Nobodies
Light" when I hit the chapter "The Devil Wears Levis 501 Jeans".Mr. Palmer seems to be trying to convince us that there is "no personal Satan", rather that
what we experience is "our non-spiritual self".I had to reread the chapter to
try to figure out what I was missing. It is pretty clear that Jim is discounting
all Scripural reference to the Satan who rebelled against God, who roams the earth "making war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" Rev 12:17.The Satan who tempted Christ in the desert....how many other occasions do I need to reference?

C.S. Lewis said (paraphrased) "We make two mistakes in regard to the Devil.We either blame him for everything or we blame him for nothing."Jim Palmer falls into the latter camp.I believe that this chapter plays into the Evil One's first line of defense....."I really don't exist."That gives him license to run roughshod over you.Our response, according to Jim Palmer, is "Oh, it's just my non spiritual self".Yes, we battle the "flesh", but what he is asking us to believe is not in any way supported by Scripture.

wide open spaces
I really enjoyed this book.I've felt this way for along time.
It's good to know that there's other people that feel the same way.
Especially someone who has so much knowledge about the bible.Thank you Jim Palmer for writing this book.

A New Spin On "New Age/New Spirituality" Beliefs
Unfortunately, we can now add Jim Palmer to the long list of New Agers.Namely, Leonard Sweet (who endorses this book), Brian McLaren, and Eugene Peterson (whose New Age version of the Bible "The Message" is quoted extensively in this book).There is so much twisting of Scripture and so many different versions of the Bible used in this book to support the author's reasoning that I really do not know where to start.

I knew this book would try to completely destroy 2000 year old Christian orthodoxy before I was finished with the Introduction.Repeatedly, Mr. Palmer refers to Christian orthodoxy as "religion."Several times Mr. Palmer talks about the "box" that we put Christ in, but then puts Christ in a New Age/New Spirituality box to replace it.In fact, on page XVI Palmer states, "sometimes you have to disentangle Christ from Christianity to find the truth."Excuse me?Christ being conceived by the Holy Ghost, His work on the cross, His sinless life, nature, and His attributes are spelled out very clearly in the words of the Bible.And when I say the Bible, I am referring to literal translations of the ancient manuscripts such as the KJV.The MESSage and the AMP are quoted, among others, and they in many places have the opposite intended meaning of the majority of the almost 5700 available ancient manuscripts. Comparing these texts verse by verse proves this.

Throughout the book Mr. Palmer continuously talks about "experiencing God" and "accepting Christ involves receiving and living my identity in Christ as love."Loving people and being kind to them are part of the fruits of the Spirit, but there is never any mention in this book of serving Christ through witnessing to the lost.He is more interested in serving man, but calling it serving Christ (To wit: volunteerism, which is noble, but is not serving Christ).It seems by his own words that Mr. Palmer was disillusioned in his studies in divinity and never recovered from it.He states, "I'm discovering that a significant element of living the Christian life is following my feelings."That is a dangerous road to travel since our feelings often betray us.We are to be led by the Holy Ghost and be instructed by Him.

On page 186 he completely changes Jesus Christ's own words to fit his thesis. "I am the way...", to Mr. Palmer means, "the Christ-way unveils a different way to live."A different way to live?This is one of the foundational verses in the Bible.Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father but by me."Jesus Christ is saying that He is the only way to everlasting life, period.Jesus Christ was not referring to changing how we live in this verse.Unbelievable how Mr. Palmer totally corrupts Christ's own words.

He also ascribes human characteristics to Lucifer and his minions.He states, "the sinful nature is the nature of someone who is guided by the human consciousness."This is a typical New Age belief and could not be further from Biblical instruction.The Bible states that Lucifer walks about, seeking whom he may devour.We are to walk in the Holy Spirit and not rely on any divine "consciousness".He even states on page 133, "deciding what's true is an individual, personal judgment that comes from the heart or the God-life within us."Again, another New Age belief with no mention of the Holy Spirit which guides us in all Truth.This is nothing but Relativism/Postmodernism in a new package.Remember, the Holy Scriptures state that the heart is inherently wicked when we are not led by the Holy Spirit. One gets the impression that Mr. Palmer believes that every human being on earth is indwelt with the Holy Spirit, which obviously is not Biblical.Strangely, on page 132 Mr. Palmer even denies the Truth of the Bible.Jesus Christ himself said, "Thy Word is truth."Either Jim Palmer is wrong or Christ is wrong.Since Christ cannot lie (it's not in his nature), Mr. Palmer is the one in error.

