Amazon.com
Fans of Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me with Apples know that Ruth Reichl is a wonderful memoirist--a funny, poignant, and candid storyteller whose books contain a happy mix of memories, recipes, and personal revelations.
Amazon.com Interview
We chewed the fat with Ruth. Read our interview. | |
What they might not fully appreciate is that Reichl is an absolute marvel when it comes to writing about food--she can describe a dish in such satisfying detail that it becomes unnecessary for readers to eat. In her third memoir, Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, Reichl focuses on her life as a food critic, dishing up a feast of fabulous meals enjoyed during her tenure at The New York Times. As a critic, Reichl was determined to review the "true" nature of each restaurant she visited, so she often dined incognito--each chapter of her book highlights a new disguise, a different restaurant (including the original reviews from the Times), and a fresh culinary adventure. Garlic and Sapphires is another delicious and delightful book, sure to satisfy Reichl's foodie fans and leave admirerers looking forward to her next book, hopefully about her life with Gourmet. --Daphne Durham
More from Ruth Reichl
Tender at the Bone |
Comfort Me with Apples |
The Gourmet Cookbook |
Remembrance of Things Paris |
Endless Feasts |
Gourmet magazine |
Amazon.com's The Significant Seven
Ruth Reichl answers the seven questions we ask every author.
Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?
A: Kate Simon's New York Places and Pleasures. I read it as a little girl and then went out and wandered the city. She was a wonderful writer, and she taught me not only to see New York in a whole new way, but to look, and taste, beneath the surface.
Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?
A: Ulysses by James Joyce. What better place to finally get through it?
Keith Jarrett's The Köln Concert. If you're going to listen to one piece over and over, this is one that doesn't get tiresome.
How to Build a Boat in Five Easy Steps. Since I'm going to be watching one movie over and over, it might as well be useful.
Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?
A: I'm such a good liar, I wouldn't know where to begin.
Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.
A: I can write pretty much anywhere. But I prefer small, cozy spaces, with a good view over a lake or a forest, and room for the cats to curl up.
Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
A: "She'll be right back."
Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?
A: Elizabeth I. She fascinates me. She had a great mind, enormous appetites--and she was a survivor. The most interesting woman of an interesting time, and I have a million questions I'd like to ask her.
Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
A: You mean after creating world peace? This is a hard one. But I've always wanted to be able to fly.
Book Description
Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world—a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities. In Garlic and Sapphires, Reichl reveals the comic absurdity, artifice, and excellence to be found in the sumptuously appointed stages of the epicurean world and gives us—along with some of her favorite recipes and reviews—her remarkable reflections on how one's outer appearance can influence one's inner character, expectations, and appetites, not to mention the quality of service one receives.
“This wonderful book is funny—at times laugh-out-loud funny—and smart and wise.” —The Washington Post
“Reichl is so gifted . . . the reader remains hungry for more.” —USA Today
“Expansive and funny.” —Entertainment Weekly
Customer Reviews:
Made me happy!!!!!.......2007-10-09
This book made me so happy! It was just such a fun read. Anyone who's into food will love this book. She's a very clever writer. I didn't want the book to end!!!
food service for the high and mighty.......2007-09-14
I like the book til about 3/4 of the book. It was cute in the beginning, but it was getting tiresome. There were parts of the book that was funny. But, if you don't go to expensive restaurants, and know about gourmet foods and restaurants. It becomes tedious. I had a hard time relating since I don't go to pricy reataurants. But, it did give you a different outlook on the restaurant business. How they treat you. I go to my local restaurant, or coffe shop any day. They know my name, and it is personal. But, in these xpensive restaurants you have the status if you are somebody, and they will seat at the best table in the house. Getting back to the book, The best part were the disguises, how her family felt when she had all the disguises, now that was funny. The treatments of the customers if you were famous. They would get the best table in the house. And when she was found out to be the food critic of TNYT. Then they gave her the best table, the best wines, made sure she had a full glass of wine. I never even thought of going to a restaurant and being a social event.
Outstanding!! I Didn't want it to end!.......2007-09-12
The title of Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl's third food memoir comes from TS Eliot's Four Quartets and is courtesy Ruth's husband, Michael but the reader doesn't understand his reasoning for the quote until near the end of this delightful collection of tales of Reichl's time as food editor of the New York Times.
Filled with stories of her life as a critic, reviews of New York restaurants--well known and some not as well known, as well as recipes, this book is absolutely unputdownable. Imagine, if you will, how Ruth discovers, on a trip to NYC that her photo is plastered on bulletin boards in restaurants all over the city and decides that that she's not going to be able to go to restaurants as herself and fairly do a critique. Instead she devises a plan. She will go incognito. Ruth enlists an old friend of her mother's who was an acting coach and with her help she becomes Molly, a middle aged woman from the Midwest; Brenda a vivacious and friendly woman; the sexy Chloe; Betty a plain elderly woman, and even Miriam her own cantankerous mother. As one can well imagine, these women get very different treatment from one another and VERY different treatment from Ruth Reichl, the food critic.
My mouth was watering as I read of Ruth's experiences in restaurants that I can only dream of eating at in NYC (although I do admit that I will attempt some good sushi again after reading how it is properly eaten) and I know that many a fine eating experience will be enhanced.
I borrowed the three Ruth Reichl books from the library, but will be buying copies of my own for my keeper shelf. I am not sure if I will eventually try any of the recipes, but I sure want to. The only thing that disappointed me was that after reading these three books, one right after another, that there are no more Ruth Reichl books to read. I guess I am going to have to satisfy myself with a subscription to Gourmet magazine and hope she has another book in her future with which to entertain her legions of fans.
Hysterical undercover foray into upper crust elitism.......2007-08-09
This is Ruth Reichl's third book in her witty autobiographical series chronicling life from food poisoned youth to New York's most esteemed food critic. This book describes in hilarious detail the many disguises she assumed to turn the world of food critiquing into a reality show of epic proportions! Laugh out loud good. One should really start with her first book, "Tender to the Bone", to get the full effect of this writer's charm.
