Arrow's Flight (The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 2)

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Long ago- so long ago that the details of the conflict are lost and only the merest legends remain- the world of Velgarth was wracked by sorcerous wars. The population was decimated. The land quickly turned to wilderness and was given over to the forest and the magically-engendered creatures that had been used to fight those wars, while the people who remained fled to the eastern coastline, there to resume their shattered lives. Humans are resilient creatures, however, and it was not overlong before the population once again was on the increase, and folk began to move westward again, building new kingdoms out of the wilderness. One such kingdom was Valdemar. Founded by the once-Baron Valdemar and those of his people who had chosen exile with him rather than facing the wrath of a selfish and cruel monarch, it lay on the very western-and-northernmost edge of the civilized world. In part due to the nature of its founders, the monarchs of Valdemar welcomed fugitives and fellow exiles, and the customs and habits of its people had over the years become a polyglot patchwork. In point of fact, the one rule by which the monarchs of Valdemar governed their people was "There is no 'one, true way.'" Governing such an ill-assorted lot of subjects might have been impossible- had it not been for the Heralds of Valdemar. The Heralds served many functions; they were administrative overseers, dispensers of justice, information gatherers, even temporary military advisors; answerable only to the Monarch and their own circle of peers. Such a system might have seemed ripe for abuse- it would have been, but for the Companions.

Customer Reviews:

My Least Favorite But Still Good.......2007-05-07

This was my least favorite in the Herald's Series. Although I particularly like how the sex was handled, practically, without unnecessary additives. I would have thought Heralds would have no problem perceiving each other's feelings enough to know there was no danger of love happening, but I guess it made for good plot tension. This was a good, but not great book.

A growing up story.......2006-01-17

This is volume two of the story of Talia, a young girl who becomes the Queen's Own Herald in the land of Valdemar. In the first volume, we leared of Talia's history in an abusive home and her being Chosen by a Companion and her training at the Herald Collegium. In this volume that story continues from the point where she receives her Whites as a full fledged Herald and must set out on her 18 month internship under the tutelage of a qualified Herald.

The beauty of this volume is that it is really all about the coming of age of Talia. The poor abused girl who is still very unsure of herself, has to deal with many challenges along the border's frontier. Most of her troubles are really internal as she has a unique Gift (Empathy) for which there are no existing rules or precedents. It does not help her that her hold on her Gift is actually quite tenuous. Throughout the book she struggles with herself.

The book is a wonderful story of how this insecure young woman becomes a mature and secure woman who is comfortable with her unique gifts, is comfortable with who she is, and sheds her inhibitions and fear of men as she spends the 18 months with Kris. While all of this is going on, she is also starting to realize that her true love is another man and we get to watch and observe her feelings for Dirk develop steadily even though Dirk is never present in the book itself.

This volume has restored my faith in this series. The first volume can now be seen as setting the context and filling in the history of this fascinating character. While I was not totally happy with the first volume - essentially its almost direct copying of an earlier trilogy - this second volume has gone in a totally different direction and was a wonderfully engrossing read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Second Book Of Trilogy.......2005-10-31

I have read all three books of Heralds of Valdemar in a week. As one reader commented ,This is second book of a Trilogy and it shows. Talia becomes a full herald and starts normal internship for one and half year journey. She lost her control of gift.

Most of the story resolves around them going from town to town and lost of control of gift. Character build up is very well written. Learning more about typical herald duties help to understand World of Valdemar. Being a Dungeon Master myself, I liked these parts of story.

But there were some points, I disliked. A battle against brigands where 15 to 2 (well 4 with companions). Unrealistic combat.
Also when a healer understand that she lost her shields, she only tell them get your shields instead of helping her.

Overall trilogy was good.

good not great.......2005-10-30

This is the second in the series. Talia serves her journeyman phase as a Herald by riding a village circuit, accompanied by a fellow seasoned Herald Kris. During that time, she loses control of her "Gift" which has not been properly trained during her apprenticeship as a Herald trainee. Though the friendship, then romance between Talia and Kris is strong, the story is rather monotonous, and not much happens. Books 1 and 3 are better.

Not as good as later books in this series, but a must-read.......2005-10-19

ALthough somewhat lacking in maturity, the "Arrows" books are a must-read if you want to really appreciate the later volumes in the Valdemar series. Think of it as a chance to grow up in Valdemar as we follow Queen's Own Herald Talia through a growing threat to the kingdom. Definitely darker in tone than "Arrows of the Queen."

