The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the "Magic City"

Book Description

Lavish, beautifully-produced book and tarot deck evoking the rich imagery of the Magic City. Composed from thousands of original photographs of the art and architecture of Prague, each gorgeous image on the 78 cards is a stunning, original collage. For both tarot novices and experts, the accompanying 300-page book gives in-depth guidance to using this gorgeous Tarot, with * interpretations and explanations of each card's symbols * links with traditional Tarot symbols * how to use the deck for cartomantic readings * how to make short, interpretive Tarot readings * keywords to help readings emerge quickly Note: Deck is also available separately, packaged with informative booklet.

Customer Reviews:

Playground for your imagination.......2007-09-03

I gave this tarot set as a gift to a friend, and she and I have both been enjoying giving each other readings with it. The colors are very rich and it is a beautiful set overall. Even though some other reviews didn't recommend it for a first tarot deck, my friend seems to like it, and it is her first. I like seeing images from the city of Prague. Would probably mean even more to someone who has actually been there.

A Tarot Dedicated to the Magic City.......2007-01-09

"We designed the Tarot of Prague to be a vibrant expression of the city. The images are collaged from thousands of original photographs of the streets and houses, the murals and statues, manuscripts and drawings, and even from the games that make up Prague's rich visual treasury." - From the Booklet

In some ways, I'm working my way backwards when it comes to the richly produced art of baba studio. To my knowledge, I own every deck and book created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, having reviewed most of them. However, it wasn't until now that I began to work with The Tarot of Prague, baba studio's signature deck that is so beloved in the Tarot community. (In fact, this deck was recently used in an episode of the TV show Ghost Whisperer!)

I don't have the Tarot of Prague kit, just the small box with the L(ittle) W(hite) B(ook), so that's what I'll be reviewing. The Tarot of Prague follows the Rider Waite Smith system, although the Majors aren't numbered, and there's an extra Majors card: Prudence. The upper left hand of the cards depict the number or letter (in the case of Aces and the Courts), with a golden Cup, Sword, Wand, or 5-pointed Star (Pentacle) in the lower right hand corner. Matte-finished cards measure approximately 5"x 3", with card backings depicting an intricate assemblage of graphite hued scrollwork, birds, candelabras, and humans representing the four elements. At first glance, the backings appear reversible, but upon closer inspection, they are not. However, if you're not looking too closely, you probably won't notice during the shuffling process.

The 32-page LWB gives a brief overview of Tarot history, as well as learning and reading the cards. Also provided is a good overview of the general meanings of the numbers and Court Cards (e.g. Pages often indicate exploration, study, enthusiasm, risk-taking beginnings, news, and messages, while the number two often deals with issues of union, balance, decisions, and dealing with emotional forces.) A few spreads are shared, including the Celtic Cross and a specially created 5-card Prague "Threshold" spread. Upright keywords are given for all the cards, but the Majors are given more attention with a brief explanation. Karen gives a great overview of each of the suits/elements, including the positive and negative sides of each expression.

Aesthetically speaking, The Tarot of Prague didn't appeal to me at first. In fact, I still have mixed feelings about the mish-mashed media used for the cards, especially some of the cartoon-like images paired with gorgeous photography. If it were a photo-only collaged deck, like the Tarot de Paris, I think I'd appreciate it more.

Because of this initial lack of resonance, I had my doubts about how The Tarot of Prague would read for me. However, I'm happy to please that I just did a 3-card Body, Emotions, Spirit spread and it was quite clear, surprising, and accurate! I had just finished walking over a mile on the treadmill, and was feeling energetic, centered, and clear-minded. I drew the 4 of Cups, 3 of Cups, and Ace of Cups for my spread, and, admittedly, the 4 of Cups in the Body position threw me. I had expected a "fiery" card to represent the fat-burning engine that had just been stoked (LOL)--a card like The Sun or the Ace of Wands. What in the world was the card of "boredom" doing in that position?! So I went to the LWB, and to my surprise, it mentioned "withdrawal from excesses" as one of the possible meanings. How uncanny! You see, I had began a (mostly) low-fat diet back in August, and have lost over 30 pounds so far. One of the things I noticed is that food preference seems to be a habit of sorts, because I no longer craved high-fat foods; in fact, they didn't even appeal to me! So my body was, indeed, on a "withdrawal" from excess fat--in a good way!

