Book Description

Bill Buford—author of the highly acclaimed best-selling Among the Thugs—had long thought of himself as a reasonably comfortable cook when in 2002 he finally decided to answer a question that had nagged him every time he prepared a meal: What kind of cook could he be if he worked in a professional kitchen? When the opportunity arose to train in the kitchen of Mario Batali’s three-star New York restaurant, Babbo, Buford grabbed it. Heat is the chronicle—sharp, funny, wonderfully exuberant—of his time spent as Batali’s “slave” and of his far-flung apprenticeships with culinary masters in Italy.

In a fast-paced, candid narrative, Buford describes the frenetic experience of working in Babbo’s kitchen: the trials and errors (and more errors), humiliations and hopes, disappointments and triumphs as he worked his way up the ladder from slave to cook. He talks about his relationships with his kitchen colleagues and with the larger-than-life, hard-living Batali, whose story he learns as their friendship grows through (and sometimes despite) kitchen encounters and after-work all-nighters.

Buford takes us to the restaurant in a remote Appennine village where Batali first apprenticed in Italy and where Buford learns the intricacies of handmade pasta . . . the hill town in Chianti where he is tutored in the art of butchery by Italy’s most famous butcher, a man who insists that his meat is an expression of the Italian soul . . . to London, where he is instructed in the preparation of game by Marco Pierre White, one of England’s most celebrated (or perhaps notorious) chefs. And throughout, we follow the thread of Buford’s fascinating reflections on food as a bearer of culture, on the history and development of a few special dishes (Is the shape of tortellini really based on a woman’s navel? And just what is a short rib?), and on the what and why of the foods we eat today.

Heat is a marvelous hybrid: a richly evocative memoir of Buford’s kitchen adventure, the story of Batali’s amazing rise to culinary (and extra-culinary) fame, a dazzling behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a famous restaurant, and an illuminating exploration of why food matters.

It is a book to delight in—and to savor.

Customer Reviews:

A humorous read that made me hungry!.......2007-10-07

Who wouldn't want to go on Buford's journey? He's a great tour guide on his gasto-tour of the kitchens of the Mario Batali and Pierre Marco White. He shows that kitchens can be places that are filled with potential dangers and loads of passion. It took me awhile to get through this book, in part because I kept getting hungry and had to go make something to eat! I'm ready to go clamp the pasta machine to the counter and whip up some fresh pasta.

It's a pretty dense book to get through, and the author wanders away from the main story often. Most of the time, it's to an interesting place, but sometimes, it's just a tangent. But aside from a few of those as a distraction, I thought this was a great book.

Interesting but not what I thought it was going to be.......2007-09-19

I got this book because my husband heard an interview on the radio and thought I would like it since I love to cook. It was interesting but spent too much time, for me, on the politics of working in a restaurant kitchen and not enough on the workings of food in a restaurant. I bored with the personalities and gave up trying to figure out who was who.

I think I made the pages soggy..........2007-09-17

This guy, Bill Buford, is pretty amazing. Despite the danger of slicing off his hands entirely (an accident that he somehow manages to repeat) under various huge, sharp, professional knives, he insisted going (back again and again) to Italy to learn about things so obscure even professional chefs wouldn't have much idea about.
If you're looking for a book about Batali, this isn't the most comprehensive one, but it's scathingly honest and if you really live and breathe food, you'll gain a whole lot more than goss about the inner workings of Batali's businesses. It gets a bit soppy at times - a bit too "Tuscany is beautiful, and Provence is the ultimate foodie heaven", but only fleetingly, and all can be forgiven once you read about the author's hilarious effort to cook a whole pig...

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......2007-09-11

The chapters on Mario Batali and the dynamics of his kitchen were really interesting and engaging. I was intrigud by the sections on Marco Pierre White as I had just read Gordon Ramsey's autobiography in which his tempestuous relationship with White plays a significant role. The rest of Buford's book is just too tediously, self-indulgently written to the point where it killed my interest in the underlying subjects of pasta making and butchery (I ended up skimming page after page as I just couldn't take it). It reminded me of a computer spitting forth every bit of information in its memory regardless of relevance or interest. Just too many tedious, boorish details.

