The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good
  • Lions and Tigers and Bears "Oh My"
  • Recommended for dedicated movie buffs
  • Really Great Book!!
  • This WIZ is a WOW
The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded
Jay Scarfone , and William Stillman
Manufacturer: Applause Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1557836248

Book Description

PUBLISHED ON THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELEASE OF THE FILM: AUGUST 15, 2004! The Wizard of Oz is one of the most popular and beloved motion pictures of all time. Seen by over one billion people worldwide since its 1939 premiere, Oz is an indelible part of our national consciousness and our earliest childhood memories. Why does this movie endure despite modern advances in film make-up and special effects? This lavishly illustrated book explores the construction of Oz at the height of Hollywood's golden age and under the auspices of filmdom's greatest studio. Details about Oz's make-up, costumes and special effects are revealed, accompanied by rare stills, Technicolor test frames, and blueprints - over 300 color and BandW illustrations, many published for the first time! Actual costumes and props - now priceless treasures - are presented from the archives of memorabilia collectors, supplemented by never-before-conducted interviews with Oz's cast and crew. Written by the nation's leading Oz authorities, and with a foreword by the Cowardly Lion's make-up man, The Wizardry of Oz is a fascinating trip over the rainbow, from concept to realization. This book is an absolute must for Oz fans, film scholars, devotees of Judy Garland and Hollywood's golden era, or anyone who's ever wondered, "How'd they do that?" while watching this classic.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good.......2006-07-06

Shipped really fast, and the book was good for a paper i had to write

5 out of 5 stars Lions and Tigers and Bears "Oh My".......2005-07-03

One word can adequately describe this book. FANTASTIC. I was in heaven (Oz) while reading this book. It is the best book ever written about the making of "The Wizard of Oz". Jay Scarfone has out done himself. I have gone back many times to look at many of the rare photo's he has included in this book. I got it for Christmas and it was my favorite gift. Want to learn something about the making of this beloved classic GET THIS BOOK NOW!

5 out of 5 stars Recommended for dedicated movie buffs .......2004-08-09

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic is a colorful companion to the 1939 classic movie that brought Baum's famous children's classic of a magical world to vivid life. Black-and-white as well as full-color photographs and a text that explores the movie's creation from its initial design concepts to casting, shooting, and release in theaters. The expert collaboration of Jay Scarfone and William Stillman, The Wizardry Of Oz is a superb treasure filled from cover to cover with little-known behind-the-scenes stories and is most especially recommended for dedicated movie buffs with fond memories of going over the rainbow and entering Oz!

5 out of 5 stars Really Great Book!!.......2004-07-24

This is a truly great book and you won't be sorry if you get it, but I want to clarify that it is not huge and heavy. It is 8.5 x 11, normal paperback edition size and weight. The Judy Portrait in Art and Anecdote book, now that is huge and heavy!

5 out of 5 stars This WIZ is a WOW.......2004-07-24

This book is the greatest book I've ever seen on the 1939 MGM musical masterpiece. Any OZ lover will be in heaven over the vast amount of rare, and NEVER before seen photos -- all presented in top-notch quality, many of them looking astounding crisp and clear, like never before. Even the PAPER used in the book is thick and rich. The book is huge and heavy, and must be one of the bargains of the century. Only $19.95 list price? Astounding. You simply will be OVER THE RAINBOW when you read the insightful history of the production. These gentlemen are THE top authorities on OZ, and it shows. Click on the Buy Now button, and you will be so happy you did. If Ever Oh Ever a BOOK There Was, THIS One's THE One, the WIZARDRY one, Because, Because, Because, Because, BECAUSE : Because of the WONDERFUL Book It Is!
Cooking in Oz: Kitchen Wizardry and a Century of Marvels from America's Favorite Tale
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • What's to eat?
  • Fun book - Great recipes!
  • We're off to see the Wizard, the one that cooks that is!
  • This book cooks!
  • Unique Collectors Item
Cooking in Oz: Kitchen Wizardry and a Century of Marvels from America's Favorite Tale
Elaine Willingham , Stephen Cox , Tina Cassimatis , and Blanche Cox
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  3. The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry And Magic of The 1939 MGM Classic - Revised and Expanded
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ASIN: 1581820518

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars What's to eat?.......2007-05-01

What's to eat? I wish I could have found it in this book! I had to put this book aside, and cool-off, before writing a review. I was disappointed, but I'll keep it for my Oz collection, if nothing else.

