The Allied Dunbar Expatriate Tax and Investment Handbook

Book Description

Wong possessed by Nightmare! Dormammu and Umar in unholy alliance! The Hulk and the Sub-Mariner at each other's throats! The Silver Surfer... uh... surfing. Can Doctor Strange reunite the Defenders and save reality as we know it? Only the Ancient One knows for sure! Collects Defenders #1-5.

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre.......2006-12-18

I hate to say this, but I also agree with the other reviewer that perhaps the creative team should have stuck with their JLA stuff at DC Comics. That was some great stuff. Here, however, their work was just serviceable. I was really looking for a great laugh, but it was just amusing. The JLA stuff is a lot funnier. The art is solid, and gets an A, but the story and writing was unengaging and really rambling, and I would give it a B-. Get it only if you feel compelled to have everything the creative team puts out, which is a fine enough a thing to do, as a comic collector. :)

They shoulda stuck with the "Distinguished Competitors"........2006-07-26

Giffen, De Matteis and Maguire are such a well-oiled comedic machine that it's difficult finding fault with any of their output. And don't get me wrong; there's a lot to enjoy about this book. Maybe it's my fault. Maybe I'm just too used to seeing DC characters behave this way. But I found this miniseries hard to commit to. About halfway through, I just started reading faster to get it over with. The plot seemed overly simplified, or at least not explained very well, just so the writers could focus on writing scenes that made the characters look silly. And I don't think that's an even trade-off.

I think another problem is that there are no female characters in The Defenders. Part of what made their JLA run so great was the complex and humorous sexual tension between the teammates. There's none of that in this story.

Final verdict: Pick up Giffen, DeMatteis and Maguire's JLA arcs first if you haven't already. Move onto this from there.

are you all on crack?.......2006-06-29

Can you figure out what the proceeding blog and comentary have to do with this comic. No? Well neither can anyone else. IF i wanted a serious discusion on reality i would read a physics book. If i'm feeling warm and fuzzy maybe philosophy. Ok on to the comic book that shares its front cover with the picture above. The comic itself is tepid at best. Marvel still hasn't figured out why the originals were so popular and no sequel so far has lasted more then, what? 12 issues. Hint more than the original 4 charter characters were responsible for the popularity. However, every so often we see dr. strange, namor, the hulk, and the silver surfer forced into a (gasp) team. If you read the originals (now available in essential format) you will see that even back then this form of the team lasted only like 6 issues. Yet every so often someone feels the need to reunite these 4 characters for a long lasting team as if these issues were even the most popular of the series. Meanwhile, the entrie rest of the history or the defensers is usually ignored and the title is canceled quite soon. Hmmm, wonder why none the sequels last as long as the original run? Do us all a fovor stop trying to reprint the first part of the original team over and over, and move on.

comic book satire at it`s best.......2006-05-28

if you`re as familiar with the characters as i am,this is a must-read and a LOL riot.
everyones quirks and mannerisms are exagerrated to an hysterical level. dr. strange is an effete,long-winded bore;namor is a pompous ass and the hulk is a child-like brute who just wants to play. the surfer never meets up with the other three,but finds himself still searching for knowledge and compassion.he doesn`t get as much face-time as the others but his scenes are funny.he comes off as an " out of his era" flower child who becomes the [...] of jokes of the modern day surfers he tries to befriend on a california beach.
the interplay between namor and the hulk/bruce banner is reminiscent of the "odd couple"s felix and oscar.the funniest scene finds dr.strange and the sub-mariner held captive in chains. as strange launches into a dramatic speech an unconsious namor begins to stir.when the doctor beseeches his friend to speak ,namors` response is "strange,for the love of god...shutup!".
the villians get a good sendup too. the "dread" dormammu is presented as a petulant adolescent manipulated by power hungry,sex starved sister umar.

