Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic world

Customer Reviews:

Interesting but not captivating.......2004-07-19

As part of the epic clash between the great cultures of the world, markedly the West and Islam, Westerners have often discredited Islamic civilization's contribution to the global propagation of paper. In his book Paper Before Print, Jonathan Bloom details Islam's contribution to the proliferation of paper from its birth in China and through to Europe. Bloom's argument that Islamic civilization has a major role in the proliferation of paper is extremely plausible and convincing; however, many of his claims about the artistic and intellectual growth resulting from its proliferation are questionably misguided in that they are inferred from Bloom's own logic rather than compelling historical evidence. Nevertheless, Bloom's book makes an interesting reading experience and is very useful in the study of Middle East history.
Bloom's claims about the proliferation of paper through the Muslim world to Europe are both plausible and convincing. He provides an abundance of information and details to prove his points. He details numerous factors, changes, and events, all of which coalesced to create a flourishing of paper throughout the world. His notation of multiple events and his diverse range of evidence converge to form a cogent and logical explanation of the growth of papermaking. The actuality that his claims are based on a variety of different factors make it extremely difficult to refute his argument, since even the successful rebuttal of one or two of his claims would be outshined by a tremendous amount of additional substantiation provided by him.

The subject of the proliferation of paper throughout the world is an extremely important part of Middle Eastern history for a number of reasons. The most simple and obvious of these is that to understand paper is to understand the survival and existence of written records. It is conceivable that in the absence of paper, there would be a significant reduction in written documents that would survive to the present day. Much of the history we know of and study today is derived from primary documents of various time periods. The durability of paper ensures that these documents survive the test of time. Paper is a medium of recording information so that subsequent generations can study the events and tales of that time. Another reason that the study of Islamic civilization's proliferation of paper is important is the increasing acknowledgment of this civilization's achievements among today's scholars. As mentioned by Bloom, many scholars and individuals are reluctant to accept the validity of Islamic civilization as a great and inspirational one. It is important that we understand and value the contribution of Islamic civilization in spreading paper through to Europe and eventually globally, and that we recognize Islamic civilization's impact on the West, especially in a time of increasing hostilities and conflict between the two cultures. If there is ever to be a reconciliation or assimilation of the two cultures, it would have to involve recognition of each other's greatness, if not an outright appreciation and admiration of it. Historical interpretation can be, and often is, the source of many conflicts and death throughout the world. However, it can also serve to advance civilization and bring upon an unprecedented global society in which peace and understanding prevail over war and hatred. Only through understanding the greatness of the various cultures of the world, in addition to their misdeeds, will we be able to improve intercultural affairs and avoid further escalation of violence and hatred.

Jonathan Bloom's book is extremely compelling in its attribution of the proliferation of paper to Islamic civilization. His argument is extremely persuasive and based on good evidence and research. Paper Before Print is interesting, and provides an argument that is seldom discussed in today's history books. The book, however, is not without flaws. Adding to his faulty implications of the proliferation of paper is his incorporation of various uninteresting aspects of the preparation of paper. The book focuses a lot on the manufacture of different kinds of paper, and how it differs from place to place. Although this may be of some interest to such paper-producing corporations as Avery and Kinko's, it is of no interest to me personally. These tedious facts are detrimental to the reader's enjoyment of the book. The book is extremely interesting at times, but it is definitely not captivating. It is very easy to put this book down, and it is quite enjoyable to abstain from reading it for long periods of time. The book is so extremely dry and uninteresting at times, that it may throw the reader into a spiraling descent of deep sleep. It seems somewhat ironic that Bloom, a man who clearly values the contribution of paper to society, would waste so many pieces of it on the dull facts of papermaking. I would not recommend this book to anybody, precisely because a large part of it is unexciting. Rather, I would recommend anybody interested in the subject to visit the historic centers of papermaking mentioned, such as Baghdad, Damascus, Tehran and Cairo. I do realize however, that a trip to these places would require a significant amount of capital. Those who choose to embark on such an enlightening journey may giggle at the thought that the monetary exchange of legal tender for airline tickets is made possible by the contribution of Islamic civilization to the proliferation of paper.

