Editors Weinberg, Dziemianowicz & Greenberg strike again. This time they’re supposedly serving up 100 short stories that share some form of torture asEditors Weinberg, Dziemianowicz & Greenberg strike again. This time they’re supposedly serving up 100 short stories that share some form of torture as a theme. Trouble is, a lot of them just don’t seem to make it. Certainly there are exceptions; for example, David H. Keller’s “The Thing in the Cellar� scared the bejeezus out of me when I was in junior high, and it still manages to raise a chill. But for the most part the tales in this anthology tend to be ghostly, gothic chain-rattlers, as dull as they are dreary. More than a third of the stories are so old that they need no entry on the copyright page; though obviously that doesn’t automatically make them bad, in the case of the stuff in this book they fail more often than they hit. Though a rare few almost make the overall work worthwhile, there are just too many entries that seem to fit with the theme only inasmuch as they’re a torment to read....more
When I was a pre-teen � 12 years old, if memory serves � my grandfather gave me a copy of this book. It swiftly became one of my favorites. So I was tWhen I was a pre-teen � 12 years old, if memory serves � my grandfather gave me a copy of this book. It swiftly became one of my favorites. So I was thrilled when I recently found another edition of my long-lost treasure � in hardback, no less � in one of my favorite used book stores. Odd how one’s tastes can change. To be sure, out of 50 stories there are more than a couple that are entertaining and sometimes even genuinely informative. But overall the book is made up � to a much greater extent than I had remembered � by stories with, to put it charitably, a generally Eurocentric and specifically Anglophilic flavor. Indeed, some are little more than tiresome, gothic chain-rattlers, scarcely worthy to be called “true� even by lax standards. Others are pulp-ish, two-fisted tales of English machismo reminiscent of the blusterings of Commander McBragg. And occasionally an author or two crosses the line into outright historical inaccuracy. But if one manages to avoid the castle ghosts and “I was there� claptrap, most of the rest of the tales should delight even experienced fans of inhumanity and catastrophe....more
The bulk of this odd work from the early 70s reproduces photographs and newspaper articles from rural Wisconsin in the last decade of the 19th centuryThe bulk of this odd work from the early 70s reproduces photographs and newspaper articles from rural Wisconsin in the last decade of the 19th century. Though the photos display a wide variety of foci, the article excerpts dwell almost exclusively on reports of madness, crime, bankruptcy, illness and other misfortune. The parade of diphtheria babies, incendiary tramps and inventive suicides makes for compelling reading. Slightly less interesting are the introduction and conclusion, in which author Michael Lesy attempts to pass off his collection of edited newspaper stories and creatively doctored photographs as a work of sociology rather than an intriguing bit of historical voyeurism. Though Lesy’s questionable attempts at justification may be safely skipped, the self-asserted power of his collection is not to be missed....more
I think “Why People Who Believe Weird Things Are Big Dumb-Heads� would have been a more apt title for this collection of essays by professional skeptiI think “Why People Who Believe Weird Things Are Big Dumb-Heads� would have been a more apt title for this collection of essays by professional skeptic Michael Shermer. In all fairness to the author, Shermer is a great deal less shrill than many evangelical skeptics, and several of the essays included herein make for interesting reading. In fact, if you’re worried that you’ll run into a Holocaust denier or “creation scientist� at a cocktail party and not have anything more profound than “shut up, moron� to say to him or her, then Shermer will fix you up with the arguments you need to adroitly refute such weird beliefs. On the other hand, a couple of the entries here tend to ramble a bit and occasionally stoop to something bordering on sanctimony. So come for the argument, but don’t feel like you have to stay for the philosophy lectures....more
After reading The Vampire Book, I was really looking forward to digging into this tome. I assumed that if I enjoyed a book about vampires despite not After reading The Vampire Book, I was really looking forward to digging into this tome. I assumed that if I enjoyed a book about vampires despite not really caring all that much about them, I should really get a kick out of a work on werewolves, which have always been some of my favorite monsters. Sadly, I ended up feeling really let down by author Brad Steiger’s effort to cover all things lycanthropic. To be sure, this book contains some useful � even interesting � information. But far too much of the text is devoted to topics only tangentially related to shapeshifting, subjects such as serial killers, demons and Bigfoots. Further, Steiger devotes a lot of his cites to such lofty sources as Fate magazine and the National Enquirer, not to mention his bad habit of citing his own work. Copiously. Other problems range from minor typos to more serious fact errors. Now, I don’t need a dry, academic treatise on the subject; indeed, I’d prefer the opposite. But even for a less serious consideration of werewolves and their kin, this is more ice than Coke....more
