iMovie 6 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • iMovie 6 & iDVD: The missing Manual
  • Great Step by Step Guide
  • This book saved my life... in a roundabout way
  • One of the best "how to" manuals I've bought
  • Quite simply-THE BEST
iMovie 6 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

MacOSMacOS | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Graphics & MultimediaGraphics & Multimedia | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books | DirectX | Flash | GIS | General | OpenGL | Solid Works
Software DevelopmentSoftware Development | Software Design, Testing & Engineering | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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Audio & Video EditingAudio & Video Editing | Digital Music | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Digital Music | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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GeneralGeneral | Web Design | Web Development | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
iMovie + iDVDiMovie + iDVD | Apple | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Video ProductionVideo Production | Digital Photography & Video | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Direction & ProductionDirection & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Programming | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books
MacintoshMacintosh | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books
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ASIN: 0596527268

Book Description

While the last version of iMovie gave moviemakers the ability to capture and edit widescreen High Definition Video (HDV) from the new generation of camcorders, iMovie 6 is all about the ease of moviemaking itself. iMovie 6 includes five professionally designed themes with backgrounds, motion graphics, titles, and effects that act as building blocks for your projects. You can preview transitions and stunning new video effects--such as time-lapse video--in real time using the full screen. Or edit audio and add sound effects with a new built-in sound studio. For presenting your movie, Magic iDVD offers easy-to-use themes, including new widescreen options.

Whether you're a professional or an amateur moviemaker, this is amazing stuff. But if you want to learn the full capabilities of these applications, Apple documentation won't make the cut. Instead, iMovie 6 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is the ideal third-party authority that covers all of these changes through an objective lens. This witty and entertaining guide from celebrated author David Pogue details every step of iMovie 6 and iDVD production. The book shows you how to:

From choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning the finished work onto DVDs, posting it online, or downloading it to an iPod, iMovie 6 & iDVD: The Missing Manual zooms right in on the details in a clear, concise, and understandable manner. The book also provides a firm grounding in basic film technique so that the quality of your video won't rely entirely on magic.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars iMovie 6 & iDVD: The missing Manual.......2007-10-03

Having Missing Manuals 3 to 5 It is again most difficult to find what's new in Apples Version 6 amongst all the older information contained in the previously published "Manuals". If one was purchasing it for the first time it does a reasonable job.

5 out of 5 stars Great Step by Step Guide.......2007-06-27

This book is a thoroughly attentive-to-detail manual that is true to it's name/concept: The manual that *should* have come in the box! It clearly walks you through every step, big and small as well as including sections on how to improve your filming, editing, and a concise Quicktime how-to.

I recommend reading the entire book before starting an iMovie/iDVD project but if you just can't wait (I couldn't-- I read as I went), I recommend reading Appendix B (pg. 461) which is "Troubleshooting" early on . It includes *many* crucial tips from being sure to format your external HD to Mac OS Extended (if saving on an ext. HD) to switching the factory-setting 12-bit audio on your digital video camera to 16-bit to common 'glitches' while importing, working with or exporting footage.

The other great benefit of this book is it explains the various little 'tricks' for more complicated tasks or for things that are hinky and need a little fiddling to work. One ex.: You use the new iMovie 6 themes w/in iMovie (Pass Through, especially, is slick/professional-looking!) and are trying to use a *trimmed* clip w/in the theme. iMovie doesn't understand starting it where you trimmed because it keeps the trimmed portion of the clip hidden but still there so the undesirable portion of your clip is shown in the intro theme instead. This book explains in detail how to save it to Quicktime and re-import the new *permanently* trimmed clip to use w/ no problems in your themed intro!

This book also spells out the key differences in iMovie 6 vs. previous versions. I HIGHLY recommend this book if you are looking to edit home movie footage (or other) using iMovie (& iDVD) and don't have your own personal Mac Genius in your household. :-)

5 out of 5 stars This book saved my life... in a roundabout way.......2007-05-14

I recently purchased a Mac and edited my first film - a short documentary - on iMovie.

I had never used iMovie before and a good friend recommended this book and I couldn't have been more pleased. I haven't encountered a problem yet that this book hasn't addressed.

Well-written, simple and practical.

A great resource. Worth your time and money.

5 out of 5 stars One of the best "how to" manuals I've bought.......2007-04-19

I have to admit that I was skeptical when I saw that this was a textbook for an introductory filmmaking class but it's an awesome book. It strikes just the right tone and is basically a short course in filming, editing and distributing (dvd, web, email) movies. Well done.

