Average customer rating:
- From the slopes of Orodruin to the Gray Havens, plus more.
- For the Scholarly Tolkien fan
- Good Reference Material
- the past 3 books I had to give a 4 and I felt absolutely horrible doing that, but I am back on the 5 train for the rest of these
- Not for the faint of heart ...
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Sauron Defeated: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Four (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 9)
J.R.R. Tolkien
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
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ASIN: 0395606497 |
Book Description
In the first part of Sauron Defeated, Christopher Tolkien completes his account of the writing of The Lord of the Rings, beginning with Sam's rescue of Frodo from the Tower of Kirith Ungol, and giving a very different account of the Scouring of the Shire. This part ends with versions of the previously unpublished Epilogue, an alternate ending to the masterpiece in which Sam attempts to answer his children's questions years after the departure of Bilbo and Frodo from the Grey Havens. The second part introduces The Notion Club Papers, now published for the first time. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien in the interval between The Two Towers and The Return of the King (1945-1946), these mysterious Papers, discovered in the early years of the twenty-first century, report the discussions of a literary club in Oxford in the years 1986-1987. Those familiar with the Inklings will see a parallel with the group whose members included J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. After a discussion of the possiblities of travel through space and time through the medium of 'true dream," the story turns to the legend of Atlantis, the strange communications received by members of the club out of remote past, and the violent irruption of the legend into northwestern Europe. Closely associated with the Papers is a new version of the Numenorean legend, The Drowning of Anadune, which constitutes the third part of the book. At this time the language of the Men of the West, Adunaic, was first devised - Tolkien's fifteenth invented language. The book concludes with an elaborate account of the structure of this language by Arundel Lowdham, a member of the Notion Club, who learned it in his dreams. Sauron Defeated is illustrated with the changing conceptions of the fortress of Kirith Ungol and Mount Doom, previously unpublished drawings of Orthanc and Dunharrow, and fragments of manuscript written in Numenorean script.
Customer Reviews:
From the slopes of Orodruin to the Gray Havens, plus more........2007-02-25
`Sauron Defeated' is the last of a four volume series (`The History of the Lord of the Rings') within a series, (volume IX of `The History of Middle Earth') edited by Christopher Tolkien, from the unpublished writings of his father, J. R. R. Tolkien, most famous as the author of `The Hobbit' and `The Lord of the Rings' (LotR).
The most important thing to realize about this book is that only about a third of its pages deal with `The History of The Lord of the Rings'. The remaining two-thirds deals with a subject which harks back to `The Lost Road' and the wager taken up between the two `Inklings' (an Oxford literary and social society), Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.
The LotR story in this book covers the last few days of Sam and Frodo in Mordor, as they painfully make their way to the Cracks of Doom on Orodruin in order to finally destroy the `One Ring'. This takes a very few pages, after which we are left with the notes on the long and slow road home, to one of to me the most interesting episodes in the whole LotR, `The Scouring of the Shire'. I can easily understand why Peter Jackson left this episode and the events involving Tom Bombadil from his films (ten hours is surely long enough for even a cinematic event of these proportions), but they still remain my favorite events.
The middle third of the book is taken up with `The Notion Club Papers', which appears to be a fictional account of the goings-on at the real live `Inkling' meetings at Oxford. There is a lot of playful parodying here, especially on some of C. S. Lewis' works. These drafts also use a conceit most famously used by Robert Graves in his `I, Claudius' and `Claudius The God' novels, where it is made out that these papers were discovered among discarded papers in the year 2012 (about 60 years after they were actually written.) The final third of this volume is filled with additional versions of Tolkien's Atlantis myth, entitled `The Drowning of Anadune', the events which lead the Numenorean ancestors to flee to Middle Earth and become the Dunedain.
The primary relevance of these materials to LotR lie in the fact that Tolkien seems to have put aside work on LotR to do these things, until his erstwhile publisher, Stanley Unwin gently prodded him into returning to completing LotR.
The LotR fanatic, these `The Notion Club Papers' have much less interest than LotR notes or even the Numenor myths, but there they are, certainly useful for any study of the times and doings of Oxford during the real war raging just on the other side of the channel.
Pending my review of the last three books of `The History of Middle Earth', I suspect these four are easily the most interesting to fans of Tolkien's published works.
For the Scholarly Tolkien fan.......2007-01-10
I have been reading this book as part of a research project. The essence of the book is a play by play of the development of the LOTR through multiple drafts. If someone is looking for a continuation of the entertaining series, I would suggest first The Silmarillion, then Lost Tales, Lays of Beleriand, or Unfinished Tales. For the serious Tolkien fan who wants to understand the origins, the book does a good job of organizing the multiple drafts and highlighting significant shifts in Tolkien's thought.
Good Reference Material.......2006-03-20
For those of us who enjoy taking Tolkien's vision and expanding upon it, this book and the "History of Middle Earth" series is a must as a reference source.
This book and the whole series expounds on Tolkien's vision and desire for his characters. Often nuggets of data not found in the primary books (LotR, The Hobbitt, etc.) can be uncovered within the HoME.
the past 3 books I had to give a 4 and I felt absolutely horrible doing that, but I am back on the 5 train for the rest of these.......2006-03-14
So maybe you didn't fly through the last 3 books like the first five, but get ready to put your seatbelt on for this ride. The start of this book finished off the evolution of the lord, and also gives a pretty cool story where sam is answering his kids questions of what happened in the war of the ring.
The second part is back to the stuff that I love. I have reread the wierd inklings fictiot piece a number odf times, and it gets more interesting every time. My first time reading it, it was very hard for me to understand.
