Product Description
Mother Earth writes a letter to the children of our planet encouraging environmentalism. Powerful acrylic paintings compliment the gentle text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Dear Children
This book is a good book for teachers to help teach their students about the importance of Mother Earth and taking care of her. You could tie this book into Earth Day, Conservation, and Science class. I recommend for anyone that is intersted in helping keep the Earth a better place and helping children learn about it.

Montessori Mother
One of the most touching and beautifully illustrated books about our relationship with "Mother Earth" that I have read.My five year old daughter insisted on sharing it's message with her school and all of her friends.She found it as inspirational and moving as I did.

Beautiful and thoughtful
Recommend to anyone with a young child, to read to them or have them read themselves.Wonderful letter from Mother Earth.Loved it.

I Could Read it All Day...
I first thought that it would be one of the books that has those pictures that look like it took three seconds to draw. Boy, was I wrong! It is so beautiful, I could stare at is artwork all day.

Wonderful....
I would recommend Schim Schimmel childrens books highly.I have several, I have given many as gifts.The art is wonderful.The story's are simple and needed to teach our children how to save their plant.How to get along with all living things. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

For the Beauty of the Earth
Yann Arthus-Bertrand has done his part to make us recognize how important the salvage of our planet is.In this collection of aerial photographs, lushly colorful and crisply in focus, he shares with us such spectacular places as Varanasi, India, Easter Island in Chile, cattle crossing a river in Argentina, the Amazon River, an Australian dune, Verdun France with the military cemetery, the hovels of Cape Town, South Africa and the similar Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, the Epicenter of the Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima, Japan, Dubrovnik in Croatia, a kibbutz in Israel, the outskirts of Copenhagen, the freeways of Los Angeles, Machu Picchu Peru, a coal mine in South Africa - all as seen from above and al are breathtaking in different ways.Some are the epitome of beauty, some a view of the anguish that exists in the world.

The accompanying writing is excellent and the book itself is a high quality in design, execution, color saturation, and binding.This is a beautiful gift for both you and friends,Grady Harp, September 10

The New Earth from Above:365 Days
What a beautiful book this is... I saw this book at a friend's house and spent hours looking at all the amazing places, then I went home and got on line, and purchased my own copy, as well as another one by the same author!This is a wonderful coffee table book - it takes you all over the world!

A lifetime calendar and great way to learn about our world!
What a learning tool and conversation piece to begin each day!Some friends have an older version of this book and right away I thought, "I have to have this!"They have gone through their book page by page, day after day, year after year and love it.I got right on line and ordered a couple, one for me and the other as a gift for my parents!It is so educational and fun to read at the same time.The photos are amazing and the entire concept compiling material from around the world is priceless...thanks a million!:-)

Great gift
This was a gift for my son's young family.It was mailed directly, so we haven't seen it as yet.My son's family let us know how much they liked it.They have enjoyed looking at it with their children ages 2-10.They said the pictures are "awesome".I'd buy this book again for anyone interested in nature and the earth.

Book - New Earth From Above, 365 Days
This is fascinating for anyone who is concerned about the welfare of our planet and conservation. I turn a page a day and am always greeted with an amazing aerial shot of villages, marketplaces, crop formations, herds of animals etc. Across from each picture is a description of the picture and the affect the scene has on our planet. So far, much of what I have seen are places over seas, I love learning something new every day. This was my gift of choice to my friends this Christmas. ... Read more

Product Description

Over the years the earth has moved many times under San Francisco. But it has been thirty-eight years since the last strong earthquake. People have forgotten how bad it can be. But soon they will remember.

Customer Reviews (7)

disappointing for children and adult
I read this with a group of 5th and 6th graders.We were all very disappointed with the plot and character development.Very slow moving and uninspired.

Earth Dragon
My 9yo daughter read this book in 2 days. She absolutely loved it. I had her read about 1906 accounts of the earthquake prior to reading this book. As she was reading I told her to think about the Haiti earhtquake victims and to try and make a connection between the 2 earthquakes.

Phenomenally outstanding book!
"The Earth Dragon Awakes" by Laurence Yep is a well written novel that has specific details and a good storyline. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I would never give a book 5 stars because I always feel therecan be something revised to make the book better in many ways. I give it 4 stars because it's a good clean book which states facts and adds "lif" along with it. This Historical Fiction is about Chin and Henry friends who both love reading about the heroes in the comic books or "Penny Dreadfuls" as their parents call them. One day a crisis in San Francisco happens and Chin and Henry are looking for a hero to save the day. Laurence Yep an American author of Chinese decent has always felt disconnected from his Chinese culture which shows in Chin's character of how disconnected he feels from his Chinese Herritage. If you have read "Dragon Wings" this would be a recommended book. People that like historical fiction, history junkies, and kids of all ages. This is a great book that I think everyone should have a chance to read.

Look Out for the Earthquake
Look out for the earthquake! The Earth Dragon Awakes is one of the best books ever. It is mostly about two kids named Chin, and Henry trying to survive an earthquake. This is a serious book about a real-life event, the San Francisco earthquake. First the brothers are just living a normal life then all a sudden a earthquake comes. Luckily they survived the earthquake .Then after the earthquake, wait I can't tell that, but what ever you do don't take your eyes off that book. It is so good. Break your arm if you have to get it.

Earth Dragon Awakes
This is an excellent young adult book. It is one of our Georgia Book Award Nominees for 2007-2008.It is a great way for kids to learn about what the earthquake was like from a young person's view point. The language of the book was very descriptive. You felt like you were there. ... Read more

Product Description
In the best-selling tradition of Smithsonian Animal, this extraordinary survey of our planet provides unrivaled insight into the forces and processes that formed our environment and which continue to influence its evolution. With thousands of breathtaking photographs and unique visual catalogues of the features and phenomena that take place on Earth -- such as rocks, minerals, and mountains to tropical rain forests and the different types of clouds -- Earth contains the most up-to-date ideas on how our world works, a compelling review on the health of the planet, and unbelievable images of the world's most stunning features. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Smithsonian Earth soft bound book
Although this is a fantastic book, after about a month of normal use, the pages are coming out of the binding!

Excellent Reader... Information very accurate.
This book quite detailed. Includes a lot of stunning images and excellent information. Suited for all ages and great as a coffee table book. Price is also sweet! Great series.

Typical Darwinist Big Bomber Propaganda
Like nearly all DK and Smithsonian books on "science", it's peppered with baseless claims about the universe and Earth being millions and millions of years old, not bothering to mention any evidence against such claims, not bothering to mention thousands of prominent successful, both dead and living scientists who oppose macro-evolution and the Big Bomg theories with evidence. Instead, they rely on pretty pictures, trying to reinforce their hateful anti-truth parroting with emotion, with, "Wow look how beautiful these pictures are and how professional this book is, they just must be right then when they claim the universe is billions of years old, cuz beautiful and smart-sounding = good and right and reliable." You who gave this book five stars are gullible morons, living disgraces.

Stunning Photos
Stunning Photos. Organized a little oddly, but beautiful. I used this instead of a pricey text for a beginning Earth Science class I teach to teachers. It did not disappoint. I wish it had been organized differently, but it is okay. Excellent value for the price!

Awesome Book from DK!
I'm a fan of these giant DK coffe table books.This was my first and is still my favorite.Tons of beautiful pictures of our planet.All sorts of exotic locales I didn't know existed.Especially nice to have if you're an artist of any kind looking for inspiration. ... Read more

Product Description
For thirty-five years and through thirteen editions, Jim Henslin's Down to Earth Sociology has opened new windows onto the social realities that shape our world. Now in its fourteenth edition, the most popular anthology in sociology includes new articles on our changing world while also retaining its classic must-read essays. Focusing on social interaction in everyday life, the forty-six selections bring students face-to-face with the twin projects of contemporary sociology: understanding the individual's experience of society and analyzing social structure.

The fourteenth edition's exceptional new readings include selections on the role of sympathy in everyday life, mistaken perceptions of the American family, the effects of a criminal record on getting a job, and the major social trends affecting our future. Together with these essential new articles, the selections by Peter Berger, Herbert Gans, Erving Goffman, Donna Eder, Zella Luria, C. Wright Mills, Deborah Tannen, Barrie Thorne, Sidney Katz, Philip Zimbardo, and many others provide firsthand reporting that gives students a sense of "being there." Henslin also explains basic methods of social research, providing insight into how sociologists explore the social world. The selections in Down to Earth Sociology highlight the most significant themes of contemporary sociology, ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, and religion to the contemporary crises of racial tension, crime, rape, poverty, and homelessness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great resource!!!
Too often when you read a textbook it can be very dry and boring.That is not the case with this book.It is easy to read and there are a lot of great case studies to review.Very informative.I would highly recommend this book to anyone interesting in learning more about sociology.

Down to Earth Sociology
I purchased Down to Earth Sociology having taken sociology 101 in college and wanting to refresh myself on the basic concepts and issues.

Positive:
1) There were some very interesting articles included in the edition
2) Varied examples of research types

Negative:
1) The editor's (Henslin's) writing style is annoyingly repetitive.Re-iterates his own statements multiple times in a short section; if I can understand research papers in the topic you don't have to dumb down the intros of them for me.
2) No counter-arguments to any of the articles leaves reader frustrated.Henslin introduces papers without any criticism.
3) Organization of articles in sections not completely logical

In summary, Down to Earth Sociology is worth reading in a classroom setting but not the best book to get if you're trying to introduce yourself to the subject of sociology.

Much more interesting than your standard textbook
I bought this book for my Sociology class and ended up enjoying almost every article I read in it. This is the book that made me change my major to Sociology. I highly recommend this for anybody even slightly interested in the subject.

