Average customer rating:
- Classic Littell
- Stunning
- Very Good!!
- A Rare Homerun for Littell
- Overall Disappointing
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Legends: A Novel of Dissimulation
Robert Littell
Manufacturer: Overlook Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
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| Mystery & Thrillers
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Hard-Boiled
| Mystery
| Mystery & Thrillers
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Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
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Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
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General
| Mystery & Thrillers
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The Debriefing
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The Sisters
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The Amateur
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The Once and Future Spy
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The Company
ASIN: 1585676969 |
Book Description
Robert Littell is the undisputed master of American spy fiction, hailed for his profound grasp of the world of international espionage. His previous novel, The Company, an international bestseller, was praised as "one of the best spy novels ever written" (Chicago Tribune). For his new novel, Legends, Littell focuses on the life of one great agent caught in a "wilderness of mirrors" where both remembering and forgetting his past are deadly options.
Martin Odum is a CIA field agent turned private detective, struggling his way through a labyrinth of past identities - "legends" in CIA parlance. Is he really Martin Odum? Or is he Dante Pippen, an IRA explosives maven? Or Lincoln Dittmann, Civil War expert? These men like different foods, speak different languages, have different skills. Is he suffering from multiple personality disorder, brainwashing, or simply exhaustion? Can Odum trust the CIA psychiatrist? Or Stella Kastner, a young Russian woman who engages him to find her brother-in-law so he can give her sister a divorce.
As Odum redeploys his dormant tradecraft skills to solve Stella's case, he travels the globe battling mortal danger and psychological disorientation. Part 'Three faces of Eve', part 'The Spy Who Came in From the Cold', and always pure Robert Littell, Legends - from unforgettable opening to astonishing ending - again proves Littell's unparalleled prowess as a seductive storyteller.
Customer Reviews:
Classic Littell.......2007-05-09
He gets better and better. This is a well-written and interesting novel with a fascinating premise which develops smoothly over the course of the action. The clues are all there, but the ending still surprises us until we say, "Oh, of course!" Literate thrillers are hard to come by; Littell never disappoints.
Stunning.......2007-02-28
I have read pretty much every spy novel ever written. This one needs just a few words - it is one of the masterpieces of the genre, right up there with A Coffin for Demetrios, Dark Star, early Le Carre and a few others. In fact, I found the work so brilliant that I wrote Mr. Littell a letter about it, and got a personal reply! Pretty unexpected in this day of corporate writing and boilerplate fiction. Bravo, Mr. Littell. May you live long and write often.
Very Good!!.......2007-02-13
Martin Odum is a private detective in Brooklyn who previously had been a CIA field agent. At different times he had different identities or as might be called different Legends. Did he suffer from a multiple personality disorder? Who were the characters Dante Pippen, Lincoln Dittmann and Jozef Kafkor? The reader is taken on journies that include meeting Osama Bin Laden in South America, a terrorist training camp in the Bekka Valley, an adventure in Beirut, encounters with Chechen's. And, of course, his complex relationship with his former CIA handler Crystal Quest,now Deputy Director of Operations who masterminded the demise of the Soviet Union. This book contains many exciting twists,turns and plots. Definitely a top notch read that will keep your attention.
A Rare Homerun for Littell.......2007-01-31
After reading Littell's epic "The Company", I found his subsequent books seriously lacking in one respect or another. But "Legends" puts him back at the top, as far as I'm concerned. This story, creative yet complex as it is, holds together. Littell doesn't go off on binges of poetry or history (at least not much) as he does in his other books. In this book, Littell makes the reader earn his pleasure, trying to keep the various "legends" straight and figuring out just what is going on at any given moment. Littell's characterizations are sharp and fascinating; his geography is spellbinding and tastes real; his descriptions of the machinations inside the CIA seem authentic. All in all, I think this was a good book and a worthy read. Once again, I can say I am looking forward to more Littell books.