Conspicuous Consumption.......2007-07-15
This book left me feeling like I consumed too much, uncomfortable and wondering why I spent so much time doing it. It's a little interesting in the way that it's a little interesting to know what Paris Hilton is saying and doing. In fact it may be exactly the same as reading this book. The author is good at describing food but not that wonderful at making the stories involving. Her fascination with herself bleeds into bizarre as she dons disguises at various times. I found her reviews and the peek at the underbelly of the New York Times fairly intriguing. However, the uncomfortable feeling comes from my understanding of how the privileged in this country have taken conspicuous consumption to obscene levels and we all become participants by glorify them. I don't want to know any more about Paris Hilton or read any more food orgies thank you very much.
Average customer rating:
- Game Manual
- A good guide
- As With Most Reviews, This is the Best Guide
- A Pokemon Fan's Dream Come True
- Decent
|
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Elizabeth Hollinger
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Strategy Guides | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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Official Nintendo Pokemon Emerald Player's Guide
ASIN: 0761542566
Release Date: 2003-03-25 |
Product Description
MODEL- 54246 VENDOR- PRIMA GAMES FEATURES- Official Strategy Guide for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Defeat Team Aqua and Team Magma! * Tips for winning the Pokemon Contests * Locations to all Secret Bases and Battle Towers * Thorough Pokedex, featuring Ruby and Sapphire Pokemon, with locations, statistics, and skills. * Strategy to win all 2-on-2 battles and beat all enemy Pokemon Trainers * Complete walkthrough of the vast new Pok mon world, including all cities, towns, streets, and dungeons. * Detailed moves list * Tips to capturing, evolving, and customizing your Pokemon * Detailed charts for Technical and Hidden Machines * 152 Pages * Platform- GameBoy Advance MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:andnbsp;andnbsp;90 DAYS
Customer Reviews:
Game Manual.......2007-10-03
I bought this book for my son and he really enjoyed reading it becuase he was really into the game he had. It's a good manual if your kids play the game.
A good guide.......2007-01-18
The only real problem with the guide is the Pokedex in the back does not give enough information.
As With Most Reviews, This is the Best Guide.......2006-12-23
Man, this is an awesome guide. I just got it in November and I already am at the Victory Road, about to enter the Pokemon League! Some reviews says it tells lies, and skips around the world of Hoenn; it doesn't! Some people even say that it skips Trainer imformation; but that's because Trainer's Pokemon are random. And for the "skipping around" part, just use the Quick Walkthrough to be guided and then head to the events of Hoenn in "Maps of Hoenn"! Some reviewers say that the guide calls Rock types Earth types, but that's usual. The guide even contains a Pokedex section, a List of Moves and a list of items! Here are the good and bad details about the guide (although it isn't that bad.)
- The Good,
- Nice walkthrough that connects to the Quick Walkthrough.
- Thorough Pokedex, containing every Pokemon.
- Nice charts for moves, and items.
- Strategies for all Sub Quests and Pokemon Contests.
- Good strategies for gym leaders, rivals and proteges, a.k.a. Wally.
- Nice maps showing every building.
- Locations of all Pokemon
- The Bad,
- Doesn't include Secret Bases.
- On the battle with Archie in the Seafloor Cavern, he doesn't have a Golbat, he has a Crobat.
- And the Ugly(I'm just kidding!)
Anyway, buy this guide; it's well worth it!
A Pokemon Fan's Dream Come True.......2006-02-17
My daughter love the whole Pokemon genre, and especially enjoys the GameBoy Pokemon games. She has poured through this book many times already and just loved it. I highly recommend it.
Decent.......2005-11-26
This book is good for a quick walkthrough reference. It's simple to use and does its job well. If you need help with Ruby or Sapphire, I'd recommend picking this up!
Amazon.com
Claireece Precious Jones endures unimaginable hardships in her young life. Abused by her mother, raped by her father, she grows up poor, angry, illiterate, fat, unloved and generally unnoticed. So what better way to learn about her than through her own, halting dialect. That is the device deployed in the first novel by poet and singer Sapphire. "Sometimes I wish I was not alive," Precious says. "But I don't know how to die. Ain' no plug to pull out. 'N no matter how bad I feel my heart don't stop beating and my eyes open in the morning." An intense story of adversity and the mechanisms to cope with it.
Book Description
Relentless, remorseless, and inspirational, this "horrific, hope-filled story" (Newsday) is certain to haunt a generation of readers. Precious Jones, 16 years old and pregnant by her father with her second child, meets a determined and highly radical teacher who takes her on a journey of transformation and redemption.
Customer Reviews:
cruel reality.......2007-10-09
I used the text in my adult education class. The brutal reality and the level of literacy of the narrator both made it a solid choice for class. The book is harsh and not all students will enjoy it. But it does give students a chance to talk about reality, and to talk about the parts of life that don't show up on TV. The controversy of the text allows for discussions on editing yourself and creates powerful journals. The literacy level of the narrator is disarming and provides an avenue to talk about revision in a nonjudgmental forum. Most importantly, the text shows development and helps students visualize the route to success. Precious needed years to make it to her goal, she had to overcome a great deal to get there. These ideas provide a realistic motivation for adult students. I would definitely advise students on the controversial topics covered before beginning. I had students read at home only. I only had women in the class.
PHENOMANAL.......2007-08-23
This is a MUST READ, especially for young African American and other women of color. Push: A Novel
I'm In The Minority.......2007-06-30
Most people seem to think this book is outstanding, so I know that I'm in the minority here. That being said, I was not impressed by this book. Don't get me wrong - I will NEVER forget it. But I'm not sure that's a good thing in this case.
I have searched online and I can't find any confirmation that this story is true. From what I can tell it was written by an author with knowledge of life in the ghetto. But still, it seems to be a fictitious account and that bothers me.
IF it were a memoir, a biography or even based on a true story then I would have given it FIVE stars. I would have ranked it along with the likes of 'I Couldn't Keep It To Myself' by Wally Lamb (which is one of my favourite books.)
But the fact that this story is fictitious and yet so horrificly graphic, really left me with a bad feeling.
I KNOW that what happened to Precious can and does happen and that fact wrenches out my heart. But unless this book was someone's true story, I have to say that it just left me feeling negative and maybe even a little bit sick. I didn't come away uplifted by the main character's conquest of her past. (Not to mention that the end of the book just leaves you hanging.)
I think the author could have conveyed the horrors of sexual abuse, the sorry state of affairs with the welfare system and most of the other important issues covered in this book, without going to such low depths in her graphic descriptions of the abuse that took place in the story.