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Sumo Bizarro
Dan Piraro
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Post-Modern Bizarro

Bizarro Number 9

ASIN: 0877017743

Book Description

In the grand tradition of the first four Bizarro books, Sumo Bizarro is a heavenly mixture of all that is good and evil in the world, drawn together with an intellectually stimulating sense of detail and ludicrousness. What innocently seem to be nearly two hundred hilarious and thought-provoking cartoons, when properly interpreted, come together miraculously to form the heretofore unknown secrets of happiness and health. Fun for all ages.

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SUMO BIZARRO

Manufacturer: CHRONICLE BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GYA0MI

Customer Reviews:

Dictionary.......2001-08-15

Xactly - just a Dict, nothin else, no synopsis just VERY short Xplanations of characters, situations and names. not worth $ U would pay, find anThr 1.

Book Description

"The Artificial Paradise shows how science fiction is a powerful purveyor of cultural myths rooted in the history of the West, myths that shape American attitudes toward nature, technology, and the pursuit of happiness. Sharona Ben-Tov posits the theory that science fiction is an American "national mode of thinking" which seeks to replace nature with technological worlds- paradoxically, in hope of regaining a mythic, magical American Eden. Science fiction imagery- from fifties sci-fi through women's sci-fi and cyberpunk- keeps alive the desires of and anxieties born during the Scientific Revolution, when the Western view of nature changed radically. Ben-Tov discusses sci-fi classics like Dune, The Dispossessed, Neuromancer, Vonnegut's fiction, and the Aliens movie in relation to ancient and modern myths of nature, to scientific projects like the atom bomb, Strategic Defense Initiative, robotics, virtual reality, and to cultural psychology.

The book will appeal to those interested in popular culture, literature, and feminist studies. It will also enchant general readers who are interested in science fiction, especially readers who want to understand more about the relationship between technology and society.

"The Artificial Paradise sets out to map the cultural anxieties that have beset Western thinking since the Scientific Revolution, and to investigate the ills that flow from the split in Western thinking between nature and culture and subject and object, and how the split is expressed and reinforced in popular culture and particularly in written science fiction. . . . [A] thought-provoking, wide-ranging book written in an admirably lucid style."--Sarah Lefanu, author of Feminism and Science Fiction

"The examination of America's uneasy relationship with nature is an illuminating approach which draws together science fiction studies and American studies. The witty and readable style should attract a wide readership."--Brian Attebery, Idaho State University

"The Artificial Paradise is at once intellectually provocative, knowledgeable, and literate. As our lives become increasingly determined by technology, we will need to turn to such thinkers as Dr. Ben- Tov to guide us through its dangers and pleasures."--Alan Lightman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sharona Ben-Tov is Assistant Professor of Creative Writing and English, Bowling Green State University. She is author of During Ceasefire (Harper-Collins), a book of poems.

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The Worst Module of a BAD Series

Great introduction to the Forgotten Realms

Second in a fun, easy to run trilogy

The Secret of Spiderhaunt (AD&D/Forgotten Realms Adventure)
Jim Butler
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Sword of the Dales (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons/Forgotten Realms)

ASIN: 0786901500

Customer Reviews:

The Worst Module of a BAD Series.......2000-07-08

This is truely the worst adventure I have had the misfortune of playing! This adventure(the second module in "The Sword of the Dales" trilogy) is just terrible! The whole series is designed badly; there is just no substance to the adventure. As I said about the first adventure the premise is good just not developed.

The module details the players journey towards the ruins of an old mage tower that they are drawn to by dreams that a spirit trapped in the sword is creating. Sounds intriguing right? Sorry the tower consists of about three rooms that didn't bring out a sparkle in my players' eyes! The final encounter is setup horribly and it is the foundation of the entire book. My players laughed when I implied that they might want to touch skulls sitting on coffins. Exact words "What, do you think we're stupid."

The adventure did have one bright spot, a forest gnome village and an NPC called Madarn. The village was well designed except I somewhat doubt that a village of gnomes even forest gnomes would survive in Spiderhaunt Woods.

