History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Chess Story (New York Review Books Classics)

Average customer rating:

One of the best and most imprtant short stories of the WWII era
New translation of Zweig's last work

Chess Story (New York Review Books Classics)
Stefan Zweig
Manufacturer: NYRB Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1590171691
Release Date: 2005-12-09

Book Description

Chess Story, also known as The Royal Game, is the Austrian master Stefan Zweig's final achievement, completed in Brazilian exile and sent off to his American publisher only days before his suicide in 1942. It is the only story in which Zweig looks at Nazism, and he does so with characteristic emphasis on the psychological.

Travelers by ship from New York to Buenos Aires find that on board with them is the world champion of chess, an arrogant and unfriendly man. They come together to try their skills against him and are soundly defeated. Then a mysterious passenger steps forward to advise them and their fortunes change. How he came to possess his extraordinary grasp of the game of chess and at what cost lie at the heart of Zweig's story.

This new translation of Chess Story brings out the work's unusual mixture of high suspense and poignant reflection.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best and most imprtant short stories of the WWII era.......2007-08-23

This is truly a must read. Important historically, emotionally and I couldn't put it down. Be warned - I was so disturbed by this book I couln't fall asleep the night I read it.

New translation of Zweig's last work.......2006-01-04

This is a new translation of Stefan Zweig's novela, Royal Game. This translation's title, Chess Story, is the literal translation of the title which Zweig gave the work, Schachnovelle. It is a story of chess obsession against the backdrop of the Third Reich's insanity.

The story takes place on a cruise ship en route from New York to Buenos Aires in 1941. The world chess champion, Mirko Czentovic, is on board. Czentovic is a chess prodigy who is singularly ungifted in other areas of the intellect and social graces. Also on board is Dr. B, a former solictor for the Austrian imperial family who is traveling to South America as a refugee from the Nazi regime.

A nameless narrator sets out to lure the reluctant Czentovic into a chess match and unwittingly ensnares Dr. B as well. While Dr. B is pitted against Czentovic for two and a half games, the reader gradually learns what has happened to Dr. B and how he became so adept at chess that he can beat the reigning world champion. It is the story of a man who exerts such a force of will that his psyche splits in two and dissociates. This tragic story is all the more poignant knowing that Zweig made a similar voyage and took his own life almost immediately after forwarding the manuscript of Schachnovelle to his publishers.

Joel Rotenberg's translation makes clear points that I had missed with an earlier translation. In particular, this translation emphasizes the conflicts the protagonist encounters in trying to sustain himself. This is a book that deserves to be re-read. Even if you have already read one of the earlier translations entitled Royal Game, consider reading this fine new translation.

Average customer rating:

Awesome!
Slugs Are Very Portable
Great book and kids love it!
This is a one of a kind classic for anyone who has an imagination!!
the love of slugs

Slugs
David Greenberg
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0316326593

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2007-09-11

This was my favorite book as a kid. I'm getting it for mine now, too. It's funny and appeals to most children ages 5-10 or so, and teaches a lesson: Being unkind to animals, even so called "lowly" ones like slugs, is mean and eventually if you're a horrible person you'll get beaten up by mutant slugs while you sleep. Truth! Well.. At least I grew up knowing not to harm animals.

Slugs Are Very Portable.......2007-08-24

I had this book as a child, and I can still gleefully quote some of the slug-themed rhymes in this unique children's book. While some people may be turned off by the grossness of the subject matter ("slugs are very portable, just stick them in your nose"), it is refreshing to read a book that appeals to kid's own senses of humor. My father was a biologist, and for my brother and I, the animal world was very clearly not just filled with glamorous mammals, but also the very real and marvelous grossness of insects and animals who behaved in outrageous -and hilarious- ways. This book is not for the faint of heart, but is a delight for those who find humor in the messy aspects of animal and human life.

Great book and kids love it!.......2006-02-23

I have to respectfully disagree with the people who think that this book is not good for young children. I am a first grade teacher and I have read this book to the children in my classes year after year, and they love it. What one needs to do is use the book correctly. Like J.K. Rowling says, "...children are not given enough credit for what they can understand and talk about..." You just have to make a point to discuss the book with the child or children you are reading it to. Discuss the book with them before you read it, while you read it, and after you read it. This book is a great teaching tool for having a discussion on how to treat, and how not to treat animals. And, most important of all, since they kids love the book because it is gross and funny, they want are inpsired to read it on their own. So, as long as the children are properly guided, if this book helps the children to be inspired read, well then, to me it's a great book!