In my opinion, there are other books dealing with similar horrors that are true memoirs, or biographies, or at least based on true accounts that are rendered in a much more positive and compelling way - I usually share my books with friends and family, but I can't say that PUSH will be added to my permanent collection or circulated.
Buy it cheap or Borrow...........2007-06-15
Well, being as though the story is told by an illiterate woman who'd only began to read at around 17, the book is pretty poorly written, and at times it is downright unreadable (Inlis U r in pree skol.)It is a sub-par read, and although some would say it is inspiring, it's just an average tale of abused black youth. Maybe you enjoy hearing EXPLICIT accounts of a father raping his daughter, down to the point of how her body reacts to his movements. Sometime too gritty and foul to be considered artistic. It's definatly something you must check out at some point in your life... just check it out of a library...
Borrow... NO BUY!
Depressingly Optimistic.......2006-12-28
A very vivid social commentary on the failure of the social welfare system and the Reagan administration. If you are too young to remember the early 80's, or were raised in the suburbs this would be a good novel to read to get a glimpse into the inner city life during that time. Be aware of extremely rough language and emotionaly upsetting plot twists.
Average customer rating:
- SAPPHIRE ROSE REVIEW
- THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!
- Won't disappoint
- A Rose is a Rose is a Rose
- My favorite Eddings book ever!
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Sapphire Rose (Elenium)
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Eddings, David | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 034537472X
Release Date: 1992-11-23 |
Book Description
Finally the knight Sparhawk had come to possess Bhellion, the legendary jewel of magic. With it, he frees Queen Ehalana from the crystalline cocoon that preserves her life, but Bhellion carries dangers of its own. And now Sparkhawk is being stalked by a dark lurking menace that is only the beginning of his troubles....
Customer Reviews:
SAPPHIRE ROSE REVIEW.......2007-08-30
I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS AUTHOR'S BOOKS. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE AS FANTASY BOOKS AT ITS BEST. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE.Sapphire Rose (Elenium)
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK! .......2007-04-17
Sapphire Rose (Book 3 of the Elenium)
OVERALL SCORE: (A+)
READABILITY: (A), PLOT: (A+), CHARATERS: (A), DIALOGUE: (B), SETTING: (A+), ACTION/COMBAT: (B+), MONSTERS/ANTAGONISTS: (A-), ROMANCE: (C+), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG13)
This is a very entertaining fantasy story, by one of the best fantasy writers of today, while it may not be quite as good as his "Belgariad" or "Malloreon" series, it comes close.
**SPIOLERS IF YOU HAVENT READ BOOKS 1& 2 YET!**
In Book 3, Sparhawk the Knight Militant of the order of Pandion Knights and Queens Champion, has finally cured his Queen Ehlana, and restored her to her throne. But Annias is still close to taking the Archprelate Throne of the Elene Church, with the help of Martel and the evil god Azash. This story revolves around the election and the politics behind it for the first have of the book, and it is fascinating and very entertaining! Then Sparhawk must go and use the Sapphire Rose to complete the quest in a dramatic ending.
Won't disappoint.......2005-08-29
This is the last book in The Elenium and so all loose ends are getting tied. Sparhawk must save his pretty, young Queen, and this is accomplished pretty much in the first five minutes and for the rest of the book we watch as Sparhawk must save the world from the evil God, Azash and his underlings, Adus, Krager and Sparhawks sworn enemy, and one time friend, Martel. He must play a game he doesn't like, waiting for Martel to make his move and to follow him and try to stop him. He must do this without getting killed (his wife would NOT appreciate that) or allwing Azash to get his hands on the Sapphire Rose, or Bhelliom, the most powerful object in the world. Surprisingly, there is also a moment towards the end of the novel when you will need a tissue or two. All in all, this was a great book and has firmly cemented its place as one of my all time favourite books. If you're thinking about reading this book, then stop thinking and start doing, you don't know what you are missing out on.
A Rose is a Rose is a Rose.......2005-07-24
With Bhelliom in hand Devid Eddings takes the plot of the Elenium into its final stanzas - curing Ehlana, undoing of Annias' plot to gain control of the Elene church, and the final defeat of the schemes of the god Azash. Each of these is a story in itself, and the book is densely plotted as the final phase of Sparhawk's efforts falls into place.
There is really only one serious problem with this book. The weakest character in the series makes her debut - Ehlana. Edding's, for some reason, tends to make his female romantic leads a strange combination of domineering and fluttery. C'nedra, in the first two series, is the perfect example of a woman who is stuck the stereotype of the devious female. Selfish, manipulative, irritating, and then occasionally she will step out of character. Elhana could be C'nedra's sister. She waken, maneuvers Sparhawk into marrying her, directly interferes in church politics like a pro, and then settles into a kind of wishy-washy background character. Go figure. The good news is that while Ehlana has a prominent role in the story, she actually doesn't have a very big part.
The most interesting part of the book is really the struggle for control of the church, which is pure politics and sneakiness. Annias' plans must be undone. This means that Sparhawk and the church leaders opposed to Annias must play a complicated waiting game in the hope that enough evidence will be found to expose the priest as in league with Azash. As Annias has managed to bribe himself into possession of a simple majority, this becomes a game of inches.
Once the politics are over, Sparhawk is free to perform his real duty. The world's only hope is that the Pandion knight can use his control of Bhelliom to work the end of Azash. Not an easy task, and Sparhawk must overcome not only the Sapphire Rose, the the ancient troll gods before he can enter the city of Zemoch and confront Otha and Martell for the last time. His companions once again are his squire Kurik, his friend Kalten, Sephrenia, the first knights of the Elene orders, and Talen, the thief. The interplay of the characters is as good as always, but this is the third quest of the series and it gets a bit familiar at times.
As usual, Eddings wraps things up tidily with a strong climax, throws some curious hints in the epilogue and then the curtain descends. Of the three different series so far, this is both the shortest and the best written. The Belgarion is, perhaps, the most original, but the Elenium is the work of a mature writer, and it shows. As you might expect, this is only a temporary stopping point - we are promised yet another sequel.