Habitual book buyers, particularly those who frequent used book shops, occasionally have the fortune (good or bad) to make a purchase and then later dHabitual book buyers, particularly those who frequent used book shops, occasionally have the fortune (good or bad) to make a purchase and then later discover that someone has crammed a religious tract among the pages. Now, thanks to John Grisham, a broader audience can have this previously-rare experience. The author himself crams a sermon about the healing power of Jesus right into yet another tiresome novel about legal shenanigans. And I thought he was sanctimonious before he added God to the mix! The protagonist, a once-gifted courtroom brawler on the ropes due to alcoholism and tax evasion, finds religion in the Patanal region of Brazil when he seeks out a missionary to tell her that her biological father left her a surprise bequest of billions of dollars. Aside from the Christian theme, however, the plot plays out like every other courtroom semi-thriller Grisham has ever written, serving as a distracting lunch-time or subway read but not much more....more
Though not as easy to digest as Home Buying for Dummies, this one actually seemed a little more useful to me. I like the in-depth coverage of the manyThough not as easy to digest as Home Buying for Dummies, this one actually seemed a little more useful to me. I like the in-depth coverage of the many complicated issues involved in a home purchase, and I like Dian Hymer’s not-dummied-down approach to complex topics. I had a little trouble identifying with a lot of the examples, because almost all of them were based on transactions involving what would be, by midwestern standards at least, extremely expensive homes probably outside the reach of many first-time buyers (who are supposedly the intended audience). I also confess that I read the chapters out of order (though that affected my appreciation of the text not in the slightest, and that’s probably a real plus for a how-to book like this that should appeal to people at various stages in the home buying process). Further, because I’m not a repeat buyer I merely skimmed the last chapter. The rest of the book, however, is well worth reading, particularly if one has a vested interest in the topic at hand....more
As basic introductions to astronomy go, this one’s not too bad. For the most part, it’s pretty simple stuff. Most astronomy-related topics are introduAs basic introductions to astronomy go, this one’s not too bad. For the most part, it’s pretty simple stuff. Most astronomy-related topics are introduced, but few are developed in much detail. However, even folks who know a little more about the subject should find the copious illustrations interesting. Further, the topics are broken down into brief enough treatments that the book makes a nice bathroom read. Though I suspect that The Nature Company published this book and its companion volume at least in part to help spur telescope sales, it nonetheless proved to be a rewarding experience all by itself....more
Famed comet hunter David H. Levy offers up a general introduction to what can be seen in the heavens above us. The title of the book is a touch deceptFamed comet hunter David H. Levy offers up a general introduction to what can be seen in the heavens above us. The title of the book is a touch deceptive inasmuch as it implies that this is a good book for absolute beginners. In reality, Levy gives little or no coverage to some of the basics of telescope operation required to take full advantage of his suggested observations. He also omits a lot of the fundamental astrophysics that � at least for my money � make the stars and other astronomical objects more interesting than Christmas lights to look at. Further, a lot of his advice appears to be tailored to amateur astronomers who wish to follow in Levy’s footsteps, making carefully-documented observations designed to benefit the scientific community rather than merely scratching an itch to have a look at what’s out there. Finally, at least some of what he suggests is admittedly beyond the ability of observers with binoculars or entry-level telescopes. However, the book is broad in scope and includes at least a few helpful hints for aspiring astronomers from just about all areas of interest and experience levels ranging from beginners to low-end intermediates. Levy’s writing is easy to follow, and his list of other resources at the end of the book is worth the cover price by itself....more
Lovecraft’s “The Shadow Over Innsmouth� wasn’t originally one of my favorite pieces of his work. It just struck me as sort of mediocre, especially theLovecraft’s “The Shadow Over Innsmouth� wasn’t originally one of my favorite pieces of his work. It just struck me as sort of mediocre, especially the ending. But after reading this collection of stories by authors exploiting the Deep Ones in a variety of settings, I must admit that the tale and its progeny are growing on me, fungus-like. To be sure, this collection of British tales based on Lovecraft’s original is a mixed bag, including one or two stories with only vague Mythos allusions (the close-personal-friend-of-the-editor-and-desperately-needing-a-sale sort of anthology entry). But overall Stephen Jones has done an admirable job of assembling a combination of stories that mimic the flavor of the original intermixed with tales that take the basic theme into new and amusing directions. Innsmouth aficionados should enjoy these efforts immensely....more