This is a one of a kind classic for anyone who has an imagination!! .......2005-10-11

I remember this book at my elementary school library. I'd ALWAYS look at it! It's unthinkable notions are so funny! Slugs are totally pointless. And anyone who's normal would probably agree. This book is extremely creative. You'd have to have a big imagination to think of slurpying slugs with straws or slugs in your pasta. I love the fun cartoonish pictures. Very easy to read for kid needing the practise. I believe this book would help children want to read more. Hey! Reading isn't boring it can be silly and fun! I can just imagin little boys loving this. I think it's idiotic how some people think this book is horrible. Come on! Slugs aren't creatures with feelings or brains and I doubt very much that any little kid would ever do anything that's in this book. This book inspires creativity! I would tell anyone to read it!

the love of slugs.......2005-08-23

this is a hilarious and silly book about slugs,great for any ages.I gave it to a 49 yr old who dislikes slugs but laughed all the way thru the book.

Average customer rating:

excellent intro to chess for children

The Amazing Adventure of Dan the Pawn
Simon garrow
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Beginning Chess: Over 300 Elementary Problems for Players New to the Game

ASIN: 0671461931

Customer Reviews:

excellent intro to chess for children.......2002-04-04

This is an entertaining storybook about the first chess game played by Dan, the White Queen's pawn. It teaches how all the pieces move. Really needs an adult to set up a chessboard and show the moves as you read the story. Five year olds will like it.

Chess Traps: Pitfalls And Swindles (Fireside Chess Library)

Average customer rating:

Learn Traps and Tactics
More entertaining than instructive
Good for tactics but not a great book if you want a book on opening traps
Changed the way I play
Fluff, but what's wrong with fluff

Chess Traps: Pitfalls And Swindles (Fireside Chess Library)
I. A. Horowitz , and Fred Reinfeld
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0671210416

Book Description

This is a rich storehouse of Chess 'crimes.' Sometimes the villain is thwarted: more often he gets away with his nefarious deeds. But, in either event, the tales, and their telling, will prove to be instructive and vastly entertaining.

Customer Reviews:

Learn Traps and Tactics.......2006-06-30

This is a book that will really help you improve your tactics in a fun, fun way. I agree that this book is entertaining. But, maybe a chess book that coverst traps, tactics and swindles should be? I just got "Winning Chess Traps for Juniors" and found it to cover a wonderful number of tactics in the openings. I also go "1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations" and though not all are easy to solve (and I think some mistakes in the book) it also has done me a world of good. I simply suggest getting these three books and if you study them carefully, you will be a big winner at chess!!!!

More entertaining than instructive.......2006-06-16

I found the strong point of this book to be that it contained a lot of interesting tactics and swindles. Not so much on opening traps and the tactics and swindles are no really arranged in what I would call a learning order. This book is more to entertain, and as long as that is known then there is nothing wrong with it. "Winning Chess Traps" covers opening traps if that is what you are looking for. The opening tactics are better in that book. But, if you want a good variety of tactics and especially the swindles (that makes this book unique) then this is what you are looking for.

Good for tactics but not a great book if you want a book on opening traps.......2006-06-14

"Chess Traps: Pitfalls and Swindles" is a decent book on general tactics. The examples of some of the swindles are enjoyable, and instructive. But when I think of a book on chess traps I think of a book like "Winning Chess Traps" that focuses on traps and tactical ides in the opening. This book doesn't really focus on the opening. But if you are looking for an interesting book on general tactics, then this is certainly a decent book. If you are looking for a book on traps in the opening look elsewhere.

Changed the way I play.......2006-06-09

I read this book about 21 years ago when I was in 8th grade. It really changed the way I play chess. I never got in to competition play because I'm not that much of a goober, so I can't rate it as the other expert reviewers. It helped me be much more clever and inventive in my midgame and using the tricks on my opponents was loads of fun for us both.

Fluff, but what's wrong with fluff.......2006-04-26

I fail to see why some reviewers think that every chess book has to be a masterpiece of instruction. Chess is a game and games are supposed to be fun. This book probably will not add many points to your rating, but it is entertainingly written and charms you with some classic examples of "the sting" among which even history's best players can be found "led down the garden path."

Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if it did improve your chess. There is a good deal of psychology in chess, and it isn't always just about the objectively best move but the best move to play against the necessarily flawed human being who is your opponent.