The 3 of Cups reflected the emotional "high" I had felt towards the end of my workout (hello endorphins!), as well as my desire to make it to the 2007 Readers Studio in NYC in April. In my spiritual practice, I had been (trying) to work on cultivating compassion and such, so the Ace of Cups in the Spirit position spoke several meaningful messages to me.

So while I didn't immediately connect with the images of the Tarot of Prague, it is proving to be a unique, incisive, accurate deck. Incidentally, the same thing happened with baba studio's Victorian Romantic Tarot; I ABHORRED the artwork (originally) and now it is one of my favorite personal decks for my Card-a-Day readings and journaling. Honestly, there's just something special about Team Karen and Alex!

If you're enamored with The Magic City, fans of baba studio, or enjoy (seamlessly) collaged decks, you'll likely enjoy The Tarot of Prague. I don't think it's the best deck for beginners (try baba studio's Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot or The Victorian Romantic Tarot if you're just starting out), but it's a wonderful addition for deck collectors and Tarot readers.

(To see 10 images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

For the collector.......2006-08-19

I was pleasantly surprised with this set. The cards have an unusual storage box, which is like a small book binding that ties with cord. Mine was also signed and numbered by artist and author.
The only flaw I find with this tarot is the quality of the paper in the handbook. Its unique style and beauty still makes it a wonderful purchase, a real find for the collector.

A Magic Deck worthy of a Magic City.......2006-01-10

I waited a long time before I bought this deck. I spent my childhood in the Czech republic, an hour's train ride from Prague, and my heart still knows this city well. I was afraid this deck would not do justice to my memories. Now, having owned and used these cards for close to a year, I wish I had ordered them sooner. This is the one deck I was always searching for, through many years and deck after deck, and all the numerous others I own now pale in comparison.

Anyone who knows Prague also knows that she is a city of many layers and a rich and unique history. These cards capture her essence perfectly. Each card is a story that can easily be taken singly, in a one-card reading, or, just as easily, woven together with the others in the greater context of a multi-card spread. The deck is based on the structure of the Rider Waite but is deffinitely not just a simple clone. The images, while generally following in Waite's footsteps, are rich in their own symbolism and allow for new insights. I myself have used this deck exclusively since I got it and it has never failed me. On the contrary, the more I use it, the more depth I see in it.

I love the paper the cards are printed on: comfortable and easy in the hand, the cards aren't as glossy as the more commercially spawned decks but have a subtle and unique sheen to them. I also love the images themselves: layer upon layer, seamlessly brought together, minors just as rich as the majors. On some cards, the colours are subtle and ethereal and easy to meditate on. On others they are so vibrant that the images seem to be kinetic. These cards deffinitely have their own soul and personality. They are what Prague is: real, earthy, gilded, magical, and hard to pin down.

The accompanying book is excellent. It offers wise and thoughtful interpretations of each card, clearly demonstrating the author's familiarity with the tarot. And again, while grounded in the Waite tradition, the interpretations move beyond Waite to apply to this current age we live in. Further, the book not only gives numerous anecdotes about the city, but also enough background information about the actual place portrayed in each image to allow even those unfamiliar with Prague to feel at home. I've shown these cards to many people, none of whom know Prague as I do, yet they were all just as taken by it as I was. Truly, this deck is more than an art deck. Yes, it is pleasure to look at. But it is also a pleasure to read with and a very worthy tribute to one of the great cities of the world.

A Stunner.......2005-11-20

Well, I thought the Dali deck was the end-all-be-all.
As a tarot pro, I have just about 100 decks, many of which are rare and discontinued, limited editions, numbered and limited editions. Of all the "collage" type decks, heck, of all the decks I've seen commercially produced so far- this one is a gem. The packaging is superior...U.S. Games came to bat with the Golden Tarot by Kat Black (a magnificent deck and U.S.Games' saving grace). However, The Prague Tarot surpasses all packaging standards. I loved it so much, I bought two signed/numbered editions, one I opened and one is still shrink wrapped. This deck follows the Rider/Waite/Smith tradition, but it's one of a kind quality is a joy. Every thing about this deck is top notch. This is a collector's dream deck; I would never read these cards...I would only break it out for company...and then back into its hiding place it goes, before someone spills their Gamay Beaujolais all over it! :)

Book Description

Stimulate a youngster's creativity and imagination with these sturdy, brightly-colored stencils. Children learn to identify basic shapes and their variations as they trace and color 6 figures: oval, diamond, hexagon, interlocking circles, 8-pointed star, and Swiss cross.

