Customer Reviews (8)

A Job Well Done...
I remember years back when Gail and Ken where in PSP and Gail said she was going to write a book.....Well Gail "WELL DONE" you are on the spot and tell it as it really is.
JMMZ
Chandler, Az. and still in the sky

Excellent read!
Gail Hopke writes clearly and with an obvious wealth of experience.It's good to see a book that concentrates on training in an area which has been sorely neglected.I look forward to hearing more from this well versed writer.

Best Book Ever!
This is a wonderful book for anyone who would like to be a personal flight attendant on a private jet you would be working with the rich, famous, U.S presidents, and international celebrates. Its a WINNER!!!

Beyond the Red Carpet
I read book cover to cover before putting it down.Very well written covering all the basics and more.Highly recommeded for anyone with an inkling to fly the skies and to meet interesting people!If you havn't decided where you're going in life, take a look a this, you'll be on the right runway!

Beyond the Red Carpet
An excellent and informative book. Everything you would ever need to know to become a top-notch attendent. Learn from a first-class professional, who has been all over the world, the special touches that will set you apart from the ordinary attendant! ... Read more

Book Description
This bookshows the vast range and quality of carpets woven in Persia from about 1850 to 1980. In addition, there is a discussion of rugs woven in countries or areas adjacent to Persia itself, particularly those rugs which either fell or fall into the Persian geographical or cultural orbit: Caucasian weavings, Turkish and Hereke silk rugs and certain weavings which have strong Persian and Islamic influences. The in-depth introduction takes the reader through the history and geography of the Persian rug, including information on structure, weaving and knotting; the different output of the city and urban workshops compared to tribal and village weaving; flatweaves; and identification and dating, as well as points of note for the collector, such as conservation and cleaning. The carpets are divided into geographical areas, including Esfahan, Kerman, Tabriz, Bakhtiari, Senneh and Malayer, among others; each section comes with an introductory text and comprehensive, informative captions.This exquisite ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bring this one out of mothballs!
One of the joys of having a child is rediscovering long-since-forgotten books from my own childhood.When I pulled this one off the shelf at the library a few months ago, I recognized it immediately, and it felt like finding an old friend.It's still as fresh and fun as ever, and now a real favorite of my son's.Unlike another reviewer, I didn't find the plot predictable: I thought it was rather clever and unexpected.The drawings are great (and hip in a retro sort of way), and it's very fun to read the rhymed couplets.How this classic has fallen out of print is beyond me.Try to find a used copy if you can!

got it fast
This was the first of our Five in A Row curriculum purchases for a used book.I have bought most new so far.It was fun waiting for our hard to find book and we were pleased with the condition it was in and how fast it arrived.

Colorful
This classic 1948 children's poem is another "he-went-that-away." This time readers follow no insects, animals or children--but as the title suggests, a red carpet.

The occasion for this silliness is the expected arrival of the Duke of Sultana at the Hotel Bellevue. The doorknobs were shined, the floors were swept and the carpet was set out. But when the doorman, Jim West, unrolled the carpet with his toe, it kept on rolling.

Down the corridor floor, through the lobby, out through the door, over the sidewalk "where people were strolling," dodging buses and hacks, over trolley car tracks, and so on.

The carpet rolled through town, turned left at Pearl Street, down Main, and at Plum Street turned left again. The Mayor Mr. Potts called the police and Officer Mike O'Shea took up the chase. Squad cars, cycles, motors, and sirens ran up hills and down dales, through orchards and meadows, past workmen and down to the ferry.

The plot is very predictable. But children love this bright red carpet, trailing its way through amusing verse and quaint illustrations.

(...) Alyssa A. Lappen ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great Asterix comic!
Despite the fact that this comic is written by Mr. Uderzo, as well as illustrated by him, it is quite as good as any of the classics, like Asterix and Cleopatra or Asterix and the Goths.The art is up to the old standards, the pacing and flavor remain the same, and the same excruciating-yet-oddly-satisfying puns are sprinkled throughout the text.It's a rollicking, good-natured adventure from first to last.

