Customer Reviews:
Terrible View of James Dean.......2007-06-20
I am a huge fan of James Dean and while I had time at my local bookstore, I was dying to have a book about him. I saw Boulevard of Broken Dreams: The Life, Times and Legend of James Dean and immediately, without thinking twice, I purchased it. I was excited about reading it but when I got home, I immediately became disgusted and disappointed about what I was reading, so disgusted that I returned it the next day. To me, it was purely porn, but in a different form. Although I only skimmed through pages and pictures and did not read the whole thing, the bits and pieces I did happen to read made me feel sick. It portrayed Dean as being a masochistic, sex-craving, selfish individual, opposite the descriptions of others he had been associated with (Julie Harris, Pier Angeli, Martin Landau, etc.), those who I believe, would have the advantage of actually knowing him. Of course, other books about James have touched up on his alleged bisexuality/homosexuality but this book by far has proven to be a flop. The picture of the nude man that the author claims to be Dean is truly wrong because extensive research has proven that the man in the photo is not James, but a mentally-disabled young man who had been exploited by his cousin. This book is disgusting filth and is in no way a tribute to the late actor, but a way to tarnish his image and the person he was best remembered to be. Don't waste your time or money on this like I did.
Judge for yourself and don't neccessarily believe all the negative reviews.......2007-03-15
It's quite frustrating to read all the negative reviews here. Paul Alexander has written other critically acclaimed biographies and from this background there is no reason to believe he was just some lousy reporter interested in writing a badly researched, scandalous tabloid biography, although this is just what some reviewers here wrongly claim.
There are two rather detailed (homo)sexual scenes, and that's all. Of course one wonders how Alexander recreated them (he doesn't list his sources in footnotes and just mentions how he tried to recreate dialogue and scenes through in-depth interviews) but they are in no way the common theme of the book.
Alexander's prose is elegantly clear, empathic and evocative. What seems to annoy some reviewers is that he tries to bring to light elements of Dean's life biographies back then (this book was originally published in 1995) - and maybe even today - tried to avoid or probably suppress. From this point of view this is still an informed and reasonably balanced piece of work and in no way the lurid scam it is depicted to be in some reviews here. Some "fans" probably hate their romantic myths about Dean shattered or are too uncomfortable with homosexuality to see it mentioned in a James Dean biography.
What is strange, though, is the fact that the recently published book by Willam Bast, which probably deals more with Dean's (homo)sexuality than Alexander's book, doesn't get as many negative reviews as this book here. Maybe times have changed.
Anyway, I think there is no such thing as "the" James Dean biography. If you want to seriously know more about him you should read several biographies to get to know different points of view. But Paul Alexander's work should not be missed.
Incompetent.......2006-07-03
Yes, this biography is numbingly obsessed with James Dean's sexuality, but it's also terribly written and edited.
It's full of redundancies, horribly constructed sentences, narrative strands that are left hanging, and amateurish reporting. (Although the author tries to overcompensate with an excessively detailed, boring account of the days leading up to Dean's fatal car crash.)
Don't waste your money.
superb style, memorable quotes.......2006-03-25
I am surprised that no one has remarked upon this biography's excellent style. Here are a few memorable passages:
1. In Salt Lake City, [his mother's] coffin, covered with flowers, was removed from the train and placed on the station platform near Jimmy's window [he was a boy of nine] "Oh, my mother! That's my mother!" Jimmy was supposed to have said. "I'm going out there. I'm going to stand right beside her!" And with the train's nurse by his side, that's what he did, until the coffin was moved back on board.
2. For years, the people of Fairmount would gossip about what Jimmy was supposed to have said when [...] on his eighteenth birthday, he reported to the local draft board. Was there a reason why he should'nt be drafted? [...] Yes, there was. [...] "You can't draft me," he said. "I'm homosexual."
3. [Of his father's resistance to the idea of him becoming an actor] A father's pull on a son may be basic, but an art form's pull on an artist is hypnotic.