Unfortunately, there is no clear presentation of the Gospel in this book.In fact, on page 75 Mr. Palmer states, "I've never liked the word repent".Those are the words of someone that is trying to work out their own salvation.From this statement and many others, it seems that he has a problem with Christ's own words of everlasting condemnation if we are not believers in the shed blood of Christ on the cross for our sins.Sadly, there is no testimony of a personal conversion and trust in Christ.In fact, there are many instances in this book where Mr. Palmer appears to be pantheistic and panentheistic.

I could go on and on about the New Age terminology in this book, the contextual misuse by Mr. Palmer and other New Agers of Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."If Psalm 46 is read in it's entirety, it is obvious God is telling His people to not be moved, nervous or troubled.Not to go to a quiet place and practice contemplative prayer or Yoga, which leads to the Hindu "Namaste".

Mr. Palmer seems to be a genuinely intelligent and sincere man, but he is deceived as to what the Gospel of Christ means and the teaching of it.There is absolutely nothing more important than where we will spend eternity.Although their design proves the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost exist, they do not dwell in the trees, plants, shrubs, oceans, lakes and other earthly things.The Holy Ghost (God) only dwells in believers in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Contrary to popular belief, the Kingdom of God is in heaven and cannot be ushered in by man and his efforts.The title of this book should honestly be, "Wide Open Spaces: How and Why I Left Christianity And Joined The New Age/New Spirituality/Quantum Spirituality Movement".I am not attempting to be facetious with that description.

Acts 8:36,37--And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

sigh....
My "box" of religion was shattered 20 years ago.I spent the first few years trying to put it back together, but I began to realize that each broken piece I picked up was not consistent with the Kingdom of Light, so the task became odious."Wide Open Spaces" gave me the freedom to lay down my guilt-driven labor, and realize that God moves and succeeds at His mission quite effectively outside the boxes we build for Him.I feel like my soul drew a big sigh of relief!

Divine Nobodies in Wide Open Spaces
Are you struggling to find God in your religion? God is in relationship, not in religion. For a long time, I couldn't figure out why I wasn't "getting it"....I'd go to church every Sunday, led Bible studies and other study groups, knew all the Christian lingo...but felt like a fraud and felt like something was missing.Something definitely was.Jim Palmer found it and he writes about it in both "DivineNobodies" and "Wide Open Spaces". He's living in the questions of his life ("What if God isn't a belief system, a set of doctrines?"), and he's really good at asking the questions that matter.If you are a seeker, you will love both of his books. Although you can read either one first, I'd recommend reading them in the order they were written, "DivineNobodies" published in 2006, then "Wide Open Spaces" in 2007.Also, check out his website/blog at [...]. ... Read more

Product Description

Deep Space Craft opens the door to interplanetary flight. It looks at this world from the vantage point of real operations on a specific mission, and follows a natural trail from the day-to-day working of this particular spacecraft, through the functioning of all spacecraft to the collaboration of the various disciplines to produce the results for which a spacecraft is designed. These results are of course mostly of a scientific nature, although a small number of interplanetary missions are also flown primarily to test and prove new engineering techniques. The author shows how, in order to make sense of all the scientific data coming back to Earth, the need for experiments and instrumentation arises, and follows the design and construction of the instruments through to their placement and testing on a spacecraft prior to launch. Examples are given of the interaction between an instrument’s science team and the mission’s flight team to plan and specify observations, gather and analyze data in flight, and finally present the results and discoveries to the scientific community.

This highly focused, insider’s guide to interplanetary space exploration uses many examples of previous and current endeavors. It will enable the reader to research almost any topic related to spacecraft and to seek the latest scientific findings, the newest emerging technologies, or the current status of a favorite flight. In order to provide easy paths from the general to the specific, the text constantly refers to the Appendices. Within the main text, the intent is general familiarization and categorization of spacecraft and instruments at a high level, to provide a mental framework to place in context and understand any spacecraft and any instrument encountered in the reader’s experience.

Appendix A gives illustrated descriptions of many interplanetary spacecraft, some earth-orbiters and ground facilities to reinforce the classification framework. Appendix B contains illustrated detailed descriptions of a dozen scientific instruments, including some ground-breaking engineering appliances that have either already been in operation or are poised for flight. Each instrument’s range of sensitivity in wavelengths of light, etc, and its physical principle(s) of operation is described. Appendix C has a few annotated illustrations to clarify the nomenclature of regions and structures in the solar system and the planets’ ring systems, and places the solar system in context with the local interstellar environment.