5 out of 5 stars Quite simply-THE BEST.......2007-04-03

Simple and darn articulate. Im not a tech person in any sense of the way, Mr Pogue has outdone himself. He indeed has made understanding imovie very simple. Highly recommended if you are just starting out or if you wish to brush up on the latest version of Imovie
iMovie HD & iDVD 5: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great reference for making those fancy DVDs
  • Definitive guide to working with video on the Mac
  • Just Buy It!
  • Definitive reference book
  • IMovieHD&iDVD 5: The missing manual.
iMovie HD & iDVD 5: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

MacOSMacOS | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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iMovie + iDVDiMovie + iDVD | Apple | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Audio & Video EditingAudio & Video Editing | Digital Music | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0596100337

Book Description

The latest versions of iMovie HD and iDVD 5 are, by far, the most robust moviemaking applications available to consumers today. But whether you're a professional or an amateur moviemaker eager to take advantage of the full capabilities of these applications, don't count on Apple documentation to make the cut. You need iMovie HD & iDVD 5: The Missing Manual, the objective authority on iMovie HD and iDVD 5. Even if you own a previous version of iMovie, the new feature-rich iMovie HD may well be impossible to resist. This video editing program now enables users to capture and edit widescreen High Definition Video (HDV) from the new generation of HDV camcorders, along with standard DV and the MPEG-4 video format. iMovie HD also includes "Magic iMovie" for making finished movies automatically. The feature does everything in one step--imports video into separate clips and adds titles, transitions, and music. The finished video is then ready for iDVD 5, which now includes 15 new themes with animated drop zones that can display video clips across DVD menus, just like the latest Hollywood DVDs. This witty and entertaining guide from celebrated author David Pogue not only details every step of iMovie HD video production--from choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning the finished work onto DVDs--but provides a firm grounding in basic film technique so that the quality of a video won't rely entirely on magic. iMovie HD & iDVD 5: The Missing Manual includes expert techniques and tricks for: iMovie HD & iDVD 5: The Missing Manual--it's your moviemaking-made-easy guide.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great reference for making those fancy DVDs.......2006-05-13

After several trips to car shows with my husband, I had lots of beautiful photos sitting in iPhoto ready to print. I thought a DVD would be more useful and enjoyable for him, and tried to make a DVD project - NOT! Having already used The Missing Manual books, I promptly went out and bought this one. Great choice, as it filled in the blanks and gave me lots of ideas also. I am a photographer, not a tech person, and am pretty clueless when it comes to creating projects on the computer.

This series suits me perfectly and the book is highly recommended - with the aid of the book I sat down and promptly made a beautiful DVD, with lots of lovely effects, great music, and best of all it was easy. My husband was very happy with his DVD and watches it often.

The manual is clear, concise, easy to read and enjoyable. Unlike so many texts, it is not dry or overly technical. Anyone can make a great DVD easily with this reference. Next project - a video. Ready.....

5 out of 5 stars Definitive guide to working with video on the Mac.......2006-03-08

I had recently started using a Mac at work, and suddenly I was put in a position to work with video on the Mac. Mr. Pogue's other books had been very helpful to me as I began to learn my way around the Mac, so I thought I would pick up this one to help me with my video work. I was very glad that I did. You see, iMovie HD has tools that help your movie look professional, but the iMovie HD help files are very tedious to go through. There is a great deal of referencing, cross-referencing, and nothing is smoothly laid out. This book is another story, as it is very well laid out with clear instructions and illustrations. It is very long, but since these applications are powerful, it would be expected that any clear explanation of them is going to require some space.
What is particularly good about this book is that the author doesn't assume you are a professional video author, and he spends part one of the book helping you learn how to shoot videos and shares tricks that will make you good at it. Part 2 is dedicated to iMovie, and shares not just how to use the application, but the little extras that will make your video special - transitions, effects, titles, captions, and even how to work with sound in your movie. Part 3, on finding your audience, was another unexpected treat. There the author shows you how to move between iMovie and Quicktime, and how to post your movie to your phone and to the web. Part 4 of the book is on iDVD. I particularly liked the chapter on iDVD secrets, where the author shows how you can use AppleScript to customize iDVD itself.
It's hard to believe that a year ago I didn't even know how to use a Mac, and now I am quite the fan, especially when it comes to multimedia applications. I notice Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here:
Part 1: CAPTURING DV FOOTAGE
1. The DV Camcorder
2. Turning Home Video into Pro Video
3. Special Event Filming
Part 2: EDITING IN IMOVIE
4. Camcorder Meets Mac
5. Building the Movie
6. Transitions and Effects
7. Titles, Captions, and Credits
8. Narration, Music, and Sound
9. Still Pictures and QuickTime Movies
10. Professional Editing Techniques
Part 3: FINDING YOUR AUDIENCE
11. Back to the Camcorder
12. From iMovie to QuickTime
13. Movies on the Web - And on the Phone
14. QuickTime Player
Part 4: iDVD5
15. From iMovie to iDVD
16. iDVD Projects by Hand
17. Designing iDVD Themes
18. iDVD Secrets
Part 5: Appendixes
A. iMovie HD: Menu by Menu
B. Troubleshooting
C. Master Keyboard Shortcut List

5 out of 5 stars Just Buy It!.......2005-12-23

Very informative AND entertaining! If you feel you are even the least bit interested in breaking into digital film making this book is fantastic. I have been using iMovie for several years now and have a camcorder. However, I thought this book might help me kick things up a notch. It certainly will. I have only gotten through the first fifty pages, but I've already learned enough justify this purchase.