Down to Earth Sociology book
This book is required for my Sociology class.I ordered it via Amazon.com and received it in about a week.I got it just in time for my next class.Most readings so far are very interesting. Good readings.

good
It's not that much cheaper than what they sell in the college book store. but it's in good condition ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Book
Steven Farmer had written a great book that is very informational and helpful for those who seek balance and harmoney of self, and oneness with nature. The title can be a bit misleadeing, for some may believe the book is some form of mystic magic teaching, and not or spirituality and healing of shaman practice. But the book is very good, mainly for those who are of new age and those need spiritual guidances.

Neat book
This is a good book, but I don't know if I would recommend it as an introductory book.It should be the one you read after a broader based book on Native American spirituality.It delves into meditative journey's and the like, which can be fun if you are able.I am too grounded for most of the techniques mentioned here in.Perhaps after more personal training and educating I will be able to reach the meditative realms that he speaks of in places other than my dream world.

earth magic
I have read other books by steven farmer and this book is a summary of everything needed to make connections back to the core of self.I loved this book and will use it as a reference.

Eath Magic
This is a great book for anyone who is exploring the connection between a spiritual and an earthly life.
It enabled me to connect up many themes of this book and gives some informative ideas for healing for self and others, including the earth itself.

Dr. Farmer writes another great book!
I just finished reading Earth Magic and loved it.It is cram packed with interesting stories, experiences, suggestions and guidance for those of us wanting to work more closely with our planet. Steven Farmer is an exceptional author who not only writes well but really delivers on the content too.His work is well researched and documented and at the same time is highly engaging and entertaining. Because this book is so full of interesting information, I am certain that as it did for me, it will open new and fascinating pathways to you that you never anticipated.His caring and respect for the planet, humanity and lifelong learning is evident in this wonderful book. ... Read more

Product Description
A self-portrait of Indian existence in the United States, here is a selection of statements and writings which illuminate the course of Indian history and the abiding values of Indian life. The passages range from the witty, the eloquent, the lyric, to the deeply emotional. 7" x 8-1/2". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Best little book ever
I was given a copy of TOUCH THE EARTH while wandering in the Southwest in 1972.It couldn't have come at a better time.I happened to be spending time in that mystic country of northern New Mexico then and was ripe for savoring the wisdom that unfolded from every page.Even today, I re-read it from time to time, or parts thereof; something I have been doing for almost forty years now and find its passages as fresh and as full of graceful wisdom as ever.I have quoted Crowfoot ("What is lifeIt is the flash of the firefly in the night..."), at times at funerals, other times to little children on a summer night.This little book has provided for me guidance, inspiration, poignancy and, in some ways, fulfillment over the years, and I treasure it beyond measure.

In another instance of the magic that attends this little book, I met and fell in like with the author in May of 1973 in a special circumstance.I had been discussing support for a film about the work of Edward S. Curtis with the director of a southern public television network when I spied the book on his desk.I told him he had one of my favorite reads and how very much it meant to me when his phone rang.On the other end was T.C. McLuhan, author and filmmaker of the film being discussed.My host said, "Hold on, Teri, while I pass the phone to one of your biggest fans."Our friendship, while separated for long stretches, has nevertheless been flawless from that time forward.

All of other the books Teri McLuhan has since written have been consistently awarded five stars by all who read them, and I would be first among them.But TOUCH THE EARTH will always remain my very special favorite book of all, perhaps of all time.

Touch The Earth
This is beautiful book, filled with lyrical, insightful words. Spoken by the Native Americans, during a time when their world was unraveling, it reads like a painful recounting of holocaust. There is bewilderment and disbelief in the oration, and the quest to understand why this happening to them. The fact that they were being killed by the thousands, and millions and millions of acres of their homeland were suddenly gone, that they were being told where they could, and could not live, all of this was explained by the foreign concept of Manifest Destiny. How could they become a conquered people, when they had lived free for nearly ten thousand years on this sacred land? Who were these pale-skinned people who came with guns, diseases,and hate in their hearts? These questions have never been answered to the satisfaction of the Native tribes.

Excellent book-excellent service
The book, "Touch the Earth, A Self-Portrait of Indian Existence", is a compilation of North American Indian writings brought together by T.C. McCluhan.An example: "We did not think of the great open plains,the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth as 'wild.' Only to the white man was nature a 'wilderness' and only to him was the land 'infested' with 'wild' animals...", written by Chief Luther Standing Bear.Has anyone seen "Avatar"?

This used book was purchased as a Christmas gift. My copy was purchased in 1971.It is a quality book on quality paper(Outbridge and Diensfrey edition). The pictures are in sepia shades.

The bookpurchased used from Candybks, arrived in a very timely manner through the USPS and was in a condition exactly as described.

Shipping costs were very reasonable.

Touch the earth
It was so easy finding a used book a friend recommended for me.In great shape very cheap. Thank you

Touch the Earth: A Self Portrait of Indian Existence
A major work. Gives one insight to the religious and spiritual existence of true Americans. A must read for anyone looking for answers. ... Read more

Product Description
David Valentine is revered as a hero for his part in fighting to regain Earth's freedom. When a former Quisling traitor is badly wounded, he asks Valentine to find his wife, who has vanished into the darkness of the Kurian Order. With the help of old friends and new allies, Valentine traces her to a mysterious, heavily guarded compound in Ohio. And what Valentine finds within will shake his sanity to its very core. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

A violent romp through a post-apocalyptic war zone
E.E. Knight's Valentine's Exile begins shortly after the events of Valentine's Rising. David Valentine and his platoon of Razorbacks have just finished playing the key role in saving Southern Command from complete destruction. Valentine's troops are mobilized to Dallas, a city currently held by the Kurians. When the Razorbacks save the day again, Valentine is promoted and is given three months leave. Things do not work out as planned, and Valentine finds himself exiled from his homeland as a fugitive under suspicion of murder.

Valentine's Exile is a standard addition to the VAMPIRE EARTH series. Like the rest of the series, it is a violent romp through a post-apocalyptic war zone of gooey vampires and enemy agents. The VAMPIRE EARTH series does many things extremely well. The cast is colorful and unique, and they almost always return for another adventure. The stories are just shallow enough to leave you wanting to read the next installment. However, there are some things they do very poorly, and Valentine's Exile just happens to be one of the clearest examples of some things I don't like about VAMPIRE EARTH.

Characters have a tendency to act out of character in order to move the plot along in a certain directions. E.E. Knight also likes to use courtroom drama to make major plot shifts in the overall story. So far there have been at least three courtroom battles that have generated major plot twists. In VAMPIRE EARTH, it seems you cannot change direction in a story without one an act of random homicidal violence or a trumped up criminal charge.

Despite a few "what the fuh..?" moments, I did enjoy Vampire's Exile. Once again I listened to Knight's story on Brilliance Audio CD. Christian Rummel is the voice talent, and he is, as always, superb. Some day, I will do a recorded interview with Rummel and make him do the entire piece in his Alessa Duvalier voice. --Justin at FantasyLiterature

A Knockout
I wasn't expecting to like this book nearly as much as I did, but I have to say that this was the best Vampire Earth book of them all.David Valentine is the centerpiece of this tale, and along with his comrades-at-arms, must get out of some trumped up murder charges, and then make a foray into the Kurian Zone in search of his CO's missing wife.There is a lot of action, humor, and revelations about the alien/vampire species that has taken over our planet.

Do not read this if you haven't read the other books in the series!

EE Knight
If you like the Vampire Earth series or if you like E.E. Knight then you will enjoy this book

Aewsome read, keeps entertained for hours
E.E. KNights entire series is awesome, for male or female, the details are richj and engrossing. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Forced to Wander!
"Valentine's Exile" is the fifth volume of the Vampire Earth series; I strongly recommend reading the preceding volumes or at least "Tale of the Thunderbolt" and "Valentine's Rising" before reading this one.
E. E. Knight (b. 1965) has developed a thrilling saga, where the writer mixes different genres fluently: sci-fi, fantasy, terror, military & thriller giving way to vibrant & gripping tales.
This is the first book in the saga in which the author repeats some themes as military trial and search of an abducted woman in Kurian Zone.

The whole series is placed in post-apocalyptic scenery where an alien race, the Kur, has subdued all Earth powers installing a reign of terror & servitude over humankind.
Some human enclaves still resist and confront Kurian Order. They are backwater regions that stubbornly fight to remain free.
These free communes are aided by other ancient aliens the Lifeweavers that train humans and develop latent potentialities within them creating Wolves, Cats and Bears to fight the Kurian Reapers with some chances to succeed.Wolves work in packs with military organization similar to commandos. Cats are loners that work behind enemy lines as spies, saboteurs or assassins. Bears are dangerous berserks able to kill Kurians almost singlehanded and operate in small teams.

The main character is David Valentine. He has been a Wolf (see "Way of the Wolf") afterwards a trainee Cat (see "Choice of the Cat") and an autonomous Cat fulfilling his own mission (see "Tale of the Thunderbolt"). His last mission has been to create havoc behind Kurian lines and lead the resistance in a fateful siege (see "Valentine's Rising").
At the start of the book he and his Razors are participating in the last push to recover Dallas from Kurian hands.
After some fighting while he is visiting an old relationship he is summoned (one more time) to a trial.
Subsequently, after some issues that I won't disclose, he is again in KZ looking for the abducted wife of a friend.

The author explores in depth the feelings and emotions of Valentine forced to act ruthlessly and cruelly. How can he reconcile this with his natural humanitarian self? Is he justified? The reader will decide, Valentine can't and his conscience tortures him relentlessly.

Another interesting issue of this series is that Valentine is not immune to his hazardous life, he bore scars all over his body and one of his legs gives him permanently trouble. This adds to flesh a real person and not a stainless iron hero.

