Editorial Review

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Reviews (434)

First Book
This was the first book I aquired on Wicca.Found it to be very informative, easy to understand.Was a very interesting read.

Solitaries, Here is your Guide
As always, Scott Cunningham comes through with the information that we needed as those on the solitary path. If you can't find what you need in here, you may not really need it.

Wonderful Book for Beginners
This book is a wonderful introduction to Wicca.Scott Cunningham writes in a way that is very understanding and non-threatening, and he makes the reader feel as though it's absolutely okay to follow whatever path they choose because it's their life and no one else's.I am not Wiccan, but I felt the book helped me to appreciate my eclectic pagan path more because of the way he writes.I also recommend Living Wicca.It is a sequel to this book that goes into how to actually apply the concepts in everyday life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Folklore & Mythology    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Magic    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Ritual    8. Witchcraft    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Wicca   

Reviews (2)

Fun book!
Who ever knew fashion could be so scandalous? As one who is not so fashion savvy, Alicia Drake's book told of a world quite its own, while entertaining me with the drama of the two powers colliding.
Dishy AND intelligent
Read an advance copy of this book - it is a delight...sex, drugs and fashion are always a thrill to read about but thedetails(some quite dishy) evoke a Paris, well, a Paris I wish I had been able to belong to - (and to hell with the consequences!)Really well written and researched, which makes the gossip tasty but the information fascinating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. European    4. Fashion    5. Folklore & Mythology    6. History - Contemporary (1945- )    7. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Editorial Review

Originally written by Campbell in the '40s-- in his pre-Bill Moyers days -- and famous as George Lucas' inspiration for "Star Wars," this book will likewise inspire any writer or reader in its well considered assertion that while all stories have already been told, this is *not* a bad thing, since the *retelling* is still necessary. And while our own life's journey must always be ended alone, the travel is undertaken in the company not only of immediate loved ones and primal passion, but of the heroes and heroines -- and myth-cycles -- that have preceded us. ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Myth understandings
In various writing books, we can be told that there are really only nine plots in fiction or seven or three or some other number.For Joseph Campbell, when discussing myth (which is closely related to fiction), there is only one plot.This plot, which he never calls such, is the subject of his classic work, The Hero With a Thousand Faces.
A dated classic, and here's why...
Both as a commentary on the stages of myth and as its own mono myth, there is no denying the genuine artistry that Joseph Campbell has brought to this effort.But the reason he has been awarded a mere star is the same reason that hopefully this review itself will be dated when you read it -- namely because evolutionary behavioral psychology has made huge strides since 1948.
My Bible
I've been carrying around a tattered copy of this book since 1969 and it comes closest to what a Bible should be - a book that yields wisdom whatever page it opens to. It is most understandable if you have a project to do - writing your own novel, analyzing great literature, or working through your own dark journey. It's a book for serious thinkers who want to dig into the structure of the myths that all of humanity share. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    2. Mythology    3. Philosophy    4. Psychoanalysis    5. Religion    6. Sociology    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Myths & mythology    9. Psychology    10. Religion / Philosophy   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (80)

Tikki Tikki Tembo
I loved this book as a child, my sister and I would go around saying the tongue twister name over and over!We would try and out do each other by who could say it the fastest.Now she is adopting a beautiful daughter from China and I thought this is the perfect book for my new neice.She will be able to enjoy this fun story of two brothers who not only play well together but help each other when one is in trouble, like falling into a well.It teaches children that even if they are not the first born they are just as special.

Tikki Tikki Tembo
Love this book. Read it as a child, and now read it to my child.

One of my favorite read-aloud book during elementary school.
When I was in kindergarten, our teacher played the cassette for our class as she turned the pages of the book...letting us hear the story as it unfolded. It has left a lasting impression, which Iwill pass to my kids. I have wanted to get a copy of it because I loved the tongue twister name and I'm happy to see Amazon carries it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. China    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Asian    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fiction    8. Folklore    9. Names, Personal   