BRAVO!.......2007-09-11

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to work in a professional kitchen... this is the book makes you feel like you are there. Ver interesting and delightful to read. Very different than any other book I've read.

Average customer rating: It is a treasure, priceless Just Right The Best. Great Very good

The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners Jacob Habgood , and Mark Overmars Manufacturer: Apress ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books | Internet Games | Strategy Guides | Video Games Graphics & Multimedia | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books | DirectX | Flash | GIS | General | OpenGL | Solid Works Software Development | Software Design, Testing & Engineering | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Game Programming | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Similar Items: Basic Game Design & Creation for Fun & Learning (Game Development Series).Book & CD-ROM. Game Development Essentials: An Introduction 3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop Beginning Flash Game Programming For Dummies Mastering Unreal Technology: The Art of Level Design Accessories: Workflow in the 2007 Microsoft Office System Pro C# with .NET 3.0, Special Edition (Pro) Microsoft SharePoint: Building Office 2007 Solutions in C# 2005 (Expert's Voice in Sharepoint) ASIN: 1590596153

Book Description

The Game Maker's Apprentice shows you how to create nine exciting games using the wildly popular Game Maker game creation tool. This book covers a range of genres, including action, adventure, and puzzle games--complete with professional quality sound effects and visuals. It discusses game design theory and features practical examples of how this can be applied to making games that are more fun to play.

Game Maker allows games to be created using a simple drag-and-drop interface, so you don't need to have any prior coding experience. It includes an optional programming language for adding advanced features to your games, when you feel ready to do so. You can obtain more information by visiting book.gamemaker.nl.

The authors include the creator of the Game Maker tool and a former professional game programmer, so you'll glean understanding from their expertise. The book also includes a CD containing Game Maker software and all of the game projects that are created in the book--plus a host of professional-quality graphics and sound effects that you can use in your own games.

Customer Reviews:

It is a treasure, priceless.......2007-10-03

I am one who has no knowledge at all about programing. This book was so useful for me to learn game programing. It is very easy as it teachs you in a step-by-step way plus there is a helpful icons beside each step. The language is simple and easy. In addition to a CD that contains all the files necessary for the learning. Thanks to this book I made my first ever game within hours. I hope there is a second volume that teaches more complex game programing.

Just Right.......2007-08-27

This book is just what I was looking for for myself and my 12 year old son. We've been dabbling with gamemaker for several years. This is a good springboard for delving deeper with a well-written, easy-to-read guide. A good mix of games. Several good issues are developed with each chapter. The instructions are very explicit, which at times can be a little tedious, but on the other hand, has its benefits. There are good points regarding game theory scattered throughout with good, solid examples all the way through.

The Best........2007-08-09

The Best book for the best program, if I could recommend VOL.2 I would put 3D help in, but that's when GM makes a 3D Shape maker. They use I believe Swift 3D now.

Great.......2007-06-27

It's a great book for anyone who is interested in game development. Very easy to use even for grade school students.

For college-level students, this is a great book to learn GameMaker from and to make prototype games for your game designs in mind.

Excellent value for the price.

-Karlo

Very good.......2007-05-13

This book gives lots of great techniques to use in the creation of your own games. It really covers all aspects of GM6 and has a vast range of techniques which can easily be adapted into any of your own creations.

Average customer rating: Serious bread makers. The Bread Baker's Apprentice Bread baking education Disappointed Very interesting read!

The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread Peter Reinhart Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Bread | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books General | Food Sciences | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books Similar Items: Crust & Crumb: Master Formulas for Serious Bread Bakers American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes The Bread Bible Artisan Baking ASIN: 1580082688

Amazon.com

"A bread baker, like any true artisan or craftsman, must have the power to control outcomes," says Peter Reinhart, author of The Bread Baker's Apprentice. "Mastery comes with practice." As in many arts, you must know and understand the rules before you can break them. Reinhart encourages you to learn the science of bread making, but to never forget that vision and experimentation, not formulas, make transcendent loaves. The Bread Baker's Apprentice is broken into three sections. The first is an amusing tale of Reinhart's visit to France and his discovery of pain à l'ancienne, a cold-fermented baguette. The second section comprises a tutorial of bread-making basics and Reinhart's "Twelve Stages of Bread." And finally, the recipes: Ciabatta, Pane Siciliano, Potato Rosemary Bread, New York Deli Rye, Kaiser Rolls, and Brioche, to name a few. All recipes include bread profiles and ingredient percentages. Reimagined for modern bakers, these mouthwatering classic recipes are bound to inspire. --Dana Van Nest