A couple of notes here. In the first place, it IS interesting to see an Asterix comic focused on Cacophonix, rather than just sticking the bard in an introductory cameo and showing him tied up at the feast at the end.In the second place, it's good to see Dogmatix, Obelix's pet pooch, play an active and sometimes important role in the story .... okay, so I'm a dog lover, but it is good to see another character being used, rather than just being an afterthought like he was in Asterix and the Belgians (my only quibble with that excellent comic).

The only other thing that strikes me is that certain other reviewers have remarked on the "ethnic stereotypes of Indian life" that appear in this comic.I'll admit that I'm hard-pressed to see this. I suppose that to the hypersensitive, merely mentioning India or Indians makes the book some kind of ethnic horror-show of lies and stereotypical fabrications. Lighten up, guys! Other than showing the Hindus bathing in the Ganges (which you can see in any National Geographic with an article on India) and wearing Hindu clothing (which is hardly a 'stereotype,' any more than showing a businessman wearing a suit) it doesn't show much of the "Indian way of life" at all. All this talk of stereotypes boggles me, since only the most convoluted, tortured logic could squeeze any type of ethnic slur out of the story.

All in all, a fine addition to a fun and light-hearted series! :)

Asterix in India
The Kingdom of the Ganges, ruled by the good King, Rajah Watzit, is in crisis.
Not one drop of rain has fallen during the monsoon season.
The evil Guru, Hoodunnit that if no rain falls before the end of the Monsoon season, then the Rajah's daughter, the sweet and lovely Princess Orinjade, must be sacrificed to appease the wrath of the gods.

The only hope lies in the plan by the wise Fakir Watziznehm, who has heard that in far-off Gaul, there is a bard who's singing causes rain. So Watziznehm, flies on his magic carpet to Gaul where he enlists the help of Cacofonix, Asterix and Obelix (and who wouldn't want to rescue the gorgeous Princess Orinjade)

So our friends for the first time travel by air, and after an exciting journey, in which, among other things, they engage in an aerial attack on the Scythian pirates.
When they land in India, they have to deal with various snags, before they can save the Princess.

Asterix and Obelix really get to travel and explore exotic locations. And while the India, the authors of Asterix write about in no way of course, resembles the real Ancient India, neither the other Asterix albums resemble the locations our friends visit. It is all tongue in cheek, and pokes fun at everyone, but in a gentle way.
Asterix and the Magic Carpet is great fun.

Wonderful story with a dent in its side...
In this enthralling tale the lovable Gaulish duo hitch a ride on a magic carpet with the village bard, Cacofonix to the mystical land of India. And yet in this far away country, the natives have heard of the "villageof madmen where a voice makes it rain" - a man that the Indians coulduse to end the long spell of drought that they have fallen under. Finally!An audience that appreciates the (incredibly annoying) vocal talents ofCacofnix! But as luck may have it, the great bard loses his voice...

With the life of a princess at stake, a race against the clock to getthe bard's voice back and dodging evil fakirs at every corner, this is anadventure to remember - an episode in which the oft-neglected bard comes into his own.

Although the book was well laid out with a funny, interestingplot, some of the laughter comes at the expense of an ethnic stereotype. Aslong as it is understood beforehand that life in India doesn't follow sucha pattern, this book would be a whole bunch of constructive fun. For thatreason alone I felt the need to drop a star from my rating.

Most Asterixtitles are aimed at a teen/adult audience and they cleverly integrate manyhistorical events in to their plots. There is also a deeper satiricalpresence throughout these books, and for that reason I feel that childrenunder the age of 12 or so would not quite appreciate the humor. Theviolence is more along the lines of black eyes, dented armor and missingteeth, and hence should not worry a parent too much. This is another goodAsterix comic - I recommend it!