My favorite Eddings book ever!.......2004-06-03
The "Sapphire Rose", of course, is the Bhelliom, an object of such enormous power that worlds literally revolve around it and Gods have fought wars for it. All Sparhawk cares about, though, is that it is the one thing that can save the life of his poisoned Queen, Ehlana.
Ehlana's healed pretty early in, which leaves the rest of the book for Sparhawk to vanquish evil, destroy the Bad Guys, etc etc. See, once the Bhelliom resurfaces, Azash, the evil God of the Zemochs, knows who's got it. Since Bhelliom is the one thing Azash needs to free himself from his prison and take over the world, he's a little interested in getting Sparhawk to give it to him - or wresting it from his cold, dead hands, whichever's easiest. To that extent, there's a long, protracted section of the book devoted to the election of the Archprelate (the equivalent of the Pope) in the Holy City. If Annias, who secretly worships Azash, can buy enough votes, he wins, and Azash gets Bhelliom. So before Sparhawk can go off and kick immortal butt, he and his buddies have to head off this impending disaster first. It's political, it's complicated, and there are long sections where nothing happens but debate and voting. But it's also intelligent, witty, and gives several characters (including Ehlana) a chance to shine. Put it this way - if you think the political stuff in "Star Wars" is too complicated, you'll hate this part of the book. But if you enjoy that stuff, as I do, and seeing how wars are won by more than sword-waving, this book is fantastic.
Of course, there's real action, too - Sparhawk does face down Azash, with some help (of course). Ehlana and Sparhawk get married - their love story is both awkward and romantic, and quite cute. And someone dies - I can't say who, but I cried when I read it. (And there's no "Man-with-two-lives" business as in the Belgariad.)
The best book in a great series!
Average customer rating:
- Detailed Discussion of Enhancements, Color and Cut Make This Guide Exceptional.
- Informative but a lot of repetition
- Informative
- Very thorough & informative
- Great Information, Very Helpful
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Colored Gemstones, 2nd Edition: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gemstones
Antoinette L. Matlins
Manufacturer: Gemstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Jewelry & Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence And Knowledge (Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide)
ASIN: 0943763452 |
Customer Reviews:
Detailed Discussion of Enhancements, Color and Cut Make This Guide Exceptional. .......2007-06-11
"Colored Gemstones" is a beginners' guide to gemstones that aims to help consumers understand what types of gems are available, what to look for in determining value, and how to go about doing that. This book does not oversimplify the subject as some guides for beginners do. Author and gemologist Antoinette Matlins gives readers some preliminary guidance on how to familiarize yourself with a gemstone using a loupe and how to determine if it is well-cut. Then it is on to Part 2, which constitutes the bulk of the book and is a fount of essential and fascinating information.
First, the "4 C's" of color, clarity, cut, and carat, with particular emphasis on color and cut and how they relate to one another. Sample laboratory reports on gems are provided, so we see what a lab report can tell the consumer. The chapter on synthetic gems and enhancement treatments is particularly informative. The author describes common treatments and provides a very useful chart of treatments by gemstone. The chart lists treatments for 34 gem groups and indicates which treatments are typically used, seldom used, whether they are stable, and whether the treated gemstones require any special care, including which should avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Information on color enhancement spans several chapters.
A chapter on fraud and misrepresentation lists which gemstone treatments are acceptable practice and which are dishonest, with descriptions of the treatments, and a list of deceptive names often used to mislead customers. So we will know what our options are, the author lists gems by color, provides a list of gems not routinely enhanced for those who prefer natural stones, and a table of how much treated vs a natural stones differ in price. There is a detailed price guide for 21 groups of (faceted) gems, indicating what you may expect to pay for good to extra fine quality stones, wearability, and availability. Opal and synthetic price guides are separate. One chapter is dedicated to descriptions of about 40 gems, with data on hardness, chemical composition, wearability, and brilliance for each. Ms. Matlins concludes with specific advice on what to ask and look for when buying stones, what facts to make sure appear on your receipt, and tips for cleaning and caring for gems.
Having read Renee Newman's Gemstone Buying Guide, I find that Ms. Matlins' "Colored Gemstones" is more complete. This is primarily because the coverage of enhancements, synthetics, and price are more extensive in this book. Its discussions of how cut affects color are also better. That said, the "Gemstone Buying Guide" treats star and cat's eye stones more thoroughly and has a slight advantage in coverage of opal and jade. It provides more vital statistics, including refractive index, cleavage, and specific gravity. "Colored Gemstones" biggest shortcoming is the scarcity of photographs. There is a 16-page insert of color photos, but most of the gems discussed are not pictured. The "Gemstone Buying Guide" has far more photos, but if you have to choose one book, I think you'll be happier with "Colored Gemstones" unless your interest is in cat's eye or star gems.
Informative but a lot of repetition.......2007-05-24
If you buy Jewellery and gem buying guide from the same author, you find it is a lot of repetition. However, to me this book is giving more information than the other one as the discussion of more focus on gemstone.
Informative.......2007-01-16
Quite enlightening. Particularly liked the guide for prices of gemstones as well as the uses of stones. Had I purchased this book before, I would have made more informed choices when buying gemstones. Would recommend to anyone buying any type of gemstone.
Very thorough & informative.......2006-11-17
Everything I needed to know to get started buying gemstones. Easy to read and very detailed; it helped me learn where the true value lies in these gems. More than I ever thought I'd learn!
Great Information, Very Helpful.......2006-11-15
I'm a novice at gemstones, but I found this book easy to read. It had all the information I needed to shop for gems! I'm sure people with more experience would also find this helpful.
Average customer rating:
- Levertov profoundly interacts with Christian relgious themes
- Nature in religion
- "Straight to the point can ricochet"
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The Stream & the Sapphire: Selected Poems on Religious Themes (New Directions Paperbook, 844)
Denise Levertov
Manufacturer: New Directions Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
20th Century | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:
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This Great Unknowing
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Poetry As Prayer: Denise Levertov (The Poetry As Prayer Series)
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The Selected Poems of Denise Levertov
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Thirst: Poems
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Making Peace (New Directions Bibelots)
ASIN: 0811213544 |
Customer Reviews:
Levertov profoundly interacts with Christian relgious themes.......2005-01-30
This collection of "selected poems on religious themes" is not to be confused with religious poetry, or inspirational poetry. Here we have a renowned modern poet from the late 20th Century, who embraced the Christian faith late in life, interacting with spiritual sources that crossed her path while on her journey of faith.