Book Description

Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper's Bakery in Sonoma, California, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper's Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world's largest culinary school, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America's artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday's baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for perfect bread. In THE BREAD BAKER'S APPRENTICE, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his recent pilgrimage to study in several of France's famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. First you'll peer over Peter's shoulder as he learns from Paris's most esteemed bakers, people like the brothers Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Peter then walks readers through the twelve steps of building great bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs. Then it's on to over 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic, chewy ciabatta, hearty pain de campagna, old-school New York bagels, and the book's Holy Grail—Peter's version of the famed pain ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history down into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as the loaves you'll turn out. This is original food writing at it most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring—and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.

Customer Reviews:

Serious bread makers........2007-10-09

I have been been baking bread for 30 yrs. and this is by far the best of bread cook books in my collection. It answers all the questions I have ever had and more. I wish I had this book 25 yrs. ago and I would have never bought another. Happy baking.

The Bread Baker's Apprentice.......2007-10-07

I have read many books on making bread and this has to be one of the best.

The author's explanation of the twelve steps of bread, is the best way of explaining how bread is made. I think every bread maker should read and re-read this section to understand the causes of bad bread, to rectify or avoid them.

I would recommend this book to every baker.

Bread baking education.......2007-09-30

Call it Bread Baking 101. Reinhart's classroom like approach is indeed a reminder to school days and I resigned myself to the approach to fully understand (if that's at all possible) the fundamentals of bread. The science behind the process is dry, but necessary in understanding how the dough is transforming in each step.

Bottom line? I loved the book. I made my first batch of baguettes the other week and they came out fine. I frequently referred back to the early chapters checking my progress along the way. It's my second attempt at bread baking - I tried 20 years ago to disappointing results. The difference - certainly more practical experience at cooking in general, far better kitchen gadgets, but I'd say my new education from The Bread Baker's Apprentice is the biggest change!

Disappointed.......2007-09-02

This book is excellently made, beautiful images, very detailed instructions, exact formulas (or not?).

I bake my bread because I want perfect bread, and after following Mr Reinhard guidelines my breads are still a long, long way from the breads pictured in the book, breads come out correctly but don't even get near the breads pictured despited the huge efforts I've been doing. I follow some of the formulas and I see in the picture how they hold a beatiful dough while my dough slips between my fingers, his doughs raise beautifully while mine get thick and dense (tasty anyway).

I don't understand how I'm the only one to rate so low this book but I assure you that before reading the book using fresh yeast and tweaking the recipies more or less by intuition I got better results. The use of this book, up to the moment has been very frustating to me.

Despite the extensively detailed explanations I guess Mr Reinhard keeps a lot of secrets for himself.

Very interesting read!.......2007-08-17

This book gives the details and science behind what is going on in your dough. Contains must know information on unlocking the flavors of your flour. All in all an entertaining and informational book.

Average customer rating: Excelent service Very Good I love these books with all my heart. Head and shoulders above most fantasy Couldn't put it down

Bartimaeus Trilogy Boxed Set, The Jonathan Stroud Manufacturer: Miramax ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Children's Books | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Teens | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Similar Items: Inkspell Inkheart Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2) Eragon / Eldest (Inheritance, Books 1 & 2) Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2) ASIN: 142310420X

Customer Reviews:

Excelent service.......2007-05-14

I received the books much faster then I expected and where a great read

Very Good.......2007-05-07

I have ot admit it is very well written but it does get a bit slow at times and I will actually skip paragraphs to get to the action. All in al a very good series

I love these books with all my heart........2007-03-27

It's true that fantasy, London and government don't go together, but I think that Stroud makes a great parallel universe in which a stubborn, glory-seeking boy makes a huge mistake and lets out his true name to a even more stubborn, glory seeking djinn, Bartimaeus. The book is filled with great dialouge, and an interesting writing style, as when you're with the djinn the subscripts give Stroud's idea of how upper beings minds work. I found at the beginning that the subscripts and the footer noting was a bit much, but I actually grew to enjoy reading the djinn's part of the story more than any of the other characters because of his magnetic attitude.
By the second novel, you get introduced to another character. Through the rest of the second book, and into the third, you switch between the boy, the djinn, and her until your head's spinning.
I personally found that the books get darker in sequencial order. They are definately growing up books, like J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series. I do like Stroud's style, in the matter that he doesn't make a child's book. It's more of a story of a boy that grows up too quickly in a world of almost corrupted politics and magic wars between the countries of Europe.