Great Story, Wrong India
A wonderful story set in an India that never existed except in the minds of western authors. It was lots of fun seeing cacofonix turn out to be the hero.

something different
At last Cacofonix is the real hero! They come to India! Like all books in the series, a real fun to read! ... Read more

Book Description
Warning: No celeb was spared during the writing of this tongue-in-cheek stroll down the red carpet of fashion, fame, ego, and blinding glitter. Written by the man who isn’t afraid to tell Christina Aguilers her hairdo is a disaster, Red Carpet Diaries could make you feel you know more about Hollywood shtick than Nicole Kidman’s stylist. If you begin to get too much pleasure from Cojocaru’s lizard-skin-jumpsuited journey from ridiculed misfit to #2 on Cynthia Rowley’s speed dial, put the book down and turn on an episode of Antiques Roadshow to calm your heart rate. Also: do not try to operate heavy machinery while reading this book.

Indications: For relief of boredom, wistfulness, insecurity, and bad hair days.

Directions: Read the incredible story of Cojocaru’s rise from schoolyard joke to one-man celebrity status meter. Laugh, cry, lather, rinse, and repeat.

Active ingredient: Unadulterated fashion, style, and wit.

Imbued with style that is pure Steven, and packed with insider gossip from a man who spends his days chatting with Tom Hanks, Charlize Theron, or Sarah Jessica Parker, this irresistible memoir is a peek behind the glamorous façade to the real deal—the dirt beneath the red carpet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

I Love This Guy!
More times than not, I found "Cojo" more interesting than some of the celebs he dished some info out on, because a lot of them turned out to be the way I suspected.Although I was quite pleased that he declared oft creepy Hugh Grant to be a "wanker," I was more interested in the fashionista himself--the reason I picked up the book in the first place.It was hard to put it down once I began reading.

Cojo is fun, witty, and seems to be a genuinely nice, honest guy.When I first saw the king of campy on the Today Show, I was positively blown away by his individuality and fearlessness of being true to himself.That's what I really got out of his book; the fact that I share a long history of being regarded as a social freak and how he didn't let anybody stop him from becoming a success in his own right.He also confesses that celebrities are chislers and not often as great to meet as a lot of people think--in other words, they're just like everyone else with the exception of PR and far more money than they often deserve.I'm looking forward to his next book, which is the reason I only gave this one 4 stars.Here's to hoping it's even better.

Gotta love the Cojo :-)
Steven is hillarious and I just love him. If you've ever seen him on the Today show, his personality and his mood is infectious. He's really quick and sharp.I love the adjectives he uses in here for people.He never fails to make me laugh and he seems to be quite down to earth and an overall nice guy. Read this book. There's almost something in it for everyone and you won't regret buying this.It's certainly not a deep and meaningful book but it's never been portrayed as such, so forget the negative reviews.

Why do we care
About what this guy has to say about fashion, or anything else for that matter? How this guy gets 15 minutes of anything is beyond me and a sad commentary on our celeb driven society. I personally could care less about any celebrity except Hasselhoff. Hoff is the sun when it comes to the hollywood galaxy. There would be no entertainment industry without him. Oh my goodness, brad and Jen split, who the heck gives a badger's butt? I really don't care what celebrities wear, who they're dating and how much their home(s) cost. VH1 now has become E!, so my garbage intake can double. We actually sit and watch shows that rub how much celebs spend in our faces. We eat it up. You know what celebrities are? They are people with a different job than us that some are really good at. They just make gobs of money and many are really pretty after their $800/hr makeup artist gets through with them. This culture of ours cares way too much about them and worships them as if they are godlike figures. This cojo goof has a career because there are enough losers that will actually care about what Lindsey Lohan wears to an awards show. She could wear a firesuit and a ten gallon hat and I wouldn't care at all. Ok, I'm done.

As Hollywood Inside Info Goes ...
I love Hollywood gossip books.This was the biggest waste of paper ever (and mind you, without the added highlighted quotes taking up most of the page ...)Really no inside scoop on anyone or anything, much less the author himself.A series of "aren't I cute" quotes that made me feel quite empty at the end. One of the most shallow people I have ever read about, used to like his appearances, now he makes my skin crawl.