It's 2007, and we don't eat like we used to eat in 1937. I mean, who smothers a sandwich with gravy these days? And it's a big, cheesy, greasy, meaty, sandwich that you bake into a LOAF to begin with! Who makes those crazy-looking jello desserts, that no one eats? When was the last time you decided to break-out and make a batch of JELLY? You will have to dig-through these recipes, and alter them in order to make a quick, healthy meal. (No wonder Judy Garland struggled with her weight!!) Many of the recipes for sauces and snacks can be found at the local deli or grocery store already, now. I recommend, if you collect Oz, that you purchase this book used and at the cheapest cost you can find. (The photos are okay!)

I was appalled and thought this book is poorly edited. Anyone and everyone who had anything to do with the word "Oz" managed to contribute a recipe. That means: you also have recipes from the cast of the Wiz, and actors, etc. from every Oz cartoon or movie done in the '80's. Is it because some of these people might be semi-famous? By virtue of being married to one of the authors, you even get recipes from Steve Cox's wife. (IE, recipes from stage managers who've done an Oz play in 1999?) I think the authors should have stayed with the original cast (but, the newer contributions might actually be edible). Regardless, it is off-putting. Now I think I was looking at the book more for nostalgic reasons than anything? (I certainly won't be "cooking" with it!) The presentation is very nice. But I found myself feeling more frustrated by the content, than interested. In fact, every time I pick up this book, I feel prompted to want to write my own Oz recipe book. I could send them to this publisher! (Obviously, they will publish anything.)

5 out of 5 stars Fun book - Great recipes!.......2006-08-27

This book is great fun! Movie-themed cookbooks often fail, as usually the recipes are simply a collection of cleverly named dishes with no other relation to the film. This book, however, succeeds wonderfully as the recipes are all from people associated with The Wizard of Oz in one way or another. Filled with rare photographs of all phases of Oz-mania (from the books, to the films, to the various theatre productions), the recipes are surprisingly good. My favorite is Barry Van Dyke's (co-host of the CBS Oz broadcast in '61-62) Shrimp Salad - perfect on a hot summer day, this dish gets rave reviews every time I serve it! A must-have for all Oz fans, Judy Garland fans, or anyone who loves to cook!

5 out of 5 stars We're off to see the Wizard, the one that cooks that is!.......2006-05-28

Who doesn't love the Wizard of Oz... and who wouldn't adore a cookbook in its honor!! This is such a treat. Lots of simple, fun and crazy tasty recipes will be found in this gem of a cookbook. PERFECT for when your child is into Oz and wants an Oz-themed birthday party! There's even a Toto inspired treat for your doggie too!

Lots of behind the scene info, pictures, history of the cast and favorite cast recipes. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars This book cooks!.......2005-07-20

I loved this book so much that I almost want to learn how to cook (well, not really!)!! Once again, Stephen Cox mixes humor and trivia with painstaking research, rare photographs and fascinating tid-bits. I've always said that this author's books are like comfort food for the mind. Now he feeds your body too!

5 out of 5 stars Unique Collectors Item.......2003-08-02

The entire book is great fun. The recipes are genuinely tasty and even have hilarious names! Plus, the book is chock full of photographs and trivia. Even if you don't cook, any fan of Oz will find plenty to love. And if you're a kitchen wizard who isn't into Oz so much, you'll pick up lots of delicious new ideas. Makes a great gift. A treasure written by two wonderful people!
The Wizardry of Oz
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • So Much Information
  • Top Notch!
  • A must-have for OZ fans
  • PURE MAGIC!
  • GREAT WIZARDRY!
The Wizardry of Oz
William Stillman , and Jay Scarfone
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517203332
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com

The Wizardry of Oz, directly flouting the orders of the famous Wizard, asks us to pay attention to the man behind the curtain--all the men and women, in fact, who made the captivating visuals of The Wizard of Oz possible. The book is a beautiful and entertaining record of exactly how the stunning sets, costumes, and makeup in the classic movie came to life. Fascinating images crowd every page--makeup tests, storyboards, and costume renderings show the evolution of the look and feel of the movie, while lighting plans and set blueprints reveal the technical intricacies involved. The text is no less engaging, filled with tales of technical problem-solving. How to make Glinda's bubble shimmer properly? Would witchy ruby slippers be too unflattering for the young Dorothy? And how did they make that still-scary cyclone? The book is also peppered with sidebars and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as the startled reactions of other MGM players running across the garishly dyed versions of the Horse of a Different Color. One of the greatest pleasures of the book is the opportunity to look long and hard at the intricate sets (ever notice the hand-for-a-bookmark in the Witch's Tower?) and elaborate background matte paintings. Even the appendices are charming, including a complete listing of the cast and crew and a tribute to the career of Terry the terrier, later known to the world as Toto. Thoroughly researched and affectionately written, The Wizardry of Oz is a marvelous tribute to the making of one of the best movies ever made. --Ali Davis