The third part of the book is certainly one of the coolest things that I have ever read. It is a totally superior version to the silmarillion of the fall of numenor. Anybody looking to go into the mind of sauron a little deeper, this is a MUST BUY for you!!!!!!!!!!
The last part of this book will go over most peoples heads(at least I hope so, cause it went way over mine.), it is a GREAT writing about the language of Adunic? I don't really speak any of tolkien's languages, but still like to read his essay-type papers on his languages. Though not as interesting as the lost tales and stuff like that, I still found all of them fun to read, and this one on the Adunic language I thought was the best out of them all.
OVERALL ONE HELL OF AN ADDITION TO THE HISTORY OF MIDDLE EARTH SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not for the faint of heart ..........2005-10-08
I would only recommend this book to a hard core Tolkien fan. A great source of information on the development of LOTR, but can be a bit tedious to get through.
Book Description
Meeting Lori Bakker today-a young woman with a bright, outgoing personality, you could hardly imagine her as a teenager living a life of flagrant sexual promiscuity and drug abuse. Nor would you picture her as having had five abortions before she was twenty-one.
More Than I Could Ever Ask tugs at the heartstrings of women and men. Lori's story is one of forgiveness-finding forgiveness from God, learning to forgive the men who hurt her, and most of all, discovering inner peace. Her story also shows the power of love and faithfulness. After she was single and celibate for nearly nine years, Lori met and fell in love with a man she had known only by reputation-Jim Bakker. Today Lori and Jim-two broken lives brought together by God as one-have been restored and are busy helping restore others to spiritual and emotional wholeness.
Customer Reviews:
Inspirational and moving.......2003-04-26
I originally bought this book only because of my infatuation with the whole Jim & Tammy/PTL/Heritage USA saga. Being a devoted supporter of the Bakkers, I was somewhat skeptical of "Jim's new wife". However, I must confess that I now have great respect for Lori. Her story is thoughtful and moving and really shows just how powerful the forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ is. Her ministry to post-abortion sufferers is so deperately needed in today's society. She is a woman of great faith and courage and a true inspiration to all who love Christ above all else. This book should be read by all priests and ministers who will ultimately deal with this kind of emotional pain in their ministries.
A Must Read.......2001-02-28
Lori captures the essence of growing up (too fast) in Phoenix and living life in the fast lane. One chapter leaves you crying, another laughing and yet another pondering. I couldn't put it down!
Any Woman Who Has Struggled Needs This Book.......2001-02-07
This book is a must read for any woman who has suffered through a bad marriage, bad men, phyiscal abuse, or had an abortion. Lori offers a rare insight into the pain so many women live with --with some real answers. The book has it all -- it is at times funny, other times heart-breaking, inspiring, and down to earth. Its an easy read ...but leaves the reader with much to consider.
Greatest I ever read.......2001-01-30
This book makes you laugh and cry in the same chapters. It is a real story that will relate to many, many people. It is a must read for those who like to read about real life romance a fairy tale come true. A story of what happens behind the headlines even down to her wedding night with Jim Bakker. This book will give hope to the hopless.
Book Description
On the morning of April 9, 1940, Peter Tveskov awoke to the roar of airplanes flying low overhead—more airplanes than he'd ever heard or seen before. The invasion leading to the five-year German occupation of Denmark had begun. The Occupation was a dark and difficult time for the Danish people, but for five-year-old Peter, it was an exciting adventure that would in many ways shape both his future and that of his beloved country.
In Conquered, Not Defeated, Peter Tveskov blends vivid childhood memories with historical fact to tell the story of how the occupying army of the Third Reich tried—and ultimately failed—to crush the customs, will, and spirit of the Danish people. It is a story not often told nor easily forgotten. Includes 12 pages of rare photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Putting a human face to the Danish occupation - a Must Read!.......2004-09-13
Tveslov's "Conquered, Not Defeated" is a touching look at Denmark during WWII through the eyes of a boy but also with the perception through which the events in that country can be viewed with adult eyes years after the fact. With skill, he takes the reader into the fascinating world of Copenhagen during the war - the occupation and, more importantly, the incredible people who lived and died during that dark period of their history. Theirs is a story worth the telling - and worth the remembering. These true recollections of a middle class boy and his family make the reader realize the profound impact of a war that tore Denmark apart and then united her in ways that no one could foresee. "Conquered, Not Defeated" is a testament to the resiliency, the independence and compassion of the Danish spirit, deftly told . . . a story the reader will not soon forget.
Peter Tveskov is a GENIUS!.......2004-09-09
Conquered, Not Defeated is nothing short of fantastic. Being of Danish descent on both my maternal and paternal sides, I found this book a real and all-encompassing glimpse into the lives of my Scandinavian relatives through Mr. Tveskov. It is difficult to find books on the subject of Danish history which are filled with actual historical accounts from someone who writes with ease of his very own experience. It was a pleasure to delve into this wonderful book and feel as though I were reading Mr. Tveskov's own personal journal of his experience...I am grateful for the anecdotes and historical research he provided so we Danish descendents can truly understand all that Denmark endured during the horrors of WWII. Being affiliated with the Danish Sisterhood, I highly recommend this book to all Scandinavians and anyone interested in WWII history. READ THIS BOOK!
rings true.......2004-08-31
Coming from a danish family i can tell you that this seemingly simple read really gives a good feel of the times through a childs eye. Mr. Tvestov gives just enough extra information to be able to understand the times in which he grew up in addition to his personal experience.It's also an entertaining, if slightly repetitive read.