Average customer rating:
Eva Rubinstein
Eva Rubinstein
Manufacturer: Morgan & Morgan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0871000849

Average customer rating:
Eva Rubinstein.
Sean, preface Kernan
Manufacturer: Dobbs Ferry: Morgan & Morgan (1974)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RO48N4

Book Description

On the surface, the world looks much like our own. The same people walk the same dirty streets. The same animals rummage in the same garbage. The same mindless reality-shows are on the same television stations. Yet something is not right... The public only sees the facade covering the truth, the veil hiding the machinations of alien invaders, conspiratorial plots, and supernatural horrors. In Conspiracy X, players take the roles of government officials, civilians, researchers, FBI agents, CIA spies, NSA code breakers, and more. All connected as part of a grand conspiratorial organization called Aegis, formed in the aftermath of the Roswell crash, they are the last defense against alien invaders, subversive agencies, and paranormal terrors. Conspiracy X 2.0 is a complete role playing game. In this book, you will find: A gritty yet fantastic conspiratorial setting, updated to the present day. Character creation for movers-and-shakers, the operatives who pull the strings of modern society. Cell creation rules, allowing teams to access covert op gadgetry, alien technology, orbital gunstars, black helicopters, magic vans, and much more. Full exposition of the Unisystem, a universal game mechanic fully compatible with CJ Carella's Witchcraft, Armageddon, All Flesh Must Be Eaten, and Terra Primate, allowing hard-core realism or high velocity cinematic action. Background information on Aegis, the history of the paranormal and the conspiracies that surround us, as well as details on the supernatural and alien threats to humanity. An introduction to powerful psychic abilities, ritualistic magic use, and cinematic martial arts. Conversion rules for easy adaptation to and from the original Conspiracy X game system.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-04-30

I've been playing Conspiracy X since it first came out (I think) in 1996. If you're a fan of The X-Files, this is the rpg for you. Dark conspiracies, government coverups and an impending alien invasion makes for a great setting. I've found that this is one of the easiest rpg's to play, as it encourages great roleplaying.

The new book is a great improvement over the first edition, and the Unisystem is a good set of rules. The quality of this product is top notch in all aspects.

A great setting, somewhat hampered by layout.......2006-10-11

I bought the original Conspiracy X book several years ago and greatly enjoyed the backstory, which details a decades-long battle between two super-secret United States shadow organizations, called Aegis and the National Defense Directorate.

This book has it all: three races of aliens, cryptozoology, psychic, and supernatural phenomena, all lovingly detailed against the backdrop of recent US history.

This playing of the new system (Unisystem) is hampered by the layout, however. There are a lot of rules which are in seemingly random places, and this results in a lot of flipping back and forth in the middle of a game session.

The art is hit-or-miss, but the nice binding, cover art, and compact size are a plus. I still can't wait to see what hte next book in the series, the alien sourcebook, brings.

Average customer rating:

I bought this as a gift

The first half of the book is wonderful! ....But.

Cinema Treasures

Cinema Treasures

Beautiful and well-written book.

Cinema Treasures: A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters
Ross Melnick , and Andreas Fuchs
Manufacturer: MBI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Americana | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Home & Garden Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Movie Palaces (Architecture and Film, 1)

The Show Starts on the Sidewalk: An Architectural History of the Movie Theatre, Starring S. Charles Lee

Theaters (A Norton/Library of Congress Visual Sourcebook)

Theatres of San Francisco (CA) (Images of America)

The Last Remaining Seats: Movie Palaces Of Tinseltown (Architecture and Film)

ASIN: 0760314926

Book Description

Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs. In this stunningly illustrated book, film industry insiders Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs take readers from the nickelodeon to the megaplex and show how changes in moviemaking and political, social, and technological forces have influenced the way we see movies.