A history of paper using peoples.......2004-05-16

Paper Before Print is very iconoclastic. It suggests the European Renaissance is related to declines in a commodity cost (writing material), rather than the birth of now-familiar geniuses and renewed interest in ancient classics. While the scope of the book outlines a complete history of 'cellulose pulp using people' (paper users), the central theme addresses the cultural transmission of technology. Specifically, it describes the transmission of paper making skills from China to Europe via the Muslim Caliphates. Most of the narrative covers the period between 700 and 1200 AD, but ancient and modern detours intrude regularly. This is entirely appropriate, since most readers will have a difficult time giving credence to commodity prices playing any role in European intellectual development. Bloom seems to have decided to zig-zag back and forth across 3 thousand years of history, hoping to keep the 'big picture' in view.

The book makes an excellent argument for 'cultural' issues dictating technological change. For example, paper emerged in China as a 'wrapping' material. It wasn't until Buddhist influences from India made 'writing' important that it's utility as 'voice recording substrate' was discovered. In other words, until the economic demands for precise and voluminous reproduction of Buddha's voice emerged, 'paper' was only used to bundle things together. The combination of a cultural need (reproducing Buddha's voice) blended with a Chinese skill (making a cheap membrane that happened to soak up ink), what we know as the 'writing' industry never got off the ground. Of real interest is the fact that India ignored the Chinese innovation for 2000 years. Paper was not used frequently there until Muslim culture was imposed on it 2000 years later.

Since Bloom's perspective relies on continually falling paper prices for explaining cultural revolutions, the reader is presented with a sound foundation in the mechanics of paper production. It is advances in these mechanical arts that drives down commodity prices. Equally important are the mechanics of educating 'paper' users and stabilizing an infrastructure for the system's continued existence. In this light, most of Bloom's time is spent describing educational and institutional practices of Muslim bureaucracy. It seems this was a unique interaction between Mediterranean 'mystery writing' (Greek logic plus Jewish/Christian/Muslim truths) and the Chinese (via silk road) paper bureaucracy. Bloom makes it clear that Muslim bureaucracy, and the paper using skills it relied upon, were invented by interaction of Middle East and China. The new technology was not a revolutionary technology discovered when Muslims captured Chinese paper-makers during 8th century military exploits, instead the bureaucratic needs of Muslim authorities saw in 'silk road cellulose membranes' an means to 'better government' during a time when anachronism of Roman government bureaucracy made change (better government) a possibility.

With the expansion of Muslim bureaucracy around the southern half of the Mediterranean basin during the 8th and 9th centuries, paper production skills became available to Germanic peoples of Europe. Unlike the Byzantines to the east, they were less attached to high priced writing membranes such as papyrus and vellum. They showed far less resistance to changing manufacturing and institutional practices. A good example of this is the 11th century 'corporate charter' revolution in Spain. This bureaucratic revolution relied upon cheap paper for incorporating numerous Spanish towns into a cohesive military defense force against Muslims who brought the paper in the first place. At the same time in Byzantium, the institutionalization of vellum record keeping practices retarded development of efficient government practices and an inability to address military threats from the Muslim east.

Bloom goes on to suggest that 3-D perspective as a communication skill emerged as a cultural force only when paper prices and reproduction costs fell to levels where 'mass readership' became possible. Bloom locates this emerging phenomena in the 10th century Caliphates, where mass readership of the Koran was a cultural priority. Bloom goes on to suggest that the Germanic peoples of Europe, who had no institutional focus on reproducing Koran-based beliefs, transmuted the phenomena of 'mass communication' into what we now know as the 'modern world'.