This is a book that may be enjoyed by sci-fi, fantasy and action adepts as well as general public too.
Only one caution (applicable to the whole series): some scenes are really truculent, be warned.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

... Read more

Product Description
After three years of exile from humanity’s war against the Kurians, David Valentine returns to battle. The Lifeweavers, Earth’s allies in the conflict, have mostly vanished, but those that remain are held captive by an overlord known as the Seattle Kurian. To free them, Valentine must convince the legendary resistance fighter known as the Marshal to join his cause. But the Marshal is something of an overlord himself… ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Vampires
If you like the Vampire Earth series or if you like E.E. Knight then you will enjoy this book

Good read
Knight does an outstanding job of keeping me turning the page, I can't wait for the next book in July.

Up Northwest in Search of Lifeweavers!
"Valentine's Resolve" is the sixth volume of the Vampire Earth series; I strongly recommend reading the preceding volumes or at least "Valentine's Exile" before reading this one.
E. E. Knight (b. 1965) has developed a thrilling saga, where the writer mixes different genres fluently: sci-fi, fantasy, terror, military & thriller giving way to vibrant & gripping tales.
In this book the author recovers the series élan somewhat diluted in the preceding volume.
The whole series is placed in post-apocalyptic scenery where an alien race, the Kur, has subdued all Earth powers installing a reign of terror & servitude over humankind.
Some human enclaves still resist and confront Kurian Order. They are backwater regions that stubbornly fight to remain free.
These free communes are aided by other ancient aliens the Lifeweavers that train humans and develop latent potentialities within them creating Wolves, Cats and Bears to fight the Kurian & Kurian Reapers with some chances to succeed.Wolves work in packs with military organization similar to commandos. Cats are loners that work behind enemy lines as spies, saboteurs or assassins. Bears are dangerous berserks able to kill Reapers & Kurians almost singlehanded and operate in small teams.

The main character is David Valentine. He has been a Wolf (see "Way of the Wolf") afterwards a trainee Cat (see "Choice of the Cat") and an autonomous Cat fulfilling his own mission (see "Tale of the Thunderbolt"). His most resounding mission has been to create havoc behind Kurian lines and lead the resistance in a fateful siege (see "Valentine's Rising"). Afterwards he is prosecuted and evades death penalty by a forced exile (see "Valentine's Exile").

While Valentine is wandering in his exile, he is secretly retrieved by top officers of Southern Command and sent north in search of Lifeweavers that had suddenly vanished from the southern enclaves.
Valentine starts his dangerous trip and en route meets different friends & foes. When he finally arrives to Pacific Command and finds a dreadful situation giving way to new and exciting adventures.

The author explores in depth the feelings and emotions of Valentine forced to act ruthlessly and cruelly. How can he reconcile this with his natural humanitarian self? Is he justified? The reader will decide, Valentine can't and his conscience tortures him relentlessly.

Another interesting issue of this series is that Valentine is not immune to his hazardous life, he bore scars all over his body and one of his legs gives him permanently trouble. This adds to flesh a real person and not a stainless iron hero.

This is a book that may be enjoyed by sci-fi, fantasy and action adepts as well as general public too.
Only one caution (applicable to the whole series): some scenes are really truculent, be warned.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Great Read!
After reading one of E. E. Knights "Vampire Earth" novels I HAD TO read the rest.This was another great one.The ones not available in my local library were immediately ordered from Amazon and devoured upon receipt.David Valentine is one of the best characters to come along in a long time and you just have to root for him.Lot's of action and real neat little plot twist toward the end. Anxiously awaiting the next one!

running out of steam?
E.E. Knight's "Valentine's Resolve" is the sixth installment in the Vampire Earth series.The series is set in post-apocalyptic Earth, in which an alien species at war with itself uses humanity as a pawn.The plot of the books, however, is not the strength; rather, Knight creates compelling and often believably conflicted characters.The protagonist, David Valentine, remains intriguing in this book, but with much less depth than in the first five.Knight seems to have tried to confer to Valentine the literary equivalent to the "10,000 yard stare"; he seems tired, somewhat bitter, and resigned to his lot, but it doesn't entirely work.Even the brief interludes with Valentine's old mentor and partner Duvalier are not enough rekindle the spark. I can't escape the feeling that Valentine is running out of steam.

While the series never was entirely plot driven, the flow of this book truly meanders across scenes that neither provide depth of character nor create an especially interesting story. Book six is driven purely out of the impressive momentum generated through the previous books.If you've read them, then without doubt you'll read this one.However weak the effort in book six, it can hardly derail the rest of the startlingly good Vampire Earth series.All of us who've read this series recognize E.E. Knight as a writer worth reading. ... Read more

Product Description
Where do rocks come from? When Ms. Frizzle asks her students to bring rocks to class, almost everyone forgets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Interactive Science book, makes it fun!
I got about 5 of these books in the series for my 4 year old. he is hte classic, why why why mommy...so these book answer that. they are great. I don't read all the extra detail and side stories yet, but htey are really fun, I'm learning too and they make science fun. highly recommend thetm

Inside the Earth .....on the Magic School Bus

Two of my favorite kinds of books are the ones you can hold inside your hand, "the teeny tiny books", and the "big books", the ones you will open on a table.Well, this is one of those "big books", and it is filled with another Magic School Bus Adventure, called Inside the Earth.It's all about geology, and how the earth is formed over millions of years.Once again, Ms. Frizzle is taking her students on a bus for a field trip "inside the earth", to foster an appreciation for the earth's structure.

As you already know, she wears clothes that match the experience; for instance, look at her shoes in this story: crocodiles with sharp teeth and starring eyes, rhinoceros heads and even archaeologist's boots.Even her clothes show what the field trip will be about.I remember a teacher who wore a lot of costumes so that we would be excited and interested about the subject; it worked.....I still collect rocks from places I visit.

Well, this book is filled with genuine excitement, guaranteed to increase your heart beat and scare the fear out of you.(Now, is that possible, to scare the fear out of you?)There are side notes resembling children's assignments; there are various displays with vocabulary words to identify the objects. The adventure inside this bus to the earth's inside will have you reading to find out more about the fact and fiction in this book.The author, Joanna Cole is very clever in creating a book that features virtual reality, long before computer games.Happy Digging!

love the science!
it seems my 4 year old can't get enough of Ms. Frizzle.He loves the Magic School Bus series and is really learning information about the world he lives in.I am a big fan.

Just what we wanted!
We needed this Big Book for Science class.I found it immediately at Amazon.The book was perfect, and just what was needed for our lessons at school.It arrived quickly and in perfect condition!
Thank you!

Rocks, Rocks, Everywhere!
"The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth" immediately picks up where its predecessor, "At the Waterworks", left off.At the end of each book, Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen provide a subtle clue as to the nature and content of their next collaboration - a sly wink to those of us who catch such details.

"At the Waterworks" concludes with Ms. Frizzle looking at a map of a volcano, which tells us the next book in the series will probably be about our world's physical structures.And that's where "Inside the Earth" steps into the spotlight.Written in 1987, Cole and Degen prove in their second effort that there is no such thing as the dreaded sophomore jinx.This story is just as, if not more, educating and entertaining than "At the Waterworks."

The book starts out with the kids in Ms. Frizzle's class appearing restless over their current learning topic, animal homes.They've been researching the subject for almost a month and "were pretty tired of it."So the class jumps for joy when the Friz announces they're starting something new."We are going to study about our earth!" she exclaims.

However, things don't go exactly as planned.Only four kids actually bring their homework to class the next day - "Each person must find a rock and bring it to school," said Ms. Frizzle.So she decides to take them on a field trip to collect rock specimens . . . and that's when the fun begins!

Ms. Frizzle lives up to the expectations she set in "At the Waterworks."By the time this field trip is done, her class has learned all about the physical features of the earth.The kids discover how rocks are made of minerals.They delve deep into the ground, getting up close and personal with Earth's crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.Ms. Frizzle educates them on the three classes of rocks - igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.She relates to the kids how processes inside the earth take millions of years.She even takes them on a tour through a volcano!All throughout the field trip, the class receives hands-on experience with various rocks - basalt, granite, limestone, obsidian, pumice, sandstone, shale, etc.

And these details are only scratching the surface of what Cole and Degen, not to mention Ms. Frizzle, have lined up for readers in this book.Blending comedy with truth, this is a welcome addition to any children's bookshelf, either in the classroom or at home.And just as they did with their first story, Cole and Degen use the final pages to distinguish what things were accurate in the story and what things were made up.

As is her fashion, Ms. Frizzle leaves readers a hint at what is to come in her next adventure.My guess is that it has something to do with the human body.Talk about an inside-job!

Cole and Degen surpass the benchmark they set in "At the Waterworks" with "Inside the Earth."There are facts and figures, hilarity and humor, bursting from every page.Don't miss out on a chance to ride the magic school bus.

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "This way, class!" ... Read more

Product Description
Set against the backdrop of one of the most virulent epidemics that America ever experienced–the 1918 flu epidemic–Thomas Mullen’s powerful, sweeping first novel is a tale of morality in a time of upheaval.

Deep in the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest is a small mill town called Commonwealth, conceived as a haven for workers weary of exploitation. For Philip Worthy, the adopted son of the town’s founder, it is a haven in another sense–as the first place in his life he’s had a loving family to call his own.

And yet, the ideals that define this outpost are being threatened from all sides. A world war is raging, and with the fear of spies rampant, the loyalty of all Americans is coming under scrutiny. Meanwhile, another shadow has fallen across the region in the form of a deadly illness striking down vast swaths of surrounding communities.