Customer Reviews:

I bought this as a gift.......2007-05-14

I bought this book as a gift for a movie buff. He LOVED it, and read every page. I read some of it, and enjoyed it, too.

The first half of the book is wonderful! ....But........2006-09-27

The first half of the book was very enjoyable, well researched and beautifully illustrated but they should have ended it there. The rest of the book goes on to describe multi-plexes, drive-in theatres and barf bags! Who wants to remember that? The title of the book gives you the impression that it's going to be a nostalgic look at the golden age of movie palaces so it's a bit deceiving.

Cinema Treasures.......2006-02-26

Good information on classic movie theatres, however the standout is the many high quality pictures, with a number going over the page size of ten and a half by twelve and a half inches.
The photos nicely depict the glorious days of early America.

Cinema Treasures.......2005-08-02

this is an invaluable reference book, not just another coffee table one. The author has excelled in his information

Beautiful and well-written book........2004-12-03

As the other lengthy reviews have noted, this is a very impressive addition to the world of movie palace research. The book has a beautiful cover, strong binding, and is printed on high-quality paper. This book should last a lifetime. And it is very well written. These authors know their subject.

My only complaint is the authors' choices regarding the theatres they chose to highlight. Obviously, they couldn't possibly please everyone, but there are some magnificent palaces still in existence that they chose to ignore in favor of some rather modest and relatively plain buildings. I thought for sure I'd find the Coronado in Rockford IL, or the Palace in Louisville KY, or the Majestic in San Antonio TX, to name just a few. Perhaps they only selected theatres whose main function is still the presentation of movies. That criterion, unfortunately, excludes a number of great movie palaces still standing for other reasons.

Regardless, this is an excellent book and should be purchased by anyone interested in theatre architecture. I wish some of the previous books on movie palaces were as well written and edited as this one.

Book Description

Colvin's novel follows the renaissance dream of Arcadia to its horrific distruction, in this novel about Monteverdi and the Dukes Of Gonzaga.

Customer Reviews:

The Gonzagas are Masked.......2007-05-19

This book is heavy on romance and light on history. I found it disappointingly shallow. The reader does come away with a picture of aristocratic life at that time (assuming every aristocrat lived on the Gonzaga level). I expected a history of the Gonzaga family, but this book focuses on Francisco in the middle of the line with brief reference to those before and following.

gripping.......2001-02-27

The Dutch translation, which I read, was very gripping. And between the beaty and the abundance, there is a lesson to learn. Splendour will die and new splendour will emerge. All that lasts for the player are his memories.

In fact, the subject of the book is a memory of a beatiful past, and the historical facts are well treated.

A lavish tale of music love and loss.......2000-06-21

I cannot recommend Clare Colvin's beautiful story highly enough. Right from the opening chapter the reader is drawn into and involved in the opulent world of the Gonzaga dynasty, from it's magnificent heyday through to its saddening demise. The telling of this tale is as opulent at the setting; Colvin's lyrical style brings all of the players to life, and the reader joins their journey through the lush residences, throughout the numerous carnivals and also onto the battlefields. I am enriched by this read and thank Ms Colvin for the experience.

Book Description

Nin is a young first-time mom, excited, but uncertain about the adventure she faces. She writes to her deceased mother's best friend, Kathe, a professional in the field of child development. Kathe writes back with warmth and wisdom, and so begins an ongoing dialogue about childcare, young motherhood, womanhood, feminism, family, and much more. As the baby grows, Nin grows with him. Guided by Kathe's insight, she experiences and understands baby blues, colic, toilet training, first steps and first words, the terrible twos, and preschool. We also follow Nin's own progress as a young woman struggling to maintain her individuality while she devotes herself to mothering.