Queen's own: Arrows of the Queen ; Arrow's flight ; Arrow's fall (Heralds of Valdemar)

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Queen's own: Arrows of the Queen ; Arrow's flight ; Arrow's fall (Heralds of Valdemar)
Mercedes Lackey
Manufacturer: SFBC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

ASIN: 0739435248

Product Description

This is the 3 in 1 book of the Queen's Own trilogy. It contains Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, and Arrow's Fall. These books were only released originally as paperbacks. This is the only way to get them as a hardback edition!

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Gods and mortals
The Trojan War your English teacher didn't teach you about...but should have!
Did I miss something?
TOTAL FUN !!!!!
Trojan tricking

An Arrow's Flight
Mark Merlis
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0312186754

Amazon.com

Mark Merlis, who debuted in 1995 with the marvelous American Studies, has once again worked magic, producing a book that is as momentous as it is mysteriously moving. Set during the Trojan War, An Arrow's Flight recounts the story of Achilles's son Pyrrhus, prophesied to be the soldier who conquered Troy. But Merlis's tale departs from the standard versions of the story: here, Pyrrhus is a go-go boy and hustler who lives in the demiworld of the gay ghetto and bears a closer resemblance to characters from John Rechy's City of Night than anybody in Edith Hamilton's Mythology. In its opening pages, An Arrow's Flight seems to be little more than a clever postmodern gag, but Merlis knows exactly what he is doing, and the novel quickly becomes a unique, emotionally overwhelming masterpiece. Merlis's historical and sexual sleights of hand end up thrilling and shocking by locating us somewhere between myth and history, between fiction and fable. The very themes and ideas of An Arrow's Flight shimmer and shift before our eyes: war, male friendship, Troy, AIDS, sexual identity, and Vietnam are all explored and elucidated. By the end, the novel resonates with beauty, intelligence, and empathy. --Michael Bronski

Book Description

The award-winning An Arrow's Flight tells the story of the Trojan War and Pyrrhus, the son of the fallen Achilles, now working as a go-go boy and hustler in the big city. Magically blending ancient headlines and modern myth, Merlis creates a fabulous new world where legendary heroes declare their endowments in personal ads and any panhandler may be a divinity in disguise. Comical, moving, startling in its audacity and range, An Arrow's Flight is a profound meditation on gay identity, straight power, and human liberation.

Customer Reviews:

Gods and mortals.......2006-11-16

I was dubious when I started the book. It seemed just another coming of age in the gay ghetto story. But there was something about the writing that made me care much more than I should have, based on what the lead character, Pyrrhus, was actually doing.

I love the story of Achilles and the Trojan War, and Greek mythology in general. Greek mythology is fabulous, timeless human psychology.

As the book progresses, it becomes a profound meditation on shame, self-loathing, defiance of heterosexual oppression, and the always relevant mystery of the brevity of youth and the joys and burdens of aging. It is also a commentary on gay culture.

It is terrific fun to read and became progressively more so as the book went on.

The Trojan War your English teacher didn't teach you about...but should have!.......2006-03-03

"An Arrow's Flight" is the story of Pyrrhus (a.k.a. Neoptolemus), the son of Achilles, fated to be the hero of the Trojan War. But when Odysseus and the other Greeks come looking for him after hearing the prophecy, they learn that Pyrrhus is working as a stripper and a prostitute in the big city. And he's gay.

This is definitely not what Odysseus was expecting, but then, it's probably not what you were expecting either. Merlis takes the story of the end of the Trojan War and twists it around as only an expert could, making it very modern and very real while still retaining many of the themes that the ancient Greeks cherished so much, like whether or not we have the power to choose our own destiny, and what it takes to be a hero. The premise may sound funny, and it's true that many clever or amusing parts of the book might make you laugh out loud, even more so if you understand the obscure mythological references (though no extensive knowledge of Greek mythology is required to enjoy the book). But Merlis also deals with much more serious issues, turning Philoctetes's snake bite into a metaphor for AIDS that is so precise and fitting I was almost surprised no one had thought of it before. By the end of the book, all of the humor is gone, leaving the reader with a heart-wrenching depiction of how severely the gay community was affected by AIDS in the late 1970's.

Merlis is an amazing writer in that he brings out the subtleties and nuances not only in Greek mythology, but also in human nature. He can take the simplest thought or gesture and describe it in such a way as to make it take on a whole new meaning. The large and colorful cast of characters includes Pyrrhus, the young, rebellious protagonist, Leucon, his shy and self-conscious roommate, Corythus, the naïve and enthusiastic sailor, and Nereus, the repressed, serious lieutenant. All of the characters are so complex and believable that anyone, whether male or female, gay or straight, could relate to them in some way. Pyrrhus's quest to find his purpose in life and in the process discover himself is the same challenge that everyone must face, and the fact that Pyrrhus has an oracle trying to dictate these things to him only makes it that much more confusing.

