Customer Comments

An exciting selection of tales spanning over two millenia of Japanese history. More than a collection of wars and battles (though there is plenty of that for the reader who seeks it), Legends of the Samurai explores the culture and philosophy that informed Japan's tumultuous warrior eras. The book is a great introduction to Japanese history and just plain great reading for anyone.

The story of Thompson's surreal odyssey is philosophical reflection, paranoid fantasy, societal commentary, and slapstick comedy all rolled into one. Perhaps Fear and Loathing's most attractive quality is the visceral appeal of a story in which the protagonists cast off every form of legal and societal restraint and yet somehow get away with it.

The focus is on conservation as adventurer Roger Caras separates wildlife myth from reality. Thoroughly researched, with full scientific rigor, but also entertaining.

In this prequel to 'Court of the Red Tsar', master historian Simon Montefiore reveals the little-known story of Josef Stalin's harsh and often brutal formative years. The level of research is truly impressive: The author has overcome not only the barrier of time, but also Stalin's own efforts to conceal his past. We behold an intelligent child, hardened by the sordid and corrupt conditions of Tsarist Georgia who progresses in turn from street thug to seminarian, prisoner, bank robber, revolutionary, finally emerging as the man poised to become the undisputed leader of the Soviet Union. A book highly recommended for any student of twentieth century history and a brilliant success for Montefiore.