A Vast, Illuminating History.......2002-06-11

Paper Before Print is a glorious achievement from all perspectives: historically, culturally, and as an impeccable model of how books of this sort should be presented (though too often they do not). Jonathan Bloom's text is revealing and intellectually stimulating without alienating the average reader. His premise, though not a popular one -- that the Middle East played a far more important role in refining and introducing paper to the West than is usually acknowledged -- carefully unfolds with unassailable research and arguments. The illustrations, mostly early Islamic texts (700s-1300s), are tastefully selected and compliment the text perfectly. The typography, layout, and presentation are superb. Anyone interested in history, art, and printing will profit from having this book on their shelves.

Great.......2002-03-30

This book was absolutely great. It tells the history of paper before it reached the Christian world. This is the time before the printing press was invented. Paper had just come from China. This book tells about this time that is sometimes forgotten. This book is the best

Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World

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Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World
Jonathan M. Bloom
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSL5HU

Book Description

Hit the road with Voyageur Press. From sea to shining sea, Voyageur has the illustrated travel and regional interest titles your customers want, whether for travel planning or keepsake. So plan ahead and create a travel showcase and promotion--including our books--geared towards the traveler; and you won't be disappointed with the results.

Customer Reviews:

Rock scrambles in Minnesota.......2001-02-12

This book describes 56 different geological sites, scattered all over Minnesota, where you can scramble around, looking at geological features. It uses USGS maps and black and white photos to show you exactly where to go. Plus, there are line drawings, tables and interesting, accurate verbal infomation about the geology of each of these sites.

Book Description

Have you ever wondered how the Mississippi River was formed? Or why shark teeth have been found in the Iron Range of the Upper Midwest? Towering mountain ranges, explosive volcanoes, expansive glaciers, and long-extinct forms of both land and sea life were important parts of Minnesota's ancient history. Today the evidence of this remarkable heritage is revealed in the state's rocky outcroppings, stony soils, and thousands of lakes. Minnesota's Geology provides a history of the past 3.5 billion years in the area's development. In accessible language, Minnesota-based geologists Richard W. Ojakangas and Charles L. Matsch tell the story of the state's past and offer a guide for those who want to read geological history firsthand from the rocks and landscapes of today.

The book's four sections give a short introduction to geology and Minnesota's place in geologic history; a historic timeline; a look at the metallic minerals, nonmetals, and water present today; and a geologic picture of today's Minnesota arranged in five geographical regions. This book is both a wonderful source of information for rock hounds and the perfect backpacking companion for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Lavishly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, as well as extensive graphs and maps, Minnesota's Geology will inform and delight for years to come.

"This is certainly one of the finest books about the geology of any state in the United States. It is written at a level that should satisfy the visitor, the student, and even most professionals." American Scientist

"A stunning guide . . . Minnesota's Geology will be as valuable to the rock hound or student as it is to a trained geologist." Duluth News-Tribune

"Minnesota's Geology sets a standard of excellence for books about the geology of a region. . . . an unusually well-written and well-balanced book." Science Books and Films

Richard W. Ojakangas and Charles L. Matsch are professors in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Customer Reviews:

Geology... love it.......2007-04-01

I am using this book in conjunction with a naturalist class I am taking it is great... and highly recommended by others

Geology of the Duluth gabbro complex near Duluth, Minnesota, (Minnesota Geological Survey. Bulletin)

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Geology of the Duluth gabbro complex near Duluth, Minnesota, (Minnesota Geological Survey. Bulletin)
Richard B Taylor
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

1872-1882. The Geology of Minnesota. Vol II, of the Final Report. Geology. Illustrated by Forty-Two Plates, and Thirty-Two Figures, etc., etc.

