Book Description
This first volume features the exploits of four of the seven soldiers: the Shining Knight, the Guardian, Zatanna and Klarion the Witchboy!Independently, each of these characters is featured in a story arc that redefines their purpose in the DC Universe.But their stories also interweave with the other soldiers tales, and tell a grander story of a devastating global threat to mankind.Together these reluctant champions must arise and somehow work together to save the world....without ever meeting one another!
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04
Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers are absolutely nothing like the old version. Well, apart from the bit with Vigilante in it early on.
New versions of Klarion the Witch Boy, and the Shining Knight, and quite a lot of the supernatural alien type of influence.
Among the best superhero stories ever told.......2007-07-06
Grant Morrison began this series intending to, I believe, emulate the critically popular but poorly recieved 'Fourth World' by Jack Kirby. In it, the titular 'Seven Soldiers' each have their own four issue title that all tie in together in a final 'book end' chapter. However, each story is enjoyable in its own right. Reading them together, you can pick up on the subtle interactions - what story happens when in comparison, how part x of one story ties in to part y of another.
However, it isn't the interactions, or even the superheroics, that make Morrison's 'Seven Soldiers of Victory' a stunning success - it's the human element. It's the inspiration of Jake Jordan as he learns to become the Manhattan Guardian. It's the building hope of Alix Harrower as she slowly rebuilds her life from tragedy. It's Klarion's charming exploration of his religion and the boundaries of his society. Every character tells a different kind of story, and while they may not be everyone's cup of tea, each story is charming and inspirational in it's own way...and they all build up to an even greater whole.
Couldn't even get started (re-read 2/10).......2007-01-09
I have read hundreds of graphic novels, and I saw the buzz on this. I guess I have never been a huge Grant Morrison fan, though he has his moments. This was his attempt to create a completely new universe out of old characters. I tried to get started, couldn't finish. If you are a completest, go for it. There is better stuff out there.
Re-readability: 2/10
*I always put re-readability in my reviews for people who like to keep their TPB to re-read*
HEAVY LIFTING BUT WORTH IT.......2006-07-11
There is a literary term called "heavy lifting" that applies when an author requires the reader to do a lot of work to appreciate the story -- this "heavy lifting" almost always comes at the beginning of the story. You might also call it "labor-intensive exposition." There is considerable heavy lifting here, so much so that I almost didn't pick up the second book. But, as luck would have it, I left my bag at the comic shop and had to swing by the next day to pick it up. Glad I did. Things really start to get GOOD in the second book, so much so that moments that seemed lame or irrelevant in the first trade are illuminated in hindsight -- the whole world expands! Now I cannot wait to get three and four! But, all that being said, as one previous reviewer noted there is a great deal in the first book that feels stuttering if not downright incomprehensible. Moreover, the order that the issues have been collected -- randomly, it feels like -- did none of the stories justice and served to add to the confusion. So BOOK 1 (by itself) deserves 2 STARS. BOOK 2 (by itself) deserves 4 STARS. And the sum of the two (the hindsight effect) bumps this book up to 3 STARS. So, my final word, DO NOT BUY THIS UNLESS YOU PLAN TO READ THEM ALL. OTHERWISE, YOU'LL BE WASTING YOUR TIME & MONEY.
J. H. Williams III is an amazing artist!.......2006-04-27
Every artist represented in this volume (there are six) blew me away - each for a different reason. The artwork in the introductory chapter, by J. H. Williams III, seemed, to me, the most significantly accomplished of the lot. Keep in mind that I do not regularly read contemporary superhero stories, so I had no preconceptions about any of these artists. There's something distinctly Silver Age about Williams' storytelling techniques (and I mean "calm and collected and cool and almost formal Infantino and Oskner DC Silver Age," not "crazy genius Kirby and Ditko Marvel Silver Age," by the way), though the outer layer, the Photoshopped slickness, is (and probably has to be) thoroughly contemporary. In Williams' case, the slickness refuses to obscure an outstanding and versatile line, among other things. There's the scratchy Wrightson-like opening in a swamp. There's the wide, western landscape that reminded me, more than anything, of an old Mickey Mouse adventure digest comic I had when I was a kid - except, you know, more realistic, and creepier. Maybe it was just the cartoony prickly pears everywhere. Or something. Williams' storytelling and character-building skills are as strong as any I've seen in comics. These characters - ultimately dispensible - come alive from the first moment they appear. Surely Williams is considered one of the top stylists of contemporary mainstream comics, maybe even the top stylist. I was particularly impressed with the final battle sequence, in which a great deal of information about a large number of characters performing very complex manuevers was presented so calmly and well (and with such perfect graphic design) that I didn't even notice that, hey, wow, that must have been a difficult sequence to pull off, until I'd read it three or four times.