Customer Reviews (1)

From The Planetary Report:


Deep Space Craft is a textbook - a very well-written and enjoyable one - full of technical information, background material, history, examples of interplanetary spacecraft and mission design, equations, spectral graphs, and charts.


It is not light reading, but if you want to learn or understand more about the design of missions and their spacecraft, this book is excellent. It draws on the author's long involvement and practical experience at JPL. Although the material is indeed technical, the book is written in understandable fashion. Doody plows through such subjects as navigating and controlling spacecraft, communications, propulsion, data handling, and then all of the science instruments that represent the spacecraft payload and raison d'etre.


The book will have value for students and and aerospace engineers both as a text and as a reference and will be valuable to interested amateurs who want to delve deeply into explanations of such questions as "What does autonomous navigation mean?", "How do you calculate how much data a spacecraft can send?", or even "What is rocket science, anyway?". The many examples from deep-space missions, including Voyager, Galileo, Deep Impact, Mars missions, and Cassini, enrich the discussion and provide context and history for planetary exploration.


Foreword by Mars-rover principal scientist Steve Squyres.
... Read more

Product Description

Sew your own space!

Fabric—when it comes to the spaces you inhabit, it’s the perfect medium for personal expression. Popular fabric designer Joel Dewberry shows you all the simple ways you can use the fabric to define the spaces in your life.

Joel shares more than 25 projects inspired by his Eclectic Modern style to help you bring color, pattern and texture of fabric into the spaces in which you work, play, live:

• 6 projects for the spaces you work in: Who ever said utility and style can’t mix? Make a barista apron that showcases your personality, or a memo board that actually brightens your day!
• 9 projects for the spaces you play in: When it comes to play, do it your way. Cuddle up with your custom-made teddy bear (complete with a tummy pocket perfect for an mp3 player), or sew a yoga mat carrier that will show your joy of sun salutations.
• 12 projects for the spaces you live in: Make it distinctly and completely your home. Choose the way to keep warm with a quilted throw you make yourself, or re-upholster that vintage chair find with fabric that brings it back to life!

All these projects and more can be found on the pages of Joel Dewberry’s Sewn Spaces. In addition, Joel gives you the tools you’ll need to get started. You’ll find techniques at the front of the book, templates at the back, and full-size patterns on a convenient tear-out insert.

Fabric can enhance, even transform, any of the living spaces you find yourself in each day. So go ahead—sew your own space!

Customer Reviews (5)

Lives up the title- fresh and modern!
Sewn Spaces : Fresh and Modern Projects for Your Life and Home by Joel Dewberry is a book full sewing projects that showcase lovely prints to decorate your home.
Most of the projects are very simple even for someone who is an absolute beginner at sewing. The emphasis is on the fabric, not in fussy construction techniques and the introduction has instructions for the various skills and techniques you'll need to know to complete the projects.
The simplicity of the ideas combined with great colors and palettes is inspiring. From the first couple of projects which are appliqued cards, and going to more involved pieces, almost everything in the book can be completed in an evening to create one of a kind decor items for your own home or making a perfect gift.
One of my favorite projects in the book is the bird sachet. The shape reminds me of the pretty little felt doves that my great aunt made for everyone in the family for Christmas trees one year, but they are updated and made usable throughout the year by using brightly colored flowered prints for a very folk charming appeal.
There are lots of good projects in the book. Some wearables that are actually wearable. Designs that look modern and fresh. The home projects are good ones.
My favorites are the pocketed memo board, the butterfly mobile, the very roomy farmer's market tote, and the quilt and pillow cases.

Sew Good
I liked this book and especially liked the bird pattern.It looks like a dove.When I saw pictures of it I searched until I found Joel's book with the pattern.I did make a few changes to my dove to make it mine.I loved the full sized patterns.It is so nice to just trace and use them.

sewn spaces
every project in this book is cool. have started the stuffed bird with ever so cool fabric.