4. No true artist fits into the world in which he lives. If he did, he would cease to be the observer and become the observed.
It certainly seems plausible that much of Dean's rebellion proceeded from his homosexuality. After all, our inherited culture denies that men can ever really love each other, with the limited and highly qualified exception of father and son. In other cultures Dean would not have been such a rebel, perhaps. But Dean seems also to have had a certain heterosexual component to his nature. So he seems to have resembled pagan Greek men, bisexual, but with the emphasis on the homosexual side. This is what most of the people who knew him most intimately said about him. But he was promoted by an intensely homophobic culture as a heterosexual sex object of a somewhat new kind - rebellious, but safely hetero. Nevertheless there was just enough of the gay element lurking in the shadows (especially in Rebel Without a Cause) to add a certain wicked allurement.
All this must have made him personally very uncomfortable, to say the least. Montgomery Clift (see Leonard's bio) and Errol Flynn (see Bret's bio) were made so uncomfortable by this pretense that they indulged in very self-destructive behavior. It cannot be very rewarding to be idolized by strangers who, if they knew about one's most basic personality trait - who one falls in love with - would find one utterly hateful and contemptible. There certainly was a kind of death wish in driving a car at 100 or 120 mph on a highway.
The homophobes here seem to be most disturbed by the few sex scenes Alexander inserts. They are in fact rather prim, except for a sentence or two. But even these are more clinical than pornographic.
The famous nude photo of Dean as Greek faun is included.
Modern biographies are almost always written in a wooden, journalistic style that makes them more a duty than a pleasure to read. This bio does not entirely avoid the fault, but is nevertheless full of beautiful phrases and memorable lines. I enjoyed reading it.
Disgusting.......2005-08-26
This book focuses not on the life, influence or anything of meaning about James Dean, just his supposed sexual history. In detail. I have no idea where this information was obtained, but I seriously doubt it holds true. This was the worst book I have read on him. Maybe he was bisexual, maybe he wasn't. And while, yes, it is fine to discuss it briefly, this seemed to overtake the entire book. If you are obsessed with untrue and "juicy" information, then this book is for you, but if you want actual truth and information on the beauty of James Dean as a person, the DO NOT READ THIS. A much better book is "James Dean the Mutant King."
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Video Age International, published by TV Trade Media, Inc. on November 1, 1994. The length of the article is 358 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: Boulevard of Broken Dreams - The Life, Times and Legend of James Dean. (book reviews)
Author: Fred Hift
Publication:
Video Age International (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 1994
Publisher: TV Trade Media, Inc.
Volume: v14
Issue: n9
Page: p10(1)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
The Big Book of Buds Volume 2 continues in the tradition of its predecessor by combining stunning, full-color photography with fun and clear descriptions of the characteristics that any gardener or connoisseur wants to know. The book is an informal taxonomy of marijuana varieties, with handy reference icons for immediate visual sorting. An engaging text description also helps the enthusiast distinguish the unique qualities of each strain, including appearance, ripening time, and growing characteristics, as well as how it smells, smokes, and tastes. The practical information provides an indispensable reference for the grower, while the lush photographs and entertaining, insightful essays on the breeding, botany, and culture surrounding marijuana make this a great book for the casual browser.
Customer Reviews:
good book........2007-03-08
Good book, not as much as the first one, it has more articules, less pics. But it is very interesting book.
ANOTHER raging success.......2006-05-09
What a great "strain guide" type book! makes my mouth water reading them all. I guess I 'll have to start at the beginning and work my way to the end...tasting all varieties. LOL
Very good read and pretty enough to leave out for guests to read.
BUY NOW!
Even better than volume 1.......2005-01-11
I loved vol.1 and now vol. 2 WOW. This book really goes in depth about buds. If you thought you learned alot from the first book this one is a must. The symbols make it very easy to understand. The information is great and I really love the photography. This book is perfect for any coffee table. All around this book looks great and is very easy to read.