When I first received this rather intimidating 450+ page book I thought I would use it mainly for reference. Well, that was before I started reading it. Now I find it hard put down. It is very well written and arranged by areas of interest.

This book is great for everyone, from beginner to expert. It will undoubtedly prove to be a very valuable reference book in the future, but for now it's a great read.

5 out of 5 stars Definitive reference book.......2005-10-06

If you're a heavy user of iMovieHD and iDVD, this book is a must. Most questions that users have about both software can be found in this manual (though he doesn't read like a boring manual). Pogue not only provides all the how-tos for learning the software, he also helps you troubleshoot problems that will crop in movie and DVD productions. There's hardly no aspect of either software that I didn't find covered in this book.

5 out of 5 stars IMovieHD&iDVD 5: The missing manual........2005-09-17

This is the book you really want if you use iMovie at all!
iLife '05: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great book!
  • Great price/book/content
  • THE LIFE OF ILIFE '05!!
  • Can't miss with anything in this series...
  • Essential information for iLife 05 users
iLife '05: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: Pogue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Digital PhotographyDigital Photography | Digital Photography & Video | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0596100361

Book Description

The incomparable iLife '05 is the must-have multimedia suite for everyone who owns a Mac--and the envy of everyone who doesn't. iLife '05: The Missing Manual is the definitive iLife '05 book--and what should have come with the suite. There's no better guide to your iLife experience than the #1 bestselling Macintosh author and expert--and Missing Manual series creator--David Pogue. Totally objective and utterly in-the-know, Pogue highlights the newest features, changes, and improvements of iLife '05, covers the capabilities and limitations of each program within the suite, and delivers countless goodies that you won't find anywhere else: undocumented tips, tricks, and secrets for getting the best performance out of every iLife application. Pogue examines all five programs in iLife '05, including: With your authoritative, witty, full color, all-inclusive iLife '05: The Missing Manual at the ready, there's nothing standing between you and professional-caliber music, photos, movies, and more.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great book!.......2007-01-10

If it says 'Missing Manual' on the cover, then you'll want it! That's the bottom line!

5 out of 5 stars Great price/book/content.......2006-06-21

All around, yet another hit from the Missing Manual series!

I'm well versed in most things computer, so computer books often either are way under my interest level or are very technical in nature. This is a great mix of advanced techniques taught in a quick and understandable way.

I'm actually using iLife '06, but haven't hit any major roadbumps between the content in the book and the '06 apps.

Great stuff - now I'm drooling over the iPhoto specific book - I want to dig even deeper into that app now that I understand the basics!

5 out of 5 stars THE LIFE OF ILIFE '05!!.......2006-05-08

Do you need to harness cutting-edge technology for your own creative expression and entertainment? If you do, you're in luck! Author David Pogue, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that doesn't require you to be a professional working for a media conglomerate to read it.

Pogue, begins by discussing how to use iTunes 4 for managing, playing, buying and sharing digital music. Then, he discusses how to use the iPhoto 5 program for downloading photos from your digital camera, and organizing, sharing, and printing them. The author continues by describing how to use the iMoves HD program for editing footage from a digital camcorder, adding effects, sound, and credits, and then presenting the result. Next, he details how to use GarageBand 2 for composing and recording terrific-sounding songs of your own. Then, the author provides an overview of how to use the iDVD 5 program for burning DVDs containing the movies, music, and photos from iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand. Finally, he explains how to troubleshoot the preceding programs.

This most excellent book packages iDVD 5, iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand come in a single package called iLife '05. In other words, if you've mastered all of the preceding information, you have all of the technical background you need to enjoy iLife '05: The Missing Manual.

5 out of 5 stars Can't miss with anything in this series..........2006-03-22

iLife '05 is the fifth Missing Manual I've purchased. I find them helpful, informative, and fun to read. The chapter layout is logical and fluid, the index is thorough, and the entire manual is chock full of color (!) illustrations.

The first few chapters will walk the beginner through iTunes and the iTunes Music store. There is even a chapter on managing your iPod.

Next is iPhoto, Apple's image browser-librarian-editor. Like Apple's software, there is more than first meets the eye in these pages.

Section three covers iMovie, from working with your camcorder through producing something worth burning to DVD...leading seamlessly to

Section four, exploring iDVD. Both general concepts and insider-like tips abound.