Customer Reviews:

A great read and a great help--.......2001-03-17

Letters from Nin is a juicy exchange between a young woman and her surrogate mother, about love, loss, family secrets, and the gossipy goings-on in a midwestern town. It's a delightful novel, but also a wonderful how-to book: Nin is trying to raise adorable Max, her first baby, and Kathe, the grandmother-substitute (and child therapist) comes up with all sorts of useful advice as Max grows out of infancy into toddlerdom and beyond. There's also another sort of how-to in the book as Nin, an artist, grapples with a central feminist issue, the struggle to combine motherhood and career. Kathe has her own surprising midlife developments to keep up with, trying to find love again after the loss of her beloved husband. This book gets at all sorts of things about a woman's life in an engaging lively manner. It's a great read and a great help, especially to anyone trying to figure out how to be a parent. There's humor and pathos here, and also wisdom. I loved it.

What every parent needs........2001-02-26

Eleanor Weisberger's book is both a novel and a source of understanding parenthood and children. It is also a great read. Unlike most books about parents and children, this is based on what it feels like to be a parent and what it is like to be a child. I think new parents can become overwhelmed with information on one hand, and a feeling that they don't know what they are doing or should be doing on the other. Weisberger's book supports parents finding their own way at the same time that it offers insight into the processes of parenthood and childhood. That it is a novel makes it fun and accessible. I highly recommend it to new parents and any parents. (I think it is a valuable book for grandparents, as well).

Customer Reviews:

the rantings of a truculent old man.......2006-08-02

Don't bother with this book. As others have pointed out the writer is a racist. (And a very bad writer.) He is also a bit loose with the facts, especially given what is known about kissinger's negotiations with the DRV and his duplicity with the Thiem regime. The author attempts to whitewash the corruption of succesive RVN governments, but at times a few contradictory facts slip through.
All in all a waste of time, with no redeeming qualities. Hopefully the author spares the world another book and concentrates on gardening or heavy drinking to fill his remaining years.

Giap out endured us.......2004-09-02

Giap's errors aided by bigger mistakes of his enemies, the French and Americans. Goal was to gain surprise and win with a lesser force as he could not match firepower. French could not use draftees, Americans could not bomb the Hiphong harbor until too late. The major source of supply of the VC. Giap had no military training.
Washington could not agree on nature of war, insurgency, conventional, or both, and could not agree on objectives. Marine Combined action Platoons were working, but Westmoreland killed them for Khe Sanh. De Lattre defeated him 3 times, producing 20,000 casualties. He died in 7 months of cancer.
In August 1945, marched into Hanoi.
At Dien Bien Phu, he also had big attacks in other parts of the country, which dissipated French strength. After 1956, before 1961, By 1963, the NLF had a 100,000 men who were ready to cut off South Vietnam in the middle. more than 5,000 RVN officials were kidnapped and killed by the VC. By 1963, the NLF had a 100,000 men who were ready to cut off South Vietnam in the middle. By 1968 the VC numbered 200,000, 350,000 by 1967. For Tet, Giap wanted to carry the war to the American family, and that is what he did. The peace agreement of Jan 1973 allowed existing North Vietnam units to remain in the south. In June 1973, all funds for Vietnam were cut off by Congress. No more guns, ammo, oil, or spare parts. March 1975, Ban Me Thuot was taken.
Ho signed agreement March 6 1946 with French to get the Chinese out of North Vietnam. There were 250,000 of them there, looting, and making trade deals screwing the Vietnamese. Gen Leclerc when he took over, said to make peace with Ho and leave. The French govt refused, so he left.
The Brits, Trevor Wilson persuaded Graham Greene to write his book to be anti American rather than anti French. Thus the Quiet American. The French screwed themselves,. Admiral d'Argenliew sabotaged the 1946 conference by creating Indo china subject to French rule, not autonomous.
Compromise was tried until Dec 19, 1946. Then the fighting began. In 1947 the American accepted Bao Dai as a figurehead. In 1947 even the French Communist party wanted a military solution. Gen Alessandri was Corsican , had his men cut off all rice to the North Vietnamese. In 1949 the French and Giap's troops took turns in killing the Chinese who were fleeing China which had been taken over by the communists. Gen Lattre and Gen Gavin had the same enclave strategy, only 10 years apart.
Gen Navarre arrived to take over in May 1953. Navarre said he was required to defend Laos, which meant he had to take Dien Ben Phu. Gen Cogny said Giap could bypass Dien Bien Phu if he wanted, and it would not help defend Laos. It could act as a mooring post for raids against the supply trails though. It immobilized 3 French regiments. With Dien Bien Phu at his back, Giap could not take Laos. The French air folks did not like the distance, weather, anti aircraft and condition of the air fleet for Dien Bien Phu. Orders were issued Nov 114, 1953 to take it. On Nov 22 Cogny visited it as did many other people, including Graham Greene who liked it.
A large scale map of Dien Bien Phu was recovered from an ambushed officer. By Feb 15 the garrison had lost 840 soldiers and 120 officers and NCOs. Ammo was not resupplied for a whole week due to other priorities.
By March 13, the Viet Minh had them surrounded and it was too late for a breakout. Had they left earlier, they could have attacked the Viet Minh in their rear areas and done a lot of damage. The French had only 75 fighter aircraft. In 1966 we could put 200 aircraft into one raid.