(the above is excerpted from my longer review at graphicnovelreview.com)
Customer Reviews:
Am I the only one who is bothered by this?.......2007-01-21
This is the 4th book in the McNally's series, and I've read them in sequence. They're highly formulaic but still enjoyable. The main character continues to be a lovable rogue, mostly amoral but still with certain personal limits, so it is not surprising that he sleeps with various available women in the first 3 books.
But -- SPOILER ALERT -- in this one he sleeps with a woman who is married, living with her husband and planning to continue that way. And -- lest you think that he was momentarily carried away by passion -- he sleeps with her two more times.
Suddenly, to this reviewer at least, McNally has become a less lovable and much more unattractive figure.
McNally is one of the best!.......2006-07-21
One of the rare instances when Archie doesn't do what he is supposed to do. Extremely entertaining and funny as ususal. My husband and I enjoy listening to Sanders books on McNally and we have learned to carry a dictionary with us to figure out what some of the obscure words mean. Well worth the money spent on it.
The Whimsical Essence of Evil is Rancid Oil to Archy's Fresh Spring Rains........2006-02-24
McNally's CAPER was not offered on a Super Shipper Savings, at the time of my preparing to read and review it (I had a dusty, used copy in my personal library). In fact, this book's Amazon buying page wasn't linked into the rest of the series' buying pages. Ultimately, I resorted to searching for it on Amazon under Sanders name; it was a few pages down on that list. Once on the purchase page, I was puzzled to note that many reviews, even Archy stalwarts, had concluded that this novel is not as good as the others in the McNally series. (This is not a criticism of Amazon, but rather a compliment that it's so easy to search for details, and learn about a book merely from the way its presented here.)
That said, I'm sorry; I can't help it. It's just me:
The depressing situation of this book's buying page surged a desire to "save" McNally's CAPER by attempting to unearth its core of value, as I read. In order to do this, I would have to also understand what might have struck certain readers wrong.
Possibly the opening chapter's continued reference, applying various terms and methods, to the whole world being crazy struck too close to home, since Archy allowed no one escape from his pronouncement. Readers might have balked and bleated, "We're NOT crazy; speak for yourself."
Of course what Sanders was likely aiming for was to bait curiosity about precisely WHY Archy had been brought to that dastardly conclusion about the whole of the human race, and of reality itself.
In addition to sighting askance from CAPER'S proclamations of Bubbles Off Plumb, possibly mystery buffs are generally a bit too rule conscious to cozy up to the stretch of ethics of the opening chapter's widow shoplifter resolution (which I thought was in exquisite taste as a tantalizing "prologue" presenting tantamount thematic keys). This novel was dealing with extended eccentrics, and with a subtly sour attitude in Archy; yet his crankiness toward the chaotic castle he was about to become undercover-ed within was an intrigue enhancement, for me. Made me curious about the enthrallment effect of the Gothic castle setting; I looked forward to rambling in exploration.
Early on in the plot, Sanders repeatedly referred to classic literature & TV episodes, focusing on the zany/crazy and whimsical/farcical, like Alice In Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Adams Family, etc., all of which could become easy turn offs to readers accustomed to Archy & company being perky, yet refreshingly sane and conventionally unconventional, with just the right tinge of acceptable eccentricity. When that tinge tags over the line, the whole shebang becomes Farce or Satire; and possibly Archy's capture core is that he has seated into the mainstream novel category, in which readers can identify with heroic, even if off-beat, character tangents. That somewhat conservative, respectable balance with the precise amount and slant of humor is vital for a drama/comedy to avoid slipping into farce, which has a limited audience, myself included in that limitation. I need to be able to identify somewhat with most of the characters, and "live" in a setting and plot, which can be effervescent or dank, but not lacking absolutely in a foundation in conventional reality.