Perfect dish.
I love Cojo's sassy commentary on tv and in People. This book lives up to his honesty on the red carpet. He always tells it like it is and this book is no exception. It's not brain science, but it's fun and fluffy, and he never claims to be doing much more than having a good time. I spent a very satisfying afternoon immersed in the glam world of celebrities and Cojo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not a novel, but the next best thing...
Yes, his novels are very funny, and well written.
This, what one hoped would be the third gut buster novel, is a nice work, highs and lows, not as funny as the novels, but when is life?
With his life work behind him, perhaps Mr. Everett will re-write that third novel he talkes about in this book.
Cheers.

A very long book about nothing at all
Mr. Everett perfectly sums up his book on page 181: "I had met many stars". This tale ofa minor actor cavorting with the rich and famous reads like a modern update of Vile Bodies, but recounted, incoherently, by Agatha Runcible herself, and sorely lacking the asides of a sarcastically observing Waugh. Everett's brushes with the stars are too evanescent to give him much to tell. They put in brief appearances, like hazy spectres that evaporate before the author has been able to get anywhere beyond telling us how "fascinating", "extraordinary" and/or "mesmerizing" they were. The reader is also painfully aware that these stars all appear in Mr. Everett's biography, but that he is not very likely to appear in many of theirs. Actually, Everett himself is quite aware of that, too. There are, indeed, a few attempts at self-mockery (most notably on the final page), but they fail to ring true. One hardly needs a PhD in psychology to see that at heart, the author is very much impressed by all his glamorous contacts - why else would he have covered an exorbitant 400+ pages telling us about them?
Yet, one also gains the impression that Mr. Everett doesn't actually care much about any of the people he talks about. That's why his attempts at tragedy utterly fail (lots of AIDS-deaths, obviously). It is very hard to feel moved by the death of a person one was introduced to a few pages before, or another who has at best appeared intermittently for a few paragraphs now and then, but never came off the paper as a real person. Everett rushes from one inane anecdote to the next, clubbing, boozing, snorting and f***ing, and seems to have a new "best friend" every second week, who to the reader will remain just another meaningless name. It does not help that, say, the brutal death by decapitation of a crew member or the breaking up of an 8 year relationship are treated in the same casual and cursory manner as Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery or Madonna's handling of Sean Penn's genitals. Even when he describes the 9/11 attacks, which he witnessed from only a few blocks away, the only thing Everett can come up with is a repeat of the hackneyed phrase that it all looked like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Maybe the real tragedy is that all this is the result of a vapid, hedonistic lifestyle where the only emotional attachment of some meaning and durability is to a dog.

I was quite surprised to find that Mr. Everett has published several novels, because this book does not demonstrate any special literary gifts. The writing is covered in thick layers of affectation and camp. The author goes out of his way to be amusing, resulting in lots of ridiculous metaphor ("He had the manner of a deranged army officer's wife at a tea party" - what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?). On the other hand, the grandiloquent phrase "in those days", of which Everett is very fond, I did find hilarious. As if we were dealing with an octogenarian reminiscing about the war, rather than a man in his mid forties talking about the 1980s.

It might all have been worthwhile in spite of all this if only there were some grit in the book. But if you expect any incisive observations of character, or even just some juicy gossip: forget it. Everybody, no matter how weird or deranged, turns out to be nice, interesting, talented, wonderful and whatnot. The few things there are that might be considered slightly revealing you will have probably read years ago on some tabloid front page. Desperate to spice things up, Mr. Everett gratuitously employs occasional four-letter references to male genitalia, and completely random sexual innuendo ("It blew my new career out of the water and turned my pubic hair white overnight"). All, needless to say, to no avail. I find it hard to imagine how this disjointed ramble, that lacks any narrative or psychological structure, could hold anyone's attention through such an excessive number of pages. By page 250 I found myself scanning the text diagonally - I was simply bored stiff by all the pointless drivel. My one comfort is that Amazon UK was just about giving this book away for free, but even for free it'll take up space on your shelf better used for something else.

Those crazy theater people!
After reading this book I became convinced that CNN should have a camera crew prowling every city Rupert Everett visits.Political correspondents should be called `Rupert Chasers', and old retirees longing for a well-earned rest should be prepared to high-tail it at once whenever Mr. Everett is rumored to be near.Life, in all its queasy uncertainty indeed, seems to respond to his presence.