If you are interested in this particular book, you have to like magic, and you have to like sarcasm, and with those combined you get the humor that I absolutely adore in Stroud's work. They're fast reads, and worth time to read.

Head and shoulders above most fantasy.......2007-03-21

This trilogy scintillates with an intricate and detailed plot, imagination-stretching mythical beings, and most of all especially, the feature act. Bartimaeus! Funny and satirical, he provides biting humor in a dark themed series. The books depressed me the first time I read them, but I have since been reconciled to them and they stand in my top ten favorite books. The satire and just plain British humor is almost incomparable, with slight hints of Sir P.G. Wodehouse and strong overtones of Leonard Wibberly, both of whom I highly reccomend although their books are lightyears apart from Stroud's. Wodehouse and his most famous characters, Bertram Wooster the harmlessly stupid idle aristocrat, and Jeeves his intellectual and stoic valet, contrive tongue in cheek British humor at its best. Wibberly, far less widely known, is less funny that Wodehouse but makes up for it with excellent satire. That was something of a tangent, but anyway I advise any red-blooded fantasy fan to read these books

Couldn't put it down.......2007-02-23

I couldn't put these books down! They keep you guessing the whole time, even making it nearly impossible to decide whose side you are on! Stroud does the "magic thing" differently than other authors out there and brings us a whole new set of moral and ethical circumstances to consider. The stories of the three main characters are woven into each other, told from different points of view and time periods, and are all seamlessly tied together by the brilliant writing. The main characters are so endearing that I hated to see the books end. But they did indeed end, and the ending itself was a fantastic piece of writing that brings out so many different emotions.

This set is now has a place on my "favorite books" shelf.

Average customer rating: Great Series The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3) From word one to the cliffhanger, it is a great read Love this series Way better

The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3) John Flanagan Manufacturer: Philomel ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Similar Items: The Burning Bridge (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2) Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 4) The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) The Pilgrims of Rayne (Pendragon) ASIN: 0399244565 Release Date: 2007-06-26

Book Description

Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise—even defy his King.

Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia. On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights—but Horace knows a thing or two about combat. Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?

The smash hit series continues with another heart stopping adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Great Series.......2007-09-19

I would recommend you start at the beginning of this series...I thought this book was wonderful and further devolped some of the new characters. I am looking forward to the next release...often I think about the characters and wonder what is going to happen to them.

We originally purchased these for our 12 year old daughter and I picked up the first book one day in the office and pleasantly enjoyed it...now I am hooked! This series is a great read for adults too and gives another connection point with the kids in discussing them.

The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3).......2007-09-14

This was a great book, although it leaves you hanging waiting for the next book of the series. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next few books in the series.

From word one to the cliffhanger, it is a great read.......2007-09-14

Australian author Flanagan originally wrote this series to encourage his twelve-year-old son to love reading. The Ruins of Gorlan is Book One, and The Burning Bridge is Book Two. The setting is vaguely medieval Europe, with interesting details of battle, weapons, and character.

Rangers are a branch of service to the King of Araluen, skilled at woodcraft and longbow, and many people think they have a command of magic. Halt is a skilled Ranger, one of the best. He can disappear into a tree (or give that impression) and can fire a fatal arrow in seconds, even through the eye slit in a knight's visor. His apprentice, Will, and the young girl Evanlyn have escaped unscathed from a terrible battle, only to be caught by a raiding party of Skandians led by Jarl Erak. Halt is not allowed to go after them, so he arranges for the King to banish him for treasonous comments made in public, and he and the young knight Horace set off to Gallica, to find Will.