Another Fabric Designer Sewing Book ....
Well, lately it seems like every fabric designer has a sewing book, and now Joel Dewberry joins the lot.I gotta be honest about the patterns in this book ... you have seen them all before.This is a pretty typical lot of patterns: cards, chair cushion, apron, teddy bear, sachet, napkins, yoga mat bag, fabric roses, memo board cover with fabric pockets, throw, duvet cover, fabric as art, pajama pants, etc. Just about every sewing book I own has the same list of patterns.But what the other books don't have, but this one does, is Joel Dewberry's design aesthetic.If you love his fabric, then you will probably love this book, because his approach to patterns is the same as for his fabric -- a blend of modern and vintage. For example, how many times have you seen some type of a fabric pocket organizer?Many I am sure ... but you have probably never seen one with such clean lines, and beautiful butterfly applique on it, and that is what makes this book a worthy buy.Yes, you have seen these patterns before ... and a lot of the techniques (such as glass etching ... just look at Martha Stewart Crafts Encyclopedia), but if you love Joel Dewberry's designs, such as his butterflies, and sparrows, then I am sure you will love having templates to use to create applique of those same designs.

Some pros:
* There are some full size pattern pieces, and an envelope to hold them
* Templates for sparrows, butterflies, some other designs inspired by his fabric
* His patterns show ways to mix and match his fabrics
* great photos
* Love the bird sachets
* THE BIGGEST PRO: Within the copyright info, it says that the purchaser may sell items made out of the book at craft fairs, bazaars, etc ... in my opinion all craft books should allow you to do so.This feature alone makes the book worth buying!

Some Cons:
* The pattern pieces for the pajama pants are sized for a small only.If you want to make a larger size, you have to add on extra inches yourself.Big disappointment here.
* The templates to create the applique (etc) are mostly NOT full size -- so you have to get them enlarged.I don't understand why these were not included as pattern pieces instead at full size.
* Two of the more ho-hum projects -- a journal cover, and a set of dinner napkins, are made more worthy only by some machine embroidery by Joel Dewberry.I loathe when you buy a book, and you cannot complete a project with the book alone.If you want to make these projects as shown in the book, you will need to spend an extra $30 to get Joel Dewberry's machine embroidery designs ... and oh yeah, don't forget that you will need a sewing machine that can do machine embroidery! The book says that if you do not have a sewing machine that can do embroidery to do it by hand ... but how when the patterns are not included?
* There are VERY minimal disgrams included.Most of the patterns do not have any.I see a lot of head scratching in my future.
* I feel the book is a bit over priced .. at $27.99, I feel there should be at least a few more patterns.Sandi Henderson's book is priced much lower and has over 30 patterns.
* There is not any commentary from Joel on the patterns themselves.I like when at the beginning of the pattern the author says why they created the pattern, other ways that it could be altered, etc ... it makes me feel more excited about creating the project.There is none of that in this book.

So, all in all I would say this ... if you love Joel's fabric and design aesthetic, then I am sure you will love this book as well.If you are not a fan of his fabric, then I am not sure this is the book for you because his design aesthetic alone is the reason to buy this book as there is nothing "new" in the way of patterns.Overall, for me, I will keep this book.I love Joel's designs, and fabrics, and am happy to have templates to create some applique of his sparrows and butterflies.

Simple patterns, unique templates.
This book is entitled sewn spaces but many of the projects are not centered upon sewing.There is card making, fabric framing, glass etching, and upholstery.The sewing projects featured are based on very simple patterns.The patterns themselves would not be a worthy reason to purchase this book.What sets this book apart are the included six pages of templates of butterflies, birds, and flowers which are used to embellish the projects in the book.

I did really like the fabric box project, and might do the card project, but I projects like glass etching and upholstry might be better off in books that specialized in those areas.I don't know if I have the confidence that the included instructions are thorough enough.However it is nice that those projects are included.I have never thought about etching glass but it looks interesting.

... Read more

Product Description

THE TIME HAS COME...for a new era of exploration. With the Dominion War behind them, the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant journeys through the wormhole as Commander Elias Vaughn leads a "corps of discovery" to blaze new trails into the unexplored reaches of the Gamma Quadrant.

THE TIME HAS COME ...for a civilization to reach a crossroads. As political forces throughout the Alpha Quadrant intersect at Deep Space 9™ to determine the future of Bajor, the planet's theological unity threatens to shatter.And for Colonel Kira Nerys, the path of the Prophets may become a road to ruin.

THE TIME HAS COME...for a father and daughter to confront their past while a mother and son fight for the future, for lovers to be tested and for friendships to transform, and for worlds on opposite ends of the galaxy to face the dusk...or the dawn.

TWILIGHT ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Part of an Anthology
Originally, I had placed this book on my Wish List.Then, when I received another book, "Deep Space Nine:These Haunted Seas", I realized that I already have it and just recently finished reading it!