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1872-1882. The Geology of Minnesota. Vol II, of the Final Report. Geology. Illustrated by Forty-Two Plates, and Thirty-Two Figures, etc., etc.
Minnesota. Geological and Natural History Survey.
Manufacturer: Minneapolis:
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IU9D32

Atlas to accompany monograph XLV on the Vermilion iron-bearing district of Minnesota (Geological Survey monographs)

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Atlas to accompany monograph XLV on the Vermilion iron-bearing district of Minnesota (Geological Survey monographs)
Julius Morgan Clements
Manufacturer: J. Bien, lith.)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Rocks & Minerals | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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Bibliography of Minnesota Geology
Theodora G., & Leonard W. Weis. Melone
Manufacturer: Minneapolis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LVA50S

Bibliography of Minnesota Geology, 1951-1980 (Bulletin / Minnesota Geological Survey)

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Bibliography of Minnesota Geology, 1951-1980 (Bulletin / Minnesota Geological Survey)
G. B. Morey
Manufacturer: Minnesota Geological Survey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Bibliography of Minnesota Geology, Nineteen Eighty to Nineteen Eighty-Five (Bulletin 47)

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Bibliography of Minnesota Geology, Nineteen Eighty to Nineteen Eighty-Five (Bulletin 47)
Lynn Swanson
Manufacturer: Minnesota Geological Survey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Bibliography of Minnesota mining and geology (Bulletin of the University of Minnesota)

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Bibliography of Minnesota mining and geology (Bulletin of the University of Minnesota)
Winifred Gregory Gerould
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

A century of geology, 1872-1972, at the University of Minnesota

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A century of geology, 1872-1972, at the University of Minnesota
George Melvin Schwartz
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Among the key problems in modern field theory are the formulation of chiral group theories on the lattice and the quantitative understanding of the quark confinement mechanism. The two topics are closely related by the fact that the chiral nature of the fermions as well as the confinement force are largely topological in origin. Recent advances in this field are here reviewed by some of the world's experts.

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WELL DONE!!

If the story's good........errors don't matter.

Another hit for D.N. Simmons!

A Winning Hand!

keep 'em coming!

The Royal Flush: Knights of the Darkness Chronicles Book 3
D.N. Simmons
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Guilty Innocent: Knights of the Darkness Book Two (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles)

Desires Unleashed: Knights of the Darkness Chronicles

Blackmailed

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

Mistral's Kiss (Meredith Gentry, Book 5)

ASIN: 1425949479

Book Description

Simmons is an author on the fast track to becoming the ultimate paranormal princess!" -A Romance Review ----------------------------------------------------------- It's Hunting Season... A group of hunters have set their sights on a new type of prey...supernaturals. Darian, Elise and Xander must join forces to stop them before it's too late. Prepare to be blown away by this action-packed third installment of the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles! D.N. Simmons will take you on yet another adventure you won't be able to forget! Brace yourselves and enjoy the ride!

Customer Reviews:

WELL DONE!!.......2006-11-18

I've addicted to this author's novels. The characters are fantastic, the actions scenes are just wow and the sex scenes make you want to grab your lover and ...........well you know what I mean.

The weres kitties and wolves are strong, no one has been raped, molested or mistreated in these novels and it's refreshing to read.

The main characters work together to resolve problems, there is no angsting, whining, or beating each other up about who slept with whom, and when, there are no supernaturals depending on one person to SAVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVE them, I love these books.

If the story's good........errors don't matter........2006-11-03

I was recently turned on to this series after expressing my disappointment with another author of this genre and I have to give a "I'm not worthy" to the person.

As a self published author, D.N. Simmons does what a few published authors have failed to....write a story so engrossing that the errors don't glare out at you or kick you out of the story.

Her vampires are confident, sexual, sometimes self centered and powerful creatures, yet they are vulnerable and are wiling to admit that they have weaknesses that they must overcome without it becoming a weepy soap opera, the same can be said of the shape shifters.

Want a good read, someone who pulls you not only into her imagination but, if you are from Chicago, as I am, makes you feel that you are on the same streets as the characters, give D.N. Simmons a go.