Overall Disappointing.......2007-01-02
I loved Littell's The Company, which stands among the best two or three spy novels written. Legends is one of Littell's shorter, less intricate and engrossing pieces. Littell takes the reader on a romp through a seedy post-Cold War underworld, and his descriptions of locations and contexts are vivid. An example is a bizarre island in the Aral Sea where Soviet-era chemical and biological agents are stored. However, the love story plotline is poorly executed and a distraction, the backdrop of CIA/FBI handlers is thin, and the plotline of multiple "legends" (personalities) felt gimmicky. Littell compiled some excellent scenes, but didn't quite succeed in weaving them together into a plot of equal measure. Regardless, this is enjoyable reading if you have a few hours to kill over a long weekend or two.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Short Fiction from one of our best stylists.......2004-04-28
John Crowley's well-deserved recognition as one of the best literary stylists writing in the English language is readily apparent in these four fantasy novellas that date from the late 1980's. His "Great Work of Time" is an intriguing Rashomon-esque time travel fantasy about Cecil Rhodes and British economic imperialism in East Africa at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. It was almost as compelling a read as the "The Nightingale Sings At Night", which offers a fantastical twist on the Adam and Eve creation myth saga. The other two tales, "In Blue" and "Novelty", I found much less compelling, but they are redeemed by the same lyrical prose Crowley uses in other tales. It was a wonderful surprise to find this book at a library; a surprise which I think many readers will also discover.
Artistically nouvelle.......2002-09-13
A collection of four novellas from John Crowley, perhaps best known as the author of Little, Big. I admire Crowley's writing, although, like Howard Waldrop's, I often don't follow everything that's going on. In particular in this volume, I was lost in the time travel story, "Great Work of Time." History was never one of my strong suits, so I guess I shouldn't wonder why I'm not that attracted by alternate history. "In Blue" and "Novelty" were both reminiscent of stories that I had previously read in SF, but done with an artistic frame of mind.
For me it was "The Nightengale Sings at Night" that made this collection worthwhile. One of the hoariest clichés of SF is the Adam and Eve story, and although "Nightengale" has Adam and Eve in it, it is nowhere near the cliché. That's because the starting point of this story is the creation--that same moment in Genesis--whereas the cliché ends at the creation. Crowley, although "explaining" an aspect of the creation myth here, is also being slightly satirical in his exploration of it. In all, it makes for a wonderful story.
Soulful delectations from one of my favorite authors.......2002-06-22
This collection of four stories by John Crowley covers a wide range of themes and styles. Here's the breakdown by story.
The Nightingale Sings at Night is Crowley's version of a Creation and Fall myth that is clever and cute but lacking the depth of meaning and rich textures that I've grown accustomed to in his writing.
Great Work of Time is a strong entry with vivid descriptions that evoke the proper mood for the times and places we're shown. Crowley presents a unique concept for time travel and the "effects" of altering the past. But he falls into the same trap many writers before him have in writing time traveling stories: eventually he over explains his idea in pages of exposition. Crowley is such a talented writer I felt he could easily have written these portions instead as events in the story, subtly building the air of mystery he so successfully achieves in the rest of the narrative. Some of these passages read more like notes to himself than useful story devices and the overall effect is that this tale would be a good candidate for a rewrite in an expanded and more fleshed out form. The all too brief glimpse into the future shows us a wonderfully distorted world inhabited by strange creatures, but we never learn much about them. I really wanted more. Overall, what's present is classic Crowley, but seems somehow unfinished.
With the story In Blue, Crowley departs from sensuous descriptions in favor of a more sparse style to evoke the sterile world in which his characters move (reminding me of a Kubrik film). Every event that happens and thought that Hare has adds to his breakdown in a believable way. But what I still have not reconciled is Crowley's attitude towards this world. At first it all appears a set up for an indictment of the catch-22 logic of this mild mannered dystopia, but what are we to think when Hare eventually finds his place in the Revolution? I'll be mulling this one over for some time to come.