Conquered, Not Defeated.......2003-11-21
Thisis a book I just could not put down once I had started reading it. Tveskov style made easy reading but most importantly, I felt like I was there with him. I can only imagine what it was like to have been with during these times. He wove in Danish history in a way it just blended with this story. It was pointed , acurate, and relevent. The pictures he used brought the story to life adding a gereat deal to the feeling of time it took place. I suggest it would be a great gift for anyone and to me a must read.
Brilliant! Child's-Eye Peak Into Wartime Copenhagen.......2003-10-03
Some historical nonfiction takes such a broad view as to become pallid and meaningless. Not so in this brilliant memoir, where Tveskov captures the ambiguity, evolution and the outcome of the Danish people to the German occupation during World War II.
Because this is a description by an actual participant in the history as it took place, the reader reaps the extra benefit of true emotions the events stirred. As we follow young Peter bicycling out through Copenhagen to his grandparents' house, the soldiers manning the machine guns behind the barricades are real soldiers with real orders to kill, and yet young Peter is also a real child pedaling a real bicycle through this nightmarish scene. The reader gets to experience this scene through young Peter's eyes.
Balancing the historical with the personal, even-handed in his presentation of thorny issues (such as Danish collaborators with the Germans), exceptionally easy to read for an historical work, Tvreskov offers the reader an entertaining, informative and thorough perspective on a terrible aspect of a terrible war.
Don't miss this one!
Book Description
Scientists from the 22nd century implant a micro computer chip into Hitler's brain, giving him the knowledge that will ensure he does not make the wrong decisions during the first year of the Second World War. Thus, Hitler orders total economic mobilization in 1939, and orders the production of the He178 jet fighter in 1939. Hitler orders Guderian to take Dunkirk before the British can escape to England. He sends Rommel to North Africa in June 1940 with four panzer divisions. The result--the British Empire is brought to its knees.
The Lion is Humbled is both science fiction and alternative history. Discover for yourself how easily history could have been changed by simple decisions that were not made. You will discover how the elimination of Admiral Canaris brings Spain into the war in July 1940, or how the defeat of the British at Dunkirk affects the U.S. presidential race in 1940, or how Joe Kennedy is able to bring down the Roosevelt administration.
The Lion is Humbled is the first of a series of books by Robert Blumetti's series: The Thousand Year Reich. You can now learn for yourself of the alternative future that might have been.
Customer Reviews:
The Lion is Humbled, but needs a spell checker and a proof reader.......2007-09-07
I'll admit I liked this book. The story was good and it was a fun read. However, Blumetti needs to have someone proof read his books for spelling errors. It's irritating and interrupts the flow of the story. I'm looking forward to the sequal but I hope he corrects these mistakes.
Interesting premise, but................2007-03-28
Spelling errors aside, the book is an interesting what if. Alternative History however must still behave according to the laws of thw world. The book assumes that Hitler makes the right choices at the right time, OK, so far. But when it gets to the logistics of the African Campaign it all starts to fall apart. Italian shipping was not up to the demands of supplying 4 Panzer divisions all the way to the Persian Gulf. The speed of the German advance becomes ridiculous. Even allowing for a TOTAL British collapse, to postulate that the German commanders on the ground, who don't have the 'hindsight' that Hitler now posesses, could run their troops across Egypt, The sinai, Palestine, Jorday Iraq and Kuwait in little over 4 weeks fighting two or three major battles stretches incredulity a little too far.
Will I read the next book, Yes, but hope that Mr Blumetti, applies some real world realities to his fiction.
As to the Pro-Nazi slant, I hadn't considered it, but the concentration on Churchills bad habits does paint him to be the Ultimate villain of the piece.
Very Well Written Piece of Alternative Fiction.......2007-02-22
If one is willing to suppress their moral beliefs and read this book as it is, putting spelling mistakes aside, it is a very real possibility the war could have turned out far differently. As a military historian myself who studied not only generals, weapons and leaders, but also the logistics and politics of the war itself, I can see that it would have turned out far differently if not for a few strokes of good luck for Britain and the United States. Before you criticize this book, read it and do some honest research of your own.
Take 1940 for example, the critical year of the war, where Britain stood alone, if immediately following the defeat of France, Germany and Italy had invaded the Middle East via Egypt, then the British Empire would have been brought to its knees. Many in the British Government, including a majority of the Royal Family, were in sympathy with the Fascists, as they would rather have fascism than communism in Europe.
1940 was also a critical year in the Presidential elections in the United States and if it was indeed proven that Roosevelt was pro-war, which he was, he would have not been re-elected for a third term as President. On top of that, there was an extremely strong pro-Germany, not so much pro-Nazi lobby in the United States.
Its true, that Hitler was more interested in war against communism, then eradicating democracy in Europe. Read the book he wrote, Mein Kampf. One must consider that the fascist Government came into power in Germany as a direct RESULT of the unfair peace forced on Germany in Versailles in 1919.
This book is not a pro-nazi book. Bear that in mind as you read it. I personally rather enjoyed it.
Nathaniel
The Lion Humbled?.......2007-02-12
I found this book very entertaining, but in great need of editing. The book is littered with spelling and grammatical errors which distract from the story.
The author has obviously done his homework, and portrays a very entertaining addition to the popular "alternate history" genre. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
A GREAT VISIONARY CONCEPT.......2006-10-19
Blumetti`s work of historical fiction about the Third Reich is one of the best in a long, long time. He clearly has an excellent grasp of revisionist historical perspectives. His writing and historical knowledge is lucid, imaginative and very prescient. As some of the other reviewers have noted, the work has (very unfortunately) not been professionally edited, or even spell-checked. These basic publishing failures make for a frustrating reading experience and does seriously detract from the marketability of the book. I am looking forward to a newly edited and revised edition of this work, and a continuation of the series. This 'Thousand Year Reich' series has great possibilities in the realm of fictional/alternate history, if properly done. Get with it, Robert!