Another hit for D.N. Simmons!.......2006-10-22

D.N. did it again, another exciting, sexy, erotic, laugh-out-loud, action-packed thriller. I swear, nobody does it quite like D.N. You get to see a brand new side to the old characters and a wonderful introduction of all new characters each with their own personality. D.N. Simmons is one author who can manage to write a series with a lot of characters and give each on depth, personality and class.

The pacing was non-stop, there was no time wasted on needless conversations and details and I love that about D.N. Simmons novels. The editing has gotten much better and I'm anxiously looking forward to the four book in this series, Hostile Territory.

D.N. Simmons is thee best author in this genre!

A Winning Hand!.......2006-09-14

I loved this book. I love the characters and the story line. It doesn't have the emotional angst of Ms. Hamilton's books- thank heavens. Their's a good plot. Characters to love! Sexual tension and well written sex scenes. There's only a minimal amount of typos in this book. Now if Simmons can just get away from character names like Al Cantone (hey it's chicago, it's fiction use Al Capone) and Chad Pitt, duh...just use Brad Pitt. These names really jerked me out of the story. If it wasn't for that, I'd have rated this book a '5 star'. Now to make it through the next 12 months until the next book. Simmons is a winner!

keep 'em coming!.......2006-09-07

4 stars is my vote... Normally, poorly done editing makes me want to toss the book away. These stories however, were able to capture my attention enough to make allowances with only the occasional groan or eyeroll of 'oh no she didn't!' I like the fact that Natasha has enough self control to rule her hormones rather than the other way around. Sure, I like to read sex scenes, but it's a really well done story when I skip the sex scenes to find out what happens next! Keep 'em coming, Ms(?) Simmons.

Royal flush;: The fourth Nero Wolfe omnibus

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Royal flush;: The fourth Nero Wolfe omnibus
Rex Stout
Manufacturer: Viking Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006BN06Y

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Omnibus edition of 5 unrelated cases

Royal Flush
Rex Stout
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Omnibus edition of 5 unrelated cases.......2003-02-25

Although this omnibus consists of 3 Nero Wolfe books (_Fer de Lance_, _Murder by the Book_, and _Three Witnesses_), a royal flush consists of *five* cards. The title in this case was chosen partly because _Three Witnesses_ isn't a novel, but a short story collection, so that _Royal Flush_ does indeed consist of 5 individual stories. (There isn't any other obvious connection with cards or other royalty in the stories herein, however.)

As with most Wolfe omnibuses (omnibi?) to date, the titles selected for _Royal Flush_ are an odd assortment, without being connected by theme or even consecutive publication order, and the omnibus provides no added value that individual copies of the books wouldn't supply. For more detailed discussion of the individual works making up _Royal Flush_, see their separate reviews.

_Fer de Lance_ (1934) was the first Wolfe story. For those unfamiliar with it who may be hoping to see Wolfe's first meeting with Archie or one of the other recurring players, I'm sorry to disappoint you: the characters have some rough edges, but nothing marks this book as the beginning of an era. (Inspector Cramer changed over time, of course; he was initially fairly cordial, even as late as the opening of _The Rubber Band_, but after some of Wolfe's more embarrassing charades, their relationship went downhill at an alarming rate.) As with the other very early Wolfe books, _Fer de Lance_ inflicts more drama on the denizens of the brownstone than some later works; the title is drawn from an incident involving a snake of that species planted in Wolfe's desk. :)

_Murder by the Book_ (1951), the 19th Wolfe book, is unusual in that Inspector Cramer, of all people, opens the story by calling on Wolfe to ask for help. (Archie makes appropriate noises, of course.) Leonard Dykes, a law clerk with no life, was fished out of the river on New Year's Day, and the only anomaly that *might* provide a lead on his murder is a list of names found in his apartment - names of men who don't appear to exist. Wolfe has no suggestion to offer, and that would have been the end of it, except that a client seeking to catch the hit-and-run driver who killed his only daughter - in the Bronx rather than Cramer's Manhattan precinct - provides a letter containing one of those names a few weeks later. This story is unusually strong on character development for Stout, particularly concerning the families of the victims.