The Viet Minh main force had 110 regiments. On Jan 25, 1954, the major powers agreed to a condreence to be held in Geneva to settle the Indochina and Korea questions.

Around Dien bien Phu, there were 50,000 viet Minh combatants and 31000 support with 23,000 more further back.
The French had 13,000 troops, only 7000 being combatants. By April 15, there were 35,000 Viet Minh with 12,000 others vs. 5,000 French. On April 27 the Viet Minh morale was very low. They were being slaughtered. By the end, they had lost 23,000 men. The monsoon was very bad, stopping aircraft from helping. It fell on May 7. The cease fire was signed on July 20. Group mobile 100 was destroyed between those dates on Rt 19.
On June 4 Emperor Bao Dai appointed Ngo Dinh Diem as prime minister, a post he twice had refused, considering Bao Dai as a French puppet. Too bad Bao Dai did not choose Dr Phan Quang Dan, later arrested an tortured by Diems brother. Had he done so, Vietnam might have survived.

I wouldn't call this book racist, but it's still worthless.......2000-06-05

I have read this book thoroughly. There are many passages that will raise the antennas of people with high racial sensitivity and make them suspect Colvin of suffering from some sort of Eurocentrism. I would chalk this up as inexperience and naivete as opposed to maliciousness. Why do I say so? Because everywhere in the book, one encounters stereotypes of _EVERYTHING_ and _EVERYBODY_, including stereotypes of French colonials, of the American military, of Chinese military strategy (which the author then projects wholesale onto the NVN army). And that is just a sample list. A man who can swallow so many stereotypes can't be too bright.

The prevalence of these stereotypes also degrades other aspects of the book: If Colvin can't critically examine stereotypes, can he really critically examine details of battles before reciting them back to us? How can we be confident that the details are accurate and not just rote recitation of whatever Colvin has been told, or of whatever document he happened to get his hands on? We can't. And that's too bad -- because the only thing this book has is a lot of details about some battles. And if we can't even take those details at face value, there isn't anything left....

Don't buy this racial book........1999-03-29

OK. Dear Mr. John Colvin we understand you. You may always think of Asian as an inferior one, as something (may be not even a human being for you) that could never match you in every aspects. But its not fair to do like this to one of the world greatest strategist in our time who eventually defeated the mighty Americans with superb morral and tactics.

Average customer rating:

Interesting man

Volcano Under Snow

Manufacturer: Diane Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0788196510

Product Description

A biography of Vietnamese military leader Vo Nguyen Giap, one of the great mil. commanders of the 20th cent. Victorious in battles against, successively, the Japanese, the French & the Americans, Giap became N. Vietnam's Minister for Defense & Commander in Chief. He worked with Ho Chi Minh to create the armies & the support for the under-equipped Vietnamese forces that would eventually triumph over the might of the West. Despite pressure for independence, the victorious Allies (of WW II) restored French control -- thus beginning 30 years of war in Vietnam. Describes the extraordinary single-mindedness with which Giap pursued victory.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting man.......2004-11-18

Giap made many mistakes, but his enemies made more. This book provides a lot of facinating detail.