For myself, I would often find myself staying up most of the night reading as I simply could not put it down!The beginning put me on the edge of my seat and I found the ending quite satisfying.I'm looking forward to tracking down and reading the remainder of the Mission Gamma series based on the impression this first story has provided.

Excellent book.
Well-plotted, well-written, with excellent characterizations, this is one of the best Star Trek books, of any generation, that I've ever read. Set in the post-TV series Deep Space Nine era, it continues the story in a very interesting and well-integrated way. Well worth reading for any fan of the series, and probably not a bad read even for someone unfamiliar with the series.

Long winded author is BORING!
I'm not sure why there are so many reviews praising this book. I find this book very boring and long winded. Now I like authors describing the setting to paint a picture of where we are at, but goddamn, this author takes at least 2 or 3 (small print) pages worth to describe every scene, every thought, every action. I just want to shake David and tell him to get to the bloody point already! Most the time people ask a question, by the time we get to the answer, I've forgotten what the question is because this author feels the need to fill you in on the whole life history on the character, his thoughts and why he's about to answer the way he will. It's freakin annoying and this is one of the most longest winded star trek books I've ever read. The only downside is that you have to read it to appreciate the full scope of the Unity build up. Damn. I could have dropped about 200 pages easily from this book and made it a hell of alot shorter and better read in my opinion. If you read this book, skip alot of the descriptions and just read mostly the dialog, and it'll feel somewhat closer to watching the show.

A book of confrontations
This is a book about confrontations between characters, and for some, within them as well. It makes for somewhat unpleasant reading. The book is better written than it is enjoyable. The characterisations are very vivid, and usually very well done. The descriptions are generally also very good, but the author has a tendency to go on at slightly greater length than necessary or useful. The main issue here is the acceptance of Bajor into the Federation, and correspondingly the acceptance of the non-Federation characters into the Federation - or not. The book lays out all the issues the characters have. Unfortunately, the style left me feeling edgy about the characters' fates, rather than looking forward to seeing them resolved, and this is on my second reading and after reading Unity. Also, in the Gamma Quadrant, Commander Vaughn is forced to relive the worst experiences of his life. He has a lot of them, and for my taste the author takes us through a few too many, in too much detail. The climax for his section was also a bit over the top emotionally. With all that said, this is like one of the hard-hitting DS9 episodes: you won't go back to it anytime soon, but if you skip it, you have missed some worthwhile. It is also sets a good foundation for the series as a whole.

the best I've read so far
Upto this point, mission Gamma part 1 is this best I've read in the relaunch series.

Although like the series in general, this book is mostly character driven, it still has all of the elements of a good sci fi novel.Stumbling upon strange new worlds and beings, making new discoveries and learning of infinite possibilities beyond the realm of what we experience every day is the stuff of good science fiction.This book has all of that

The Mission Gamma part 1 revolves around three main plots which are:

Vaughn and a crew from DS9 go on a mission of exploration into the Gamma quadrant.

The crew stumbles upon two new worlds and three different kinds of alien species.One of these species communicates by changing epidermal colors and patterns.The other two species are not not of corporeal form and live in a different realm.Not much is known about them (or it) other than something called the thoughtscape is the most prominent part of its existence and has the ability to establish communion with others rather then to communicate.

Quark's relationship with Ro (security officer)

A Romance develops between the two.I was a bit skeptical that anything would come of it at first and did not like the idea.As I read more about their relationship however, I've become more interested in seeing how far it would go.

Elias Vaughn's relationship with his daughter

Before this story a was puzzled as the way Prynn resented her father.This story clarifies everything nicely

Bajor's future as it moves closer to joining the United Federation of Planets and how this may effect Ro and Quark's future as well.

Quark is concerned that when the federation takes over the station, he will be out of a job because the Federation is essentially a moneyless organization.Ro is concerned because she and starfleet don't have good relations.So what will be her new place on a federation controlled space station (assuming she is even allowed to stay)?

While new relations are forged, others face an uncertain future, and some explore uncharted territory in the Gamma Quadrant; Taranatar continues to explore and observe humanity on the space station.Some parts involving Taranatar are very funny.A Jemhadar would be the last I would think to be in a holosuite studying partial differential equations.That's the beauty to this entire genre, just when you think you've read it all you find something that takes you by surprise.Star Trek is so full of surprises.