The chapters alternate between the stories of Will and Evanlyn as prisoners with the Skandians, and Horace and Halt on their trip through Gallica. Halt is old and very wise. He is able to teach the young knight Horace a thing or two about strategy and honor on their travels. Will is able to help Evanlyn during the short sojourn on the island of Skorghijl, waiting out the winter storms with the raiding party, and also keep up his spirits and fitness. But when they return to Jarl Erak's home of Hallasholm, Evanlyn is made a house slave, and Will becomes a yard slave, toiling in terrible cold until he becomes addicted to warmweed, and forgets who he is. Jarl Erak respects Will's bravery and skill, and hates to see him addicted and treated so poorly. He decides to help Will and Evanlyn try to escape.

This adventurous series is designed with cliffhangers at the end. You will definitely want to read the coming books. Book Four is coming out in March of 2008 - I can hardly wait.

Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful young adult book for all to enjoy.

Love this series.......2007-09-11

I'm addicted, and will likely start ordering the books from England when they are released there.

Way better.......2007-09-02

This one is way better than the first 2, so much that i'm surprised I ever read the first 2 without knowing how good this one was. There is virtually no character development but everything else makes up for it. They could have easily put the 3 books together, smoothed out the endings and it would be less embarrassing to read in class when I'm known for coming to school with 900 page books.

Average customer rating: Great Book ranger's apprentice the burning bridge Still Great A terrific continuation of the series! A great series! Discovering greatness and picking up momentum...

The Burning Bridge (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2) John Flanagan Manufacturer: Philomel ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Similar Items: The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3) The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 4) The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) ASIN: 0399244557

Book Description

Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout. Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans.They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?

With bigger battles and higher stakes, John Flanagan's epic adventure charges ahead with this rousing follow-up to The Ruins of Gorlan.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-10-09

I think this book was a very good book with many advetures, turnes and twistes. This book is the kind of book for someone who loves adventure. The first book is alot better than this one but that is only my opinion. This book is about Will a orphan who has been apprenticed to a ranger Halt. King Duncan is fighting with the rangers and nights are fighting lord Morgrath and his Wargals. I am not giving away the ending but i would appreciate if u went to my site www.simmer27.wordpress.com .

ranger's apprentice the burning bridge.......2007-10-08

This book is a fascinating book for advanced readers. This book is a book packed with action and fantasy.I encourage people to read this book with enthusiasm.

Still Great.......2007-07-04

I would really give this book 4.5 stars. Burning Bridge has the same great characters and action as the first book. However, the story is a little scattered. Rather then having one over arching story line for the book, there was the main story, an unrelated not really needed but fun substory, and the set up for the next book. All these parts were good by themselves, the book just didn't seem that unified. Once again the writing is great. The characters are interesting and learn from their mistakes. The series is clearly still going strong. A very enjoyable book.

A terrific continuation of the series!.......2007-07-01

My son and I loved this book for the same reason we loved The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1). The varied and well-drawn characters, the humor and the excitement gave us happy hours together. What a wonderful way to connect with my son!

A great series! Discovering greatness and picking up momentum..........2007-07-01

I picked up Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan with my Giftcard at Books-A-Million about a year ago, tucking the book home and quickly read it. It became one of my favorite series (right up there with Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Haydon and The Obsidian trilogy by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory). I adored the book and placed it in with all my other treasures.
Recently I got The Thief Queen's Daughter (The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme) by Elizabeth Haydon in hardcover and read it under five hours. The book was fantastic, and I loved it! It being just as good as The Floating Island, the first novel of T.L.Js.O.V.P. I than recieved Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan a few days later.
I read the book under four hours. I loved it! The ending somewhat caught me off gaurd when Morgaroth dropped dead so easily, I was shocked. It astounded me that John Flanagan killed him off so easily, and it made me love the series more because this was something diffrent from all the other epic fantasy novels I've read in the past. Evil kept on fighting tooth and nail, not in this series, at least! And I actually started crying in the end when Halt waved and cried out for Will that he would come and find him after Will was taken aboard the Skanadian vessel! I can't wait for The Icebound Lake to come out in paperback!
As well as the future novels:
Ranger's Apprentice: The Oak Leaf Bearer, book 4.
Ranger's Apprentice: The Sorcerer in the North, book 5.
Ranger's Apprentice: The Siege of Macindow, book 6.
Also, John Flanagan mentioned that he might write a book about Halt the Ranger, his past and training. Looking forward to see that book in the future, Flanagan!