Customer Reviews:
Short Succint Reference on dealing with Demonic Oppression.......2007-08-15
Corrie's books are always so inspirational and practical. This book is a collection of events in Corrie's life where she had to deal with people who had turned to the occult and were finding it difficult to seek God. Corrie minces no words, pointing out that they had turned to the Enemy and that they must repent of it and then ask God to defeat these enemies. As always, Jesus is Victor and these stories show how a Christian can put on the entire armour of God and do spiritual battle for themselves and on behalf of others.
more pamphlet than book.......2006-02-09
I'm always ministered to by Corrie Ten Boom's works, and this was no exception. It focused quite a bit on deliverance/casting out demons, a topic I don't run across as often as I used to. It seemed pretty balanced, scriptually supported, and not overly sensational, and in spite of the oddness of the topic the intimacy and anointing of her walk with the Lord still came through. It's main failing is its length. If you are needing a book on deliverance, you probably only want this one as a supplement. If you are looking for theology or personal testimonies from Corrie's life, again this book is more supplement than primary source. Knowing this ahead of time, add it to your collection if you like her writing.
Jesus is Victor!.......2000-05-30
You will enjoy this book. I have read all of Corrie's books and each one is so anointed. I came away with a closer walk with our Lord, each time I finished one of Corrie's books. Her stories are encouraging and uplifting, and offers such wisdom, from the lessons she has learned from our Lord, and people. Enjoy!
Book Description
War Stories III with free DVD included, brings to life the massive battles that finally defeated Nazi Germany--and the incredibly heroic American servicemen who saved the world from Nazi tyranny.
Customer Reviews:
Great insight into WW2.......2007-08-10
Col. North does a great job of intermixing strait facts of history with the first hand accounts of the men and women who were there. It really helps bring the historical facts to life.
I think this should be required reading for WW2 history classes, and is great reading for any history buff.
Added bonus- it comes with a great DVD.
A Must Read For WWII History.......2007-06-05
This book does, for the war in Europe, what 'War Stories II' did for the war in the Pacific. It is an excellent,complete account. Of course, the input of actual participants only enhance this great read. Don't miss reading this one.
Heroes tell their stories.......2006-07-25
Oliver North has a great affection for the men and women who fought to keep our country free. This book covers the European theater of World War II, and contains a multitude of stories told by those who fought in it. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine what these folks had to go through to defeat a very determined emeny, and those of us who are the inheritors of that legacy of freedom should always honor them. My own father was one of these people (although he died many years ago), and I thank him, and these others, every day for the life of liberty I, and my family, enjoy because of their sacrifices.
The Personal Stories of Real People.......2006-03-06
We are reaching a time when the members of the greatest generation, those that fought against the Nazi's and the Japanese are rapidly leaving us. It is good to see this series of stories from individuals who were there. By capturing their stories it may be possible for us to catch just a glimpse of what it must have been like to live when the country was more together than at any time before or since.
As with the other books in this series, this book presents a rather eclectic collection of stories. All services are represented. And the story tellers are as different as they can be. Bob Dole relates the day he was wounded with the 10th Mountain Division. One of the Tuskegee Airman relates the story of a 'colored' pilot during the war. Chuck Yeager tells of being hit by German cannon fire and the propeller of his airplane coming off.
This is a series of personal stories. It does not ahve the broad expanse of an integrated history, it's about real people.
Overivew of WWII with many personal stories of those who fought it, and a DVD.......2006-01-19
I am enthusiastic about the book and want the book read generally rather than on special merit. Why do I want the book read? Well, there is a whole rising generation for whom WWII is so old and far gone that they really know NOTHING about it. This book is a fine quick overview and quite readable. It doesn't get bogged down in the details of tactics, strategies, or troop movements.
What it does offer that is very inviting is what makes the TV show a success and is suggested by the title. It has the war stories of many individuals to flesh out the brief summaries of aspects of the war. These stories include regular soldiers, people who have since become famous like Senators (and Presidential hopefuls) Dole and McGovern, and Chuck Yeager. There are also stories from women, people who were children at the time, several women including a Russian woman who fought against the German, and a German pilot. As you can tell, these are not the political leader, the generals, or important commanders in the war. The events they participated in were not the key turning points of the war, generally. However, they help us understand how the war was experienced by some of the millions of individuals whose participation in it made the defeat of Hitler possible.
My hope is that young people will read this book and not only learn about the war, but will also become interested enough to move on to other books on World War II and American History. This material is easy to read and is far from being comprehensive or complete, but it does tell its stories well and can be the springboard to something more.
The book also comes with a DVD with three of the episodes of the TV show that inspired this book. Several of the stories in the book are included on the DVD. So, maybe the DVD will spark someone to then read the book.