Anyway, I first read this book many years ago and it is still fun.

It is a little over-priced, but, since most of us tend to buy over-priced yet less permanent things every day without concern. In the long run, it should be more economical in than that last latte.

Average customer rating:

Best of my dozen or so chess books
Good old time book on tactics
There are a lot of books on attacking chess. Start with this CLASSIC.
This is just a fantastic book
Useful book but buy Spielmann instead for a true classic

The Art of Chess Combination
Eugene Znosko-Borovsky
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0486205835

Book Description

Modern explanation of principles, varieties, techniques and ideas behind them, illustrated with many examples from great players. 200 diagrams.

Customer Reviews:

Best of my dozen or so chess books.......2006-12-01

A few years ago, I had been playing my electronic chess at level 3 (of 9), and consistantly losing. After reading this book, setting up my own board and following along as strongly recommended, I demolished the computer. I originally bought this book at a used book store. This Holiday I am buying it for my brother, who has lately taken more of an interest in the game. I am a little concerned and feel that I should practice for when he has finished reading it.

Good old time book on tactics.......2006-09-19

Really, all combinatiions involve some type of tactics. And, and combination in particular involves piece capturing. For the novice or mid-level chess player knowledge of all tactics at all phases of the game (books on traps cover tactics in the openings - important to know, books on checkmates cover yet another type of tactic) - all important to know. Though an old book, using descriptive chess notation (which is akward for many), this is still a worthwhile book to consider. The ideas are clearly pointed out and will be helpful for improving your game! Just because a book was written many years ago does not necessarily mean that it will not be very useful!

There are a lot of books on attacking chess. Start with this CLASSIC........2006-01-05

Znosko-Borovsky is a brilliant chess teacher; this and his How to Play the Chess Endings are his two best works. For the beginning tournament player, The Art of Chess Combination gives a wonderful, concise introduction to important motifs in attacking (and in some cases, defensive) play. Vukovic's Art of Attack in Chess is a good book, but after reading Znosko-Borovsky's shorter work felt it did not add that much extra.

The author does a tremendous job of introducing important tactical ideas, such "Geometry of the Chessboard," "The Knight's Star," and, what I consider to be the most important part of the book, the section on BxKRP+ sacrifices.

This is the most important work I have used to learn kingside attacking methods, and since reading it during my first year of playing tournament chess in 1996 have only supplemented it with some kingside attacking exercises, but not a tremendous amount. With this book, you learn what you need to do, and it sticks.

Other sources? Try these (I use quotation marks because I cannot underline and want to highlight the title):

"The Art of Attack in Chess" is good for more applications of the Bxh7+ sacrifice, and studying preconditions, other than that, it did not overly impress me.

"Play Chess Combinations and Sacrifices" by David Levy, is a good mix of instruction/advice, and exercises for the intermediate player.

"The Art of the Middle Game" by Kotov and Keres. In general I don't really like this book, but for the price it is worth the purchase if only for Kotov's chapter on opposite-wing castling attacks. His treatment of the topic is outstanding. (Keres's chapters are OK also).

"Attacking Technique" by Crouch (I had to order it from Austrailia!) is a nice, short book.

"Attack Like Mikhail Tal" by Tal and Damsky is excellent, but challenging for non-innate attackers like myself. A more advanced work.

Finally, because you need to hone your "hacking" skills somewhat no matter what type of player you are, get tactics workbooks which SPECIFICALLY stress kingside attacks (that would be sacrifices and other combinations).

Back to "The Art of Chess Combination." Many people on Amazon complain about books written in Descriptive Notation. My response is: Get Over It! So many classics of chess literature are written in this language (which I actually like). I used to struggle with DN also, but now I can read it as easily as I can algebraic, and you should be able to also.

This is just a fantastic book.......2004-07-02

The art of calculation and execution of chess combinations is explained lucidly in this book. I enjoyed seeing that almost all flashy combinations can be grouped and categorized by geometrical patterns that repeat themselves over and over again. This book is a masterpiece from a good writer and a pedagogue. Rarely do we find both qualities in chess writers.