When Commonwealth votes to quarantine itself against contagion, guards are posted at the single road leading in and out of town, and Philip Worthy is among them. He will be unlucky enough to be on duty when a cold, hungry, tired–and apparently ill–soldier presents himself at the town’s doorstep begging for sanctuary. The encounter that ensues, and the shots that are fired, will have deafening reverberations throughout Commonwealth, escalating until every human value–love, patriotism, community, family, friendship–not to mention the town’s very survival, is imperiled.

Inspired by a little-known historical footnote regarding towns that quarantined themselves during the 1918 epidemic, The Last Town on Earth is a remarkably moving and accomplished debut.


From the Hardcover edition.Amazon.com Review
Wow. This stunning book succeeds on so many different levels--as an engrossing story, a character study, a history lesson, a modern day political allegory--I don't even know where to begin the praise. The Last Town on Earth centers on the inhabitants of a small logging town in Washington and what happens when they take drastic measures (quarantine) to try and protect themselves from the virulent and deadly flu epidemic of 1918. When a deserting WWI soldier demands sanctuary, events are set in motion that change the town forever.

Although this is Mullen's first published work, there are none of the usual verbal pyrotechnics or high-wire "look how well I can write" balancing acts one sees with beginning authors. How refreshing to read a younger author who has already progressed beyond his ego and knows that it's all about story, story, story. Mullen tells his tale cleanly, simply and plainly--making the ironies and allegories all the more potent. I knew almost nothing of the flu epidemic of 1918 and even less about the political climate in the US during WW1. These are not subjects I would go out of my way to read about, but Mullen has made them compelling and interesting. In fact, the author's voice has the same level of confidence and maturity that one only finds in writers with decades more experience (I kept thinking of Wallace Stegner and Alice Munro while I was reading)--authors who earn your trust and confidence so early and easily that you completely relax into the writing and the voice. It's already on my Ten Best List; I can't imagine I'll read ten better books this year.It's easily the most impressive and heartfelt book I've read in a long while.--Terry Goodman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (109)

Well Worth Reading
Well worth reading.I was particularly interested in the story of the great flu epidemic during the First World War.It really brought home the severity of that particular strain of flu - we are used to thinking of influenza as a minor illness, but that strain of it was almost like Ebola in its manifestation.Also interesting was the way the war affected the everyday lives and attitudes of people at home.I was less interested in the political theme of unions and strikes, although that too is an important part of our history.The best thing about the book is how it portrays the way that the crises of war and epidemic gradually changed the characters' attitudes and integrity, causing decent and well-intentioned people to behave in ways that were morally questionable.

Finely Crafted Historical Fiction
Having thoroughly enjoyed The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers, I decided to take a stab at Mullen's debut novel, The Last Town on Earth. Set in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, a small town named Commonwealth quarantines itself in an attempt to avoid the flu epidemic of 1918. With guards posted, the unique and semi-socialist settlement believes that families and jobs will safely continue as the outside world suffers from World War I and the Spanish flu.

Being a Pacific Northwest native, I always have suspicions about using my region as a setting. My knowledge of the area allows me to criticize flawed descriptions of Western Washington. For example, I am thoroughly bothered by the song, "Hello Seattle" by Owl City because the lyrics contain a baffling line about manatees swimming in the Puget Sound. In case you were wondering, manatees live in warm waters near the equator. Mullen, however, finished his homework. His description of Washington State and the small logging towns in the Cascades is remarkably accurate and illustrative.

While the narrative in the Last Town on Earth carefully builds, I particularly gained interest in Mullen's depiction of early twentieth century labor strife and counter-cultural communities attempting to create flourishing lifestyles for all town members.

Considering the treatment of employees in our modern times, many workers discover small injustices in policy implementation by management. Yet these injustices and oversights pale in comparison to the volatile scenes merely a century before in Everett, Washington. Known as the "Everett Massacre" (massacre is a slight misnomer since only 7 people died officially), a workers union known as the "Wobblies" had a violent confrontation with local authorities. In placing a main character in this discordant event, Mullen brings this historical footnote to life. It is of crucial importance that we remember the lengths workers took in order to ensure the rights that workers now enjoy.

The Last Town on Earth not only details early labor disputes in the Pacific Northwest, it also explores the progressive communities that sprouted up throughout the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s. Home to the protagonists in the story, the settlement of Commonwealth contains a timber mill owned by Charles Worthy, a visionary convinced that a business can be successful when workers are paid a fair wage and treated like human beings. His wife, Rebecca, teaches the town's children in the lone school and participates both in anti-war rallies and suffragist movements. Given the historical setting of World War I and the Spanish Flu, Commonwealth's neighbors see the town as enemies on a physical and philosophical level. Nevertheless, Mullen depicts the ideals of Commonwealth in the utmost positive light as they battle the exterior pressures of the world when he writes:

"But as they walked in silence, they came to the same strange realization: the closed-off town of Commonwealth was precisely this place. There was no war, no pestilence. People around the globe were dying, dying from flu and pneumonia and aerial bombings and bayonets, but in Commonwealth, the last town on earth, people were safe. This was the place to run to, and they were already here. All they could do was wait" (p. 42).


While slow in parts, the Last Town on Earth investigates the heart of a particular historical context. Understanding the regional history that Mullen depicts, I am sufficiently impressed at Mullen's attention to detail. The book is both thought-provoking and entertaining; Mullen's writing style is erudite and clear. I highly recommend this book.

Originally posted at Where Pen Meets Paper Blog

Great historical fiction
A well structured novel that unravels in details and plot with characters making complex decisions. There's much WW I, Spanish Flu and Labor history shared in this provocative story about a Washington town.

For those listening, there's an excellent, detached narrator that keeps you interested. I thought this was a great audiobook, as the descriptions and dialogue are rather straightforward and easy to follow. There's plenty of suspense, though it's not genre fiction.

Shades of grey
Thomas Mullen's "The Last Town on Earth" takes place in 1918 in Commonwealth, a small town in the Pacific northwest. The town's founder, Charles Worthy, is an idealist. He rejects the exploitative ways of his timber mill owning family and establishes Commonwealth as a place where workers will be treated fairly and with respect. When news of a deadly influenza epidemic reaches him, he calls a town meeting in which he proposes that Commonwealth, so far uninfected, quarantine itself off from the outside world until the epidemic has run its course. Though there are some dissenters, including his wife, the majority vote in favor of the quarantine. "The Last Town on Earth" explores the consequences of this decision.
I found "Last Town" fascinating and totally compelling. It's the kind of book that stays with you even when you've moved on to other reading. What I admire most is Mullen's skill at characterization. Even when I abhorred the decisions made by certain characters, Mullen did such a good job in his portrayals that he made their actions and their reasoning completely understandable. Though there are some unlikeable characters,this is more a book of shades of gray rather than black and white. Men who are basically good make bad decisions with the best of intentions and for the best of reasons. It's the moral complexity and ambiguity of the book that I loved. In clean, clear prose Mullen has created a study of human nature at a most difficult moment in history, a time when families were losing loved ones both to the battlefields of Europe and to the scourge of influenza. I highly recommend "The Last Town on Earth" to those who like historical fiction and to anyone who appreciates tales of moral complexity.

easy novel to read
an interesting story, easy to read, and some historical meanings behind it...recommend it to the college students who want to know more about history around WWI. ... Read more

Product Description
Karen Wynn Fonstad's THE ATLAS OF MIDDLE-EARTH is an essential volume that will enchant all Tolkien fans. Here is the definitive guide to the geography of Middle-earth, from its founding in the Elder Days through the Third Age, including the journeys of Bilbo, Frodo, and the Fellowship of the Ring. Authentic and updated -- nearly one third of the maps are new, and the text is fully revised -- the atlas illuminates the enchanted world created in THE SILMARILLION, THE HOBBIT, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Hundreds of two-color maps and diagrams survey the journeys of the principal characters day by day -- including all the battles and key locations of the First, Second, and Third Ages. Plans and descriptions of castles, buildings, and distinctive landforms are given, along with thematic maps describing the climate, vegetation, languages, and population distribution of Middle-earth throughout its history. An extensive appendix and an index help readers correlate the maps with Tolkien's novels.Amazon.com Review
The publishing world is full of Tolkien spinoff products, sometrivial and ephemeral--but some, like this thoroughly researchedatlas, are genuinely classy. Karen Wynn Fonstad is a qualifiedgeographer and cartographer who first mapped Middle-Earth in 1981 andhas since added much new detail based on those endless volumes ofdrafts, abandoned passages, alternative versions, and laundry listspublished since Tolkien's death. She fills in gaps and details in thefamiliar Third Age maps from The Hobbit and The Lord of theRings, goes back in time to map Middle-Earth's First andSecond Ages, and reconstructs the route and timescale of everyimportant journey in the stories. There are local maps of key placeslike the Mines of Moria, Lothlorien, Isengard, Minas Tirth, the Towerof Cirith Ungol, and the volcanic Mount Doom. War maps cover thesaga's notable battles, up to the hopeless last stand at Mordor gateand the tiny later skirmish known in Shire records as the Battle ofBywater. Thematic maps show Middle-Earth's distribution of climate,geological features, vegetation, people, and (most importantly toTolkien) languages.... It's all done tremendously seriously and wouldmake a fine gift for enthusiastic Tolkien fans, except that they'llhave bought it already. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (86)

Excellent resource/companion
Very well researched, and where assumptions are made they are pointed out in the notes.And not just the maps, but context specific to the different books, such as the journey's of each part of the fellowship, with days and distances.Very detailed.

excellent content, printing mediocre ...
I like very much content of this book. Very nice. Unfortunately publisher did mediocre job. Quality of paper not very good, sometimes maps that take two pages are shifted, and quite often it's very hard to see the map in the place where the spine is.

great companion
Great companion book to one of the best series of all time.I love maps and these really give you some insight into Tolkien's world.