Book Description
In the summer of 1972, with a presidential crisis stirring in the United States and the cold war at a pivotal point, the Soviet world chess champion, Boris Spassky,and his American challenger, Bobby Fischer, met in Reykjavik, Iceland, for the most notorious chess match of all time. Their showdown, played against the backdrop of superpower politics, held the world spellbound for two months with reports of psychological warfare, ultimatums, political intrigue, cliffhangers, and farce to rival a Marx Brothers film. Thirty years later, David Edmonds and John Eidinow have set out to reexamine the story we recollect as the quintessential cold war clash between a lone American star and the Soviet chess machine. A mesmerizing narrative of brilliance and triumph, hubris and despair,
Bobby Fischer Goes to War is a biting deconstruction of the Bobby Fischer myth, a nuanced study on the art of brinkmanship, and a revelatory cold war tragicomedy.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
Customer Reviews:
A brilliant work of excellence!.......2007-04-06
This is the 2nd book I read by these 2 prize-winning journalists and authors and I praise this work once again as a brilliant tour of famous chess match between Spassky and Fischer!
The book has multiple focuses. While the matches themselves are not described in stark detail, the atmosphere around is. Included in this are brief biographies of these 2 chess superstars, pre-match and post-match reactions as well as its influence and possible involvement in the Cold War.
In it, one discovers the passive, gentle and cordial personality of Spassky - a gentlemanly figure, in contrast to a demanding, bad-boy personality, yet a prodigy, of Bobby Fischer. The book recounts all the relevant events prior to this championship in Iceland in 1972, as well as reactions to it afterward. While there is some allusion to the matches themselves, as well as precise moves and brief analysis, the book in no way targets chess players as their primary readers. The book is targeted for anyone interested in history, particularly one having to do with chess and Cold War.
The book is a real page turner and hard to put down. The style has a fast pace to it, yet thorough enough to capture even minute details. Overall, a great read for anyone and I highly recommend it!
If not for the Cold War, many Americans might have rooted for Spassky.......2007-03-31
And some did, anyway!
Learn why, in this great combination biography of Fischer, biography of Spassky, and analysis of the 1972 showdown in Iceland.
To take an analogy from the same year, this was like the Soviet-US basketball showdown at the Munich Olympics.
And, while the chess championship wasn't rigged, due to his own and his camp's incessant hectoring, especially in getting Game 3 moved to a back room, Fischer was probably dissuaded from walking out from the match.
As it was, he lost Game 1, forfeited Game 2, then roared back to score over half the remaning points scored, losing only once, while winning 9 and drawing 7.
It's probably the most impressive display of chess ever, culminating from a start of Fischer "sweeping" the first two matches in the Candidates' series to earn the right to face Spassky.
Then you have Spassky, who considered himself a Russian first, a Soviet second, and wasn't on perfect terms with the Soviet sports hierarch. A Spassky who was pretty much a "normal" human compared to the average populace and definitely to Fischer.
And, that's the other good part. Briefly but precisely, the authors sketch Fischer's development from childhood, and even spring new evidence about who was actually his biological father.
If you want to learn more both about the contestants and the importance of this match, read this book.
Outstanding book........2007-02-03
Is it possible to make a book about chess that is a gripping read? Even for a reader not that familiar with, or interested in, the game itself? This book answers with an emphatic "Yes".
I was 16 in 1972, an avid (though very mediocre) chess player, and a very close observer of the events recounted in this book. The authors do not exaggerate the importance that this match took on the world stage. Fischer's victory was indeed viewed as a great triumph in the US, on a par with the 1980 Olympic hockey "miracle on ice". But it has taken the passage of time to put everything in perspective. Fischer was a brilliant player, maybe the best of all time; but his antics that were then viewed as idiosyncracies, as the spoiled behavior of the prima donna sportsman, can now -- in view of his behavior of the last 30 years -- be seen as the early signs of absolute craziness (pardon the layman's term, I'm not a psychologist). The guy was, in a word, nuts.
A story of triumph and tragedy, and very well told -- it makes for a completely absorbing read.
Coffee, Chess and Politics .......2007-01-24
I was in a coffee shop last weekend when I noticed two men playing Chess near the cream and sugar counter. A small but intent group had huddled around their table quite captivated by the game. Memories of Bobby Fischer came to mind. I also watched the game for a while and then decided to visit my local bookstore and just by happenstance I saw "Bobby Fischer Goes to War" and picked up a copy. It is very interesting reading. Bobby Fischer's 1972 match with the Soviet Boris Spassky held in Reykjavik, Iceland is legendary. Spassky, the world chess champion, certainly seemed the gentleman and Fisher was billed as the young Chess prodigy. To me Chess was always a game played by elitists or other higher order members of the social ladder. In reality that is truly not the case. If there is anything elite about the game or those who play it, it is the social refinement that one takes away from the chess board. There is a certain amount of respect that one experiences and earns that should be used in a higher order of one's conduct as a person. From this book Spassky seems to fit that picture, but Bobby Fischer is anything but. Fischer had a deep intuitive intellect for the game but his social upbringing and behavior seemed rather crude and almost not worthy of the game. His behavior during the match seems embarrassing and nothing honorable as demonstrated by Spassky. Fischer seems to have learned none of finer aspects of being a participant and journeyman of the game. This is a good book and brings many avenues of thought ion this history making Chess match.
"Our story is in essence a tragedy".......2006-12-23
Fischer/Spassky was a seminal event of my childhood. I was 10 going on 11 at the time. It's tough to explain to people today how the whole event held everyone in its spell. This retrospective look at the event and its implications is a great piece of journalism by writers David Edmonds and John Eidinow. Of course, they had no cooperation from the famously vituperative Fischer. Spassky - the perfect gentleman as always - was obviously inordinately helpful in piecing together the story.
I think the best line summing up the tenor of the book is by lyricist Tim Rice, who based his muscial 'Chess' partly on Fischer/Spassky. Rice says "The good guy was the Russian who was meant to be the bad guy, and the bad guy was the American, who was meant to be the good guy. It was all very confusing and a perfect illustration of how politics creeps into everything."