Editorial Review

Edith Hamilton loved the ancient Western myths with a passion--and this classic compendium is her tribute. "The tales of Greek mythology do not throw any clear light upon what early mankind was like," Hamilton explains in her introduction. "They do throw an abundance of light upon what early Greeks were like--a matter, it would seem, of more importance to us, who are their descendents intellectually, artistically, and politically. Nothing we learn about them is alien to ourselves." Fans of Greek mythology will find all the great stories and characters here--Perseus, Hercules, and Odysseus--each discussed in generous detail by the voice of an impressively knowledgeable and engaging (with occasional lapses) narrator. This is also an excellent primer for middle- and high-school students who are studying ancient Greek and Roman culture and literature. Read more

Reviews (72)

one of the better written retellings of the Greek Myths
Edith Hamilton (now passed) has a living work of art in her stead by the name of Mythology.This congolmerate work of the world's oldest known tales is likely the most concise and accredited version worthy of the haughtiest bookshelf.
Mythology
This book, mythology by Edith Hamilton is a pretty good book for pleasure and it has pretty good information too. The only downside of this book is that it doesnt keep your intrest that well. After the introduction, most parts are exciting, but there are still a few dull parts.
As Clear as Mud
I've studied Norse Mythology for years.So, this being my first introduction to Greek or Roman mythology, I began interested, thinking I would enjoy learning the tales of the ancient Greek and Roman gods.As this was for a class, I was also hoping to be able to utilise the book in my studies towards the goal of understanding the material enough to write papers on the subject.
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Subjects:  1. Classical mythology    2. Folklore & Mythology    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. General    5. History: World    6. Mythology    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    10. Myths & mythology    11. Reference works    12. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (85)

A mirror to my soul
I cherish this book and I read it over and over again .The work of a brilliant woman who becomes ones voice for one so silent . You find yourself agreeing with the author and learning to love the instinctual gifts we as women possess. It is a book for every woman who feels the injustice of a world which undervalues us .
Read IT, LOVED IT 12 years ago and still do
When I see young women who don't trust their gut feelings, who don't envision their full potential, who allow abuse, who lack self-confidence, I WISH THEY WOULD READ "Women Who Run With Wolves."This is not an "easy read," but DO READ IT and become a powerful woman on the inside -- a woman whose soul is steady and strong -- a "Wild Woman."The author of this book taught me the wisdom and lessons of ancient "fairy tales."This author taught me to strengthen my core, my soul, trust my own wisdom, listen to myself and stand tall and firm and strong.
enlightning
This is a serious book on psychology,
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Subjects:  1. Folklore    2. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    3. General    4. Literary Criticism    5. Psychology    6. Sociology    7. Wild women    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    11. Women's studies   

Editorial Review

Among his many gifts, Joseph Campbell's most impressive was the unique ability to take a contemporary situation, such as the murder and funeral of President John F. Kennedy, and help us understand its impact in the context of ancient mythology. Herein lies the power of Read more

Reviews (104)

What a Wonderful Book
Joseph Campbell knows his subject, mythology and religious stories, so well that you can tell it has become instinctual for him to tie all the world's imagery and symbology together in a way that connects human beings in a truly transcendent way. This book clarifies how similar we all really are, at the core of our beings, despite where we live and in what millenia we are living in. So full of rich, thought-provoking conversation, I would recommend this to everyone, from young to old. It is just an awesome book that makes you fall in love with humans and human nature -- bad and good alike.

Brilliant
Both Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyer create a must read from their historic interview.This book has become my blueprint.

A book that seems to make religious nuts bitter.
Well versed and thought out, this book stands out and has been used in many of todays religion studies.Though some of his points can be perceived as "stretched", he is still a scholar in his field.It seems that the people that often criticize him and his works have little to no experience or education on the subject at hand and do it solely on the fact that it sometimes criticizes the monotony of modern and ancient religion.I recommend this book to everyone. Read the book and make your own educated determination. It could open your eyes and your mind.Or you can close your mind, avoid the book, and start a "crusade" against the author for speaking his opinion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1904-    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Campbell, Joseph,    4. Comparative Religion    5. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    6. General    7. Interviews    8. Myth    9. Philosophy    10. Religion    11. Religion historians    12. Religious    13. Sociology    14. Sociology of Religion    15. United States    16. Campbell, Joseph    17. Myths & mythology    18. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (45)

not bad for required reading
I had to read this book for humanities 9 in high school and its really good, especially for a required reading. The way the story is explained is excelled and easy to follow, except that i am horroble with names, especially forign ones so of course i had troube following, but if you can catch on to the names, you will have an enjoyable read