_Three Witnesses_, the 26th Wolfe book, collects 3 short stories that previously appeared in magazines.

"The Next Witness" (1954), a.k.a. "The Last Witness" subjects Wolfe to one of the perils of his profession - not to life and limb, but to a subpoena. He usually tries to arrange matters so that Archie, not he, testifies in court, but this defendant never even achieved clienthood, so Wolfe had no control over the case. But after hearing testimony in the trial of Leonard Ashe for the murder of his wife, Wolfe becomes convinced of his innocence, and rather than awaiting his turn as the next witness, Wolfe leaves court to concoct an alternative to helping convict an innocent man. Very enjoyable, not least because Archie more than half suspects that the *real* issue was the heavily perfumed woman sitting next to Wolfe in the crowded courtroom.)

"When a Man Murders..." (1954) The title parodies the rhyme, "When a man marries, his trouble begins." This case is a rare exception (in fact, the *only* one I can recall) in which Wolfe completely breaks the rule about refusing divorce cases. After Sydney Karnow was reported missing-believed-killed in Korea 3 years ago, his wife Caroline inherited half his estate, his sponging relatives the other half. Caroline remarried a year after his "death" - and *now* Sydney has come back alive. But for how long?

Customer Reviews:

Slow start but turns out to be a great story.......2005-01-20

I have to admit I strugged through the start of this book but was glad when the storyline picked up and turned into a great story. I have never read anything previously by this author, but will look forward to reading more.

This story had it by engaging the reader as to how a caper comes to be, gets planned out, completed and shows what the consequences are to the characters involved. All in all, a complete story of suspense and not your typical "murder mystery story whodunnit".

I enjoyed this book for its original approach and suspense and would recommend it for a good read.

Average customer rating:

A comic cornicopia of twisted humor and illustration.
mean, but still funny
royal flush book one

Royal Flush
Josh Bernstein
Manufacturer: The #Number Foundation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971003904

Book Description

Royal Flush is a 72 page comic anthology that's sure to appeal to all fans of Mad magazine, The Far Side, Saturday Night Live, and Weird Al Yankovic. Some of the short stories include the Happy Meal Adventures, Clown Police, The Mitzvah Four and Hester D. Lancey, Pickle Salesman. Published twice a year by #Number Foundation Publications, Royal Flush vows to serve up the newsest zingers, guffaws, knee-slappers and yucks from the new crop of emerging underground comic talents like Erik Rodriguez, Steven Ciancanelli, Harlan P. Cress and Patrick McQuade. Just like the cover says: Royal Flush; "every story is a gamble."

Customer Reviews:

A comic cornicopia of twisted humor and illustration........2002-01-22

Wow, I picked this up in NYC recently and every story kept me reading. I carried this with me on the subway for like a week. There is something here for everybody, a huge collection of artists and styles. I especially loved hispanic batman and roberto, that eric rodriguez is sick! There is a great profile on billy zabka from the karate kid. Tons of good stuff, this bad boy weighs in at a hefty 73 pages and is well worth the eight bucks. Great cover and logo design. I'm sure we will see more of all of these guys in the future. Eagerly awaiting the next issue, I need to get mine back from my friend. Definately pick this one up.
Thanks guys.

mean, but still funny.......2001-10-27

I just finished reading the debut issue of Royal Flush. I picked it up here at Downtown Books in L.A.. I really enjoyed the article on the Karate Kid guy. There was a lot of extensive research put into that story, and it was funy as hell. Hispanic Batman and the Mitzvah Four were also great. Some stuff was a little poorly thought out, but it didn't detract from the whole book. the design was real professional for a self-published book. I definitely recommend it.

royal flush book one.......2001-07-15

it looks fantastic- the cover, the printing- very, very slick. I must say that a lot of the gray tones throughout the book we're quite annoying. The best use was in the strip Mitvah 4. He seems to solid fill areas instead of using gradation, a bad habit even Marvel does a lot of. I much prefer the hand rendered tones in Batman & Roberto over the computer tones in Happy Meal. I would suggest either honing those tones up, or maybe even dropping the tones all together. Also, the computer fonts is really distracting too. Hand lettering becomes more an extension of the art (the voice of the story), rather than an after thought, in computer fonts. My last criticism pertains to the stories...it seems thet ideas are formed, stories begun, and then just drop out at the end. Almost every story kind of just, petered out. An anticlimax. Maybe think these ideas out a little more. The way to give the ending a bite (and it can be difficult) is to give it a little humanity.