Often one only gets out of a poem what one brings to it, at other times the poem speaks for itself. Both are the case here. Levertov develops a personal dialogue with various texts, personages and paintings, such as Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, the Mass for St. Thomas Didymus, Caedmon from Bede's "History of the English Church," Velazquez's "The Servant Girl at Emmaus," Brother Lawrence's "Practice of the Presence of God," "Hail, space for the uncontained God" (from the Orthodox Christian Akathist hymn), as well as numerous New Testament passages.
Some of these poems presuppose at least a nodding acquaintance with the original source. Others, such as those dealing with Christ's suffering on the cross, will be more accessible, since most of our culture still retains an awareness of the life of Christ.
While I struggled through some of these works, knowing that if I took the time I could get much more out of them, others demanded to be read a second and third time immediately.
Such was the case with "Annunciation," which draws on the Gospel account of when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to bear the Son of God: "But we are told of meek obedience. No one mentions/ courage./ The engendering Spirit/did not enter her without consent./ God waited./ She was free/ to accept or to refuse, choice/ integral to humanness."
Many still believe that modern poetry and the Christian faith don't mix. Here is proof otherwise. Going through this volume may be like mining for gold for some, but believe me, it's worth the effort. If you like this volume, check out works by Scott Cairns, also found here at Amazon.
Nature in religion.......1999-01-14
The need for simple groupings of poems into thematic clusters may be too convenient and decpetive of the complexities of the poems themselves. But with Levertov, as with others, there is such a compelling predeliction towards specific themes and subjects that to do so can be useful.Here we have her major religious poems in a separate volume, just as there has been a volume of her poems on nature and a deserved volume of her political poems (if one hasn't been published already). These poems do chart Levertov's progressive understanding and acceptance of Christianity, but at their best they do something else. Their focus is often on natural scenes which have a humbling effect. The level sought isn't always that of the often over-mystified religious ceremony, though there's plenty of mystery to the poems. In "The Avowel" this effect is achieved through analogy, the submissive posture of lying on one's back hearkening not only a religious submission but one which the speaker is reminded of by the natural world. "As swimmers dare/ to lie face to the sky/ and water bears them,/ as hawks rest upon air/ and air sustains them,/ so would I learn to attain/ freefall, and float/ into Creator Spirit's deep embrace,/ knowing no effort earns/ that all-surrounding grace."
The "free-falling" that occurs is much like that effect of flight in George Herbert's concrete poem "Easter Wings," which takes the shape of a bird. Here the use of a center alignment (which is hard for me to approximate) gives the impression of both the "deep embrace" and the fall, each line arrising not from a speakerly margin but from a need more like song. Again, the groupings of these poems together is a faulty judgement of Levertov's range, yet considering her uncanny ability to mask her concerns in a seemingly banal tone through everyday language we should be thankful that these small volumes have been available as studies into one of the best American poets of the last half century.
"Straight to the point can ricochet".......1997-04-27
This set of books frighten me. Both are powerful and wonderful and deserveyour immediate and lasting attention. The poems are not new, they are athemed selection. Interestingly enough placed in seperate but equal volumes.
The Stream and the Sapphire is a selection of poems that elucidate thegrowth of Denise as a Christian. And an exciting growth it is. My favoriteof the moment are words I use as prayer: "How can I focus my flickering,perceive at the fountain's heart the sapphire I know is there?"
The Life Around Us is subtitled "selected poems on nature". In "A Reward",we live a harried day with the narrator and watch with her as "the heron,unseen for weeks, came flying widewinged toward me."
What is probably a marketing tool, a most wise one by the publisher, iswhat scares me about these two volumes. In theme, the power of God is toldin lush detail in both volumes. The heron in the nature selection is theholy spirit of the religious selection, and in our natural state both canand will be the same. Those brief moments of recognition of somethingoutside ourselves.
So with these two volumes to recommend, why should I be trepiditious? Themarketing folks know us so well, and as poets we cannot overcome themarketing department. "Christians" are right winged slobs that grow fat andsalute the flag and make fools of themselves on TV. They have absolutely noregard for nature because they are Republicans bound and determined todestroy the rainforest. Friends of the natural world cannot be interestedin true spiritual life because they worship nature, and are Democrats, andwould not consider a Christian a person. A nature person is good andupright and has never done wrong, and therefore has no need of the "crutch"of Christianity.
Crass? Yep. That's why I'm scared of these two books. Because it brings outthe crass nature of our commercialized economy. Everything is cut and dry -a cookie cutter product determined and produced by a media that thrives onexacting stereotypes. I can hear the salesman now walking into theChristian bookstore pitching the blue book; and the same salesman wakinginto the New Age bookstore pitching the green book. I'm saddened and scaredthat it's come to this - even in poetry. It's been with us in every otheraspect of life for so many years now that I guess it had to be inevitable.
Truth is, most Christians live in a more calm life than the wild-eyedfrothing at the mouth pentacostal, or the bomb-throwing fanatic at anabortion clinic. It may be surprising to those who only read newspapers andwatch tv to find out that many Christians believe God commanded them totake care of the planet. And vice-versa. Not all nature lovers worship theearth as God. Not all folks who are concerned with the environment areanti-Christian. Surprisingly to the media-fed public is the fact that thereare many people who love the outdoors who feel abortion is just as wrong asshooting a bald eagle or a snowy songed owl.
Not all republicans are anti-abortion; not all democrats are pro-abortion;and not all those who could care less about politics have no opinion eitherway. There are many varieties of individuals; and within most of us, Ibelieve strongly, there is a wonderful mixture of all the above. Let's faceit, when confronted with a child molester who just raped his child, thestrongest anti-abortion catholic would probably much rather kill the man assee him live, even if only for a brief moment. Why? Because we are human.
Which brings this around from a silly sermon back to the issue at hand -Denise Levertov celebrates our humanity. We see Thomas - in some circlesknown as the twin brother of Christ - struggling with his doubts. We hearin other places the voice of the poet struggling with questions andwandering doubts. In the nature series we hear the narrators of the poemsfinding a deep peace - if only momentary, a solace - a knowledge. Readtogether we find these powerful insights are all one insight into our innerselves.