You'll Ace the "Mythology" Category on Jeopardy!
Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" is the most concise and readable compendium of its subject that I have ever happened upon (it's part of my required summer reading for AP English).While it's not a thriller, and the first few sections take some real endurance to get through, the reader is rewarded in the end.I recognize that the book is not meant to be exciting reading - it's a scholarly work - but some of the sections whose myths are only a page long are irritating to read.It was hard to stay focused when the characters changed so frequently.However, I sincerely enjoyed the myths of the great heroes, the Trojan War, the Aeneid, and the Orestia (which have a great deal more substance than the rest)."Mythology" has also piqued my interest in other classical works, which I hope to pursue on my own or in college - to date I have only read "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone" by Sophocles."Mythology" is probably the reader's best investment of time and effort with the greatest return in knowledge.

Hamilton's MYTHOLOGY: Bits & Pieces Threaded into a Whole
Most inveterate readers, even those that consider themselves reasonably erudite, are all too often woefully lacking in Mythology 101. They may know that there may have been a labyrinth in which lurks a monster, but which monster, and where, and who killed it, is not on the tip of their tongue. In MYTHOLOGY, Edith Hamilton weaves together a tapestry of classical legend and mythos that attempts to makes sense out of man's earliest gropings in coming to terms with a universe that was at once totally unlike man himself and yet could be understood only imperfectly by analogies to himself.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Classics    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Mythology    7. Hellenic languages    8. Literary Criticism & Collections / Ancient & Classical    9. Myth & legend told as fiction   

Reviews (41)

Gentle easy to read timeless tale great for grandma's bday
This is a wonderful book -- fairly short and a great gift for grandma. It tells how age does give us wisdom. A nice birthday book for anyone over 30. And especially for someone in their 50's and above. Grandma will love it. Why don't we cherish the seniors in our lives? The author Velma Wallis is one of a family of 13 children born in the fur-trapping Fort Yukon Alaska raised in the Athabaskan values. She wrote her book at 33 in a simple yet polished style. Two Old Women have a life of their own. It's a wonderful Alaskan legend that would make a good movie. Fabulous for a reading group or to read aloud to your older children night by night in the winter. Or to your husband in front of the fire....great vacation reading too. Don't miss it-- just caught it by accident-- hope you do too.

Great Read
I read this book after reading Velma's "Coming of Age" book. It's a great tale of 2 Native older women that resonates with modern society.Highly recommended for adult and young readers.

A story for any time.
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis is a story, not just about the adventures of two eold ones abandoned by the tribe in times of famine, but it is also a story about friendship and fighting against the odds.It is based on a Athabascan Indian Legend which the author is able to bring alive in her own words and, yet at the same time, keep the meaning and flavor of the tale pure and true.The copy I bought, in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, was the Tenth Anniversary Edition.First published in 1993 it now seems to be in every book store I saw while visiting Alaska.The drawings by Jim Grant just add to the enjoyment of reading the story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    2. Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Folklore    6. Folklore & Mythology    7. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    8. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

By a recent count, the continent of Africa comprises some 1,300 cultures. Some of them number millions of people, some only a few families; some are thriving, while others are in danger of disappearing, the victims of acculturation or, in extreme cases, of genocide. This diversity--and the dangers to it--is little known outside Africa. PhotographersCarol Beckwith andAngela Fisher highlight both matters in Read more

Reviews (12)

Book is good, but the supplement CD is...
There is no-doubt about the photos are more than good.
See it before it disappears
A beautiful look at cultural conventions that may soon be relegated to the quaint and unusual.