Edmonds and Eidinow summarize things perfectly: "Boris Spassky went to Reykjavik to celebrate chess. Bobby Fischer went to fight. His version of the match triumphed." For this reason, the authors declare that "our story is in essence a tragedy." Read their fine work, and you'll surely agree with this assessment.
Average customer rating:
- The soul of a new chess player
- A really good read...
- Very good book.
- The soul of a new chess player
- A thoroughly engaging and candid account
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Behind Deep Blue: Building the Computer that Defeated the World Chess Champion
Feng-Hsiung Hsu
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0691090653 |
Book Description
On May 11, 1997, as millions worldwide watched a stunning victory unfold on television, a machine shocked the chess world by defeating the defending world champion, Garry Kasparov. Written by the man who started the adventure, Behind Deep Blue reveals the inside story of what happened behind the scenes at the two historic Deep Blue vs. Kasparov matches. This is also the story behind the quest to create the mother of all chess machines. The book unveils how a modest student project eventually produced a multimillion dollar supercomputer, from the development of the scientific ideas through technical setbacks, rivalry in the race to develop the ultimate chess machine, and wild controversies to the final triumph over the world's greatest human player.
In nontechnical, conversational prose, Feng-hsiung Hsu, the system architect of Deep Blue, tells us how he and a small team of fellow researchers forged ahead at IBM with a project they'd begun as students at Carnegie Mellon in the mid-1980s: the search for one of the oldest holy grails in artificial intelligence--a machine that could beat any human chess player in a bona fide match. Back in 1949 science had conceived the foundations of modern chess computers but not until almost fifty years later--until Deep Blue--would the quest be realized.
Hsu refutes Kasparov's controversial claim that only human intervention could have allowed Deep Blue to make its decisive, "uncomputerlike" moves. In riveting detail he describes the heightening tension in this war of brains and nerves, the "smoldering fire" in Kasparov's eyes. Behind Deep Blue is not just another tale of man versus machine. This fascinating book tells us how man as genius was given an ultimate, unforgettable run for his mind, no, not by the genius of a computer, but of man as toolmaker.
Customer Reviews:
The soul of a new chess player.......2007-03-25
Feng-Hsiung Hsu's story will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Tracy Kidder's Soul of a New Machine or Steven Levy's Hackers. The book captures the thrills and spills of an intellectual steeplechase. Along the way, it reveals the inner workings of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. It's a great read. Feng-Hsiung Hsu, if you're reading this and you ever find yourself in Hortonville, Wisconsin, the first cup of coffee is on me.
A really good read..........2006-04-19
Behind Deep Blue was written by the man who lead the research and development team which created the chess computer that beat the World Chess Champion, Gary Kasparov. Hsu tells a lot of fascinating stories about his involvement with IBM, academia and the world of computer-vs-computer chess tournaments. It never got too bogged down in computer or chess jargon.
Some interesting things concerning the identity of Deep Blue (or computers in general) emerge from Hsu's story. Hsu speaks of his computers' identities in ways which facilitate his sportsmanship. So for instance, almost every time one of Hsu's computers loses a game it is retrospectively explained by reminding the reader that the computer had been regrettably forced to play when it still needed a few more weeks of software or hardware tweaking. It never lost because it was an inferior machine - it lost because its superiority could not manifest because its update/debugging had been interrupted by the tournament schedule. As the book makes clear, Hsu's computers were continuously undergoing relentless tweaking, providing Hsu with this excuse every single time one lost. This may be par for the course when diagnosing machines - since any sub-desired performance which can be corrected can, therefore, be "explained" as the unfortunate consequence of the machine's present uncorrected state. For humans it's different. When I lose a foot-race I can't say, "Well the only reason I lost is because this race was scheduled a few years before my training made me fast enough to win it."
Another fascinating element of the book is Hsu's recounting of Deep Blue's now-famous rejection of 36. Qb6 in game two against Kasparov in the 1997 match. Kasparov broadly hinted that the computer's decision not to move that way was a human decision - implying that the IBM team had cheated. Hsu's defense of Deep Blue is convincing. But there is raised an interesting point regarding computer intelligence. If Deep Blue did in fact choose to avoid 36. Qb6 without human intervention then Kasparov's heartfelt identification of the move as cheating has Deep Blue passing a simple version of a Turing Test.
Very good book........2005-12-07
I have prurchased this book to improve my english language.
Yhe same talks about two subjects that I know: computers and chess.
It was a good surprise read this enjoyable work which offers information, stories and knowledge.
The author explains very clear the roots of Deep Blue and reflects the environment of Top chess.
Read it!
The soul of a new chess player.......2005-06-02
Feng-Hsiung Hsu's story will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Tracy Kidder's Soul of a New Machine or Steven Levy's Hackers. The book captures the thrills and spills of an intellectual steeplechase. Along the way, it reveals the inner workings of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. It's a great read. Feng-Hsiung Hsu, if you're reading this and you ever find yourself in Hortonville, Wisconsin, the first cup of coffee is on me.
A thoroughly engaging and candid account.......2004-11-09
Taiwanese-born Feng-Hsiung Hsu has written a most engaging and readable account of how Deep Blue came to be, and how it defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in perhaps the greatest chess match of all time. I say "perhaps" because there are many who still consider the 1972 encounter at Reykjavik, Iceland between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky to be the greatest match ever. One thing both matches had in common, in addition to a worldwide audience, is two deeply suspicious and idiosyncratic geniuses, Kasparov and Fischer.