Average customer rating: Best Authors I've Run Across Not just for apprentices Great Book to Learn After Effects A must Have! A Hit!

After Effects Apprentice (DV Expert Series) Chris Meyer , and Trish Meyer Manufacturer: Focal Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Web Graphics | Web Design | Web Development | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Science | Subjects | Books Digital Design | Electrical & Electronics | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Computers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books Similar Items: Photoshop for Video, Third Edition (DV Expert Series) Adobe After Effects 7.0 Studio Techniques CINEMA 4D 10 Workshop Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, Vol. 2: Advanced Techniques (3rd Edition, Version 6.5) The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap (Peachpit) ASIN: 0240809386

Book Description

If youre new to After Effects and want to get up to speed quickly, After Effects Apprentice was created just for you. With 11 core lessons plus a fun final project, youll quickly get into the program and learn how to tap its potential whether you want to create motion graphics for a network program, your companys video, or your own independent production.

In this book, youll get a professional perspective on the most important features a motion graphics artist needs to learn to use this program effectively. Youll learn to creatively edit and combine layers, animate eye-catching titles, replace a screen on a computer monitor, place a studio shot in anew environment, manipulate 3D space, and use effects to generate excitement or enhance the realism of a scene. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions take you through each technique, including projects that encourage you to express it in your own way. Youll learn more than just the tools; youll learn skills that you can immediately put to work in your own projects.

Topics include how to:
* Animate, layer, and composite images and text.
* Manipulate keyframes to create more refined animations.
* Use masks, mattes, stencils and modes to add depth.
* Manage layers to make them easier to coordinate.
* Add 3D to your animations.
* Use tracking and keying to create special effects.
* Includes new CS3 features; Shape layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, and Per-Character 3D Text.

DVD contains: All exercise source material and projects in AE7 and CS3, video guided tours, and movies of the finished projects.

* Full color presentation of professional workflows
* Core motion graphic techniques in 12 engaging lessons
* Companion DVD features QuickTime movies and lesson media

Customer Reviews:

Best Authors I've Run Across.......2007-08-19

I cannot imagine there being anyone on earth who can improve on this book - Trish & Chis Meyer did an outstanding job. I easily followed every explanation and if I was in a class of theirs I bet no questions would have been necessary, since they explain so well and completely. Also, the publishers did an excellent job with superior layout and printing and so few typos. This is a top-notch effort all around.

Not just for apprentices.......2007-06-10

As advertised, this book is a great introduction to motion graphics design and After Effects. The Meyers are both great artists and great teachers. They really understand how to present both the theory and the practice of building compelling motion graphics.

I'll be using this book for my intro video post production class in the fall, but the name is a little misleading. After Effects users who consider themselves proficient, but aren't familiar with all the ins and outs of the application can benefit from the book as well. I've been using After Effects professionally since version 3, and I've learned a lot from this book.

Great Book to Learn After Effects.......2007-05-31

Initially, I knew nothing about After Effects but after reading and completing exercises on just the first 5 pages, many of the After Effect fundamentals were well explained. The book is very well illustrated - both through quality of illustration as well as numerous pictures supporting the text. The examples to explain functionality are very practical techiques that have immediate application to my movies. I can find only two slight faults with the book: 1) the author is clearly using a Mac and sometimes finding functions being described is a little confusing since I use a PC. Also, the example files on the DVD (supplied with the book) sometimes have different filenames than that given in the book which makes finding the correct file difficult. These are little annoynances and pale when compared to the ease at which one will learn how to quickly learn to use After Effects in very practical ways. I highly recommend this book.