And in Novelty we see possibly the kernel of inspiration for the Aegypt books. There are strong parallels between the writer character in Novelty and Pierce Moffett, both impotently trying to convey mystical deep meanings that seemingly lose their impact once expressed. This one was a little hard to get into at first. For me, writers writing about (not) writing ranks up there with films about filmmaking. Can it be well done? Yes, but it still seems too self-involved. Novelty is rather short, though, and by the end I was engrossed, mainly because the writer character gets around to describing what he wants to write instead of describing how he can't get around to writing. In fact, these passages read more like poetry than prose and coalesce beautifully.
I highly recommend this book for Crowley fans. But for those unfamiliar with him, Otherwise: Three Novels might be a better place to start. Engine Summer alone is worth the price of admission.
Wonderful, like all work by Crowley.......1998-12-01
Includes Great Work of Time, In Blue, Why the Nightengale Sings at Night, and the title peice, Novelty. Everything here is very good, in particular the first two selections. In Blue did not do much for me and Novelty, which is a look into Crowley's creative thought process, while interesting, is not something I would recommend to a casual reader. Anyway, I loved the stories and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Crowley's longer fiction.
Book Description
The earthly life and times of Jesus, born of a virgin with John the Baptist His forerunner, twelve disciples His friends and the so called religious leaders His antagonists. He came to save the lost. His basic message, Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. He taught, preached, healed, raised the dead, forgave sins, and died for the sins of the world. He arose and now sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven interceding on our behalf.
Book Description
1900. Thonias Hewlings Stockton, clergyman, wrote fantastic tales for children under the pen name Frank R. Stockton. He also wrote books for adults. Among his amusing books for children Rudder Grange is the best known. The Lady and the Tiger, Adventures of Captain Horne, Mrs. Null, The Casting Away of Mrs. Lecks and Mrs. Aleshine, The Hundredth Man, Great Stone of Sardis, and Captain's Tollgate were also quite popular. Contents: The Magic Egg; His Wife's Deceased Sister; The Widow's Cruise; Captain Eli's Best Ear; Love Before Breakfast; The Staying Power of Sir Rohan; A Piece of Red Calico; The Christmas Wreck; My Well and What Came Out of It; Mr. Tolman; My Unwilling Neighbor; and Our Archery Club. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.
Book Description
The Detox Box, created by holistic physician Mark Hyman, M.D., gives you everything you need to complete a safe, effective, and medically informed detoxification program at home. Designed for total cleansing to remove toxins and allergens, boost immunity, and restore energy levels, The Detox Box includes:
• A 64-page book explaining the science of detoxification, including specific instructions for 7-, 14-, and 21-day detoxification programs. A convenient record-keeping section helps you track your progress.
• Two assessment questionnaires help you gauge your levels of exposure and customize your program.
• Two CDs: Disc one explains how you can aid the body in detoxifying from pesticides, air pollution, and impurities in our water; Disc two leads you through three 20-minute yoga sequences designed to support the process.
• 70 flash cards make it easy to follow—and stick with—every step of the program, before, during, and after. Contains detailed information on diet, supplements, and inner cleansing practices. Includes preparation checklists, daily schedules, shopping lists, important tips on completing the program, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Good and very useful book.......2007-09-19
I am glad I spent the money and time on this book. It really opened up my eyes to a lot of things I never really thought about. I am now more conscious of what I do with my body. I have been recommending this book to all my friends around. Most of us really don't understand what we need to do to be healthy, or we think we are doing the right things while we aren't. This book really helps you to become as healthy as you can be. Are there more thorough detoxifications available? Probably, but few of us have the luxury of following them. The only other book that I can recommend with Detox Box is "Can We Live 150" with many cleansing recipes for the entire body. Check also Cure the Incurable
A perfect way to start leaning about Detoxing.....very easy!.......2007-09-03
Excellent packaging and easy to use.... If you ever wanted to understand the excellence of detoxing...this is for you! It makes it very simple and fun!!!