Giap's errors aided by bigger mistakes of his enemies, the French and Americans. Goal was to gain surprise and win with a lesser force as he could not match firepower. French could not use draftees, Americans could not bomb the Hiphong harbor until too late. The major source of supply of the VC. Giap had no military training.
Washington could not agree on nature of war, insurgency, conventional, or both, and could not agree on objectives. Marine Combined action Platoons were working, but Westmoreland killed them for Khe Sanh. De Lattre defeated him 3 times, producing 20,000 casualties. He died in 7 months of cancer.
In August 1945, marched into Hanoi.
At Dien Bien Phu, he also had big attacks in other parts of the country, which dissipated French strength. After 1956, before 1961, By 1963, the NLF had a 100,000 men who were ready to cut off South Vietnam in the middle. more than 5,000 RVN officials were kidnapped and killed by the VC. By 1963, the NLF had a 100,000 men who were ready to cut off South Vietnam in the middle. By 19685the VC numbered 200,000, 350,000 by 1967. For Tet, Giap wanted to carry the war to the American family, and that is what he did. The peace agreement of Jan 1973 allowed existing North Vietnam units to remain in the south. In June 1973, all funds for Vietnam were cut off by Congress. No more guns, ammo, oil, or spare parts. March 1975, Ban Me Thuot was taken.
Ho signed agreement March 6 1946 with French to get the Chinese out of North Vietnam. There were 250,000 of them there, looting, and making trade deals screwing the Vietnamese. Gen Leclerc when he took over, said to make peace with Ho and leave. The French govt refused, so he left.
The Brits, Trevor Wilson persuaded Graham Greene to write his book to be anti American rather than anti French. Thus the Quiet American. The French screwed themselves,. A guy d'Argenliew sabotaged the 1946 conference by creating Indo china subject to French rule, not autonomous.
Compromise was tried until Dec 19, 1946. Then the fighting began. In 1947 the American accepted Bao Dai as a figurehead. In 1947 even the French Communist party wanted a military solution. Gen Alessandri was Corsican , had his men cut off all rice to the North Vietnamese. In 1049 the French and Giap's troops took turns in killing the Chinese who were fleeing China which had been taken over by the communists. Gen Lattre and Gen Gavin had the same enclave strategy, only 10 years apart.
Gen Navarre arrived to take over in May 1953. Navarre said he was required to defend Laos, which meant he had to take Dien Ben Phu. Gen Cogny said Giap could bypass Dien Bien Phu if he wanted, and it would not help defend Laos. It could act as a mooring post for raids against the supply trails though. It immobilized 3 French regiments. With Dien Bien Phu at his back, Giap could not take Laos. The French air folks did not like the distance, weather, anti aircraft and condition of the air fleet for Dien Bien Phu. Orders were issued Nov 14, 1953 to take it. On Nov 22 Cogny visited it as did many other people, including Graham Greene who liked it.
A large scale map of Dien Bien Phu was recovered from an ambushed officer. By Feb 15 the garrison had lost 840 soldiers and 120 officers and NCOs. Ammo was not resupplied for a whole week due to other priorities.
By March 13, the Viet Minh had them surrounded and it was too late for a breakout. Had they left earlier, they could have attacked the Viet Minh in their rear areas and done a lot of damage. The French had only 75 fighter aircraft. In 1966 we could put 200 aircraft into one raid.

The Viet Minh main force had 110 regiments. On Jan 25, 1954, the major powers agreed to a condreence to be held in Geneva to settle the Indochina and Korea questions.

Around Dien bien Phu, there were 50,000 viet Minh combatants and 31000 support with 23,000 more further back.
The French had 13,000 troops, only 7000 being combatants. By April 15, there were 35,000 Viet Minh with 12,000 others vs. 5,000 French. On April 27 the Viet Minh morale was very low. They were being slaughtered. By the end, they had lost 23,000 men. The monsoon was very bad, stopping aircraft from helping. It fell on May 7. The cease fire was signed on July 20. Group mobile 100 was destroyed between those dates on Rt 19.
On June 4 Emperor Bao Dai appointed Ngo Dinh Diem as prime minister, a post he twice had refused, considering Bao Dai as a French puppet. Too bad Bao Dai did not choose Dr Phan Quang Dan, later arrested an tortured by Diems brother. Had he done so, Vietnam might have survived.