If you have decided to play this adventure then you should play the last one "The Return of Randal Morn" it is a little better.

Great introduction to the Forgotten Realms.......2000-05-02

This excellent starting module (levels 1-4) for the Forgotten Realms is quite rare... 1995 was when TSR was at the height of its financial troubles, and the print run was shamefully small. When Randal Morn delved into the Tomb of Shraevyn, seeking the dreaded Sword of the Dales, everyone feared that he would become the invincible ruler of Daggerdale. But, since he never returned, and the tomb is rumored to be filled with treasures and dark intrigue, it's perfectly natural that the PCs would want to follow in his footsteps! What they'll find, though, will horrify them, and either make them stronger, or give them good reason to roll those attribute dice again... ;)

Second in a fun, easy to run trilogy.......2000-03-28

The secret of Spiderhaunt is the second in the sword of the dales trilogy. Its a shame that it is out of print, because its pretty fun. If you can, try to get a hold of all three in this trilogy, because it is a good start to a Forgotten realms campaighn to new and old players alike

Book Description

It might be the long lines at the theater, the $4.00 for a small bag of popcorn, or the cutting-edge technology that's now so readily available to the home market. Whatever the reason, the home theater market today is booming like the soundtrack to Star Wars! Want proof? A Google search for home theater reveals over three million results. Yikes!

It's simply undeniable: More and more people prefer watching their favorite movies, television shows, and videos from the comfort of their own sofas and couches. What's also undeniable is the inexperience of most people who choose to install or upgrade their home theaters.

Until now, the knowledge, technique, and experiences of those who've encountered similar conditions to yours could only be accessed through laborious web searches, stacks of magazines, and water cooler conversations. Home Theater Hacks from O'Reilly is the perfect remedy for this group.

A smart collection of insider tips and tricks, Home Theater Hacks covers home theater installation from start to finish, purchase to experience. Just imagine: no frustrating trial-and-error process and better yet, no expensive appointments with installation experts. Home Theater Hacks prevents both by imparting down-and-dirty technique not found anywhere else.

The book begins with a quick glossary of terms so you can speak the lingo when you go shopping, and then dives right into hush-hush, insider tricks. It's all covered where to find the right audio and video components, how to deal with speakers and wiring, understanding cable connectivity, mastering remote controls, how to fully grasp TiVo, and so much more. And to top it off, each of these insider tips is presented in a concise yet delightfully entertaining style. Bringing the Jurassic Park dinosaurs into your living room has never been so easy!

A seasoned veteran with numerous O'Reilly titles under his belt, author Brett McLaughlin leaves no stone unturned in helping you customize your home theater experience to your own personal environment.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Books on Home Theater.......2007-02-21

Saw this at my local bookstore and checked with Amazon.com and was happy to purchase it online for a substantial discount here. This book is great for anyone beginning to setup their own home theater and for those that really like to get into the meat of this hobby. The pages are easy to read with good, clear black and white photos spread throughout.

What this book offers are those uncommon tips and tricks that big name electronics stores don't want you to know about. This book alone will save me hundreds of dollars from all the information provided inside. It's doesn't have too much techno-babble but it won't feel like a crash course booklet leaving you wanting more. Intelligently laid out and highly recommended.

Good book, but some weaknesses.......2006-04-15

This is a good choice to learn about home theater, and the author has a number of great ideas to get you started. I recommend the book, but I was disappointed with several aspects. 1) It seemed to be aimed more to the high-end user; no information about home-theater-in-a-box or virtual surround sound was given. I can imagine the author's opinions on these subjects, but he should have at least addressed them. 2) Some information is rapidly becoming outdated, especially in the video processing and connectivity sections. This book should probably be updated once a year. 3) Too much unnecessary detail in some areas. For example, a large section on antenna construction should be shortened, since most people probably use either cable or satellite anyway. And while the long section on user service codes is good, most of it will be out of date by the time the book is published. 4) Too much emphasis on projection displays, and not enough detail on flat panels (e.g., mounting issues, care/maintenance issues). 5) I would like to see more information about wiring strategies: different ways to hide wiring, the status of wireless speakers, etc.