Now on a positive note. I loved the overall tone. The mix of content, the artcicles, the short stories, the Bad Guy Index. Very very fun all around. Also, for the most part really dug the story ideas, concepts, et al. The book has a strong, unique, and funny voice. The art was hit or miss, but for some reason the sloppy/punk chops fit with the tone. I think just more and more and more drawing is the cure for improving your art styles. (Great case in point of someone who has improved greatly as a writer AND artist, is Pet Sickman-Garner. Look at his old stuff compared to his latest. Big difference.) Clown Police...oy vey, i hate this stuff. It's been done to death. Kill it.

Stand outs: Batman & Roberto. Cliche'd as all get out, but still funny...! Mitzvah 4. I MUST see the next issue...Lone Wolf McQuade. While the art wasn't easy to get into (at first), and the lettering bothered me, i enjoyed the slice-of-city-life feel of this. Into it, staring liking the animal art al ot. This has a real art school/punk aesthetic that when done well (as it is) shows lots of big promise. The Man Who Beat Priests was good fun, but WAY underdeveloped, and a perfect example of a flat ending. Sweep the Leg, Johnny.... funny.Tater Tots was lots-o-fun. An example of well executed computer rendering where computer fonts actually work. Cute story. Hilarious puke scene. Little Jonny and Little Becky. Very real horror. Unnerving and quite disturbing. Superb...Kickboxer. I'll never tire of great Christ-riffs. This one is awesome!!

The cover was EXCELLENT!> You MUST continue to make crisp, nicely designed, clean covers. This is truly perfect.

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The Royal Flush (Solo Mystery Sherlock Holmes)
Milt Creighton
Manufacturer: Berkley Pub Group (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Sherlock Holmes | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0425109313

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5 Titles in Able Team Series - 6-10 - Warlord of Azatlan - Justice By Fire - Army of Devils - Kill School - Royal Flush
Dick Stivers
Manufacturer: gold eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RY97JY

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

6 Titles in Able Team Series - 10 Royal Flush - 11 Five Rings of Fire - 12 Deathbites - 13 Scorched Earth - 15 They Came to Kill - 18 Tech War

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6 Titles in Able Team Series - 10 Royal Flush - 11 Five Rings of Fire - 12 Deathbites - 13 Scorched Earth - 15 They Came to Kill - 18 Tech War
Dick Stivers
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000R99FFU

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

The Bathroom Entertainment Book: A Royal Flush of Show Business Stumpers

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Great for show business trivia!

The Bathroom Entertainment Book: A Royal Flush of Show Business Stumpers

Manufacturer: Red-Letter Press, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0940426005

Product Description

The book is formatted in ten-question quizes (50 quiz in all), some having specific themes while others cover a more general spectrum. - - Also, you'll find a collection of mind-tickling items relating to the bathroom, appropriately called "privia".

Customer Reviews:

Great for show business trivia!.......2005-05-05

Especially great for show business trivia buffs. You'd have to be an exceptional master to know all these answers already!

Samples: "Who did Nathan Birnbaum [real name] team up with for many years on stage and off?" "In 'It Came From Beneath the Sea,' what was 'It'? "What was the full name of Jack Benny's valet?"

Questions and answers for TV, music, movies, actors and actresses ...

"What was odd about the cartoon space-adventure series Clutch Cargo?"

Very entertaining, challenging, informative, and highly recommended!

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