The red carpet is just one of many banana skins Rupert slips on here.One might say he's slipped through a life that would have broken a weaker man - or at least pointedly ignored a less handsome man.

The ringside seat he's been offered, however, isn't free for any Adonis to occupy.I imagine a highly discerning sensibility must have informed the decisions he took from the options life presented: a sensibility that comes through in the prose, and is clearly a deep part of both the man today, as well as the boy who watched `Mary Poppins.' ... Read more

Book Description
Demystifying a confusing and intimidating subject, Oriental Rugs Today is the first book devoted exclusively to new pieces. It discusses issues of dye and finish, looks country by country at examples from every major contemporary source, and profiles the artisans who revived the use of handspun wool and natural dyes. Written for both aficionado and novice, this edition includes 20 percent more material and new information on Nepalese and Iranian rugs, making this must-have guide to the subject. 100 color photos are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Beautiful book
This is one of the best books I've found on Oriental Rugs.The text is very well written and specific to each type of rug shown, and the photography is excellent.Photographs are of representative rugs for each type ("tribe"), and the rugs shown are very colorful with intricate patterns that are sure to stir the heart of every lover of orientals.

An informative and engaging introduction to modern rugs
Unlike the gentleman below, I had little knowledge of oriental rugs prior to reading this book.I found it to be a perfect place to start my education.The text was informative, particularly in regards to the "renaissance" in traditional rugmaking techniques over the past 20 years.He does a wonderful job of covering the pros and cons of natural vs. chrome dyes, and handspun vs. millspun wool - again without being overly opinionated or judgmental despite his personal leanings.

The writing was engaging, fair, and accompanied by high-quality photographs (n.b. the photos on his website are the highest resolution I've seen anywhere).He gives equal weight to each country's production.Helpful information is also provided regarding approximate prices per sq. ft.

In fact, I liked his book so much that I just purchased two rugs from him - two years after reading the book, and after looking at dozens of sites on the web and a handful of shops in person.

Only book of its kind
I've read both editions of this book and, yes, the first edition only had a few words on Iran but, as the author explained, there was an embargo at the time.The new edition has an entire chapter on new rugs from Iran, with photos of some really gorgeous rugs.

Most of my personal knowledge about rugs was that rugs made today are lifeless, uninteresting pieces cranked out from rug factories in places like India and China, or poorly made, touristy pieces from places like Turkey.Boy was I wrong.It's good to know there are finally interesting, attractive, reasonably-priced, handmade carpets available again.

The possibility that some carpet made in Iran in the last year or so may rival the beauty of my 19th-Century Persian Bidjar is stunning.

Very Basic
As someone who already has an intermediate knowledge of oriental carpets, I was disappointed by this book.It is extremely basic - something akin to a Dick and Jane primer.It provides only a few pages of information on carpets from each region (if you can believe it, Iran [Persia] was lumped together with two other countries, and all three countries were covered by approximately only five pages, including illustrations.It does not provide any information on specific carpets (i.e. Nain, Bokhara, Yahyali, etc.), but did explain the general difference between wool types, dyes, etc.Also, while it did have several photos of carpets, many of them seemed to be photos of novelty carpets, and not of traditional designs.Overall, I believe that this would be good for someone who knows absolutely nothing about oriental carpets and is only looking for general information.In my opinion, there are much better books on the subject for both beginners and experts alike, such as Oriental Rugs, A Buyer's Guide, by Lee Allane.

the best guide i've run across
I saw a review of this book in HALI magazine, and have found it clarifies a lot of things that I found confusing and intimidating about buying an Oriental rug. It explains exactly where the rugs in today's rug stores comefrom, and how much you should expect to pay for them. It's well written andvery much on the level-you don't get the impression the author is pushingyou to go out and buy something. There's a lot of mystification in theOriental rug business, and although the book is not an expose in any sense,I felt better equipped to buy a rug and get a good value than I did afterreading other books on the subject, most of which seemed out of date. Lotsof color plates too. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

most inspiring book about general aviation
I have been following Greg Brown's columns in AOPA Flight Training for a while now, but I would have never guessed that if you read a handful of these short, factual-yet-full-of-emotions stories one after the other, you can get a complete picture of what general aviation is all about. Highly recommend this book to everyone, pilot spouses or parents above all.