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
HOW CAN ANYONE SAY THAT THESE CULTURES DON'T EXIST ANYMORE, OR THIS IS AN AFRICA THAT NO LONGER EXISTS. THEY TOOK THESE PICTURESWITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS.. DIDN'T THEY ? DUH ?EVERYONE KNOWS THERE IS A COMMON EVERYDAY AFRICA.. GOING TO WORK GENERAL LIVING ( JUST LIKE US HERE IN AMERICA FOLKS) BUT STILL THERE IS AFRICAN TRIBAL SPLENDOR. JUST LIKE IN AMERICA INDIAN'S GET TOGETHER FOR TRIBAL POW WOWS. THEY STILL EXIST TOO. THE PICTURES IN THIS BOOK ARE SHOCKINGLY GORGEOUS...AFRICAN PEOPLE STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE! THE MEN ARE HANDSOME, THE WOMEN WONDEROUS. IT JUST MAKES ME WONDER WHY THE EUROPEAN STANDARD, HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE "STANDARD" OF BEAUTY. THIS REVUE MAY SOUND SHALLOW, BUT IF YOUR INTO THE HUMAN HAS ART FORM ...BUY THIS BOOK!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa - General    3. Anthropology - Cultural    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Initiation rites    6. Marriage customs and rites    7. Photo Essays    8. Photography    9. Photojournalism    10. Rites and ceremonies    11. Ritual    12. Sociology    13. African studies    14. Anthropology    15. Customs & folklore    16. Photographs: collections    17. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    18. Religious rites & ceremonies   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art appreciation    4. Arts    5. Folklore & Mythology    6. General    7. Psychological aspects    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology    11. Theory of art   

Reviews (59)

Nice deck as an alternative
If you have pagan leanings, you might enjoy the Robin Wood tarot. I absolutely adore the depiction of the Queen of Swords. I think Robin nailed the Q of S's personality quite well and with more expression and depth than any of the Rider Waite varieties. I also like Wood's Magician better than the more traditional stylings. But I only gave this 4 stars because there are some card depictions that are kind of goofy looking to me such as The Wheel of Fortune and The Chariot (his facial expression struck me recently as goofy). All in all, though, it's a fine deck.

Some of Robin Wood's best work!
I'm a HUGE fan of Robin's work and would love to see a coloring book for Pagans made of it all -
May appeal to certain folks...
I had a roommate once who had the Robin Wood deck. It had been a while since I'd seen the images, but I decided to check it out, perhaps with the memory of my roommate in mind, who was a very sweet person. When looking over this deck I remembered what I'd liked, and didn't like about it.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Cards - Playing / Tarot    3. Divination - Tarot    4. Folklore & Mythology    5. New Age    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Tarot    7. Miscellaneous Items    8. Tarot   

Reviews (6)

My New Favorite
This book is the best thing I have bought in a long time!!It gives great overviews of most of the non-christian religions and mythologies from all over the world.It is easy to read and very enjoyable to read.Because of its already large size it can't give every detail of every mythology, but it definitely gives you enough information so you could know where to look to find more details.

Major Myths Revealed...
A reference book of this quality is an excellent addition to your reference library... especially if you are the type of person who likes to understand other's at a deep level.Whatever your subject, students of many different topics would also find this an indispensable title to have in your library.With more than 700 colour photographs and nearly 700 pages of information-packed pages to look through, `Mythology' is an excellent value reference book to add to your collection.
Good overview of mythology
This massive coffee-table style book gives a good overview of some of the major mythologies in the world.Overall, it has both good and bad points, with the good generally outweighing the bad.Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology    2. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    3. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    4. Mythology    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

Veteran children's lit professor Coleen Salley tells a variation on hersignature story, an archetypal "noodlehead" tale based on the time-honoredSouthern legend of Epaminondas. A "sweet patootie" named Epossumondas headlineshere as a be-diapered young possum who follows his mama's instructions a littletoo literally.Read more

Reviews (9)

WHY ALL THE 5 STARS???
MY DAUGHTER & HUSBAND BOTH THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS REALLY STUPID.CHECK IT OUT FROM THE LIBRARY BEFORE BUYING

Sweet Patootie of a Book
When I chose this book to read to the K-2's in my school, I was unfamiliar with the term "noodlehead story". What a wealth of different voices and characters for storytime Epossumondas is. The kids all went "AAAWWWWWWWW" when they saw the baby opossum with his pacifier. It's totally endearing.

Love it!Love it!
I cannot get enough of this book the story telling was great and it really got the attention of my class we love that book it is a everyday book in my class I recommend it very much, Great Book , Just Great! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Humorous Retelling    5. Folklore    6. Fools and jesters    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (81)

Great book
This book is very useful.Scott Cunningham's books are wonderful.He knew his stuff, and was very thorough when compiling the information.This book tells how to make incense, different oils for ritual, herbal charms, sachets, powders, soaps, and lots of other stuff.It's a great book for the kitchen witch because it's a wonderful reference book.And as with all of his books, he adds charts for substitutions, sabbats, days, seasons, and just correspondences for each oil and herb.I highly recommend this book.