Excellent Home Theater Basics explained........2006-02-01

This book covers it all. Very well written and easy to understand. He covers everything from TV's to recievers, amps and speakers. A must for any home theater enthusiest.

A must read before working on your home theater.......2005-03-16

Home Theater Hacks is the perfect book for anyone in the planning, building, or improvement phase of their home theater. This book really covers everything that has to do with a home theater: from selecting the right components, to component configuration, to cabling, to making your theater look awesome. This book is a must read before you start your home theater.

The book begins with a very thorough and impressive discussion of how and where to buy home theater components. The author discusses receivers (both audio and video), DVD players, TVs (both HD and standard), as well as the ins and outs of buying online versus at a local store. This discussion naturally leads to a very large section on "configuration", which includes such things as how to install and configure a terrestrial television antenna, how to match your subwoofer to your room, and everything you ever wanted to know about cables. I particularly enjoyed the author's discussion of the modern myth of expensive cabling. He provides a very good explanation of what "good enough" means (you wouldn't put gold water pipes in your home, why spend $100 on a gold cable?).

As mentioned, this is a very interesting and useful book for anyone planning or currently working on a home theater. It dispelled a lot of myths I had heard in the past, and provides clear explanations as to why many of these myths are false. Additionally, I found that the book provided sound advice in the purchase and configuration of home theater components.

Educational.......2005-01-18

I am by no means a home theater nut, but I figured I could always use a few pointers on setting up my living room to improve my viewing experience. The nice thing about this book (and all "hacks" books, for that matter) is the broad spectrum of ideas and suggestions. As a lot of this stuff was new to me, I appreciated the amount of detail the author goes into for each hack.

I found the hacks on Calibration (#60 - #74) the most helpful for getting noticable improvements quickly. There are also plenty of other simple tips here and there (i.e. lighting, wiring, warm-up vs burn-in) to enhance my home theater. However, the book was a bit over my head at times -- therefore very educational. I'm going to have to install some bass shakers (Hack #40) into my couch as my first project. =)

Book Description

This book reveals the rational basis for historians' descriptions, interpretations and explanations of past events. C. Behan McCullagh defends the practice of history as more reliable than has recently been acknowledged. Historians, he argues, make their accounts of the past as fair as they can and avoid misleading their readers. He explains and discusses postmodern criticisms of history, providing students and teachers of history with a renewed validation of their practice. McCullagh takes the history debate to a new stage with bold replies to the major questions historians face today.

The Logic of History: Putting Postmodernism in Perspective

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The Logic of History: Putting Postmodernism in Perspective
C. Behan McCullagh
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MU9GLC

Book Description

Despite the end of the Cold War, America's national security apparatus for controlling information has remained in place. However, sex and secularism are emerging as the major targets of censorship. Federal "decency" standards have been imposed on art, the broadcast media, and the Internet. Virtually every major political issue of the 1990s (abortion, campaign finance, violence on TV, homosexuality, indecency on the Internet) has First Amendment implications, and all are included in this comprehensive encyclopedia. This work covers the full history of America's struggle for free expression, as well as the contemporary dynamics represented by "pop" figures like Frank Zappa, Howard Stern, and Danny Goldberg and politicians like Jesse Helms and Don Edwards. It goes beyond other academic works of its kind by recognizing the primacy of the mass media and the Internet in defining the modern contours of the First Amendment.

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Censorship: A World Encyclopedia
Derek Jones
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1579581358

Book Description

Censorship: A World Encyclopedia presents a comprehensive view of censorship, from Ancient Egypt to those modern societies that claim to have abolished the practice. For each country in the world, the history of censorship is described and placed in context, and the media censored are examined: art, cyberspace, literature, music, the press, popular culture, radio, television, and the theatre, not to mention the censorship of language, the most fundamental censorship of all. Also included are surveys of major controversies and chronicles of resistance.