Section five covers GarageBand. All the above sections are much more accessable and thorough than Apple's Help system. This Missing Manual closes with more than 50 pages of troubleshooting tips for the 5 software titles, and an excellent index.

The whole book is a pleasure to read, browse, or just to hold in the hand (though it's heavy--nothing skimpy about it). I find myself reading some sections completely and diving in for a just a few pages in others. A must have if you own iLife '05--whhich can be had for a song now that iLife '06 is out.

5 out of 5 stars Essential information for iLife 05 users.......2006-03-18

This is a good book for understanding all of the applications included in iLife 05. Note, however, that iLife 06 has been released with a host of new features, and thus depending on whether or not you intend to upgrade, this book may have a limited lifespan of usefulness at this point in time. As of iLife '06, iLife consists of six components: iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. However, if you intend to stick with iLife 05 for awhile, you couldn't ask for a better guide. Basically, what the author has done is condense his Mac missing manual series of books- iMovie&DVD, iPhoto, iTunes&iPod, and GarageBand - into one volume. I have some of the missing manuals for the individual applications, and I compared the individual books with the applicable sections in this book, and they seem to be equitable in quality. The only thing you are really missing is some of Pogue's insight into using the applications - for example, some pointers on film-making in the case of the iMovie&iDVD book versus this book. There also seem to be more advanced user and customization information in the individual "Missing Manual" books versus this book, so perhaps power-users would be better off buying the individual missing manuals on the applications. I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here for the purpose of completeness:
PART 1: iTunes
1. Getting Music into iTunes
2. Getting Music out of iTunes
3. Managing Your Music
4. The iTunes Music Store
5. The iPod Connection
PART 2: iPhoto
6. Camera Meets Mac
7. The Digital Shoebox
8. Editing Your Shots
9. The iPhoto Slideshow
10. Prints and Books
11. Photos Online - and Your Network
12. iPhoto File Management
PART 3: iMovie
13. Camcorder Meets Mac
14. Building the Movie
15. Transitions and Effects
16. Titles, Captions, and Credits
17. Narration, Music, and Sound
18. Still Pictures and Quicktime Movies
19. Finding Your Audience
PART 4: iDVD
20. From iMovie to iDVD
21. iDVD Projects By Hand
22. Advanced iDVD
PART 5: GarageBand
23. Setting Up the Garage
24. Loops
25. Regions
26. Software Instruments (MIDI)
27. Recording and Editing Live Audio
28. Effects, Guitar Amps, and Instrument Models
29. Mixing and Publishing
PART 6: Troubleshooting
30. Troubleshooting iTunes
31. Troubleshooting iPhoto
32. Troubleshooting iMovie
33. Troubleshooting iDVD
34. Troubleshooting GarageBand
iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Revealed Secrets of David Pogue's iMovie 4 & iDVD
  • Video editing techniques for use on the Macintosh
  • Goes beyond iMovie and iDVD
  • An Absolute Necessity
  • Much more than just a missing manual
iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: Pogue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0596006934

Amazon.com

You may not have paused (a pun!) to think about it, but we're living in the golden age of home movies. Forget dad's old Super-8 films and the stinky celluloid in grandma's basement: A reasonably priced digital video camera and a Macintosh computer give you the ability to not only record moving images, but modify and assemble them in order to tell stories more effectively than ever. David Pogue, Mac maven, shows you how to make movies using iMovie and iDVD, the video editing and burning software that ship with all modern iMacs. iMovie and iDVD: The Missing Manual documents its two eponymous programs fully, but without straying from the tone of lighthearted competence that characterizes Pogue's best work.

This book includes plenty of nods to total Mac novices--the author explains such terms as resolution and pixel--but appeals as well to competent Mac users who just happen not to be cinamatographers. Obvious stuff that authors often neglect--such as the approximate disk-space requirements of movies of various lengths--appears in this book. Plus, Pogue makes extensive use of a question-and-answer format (particularly in sidebars) that's simultaneously easy to read and extraordinarily fact-dense. This is the book you need if you're planning to do any video work with an iMac. --David Wall

Topics covered: How to use Apple iMovie and iDVD to record, edit, and publish digital video. It's a soup-to-nuts treatment, covering selection of a camera, filming (including lighting and composition), assembling clips into a meaningful narrative, adding special effects and titles, and burning the product to DVD for distribution.

