One of the most comprehensive books on the phenomenon of role playing games as they emerged in the 80's, it explores the social psychological implications of playing these games, the personalities attracted to the games and the structure of the games themselves. I used it as a primary reference for my thesis 11 years ago and I believe it is still relevant now, even with the preponderance of computer role playing games. Although, the interactive, cooperative element of sharing fantasy around a tabletop may have faded...the same sharing takes place across continents through cyberspace.

I understand that this is supposed to be research and not a RPG fan's writing. To my mind, it fails on both accounts. It is very factual and has limited analytical insights as real research is meant to be. It is also uninspiring for RPG fans or wannabees as it fails to explore what brings and most importantly keeps players around the table. Overall disappointing.

I was so entrigued after reading how exercising promotes good bone health that I bring the book to work everyday, like my Bible just as a reminder to keep up with the work out. I am a die hard for Joyce Vedral, this is the second book that I work out with and the difference is very noticable. You will not be sorry after reading this one, it's an excellent Bone Building Book!

This workout is great, although you may want to do ALL the designated warm-up exercises at the beginning of the workout, in order to avoid wasting time picking up and putting down the dumbbells between sections. If you do this I think it would be much easier to get the workout time down to where the book claims it should be.I own The 12-Minute Total Body Workout book, and in one respect, this book is better in that it contains a photo chart of all the exercises involved, which "12-Minute" does NOT have. I recommend that you buy a copy of this book, make a copy of the chart, then cut it up and paste each exercise onto index cards, so that you can mix up the order of the exercises every few weeks or so, as well as putting the warmups at the beginning of the workout.Both books are great.

This is a great routine and the book is an easy-read that I found quite motivating. I was a bit discouraged, however, when I discovered how long the exercises actually take. It takes me 30 minutes to complete the "8-minute" routines. I would have actually felt more motivated had I been more adequately prepared to allow for the necessary time. That said, I commend Joyce for this book, which also includes a chapter on diet and a chapter on aerobic exercise. I am very encouraged that I may be able to prevent osteoporosis, and am recommending this book to my mom, who was recently diagnosed.

This volume contains a large selection of photographs of primarily Victorian artefacts. Readers are invited to discern the purpose of each oddity - hence the claim to 'right brain' strengthening. I could not discern themes, trends or any guiding cognitive theory holding the assembly together. What the reader gets is a mish-mash of images more suited to an antique store fetishist. If poring over images of Victorian apple corers. toasters and other assorted early industrial artefacts, is your hobby, then this book is right up your alley. On the other hand, if you expected this book (which I bought on the assumption that it might have something interesting to say about right brain visualisation and cognition)to be of some intellectual value, you will be sadly disappointed. Ironically it is a book largely about rubbish; the rubbish of a bygone age. Happily, this book, a testimonial to that age, I suspect will soon be numbered among its ranks.