Fonstad's Atlas as a work of Interpretation and Criticism
A few previous reviewers have attempted to sully this product with claims of inaccuracy; one in particular (Mr. Martinez) has stayed on this item's main page for years and is considered helpful by 85% of responders. He rants in two separate reviews and with multiple paragraphs that Fonstad didn't do her homework and that this is overall a "bad" piece of work. Despite these claims staying largely unsubstantiated even after Mr. Martinez's second review (he names a few of these errors in both reviews, but claims there are too many errors to tabulate), many other reviewers have referenced Mr. Martinez's review as if it is authoritative; that, along with the fact that many hundreds of others have clicked the little button that says Mr. Martinez's comments have been helpful to them (indicating perhaps that they have not purchased this book thanks to Mr. Martinez) is what urges me to write this review.

Since I am not a cartographer nor a Tolkien expert I cannot comment on the veracity of Mr. Martinez's claims; his overall picture, however, is so negative that once I had this item (the only one like it on the market currently) I spent some time comparing the book to the Lord of the Rings itself, and used it as a guide on my first complete read-through of The Hobbit since I was a child. I have walked away totally satisfied by Fonstad's book, with only a few minor criticisms. As a Tolkien fan who is working his way through a casual Tolkien survey, I can say that Mr. Martinez's vitriolic critique is totally wrong-headed. His error lies in his presuppositions: 1) that Middle-Earth is a complete and real thing, not something created by a man; he therefore assumes that Middle-Earth is always consistent and requires no interpretive work as regards its geography, and 2) that the only audience for this book is scholarly, and therefore scholarly exactitude is required in marking its worth.

On the first point, Mr. Martinez assumes that there is a "right answer" to the geography of Middle-Earth, and that clearly Fonstad has not got it. Fonstad is sweeping in her scope and level of detail, but she is upfront about her assumptions and guesses, never presenting herself as anyone more than a skilled cartographer trying to make as much sense of this varied world as possible. The amount of time Tolkien spent creating his universe, from the early 1900s to his death, should indicate that HIS errors were unavoidable without major revision. See also The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion for details on Tolkien's mistakes (geographical and otherwise), which do not destroy his work, but nonetheless do exist.

Fonstad's book is in many ways putting pieces together that weren't made to fit, and for this it should not be considered authoritative unless considering the absence of any competing atlases. Certainly someone should make a competing Atlas, but considering the contradictions inherent in Tolkien's works, it would be no more "correct" on many points than Fonstad's (though I'm sure many errors could be removed). It is in this sense that any atlas of Middle-Earth (as any illustration of Middle-Earth) should be considered "interpretive."

As for the second point, Mr. Martinez rates the product as 2 out of 5 stars and says "Tolkien readers need a new cartographical reference. Hopefully, one will come along some day that doesn't look this bad." Here Mr. Martinez is specifically speaking about Tolkien readers, not scholars; he writes his review as if the average or even enthusiastic Tolkien reader could not garner any joy from this book. Fonstad doubtless has made mistakes, especially considering that she published her revision prior to Christopher Tolkien releasing the entire "History of Middle-Earth" series. I noticed one or two general mistakes myself, though nothing that has destroyed my confidence in the general quality of her book; I must again reiterate that Fonstad consistently states where she draws her conclusions from, and therefore the reader is encouraged to test her words against Tolkien's text. Mr. Martinez's time would be better spent listing and compiling these mistakes rather than dissuading readers from consulting the only available Middle-Earth atlas.

Fonstad's book really is a work of criticism, pointing out the grandeur, the consistency, and occasionally the mistakes in Tolkien's work. When shining a light on The Hobbit, Fonstad's book shows us how truly inadequate its geography and timeline is when compared to the Lord of the Rings, where Tolkien was much more consistent. It is immeasurable how valuable Fonstad's book has been for readers like me. This is without mentioning that the scholars Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull reference her work three times in their authoritative The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion.

The best "negative" review on Amazon about this work is by Wade West "Glorfindel" who offers a highly critical four-star review that is qualified by his endorsement to purchase the book. To say it clearly: if you need a LotR map or want help visualizing Tolkien's world, get this book. Like everything else written on Tolkien, it is a start, not an end.

Very nice, but still left unsatisfied.
I'll start with saying the Atlas of Middle-Earth is a great read.It's most definitely a fantastic addition to any Tolkien lovers collection.I in no way regret buying it.

It provides an in depth look at several interesting moments throughout the first, second and third age.Then it goes even more into detail with providing the travel paths Bilbo and the Dwarves took during The Hobbit, and Frodo and the Fellowship took during the Lord of the Rings.It also provides descriptive explanations at what you're looking at for each map, and how or why the map might have changed.It's great for getting a solid look at how the world has shifted over the ages, and provides a pleasant surprise to how Tolkien related it to our current world today.

On the downside it still does not provide any maps or information leading to the Far East, nor Harad, or the Iron Hills northeast of Mirkwood.This may be due to a lack of information provided by Tolkien on the areas at large.Or it may just be research that has not been brought to a close to add in.In any event, I was definitely a slight bit disappointed with the unsaid mystery that this book along with many others have left unexplained and uncharted.

As mentioned in some previous reviews.There are some small differences in the mapping, city scale and design, from other maps, artwork and of course the movies, that will leave you a bit in question.For example the layout and scale of Minis Tirith is a fair ways off for the conceptual design they used in the movie as well as some of the artwork you see in the illustrated novels.However overall the accuracy and detail of the book is absolutely fantastic.

I give it a four star review overall, which would've been a five had it provided some detail or explanation on the uncharted lands mentioned above.

I definitely recommend it to everyone I know who is a Tolkien enthusiast and do say the price for the quality is more than reasonable.You won't be disappointed with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
One of Jack Vances enduring classics is his 1964 novel, The Dying Earth, and its sequelsa fascinating tale set on a far-future Earth, under a giant red sun that is soon to go out forever. This volume comprises all four books in the series, The Dying Earth, The Eyes of the Overworld, Cugels Saga and Rialto the Magnificent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Turns out the Earth isn't dying, it's just really tired
For some reason, the title "Dying Earth" conjures up images of post-apocalyptic landscapes, with gritty men trudging across it trying to make some sense of this world, finding their way in it and attempting to make one last pitiful mark in a world where the only scars that exist are those made by history.A little bit of "Earth Abides" crossed with Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun", I suppose, where secrets abound and the plot is just another key to the puzzle of this new place and time.

In short, not like this book at all.

Vance's series of "Dying Earth" novels (all four collected here and thus making it well worth the purchase because if you're going to read one you might as well go read them all) are something different in the world of science-fiction.Set in a future that is just what the title says it is, so far distant that even our history is long forgotten and never mentioned, where the sun is gigantic and hanging in the sky and ready to turn out the lights permanently.It's a world that barely qualifies are science-fiction at all, not like Wolfe's series where it used the trappings of fantasy to trick us into thinking we were reading something that wasn't science-fiction before pulling out the rug from under us later, here things happen that might as well be magic for all the explanation we're given.Spells abound and you can almost see where the creators of Dungeons and Dragons were like "Hey, I can use this!" (although his Lyonesse series became a more fertile ground for their inspiration apparently), with strange imps and creatures and wizards and thieves and whatnot roaming the landscape.

But unlike fantasy, there is no moral quest here.For the most part everyone is out for their own self-interest, for better or for ill, whether it be for pure personal gain, or just to keep themselves amused or sheer curiosity.It's a world struck by a marvelous fatalism because while the sun is rapidly reaching its expiration date, nobody knows exactly when that is, so nobody is really seriously bothering to make long-term plans.Which means that, ultimately, everyone is basically just killing time and engaging in plans based purely on whim.

And what whims they have.The first novel "The Dying Earth" basically consists of a series of short stories that eventually have a recurring cast (introducing your friend and mine, Cugel the Clever) and gives you a general idea what to expect.People talk like they were going to the Shakespeare theatre and got off at the wrong bus stop, everyone has names that describe them in some positive fashion, and magic items and spells abound.This all sounds terribly weird, a world we barely recognize, but what helps this all is that nobody ever comments on how weird this all is, every single character takes it all in stride and thus forces us to accept this all as perfectly normal, so that we can believe this is our Earth in the far, far future.We never get a sense of a history of the place, or what led us to these moments, to see these characters, and it barely matters.They exist in the Now, and so do we.The past isn't important and the future is probably not coming, so why worry about it?

The middle two novels feature Cugel and it's a bold choice because Cugel, while not evil, isn't exactly a fantastic human being, spending most of his time wanting to get revenge on the Laughing Magician (what a great name! and he really is jolly all the time!) for doing something to him that Cugel kind of asked for in the first place.So he engages in a rather circuitous path to his goal, doing his best to look out for number one along the way and ticking off an inordinate amount of people in the process.He's not exactly the hero type and yet you find yourself rooting for him anyway, even when he's doing pretty mean and petty things to people, some of which are rather clever.The lack of plot may turn off some people, while others like myself are amazed at Vance's depth of language and imagination, with each chapter taking us to a new scenario that is by turns outlandish and unique.

By the time the last novel rolls around, featuring Rhialto the Marvellous, the humor that was creeping into the situations at the edges has almost taken center stage, with the squabbling magicians and their various rivalries and jealousies being an interesting mirror of us, suggesting that no matter how far humanity comes down the line, no matter how many fancy abilities we discover, we're still really haven't learned anything.They do spend the first chapter freaking out because they're being turned into women, so you can imagine that Vance isn't being entirely serious here.In that vein the book becomes more of a forerunner to Moorcock's "Dancers at the End of Time" without the sense of baroque irony.Vance's magicians seem to be enjoying themselves with their silly little hobbies, while Moorcock's are just bored out of their minds because they can do whatever they want and that's just not exciting after a while.