And, slyly, in selecting the poems, Denise was able to confound themarketing department. From the nature series: "God is imaged as well orbetter in the white stillness resting everywhere, giving all things an hourof Sabbath." And from the religious series: "Dull stones again fulfilltheir glowing destinies, and emptiness is a cup, and holds the ocean." Whynot combine these two selctions of poems into one fine volume? Marketing.Sad, but true. Recently, ND published Robert Duncan's selected - 170+ pagesfor $12.95. By seperating Denise's poems for a perceived dual market (andunfortunately the perception is probably true), the sales force is able tosell the two slender volumes for $8.95 apiece. A few extra bucks - andbecause of the targeted audience - a lot more sales!
My recommendation? Confound the marketing department. Buy both books!Praise both books. And praise Denise for giving us such interestingmeditations on life. If you can, then read or re-read her past volumes andexperience her growth in a more natural form; but if you are in a positionof experiencing her poetry for the first time, these two small volumes willbe an appetizer that will send you searching to experience the flavors ofThe Jacob's Ladder, Evenings In Babylon, Evening Train, and quite a few more
Book Description
Samantha and Nellie set sail for Europe in 1906. Also aboard the ship is a world-famous archaeologist and the legendary sapphire he is carrying to a London museum. When his priceless jewel disappears, Samantha realizes that every one of the first-class passengers is a suspect--and one of them must be the thief!
Customer Reviews:
good enough for school.......2007-01-09
I read this book and so did the head of the school library. The library accepted this book as a test book for reading awards and the girls age 8 to 12 enjoyed it..
An intrepid high seas adventure...!.......2006-12-01
The year is 1906, and eleven-year-old Samantha Parkington, along with her adopted sister Nellie, are thrilled to have the opportunity to board the R.M.S. Queen Caroline with their grandparents, the Admiral and Grandmary, on a trip to Europe, where they will dock in London and Paris. They are even more excited, however, when they learn that Professor Wharton, a world-famous archeologist, along with his pet monkey, Plato, are among the passengers whom they will be dining with, and that he has brought with him the legendary sapphire known as the Blue Star. The first-class passengers are thrilled to have such a priceless artifact on-board the Queen Caroline with them, and love to hear the Professor tell of its history - from how it was once buried in a graveyard, to how it belonged to merchants and kings in the old days. But when the illustrious sapphire disappears one night at dinner, Samantha is shocked to learn that everyone on deck is being questioned as a suspect. Soon, Mademoiselle Etienne, Samantha and Nellie's traveling French tutor, is accused of the crime, and separated from her students. Nellie knows that Mademoiselle Etienne is innocent of the crime; and, with Samantha's help, plans on discovering who the true culprit is. But as the seas turn rough, Samantha and Nellie discover that solving a mystery isn't as simple as they originally thought, and if they aren't careful, they may be blamed for the crime before the true thief is imprisoned.
Samantha Parkington's adventures have always been exciting to experience. However, with THE STOLEN SAPPHIRE, Sarah Masters Buckey has managed to incorporate a strong sense of suspense into the tale that both brings the characters to life, and leaves the reader trying to put together various clues in an attempt to find the culprit before our two heroines. Samantha, as always, is her usual kind self. However, die-hard fans will be surprised to see her acting slightly distrustful to the people she cares about throughout the story. Nellie, on the other hand, also takes on a slightly different personality, as she begins sneaking about, and hiding things from her beloved sister. However, it is the two girls interactions with the snobby Charlotta Billingsley, along with her dreadfully proper and jewel-loving mother, Mrs. Billingsley, that will leave readers rooting for the two protagonists, as they defend themselves against various rude accusations, and comments made by the gruesome twosome. An intrepid high seas adventure that proves everyone is innocent until proven guilty!
Erika Sorocco
It will take you on an adventure!.......2006-07-24
If you like mysteries you'll love this book! samantha & nellie
are 2 girls how lived in the 1900's. my favorite part was
when samantha & nellie found who stole the sapphire ...but that I
will not tell you. I have another american girl mystery and I look forward to reading
it!
"The Stolen Sapphire": Hard Book to Put Down.......2006-05-09
"As the Professor reached over to open the box, Samantha suddenly felt the tablecloth jerk. She heard a crash as the candelabra fell. There was a smell of melting wax as the overturned candles sputtered and smoked. Then the room went black." (Buckey, 62)
Another American Girl book written by Sarah Masters Buckey, "A Samantha Mystery: The Stolen Sapphire" takes you on an adventure across the seas in 1906 with Samantha, Nellie, and the whole family. While traveling the R.M.S. "Queen Caroline" ship to Europe, Samantha's and Nellie's once-in-a-lifetime chance comes true when they meet the world-famous archaeologist, Professor Wharton, as well as the legendary blue sapphire; a blue sapphire with a long, interesting history of once belonging to kings and merchants of the old days, and once even buried in a graveyard half way around the world! When the legendary Blue Star disappears in Professor Wharton's own hands however, everyone on board is a suspect of theft! Could it be the girls' French tutor, Mademoiselle Etienne? Or what about the brusque, spoiled Charlotta Billingsley? Or maybe, just maybe, could it Samantha's dearest sister and best friend, Nellie? It's a story full of adventure, mystery, and suspicion - the perfect book to read all night long.
"The Stolen Sapphire" should be nominated as the "best" book in the category of mysteries. I really liked how Mrs. Buckey gave each person a prominent part in the disappearance of the Blue Star, and yet simultaneously left the true theft unnoticed of any suspicion. Also, Mrs. Buckey's wording throughout parts of the story makes you feel as if you are really on board the ship. A good example of this could be: "The wind was freezing and a faint mist of rain was falling, but Nellie glowed with Joy." (Buckey, 171)
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone at any age, chiefly because "The Stolen Sapphire" is not only based upon (as I mentioned above) intriguing mysteries, but teaches a fine lesson of not assuming someone of negative morals (lying, cheating, stealing, etc.), especially when you don't have the facts or proof in which to prove your case.
Shipboard Mystery.......2006-04-03
As an adult who never tires of historical stories and is a collector of children's books, I enjoy these books more than the adult novels bouncing around the bestseller list with their trashy mixtures of sex and violence. Samantha is not my favorite American Girl character, but I find this story an improvement on the previous Curse of Ravenscroft. The mystery was fairly compelling and there were no dollhouse beds or silly things of that nature to ruin the ending. I thought it out of character, however, when Samantha distrusts someone who is very important in her life, when in previous books she has defended the person.