I also would like to add that the writer (David R. George III) is one of the best I've read so far.The character development is superp and he brings things together well with no inconsistentcies while writing a relatively complex plot. ... Read more

Product Description
Welcome Aboard!

You are about to embark on a spectacular adventure, blazing a trail for future space travel in the world's greatest flying machine.

Prepare for lift-off using the step-by-step instructions for launch and ascent. Soar into the sky consulting the authentic gatefold reproduction of the Shuttle's instrument panel. Operate the remote manipulator arm, the space telescope, and the data relay satellite as you communicate with ground control. Chart your space flight using the authentic fold-out orbital map. Hurtle back through the Earth's atmosphere to land the aircraft gently like a glider.

Congratulations! We hope your mission is rewarding and fascinating!

Sincerely,

Directorate for Crew Training


Written for the layperson by curators at the National Air and Space Museum, with colorful illustrations throughout, THE SPACE SHUTTLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL takes the reader through all the motions of an actual mission -- from preparation to takeoff to orbit to re-entry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

space shuttle
This book was given as a gift, it looks like an outline with hand written pictures.

Cool!
This is a fascinating book with lots of cool illustrations and diagrams.If you have kids, or still are one, buy this book.It's really neat.

The Space Shuttle Operator's Manual-Revised Edition
I agree with most of the above comments regarding this book, other than the one about NASA propaganda, which I did not see in this book. While, I was skeptical at first when I first ordered it thinking that the book was going to be very basic, I was later very impressed with the detail that the book actualy went into on how the shuttle works and how one lives and works in space. I would caution though, that if you teach from this book that you make sure the shuttle systems and payloads are up to date by checking he Nasa websites. Because of its publishing date, this book does not deal with the Multifunctional Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS), or "glass cockpit," that is on the three remaining orbiters. The MEDS system replaced the 32 analog gauges and four cathode ray tube monitors in the old cockpit with 11 state-of-the-art, full-color flat panel displays to reduce the pilot's workload. The first glass cockpit was installed in Shuttle Atlantis in 2000. Since this book was revised in 1988, the MEDS system is not mentioned in it. Also, some of the payloads mentioned in the book are out of date, so before you teach from this book, please make sure that you follow-up and update your teaching material. Overall, well worth the money as a teaching and learning aid.

So, You Want To Be An Astronaut?
This is the best book on how to live, work, and live in space. It tells you all about the buttons, the menus, the toilets, the suits, etc. It even has like 7 pages for the launch with the dialogues and everything starting at T-minus 5 hours to T+plus 48 minutes. It has the same for landing, too. It tells you what's inside the shuttle, and where the stuff is located. It even describes certain space missions like Spacelab, and more! If you want to study space shuttles and become an astronaut, this book is a must! I love it! I can't stop putting it down!

The Perfect Shuttle Reference
This book is the best overview and reference manual on the shuttle.As you can see from the "Look Inside" function, and by the index, it covers the whole nine yards.It focuses specifically on the orbiter, and covers all aspects of shuttle missions from launch to landing.

As an aspiring sci-fi writer, I found this book to be the perfect reference.It has raw statistics, such as orbiter length, cargo bay volume, and it even goes over the meals and menus and how they are prepared.It also goes in to the history of the orbiters, and the names of the ever shrinking shuttle fleet.

Several sections deal with the now-defunct Spacelab modules.The Spacelab was the shuttle equivalent of a camper shell that sat in the cargo bay.It turned the shuttle into a mini space-station, and had several interchangeable modules.One section was a pressurized module with a battery of experiments, which was connected to the shuttle cockpit.Other sections included a multi-use pallet, and an experimental pallet.This Spacelab was retired in 1997, and has been replaced by the Spacehab modules, which was on the Columbia when it broke-up over Texas.

This book is written in the normal "Basic English" of instruction manuals, and can be understood by elementary school children.It also has many diagrams and pictures, which save many thousands of words of descriptions.

By the way, this book does explain how the space lavatory.In case you are curious, it is a normal commode with vacuum suction, although I have heard stories that it can smell at times.

This book's one weakness is that it is a bit impersonal.If you want to know about the emotions and reactions to life in spaces, another book may be better, such as Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff," of Homer Hickam's "Back to the Moon.".As you read this book, you must supply your own excitement and emotion to this book, since it is an operator's manual.It reads a bit like an encyclopedia, or dictionary, and not a novel.

After reading and referencing this book, I felt as if I had been on board! ... Read more