It's a meaty read and certainly not for those looking for a kind of narrative arc, the closest we get is Cugel's attempts to stick it to the Laughing Magicians and even that is sort of rambling.It's a travelogue without a map, a quest without a purpose, a morality play without any morals.But let yourself get immersed in a world so utterly devoid of reality that it has to be ours, with the colorful characters and settings, and you'll encounter a place that is fun to visit, even if you don't want anyone to actually show you around.

Entertaining and Highly Original Fantasy
I purchased this novel immediately after reading and enjoying the author's Planet of Adventure series.Much like Planet of Adventure, this book consists of four related novellas, set on far future Earth.While Planet of Adventure would be best labeled as science fiction, Tales of the Dying Earth is purely fantasy.

The first novella, The Dying Earth, is actually a collection of six short stories which are only very loosely related.Pure fantasy, lots of magic and sorcery, a few interesting life forms and moderately entertaining story lines.

In the second novella, Eyes of the Overworld, we meet our protagonist for the next 500 pages, Cugel the Clever.Cugel is a rapscallion of sorts, not a particularly good person, except by comparison.He is certainly clever, as he survives adventure after adventure solely by virtue of his wits and willingness to suspend all moral value.

The third novella, Cugel's Saga, is simply a continuation of the previous story.Cugel is transported to the far reaches of the known world and must find his way home again.On the way, he meets and outsmarts many species of humanoid and animal specie, as well as sorcerers and mythological creatures.As in Planet of Adventure, the author does a masterful job of creating strange life forms and imbuing them with mores, cultures and traditions.His sense of imagination is stunning and highly entertaining.

The final novella in the quartet, Rhialto the Marvelous, is essentially three short stories, focused on a consortium of 20-30 minor magicians and their often adversarial relationships.The first of these, I found virtually unreadable.The second and by far the longest was quite enjoyable.The third, while not as engaging as the second, was entertaining nonetheless.

As mentioned before, Vance is a master of imagination and excels in the creation of landscapes, cultures and alien life forms, while avoiding stereotype.As another Amazon reviewer so perceptively put it, when commenting on these creations:

"Fictional characters definitely, but also vehicles for Vance to express his sharply perceptive take on the human condition in all its extremes of exaltation and debasement, hilarity and wickedness."

For fans of science fiction and fantasy, I cannot recommend Vance's work highly enough.

Lyrical Tales of a fading world
"Tales of the Dying Earth" is a collection of 4 novels written over 35 years - "The Dying Earth" (1950), "The Eyes of the Overworld" (1966), "Cugel's Saga" (1983) and "Rhialto the Marvellous" (1984). All are set in the far future as the sun flickers and dies, with magicians, lost marvels, time travel and trickery.

The Dying Earth is a succession of linked short stories, with the protangonist of story A becoming a bit player in story B, and so on.The chapters cover the adventures of Turjan, Mazirian, the "sisters" T'sain and T'sais, Liane the Wayfarer - and the unforgettable Chun the unavoidable.

The real jewel of the collection - although this is to distinguish Miss Universe from the mere runners-up - is the centre novels Overworld and Saga, both of which deal with Cujel the Clever (admittedly self-titled) who is not so clever after all, as a rule.Cujel is a thief, swindler, rogue, and rake, who is motivated by greed, lust and revenge.Both novels are about Cujel's long quest to avenge himself on Iucounu the Laughing Magician, who had the temerity to catch Cujel robbing his manse, and set him a hard task as penance.

Cujel's view of the world is unique - his ego astonishing, his cunning low.Yet, he somehow manages to escape any danger, usually without funds, treasure, or willing woman.

Rhialto the Marvellous is a last collection of 3 stories, after the magician of the same name.Rhialto is more sinned against than sinner, although a cursory thought about the state of witches in the world - ie, there are none, as is made clear by the first tale - shows him as no saint.Rhialto deals with potential ensqualmation, jealousy and more in his comparatively simple life.

All of these characters are individuals, well written and placed in an intriguing world.Vance is a true wordsmith, both in the creation of dry, witty dialogue and in the description of the dying earth itself.There are layers of meaning and imagery in each sentence - sometimes, it seems, in each word - and it is a joy to read, even if a dictionary is required on occasion.

These are pure stories - nominally "fantasy" or "science fiction" or whatever - but really modern adult fables.They are about people, and human nature, and the flaws that come with being human.There is no preaching or exhortation to self-improvement; what is, is, and this book can simply be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys reading.

Brilliant!
One of the finest displays of writing I have ever experienced, and make no mistake, his writing is an experience.

From a reader of fantasy works such as: A Song of Ice and Fire, The Belgariad/Mallorean, Riftwar Saga, Wheel of Time, The Great Book of Amber, etc.

Simply Wonderfully Written!
The strange thing about these books is that the subject matter sounds like a typical hack and slash fantasy novel. The difference is in the writing!

A rogue tries to rob a Wizard and is forced into a quest for magical eyes that allow you to look into another world in consequence. Sounds trite as the worst Tolkien imitator!

But, the dialog is clever, the people real and believable. Cugel is hardly admirable, but he is a perfect mirror for the false and vain pretensions of others! Best of all, the stories somehow manage to explore serious themes of vanity and self-delusion and questions about the meaning of existence with a gentle mocking wit.

All too rare, especially in any form of fantasy fiction, it is simply exceptionally well written. In it's own small way, it's unique. What better recommendation for a book could you have than that? ... Read more

Product Description
In the same way that "The Indigo Children" was a phenomenon that was much talked-about, before the book came out and explained it, "Earth Angels" is a topic of much discussion among spiritually minded people world-wide. Four years ago, Doreen Virtue wrote an article on the topic, and then a chapter in her book, "Healing with the Angels," and then more information in "Healing with the Fairies."Since that time, Doreen has been flooded with letters from people who resonate with the idea, requesting more information.

"Earth Angels" will be the first book devoted to the topic. Doreen will describe the five different types of lightworkers: Incarnated Angels (those who had previous lives as angels, but who are now here as humans); Incarnated Elementals (those whose previous lives were in the elemental kingdom, as fairies, elves, etc.); Starpeople (those who have lived the majority of their past lives on other planets); Walk-In's (those who came from a high spiritual realm and walked-in to another person's life, as that soul gladly exited their body); and Reincarnated Sorcerers, Sorceresses, and Wizards (those whose most recent past life was during Arthurian or Atlantian times, when they practiced high magic).

The book will include dozens of case studies; a fascinating analysis of an extensive survey that Doreen has conducted among people who identify with the five types of Earth Angels; and guidance to help readers to feel happier about their lives, their own idiosyncrasies, and their missions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

,
Essentially this is a short hand overview of otherkin ideology. Not a bad book if you are within the community; but if you aren't it'll leave you a little baffled. The book isn't so old that the mention of the community should have just been overlooked either, so I wonder about that.

Pretty good for a little book!!??
I did enjoy reading this book and felt I have a greater understanding of the different types of earth angels after reading it. It was a fun and fascinating read, definitely a good first book for anyone looking for the general idea of what earth angels are. For being such a small book (of just over 150 pages) it covers a lot of ground. For some I am sure the idea of earth angels being among us is a hard one to grasp but I find this book lays it out quite clearly and is very descriptive. The only reason I gave it a 4 is because some of the material seemed to be repeated throughout the book. It was not a lot repeated but it still left me with a few questions. However, in all fairness of course, I am not sure if those questions can even be answered... :)
One thing I really liked were the accounts from "real" earth angels, who spoke of their experiences and how they knew they were different, very interesting!
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this subject, definitely worth it and I enjoyed sharing some of its points with friends. Mind you, if you have already read a book on this subject, you will probably just be reading the same material over again, this book is no encyclopedia. Just a fun short read giving you the general idea. (Still good though) Most of the information out there about earth angels is pretty much the same through my experience, though the larger books go in to a bit more detail, but I found I got the gist of it here.
But I say check it out for yourself, if this is your first look in to earth angels, it's a good one!

if i could have given 0 stars
what an idiotic book.first of all, get a magnifying glass to read the tiny print on this pint size booklet.DV claims to see clairvointly, a pole on the shoulder of her subject, claiming they are from other galaxies.i took the "test" and I am an Earth Angel, Star Person and Wise One.How I am to determine which one of these "angels" I am.I like most of Doreen's books, but this is just the stupidest one she's written.I would have given it a zero rating if it were available.Don't waste your time or money.

Angels
Was a gift to a friend of mine, who was ecstatically happy with it.I do believe that each and every one of us has a personal angel guiding us through our lives.

Amazing author
It is great to finally find someone who writes about all the subjects that I have know about and have experienced first hand.All of her books are very uplifting and informative.We often tend to believe that there is nothing more than meets the eye and nothing is further from the truth.I have since purchased another three of her books. ... Read more

Product Description
As England descends into civil war, John Tradescant the Younger, gardener to King Charles I, finds his loyalties in question, his status an ever-growing danger to his family. Fearing royal defeat and determined to avoid serving the rebels, John escapes to the royalist colony of Virginia, a land bursting with fertility that stirs his passion for botany. Only the native American peoples understand the forest, and John is drawn to their way of life just as they come into fatal conflict with the colonial settlers. Torn between his loyalty to his country and family and his love for a Powhatan girl who embodies the freedom he seeks, John has to find himself before he is prepared to choose his direction in the virgin land.In this enthralling, freestanding sequel to Earthly Joys, Gregory combines a wealth of gardening knowledge with a haunting love story that spans two continents and two cultures, making Virgin Earth a tour de force of revolutionary politics and passionate characters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Historical fiction - historical facts
John Tradescant,the younger - livedduring the Tudor period and was gardner and botanist to King Charles I and his wife, Queen Henrietta.
Into this compelling story of adventure, heartbreak and sculldugery, Phillipa Gregory (admittedly my favorite writer of historical novels) has not only told the story of Tradescant and his life and times, his travels to the Virginia colony in search of plants and trees to introduce to England but gives the reader a vivid account of English history at that time.. This is a work of fiction with a huge dose of historical fact.
Caution:Once you start to read "The Virgin Earth" you will find it difficult to put it down until you have reached the last page..