A must Have!.......2007-05-12

This book is a must have! I purchased this book from amazon.com and I just can't put it down! I was told by Richard Harrington that this book will 1.) Give you more than the basics but will also... 2.)DELIVER! and I must say that it has!... After Effects Aprentice should be bought by everyone that is new to AE... and Adobe should jump on this band wagon quickly! The pages and diagrams are (in color! and ) easy to understand for the new AE novice. I am having a great time with Lesson 6 "Parenting and Nesting". I was afraid of AE but not anymore. This book should be your first purchase, then the other Trish & Chris Meyers books should follow. I must add that there are other books that should be bought as supplemental tools such as: "Broadcast Graphics on the Spot" By: Richard Harrington, Glen Stephens and Chris Vadnais. There are other amazon members that will post more than my suggested list but all in all many will agree with me that this book is truly a Home-Run! You will not regret it... that's my promise to you.

A Hit!.......2007-04-17

This book is going to be another Meyer hit! The overall layout of the pages and the flow of information are going to be very conducive to the learning process. My courses use the Meyer books extensively and this will be no exception. Thanks Chris and Trish!

Average customer rating: The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging Good book but missing key information The Thoughts of a REAL RIGGER The only thing like it for traditional craft A Simple Compilation of Rigging technique

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging Brion Toss Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books General | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books Repair & Maintenance | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books Boating | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books General | Sailing | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books General | Sports | Subjects | Books Military Engineering | Special Topics | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books History | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Sports | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Similar Items: Sailmaker's Apprentice The Splicing Handbook: Techniques for Modern and Traditional Ropes, Second Edition The Marlinspike Sailor The Arts of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework The Art of Rigging ASIN: 0070648409

Book Description

Combining and updating the renowned Rigger's Apprentice and Rigger's Locker, The Complete Rigger's Apprentice is also a free-roaming collection of useful ideas and tips on everything from supplementing winches with block and tackle, to rigging snubbers at anchor, to using pantyhose for an emergency fanbelt. In short, it's the definitive book on the art of rigging, written by its most entertaining practitioner.

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging.......2006-11-10

to basic ok for sailboats not much for other rigging

Good book but missing key information.......2006-02-21

This book has LOTS of really good information. But it is missing some significant stuff, Brion. PLEASE PLEASE do another addition and include SOME information about the following:

1. Chainplates. Nothing. How is a proper chainplate shaped, mounted, doubled, etc? Where do they go? What should you consider when changing from single boomking backstay to double backstays?

2. Bowsprits. Hardly a word. How is a proper bowsprit mounted? What kind of materials are appropriate for a bobstay? etc.

3. Stemheads. Hardly a word. Come on, what good is a rig if it isn't mounted to something????

4. Mast steps. The rig seems to float in air with this book, and no proper consideration is given to how it MOUNTS TO THE BOAT.

Other than that, it is a great book. Lots of good info, formulas, etc. Lots of great knots, lots of funny quips, good explanation of how single and double spreader rigs are stayed and shrouded.

But most of us also have boats to go along with our rigs, and it would be nice to have a WHOLE CHAPTER on how the rig connects to the boat, because many of us need to maintain, repair, and improve that part of the rig as well.

Good book, but it is incomplete as currently published.

The Thoughts of a REAL RIGGER.......2004-06-19

As a rigger myself, i thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it most informative and useful for my trade. However, there was little or no mention of brews OR 3 leets - surely this is an integral part of being a RIGGER? Also, there is only one rigger.

Me!

Oh, and Ryan Jendoubi.

The only thing like it for traditional craft.......2003-12-04

Brion Toss has become "da man" in modern rigging in many ways, and a lot of that is attributable to this great book. It's a big, thick thing, loaded with information, not all of it easily absorbed on the first read. It's meant to give you a firm grounding in what rigging is, what it does, and how to inspect and maintain your own rig, how to adjust it, how to replace worn sections. Will it tell you everything you need to know to design a rig from the ground up on a serious racing yacht? Heck, no. It isn't meant to. What this book does is give you the tools you need to approach your own rig without fear and trembling - to realize that, after all, it's just a bunch of parts, and that you can comprehend and work with those parts, understand their roles, and get the most from your boat. Will you be forever independant of professional riggers? Probably not. But it goes a long way toward making that a realizable goal, if you apply yourself. And it should be known that this book is especially strong on traditional rigs, the more traditional the better. You'll learn how to worm, parcel, and serve, how to lace deadeyes, and why galvanized is great and stainless isn't stainless. And if that last sentence frightens you, you're probably not in the intended demographic. Rod rigging and carbon fiber masts are mentioned, at best, in passing, and largely for comic relief. Keep that in mind. Makes an absolutely perfect companion to Marino's "Sailmaker's Apprentice."