Censorship will be an essential reference work for students of the many subjects touched by censorship and for all those who are interested in the history of and contemporary fate of freedom of expression.

Censorship: Abelard, Peter - Front, the (Vol 1 (1st of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

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Winner of major American Library Association award

Censorship: Abelard, Peter - Front, the (Vol 1 (1st of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

Manufacturer: Salem Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0893564451

Customer Reviews:

Winner of major American Library Association award.......1998-01-20

During the winter session of the American Library Assocation (ALA) conference, CENSORSHIP was voted one of the outstanding adult reference works of 1997. The award will be officially announced in May. The set's editor, R. Kent Rasmussen, is also the author of MARK TWAIN A TO Z, which won the same ALA award in 1996.

Censorship: Gabler, Mel, and Norma Gabler - President's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography (Vol 2) (2nd of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

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Censorship: Gabler, Mel, and Norma Gabler - President's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography (Vol 2) (2nd of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

Manufacturer: Salem Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 089356446X

Censorship: President's Task Force on Communications Policy - Zouaves (Vol 3 (3rd of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

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Censorship: President's Task Force on Communications Policy - Zouaves (Vol 3 (3rd of a 3 Vol Set) (Ready Reference)

Manufacturer: Salem Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0893564478

Encyclopedia of Literature and Politics: Censorship, Revolution, and Writing A-Z [Three Volumes]

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Encyclopedia of Literature and Politics: Censorship, Revolution, and Writing A-Z [Three Volumes]

Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0313329281

Book Description

From Isabel Allende to Emile Zola and from Shakespeare to Sartre, literary works have often engaged political issues, and many political writings give close attention to literary concerns. The first work of its kind, this 3-volume encyclopedia explores the complex relationship between literature and politics. International in scope, it covers its field from the ancient Greeks to the present. At the same time, the encyclopedia gives special attention to the conflicts and controversies of the modern world and to works written in English. The encyclopedia benefits from the expert feedback of a distinguished advisory board, including:

Timothy A. Brennan

Paul Buhle

Barbara Foley

Laura Hapke

Barbara Harlow

Andreas Huyssen

Fredric Jameson

Neil Larsen

Jane C. Marcus

Bruce Robbins

Epifanio San Juan, Jr.

And Alan M. Wald. The encyclopedia contains more than 500 alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 200 expert contributors. These entries cover authors, critics, theorists, and historical figures; major literary works; national literatures and important literary movements; broad critical categories; and specific themes, concepts, and genres. Included are entries on such writers and theorists as:

Anna Akhmatova

Mikhail Mikhailovich Bakhtin

James Baldwin

Angela Carter

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Philip K. Dick

Charles Dickens

Ralph Ellison

Nadine Gordimer

Maxim Gorky

Aldous Huxley

Henry James

James Joyce

Denise Levertov

Primo Levi

Karl Marx

Sean O'Casey

George Orwell

Leslie Marmon Silko

Max Weber

Raymond Williams

And many more. In addition, the encyclopedia discusses a number of works, including:

Beloved

A Bend in the River

Brave New World

For Whom the Bell Tolls

The Grapes of Wrath

Invisible Man

Midnight's Children

Native Son

The Republic

A Vindication of the Rights of Women

And many more. There are also entries on such topics as:

African American Literature

Alientation

Apartheid

Brazilian Literature

Canons and Canonicity

Chinese Literature

Communist Party

Dystopian Literature

English Studies and Politics

Federal Writers' Project

Feminist Criticism and Theory

The French Revolution

Gender and Literature

Gothic Literature

The Haitian Revolution

Holocaust Literature

Latino/a Literature

Popular Culture

And many more.

Features:

Synthesizes the research of more than 200 scholars.

Provides more than 500 substantive entries.

Covers literature and politics from around the world.

Ranges from antiquity to the present.

Entries cite current scholarship.

Includes an extensive bibliography.

Offers an alphabetical list of entries.