LOVED this book
Philippa Gregory's books are all amazing. But among the best I think are The Boleyn Inheritance, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, Wise Woman, and The Virgin's Lover. And Virgin Earth! I love them all...if you are considering reading one of Gregory's books, you won't be disappointed. I was hesitant with buying a few of her books after reading some of the reviews on here, but I have read most of her novels (still working on the 18th and 19th centuries) and I was NEVER disappointed. I actually HATE finishing her books because I always want the story to continue! I will be very sad when I run out of Gregory books to read.

Well researched...really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this book, much better than the prequel, "Earthly Joys".I am an avid reader, and like to think I know I have a good knowledge about most historical topics, however, this book gave me a new perspective (and respect) for early settlers in this country.This was very well researched and a highly enjoyable read.

Virgin Earth
Gregory is always a worthwhile read.Her research and information interesting and there is something new to learn, while enjoying a good story.

Another fantastic tale by Philippa Gregory
The most amazing thing about Philippa Gregory is her ability to transport you to another era. It's a truly detailed account of what live must have been like for the early pioneers and Native Americans in Virgina. It's a must read for Gregory fans! ... Read more

Product Description
Internationally acclaimed, this Best-Selling Metaphysical Mineralogical Encyclopedia describes over 1400 minerals and crystals illustrated with over 1400 color photographs. This final text in the Love Is in the Earth series and THE Last Testament has been prepared with love JUST FOR YOU by Melody.

This encyclopedia is meant to take the reader on an intimate journey into the subtle realms of crystal energy, assisting one in developing a loving affinity with crystals. The minerals in the photographs have not been enhanced, reflecting them as they are naturally. Many of these minerals have been reported previously in the Love is in the Earth series; within this encyclopedia, all of the new and/or updated information for the old minerals, and all of the new information for the new minerals is reported. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Has everything you could want!
The book is full (and I mean FULL) of every kind of gemstone you could possibly want to know about, plus beautiful color pics of each one!

Nice work
This is a must have for those who work with healing Crystals and stones. Was a little disappointed with the condition of the copy I recieved due to one corner of the book being crushed during shipping. It needed to be in a more substantial shipping box to prevent damage. But other than that, very happy.

Love for "Love..."
I have been drawn to the mineralogical world for as long as I can remember. This massive work is the only book I will ever need regarding crystals and minerals. As far as content is concerned, there is no shortage of information. The description of each specimen provides all of the knowledge one could possibly desire, including locations, hardness, properties, mineralogical makeup (all the scientific info), as well as their metaphysical properties and uses, what numbers and/or astrological signs they resonate with, etc. Melody's works are always beyond compare, but this encyclopedia is just in a class of its own.

Along with being a wellspring of information, the book is also beautifully presented. Full color, glossy pages, and removing the cover reveals a rich violet cover pressed with gold lettering. Truly an incomparable work, highly recommended to anyone interested in crystals. You will not be disappointed.

My Opinion: This is not a field guide or science book
To me this look like a pretty book and all; but it is in my opinion not a field guide or science book...it is a metaphysical book and a spiritual book and should not be showing up in searches for field guide books...it's not fair to the studied people who write the technical field guides that one would take into the out of doors on field trips to study nature.

wow great book!
superb book.Wonderfull pictures and very complete. A little on the heavy side but i don't want to miss it already. ... Read more

Product Description
Major David Valentine and his fugitive battalion are the remnants of an expeditionary force shattered in its long retreat from disaster in the Appalachians. Between a raging blizzard, bands of headhunters, and the need to recover wounded soldiers lost during the retreat, Valentine is in for the toughest winter of his life.

And Valentine is losing allies fast. Some of the clans in the region have declared themselves in favor of the Kurians, throwing Kentucky into civil war. But the Kurian overlords have determined that the region isn't worth the effort of another conquest. Their order: extermination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

storyline getting dated
The first Vampire Earth books were fantastic, but like many authors, the longer the series goes on, the more outdated the stories become.Now it seems the main character is less involved in any real action, and is more involved in managing his underlings.Why not just buy a book on management techniques?You might actually learn something then.

I hate to say it, but I won't read anymore of these books.

Not Knight's best.
I'm a huge fan of the series, and have every book to date. However, Winter Duty left me wanting. Every other book in the series has been well conceived, plotted, and executed. Winter Duty was 300+ pages of nothing. The plot development through the entire book was lethargic only to be rushed in the end. For example, more time was spent discussing the burning sensation in David's arms as he climbed a steel cable than was spent on his battle against the Kurian lord that was waiting at the end of the climb. The last few chapters seemed to stablize, but again was rushed with a "revelation" of a traitor with no foreshadowing of there being one. Not only was it unnecessary, but it was a poor attempt to explain the last few events of the book. The only redeeming quality of Winter Duty is the promise of the return of the mighty Ahn Kha for the next installment. I say read it if you're a hardcore fan and want to see what happened to Kentucky after the fight with the Moondaggers. Otherwise, this one really isn't worth your time.

moving along the disaster
More of an excellent story line by Knight.Things are really not going very well and "Winter Duty" just expounds on that.There may seem to be a stall in the story line but I get the feeling that the author is going to drop a bombshell ot two in the next book or so.

Aimless
I like almost all of the books of this series. This one however waxes poetic for the first 100 pages out of 300. Sets up some potential intrique and then ends hastily. I haven't given up on this series yet but one more like this and I will. What I like most about this series is when Valentine goes undercover infiltrating the KZ. He discovers alien technology, out smarts evil henchmen, and lays the smack down on the Kurians with some cool fight scenes. I also like when he discovers and unravels the Kurians' sinister plots. This book was none of that.

Unpleasantly Surprised...
While still a reasonably good book this is nothing I would bother to recommend.

It reads like filler co-written by E.E. Knight and a female ghostwriter with an over-fondness for descriptors.

Frankly, it reads more like fanfiction written about Vampire Earth than it does Vampire Earth. You'll find two voices or styles within this book. The first is the E.E. Knight fans of this series have come to know and love, the second is...something new. The second style is the more prevalent of the two and the transitions are anything but seamless! It's obvious and distracting. You'll also find the series' second continuity error and most (if not all) of the typos within the areas of the book written in the second style. It reads like the voice of a female writer instead of the more masculine style of the previous novels. And while the descriptors are sometimes very elegant or evocative they take up far, far too much space. Furthermore, you'll find the word choice a step removed from the old style. Whether the author is trying out a new style and hasn't made the transition yet or has hired a ghost writer (as seems more likely as it seems to have somebody else's fingerprints all over it) I can't say I'm happy with the results. What's more, the book doesn't go anywhere. You'll find action scenes and plenty of hustle-bustle but no development and no movement towards anything. There are none of the turning points or board setting indicative of a transitional book. It's just filler. As strange as it may seem to fans of David Valentine the book even closes with him in the same physical location as the book opened - the whole thing just makes one great, big, seemingly pointless loop. And some of it I'd rather hadn't even ended up in the book at all. For instance, the music's effect on the Woolies? Where did the writer even get that? Some B- zombie movie? And the quotes and the military bits seem rather more "stuck-on" than usual.

When you see work like this it's usually an indication that a series has died and it's time to start purchasing newreading material - whether or not they continue publishing the novels.

Nevertheless, hope springs eternal and I will go ahead and buy the next book.

(Fortunately, the series as a whole is still worthwhile.) And maybe if the series' run really is over somebody will give it a decent burial instead of letting it decay like this. ... Read more

Product Description
Jamie Zeppa made a life-altering decision at the age of 24 when she left an academic career to join a two-year teaching programme for young Canadians in Bhutan. Bhutan is a notoriously difficult country to visit as a tourist, and the opportunity to live there was one Jamie could not ignore - despite apprehension about leaving her boyfriend and family behind. The first months were nightmarish and Jamie existed on a meagre diet of crackers and boiled water for fear of catching tape worm or worse. The unpronouncable language, bizarre local customs and basic living conditions all conspired to make her miserably home-sick but the young chidren she was supposedly teaching eventually took her in hand and taught her to cook on an antiquated gas stove: their grateful families gave her fresh fruit and vegetables and Jamie finally discovered that she was surrounded by friends in a beautiful location. Jamie Zeppa has written a book about the difficulties of living within an alien culture, far away from the security of "home". She tells, with humour, of the everyday prejudices she was forced to overcome as a white woman abroad and writes with genuine awe about the beauty of Bhutan.Her assessmeAmazon.com Review
As a teacher of English literature, Jamie Zeppa wouldunderstand how the story of her journey into Bhutan could be fit intothe convenient box of "coming-of-age romance," a romance with alandscape, a people, a religion, and a dark, irresistible student. Aninnocent, young Catholic woman from a Canadian mining town who had"never been anywhere," Zeppa signed up for a two-year stint teachingin a remote corner of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Despite theinitial shock of material privation and such minor inconveniences asgiardia, boils, and leeches, Zeppa felt herself growing into the vastspaces of simplicity that opened up beyond the clutter of modernlife. Alongside her burgeoning enchantment, a parallel realizationthat all was not right in Shangri-La arose, especially after hertransfer to a college campus charged with the politics of ethnicdivision. Still she maintained her center by devouring the library'sBuddhist tracts and persevering in an increasingly fruitful meditationpractice. When the time came for her to leave, she had undergone apersonal transformation and found herself caught between two worldsthat were incompatible and mutually incomprehensible. Zeppa's candid,witty account is a spiritual memoir, a travel diary, and, more thananything, a romance that retraces the vicissitudes of ineluctablepassion. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (85)

Enjoyable reading
Ideal for those planning a visit to this remote place, Zeppa's book smoothly introduces you to a diverse culture, providing many hints on customs and daily life, all in a colloquial (and sometimes amusing) tone. She is always respectful of others (not sacrificing some constructive critic in the way). Many would wish for this book to have been longer.