I recommend "An Arrow's Flight" as highly as I possibly can. Not only are the characters and details great, but the plot is engaging and full of twists that distort the original myths while still giving me the sense that it couldn't have happened any other way. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or just read a great piece of literature that will make you feel and think deeply about things that you normally wouldn't, this book is definitely a must-read.

Did I miss something?.......2005-08-27

Maybe I should have been more familiar with the Greek tragedy this story is based on? Frankly, I'm not sure what purpose was served by switching back and forth from Classical Greece to modern day. What I did like was the very on target insights as to how a gay man feels from adolescence to adulthood. Personally I think the book would have been just as effective by just keeping it as historical fiction.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to someone.

TOTAL FUN !!!!!.......2005-05-20

This novel is without a doubt one of the "funnest" books I have ever read. The twist of the novel is to take an ancient Greek myth, and blend the myth with contemporary situations. This book is creative and entertaining. I UNHESITATINGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I only wish there were more writers as wonderfully gifted as Mark Merlis.

Trojan tricking.......2005-03-23

Typically, I don't enjoy these "high-concept novels." This one I did. It's the story of Pyrrhus, son of Achilles, in a story set during the Trojan War-yet with modern sensibilities. Pyrrhus might put on his khaki pants or use a credit card, but they are, indeed, in ancient Greece.

The story is well-woven and keeps your interest. Unless you are used to high-concept novels, it will take a few pages to meld the new and the old as the author intended. But it comes across well. Pyrrhus becomes disillusioned with the constant stream of one-nighters, and when called upon (as prophesied) to conquer Troy, he gets involved in battle. Even if you know ancient Greek history, the outcome of the war in this book will surprise you. Of course, there's still the hot love scenes one would expect.

A great read, especially if you're looking for gay fiction that's different from the usual.

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Homeward the Arrow's Flight
Marion Marsha Brown
Manufacturer: Abingdon Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0687173000

Arrow First Flight 45 Year Memorial Photo Album

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Arrow First Flight 45 Year Memorial Photo Album
Peter Zuuring , and Jozef VanVeenen
Manufacturer: Arrow Alliance Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1550569031

Product Description

Limited Edition issued on March 25, 1958 at 45 Year Memorial.

Arrow Pilot's Operating Instructions and RCAF Testing/Basing Plans

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A faithful replica edition

Arrow Pilot's Operating Instructions and RCAF Testing/Basing Plans

Manufacturer: Boston Mills Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Boston Mills is delighted to publish, in one volume, a copy of the original Avro Arrow Pilot Operating Instructions manual and the previously unpublished RCAF Testing/Basing Plans. The special edition includes CD ROM with 22-minute Avro Story video, CF-100 and other video clips, slide show with over 350 Canadian aviation and Arrow-era photos, 100 heritage b&w photos dating to 1902, Arrow screensavers, plus Windows 98 media player.

Customer Reviews:

A faithful replica edition.......2001-09-30

After dealing with many books dedicated to the "Arrow", I almost stumbled on this unique pubblication, and it was great surprise.

The book is a reprint of 1958 Aircraft Manual; actually the preliminary operating instructions of the J-75 powered Arrow's prototypes. In fact the procedures reported in the text are the provisory checklist , since the testing phase was in full swing and the civil and military pilots were expanding the flight envelope. Nevertheless, every main subject is presented ( similar to a final production aircraft manual ),along with noteworthy documents. Many technical details are available, covering aircraft systems, equipments, normal and emergency procedures, aircraft data and diagrams, perfomance charts and flight envelopes at 3 significant altitudes. Maybe this is the definitive book on Arrow's aircraft data and the best complement to any study describing this cutting edge design and his untimely cancellation. Indeed, the Arrow was exceeding the RCAF specifications during the test phase with provisionally powered prototypes , since the production was planned fitting with Orenda Iroquis engine. The new powerplant itself was living up with perfomance expectations, being successfully tested in flight with a modified B47.

Curiously, in the foreword the author explains that the original instructions were classified "secret" and iussued to both company and military pilots.Someone will speculate ironically that the classification was not intended to preclude intelligence by foreign agencies, but to hide the program achievements from Canadians to justify its demise.