Book Description
(6"x9" perfect bound book)Time travel is most certainly "possible." Time travel is the concept of moving backward or forward to different points in "time," in a manner analogous to moving through space. There are many mysteries in the universe, for example: Some of the greatest mysteries are - how the pyramid was built, and how the universe was formed or is there a - God ... in the universe? We have so many questions but yet, the scientists are able to find all these answers for us. And are we alone in the universe? How to solve a murder case by time travel? Is there a time machine? At this moment on earth is still "blind leading blind." This book will tell you what is Time travel ... how to do it, and what will you encounter during time travel; and what is the condition while in time travel; and how can you tell this is the "Time travel" occurring. And what is the master secret of Time Travel? It is written in this book. This book is believed is the most amazing book on earth. Because 'no' documents in human history mentioned how to perform this skill, the reason is simple -- because no one knows "how."
But once you get to read this book, you will know all the secrets about "TIME TRAVEL." And best part of it -- how to do it yourself.
Customer Reviews:
If you like the movie "Pay Check" then you must like this book too........2007-09-19
If you like the movie "Pay Check" (Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman) then you will like this book too. The movie reminds me of this "Mastering time travel...," but in the movie, they built a time machine. It is all good theories, but in reality no man has ever figured out what is time machine.
Author stated, "there is no 'time machine,' but there is a similar device which human can use and travel between time," the answer is in this book.
This book takes billions of human years for author to be born, and the first human is ever to write a book with this subject, it is worth -- every penny to read it.
Highly recommend it.
This is time travel........2007-09-19
Current theories say, that only energy could travel in time that way. There are lots of experiments done currently with the 'dual photon paradoxon', showing that 2 photons created from matter, are linked together by an 'information bridge' that seems to be way faster than light (in fact it seems to be infinitively fast !). The idea is to send one of those photons through a wormhole, while the other one stays with you. That way, you could send information through time. The same works for all type of energy or relativistic particles, and since energy = matter, it could also work with matter, though energy requirements would be enormous.
But these are theories, in fact, these do not apply to reality. Thanks to the author, these time travel secrets finally revealed. Read this book and you will know why time travel is possible.
Greatest mystery of all human time........2007-09-19
If you are trying to find time travel books, you will find none but those Science fictions book, this book is the first book on earth that teaches you how to do it yourself. It is precision and compact.
It is beautifully written from cover to cover, and it has records since the beginning of time. The Einstein and the German Nazi were not able to figure out what is Time Travel. But now, we do have the answers, this book reveals the greatest mystery of all human time.
It was stolen from my friends........2007-09-16
Surprising enough, this book and "mastering remote viewing: third eye $ astral projection" are in the local library where I live, I borrowed them and like them. There are so many valuable information in these books, it is hard to put them down. And I am afraid these books might be "out of prints." I had to get them for my own collections.
When my friends visited me, I let them borrow them, and never got them returned. So, I have to buy them again, and THIS TIME I WILL NEVER LEND THEM TO ANYONE... YOU HAVE TO 'GET ONE ON YOUR OWN.'
Time journey to find out yourself........2007-09-06
I love this book, the minute I got the book I am able to read from cover to cover, it is very exciting to read a technology is so advance of its time.
What conception should Christians hold about human nature? It is safe to say that most Christians think of the human person in terms of a body 'animated' by a soul which detaches from the body at death. There are a variety of theological and scriptural reasons for thinking this, but then again it is not the only option consistent with Christian belief. In her book Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies? This book makes a compelling case for a nonreductive physicalist account of human nature, which in her words is the thesis that "first, that we are our bodies-there is no additional metaphysical element such as a mind or soul or spirit. But, second, this 'physicalist' position need not deny that we are intelligent, moral, and spiritual" (p. ix). There are a variety of reasons for adopting this position, including the fact that there is no specific Biblical stance on the subject anyway, recent advances in cognitive neuroscience and the importance in Christian spirituality of recognizing our embodied, social and relational aspects.
And this book will help you to find what is your origin.
Book Description
BradyGames' Pokimon Ruby & Sapphire Official Strategy Guide provides expert tactics to win all badges for both games! A step-by-step walkthrough taking gamers from start to finish. Solutions to the new puzzles, rosters for every new trainer, and more! Plus, tips to defeat every trainer and gym leader, coverage of the new Pokemon in each version, and how to catch, breed, and raise them!
Customer Reviews:
Go Keena70!.......2005-10-29
This is the best guide ever. It does not have a Snotedex. 'Tendo and Primer have a Snotedex though.
This says "Sabdshrew," which means "No mistakes." The sandy waterfalls, Tendo calls slippery slopes. Rock Crush. Tendo says Rock "Smash." "Smash" is a word for two-year-olds!
This is a big strategy guide. It'get you past everything. If you get Tendo or Prime, start over. You MUST 'gree with me!
Get this. If you don't, then you will get stuck.
Without a guide, you do great too. Buy this, you year-old!
I am Crabbiest! See ya next time on the Bad Word-No Show!
Best Guide In The Milky Way!.......2005-10-24
BUY THIS! THIS IS THE BEST GUIDE EVER! IT HAS EVERYTHING!
IT EVEN HAS LOTS OF THINGS! THE NINTENDOPOWER IS BOOBOO!
Stupidity Of Stupidity!.......2005-10-24
Too many mistakes! Do not buy it no matter what! NEVER EVER BUY IT. I recomend the Nintendo Power or Prima.
GET NINTENDO OR PRIMA'S GUIDE...'NUFF SAID.......2005-04-30
I have all three Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire guides out there - prima's, nintendo's, and (shudders) brady's.
Bradygames' strategy guides either are downright awesome or downright bad, and this guide is answer B. This was the first of the three PR&S guides that I bought. I went home, played the game with the help of this guide, and without leaving Littleroot Town, went out to EBGames the next day and bought the Prima guide.