Book Description

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most popular and beloved motion pictures of all time. Seen by over one billion people worldwide since its 1939 premiere, Oz is an indelible part of our national consciousness---as much a part of our earliest childhood memories as it is an experience to be shared with succeeding generations.

Why does The Wizard of Oz endure despite modern advances in film make-up and special effects? This new book explores the construction of Oz at the height of Hollywood's golden age, and under the auspices of filmdom's greatest studio. Written by the nations leading Oz authorities, and with a Foreword by the Cowardly Lions make-up man, The Wizardry of Oz is a fascinating trip over the rainbow---from concept to realization.

For the first time in print, details about Oz's make-ups, costumes and special effects are revealed, accompanied by rare stills, Technicolor test frames, and blueprints. Actual costumes and props---now priceless treasures---are presented from the archives of memorabilia collectors, supplemented with never-before- conducted interviews with Ozs cast and crew. Included are behind-the-scenes stories of the stars---Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton---as they worked on the film; more than 260 color and black-and-white illustrations; a list of the films of one of Oz's "biggest" stars---Toto; the complete credits for the film, augmented from the M- G-M archives; and a bibliography.

The book is a must for anyone who's ever hummed, "We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!" Here then is The Wizard of Oz from the ground up-- -brick by yellow brick!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars So Much Information.......2003-08-02

An amazing book. It contains so much information and pictures that I have never seen anywhere else. I think even the biggest Oz fans will learn something new here. I can curl up with it for hours. Cheers to the authors for creating a lovely tribute to the folks behind the scenes during the making of the film, who are so often forgotten, even though they made so many monumental achievements with "The Wizard of Oz". It is often regarded as a "kids film", but as a work of art, it is so much more. You'll get the full story behind the film when you read this book.

5 out of 5 stars Top Notch!.......2002-08-21

A great behind the scenes look at one of the most enduring classics of our time! Lots of pictures and even a few blueprints!

5 out of 5 stars A must-have for OZ fans.......2001-11-16

From the moment I opened the book to the first page, I knew this was a gem! I won't give much away, but the photos are fantastic!This book is for anyone who loves the movie, but also, for the individual who is interested in the behind-the-scenes magic that was involved in the 1939 production. The contents of the book are somewhat similar to "The official 50th anniversary pictorial history of the wizard of oz" which was published in 1989. Although the "50th anniversary" edition is no longer in print and difficult to find, this book will defintely capture the heart of Oz fans around the world and carry on the magic of one of the most beloved stories well into this new millenium.

5 out of 5 stars PURE MAGIC!.......2000-07-29

Just when you thought you'd read everything there was to know about the 1939 classic film, "The Wizard of Oz," Jay Scarfone and Bill Stillman come up with a volume like this. The behind-the-scenes production drawings and notes and photographs are just incredible. These two men know their stuff, and it all comes together so well in this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

4 out of 5 stars GREAT WIZARDRY!.......2000-05-17

I really enjoyed this book. The photos are amazing, and there are so many facts that I did not know in this book. It has new items for older fans and older items for younger fans. I also like the way things are explained on how they work, and the article on Toto. I highly reccomend this book for all Oz fans.
Wizardry of Oz. The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 MGM Classic.
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Wizardry of Oz. The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 MGM Classic.
    Jay & Stillman, William Scarfone
    Manufacturer: Gramercy Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000KIV89E

    Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • A meditation on listening
    • Essentials of Oliveros' Excellent Teachings
    Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice
    Pauline Oliveros
    Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0595343651

    Book Description

    Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice offers an exciting guide to ways of listening and sounding. This book provides unique insights and perspectives for artists, students, teachers, meditators and anyone interested in how consciousness may be effected by profound attention to the sonic environment .