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Arrows in Flight
Caroline Walsh
Manufacturer: Pocket Books/TownHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1903650445

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A FLIGHT OF ARROWS
John H. Beauvais
Manufacturer: Pitcairn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0914874020

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A Flight of Arrows
Alan Sillitoe
Manufacturer: Robson Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

20th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
Sillitoe, Alan | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1861056346

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Homeward the Arrow's Flight: The Story of Susan La Flesche, (Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte)
Marion Marsh Brown
Manufacturer: Field Mouse Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Science & Technology | Biographies | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0964758601

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Vault Guide to Interior Design Careers (Vault Career Guide to Interior Design)
Sara D. Forest
Manufacturer: Vault, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Professional Reference | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Study & Teaching | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Professional Reference | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Becoming an Interior Designer (A Guide to Careers in Design)

Professional Interior Design: a career guide

Opportunities in Interior Design and Decorating Careers

Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (Career Opportunities)

Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design

ASIN: 1581313268

Book Description

The guide provides a breakdown of career paths, including design, sales and furniture design.

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Super Reader

An Alchemical Romance

A difficult read...

Puzzling but worthwhile

It ain't Mervyn Peake, but the book comes alive...

The City in the Autumn Stars: Being a Continuation of the Story of the Von Bek Family and Its Association With Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, and the
Michael Moorcock
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Moorcock, Michael | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0441106307

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-30

The Von Bek family is still involved with that whole Heaven and Hell thing. This time it is one of the descendants, named Manfred.

The French Revolution doesn't suit Von Bek, so he leaves, quickly. Going to Mirenberg, he gets involved with a Duchess, and an Angel?

An Alchemical Romance.......2003-11-01

This volume is not strictly a sequel to _The Warhound and the World's Pain_, since it takes place 150 years later. The hero is not Ulrich von Bek but his descendent, Manfred. The world, and the von Beks, have changed much in this interval- or have they? Instead of holy war tearing Europe apart, it is now the Terror and the spirit of Regicide that threatens to destroy it. Indeed, Manfred von Bek is a man of this new world. He has rejected Magic and the Mysteries (though he was once initiated into the Illuminati.) His Gods are now Revolution, The Rights of Man, and Science. Or rather they were, until his dreams of an enlightened utopia died in the blood filled gutters of revolutionary Paris. Now, he is now simply a wandering cynic out to secure his own fortune by any means necessary.
At least he was all this before a chance encounter with the Dutchess of Crete. This fascinating creature becomes an obsession with him. Indeed, he begins to doubt his own sanity in his relentless search for her. While he, himself, represents democracy, reason, and cynicism, the elusive countess is the symbol of royalty, magic, and idealism. Indeed she seems to be the mirror of everything he is not, or has renounced. It is almost like this mysterious, androgenous creature is his own female soul- his anima....

In his heated pursuit across Europe, the Ritter von Bek finds himself drawn to Mirenberg, which is paradoxically both the most magical and the most enlightened city in all of Europe. It is also the meeting place for the greatest gathering of alchemists that the world has ever seen. It is here that von Bek tries to cool his obsession for the countess, while filling his own pockets. It almost works, until one night he is abducted and taken to the catacombs deep beneath the city. It is here that he learns that the old tales concerning the Grail, and the Devil, are not foolishness after all. Moreover, he is about to find that the doors to the Mittlemarch are once again open to one of his ancient blood....

This hardcover edition has one of the most attractive dust jackets that I've ever seen. Moreover, I have read the book three times now- and even had it signed by the author. I considerate it to be something special for a novel.

A difficult read..........2000-09-04

...for one very simple reason--it's too damned long, and not very satisfying. None of the characters are at all sympathetic (quite the opposite in "The War Hound and the World's Pain," as I liked Ulrich von Bek very much), save Lucifer himself...sympathy for the Devil, you say? Maybe. I also gotbored rather quickly with Manfred von Bek's wanderings about the Deeper City; I really think Moorcock could have pared back quite a few of the details here, and the narrative would have improved immeasurably.

Puzzling but worthwhile.......1999-01-08

This is not an easy read, and it's probably too long by half, but it's far from Moorcock's worst. (See "The Sailor on the Seas of Fate" for a good example of Moorcock at his hastiest.) The pacing here is languid but the hallmarks of Moorcock's best work are here, albeit fitfully: his unique feel for the period and thorough knowledge of history and culture, and his ability to blend the historical elements with the fantastic. Casual readers should stick with the first book (Warhound and the World's Pain), but Moorcock aficionados should at least give this one a try.