Useful book but buy Spielmann instead for a true classic.......2003-07-14

This is a quite good minor classic. Znosko-Borovsky discusses several themes, such as the standard bishop sacrifice on h7 and combinations against the king in the center. A great number of examples are to the point and I was delighted by the examples from Alekhine and Capa. There is clearly something of value for most of us here.
But, in some cases the connection between examples and examples and text are not very clear. There are also a some instances of "... and white/black wins" where the continuation is not too obvious. With my modest rating (ICC Standard c.2000, handle: johanh) I also found a few examples where white/black does in fact not have a clear win at all and may even be lost if the opponent had defended properly. On the other hand it is always a good excercise trying to prove an author wrong. No-one is perfect and that's the beauty of chess!
Spielmann's The Art of Sacrifice in Chess is better though - simpler language, complete games and a more dynamic approach (structure vs. the initiative, sacrifices that win material/ lead to mate vs. sacrifices to obtain the initiative or an attack without being able to calculate to the end, etc.). I found Spielmann's book much more charming, revealing and also modern even though it was printed several years before Z-B's book.

Average customer rating:

Preschoolers LOVE IT
Frolicsome and Frisky
Ten Sly Piranhas: A Counting Story in Reverse

Ten Sly Piranhas
William Wise , and Victoria Chess
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0142400742

Book Description

Ten sly piranhas are swimming in a river, but one at a time they disappear, until there is only one left. Now that this proud overeater is the only surviving piranha, he is confident that he can eat anybody. But while he may be the cleverest fish in the river, he is no match for the giant crocodile lurking on the bank. Children will love learning to count backward in this crafty tale about one very hungry piranha.

Customer Reviews:

Preschoolers LOVE IT.......2007-08-11

I've taught preschoolers for 11 years and this book beginning to end captivates and it is FUN to read. The original reviewer must not know anything about what is child centered and this book can be used in several areas of curriculum. For math there is the obvious counting backward from 10, one to one correspondence thru 10. For literacy there is the/p/ sound for piranha, phonemic awareness of rhyming words and chanting in a rhythm. With a couple of readings your kids will anticipate the rhyme word and fill it in for you. There is alliteration for beginning sound phonemic word segmenting and then if you write out the alliterations on a sentence strip you have an awesome extension activity for print awareness, awareness of letters in print, ask the children "what is the 1st sound in the words gulp and gurgle?" they answer then have them find the letters in the sentence and circle them. Plus singing it is very fun so you get playing with language. buy it you won't regret it.

Frolicsome and Frisky.......2002-06-21

You will want to read this book to your youngster. The rhyme and the rhythm of it will entice you both. Very enjoyable to read aloud. "Frolicsome and frisky and yet greatly to be feared" sounds even more fun in a Scottish accent, perhaps a la John Cleese. The pictures are colorful. This is the kind of thing you want to memorize so that you can entertain a little one someday when you are caught in a big traffic jam on the highway.

Ten Sly Piranhas: A Counting Story in Reverse.......2000-08-03

A clever little tail in rhyme about a group of devious fish and a surprise that awaits the most clever. I often read this tale to my first born and have returned to read it to my youngest. The first book is now worn and torn.

Average customer rating:

Not a good read

The Story of Chess Records
John Collis
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Business | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Recording & Sound | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1582340056

Book Description

If one man can be credited with creating the language of rock 'n' roll it is Chuck Berry. In the early 1950's he was just an ambitious Nat "King" Cole imitator gigging in St Louis, but ten years after moving to Chicago and cutting is first hit, "Maybelline", in 1955, he built a catalogue of classics that inspired the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and every rock musician since.

Meanwhile his Chicago rival Bo Diddley, the earthiest and arguably the most exciting of the rock 'n' roll performers, was reminding us that this music was just a step away from the blues. Although he was raised in Chicago, his music was a bizarre, electric version of the blues of his birthplace, Mississippi.

Between them Chuck and Bo caused a revolution in Chicago blues, hitherto largely unknown to white America and the mass market. Both were signed to Chess Records, established by Eastern European immigrants, the Chess brothers, who provided the shop window for Chicago bluesmen, while also conforming to a now all-too-familiar pattern, as white entrepreneurs exploiting black talent.

Chess Records both examines the subject of exploitation within the record business and celebrated the music of two unique and important artists and the extraordinarily fertile blues environment out of which they grew.