Great read!
I've followed Greg Brown's column in numerous aviation magazines over the years, and have always looked forward to reading his latest adventure.Now, with "Flying Carpet", he has detailed stories and events from his past that have served to educate, enlighten, and amuse both aviators and non-aviators alike.I thoroughly enjoy his writing style, and am always recounting something he wrote to someone else to emphasize a point or provide an example of some aviation-related subject.I love the fact that he relates his stories as if aviation was a sort of pagan religion, and he, and all other pilots, are willing followers.He truly highlights the romance and passion that flying evokes in those of us do it, and stimulates curiousity in those who don't.I highly encourage anyone to read this book, whether you're a pilot or not.

Interesting.
Full of fun interesting stories but not a book I would want to read again. The books sounds like it is a collection of Gregs adventures that may have been published somewhere before.

Cannot give this a review.
This book was purchased as a gift.I do not know if it's been read or not.

Excellent book for all seeking adventure
I am a student pilot and have been reading just about everything I can get my hands on that has to do with flying for the past two years.I first learned of Greg Brown through his Flying Carpet column in AOPA's Flight Training magazine and enjoyed his articles and writing.I stumbled upon this book through a search on Amazon and am so glad I did!

The book is extremely well written and you can tell through each page how deep Greg's passion is for flying and for sharing it with those around him.I felt as if I were along for the ride to all of the wonderful destinations he has been to.

I highly recommend the book not only for those interested in flying but the non-fliers alike! ... Read more

Book Description
Fans of Elizabeth Peters will view Egypt through a different lens—but the real flavor of this 14-book series is Graham Greene or, given Pearce’s sense of irony, Eric Ambler....

The Mamur Zapt, head of Cairo’s CID in the heydey of (the indirect) British rule, focused on political, not police, matters. With the bustling new century, the loosening of imperial ties, and the rise of nationalism, his was a busy office. The attempted assassination of a veteran politician raises the spectre of a major terrorist statement at the capital’s principal religious festival where the faithful celebrate the Return of the Holy Carpet from Mecca.

Easily navigating multiple nationalities, three principal languages, and four competing legal systems, not to mention the intricacies of shadow and actual governments, Captain Owen, the Welsh incumbent, bolsters the Mamur Zapt’s office with the aid of a host of memorable characters.

In his 1988 debut, Michael Pearce, who grew up in the (then) Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, “memorably navigates the swirling cultural and political cross-currents of his chosen period and place, bringing to an historian’s confidence the creative intelligence of a born novelist.” —John Coleman, Sunday Times ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This is a sleeper series
Frankly, I do not understand why this series isn't more popular. Pearce writes compelling and delightful characters with a wealth of cultural detail as backdrop. All history and the social complexity of Cairo in pre-WWI is so well integrated that a reader can learn something without ever feeling lectured to or popped out of the tale. Pearce's stealthy wit delights and surprises much as Alexander McCall Smith's does. And,if you like Turkish coffee, you will never drink it again without being pulled back into Pearce's Cairo on a hot evening in a cafe!

Fascinating, but a bit slow.
This was a bit slow-going for me, mainly as I am unfamiliar with the history of Egypt during this time.That said, I did find it fascinating to read about the social structure and customs.The characters were interesting and it was a pretty good mystery.I wouldn't put it on the same level as Barbara Cleverly, but I shall definitely read another.

Egypt as You Never Imagined It
Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt mysteries are funny, beautifully written sketches of life in Egypt in the early years of the 20th century. The books have all the panache and originality of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Why they haven't made it onto the big screen, or been turned into a Mystery! series on public television I can't imagine.

The central character is Gareth Owen, a young Welshman who is the Mamur Zapt -- the title given the (British) head of Cairo's secret police. The central theme is the tension between the British who governed Egypt at the time and the Egyptian people in whose name they governed.