Mother Earth's Majik
I am discovering the enjoyment and knowledge from this book.I think the forklore is interesting, but since I have just begun I feel this book will be a winter project to create some of the oils and such the I would would like to make.

Great Book and Very Informative
I found this book very informative for those wishing to make their own brews and potions. I enjoyed reading it and have put some of the formulas into action. I use the oils and soaps when I'm feeling the need to recharge. Also great information on herbs and such. If you're into making your own things and using them or giving them as gifts then this book is for you. You won't go wrong buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Essences and essential oils    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. Incense    5. Magic    6. Magick Studies    7. Miscellanea    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Perfumes    10. Reference    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (9)

Billy Goats Gruff
Timely delivery.The book was great.My great grandson loved it.

Child's Favorite
My 21 month old son loves the story of the Billy Goats Gruff, at first we used to make up the story from what we remembered about it, but now with this book he can follow along and point at the troll hiding under the bridge. It gets may requests.The pictures are great and the story flows quickly enough to keep his interest.I like the ending.Snip Snap Snout, this reviews wrote out.

Which 3BBG version?This one--without question, hands down
Here's the one, parents and grandparents.Stephen Carpenter's son Tad had loved this story so much that Carpenter decided to write his own version--and am I glad he did!This is one of my four-year-old's daily requests, and my 13-year-old will still scoop it up for a chuckle from time to time.What makes this particular edition so great?
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Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Classics    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    7. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    8. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    9. Fairy tales    10. Folklore    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Norway    13. Fiction    14. Juvenile Fiction / Classics    15. Picture books   

Reviews (10)

No longer useful
I have taught mythology at the university level at various insitutions for the more than a decade now.Indeed, when I first began was when the first edition of Powell came out.At that time it was quite useful as his prose is modestly engaging, and the large swathes of original material and the occasional illustrations he includes is quite useful.
Doesnt deal with myths' deeper historical origins
I can only say, not being a classicist, but one who did study under the esteemed Prof. Edward O'Neil of Univ. of Southern California, that I find it curious that this author does not deal much with the theories of migrations (Achaeans, Dorians later) into Greece that explain origins and approximate dates of certain myths. For example the inclusion of chthonic deities/mother earthdeities being early myths of Minoan influences, the patriarchal - sky-god myths relating to Achaeans and their influence by migration on the Greek mainland. I find H.J. Rose better at this for sure, as is O'Neil's work on Library of Apollodorus. Man, Myth and Monument,is also an excellent guide for anyone who wants to follow this fascinating aspect of myth.

Great Composition
Powell has done it again in his fourth edition.Though there are minor changes whcih he made in the newest edition, this book offers great details about ancient gods and heroes - putting the reader's mind into the ancient mythical land.The books also has actual passages from various ancient writers and also included more background stories to help the readers understand the story in a better perspective.His writing is simple and honest.Its worth your money if you are an avid mythology reader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. General    5. Literary Criticism    6. Mythology    7. Mythology, Classical    8. Religion - Church History    9. Social Science    10. Hellenic languages    11. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    12. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval   

Reviews (61)

always and forever
Ok I got into witchcraft when I was in 6 grade I'm in 12 grade right now and I still love it I bought this book awhile back , I thought it was amazing its just that some of the spells are not what I face in the real world

Just DO it!
I love this book!Colorful, entertaining, powerful, informative... these are all words that describe Charms, Spells and Forumulas by Houngan Rev. Ray Marlbrough.It's been out for a while, but if you don't have a copy yet, get with the program, buy a copy, choose an exercise or spell in the book, and just DO it!-- Mambo Racine

Wonderful!
This book is great! I have used it so much that it is falling apart. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Charms    3. Folklore    4. Folklore & Mythology    5. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    6. Incantations    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Louisiana    9. Magic    10. Magick Studies    11. New Age    12. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    13. Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    15. Magic & alchemy    16. Mind, Body, Spirit    17. Wicca   

Reviews (3)

Book review
Captain Amer