Book Description

At first glance, iMovie 4 looks identical to iMovie3. But under the hood, dozens of annoyances have been eliminated and dozens of polished touches have been added. The program tweaks include: editing enhancements, better navigation, and audio improvements. iDVD 4 has undergone a more thorough overhall that makes DVDs look even more like a commercial Hollywood DVD. iDVD removes many of the limits in the previous versions. Improvements here include: increasing the number of buttons on a menu page from 6 to 12, extending the background music on the menu screen to 15 minutes, allowing up to 99 chapter markers, and extending the amount of burnable video to two hours. iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual has been updated to reflect all of these changes in detail and with scrupulous objectivity. This witty and entertaining guide from celebrated author David Pogue covers every step of iMovie video production, from choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning the finished work onto DVDs. The book also provides a firm grounding in basic film technique.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Revealed Secrets of David Pogue's iMovie 4 & iDVD.......2005-02-01

I was fortunate to attend Macworld in July 2004 in Boston and attend the Mac User conference. Dave Pogue was the seminar leader for the iMovie 4 module.

I previously reviewed Pogue's iMovie 2: The Missing Manual. Now, I had the opportunity to see David Pogue in action and to further learn his Missing Manual secrets in Movie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual.

This Missing Manual is divided into five parts:

Part 1, Capturing DV Footage
Part 2, Editing in iMovie
Part 3, Finding Your Audience
Part 4, iDVD 4: The Missing Manual by Erica Sadun
Part 5, Appendixes: A- iMovie 4, Menu by Menu and B- Troubleshooting

My Favorite Page Turners

Page 16 - Figure 1-1: The evolution of the modern camcorder. The photo shows the full-sized VHS camcorder, the 8 mini/Hi-8 camcorder and the modern DV camcorder. This is the type of camcorder you need to work with iMovie.

Page 17 - Figure 1-2: The various sizes of tapes. The miniDV tapes required by most DV camcorder.

Page 20 - Three camcorders not to buy. You should select only Firewire connectors for miniDV camcorders.

Page 23 - Using the FireWire connector. You must have the FireWire connector to use iMovie and other DV software. Figure 1-3: Analog imputes and S-video connector for connecting to a VCR, old 8 mm camcorder.

Page 25 -  Use the camcorder's eyepiece viewfinder instead of LCD panel. This is very useful on bright sunny days and saves your camcorder battery's shooting power.

Page 32 - Special Effects. Avoid using your camcorder's built-in camcorder effects-instead use your iMovie's Special Effects when you do your computer editing.

Page 33- Apple's "Supported camcorders." Review the list on the www.apple.com website for supported camcorders.

Working with Pogue's Missing Manual

I like the Keyboard shortcuts that Pogue mentions in the manual. Using the Command-E, you can switch between the timeline and clip views in iMovie 4.

You have the choice of adding color to black clips (created by dragging a clip rightward in Timeline view). This greatly expands your options for title backgrounds. Also, you can use them for fading to any color other than black or white. When your project requires a gradient fill for the clip, you can create them in Apple Works, Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Pro Reaction

The section of 22 Shots for Wedding Video is worth the price of the book. Pogue showed me how to use the rewind and fast forward that are the missing buttons in the iMovie program. Page 104- Phantom "Save as" Command show you how to create various versions of your saved digital iMovie files.

You need the new parts of the manual before starting your iDVD projects. Pogue lists 17 changes in iMovie4 and ten in iDVD4, making the updated book worth your time and money.

Con Reaction

Page 7 should have been titled: 'Quick Table of Contents' in the book. The manual's white print on gray backgrounds is hard to read and underline. Page 93, figure 4-4, does not have an important sub -headline telling you that are in the edit mode in iMovie.

Final Notes

Movie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is well written and illustrated for you, the Mac Video editor. With the manual you learn the secrets and tips for using iMovie and iDVD. Also, you can use the powerful Quicktime Pro for adding special effects and for your quick editing of your small movies.

5 out of 5 stars Video editing techniques for use on the Macintosh.......2004-11-12

iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is a solid primer and resource especially focusing on step-by-step video editing techniques for use on the Macintosh. Chapters address forming seamless transitions and effects, the ins and outs of QuickTime Pro, iDVD secreets, and much more. An absolute "must-have" for getting the most out of iMovie 4 and iDVD software, highly recommended for amateur and professional moviemakers and movie editors working on the Macintosh.

5 out of 5 stars Goes beyond iMovie and iDVD.......2004-09-05

I've been a fan of iMovie from the first release on Mac OS 9. It made taking home movies fun. The great thing about this book is it goes beyond just a how-to or tips and tricks. A lot of the book is devoted to the dos and don'ts of creating home movies in general. Just as with still photography, the hard work is when your taking the shot, not afterward. The better your movie is at filming, the less work you'll have to do when you get it into iMovie.

The book is packed with a 450+ pages of information. Some examples: how to get your old VHS movies into iMovie, sending movies to your cell phone, creating better looking "title cards", and modifying iDVD itself. If you liked David Pogue's iPhoto 4 Missing Manual and/or GarageBand Missing Manual (both of which I have), this book is a must have.

5 out of 5 stars An Absolute Necessity.......2004-09-04

Anyone who has a Mac should know David Pogue. He's been writing for the Mac community for years. His latest book, iMovie 4 & iDVD, displays all his hallmarks. It is exceedingly well written; it is completely useful and thorough; it is fun to read and funny.