    Deep Listening® is a practice created by composer Pauline Oliveros in order to enhance her own as well as other's listening skills. She teaches this practice worldwide in workshops, retreats and in her ground breaking Deep Listening classes at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Mills College. Deep Listening practice is accessible to anyone with an interest in listening. Undergraduates with no musical training benefit from the practices and successfully engage in creative sound projects. Many report life changing effects from participating in the Deep Listening classes and retreats.

    Oliveros is recognized as a pioneer in electronic music and a leader in contemporary music as composer, performer, educator and author. Her works are performed internationally and her improvisational performances are documented extensively on recordings, in the literature and on the worldwide web.

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars A meditation on listening.......2006-01-15

    Deep listening by Pauline Oliveros, is by far the most unusual book I have read concerning the art of listening. It is less a work on composition or methods of sound making, and more a holistic search for inner tranquility in order to hear the noise all around you. Although coming from the sound artist perspectice and probably less interested in reading a detailed work on sound practice, or a manual for producing art sound. I was a little disappointed at the lack of narrative in the book, it presents methods of meditation rather than methods of recording the sound around you. The most interesting article in the book, was the documenting of recording an outdoor experience by TJ Szewczak, this was fascinating and insightful, his description of recording the length of a river and the various changes in the sound space as he followed the course of its length is perhaps a result of being aware of the practice of deep listening. Perhaps her book highlights the possibilities of what one could learn if they attended the seminars or retreats on Deep Listening. Otherwise I think you have to be of a certain mindset to read a book on ways of meditation, which I feel this book is.

    5 out of 5 stars Essentials of Oliveros' Excellent Teachings.......2005-04-18

    Pauline Oliveros has devoted more time and effort to understanding how listening effects the life form than anyone else I have encountered. From the moment I met her some forty-plus years ago and we became both friends and colleagues, Pauline shared with me her profound interest in how environmental sounds affected both her musical performance, her composition, and her sense of self. This 'listening beyond hearing' led her to expand her understanding of how focused sound perception can function as a gateway into the moment, into the Now. Inasmuch as all sound occurs only in the present moment, it can function as a natural path to the meditative experience, taking us from focused listening (concentration and one-pointedness) to the wider, relaxed state of Deep Listening, as she has named it.

    This book contains the summation of the author's Deep Listening experience in her research, composition, performance, workshops, retreats and classes. It includes as well some fascinating essays and quotes from her students. All in all, this compilation will serve as a valuable guide not only to musicians and composers, but also to anyone interested in a coming to a deeper understanding of themselves and their interaction with their sonic environment.
    Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice.(Book review): An article from: Notes
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice.(Book review): An article from: Notes
      Lance Brunner
      Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Digital

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      ASIN: B000FTJ8X6
      Release Date: 2006-05-22

      Book Description

      This digital document is an article from Notes, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2006. The length of the article is 2231 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

      Citation Details
      Title: Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice.(Book review)
      Author: Lance Brunner
      Publication: Notes (Magazine/Journal)
      Date: March 1, 2006
      Publisher: Thomson Gale
      Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Page: 715(4)

      Article Type: Book review

      Distributed by Thomson Gale

      Bobby Fischer: His Approach (Cadogan Chess Books)
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • A Fascinating and Totally Unique Book
      • Methodical study of Fischer's play - a new dimension!
      • Unique amoung chess books
      • Excellent book to synthesize elements of chess
      • Should Be A Classic
      Bobby Fischer: His Approach (Cadogan Chess Books)
      Elie Agur
      Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      ASIN: 1857440013

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars A Fascinating and Totally Unique Book.......2006-12-26

      If you read and enjoyed "How Karpov Wins" by Mednis, you will fall madly in love with this book. Agur has written an incredibly fascinating book about the chess world's most enigmatic personality. What makes the book so outstanding is the breadth and depth to which Agur has analyzed Fischer's playing style. You can learn things here which you would not understand clearly even after reading Fischer's "Memorable Games". He breaks down Fischer's games according to topics like: Style, Defense, Technique, Clarity, etc. I know of no other book like this at this level of detail and depth. I'm not so sure it will improve your playing strength, but it will give you a perfect scheme for playing 'a la Fischer'
      A must for any serious chess lover.

      5 out of 5 stars Methodical study of Fischer's play - a new dimension!.......2005-02-13

      While not a grandmaster himself, Elie Agur has obviously made a deep study of Bobby Fischer's games. In this fascinating and highly instructive book, he analyzes the elements of Fischer's style with reference to specific games. As Agur says, "Besides being a study on Fischer, it is a treatise on the middlegame at large". Over 300 diagram positions are taken apart, with a page or more sometimes devoted to a single move, its implications and alternatives.