Too far in any direction of that continuum is too far. (Took my wisdom herbs this morning, can you tell? Yeah, maybe I'd better check the label's death date.)
Sanders appears to have been a type of author who needed to push envelopes to see when they fall off the desk. That may be the segment of his talent which allowed him to write such riveting, dramatic, mainstream novels in a variety of types, with complex levels of dark/light balance.
After reading the scene of Archy meeting Lucy, whom it appeared to me that Sanders wanted readers to see as another version of Alice, Dorothy, or ... (for the moment, I forget what other girl child heroines have seated into classic fiction and fairytale lore), I immediately began struggling with the ambivalent feelings that this girl was going to be different, maybe darker, maybe brighter; she'd certainly have a heavier (or maybe lighter?) spin on an archetypal characterization.
Throughout the read, with the repeated foreboding that the denouement in this offering would be heinous, would shake the faith of humanity, would convince the reader that the whole world was crazy; I kept wondering what could be more heinous than ... heinous.
Throughout the read I continued wondering what had turned off many of the reviewers, or caused them to dim the lights on this one, almost proclaiming it the runt of the litter. For me, runts offer the best type of hero material, hiding subtle but gorgeous gems, which must be studied in quiet contemplation to be seen clearly, or at all.
As noted above, some readers might not like the continued wholesale collection of and references to zany, wacky worlds created in other works of fiction. To me these were intriguing, like a message of great thematic importance was connected to them. The repetition of variations on the words "crazy" and "heinous" were at plethora levels.
Each repetition renewed my conviction that Sanders was attempting a major revelation in CAPER, and felt he might not be able to quite get it across accurately without losing his readers.
I noticed that Archy's attempts to justify his infidelity to Consuela, and his ignoring phoning her when he'd said that he would, etc., felt more caddish (it was almost lazy) than in other books in series. Yet, when Connie said, "No. I'll call YOU tonight" in response to Archy's promise to call her, I clapped (mentally), since I had been wondering why she didn't just phone Archy instead of waiting for his (lack of) dial up.
In addition to that lift of my spirits from Connie's finally "getting Archie's number," I was warmed by Archy's continued exchanges with Lucy; those scenes drew me more deeply into the plot, and were ironically enhanced by the seeming increase in CAPER of the elder McNally's ungracious, chilled demeanor. "What is it NOW, Archy," was repeated each time Archy approached his pater with vital info he had been asked to obtain, yet Archy seemed to take this impatience in stride. It wasn't until the ending scenes that the sire asked, "What is it Archy" sans "now."
Archy's father definitely seemed more impatient here than in other books I've read in this series, and was painted by Archy with less of a cushion of expressed understanding "from whence the mood had arisen," explaining it thereby. Maybe he was setting up a contrast to allow the ending scenes more impact. If so, it worked.
Not only were the relationships with le pater and Constance more constantly tested here; Connie seemed more testy than normal, and Archy seemed to be pushing his need to taste a variety of women, and to explore the more seamy, heartless, bloodless sexual expressions. His scenes with Silvia were clearly a toe in the water of an "evil" he described as whimsical, almost whispering-ly angelic, careless and thoughtless; and his conclusions were fascinating, at the time, and later, of the type of perversion which some of the characters embodied so readily and compulsively.
In this novel the characters, including Archy, periodically descend into various dark (or bitter) moods, but the kicker angle of angst was that restless type of empty depression which chains a soul to a dissatisfied body, agonizing over a primal moan, "Is this all there is." With that restless emptiness being the most painful (and terrifying) type of depression I've experienced, I understand why readers might not welcome a book in which a master wordsmith nearly drowns them (periodically) in those feelings. Yet, while Sanders allowed Archy to extend more than a toe into this emotional miasma, he also highlighted rainbows and silver linings (often of the munching, swilling, swallowing type), without allowing those to become cloying.
It appeared to me as if Sanders were studying that edgy mood of ennui which was so adeptly dramatized in THE GREAT GATSBY, the "mood disorder" which can drive some people into the visceral dungeons of heinous acts.