Pogue hits the nail right on the head in the introduction. IMovie 4 and iDVD are simple but not simplistic. Unlike some other Apple programs like AppleWorks or the new OS, you will need this book if you want to make the most of Apple's wonderful new video software. Pogue and his co-author Erica Sadun get you up and burning in no time. Moreover they have created a Missing Manual web site with all the shareware and freeware programs and documentation you'll ever need.

As with his other Missing Manual books, Pogue has done everyone a great favor. Now do yourself a favor and buy this book. You won't regret it.

5 out of 5 stars Much more than just a missing manual.......2004-09-04

The Missing Manuals series has had it's hits and misses. This one is definitely a hit. The first section on of the iMovie portion of the book teaches practical movie making technique, including a 22 shot guide to shooting a wedding. This is what I love about the quality of O'Reilly books. The understand the audience. In this case, amateur movie makers looking to make good movies that won't get them laughed out of the living room. This book has practical insights to get you there.

The manual portions of the book are fine. They provide a step by step walkthrough with screenshots and a menu reference in the appendices.

There is certainly a lot more here for iMovie than iDVD. Of the roughly 500 pages almost 350 are on iMovie. The iDVD section also contains some questionable content, like how to develop on iDVD using the developer's toolkit, which I think is overkill for your overage user.

Small quirks aside, this is a great book. Well worth the money for anybody looking to get the most out of iMovie particularly, and iDVD secondarily.
iMovie: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Don't Miss This "Missing Manual"
  • A terrific book
  • The Best Computer Program Manual I Have Used!
  • A Complete Manual
  • MASTERFUL iMOVIE MISSING MANUAL ROCKS
iMovie: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: Pogue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Amazon.com

iMovie is a deceptively simple video-editing application that does not come with a printed manual. Even the online help is insufficient. David Pogue, the wry and insightful columnist for Macworld, fills the void with another entry in his new Missing Manual series. Through many workarounds, "hidden" features, and creative ideas, Pogue shows how you can use this powerful software to carry out ambitious film projects.

This series is known for giving a lot of information at a bargain price, and this book is no exception. The text gets right to the point while leaving room for background info and tips that anticipate potential problems. Reading it is like listening to someone who has already worked through the steps.

The first three chapters show how to prepare your video before using iMovie and include lots of professional filmmaking advice. The chapters on editing are the heart of the book. They systematically take you through each feature and menu--working with clips; adding transitions, titles, and sound; and saving and exporting your work. Since this isn't an official manual, Pogue is free to point out iMovie's shortcomings. In sidebars, he shows how to exploit features iMovie does have to mimic features you get only with more expensive software--for example, how to create multiple simultaneously superimposed titles (great for wild typographic experiments) or how to "pot down" the soundtrack music to allow a voiceover.

To make better choices while saving your movie, the book discusses each of the save options, as well as how QuickTime works--in detail. Also, the book doesn't just suggest what software to use to burn a QuickTime movie onto a CD-ROM, it also shows how to make a Video CD. It even includes the HTML necessary to embed your movie into a Web page. In fact, this book contains an impressive amount of info. It's easy to jump in at any point in the text and discover some idea so exciting that you just have to boot up iMovie right away and get creative. --Angelynn Grant

Topics covered: Complete user's-manual instructions for iMovie, including detailed descriptions of each menu, command, and feature. The book gives help on shooting and preparing video for capture (including professional filmmaking advice); editing clips; adding transitions, sound, and titles; saving and exporting movies (including help choosing formats); using professional video-editing software; and troubleshooting.

Book Description

Editing camcorder footage on a PC is nothing new. For $5,000 in circuit boards and high-end editing software, anyone can be a home-office Spielberg. But in 1999, Apple Computer made digital video editing almost as easy as using a word processor--and even less expensive. Built into each of Apple's wildly popular iMac DV computers is the circuitry needed to record pro-quality video from a digital camcorder, and then send the edited movies back to TV or tape with zero picture-quality loss. The crown jewel is the pre-installed editing software: iMovie.

Using this cleverly designed program, you can transfer DV footage from camcorder to hard drive; trim and rearrange scenes; and add crossfades, credits, and multiple sound tracks. In fact, iMovie includes almost everything you need to produce pro-quality video--except a manual.

That's where iMovie:The Missing Manual comes in. This entertaining guide takes you through every step of iMovie video production, from choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning your finished work onto CDs. The book's philosophy: giving someone iMovie without also teaching basic film technique is like giving a map to a teenager without teaching him to drive.