Customer Reviews:

Not a good read.......2004-11-29

This book sat on my bookshelf for a couple of years, and I finally decided to get to it last week. I should have left it where it was.
Although it gives you a decent overview of Chess and its artists, it reads like a dry listing of every recording session and every song that Chess ever did - most of which are of absolutely zero importance, and which nobody cares about. When it does mention a little tidbit that might be more interesting, it is usually given a sentence, maybe two if you're lucky. Furthermore, the author jumps all over the place for each topic; he goes back and forth between decades at the drop of a hat - and the company wasn't around that long.
The writing is extremely sloppy, and uses odd punctuation and structure. I think that this may just be a British style of writing (the author is from London, according to the jacket). Whatever it is, it is really irritating for an American to read. If you've never read anything by a British writer, and you plan to read this book, prepare to be annoyed. The book would have been served better if it had been re-edited for publication in America.
Also, I'll mention that the author puts WAY too much emphasis on how Chess did in Britain. I acknowledge that Britain played an important part in the revitalization of blues music in the 1960's, but really, does anybody care how The Dells sold in the UK?
In general, by the writing and the content, it seems that the book was written by a British fan, one who likes the music, but doesn't have much of a clue of where it came from or why.

Tales for the Perfect Child (Beech Tree Chapter Books)

Average customer rating:

A "children's book" that is really for adults
too funny!
hilarious look at the world through the eyes of children
A silly book that can be used as an easy-read for upper elem

Tales for the Perfect Child (Beech Tree Chapter Books)
Florence Parry Heide
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0688166733

Book Description

Meet Ruby. She watches her little brother just like her mother asked her to -- and keeps right on watching while he turns the house upside down. Then there's Arthur. He listens to his mother and dresses like a perfect gentlemen -- until some conveniently spilled juice gives him the excuse he needs to slip into something more comfortable. Can any child be trusted to read about these seven perfect little monsters without trying anything equally naughty?

Customer Reviews:

A "children's book" that is really for adults.......2001-04-28

A delightful, humorous book - meant to be read by adults! While we as adults recognize our past tendencies in each of these delightful, and very mischievous children, it is a reminder for us about how we perpetuate behaviors in children. A MUST READ for parents!

too funny!.......2000-12-15

Well, of course there are no lessons to be learned - it's HUMOR! My students laughed so hard, I had to wait for them to stop before I could continue. And of course there really are lessons-because kids really can see a little of themselves in these horrible children. Great discussion starter!

hilarious look at the world through the eyes of children.......1999-11-10

Our entire family has delighted in this humorous look at the world through the eyes of Florence's children. Her witty tales made us literally laugh out loud. Our twin daughters saw a little of themselves in each of her richly drawn characters.Forence's insights are obviously gleaned from the experiences of a parent and a keen observation of the tactics that children employ to move mountains of obstacles to their own will. This little book will always be one of our favorites .

A silly book that can be used as an easy-read for upper elem.......1999-10-17

This is a silly book that can be used as an easy-read for upper elementary students who have difficulty reading. The stories are short and conquerable for children who can read at about a thrid grade level. The content of the stories are not damaging to a child's understanding of behavior and they will not serve as a poor model for behavior (as some extreme reviews have suggested) - they are just silly and fun...and suitable to an older child's sense of humor.

Ghosts! Book and Tape: Ghostly Tales from Folklore (I Can Read Book 2)

Average customer rating:

I wouldn't give this to ANYONE!!
Cool book
Great for the child who likes a little scare

Ghosts! Book and Tape: Ghostly Tales from Folklore (I Can Read Book 2)
Alvin Schwartz
Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

Horror | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

Sony WMFX479 Walkman

ASIN: 0694700266

Book Description

"Young readers will delight in Schwartz's newest collection of frightening folk tales ... Schwartz's choice of stories reflects his gift for recognizing what will motivate children to learn to read. Chess's illustrations balance the scary stories by introducing many humorous touches."--The Horn Book

Customer Reviews:

I wouldn't give this to ANYONE!!.......2005-07-27

I remember when my Dad read this to me when I was 5 I guess, and I got soooo scared by that "Suzie the Cat" story, I had constant nightmares EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!! I still remember it to this day! I was sooo scared I tell u! I didn't like the book after my Dad read it, I couldn't even walk past it! Don't buy this for ANYONE no matter what! I'm serious! Don't buy this! If you want to have a child that cries and screams from nightmares all night, then buy it.

Cool book.......2001-04-11

Ghosts

Alvin Schwartz

Reading level: 1-3

Your review: This is a good book! I would recommend it. It has really funny illustrations and really good ones too! It isn't a chapter book but it does have 7 funny but not scary stories about ghosts!

Great for the child who likes a little scare.......1999-07-12

When my son read this book it was the first time ever that he read past his required 20 minutes and actually finished the book! He loved the scary tone, but not too scary for a child.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books