GIAP Volcano under Snow Vietnam's Celebrated General Giap Victor at Dien Bien Phu and Mastermind of the Tet Offensive

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GIAP Volcano under Snow Vietnam's Celebrated General Giap Victor at Dien Bien Phu and Mastermind of the Tet Offensive
John Colvin
Manufacturer: Soho Press Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Vietnam | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000J0YM2S

Book Description

This rapid-read handbook articulates the key concepts of the best-selling hardcover, The Leadership Engine: Building Leaders at Every Level, by Noel Tichy and Eli Cohen. Voted "one of the best business books of the year in 1997" by both BusinessWeek and Library Journal, it argues for making leadership development an embedded process in the way your organization operates.

Customer Reviews:

Great message and format - Dated examples.......2005-10-08

I love the format and focus of this rapid read handbook and have used it with several business leaders I have coached. It's a great tool to help people think, act and have an impact beyond the narrow scope of their specific responsibilities. It helps my clients look at their companies through a big picture window, and helps them see how they can impact the entire company from their current position. I use it to challenge leaders to overcome their inertia, fear and company culture and to see themselves as teachers and catalysts for changing their entire organization.

The drawback is that many of the business leaders and business stories profiled are dated. The benefit is that each chapter has a page and a half of reading and another page of questions for the reader to answer about their own company, and their own leadership skills. It creates an effective, introspective approach to changing the company by changing oneself and by teaching others.

I find the book to be very powerful when used in a coaching relationship.
Tom Nugent
Grosse Pointe MI

Leaderhsip development at its best.......2000-06-10

The leadership engine is a book that every business leader must read!, and those striving for leadership improvement, I received the book as part of a transformation process in my company. I was greatly inspired by the first few pages and kept on reading and reading. This book focuses on specific leadership issues and gives you insight into some of the greatests Leaders stories. The TPoV (Teachable point of view) is the best concise framework I have seen for leadership development, I actually teach it to working teams in the company I work for. Then the handbook for revolutionaries gives you the opportunity to further reflect on the books topics and start developing your own leadership skills. I recommend reading the book throughly and then keeping it handy for future reference and to improve your skills.

The Leadership Engine - a quick, motivating read.......2000-04-04

The Leadership Engine: Building Leaders at Every Level Handbook was given to our entire company to motivate us to move toward a cultural and business change. This handbook is based on the book The Leadership Engine by Noel Tichy and Eli Cohen. This handbook's premise is that leaders can be made and nurtured at every level of the company. Leaders need to spend much of their time teaching others. "Great leaders are great teachers." Each chapter contains simple exercises to get you thinking about your business, your competitors, your ideas, your values, and your energy. Companies without this strategy might disappear in this ever changing market.

Book Description

This special volume is dedicated to the contributions of women ichthyologists. Three colleagues were selected to represent all women ichthyologists, Ethelwynn Trewavas (ET), Rosemary Lowe-McConnell (Ro) and Eugenie Clark (Genie). All have had distinguished professional careers and have contributed in their own ways to their science. The career of each is highlighted by a personal interview with one of the editors of the volume, a bibliography of their lifetime publications, and a biography of their careers. Questions of historical inequities and current controversies in the treatment of women ichthyologists by their peers are raised and addressed by the women themselves. The personal and professional influences of these three women, and other women ichthyologists, are highlighted. A survey article by Pat Brown brings a number of women ichthyologists to the attention of a broader audience, and points the way for a more comprehensive historical consideration of the accomplishments and contributions of women ichthyologists. The volume continues with 16 solicited and contributed papers. ET's studies of taxonomy and life history are echoed in papers on the taxonomy and systematics of marine angelfishes, and of freshwater bitterlings, a review of reproduction in the North Atlantic ichthyofauna, and a comparison of reproductive styles and systematics of African minnows. Ro's studies on ecology, life history and behaviour are paralleled by papers on growth and metabolism in piranha, the community structure in tide pool fishes, and the social system and reproductive patterns in groupers. Genie's pioneering work on sexual roles and sex change, and her field studies of the behaviour of marine fishes are reflected in papers on gonadal structure and environmental sex determination in brook lamprey, sexual patterns in hawkfish, reproduction and systematics in phallostethids, gonadal structure and systematics in gobiids, reproductive and predator avoidance behaviour in razorfish, early ontogeny of an African mouth brooder, and alternative life histories in killifish.

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