Excellent Memoir
Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan tells the true story of a young Canadian woman's years abroad as volunteer teacher in Bhutan. It captures the reader's imagination and will appeal to fans of travel literature but even more so to those that have lived similar stories themselves. I could see my own experiences in her description of her reckless decision to go, her acculturation, and her yearnings and eventual distaste for her former home. The narrative captures the imagination of the reader with descriptions of the landscape, the people, and the societal issues she struggles to understand.

The book does come a bit unglued near the end and you sense the author has ventured into territory she may not yet have been comfortable describing in written word. Her sections become more brief and it becomes difficult to track her as she pursues a relationship while also traveling between Canada and Bhutan.

I'll always remember this book for capturing both the romantic side of living in Asia and the harsher reality of never really being accepted there while also feeling like a stranger in your own land. Well done.

Coming of Age


Should be required reading for every college student int he final quarter.

Sexual Exploitation Is Not Cute
Descriptions of this isolated nation were noteworthy but I was disgusted by her sexually predatory interaction with a sexy local student. Because she was a young woman and he was a teenager does not make it OK. She was informed repeatedly, and for good reason, by her employers not to engage in sexual relations with her students but she not only ignored this but actively carried on deception by hiding her sexual liaisons with him. The power differential between her & him precluded any equal relationship - she was a teacher, a foreigner, had more money, and so on. As to be expected, after having a baby, he was gone. She had all the power, he had none. This is the same exploitation as if she was a 50 year old man and the student was an 18 year old subsidence worker.

Beautifully written; a wonderful story
I was given this book by a friend who knew I was planning a trip to Bhutan. I picked it up one day because I needed a paperback to take with me while traveling. What a marvelous surprise! The story is fascinating and wonderfully written. I hated it to end. I loaned it to all my friends who love to read and those with whom I'm going to Bhutan (next month!) I googled the author to find out more about her but, sadly, there was not too much information and she apparently has not written another book. What a shame. ... Read more

Product Description
Freedom is on the march as the rebellion against the Kurian Occupation of Earth takes the offensive. David Valentine has recruited an ad hoc company of former Quisling soldiers and puts them through a trial by fire with a successful raid against an enemy armory. Now, they’re ready to join forces with a guerilla army planning to establish a new freehold in the Appalachian Mountains.

Valentine knows that a permanent outpost near the East Coast would provide a strategic victory over the Kurians—and he believes that only his old ally Ahn-Kha could be leading the guerillas. But nothing could prepare Valentine’s fighters for what awaits them at the end of their journey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Vampire Earth
If you like the Vampire Earth series or if you like E.E. Knight then you will enjoy this book

Way better than i expected
Before I requested this book (my dad got it for me for Christmas) I had read reviews saying it was basically a poor written reunion piece.
I was pleasantly surprised then when I read it and found only 7 old character reintroduced, with plot feeding reasons with the exception of two who served as emotional catalyst for David, and just a few quick updates on other which any person would share when they found the information out, or reminisced of the past.
It may not be the best story in the series (it was a little boring in places kind of slow and unlike the others there didn't feel like a big victory or that David was moving forward at the end) but as a part of a bigger story its great.
In a movie series this would be the third or forth widely seen but not as popular movie.

Home Run!
E.E. Knight continues to advance this series with great vigor and imagination!I am looking forward to the next installment!Way to go Mr. Knight!!!

Adding depth and setting the stage for a lot more detail
If you've read the rest of the series you can almost start to see all of the subtle little plot hooks fall into place.Valentine is gaining command experience.His Rommel like running in this book may seem a little anti-climactic, but the ingenious nature of this entire story line is that the hero has to give up a lot of his humanity to truly defeat his enemy.He feels guilty about what he's done, like any old soldier he starting to see the faces of his victims as well as his peers in each and every struggle.In true survivalist fashion, the hero must tighten his belt, obtain raw, nearly inhuman reserves of intellect, cunning and rage and overcome an enemy that's grown conceited it's so good at success.

Simply fantastic book and series, I hope to hear more from him soon.

Losing vitality and energy
It's sad to me when the best part of a book is when old characters that you knew put in a cameo appearance.Fall with Honor was a let down to me because Val seems to just going through the motions.There is an interesting mission and there could be interesting characters, but the writing feels like Knight has gotten bored with writing about this subject and doesn't really give it his best.

Book 7 and Val is taking part in an effort to start another area of human control in a Kurian zone.He's worn down, tired, broken to a greater or lesser degree, but for some reason none of that really matters because he is still Val.The folks who surround him seem to be just different iterations of many similar characters that we fought, served with and hated before.It's frustrating because there is so much more to be told about this series.

What really bothers me is that with a little more work and design there is a lot of very interesting things that could be happening.The potential is really great in that Knight has left enough loose ends out there for some great stuff to come of it.I just wish that he would get as deeply involved as it felt like he was in the past. ... Read more

Product Description
A classic of nineteenth-century French literature, this science fiction tale delves into the depths of the Earth, and by so doing, reveals the staggeringly long history of our planet.

THIS ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES:

? A concise introduction that gives the reader important background information

? A chronology of the author's life and work

? A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context

? An outline of key themes and plot points to guide the reader's own interpretations

? Detailed explanatory notes

? Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work

? Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction

? A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Journey to the Center of the Earth
A novel that takes its reader on a grand adventure from page one is sure to be a good one. Journey to the Center of the Earthby Jules Verne is just one example of such a novel. The story grabs you right from the beginning. Narrated by the main character's nephew, we are taken on a journey from beginning to end that is as exhilarating as any ride at Disneyland. Having dreamed of being an adventurer since he was a child, Mr. Verne managed to channel some of that energy into his writing, while at the same time pleasing his father and becoming a lawyer.

The story opens with Professor Lidenbrock finding a book written in Icelandic. The book is not as important as what is found inside the book, however. A piece of parchment with a series of letters written in a Runic language is found tucked among the pages, setting off a frenzy for the professor (and by association, his nephew, Axel) to find out what the parchment says. Once Professor Lidenbrock and Axel translate what is written we get into the meat of the story - the journey to the center of the Earth.

Their journey begins with Axel and Professor Lidenbrock going to Iceland, where they spend time trying to learn more about the person who wrote the note on the parchment. While there, they also acquire a guide who will go with them on their visit to Snafell and into the center of the Earth. He proves an excellent guide and his efforts are appreciated by the professor and his nephew.

Throughout the book, the professor never gives up on getting to the center of the earth. He is bound and determined not to let anything stop him, despite the many protestations of Axel, who is ready to turn back at the first sign of trouble. I wouldn't label Axel a skeptic, but he is definitely more cautious than his uncle and tends to think something is going to go wrong. I know that those things would make the reader immediately label Axel a skeptic, but in the end he does come around to the adventure and is willing to see it through to the end. Throughout the story, the trio is faced with a variety of obstacles but they overcome all of them with grace and come out for the better on the other side.

It's hard to review this book without giving anything anyway. However, I will say this (without spoilers): I wish there were a sequel and this is one of the most well-written books I've read in a long time. Mr. Verne certainly did his research (and copious amounts of it) for this novel. He crams a lot into a little space (the book, not including notes, checks in at 288 pages), but the detail is impressive. He also provides 30-plus pages of notes at the end, to explain all the people, places, and objects he refers to throughout the novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a story that grabs me right from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. I give it five out of five stars and would suggest it to anyone who likes a good adventure story.

Interesting but lacking
After reading Around the World in 80 days, I was expecting another good work from Verne.This story had several good points to it, but also had points where the plot seems to drag on with unnecessary dialogue or other information.My only complaint is it is too lengthy.The adventure is interesting but lacks the excitement Around the World on 80 Days had.

Review
As all other novels by Jules Verne it will keep you glued to it 'til the end.

AMAZING!! (a summary)
Axel's eccentric uncle, professor Otto Lidenbrock, finds a parchment in a very old book. Arne Saknussemm wrote it saying he had been to the center of the earth. Otto immediately set off with Axel to Iceland, to start the journey Axel's main concern is staying alive. With help from their guide Hans, they started their way to the center of the earth. Will they get back to the surface alive? Read to find out! I recommend this book for adventurous people ages 10 and up.

My Review
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne is about a mineralogist who finds an old scrap of paper telling of a passage in Iceland leading to the center of the earth. He also drags along his poor nephew who is absolutely terrified at the idea of journeying into the earth. I found this book somewhat entertaining because I was taking a science class that taught about the inner workings of the earth while I read it. My class made the book look ridiculous because we all know nothing can live in the center of the earth. I was very pleased with how well the book takes off in the beginning. There is no dragging of the feet, and even in the text describing their journey to Iceland, Verne does not bore us with lengthy descriptions of scenery. I would recommend this classic to anyone looking for fun sci-fi reading. I'm sure they'll enjoy it. ... Read more