Treat yourself to more buds.......2004-10-29
I loved the first Big Book of Buds so I was surprised that there could be even more marijuana varieties to learn about and sample. The book includes some new breeders as well as many of the seed companies that have been refining marijuana for decades. With its bright colors and close-up bud photography this book is truly eye candy.
Book Description
This full-color guide showcases the diversity of cannabis varieties. Stunning close-ups from the world’s great breeders are accompanied by concise information about growing characteristics and bud quality. Engaging essays offer insights into marijuana’s special botany and the culture that surrounds this controversial plant.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book.......2007-03-08
Simply excellent, Good information, excellent pics. Only, I wonder if all the information there is true.
every ones dreams of the perfect plants.......2005-08-30
if you have one book [if like me you have many ] this will keep you intertained for hours as well as provide a lot background into the make up of some of our favorite strains.
great coffe table book.......2005-08-02
I love the great pictures in this book. The information is very helpful in describing each type of bud. It tells you what to expect from each one. I find this very helpful when researching buds. As a graphic designer I think this layout is top notch. Crisp, clear and easy to understand.
This is 1up for Ed!.......2004-10-28
We liked the book a lot. It almost already seems like a classic. So much more information is being produced in Cultivation books, websites, DVD's etc.
The Seed was definately First...
Perfect coffee table book........2004-08-12
What a great book. Can't wait for Vol.2!!! Very informative with excellant photography. Highly recommended!
Book Description
This third volume of everyone's favorite marijuana resource book by the renowned Ed Rosenthal promises to follow in its predecessor's tradition and offer gardeners or connoisseurs the crucial information they want to know. Big Book of Buds brings together a tremendous amount of information on the plant and the newest varieties, with specific descriptions on appearance, ripening time and growing. Interspersed throughout are short engaging essays, interviews with the breeders and compelling images of the plants. This is a must have for all bud enthusiasts whether it be for a wish list, resource guide, or a coffee table book. Readers get an all-in-one guide offering a unique blend of useful, entertaining and practical information for the marijuana appreciator.
Customer Reviews:
The Big Book of Buds, Vol 3.......2007-08-27
An excellent, comprehensive encyclopaedia of the variety of marijuana available around the world. For anyone (especially here in CA, where medical cannabis is legal) who has access to purchasing pot, this is a serious guide book -- attractively designed, with ample color photos for identification of dozens of strains. Valuable and fascinating.
Not as good as the first two books.......2007-06-20
There is alot of god info in between, and the book i a must if you have the first 2 books.
The "new" strains in the book could in my opinion have been better selected.
Book Description
Tactics, tricks and traps! Every chess player loves to win, but nothing compares to winning with a flourish. How happy we are when the tactics work and we decide a game with a cunning trick, a devilish trap or a delightful coup de grâce. The Sicilian is one of the sharpest and most popular chess openings and offers endless possibilities for players looking for fireworks. It's not for nothing that among the most loyal fans of the Sicilian we find tactical geniuses like Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer and Judit Polgar! In this book you will find more than 250 carefully selected and expertly annotated Sicilian games full of unexpected turns and brilliant surprise attacks. You can study these games or just enjoy them, but either way they will end up making you a stronger player! A.C. van der Tak is widely respected as an authority on opening theory. For the past three decades he has been a highly productive contributor to New In Chess and its predecessor Schaakbulletin. Friso Nijboer is one of Holland's most active and most experienced grandmasters. He has played in countless national championships and was one of the topscorers of the Dutch team that won the European Championship in 2001.
Average customer rating:
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Sea Power in the Medieval Mediterranean: The Catalan-Aragonese Fleet in the War of the Sicilian Vespers (New Perspectives on Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology)
Lawrence V. Mott
Manufacturer: University Press of Florida
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Product Description
Standover man 'Chopper' Read appears drunk on national Australian TV on the night of his release and outrages politicians and TV viewers. He now lives 'quietly' raising chickens and turkeys in Tasmania, Austraila, and writes books in his spare time.