A Simple Compilation of Rigging technique.......2002-08-24

THE COMPLETE RIGGER'S APPRENTICE by Mr. Brion Toss is a no-brainer simple compilation of standard rigging technique. Most of which can be found by reading past editions of old rigging manuals and from the writings of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, or from company product manuals. Nothing new or original has been done in this work; and the 'Compilation' of any subject matter has always been considered a cheap way of getting published.

Average customer rating: Got under my skin Pleasant Surprise Outstanding...Great....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More a childrens tale Great read! Pick this one up...

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1) Robin Hobb Manufacturer: Spectra ProductGroup: Book Binding: Mass Market Paperback Hobb, Robin | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Similar Items: Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2) Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3) Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1) Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2) Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3) ASIN: 055357339X Release Date: 1996-03-01

Book Description

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Download Description

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill -- and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Customer Reviews:

Got under my skin.......2007-09-30

As others have said, it's hard to go wrong with a story about the tossed-away bastard son of royalty who is taken under the wing of an assassin. It's inherently compelling. And this book is really well written, or at least, to me it is -- the style is very clear and fast-moving. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and couldn't wait to hear what happened next to our hero.

Pleasant Surprise.......2007-09-14

I'm actually still reading this book, though I am very nearly finished. I, like many others, am growing frustrated waiting for the next installment of Song of Ice and Fire, and thus am sampling a vast assortment of other fantasy fiction while I wait. I won't review other novels with in this review but I will say only that I have found many lacking, even very popular ones. That said this book surprised me. I guess that I was just expecting less from it, probably because of the title. I think of 'Assasins' as being cliche with in this genre of literature. Also the paperback copy that I have is from Europe, Bulgaria specifically, though it is in English. The cover is not the simple and ambiguous one of this paperback copy but rather one that is almost embarrassing to hold while I'm on the train, or at work. It looks like a comic book. This cover is much better. I don't know how the whole series will be, but this first installment is really good and I recommend it for those of you waiting around for GRRM to give us the next installment in his five star series. At least I know that I won't have to wait for the next installment of this series. I give this four and a half stars, no forget it I'll give it Five. I'm being too stingy these days.

Outstanding...Great....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-26

These books are the best. The characters are so defined that it's almost like you've known them your entire life. They are so complex and so interesting that I found it very hard to put the book down for long periods of time.


As fantasy books go... this series has everything:

magic (two types actually)

talking animals (sorta)

a noble king

a usurping prince (I'm not sure if usurping is a real word)

and to top it all off... DRAGONS! (sorry...I love dragons)



You cannot pass up The Farseer Trilogy.

More a childrens tale.......2007-08-04

I was looking for something more suited for an adult. Something along the lines of the RA Salvatore or Jordan's Wheel of time. I only made it half through the book before I looked for somethng else.

Great read! Pick this one up..........2007-07-23

This is the first book I've read by Robin Hobb and having finished it, I anxiously look forward to reading more!

Mrs. Hobb manages what few authors can, in that she has created a story in which all the important elements are firing on all cylinders. You don't have to compromise character to get plot or world building in favor of a skilled and cohesive writing style. Assassin's Apprentice covers all the bases.

I won't cover the contents of the story here as you can read them for yourself in the blurb, but I will say that it is beautifully executed and draws you into the world in a way that few other fantasy books do. Each of the main characters is engaging and interesting and each engenders concern for their respective well-being.

More than that, I was extremely pleased with the intrigue and political power-play that theme this story, and I was impressed by the author's ability to take me down what I though was one road, only to reveal it to be another later in the story (this is particularly prevalent in the closing chapters of the book).

If I were pressed for the one thing I would change about this story it would be that I'd like to see the main character, Fitz, in fewer black and white type situations and faced with more shades of grey. Granted there were times when this was the case, but for the most part the dilemma's surrounding Fitz's occupation as an assassin were easily decided and left little room for doubt.

All in all, if you are looking for a great story, great characters, and an overall feeling of maturity and intelligence, this is a great book for you. I highly recommend Assassin's Apprentice

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