It ain't Mervyn Peake, but the book comes alive..........1998-10-31

One of Moorcock's best fantasy novels. More in the tradition of Gloriana than the Elric or Corum books, City in the Autumn Stars relates the tale of a memeber of the Von Bek family, fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution only to find himself entangled in an ever-expanding web of alchemical intrigue. Moorcock's use of alchemical symbolism and the various esoteric teachings that swept Europe at the time is an interesting plot device and it creates just the right kind of atmosphere for the fantastic events that develop. Don't expect him to always get his esoteric symbolism right however, he uses the material to spice up his story and develop his allegory in certain places, but the book is still a fantasy and you can't expect it to faithfully represent alchemy. It's a great read and a nice change from the vadhagh, rune-mumbling, albino doom ditties he's written in the past.

The City in the Autumn Stars: Being a Continuation of the Story of the Von Bek Family and Its Association with Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, and the Cure for the World's Pain

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An Alchemical Romance

The City in the Autumn Stars: Being a Continuation of the Story of the Von Bek Family and Its Association with Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, and the Cure for the World's Pain
Michael Moorcock
Manufacturer: Grafton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

An Alchemical Romance.......2003-11-01

At least he was all this before a chance encounter with the Dutchess of Crete. This fascinating creature becomes an obsession with him. Indeed, he begins to doubt his own sanity in his relentless search for her. While he, himself, represents democracy, reason, and cynicism, the elusive countess is the symbol of royalty, magic, and idealism. Indeed she seems to be the mirror of everything he is not, or has renounced. It is almost like this mysterious, androgenous creature is his own female soul- his anima....

Book Description

Features tons of advice for recovery and rehabilitation

Get the latest on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke

Have questions and concerns about strokes? This reassuring guide provides invaluable information for stroke victims and their loved ones, from what a stroke is and what it feels like to proven treatments and therapies. You'll see how to implement a plan for preventing stroke, treat the lingering effects of stroke, and maximize home caregiver effectiveness while minimizing fatigue.

Discover how to:

Understand what causes different types of stroke
Recognize warning signs
Get the most out of doctors and hospitals
Speed recovery with the best treatments
Help prevent future strokes
Decide the best living arrangements after stroke

Download Description

Features tons of advice for recovery and rehabilitation Get the latest on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke Have questions and concerns about strokes? This reassuring guide provides invaluable information for stroke victims and their loved ones, from what a stroke is and what it feels like to proven treatments and therapies. You'll see how to implement a plan for preventing stroke, treat the lingering effects of stroke, and maximize home caregiver effectiveness while minimizing fatigue. Discover how to: Understand what causes different types of stroke Recognize warning signs Get the most out of doctors and hospitals Speed recovery with the best treatments Help prevent future strokes Decide the best living arrangements after stroke

Customer Reviews:

good for when stroke first happens.......2006-02-04

I got this book late in the game. I wish I would of gotten this book when my husband's stroke first happened. it explains things pretty good. from when a stroke 1st happens to all the stuff afterwards. another good book is High Blood Pressure for Dummies. A site to go to for support is strokeboard.net - lots of great people to talk to.

5 Books - 1) - 365 One-Minute Golf Lessons: Stroke-Saving Tips / 2) - Golf - The Practice Book, (In Slipcase) / 3) Golf for Dummies / 4) Final Rounds: A Father, A Son, The Golf Journey Of A Lifetime / 5) Tiger Woods, The Making of a Champion (Unboxed Set of Golf Training & Motivational Books)

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5 Books - 1) - 365 One-Minute Golf Lessons: Stroke-Saving Tips / 2) - Golf - The Practice Book, (In Slipcase) / 3) Golf for Dummies / 4) Final Rounds: A Father, A Son, The Golf Journey Of A Lifetime / 5) Tiger Woods, The Making of a Champion (Unboxed Set of Golf Training & Motivational Books)
Robin McMillan , Joerg Vanden Berge , Jorg Vanden Berge , Gary McCord , John Huggan , Kevin Costner , James Dodson , and Sports illustrated
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VYEY7K

Product Description

5 Books - 1) - 365 One-Minute Golf Lessons: Stroke-Saving Tips / 2) - Golf - The Practice Book, (In Slipcase) / 3) Golf for Dummies / 4) Final Rounds: A Father, A Son, The Golf Journey Of A Lifetime / 5) Tiger Woods, The Making of a Champion, in either Hard or Softcover, (See Seller Condition Comments), Shipped in one package to save on shipping costs.

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