Bradygames includes a decent walkthrough of the game with detailed info, but that's about it. The guide has a list - just a basic list - of all the Pokemon, but forces you to buy a whole other $15 book to get info on the other Pokemon. May I note that in both Prima and Nintendo's guides, they include just as full Pokedexes but in the same guide? Yeah, that was a huge downside of the Bradygames' guide. Also, the walkthrough really could have been more detailed now that I think about it. After I compared the three guides, Nintendo had the best walkthrough, Prima came in second, and guess who came in last.
I'm getting tired of listing endless bad things about Brady's Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire guide, so I'll just say:
BUY NINTENDO OR PRIMA'S GUIDE...'nuff said!
It's a pretty picture book..........2004-03-09
I bought this guide and found that everything in it is exactly what I could have figured out on my own. No PokeDex and nothing about breeding pokemon except one lousy sentence. This guide is horrible! Buy a Prima or Nintendo guide instead if you want helpful information. This book is a dud...
Average customer rating:
- The finest gemological book on ruby and sapphire to date
- Simply the best book on the subject
- Picture perfect! One of the best gem books ever.
- The ultimate book on the subject.
|
Ruby & Sapphire
Richard W. Hughes
Manufacturer: R W H Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Prospecting & Mining | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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General | Natural Resources | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books | Engineering Economics | Ergonomics | General | Industrial Design | Industrial Technology | Machinery | Manufacturing | Packaging | Production, Operation & Management | Productivity | Quality Control | Safety & Health | Systems
ASIN: 0964509768 |
Customer Reviews:
The finest gemological book on ruby and sapphire to date.......1999-11-23
EXCELLENT BOOK (both for interest and research)-- Reading this book by Richard Hughes, you can feel the decades that the author spent both in the field at mine sites and in the lab (Hughes was head of AIGS in Bangkok) researching this monograph. Some of the chapters bring the gem business to life, especially the chapter on Burma. The photos are accurate, dramatic or beautiful and go well with the written text. The maps are good, some being quite rare. Perhaps the greatest research went into the extensive bibliography (over 2500 entries!). As president of Pala international, an import-export firm dealing in colored stones for over 30 years, I would rate this book as one of the very best in the gemological field!
Simply the best book on the subject.......1999-10-13
This is the most comprensive book ever writtten on rubies and sapphires. It will answer any question you might have about sources, treatments, history, great specimens, cuts, and colors. Seldom can one say that the definitive book has been written on any subject. This one is.
Picture perfect! One of the best gem books ever........1999-10-06
Wow. What a sparkling mix of erudition and irreverence. Everything you might even begin to wonder about ruby and sapphire is here, in detail, packed with fact, lusciously illustrated, spiced with attitude and wickedly opinionated in the manner that only the truly expert can properly carry off. What's even better, the man can write! Consequently, the knottiest technical subjects are lucidly laid out, while the history, the legends, the myths and the gossip are offered up with all their zest and spice intact. We're talking "encyclopedic," here - but encyclopedic in the 18th Century French Enlightenment sense, before the Germans came along and dried us all up with their only-the-facts-ma'am pedantry. Hughes is omniverously curious about his beloved gems and unashamedly passionate in his devotion to them. Thus, nothing is beyond the scope of his interest or scholarship, from the hardest of hard science to the most romantic of Arabian Nights-type legends. And in the unlikely event that there might be something he's left out, [Hughes] supplies bibliographies of altogether stupefying dimensions, and in several languages to boot. Diderot would approve. There are all sorts of ways to read this book, each of them satisfying. You can of course dutifully do what the White King told Alice: begin at the beginning, continue until you get to the end, then stop. This means commencing with the chapter on History, working your way through the dense scientific chapters (e.g., Chemistry & Crystallography, Inclusions, Treatments, Geology, etc.), and concluding with Hughes' world tour of every known source of ruby and sapphire on the planet, its history, detailed characteristics of its gems, and oh yes, a huge bibliography specific to each one. That is what I did and it is undeniably satisfying. But it is by no means the only available way to enjoy this Gargantuan feast. You could also just cruise your way through the dozens of intriguing, sometimes quirky and often gleefully opinionated sidebars, and you will have a splendid time at that, too. Or you could just page through, looking at the pictures, because the illustrations alone are an education. In addition to everything else, this book is a wonderful history lesson and so, in addition to the dozens of luscious photos of glorious gems you would expect, there are scores of fascinating pictures and photos of long-lost mines, legendary personalities, gem cutters past and present, and my absolute favorite, a be-turbaned, leather-skinned old Burmese gal with a twenty megawatt smile, chomping on a mammoth cigar. Then, again, if you absolutely do not wish to indulge your sense of fun, curiosity and wonder, you can simply station the book on your essential reference shelf and refer to it only when you need a detailed rundown on, say, typical inclusions in rubies of the Thai/Cambodian border. Many of the sidebars are in the form of detailed tables summarizing the facts in the text (example: `Fluorescent Reactions of Untreated Corundums') so if you're in a hurry, you can use the book as a technical handbook without searching through the text for the information you want. I'd say that was rather like eating all the spinach at the buffet and passing up the chocolate eclairs, but there's no accounting for taste. Particularly when you open the book more of less expecting a dry-as-dust, edited-to-death textbook, encountering Hughes' damn-the-torpedoes attitude is gorgeously refreshing. Incidentally, be ready for Hughes' ardent, peppery opinions on the issue of treated vs. untreated gems. He has no objection to heat treating otherwise dim or badly included gems to bring out their potential beauties, but he absolutely and positively insists that such gems are not - repeat not! - to be considered the equal of their natural, untreated sisters. Whether you agree or not, it's hard to resist the verve with which Hughes states his conviction. Indeed, for this reviewer, the book's unapologetic opinionatedness was one of its major delights. So whether you need a complete reference guide, a stroll through history with a lively, expert guide, a survey of sources and markets, or a guide to everything that would ever seem to have been written about either of these two lovely gems, this is your book.
Brenda Forman, GIA Alumni Association, Washington, DC Chapter
The ultimate book on the subject........1998-07-15
This book is surely the best study ever done on the exotic subject of rubies and sapphires. It is the ultimate book on rubies ever published in known history. I cannot praise this book enough. Bravo to author and master gemologist Dick Hughes.
Books:
- Girl in the Mirror
- God Thinks You're Wonderful
- Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers
- Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health
- Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 1)
- Heart of the Sea: The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy #3 (Irish Trilogy)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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