Love it, modified it.......2007-06-30
I started this program with the intent of losing weight and changing my eating habits. I have really enjoyed it. I did the first 10 days exactly as told and added 20 minutes of exercise a day. I went off of the program for two months and although I slide back into my bad eating habits I only gained 1 pound back. I decided that I really did want to change eating habits and started the program again, however I modified it alittle bit: I follow the program as outline until dinner. At dinner I just eat a sensible dinner and I avoid sugar and deep-fried stuff (the major modifications that I want to make in my diet for life). I also am exercising for 45 minutes a day. I am on day 8 of this modified version and I have found that with the original way I lost about 1.25 lbs a day. With my modified version I am losing about .75 pounds a day- but I am eating my dinner how I want to eat in the future so I hope that I am able to form good habits.
I feel great. I haven't had this much energy since I was 50 lbs. lighter.
great product--I'm missing two cards...help.......2007-06-05
I did this program and it was fantastic. I want to do it again--but when I moved I managed to lose cards number 18 & 19! I don't want people to think I received an imcomplete product.
Can some kind soul share/post/send me the info on those cards, or tell me if they're important or not???
Thank you.
I felt so good after I toughed out the first 3 days. Those were challenging days, however, once I got over the hump I started to feel better each day and it was all the encouragement I needed.
I had been sick, had surgery a few months prior, and was having trouble shaking off a lethargic, bogged down, low energy, low motivation, cloud. I noticed a dramatic change in my overall state of mind, energy level, the sluggish vail was being lifted.
Give it a shot. It might seem expensive (the shopping) but think about for how long the products will last--21 days. Compare that to what you would normally spend on groceries. Because you're using fresh foods and not eating processed foods, cutting out coffee, alcohol, procucts with flour, sugar, etc., I think it ends up breaking even.
Good luck!
No video on the Yoga CD's .......2007-06-01
This box is totally unnecessary if you have purchased the Ultra Simple Diet book. The audio on the CD's works just fine, but there is not video so it's hard to follow the yoga sequences. I tried it on the DVD just in case the disk was a DVD but to no avail. The box was a total waste of money. The Ultra Simple Diet book, on the other hand, was excellent. I tried to contact the Sounds True company who were responsible for the CD's, but they did not reply to my emai so I am out the cost of the box!
Average customer rating:
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Detox Box
Mark Hyman
Manufacturer: AIRLIFT BOOK COMPANY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K7NNSY |
Average customer rating:
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detox in a Box
Mark Hyman
Manufacturer: Padma Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P1GONQ |
Book Description
Bread in Italy is rough country loaves with thick chewy crusts and flat disks of focaccia seasoned with the wild herbs of the fields. It is celebratory sweet holiday breads dense with fat raisins, toasted nuts and candied fruit peels. It is "new wave" wave" breads, recently invented by artisan bakers and studded with roasted peppers, sun. dried tomatoes and salty olive paste. It is imaginative multi-grain breads and rolls with tastes and shapes that vary dramatically from region to region.
Recipes for the breads of all these regions, for the comforting rustic soups and salads and appetizers based on them, for breadsticks and rolls, pizza and focaccia, for holiday specialties, for pastries, cookies, cornetti and nut tortes, fruit tarts, cheesecakes and spice cakes and other confections-all are offered in this landmark volume which presents, for the first time in English or Italian, the diverse baking traditions of Italy.