For anyone curious about the background of the title subject, this book is a must-read. Author David Nemec goes through the MLB rulebook (not complet For anyone curious about the background of the title subject, this book is a must-read. Author David Nemec goes through the MLB rulebook (not completely rule by rule, but close enough), providing some of the history behind the hows and whys of the way the game is played. He includes descriptions of controversies like the infamous Pine Tar Incident that led to specific changes in the rules. Where no one particular occurrence led directly to a rule, Nemec colors the black-and-white regulations with anecdotes illustrating how changes in the rules have led to changes in the game. Though probably not a starting place for absolute baseball beginners, this book provides even the casual fan with a solid grounding in baseball theory as well as a deeper understanding of the game’s nuances....more
At the outset let me say that the full response this book deserves is well beyond the scope of a one-paragraph capsule review. Here, then, are the higAt the outset let me say that the full response this book deserves is well beyond the scope of a one-paragraph capsule review. Here, then, are the highlights: as one might gather from the title, this is a collection of feminist essays about the evils of pornography. Gail Dines contributes a fascinating essay on the historical development of mainstream porn magazines in the 20th century, and Ann Russo writes an all-too-short piece on the importance of reconciling anti-porn sentiment with women’s need for sexual identity. However, most of the rest of the book is little more than a sad, flailing attempt to breathe life into the flagging left wing of the anti-smut movement. Having largely failed to solve the problem via legislation � due in large part to that ever-pesky First Amendment � and likewise fallen short of establishing a conclusive causal link between smut and rape via traditional social science methods, the crusade turns to less conventional means. Of particular note is Robert Jensen’s attempt to circumvent the need to meet “patriarchal� requirements of evidence by insisting that rhetoric is as good as empirical data and that anyone who doesn’t agree with him is a heartless academic. To be sure, there are some powerful arguments that can be made against pornography, particularly certain types of the stuff. But few of these arguments are supported by science, fewer still are appropriate under our legal system, and fewest of all are the ones advanced within these pages....more
When one of the best-selling authors of all time decides to share a few tips on the craft, even folks who aren’t usually fans (which wouldn’t include When one of the best-selling authors of all time decides to share a few tips on the craft, even folks who aren’t usually fans (which wouldn’t include me; I’ve been reading King for years) will probably take note. And for the most part the readers� interest is rewarded. To be sure, there’s no secret formula here for becoming a wealthy novelist, but King’s very up-front about his intention to explain his own habits to competent writers (in the hope that they may become good writers) rather than dish out magic tricks for the hopelessly inept. I enjoyed the entire book, but I found some parts more useful than others. For example, I’ve taught college English at least long enough that I don’t really need a lesson in basic grammar, and I suspect most competent writers are in the same boat. On the other hand, I really liked the insight King provides into his own writing processes, particularly in connection with his novels. Though he clearly intended to keep this work short, I could easily have spent many more pages reading about what went into the books I’ve enjoyed so much....more
This volume carries on the traditions � mostly good � established by its predecessor. My only real gripe here is that some of the annotations are a liThis volume carries on the traditions � mostly good � established by its predecessor. My only real gripe here is that some of the annotations are a little on the trivial side, sometimes defining common words that can easily be looked up in a dictionary if the reader so desires. However, for the most part the notes provide genuine, useful insight into Lovecraft’s writing. I also enjoyed the mix; if there had been one, the table of contents would have included some seminal examples of the author’s work (particularly the famous “Call of Cthulhu�), a couple of old friends (including “Pickman’s Model,� one of the first Lovecraftian stories I ever read), and a couple I’d never read before (including “The Horror at Red Hook� and “Herbert West: Reanimator,� though I didn’t especially care for the latter). Fans of the author’s work will want to include this book in their collections, and even those with a more casual interest in horror fiction should find this a fascinating read....more
I’ve been told by someone I trust that this is the best book for anyone trying to learn the desktop publishing ropes. After reading it, I can see why.I’ve been told by someone I trust that this is the best book for anyone trying to learn the desktop publishing ropes. After reading it, I can see why. Though author Roger Parker doesn’t cover any one particular piece of software or hardware in depth, he does provide enough grounding in basic design principles to give anyone who already knows how to run a computer enough art background to at least get him or her started on professional-looking published products. Naturally it’s no substitute for practical experience, and occasionally the treatments (particularly of specific types of design projects, such as newspapers and advertising) are a bit superficial. But I still thought it was good enough to assign it as a required text in my desktop publishing classes....more