"The Return of the Carpet" is the first in the series. Frequent appearances are made throughout the series by the Mamur Zapt's Egyptian counterpart in the office of the city prosecutor, by Owen's bosses, by members of Eqypt's dissolute royal family, by Owen's aristocratic and fiercely independent Egyptian paramour and by assorted members of Cairo's working class.

The stories are racy, wittily understated and steeped in the attitudes and rhythms of daily life in the Cairo of 100 years ago. Pearce's voice and his ear for dialogue are spot-on. The humor emerges naturally in his exploration of the complex relations between the English and native Eqyptians of all classes.

This is popular literature of the highest order. The books are, if possible, even more entertaining if you listen to the audio recordings produced, I believe, by Recorded Books.

A tale of suspense and color in 1908 Egypt
The place is early-twentieth century Egypt, nominally part of the Ottoman Empire, in fact ruled by the British.Among the plots and nationalist tensions, young Captain Owen, formerly of the British Army in Egypt, is appointed the Mamur Zapt: a formerly Turkish post in charge of the political police.

A case of granades goes astray from an Army storage.The biggest fear--that the weapons will be used by terrorists for assasinations--seems accurate.Owen, inexperienced but intelligent, is hampered by many foreign and local fingers in the heady Egyptian pie in the investigation.

This pleasant tale of suspense, local color, politics, and adventure is told with touches of humor and restraint of the old English tradition.

--inotherworlds.com

This book is no longer out of print
Post Mortem Books has reissued this title in a limited edition of 250 signed numbered copies priced at 25.00 (pounds sterling). If you need to fill that gap in your collection, contact me at the email address given. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

a guatemalan story!
Our family has enjoyed this book.
We spent 8 months living in beautiful Antigua last year and this book brought back memories for us!
As a mother of 5 Guatemalan children - I found this book a delightful way to introduce our children to the tradition of Semana Santa ( holy week).
We have enjoyed Ms. Carling's book and would recommend it to anyone hoping to introduce young children to the traditions found in Guatemala.

A Multicultural Holy Week
The girl's family is visiting her aunt's family in Antigua for Holy Week because her baby cousin is going to be baptized on Easter. The tradition of glorious sawdust carpets, temporary art (like Navajo sand paintings) meant to be destroyed by the processions, is seen though her eyes. She is sad at her carpet's destruction, but able by Easter to plan next year's design. The rugs, a neighbor tells her, are "offerings to life."

There are very few good picture books about Easter, outside of retellings of the Easter story itself, that give a hint at the feast's religious depths (Eric Kimmel's The Birds' Gift, Patricia Polacco's Chicken Sunday). This belongs on that select list. It's not for the sort of conservative Christian who looks negatively at other religious traditions. (On a shelf in the cousins' house, there "stood the Virgin of Guadalupe next to the Kuan Yin, our Chinese goddess. I thought they looked like friends. Incense swirled around them, bringing them together.") Liturgical Christians will appreciate it as the only picture book that connects Easter with baptism! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic Reference
This is probably the most frequently used carpet book I have.I'm not a dealer or serious collector - just wanted to buy nice rugs for the house but I wanted to know what I was buying.I first found this at the library and ended up buying it (along with 2 others that are bigger and different).I go to this book first every time I have a question.This book has great maps of the areas, history of the people in each of the areas, great drawings and explainations of the different symbols and motifs, discussions on the knots/weaves and what to look for in terms of quality, typical indications of what to look for in each type of carpet, and more.We recently returned from a trip to Turkey/Istanbul where we went to the Grand Bazaar and bought carpets for the house - it was lots of fun (great people)- and I feel that this book really helped me not only appreciate the rug making and understand some of the history but also make more informed decisions when shopping.Highly recommeded!

A good book for beginners
This book looks like a beginner level general rug book but it is actually very useful. Of all of my beginner books this is one I still go back to...

pretty basic primer
this is a pretty basic primer for those just beginning to collect oriental carpets.There are quite a few pictures/examples, although the book is less than comprehensive. ... Read more