Knowing these regional specialties and the stories behind them is like taking a trip through the Italian countryside. Putting the recipes on paper as Carol Field has done is like preserving the villages in the Italian hillsides with their churches and frescoes, for they are part of a tradition that has never before been recorded. In preparing for this book, Carol Field spent two years working with the bakers of Italy, traversing the country again and again from Lugano and Como in the north to Lecce and Palermo in the south, tasting and testing, then going back to the States to rework the recipes in an American kitchen with American ingredients. The result is recipes that are impeccably written for utmost ease and flexibility. Some are simple and earthy, some elegant and refined, but all will be a revelation to Americans who have previously known Italian breads and desserts only from the limited and stereotyped range available until now. Each recipe offers instructions for making doughs by hand, by electric mixer, and by food processor. Illustrations provide clear step-by-step how-to, and chapters on ingredients, equipment and technique reveal all the whys and wherefores.
Customer Reviews:
I love the cook books by Carol Field.......2007-09-01
reading this book you can feel the heart and soul she has for the Italian land and it's people. One of the great treasures of cook books. Carol Field's books bring out the history and wonderful cultural recipes. This Book is Art! Good cooking is art!
Wonderful breads!.......2007-08-24
Wonderful bread recipes for anyone who wants to make their own bread with the authentic recipes of Italy.
A CLASSIC.......2007-07-29
I love this book. Easy to understand, straightforward to bake from. Good illustrations. From Pane Siciliana, (I make it braided with sesame seeds) to Pasta Sfogilata (puff pastry for little cream filled cannons) It's all good--if it's Dolci it's there. A trip to Italy's bakeries in a great book. Not many others can compare.
Great book, but not the easiest recipes.......2007-05-15
I've made a few things out of this book. Each step is laid out in detail, and the drawings are helpful. My only caveat is that many of the recipes are not partiucularly easy. But, boy, they sure taste good!
I had high hopes for this book, but I've lost faith........2007-04-19
I have tried two recipes from this book, the semolina bread (Altamura) which was ho-hum, and the sweet corn bread (Pan de Mej) which was a RECIPE FOR DISASTER. I have prided myself in having never had a yeast bread fall flat on me, until this happened. The reason I even tried it was as an inspiration from the corn bread recipe from Jeffrey Hamelman's `Bread' (which, by the way, was a success) -- I wanted to use my leftover corn flour and thought I'd like something sweeter. My fatal mistake was taking the recipe from the Italian Baker at face value, and: (1) not bothering to check baker's percentages (hydration due to liquids was actually low, but with the eggs and butter it looked more like cake batter than dough); (2) the recipe called for unbleached flour which I followed without thinking. I know I've read somewhere before that unbleached flour should not be used in cakes because the fat will not cling to it, and the recipe called for quite a lot of butter; and (3) the proofing time indicated was four hours which I doubted right from the start because of the amount of yeast required. True enough, my dough was overflowing from the pan in less than two hours.
In hindsight, trying this recipe was suicide. There were far too many mistakes for them to be misprints, and the only conclusion I could make was that the recipe was not kitchen tested at all. I will not even try to redeem myself by revising the recipe to make it work, because the scraps I tried didn't even taste good.
Is it unfair of me to judge this book so harshly based on one recipe? But if I can't trust the recipes based on this experience, why should I bother trying another?
Book Description
Every voice studio and serious singer will need these new volumes, which are a happy complement to the G. Schirmer Opera Anthology. This impressive series takes a serious look at opera in Italian, resulting in the largest anthologies of arias ever published devoted to the topic. Arias include the most famous excerpts along with rare beauties. Each aria has been carefully researched and newly engraved. Plot notes and translations are included for all selections. Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi and Puccini are liberally represented with essential as well as interesting arias. Also included are wonderful Baroque arias by Monteverdi, Cavalli, Handel, Vivaldi and Pergolesi. Beyond Mozart, classical era Italian arias by Gluck, Cimarosa and Paisiello may be found in the compilations. Other 19th and 20th century composers represented are Boito, Catalani, Cilea, Giordano, Leoncavallo, Mascagni, Montemezzi, Ponchielli, Respighi and Wolf-Ferrari. Many of the arias have never before appeared in collections. There are 36-41 arias per volume.
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