For my first foray into the vast world of Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu Fiction series, I chose this collection of stories centering around Ithaqua, “TheFor my first foray into the vast world of Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu Fiction series, I chose this collection of stories centering around Ithaqua, “The Wind-Walker of the Icy Wastes.� Ithaqua was always one of my favorite corners of the whole Cthulhu Mythos (I’m a sucker for horror stories with frigid settings), so I figured I would be on safe ice. For the most part my venture was rewarded. The anthology features snow-creatures galore, including sub-genre classics by Algernon Blackwood and August Derleth. A handful of the authors took the liberty of moving the title character out of his usual environs with varying degrees of success. And even among the more traditional entries, some were naturally better than others. But overall the quality is good and the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable....more
Former U-Boat commander Herbert Werner shares his memories of the glory days and painful decline of Germany’s submarine campaigns in World War Two. I Former U-Boat commander Herbert Werner shares his memories of the glory days and painful decline of Germany’s submarine campaigns in World War Two. If you’re interested in the subject matter, then you should find this a compelling read. Even if subs are a little out of your usual range, you may still find that Werner tells an interesting story. Sure, some of it is a little mucho-macho, particularly his tales of sexual conquest sandwiched between patrols. But for the most part he manages to avoid the tiresome and unconvincing apologies for his participation in the Nazi war effort (no weak, self-serving “ve vere chust vollowing orders� to be found here, though I guess that’s probably easier for a guy who was doing the same thing his American counterparts were up to in the Pacific rather than participating more directly in some of the more sinister aspects of the Third Reich). Nor does he dwell excessively on the futility of war, though it runs as a theme throughout the book and intensifies as the narrative follows the change in German fortunes from early 1943 until the end of the conflict. Instead he focuses on the human drama of life aboard a U-Boat, skillfully relating the terrors and triumphs of battle alongside the personal tragedies of men lost at sea and families killed in bombing raids. What the book lacks in big-picture perspective it more than makes up for by giving a name and a face to the nameless, faceless men who served in Germany’s “iron coffins,� most of whom still rest in them....more
The Robert-Price-edited, Chaosium-published Call of Cthulhu fiction series takes to the shadow-haunted streets of Lovecraft’s abode of the Deep Ones aThe Robert-Price-edited, Chaosium-published Call of Cthulhu fiction series takes to the shadow-haunted streets of Lovecraft’s abode of the Deep Ones and their semi-human kin. This volume follows what is turning out to be a familiar pattern for many of the volumes in the set: lead off with some of the stories that inspired (or may have inspired) the central tale, insert Lovecraft’s opus, and then follow up with several variations on the theme. This time around nearly all of the entries are worth a look. I admit I wasn’t fond of one of the pre-Lovecraft tales, an unpleasant, trite little bit of racist crud called “Fishhead,� though Lovecraft’s explicit mention of it in his own work suggests that including it was a good idea for scholarly rather than aesthetic reasons. Other than that, though, fans of “The Shadow Over Innsmouth� should thoroughly enjoy what most of the authors herein included have done with the icthyous, batrachian horrors from beneath the waves....more
One of the blurbs at the beginning of the edition of this book that I read quotes an unidentified critic from Rolling Stone as calling this “the longeOne of the blurbs at the beginning of the edition of this book that I read quotes an unidentified critic from Rolling Stone as calling this “the longest shaggy dog joke in literary history.� I think that’s apt. Roberts Shea and Wilson aspire to no end of literary heights, wavering between James Joyce, H.P. Lovecraft, and goodness only knows how many other authors who greatly exceed the Illuminatus! scribblers� meager talents. The sad part about this book is that a novel about conspiratorial intrigue on a global scale could have been successfully pulled off, as many other writers have proven any number of times. But Shea and Wilson instead content themselves to wander aimlessly between persons, places, conspiracies, narrators and realities without the slightest trace of transition, let alone purpose. Further, the lengthy digressions of LSD-trip-esque stream-of-consciousness babble and graphic sex might have seemed radical back in 1975, but now such things waver between quaint and intrusive. To be sure, there are occasional moments of entertainment to be found in this 700+ page work (though if any are located in the lengthy appendices, I missed them). But for the most part the work relies far too heavily on the gleeful, childish, annoying hippie fascination with empty-headed wordplay and other literary devices of equally small worth. It seems such a creature of a brief and bygone era in American history; I wonder if they would have written the same book even as little as a decade later....more
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