Lists entries grouped in topical categories.

Entries are fully cross-referenced.

Includes a detailed index. Benefits:

Aids students in understanding works central to the curriculum.

Introduces students to less widely read authors.

Helps students use literature to study contemporary political and social issues.

Reveals links between literature and history.

Helps students understand the contemporary significance of literary works.

Serves as a model for student analysis and writing.

Fosters interdisciplinary studies.

Challenges students to evaluate and assess rhetorical strategies and political views.

Exposes students to the literary and political traditions of different cultures and eras.

Encourages students to conduct further research. High school students and teachers will need this work to examine literature in its political contexts and to use literature to explore such pressing social issues as censorship and propaganda. Public libraries will want this work to support student research and to help general readers learn more about enduring political concerns through literary works. Academic libraries will find this reference a valuable guide for undergraduates studying literature, history, political science, law, and other disciplines.

Encyclopedia of Literature and Politics: Censorship, Revolution, and Writing: Volume 1: A-G

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Encyclopedia of Literature and Politics: Censorship, Revolution, and Writing: Volume 1: A-G

Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Literature | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0313329397

Ready Reference Censorship (Ready Reference)

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Ready Reference Censorship (Ready Reference)

Manufacturer: Salem Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0893564443

CENSORSHIP AND THE REGULATION OF EXPRESSION: An entry from Macmillan Reference USA's
<i>Encyclopedia of Sociology</i>

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CENSORSHIP AND THE REGULATION OF EXPRESSION: An entry from Macmillan Reference USA's Encyclopedia of Sociology
JEFFREY J. STRANGE , MELANIE C. GREEN , and TIMOTHY C. BROCK
Manufacturer: Macmillan Reference USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000M4QT22

Book Description

The classic reference â€œEncyclopedia of Sociology,â€ winner of the 1993 Dartmouth Medal, has been updated to reflect many changes in society and in the field of sociology in recent years. Articles covering core issues such as race, poverty, violence, economics, pregnancy and abortion have been updated and expanded, and completely new articles have been written on topics such as the Internet, privacy and epidemiology.

Book Description

Despite the dominance of scientific thought in the modern era, the ancient practice of astrology has staged an astonishing revival over the last hundred years. Newspaper astrologers become millionaires, financial stargazers advise stock market players, and powerful corporations and astro-psychologists offer to unravel the secrets of the psyche. Princess Diana, Ronald Reagan, Carl Jung, and Ted Hughes are just some of the prominent figures who regularly consulted astrologers. Now this erudite book examines the deep-rooted significance of astrology in the contemporary world. Exploring its language and appeal, Neil Spencer looks at the extraordinary role astrology has played in the history of ideas. Irreverent, surprising, and eminently readable, this is astrology demystified. Neil Spencer is the astrology columnist for Britain’s The Observer.

Customer Reviews:

The whole truth about modern astrology.......2002-06-10

Or as near as one can get to such a thing! Astrologer Neil Spencer has put together a first class comprehensive overview of the position of astrology in contemporary Western society. It is entertaining, balanced, intelligent and often very funny. "Believers" (I am a professional astrologer myself) and "sceptics" can both benefit from reading this book.

Early on there is a brief guide to the basics of astrology itself, followed by a quick look at the history of the subject over the last few hundred years. Most of the book is taken up with considerations of every possible aspect (pun intended) over the last century. The rise of newspaper horoscopes, psychological astrology as self-development, statistical evidence or lack of it, the use of astrology by the likes of Ronald Reagan and Princess Diana, successes and failures in predicting the future.

Spencer does a good job of exploding many popular ideas that are held by many e.g. being born on the cusp (you are actually either one sign or another) and the ever-present myth of the Age of Aquarius (highly dubious as to what it actually is). Although Spencer's own astrological input takes a back seat most of the time, countless examples of astrology in action are scattered throughout. The chart comparison between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky is an entertaining example!

Read this book if you REALLY want to know what astrology is all about.

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