Far deeper and more detailed than the meager set of online help screens included with iMovie, the book helps iMovie users realize the software's potential as a breakthrough in reducing the cost, complexity, and difficulty of desktop video production. The book explains, for example, how to run iMovie on any recent Mac model (not just the iMac DV); uncovers the two secret clip-editing techniques that Apple's online help doesn't even mention; and provides a powerful workaround for iMovie's weak soundtrack-editing feature.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Don't Miss This "Missing Manual".......2000-09-25

I have used the iMovie application since March 2000 to create over a hundred hours of edited footage for my video production company. Before reading "iMovie: The Missing Manual, I concluded that I had learned all their was to know about this program. I previously considered it a limited program that was most effective when production time was critical and expectations were relaxed. However, I was astonished to learn of techniques and shortcuts that greatly expanded my knowledge of iMovie and radically refined my approach in it's use. The concise layout and effective index of this manual has kept it within arm's length whenever I launch iMovie. Few computer manuals are "page turners", but if you use iMovie the information that is contained in "iMovie: The Missing Manual" will surely excite and inspire you. The software that is made available is alone worth the purchase price of this excellent manual.

5 out of 5 stars A terrific book.......2000-07-10

I'm not new to the Mac, but am new to iMovie and was struggling with some basics. I recently purchased Missing Manual and am glad that I did. Well written, complete and easy to read. My iMovie editing productivity has skyrocketed and would strongly recommend this book

5 out of 5 stars The Best Computer Program Manual I Have Used!.......2000-06-15

I bought this book because I wanted to use I-movie to help me put together a short film in short order. It is quite simply the best computer book I have ever purchased. It is a very straightforward, lucid, step by step explanation of how to get the most out of this program specifically, and digital video in general. It seemed like every time a question or would pop up he would have a special box on the next page explaining how to solve it. Mr. Pogue appears to have thought of everything and then some. He presents a number of excellent "work-arounds" for the limitations of I-Movie and lays them out in step by step fashion. Using this book is like having an I-Movie Guru sitting next to you, helping you along. If you use I-Movie, you need this book.

5 out of 5 stars A Complete Manual.......2000-06-12

This book answers every question I have had since I started using iMovie in January. It is not only very complete and extremely easy to follow, it also includes some unexpected surprises such as a very comprehensive explanation of film basics such as lighting, camera angles and sound. Before reading the book, I thought that iMovie was a great program but had some severe limitations - that was not the case after reading the book. Any limitations I had come across were covered in the book and Pogue provided excellent and simple workarounds for most difficulties I have had. I would highly recommend this book as a starting point to any person- skilled or novice - interested in creating video productions for personal or public use.

5 out of 5 stars MASTERFUL iMOVIE MISSING MANUAL ROCKS.......2000-06-05

David Pogue's long-awaited iMovie manual is a terrific intro to digital movie making using the incredibly popular and now FREE iMovie for Mac.

Now there's no excuse for not making that little movie that's been rattling around in your head. Pogue's guide is logically laid out with numerous easy to understand graphics that take you step by baby step through painless editing of your video footage.

This is the finest of the iMovie guides and equal to Pogue's best past efforts. He's a master of technical explanations and has a deservedly large and devoutly grateful following.

If you are considering buying an iMac or have ever thought about making a simple movie, this stimulating book would be an smart, inexspensive first step -- even before forking over a dime on any software, hardware or a DV cam.

The digital revolution has begun and this is the manual that is entry level. The initiation rites happen when you first plug in that firewire, batch capture and string some selected scenes in a new creative order.

For someone with a strong visual sense and some basic story skills and with careful pre-planning and this manual, it is possible for a first time filmmaker to make a high quality mini masterpiece. Or better yet, a product to enter in one of the red hot film competitions like the Palm Springs Short Film Festival.

Pogue even promises a (free?) download or revision for the inevitable iMovie version 2.

This book covers all bases and FAQ's regarding iMovie and iMac configurations.

Now stop reading this review, buy Pogue's book and commit to making that life-altering little film that's still screening in your head. Isn't that why you're reading this? Now you can be empowered to create that film that comes out of nowhere and charms the world (to say nothing of making millions). Step aside BLAIR WITCH. I know what you're thinking!

Every man, woman and now child can be a studio unto him and her self. No middleman. Peasants, raise your no longer missing manuals. Share the vision.

In other words, I am saying David Pogue's iMOVIE THE MISSING MANUAL is highly recommended.

And, hey, don't be ashamed if all you want to do is edit some vacation video or the kid's recital or some hanky panky with the spouse. But the potential for something far more creative is definitely available to anyone now. My guess is THAT is the drawing power of iMAC, iMOVIE and the terrific MISSING MANUAL.

A suggestion for future editions: include a simple appendix of film language and story structure basics. Maybe a CD-ROM for an on screen guide that includes filmmaking and digital film internet links.

And then, Mr Pogue, a clear guide to Final Cut Pro.