However, while Fischer's triumph rejuvenated interest in chess, especially in the US, Kasparov's defeat, many fear, may have rung the death knell for the ancient game. Before Deep Blue's victory, it was easy to imagine that the human mind was light-years ahead of any artificial intelligence. After Kasparov slunk off mumbling vague charges of human intervention ("cheating"), it became necessary to face the possibility that machine intelligence was on its way to exceeding that of humans.
But what did the match really prove? According to Hsu himself, the triumph of Deep Blue "might be the more important human achievement when all was said and done." (p. 256) By a "more important human achievement," he means, more important than the one that would have been Kasparov's had he won.
This I think is the crux of the matter. Deep Blue, an IBM computer of enormous power, is the product of human minds and human engineering. Look at it this way: as computers become more and more powerful and their algorithms become more and more sophisticated, there will be no thought at all that a human might compete with them at chess. It would be like expecting the world's fastest human to beat a motor car in a race. Or for the world's best human calculator to add numbers faster than a personal computer.
In a deeper sense what was destroyed by this match was not human intellectual superiority but the delusion that somehow a board game--even the greatest board game ever invented--is a true measure of human intelligence. Quite simply, the ability to play chess at the highest level is only one talent, similar to (but different from) the ability to play the violin or to run fast. More significant is the greater human ability to conceive and build a machine that does something better than humans can do themselves.
Hsu's account includes a lot of information about his personal adventures in academia and the corporate structure, including rivalries with others in the race to build the ultimate chess-playing computer. He is candid, and self-revelatory to a surprising degree, and it is this candor that helps to make this a fascinating read, not only for computer specialists and chess players, but for anyone interested in how the human competitive spirit works. His portrait of Garry Kasparov--perhaps the strongest chess player of all time--captures the arrogant, suspicious genius at his most human and makes it clear how he came to lose a match he fully expected to win.
Ah, the match itself! The book includes the moves of the games in an appendix, but one can readily see that the match turned on two very strange decisions by the hitherto nearly invincible Kasparov. Strange to say, it appears that Kasparov lost the match mainly because of poor psychological decisions. In game two, believing that he was lost, mainly because he believed that the computer would not have made the move it had made had there been a perpetual check available to the human player that would have drawn the game, Kasparov resigned. However, the machine had erred, and there was a way to draw the game. Against a human opponent, I believe that Kasparov would have closely investigated that line and found the drawing resource.
In the final game again Kasparov made a decision based on what he thought was the nature of the way computers play chess. He allowed a sacrificial line as Black in the Caro-Kahn Defense, a line that he believed Deep Blue would never play since computers are notoriously bad at figuring out how to conduct a complicated attack. Indeed, commercial chess software for PCs typically exclude this line from their opening repertoire so as not to burden the program! So Kasparov thought in playing 7... h6 that Deep Blue would retreat its knight giving Kasparov easy equality. Instead Deep Blue plunged in with 8. Nxe6! Eleven moves later Kasparov resigned--easily one of the quickest defeats of his career.
So, with better decisions, based on sound chess and NOT on mistaken preconceptions about Deep Blue's prowess, Kasparov might have won the match. However, the irony is that it is unlikely that there ever will be another match between the world chess champion and a machine simply because Kasparov and the whole chess world know that the ultimate victory of machine over man, in the arcane test of will and calculation that is chess, is inevitable. But what we also know is that it doesn't matter. We still hold races between humans even though our machines can easily out distant them. And humans will continue to play chess even though they would have no chance against a computer because chess is first and foremost a human sporting event, a test of mental strength and skill much as a boxing match is a test of physical strength and skill.
Product Description
The year is 2271. Jonathon Quinn, decorated war hero and captain of the flagship ICS Intimidator, has been ordered to oversee Operation Giant Leap, mankinds latest attempt to shatter the technological barriers of interstellar travel. Scientists at the lunar research facility manage to create a cosmic wormhole into the Polaris System, only to make a shocking discovery. But in a universe where all is not as it seems, discovery often proves deadly. A catastrophic accident triggers a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the Solar System, provoking an ancient darkness that stalks among the stars. Mankind is plunged into chaos. Jonathon, plagued by rising casualties, begins having induced nightmares that foreshadow the enemys fierce appetite for destruction. Did the scientists grave mistake trigger the war, or would the darkness have been set in motion anyway? The answer brings Jonathon face-to-face with his own extraordinary destiny, which he must accept if he is to have any hope of altering the dire fate of all humanity.
Customer Reviews:
An exciting and uniquely creative work of science fiction.......2007-08-10
It's 2271, and Jonathon Quinn is having a bad day - and I mean a bad day of intergalactic proportions. It was supposed to be a banner day in the history of Earth and the Intrastellar Coalition of Planets, the day that Operation Giant Leap opened up the entire universe for travel and exploration. As captain of the ICS Intimidator, the fleet's flagship, Quinn was there to oversee the operation as scientists on the lunar base created a wormhole and launched a probe through it to get their first close-up look at a world millions of light years away (they had already solved the problem of communication across untold light years of distance). Not only did the wormhole work, providing all concerned with a glimpse into the distant Polaris system, it revealed the undeniable existence of an alien civilization. Before any kind of true first contact could be made, however, the wormhole began fluctuating, the head scientist pushed his luck, and then, suddenly - disaster. And I do mean disaster in every sense of the word. And, while it's not Quinn's fault per se, guilt hits him like a ton of bricks. Then, when things can't possibly get any worse, the full scope of the disaster is made clear. The devastating consequences of the accident on this side of the wormhole, as terrible as they are, do not even begin to compare to the tragedy experienced on the other side.