Archy is such an unlikely character to immerse himself into this type of mood, even with the noble purpose of understanding its every nook.
Archy is asking the big WHY(s)!!???
Why (maybe even "How") do people descend into acts of heinous crimes.
In an apparent attempt to ferret the taproot of Evil, in CAPER Sanders drops Archy into the dank dungeons of the human mind in which the soul is twisted as the mind is warped. One of the strongest dramatizations of the wispy, light (odorous) breath of this simple essence is in the first sexual consummation scene between Archy and Sylvia, in room 309, mentioned briefly above, which takes place in the barely classy Michelangelo motel (bordello) used for this type of carefree romp by various members of the Griswold household. In fact, Archy's every exchange with Sylvia is deeply telling, especially in contrast to the collection of dark females in the plot, and even more especially, in contrast to his Connie (there's another Consuela in this one).
In concluding scenes, which were exquisite, several "keeper" conclusions ("answers" to the big questions this plot poses) are zinged out by le pater, Archie, and Al.
And, finally, in my conclusion I'll say that, even though they had an overall positive (intriguing, engrossing) rather than negative (boring or overly uncomfortable) effect on me, as noted, I can see the variety of angles which might have dimmed the response of some readers and diminished the buying page position this novel holds on Amazon (held at the time of this review's posting).
I've even wondered if the less radiant cover colors, or the earlier grumpy looking photo of Sanders, or the different promo blurb focus might have something to do with the caching of CAPER'S draw.
Whatever. CAPER deserves another shot at shining (though the sheen might be subtle and eerily silent, it would be gorgeous), equal to or above the other original seven books. For me, this novel was every bit as engrossing, entertaining, and satisfying as SECRET, LUCK, RISK, TRIAL, PUZZLE, and GAMBLE; as noted here, in some ways CAPER is richer, like a full-bodied, complex, dry red wine with smoky breaths of woody violets and a nearly imperceptible wisp of grape (Concords). Archie's relationships with other characters are clearly richer, especially the connection with detective Al Rogoff.
I'm crossing fingers that this attention might surge an interest in giving CAPER another chance. A book often takes a year of an author's life-force to accomplish, then almost as much from agents, editors, and the publisher's work force.
It seems shame to let a good book down (even if the author may be currently in the presence of Michelangelo himself, with both souls no longer in need of uplift, appreciation, or of anything at all.)
A Gambler on Value, even though it be in the dim light of twilight,
Linda G. Shelnutt
an afternoon promenade of a book.......2005-02-11
McNally, the title character, is quite a charmer. His pretentions and self-mocking attitudes make him likeable. The plot of this book isn't revolutionary and the end is dissapointinlgly predictable, however, it is still an enjoyable read. The ending doesn't wrap up in a completely neat way, which I wouldn't object to, but the rest of the book (including the last page where McNally says he wanted iot to be more cut and dried) seems to lead to a more solid resolution. All in all, I'd still reccomend this as a light pleasure read, great for beaches and subway rides.
Good - but not as great as most McNally books.......2003-06-29
This book had most of the delicious features of the other McNally books, but was missing something. I guess the killer's motivation was a little weak. Also, some of the juicy details were never wrapped up (e.g., why the nude photo collection?). McNally's case revolves around an eccentric family of nuts. He feels pity for the sane little 8 year old girl, who suffers with bitter parents. The killer was fairly easy to guess, and the show down near the end was dramatic.
Product Description
5 massmarket paperback Titles in Archy McNally Series : McNally's Alibi - McNally's Luck - McNally's Caper - McNally's Dare - McNally's Trial
Average customer rating:
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Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
Lawrence Sanders , and
Vincent Lardo
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MSXOJE |
Average customer rating:
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McNally's Caper
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1994
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O3KCPQ |
Average customer rating:
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McNally's Caper
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1994
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXDU8S |
Average customer rating:
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McNally's Caper (Book Club Edition)
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Sanders, Lawrence | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000SV4ZZW |
Product Description
Palm Beach's premier man-about-crime plunges to the perilous depths of high society in the loopiest Archy McNally thriller yet! McNally's Caper is real-life, real-death family meshugass. The clan in question bears the proud name Forsythe, but the devious saga played out within the fortresslike walls of their baronial estate is far too raw ever to make it to Masterpiece Theatre. Mixing suspense, sensuality and high jinks with a Gordon Bleu chef's expertise, Lawrence Sanders' McNally's Caper is a thoroughly delectable read.