      Topics include pawn structure, piece placement, material, timing, strategy (e.g. plans, seizing the initiative, liquidation, and playing for space), clarity, straightforwardness, alertness, reducing the opponent's options, playing to win, practical chances, tactics, technical aspects and overall vision. Fischer's weaknesses are not allowed to pass unmentioned, either. Agur devotes whole chapters to superficiality, misplaying won positions, and typical blunders and oversights.

      You can learn all sorts of fascinating details about the great man and his opponents. For instance, Fischer's decision to play Alekhine's Defence against Ciocaltea in the 1965 Capablance Memorial tournament amazed fans. Agur explains what really happened. Fischer was participating by cable, as the State Department denied him a visa to go to Fidel Castro's Cuba in the aftermath of the 1962 missile crisis. Ciocaltea's first move was received as 1. d4 and so played on the board, and Fischer replied 1...Nf6 as usual. Only when the second move, 2. e5 came through was the mistake discovered. Characteristically, Fischer refused to change his first move and achieved a hard-fought draw after a long struggle against an opponent he would often have expected to beat.

      For my money, this is a superb book. If I had to choose between it and any other book on Fischer - even his own "60 Memorable Games" - I think I would have to pick this one. It strikes a perfect balance between quantity and quality. Reading it carefully should increase anyone's playing strength, and is sure to afford hours of pleasure. Just one warning - chess theory has made huge strides since Fischer was playing, so don't take any of the opening analysis on trust without checking in a modern reference book.

      5 out of 5 stars Unique amoung chess books.......2003-07-17

      This book delivers as the title says. Discussed are Fischer's decisions across various motifs (pawn structure, piece placement, strategy,...) from a diagrammed position. Much of the book can be read without a board depending on your strength. I think this book is more for advanced players, you just need to know things to get the most out of this book. Really the book is about style -- the style of a genius, so no chess player should be without it.

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent book to synthesize elements of chess.......2001-03-20

      This book will change the way you approach chess regardless of your playing level. As noted by previous readers, Elie Agur has done a nice job of systematically analyzing Fischer's approach to chess into clear parts (e.g., pawn structures, traps, typical manuevores) clearly for the reader to grasp. The usefulness of this catagorization goes beyond having to fill up a content page. What has not been said is that reading this book actually helps you to integrate almost all the chess concepts you learnt (e.g., tactics, positional chess, etc.) but never know how to go about applying them.

      For the more advanced player, I would recommend you taking a look at how Agur, given a chess position with a variety of candidate moves, manage to compare and contrast Fischer's style with other schools of playing chess (e.g., Karpov and Capablanca). This is interesting in itself as this is one clear evidence of chess style at work, and that no particular style is necessarily the best (although Fischer's style has been known to be the most accurate and straightforward in selection of candidate moves).

      5 out of 5 stars Should Be A Classic.......2000-05-10

      This work is absolutely brilliant. Elie Agur observes much that had previously gone unnoticed in the play of this great genius. However, you will learn much more than simply how Fischer played. From the study of Fischer's "Approach to Chess," you will learn much about the nature of the middle game. This book contains many deep observations about the game of chess: If this same book had been written by a more famous player, it would already be a classic. Buy this book! I would also recommend Raymond Keene's Nimzowitch: A Reappraisal---the second, updated edition of Nimzowitch: Master of Planning.
      BOBBY FISCHER: HIS APPROACH TO CHESS. Cadogan Chess Books
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        BOBBY FISCHER: HIS APPROACH TO CHESS. Cadogan Chess Books
        Elie. Agur
        Manufacturer: Everyman Publishers,
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000N5SS6U

        What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business)
        Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
        • A Good Book if You are a Budding Teenage Entrepreneur
        • Not a Critical Read
        • A very interesting book
        • Inspirational Secondary Reading For Those Thinking About Or Planning To Start A Business Venture
        • Good Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
        What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business)
        Jan Norman
        Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        2. The McGraw-Hill Guide to Starting Your Own Business : A Step-By-Step Blueprint for the First-Time Entrepreneur The McGraw-Hill Guide to Starting Your Own Business : A Step-By-Step Blueprint for the First-Time Entrepreneur
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        ASIN: 0793185963
        Release Date: 2004-07-01

        Book Description

        An updated picture of the trials and triumphs of today's entrepreneur increase the company's bottom line.