Within hours, the reeling forces of the Intrastellar Coalition of Planets find themselves at war with a vastly superior alien force. And so begins one of the most thorough and complete ass kickings any futuristic Earth has ever taken. The alien technology and firepower allows the new enemy to cut through Earth's forces like a hot knife through butter. Author S.D. McKee gives the Earth forces some rather ingenious weapons, such as a solar laser that stores up energy from the sun and then unleashes it in a most deadly form, but nothing can stop the onslaught of the alien forces. Even as the fleet is crippled and Earth itself under full attack, the worst is yet to come - but only Jonathon Quinn knows it. For reasons he can't comprehend, an alien presence has established some kind of mental link with his own mind, sending him dream-like visions of the horrors to come and warning him of the approaching Darkness.
McKee really lets his imagination run wild with the alien technology, giving readers some of the most memorable space ships ever dreamed of. Not only are the alien starships huge, they seem to be made of some type of organic material. Black shadows roil across their dark surfaces in the most chilling of manners, and they sport huge talons and Medusa-like tentacles all over their surfaces. They prove just as impressive in action as they do in appearance, making for some thrilling scenes of military warfare in space.
There are many likeable characters scattered throughout this story, but don't expect Jonathon's crew to follow the protocol of Starfleet. No crewman ever responded to an order from Captain Kirk by asking if he was nuts, and Kirk never slept with one of his officers. Let's just say that there is a lot of informality among the crew of the ICS Invincible. In one sense, this is a weakness, but in another sense it makes the main characters much more likeable and approachable to the reader.
Toward the end, though, a major shift in the story takes place. Personally, I wasn't all that enthused about this new direction, as I think it takes away from the integrity of the story somewhat. It certainly does set the stage for the next entry in the Darkness Among the Stars series, though, and I still plan on following the storyline along through future installments. As a reader, I have no right to dictate my own terms to the writer, and there's no reason to think that other readers will react the same way I did to events as they unfold.
The bottom line, though, is that Defeated is a really engaging work of science fiction, and I really enjoyed reading it. S.D. McKee has a very creative imagination that serves him well in this particular genre, and his ability to create characters readers like and care about should serve him well as this particular series progresses. There is every reason to believe that McKee has quite a successful science fiction career in front of him.
It left me wanting MORE!.......2007-07-11
"Darkness Among the Stars" is a fitting title for the beginning of what will be a hugely successful series. The author cleverly begins the book in somewhat familiar environments to permit the reader's entrance into a completely original, unpredictable, and imaginative story.
To say this story is dark is an understatement. When finished reading, I was glad that the book is fiction because of the awesome, crushing forces that are used against our planet. I couldn't have imagined what I read but I could believe it. I like this book and recommend it.
This book left me wanting MORE! I regularly check the author's website for a glimpse at the next installment; nothing there yet, but I'm patient.
A Dark Sci-fi Adventure .......2007-05-08
Defeated is a dark Sci-fi adventure with plenty of twists and plot turns (though initially the story deceptively seems predictable). When you couldn't think it could get worse for the human race, invariably it does. But out of the darkness a true hero emerges and an unexpected turn of events that sets the human race on a path that changes their outcome forever.
The author does well in describing this alternate future of the human race. The battle sequences are intense and the confrontations within are compelling. The story could stand alone by itself, but Defeated is part of what looks to be a great series and I, for one, am looking forward to the sequel.
Save your money, buy something else........2007-05-06
I honestly tried to finish reading Defeated so that I could write an objective review. But about two-thirds of the way through, I asked, why am I punishing myself? The book immediately went into my recycle bin.
I love sci-fi, and especially space opera. Quite possibly, that is why I was so disappointed. The characters are shallow, clichéd and absurd. The general commanding Earth's defenses chooses to lead by example and commands a SQUAD in the invasion of Earth. The plot is predictable. The writing style is that of a high school essay.
I wish Mr. McKee the best of luck in his future efforts, but his first leaves a lot to be desired.
Good debut novel.......2006-06-12
I ordered this book as part of a package deal and ended up liking it a lot.
It's got a lot of surprises, some humor, great military action, and it's sci-fi. What more could you ask for?
Book Description
Always have a door in your wickiup.
Learn to fight a tree.
Go to war to win.
These are just some of the 100 invaluable leadership lessons you'll learn in this book, based on the life of the brilliant Apache leader, Geronimo. The amazing exploits of this military genius made him an unforgettable Western legend and the most feared warrior in American history. But this book isn't just for history buffs; it is for entrepreneurs and small business owners dedicated to learning--and remembering--important leadership principles.
It's no accident that the word "chief" in CEO is the very same word used to identify the leader of Native American Indian tribes. The Leadership Teachings of Geronimo effectively and vividly links the modern executive to the David-versus-Goliath strategies of the greatest chief of all time. Using episodes from Geronimo's life as a child, young man and mature warrior, the author shows how you can beat the competition and secure victory, no matter what the odds. An invaluable guide for everyone who wants to get ahead in business.
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- Siegfried Line 1944-45: Battles on the German frontier (Campaign)
- Sisters
- Social Problems: Readings with Four Questions (Wadsworth Sociology Reader)
- Stealing the Network: How to Own a Shadow (Stealing the Network) (Stealing the Network)
- Stick Control for the Snare Drummer
- Stop Sitting on Your Assets: How to Safely Leverage the Equity Trapped in Your Home and Transform It Into a Constant Flow of Wealth and Security
- Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
- Subaru Legacy, 1990-1999: Includes Legacy Outback and Legacy Brighton (Haynes Manuals)
Books Index
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