Book Description
Teach your learners to work smarter, not harder!
The Accelerated Learning Fieldbook gives you the tools you need to ensure that maximum learning and maximum retention are taking place in your training sessions, sales sessions, and classrooms.
You'll learn how to:
Improve your communication skills
Identify the best way individual learners learn
Rethink your personal beliefs that block learning
Use music to create focused learning environments
Measure the effectiveness of a learning session . . . and more!
No other accelerated learning resource will offer you as many up-to-date tips, techniques, processes, and theories. Everything you need to create a learning organization--including a music CD to learn by--is between these covers. Enhance learning, foster a quicker grasp of the concepts you present, and ensure greater overall retention of your material with this complete, practical, and comprehensive fieldbook.
Customer Reviews:
Guide to Performance-based training.......2001-04-04
Energized training strategies respectful of the multiple intelligences and learning styles flow throughout the book. Content features key strategies for instructors from building the course, to igniting anticipation from learners, to understanding why a variety of well-placed and appropriate activities--including the use of music-- build retention of the training content. Practice segments invite the reader into interaction with the ideas suggested in each chapter. From instructor self-reflection, to comprehensive planning and delivering the course, Russell builds elements of Instructional Design into an Accelerated Learning process with the learner, retention and performance at the center.
Ideal student text for professional continuing education.......2000-09-10
I have adoped the field book for use in the Corporate Trainer Certification program being offered here at San Antonio College Continuing Education. The text is up to date. It combines a very well written text with review exercises, case studies, and personal actions through out. The students love it! But, what I like best about the book is my instructors' USE IT! They use the music CD as well. Their coments to me are that "it's user friendly." Thank you very much for this great teaching tool.
Crtical Chain/Theory of Constraints Learning Facilitator.......2000-02-05
Outstanding presentation on the theory and practical tools to enahnce any learning experience. I found that the book answered many questions I had, and solved many dilemmas I face facilitating behvior change in organizaitons. Lour orgainied the material very well, and ends each chapter with a personal plan place. Her work exemplifies the methods she illuminates.
Fast Fun and Flexible ways to learn and teach.......2000-01-12
This is the most useful training book I have ever read. The format is easy to read and it is easy to learn the concepts. I have been doing training and psychotherapy for twenty-two years and I am an NLP practitioner. I learned many valuable new things. Especially the importance of teaching all the types of intelligence's. I now realize that when I get all excellent evaluations except for one or two I may not be hitting that persons intelligence. The marketing ideas are a very welcomed addition. This book has helped my training and business immensely.
Everything you wanted to know about training..........1999-12-18
and didn't know who to ask!
As a seasoned practitioner of brain-based learning techniques, NLP, and accelerated learning, I was intrigued by this book - it was the book I always thought I'd write!
I'd recommend it to my friends who've decided they want a cool job like mine.
It covers the A-to-Z of learning - business reasons, contract for learning, learning styles, memory, you as trainer, environment, music, development of learning events and marketing. It even provides usable examples and activities.
The best thing - Lou models what she's writing with the use of illustrations, tables, etc. If you want to be a trainer who does more than lecture, this book is a must for your briefcase...it may never make its way to your bookshelf!
Books:
- Bridge of Light: Yiddish Film Between Two Worlds
- Bring on the Empty Horses (Coronet Books)
- Cameron Diaz (Latinos in the Limelight)
- Carlos Saura: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)
- Charles Clarke's Professional Cinematography
- Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (P.S.)
- Cinema of Interruptions: Action Genres in Contemporary Indian Cinema
- Composing for the Films (Athlone Contemporary European Thinkers)
- Cult Movie Stars
- Cut: The Unseen Cinema
Books Index
Books Home
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Surviving James Dean
Live Fast-Die Young: Remembering the Short Life of James Dean
James Dean: The Biography
James Dean: The Mutant King: A Biography
James Dean