Average customer rating:
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PT2 McNally's Caper
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0399141189 |
Average customer rating:
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Sleepy-Time Rhymes
Goldie Capers Smith
Manufacturer: Rand McNally
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000FOMRXO |
Product Description
Nice pictorial cover
Average customer rating:
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Archy McNally Series: McNally's Secret, Luck, Risk, Caper, Trial, Puzzle, Gamble, Dilemma, Folly, Chance, Alibi, Dare, Bluff (Set of 13)
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MT1IN2 |
Book Description
Introducing the first revised edition to the original and most extensive pocket-size American Sign Language dictionary ever published. Included are more than 2,500 of the most widely used words, phrases and idioms in the language, with easy-to-follow illustrations of the hand, arm and facial movements that express each one.
Completely updated and modernized, this monumental work introduces 500 new signs that have recently been added to the evolving American Sign Language lexicon.
Customer Reviews:
Great tool for the hearing world........2006-03-16
There are so many people among us that are either hard of hearing or deaf, that its almost a shame that the hearing world doesn't and can't communicate with them. If the hearing world finds out how easy it is to learn sign language, and how much the hearing world can profit from this skill, every hearing person would learn how to sign. There are so many tools available to make sign language easy and fun to learn, that any excuse not to learn is invalid. This is a great tool for parents to yell at their kids in church to be quiet and pay attention, and no-one can hear you. Or tell your loved one some sweet nothings accorss a room and no one can hear nor understand you, but him / her. This also boosts the self esteem of a deaf person, knowing that someone cares enough to communicate with them. How would a hearing person feel if he / she or God forbid one of their kids suddenly loses their hearing? As a parent of a deaf child, with no other family member with deafness, ever, it is very frustrating when no one in the world around you can communicate with your child. Sign language is a lot easier than learning Spanish, German or any other spoken language. This particular book is a fantastic tool for ANYONE to pick up sign language in a hurry. I have used several prior editions and sent this latest edition to someone who wants to enhance their skills. I recommend this book for learing and enhancing a skill anyone can learn.
very eaasy and comprehensive..........2002-10-21
Explains why the signs are what they are, making them much easier to remember! Has been very helpful in learning signing with my 12 month old!
Buy America Sign Language Dictionary by Random House instead.......2001-12-29
Very poor book. Even the manual alphabet in the front of the book is not accurate. The book is missing many vital, yet basic words required for conversation. Your money will be much better spent on Random Houses American Sign Lanugage Dictionary.
From a Deaf perspective.......2001-12-09
American Sign Language Concise Dictionary
by Martin L.A. Sternberg
This is an excellent resource guide that is easy to use. It is one of the few ASL books that have been widely published and is ASL centered. I have a copy and carry it always with me.
Great Refrence for ASL!.......2001-05-15
This book is an absolut neccessity for the ASL student. There are signs for nearly everyword you can think of! This book helped me converse with my deaf friends comfortably. I know have a greater knowledge of signs from just about any topic. It is a must for those wishing to learn sign language or have any deaf friends or relatives. It is concise and gives accurate definitions for the sign and the meaning of the word.
Books:
- Sex Wars: A Novel of the Turbulent Post-Civil War Period
- Shakespeare's Counselor (The Fifth Lily Bard Mystery)
- Sins and Needles (Needlecraft Mysteries)
- Slim and None
- Something Dangerous
- Stardust of Yesterday (Haunting Hearts Series)
- Stephen Coonts' Deep Black: Payback (Deep Black)
- Streets Of Laredo : A Novel
- Surface Tension: Problematics of Site
- Tandia
Books Index
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Seven Soldiers of Victory: Vol. 2
Seven Soldiers of Victory: Vol. 3
The Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol. 4
Doom Patrol, Book 4: Musclebound
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