        Starting a business involves inevitable ups and downs, for first-time as well as experienced entrepreneurs. This updated, expanded edition by Jan Norman, one of the nation's foremost small business authorities, guides readers through every stage of business start-up, from planning to marketing.

        What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business is designed for people who are launching a business, whether they be first-time entrepreneurs or people who have been tripped up by the start-up process before and want to do it right this time. Using the real-life experiences of 101 successful business owners, Norman combines practical, straightforward how-to advice with interesting and memorable narratives. The updated second edition includes:

        * Thirty new start-up stories from successful entrepreneurs.

        * All-new advice about how to make maximum use of the Internet.

        * An expanded resources section with helpful information about start-up assistance.

        * Detailed how-to tips about writing business plans, selecting the right business, what financial records to keep, and more.

        The eye-opening lessons from successful business owners who learned the hard way are akin to hiring a personal entrepreneurial coach to point out potential roadblocks in advance.

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars A Good Book if You are a Budding Teenage Entrepreneur.......2006-06-30

        Among the numerous books for starting your own business out in the marketplace, this one is pretty good for the right audience; that is, those who do not know the first thing about starting a business. While there is certainly a need for such books, I did not find it useful for me though. This book might make it onto the reading list for a high school business class, but beyond that I cannot see much value. But still, there are worse introductory books for entrepreneurs than this one. I'm still trying to find one that really delivers.

        3 out of 5 stars Not a Critical Read .......2006-05-07

        This book is entertaining only because it shows different viewpoints. But you won't really learn anything from the book, in terms of real entrepreneurial skills or knowledge. I would say it might be a book to read if you were going to buy 20 others but it certainly is by no means a critical read. It's more like something you would read wihile on a plane.

        "The Startup Company Bible for Entrepreneurs" (Stathis) is the best book I have found on the topic. If you want to know absolutely everything about the venture capital industry and how to develo the skills and knowledge that successful high-tech entrepreneurs need, get The Startup Company Bible.

        3 out of 5 stars A very interesting book.......2006-04-29

        When I bought this book I expected to be told a lot and in essence I have but I feel that there is more that the author could have said.
        On the whole, I like the book. But I'd also like to recommend that readers pick up a copy of Untapped Wealth Discovered written by Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison.
        This book is refreshing with fresh ideas and two fresh faced authors. It's amust read especially for women.

        5 out of 5 stars Inspirational Secondary Reading For Those Thinking About Or Planning To Start A Business Venture.......2005-12-14

        You should definitely go to the largest public library in your area and review the numerous business startup books that are available. If you feel a particular book is worth re-reading or to keep as a future reference, you should buy the latest edition of such a book. (Use the book's ISBN number to search online for the newest edition that is currently available.)


        What you will get from this book:

        This book will offer you inspirational stories divided into appropriate sections such as planning, funding, marketing and advertising. These are short stories of successful business owners interviewed or researched by the author, which consists of either: what the owners did right, what the owners did wrong, the challenges they had faced, and examples of how they would of had done something differently if given the chance to.


        What you will not get from this book:

        If you feel that, by reading stories of successful people will kick-start your creative engine, then spend the small amount that it costs to own this book. However, if you want information for "detailed" instructions on how to acquire loans and fundings, then this book will not help you.

        With the handful of business startup books that I had borrowed and purchased, most of them do not offer any more information other than the basic explaination of places to request loans from. (Examples of funding resources are the SBA-Small Business Administration, Banks, Angel Investors, and Venture Capital Firms)


        I recommend borrowing a copy of SBA Loans: A Step-By-Step Guide. - By Patrick D. O'Hara
        ISBN # 0-471-23347-1

        5 out of 5 stars Good Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs.......2005-07-16

        As some of the other reviewers have mentioned, there are some great "nuggets" of information in this book. And the value of those nuggets to the reader will depend on how much the reader already knows. For someone just getting started, this book provides a great way to learn from others.

        There simply aren't enough business books on the market with real-world advice. And when you compile the advice of many people, different readers will find different parts useful. I read this book several years ago and thought it was a great primer. Too many people jump into business ownership with their eyes closed. If you talk to successful business owners, very few will tell you that they got where they are by figuring it out as they went along. You need mentors and advice from people who have been down the path before you.

        This is not a book for someone who has been in business for awhile, however I highly recommend it for anyone who is getting started. The more prepared you are to start a business, the more likely your chances of success. This book is worth your time and could save you from making some mistakes in the process.

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