Quiet on the set. Action!
iLife '04: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The book that should have been in the box.
  • First figure should be more prominent
  • Reasonably deep, meant for intermediates
iLife '04: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: Pogue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

MacOSMacOS | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0596006942

Book Description

iLife '04: The Missing Manual gives you everything you need to unleash your creative genius with iLife '04, a suite of five programs (available at the Apple store and preinstalled on all new Macs) that is revolutionizing the way we work--and play. Everybody's talking about Apple's unparalleled software package for digital music, photography, video, and DVD creation: David Pogue, computer columnist for the New York Times and creator of our Missing Manual series (you know, those indispensable books that should have been in the box), wants to make sure there's nothing standing between you and professional-caliber music, photos, movies, and more. His authoritative, witty, all-inclusive iLife '04: The Missing Manual gives you the essentials of every program in the iLife '04 suite. Pogue highlights the newest features and improvements, covers the capabilities and limitations of each program, and delivers, in one volume, countless goodies you won't find anywhere else: undocumented tips, tricks, and secrets for getting the very best performance out of each and all of these life-changing new applications. iLife '04: The Missing Manual: it's your guide to livin the iLife!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The book that should have been in the box........2004-11-22

Under the general name of iLife, Apple includes five software packages that are oriented to your creative expression and entertainment. While the programs are nifty, the documentation that comes with them is somewhat less than outstanding. David Pogue, has created a series of books called "The Missing Manual." In this manual, he provides what is missing for the iLife software, the missing manuals.

The five software packages included in iLife include: iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, and GarageBand. Mr. Pogue highlights the newest features and improvements of iLife '04, covers the capabilities and limitations of each program within the suite, and delivers countless goodies not found anywhere else: undocumented tips, tricks, and secrets for getting the best performance out of every one of iLife's life-changing new applications.

4 out of 5 stars First figure should be more prominent.......2004-09-26

I have trouble believing the basic premise of the book. That Apple bundled together 5 very useful programs (iMovie, iPhoto, iTunes, iDVD and GarageBand) into something it calls iLife, and then released it with no hardcopy instructions! Granted, Apple is generally considered to be a very innovative company. Its products like these here are typically the most intuitive in the computer industry. But surely it is arrogant to omit a manual. If nothing else, it voluntarily cedes revenue that passes to the author of this book. An Apple shareholder might reasonably be upset.

You can read the book as a very natural continuation of Pogue's other successful books on the Mac. He shows how Apple put together a very coherent group of programs. Pogue demonstrates a higher level synergism, aptly summarised by the first figure in the book. It shows the 5 programs as vertices on a circle. Directed arcs are drawn between these vertices if data can be transferred in that direction between them.

This figure is so compelling and succinct that it should have gone on the cover. Or at least reproduced on the inside cover, so that you can easily and often refer to it, whilst going through the text. [Think of a chemistry book, with the periodic table on the inside cover.] It neatly encapsulates the entire reason for the book. Think about it. Without discussing the ability to transfer data between the programs, we really have 5 separate programs. The book would then cleave into 5 nonintersecting portions, each of which would be outweighed by other more comprehensive books devoted to each program. The figure and its elucidation give meaning and value to the book.

5 out of 5 stars Reasonably deep, meant for intermediates.......2004-09-17

The book has reasonably in-depth coverage of the five iLife applications in iLife '04: GarageBand, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD. The content is not step-by-step for beginners but rather for people that understand the basics of Macintosh applications and have some experience with the applications. The text is well written and illustrations are used effectively. All of the applications, save iDVD, are covered thoroughly. But that's ok since IDVD gets short shrift in every manual.

For true beginners I would recommend buying the O'Reilly manual for the application that you are likely to use the most. For example, I think photographers will get a lot out of iPhoto 4: The Missing Manual. What's the difference? There is more exposition, which eases the learning curve, and there are more tips and tricks. But if you are a Macintosh user with a reasonable amount of experience who is looking for a book that covers all of the applications at a reasonable level, then this book should appeal to you.

For genuine beginners I would also recommend looking at Peachpit Press' "The Macintosh iLife '04".
iMovie 2: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Must-Have iMovie book -- a bit outdated though
  • Informative, Clearly Organized and Useful
  • Solved a problem in my first reading
  • It's OK
  • Simple Simon
iMovie 2: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Manufacturer: Pogue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0596001045

Amazon.com

Macintosh products are known for being easy to use, and deservedly so. You can muddle your way through pretty much any Mac OS program, and make it do what it's supposed to, without a manual or the online help. The latest version of the video-editing software for Mac OS, iMovie 2, is no exception, but David Pogue delivers real value in iMovie 2: The Missing Manual. Composed in Pogue's trademark friendly style, the book contains enough excellently written explanations and examples to significantly flatten the iMovie 2 learning curve, so it's a pleasure to read, bookmark, and refer back to.

For an example of how this book is technically precise in an engaging way, consider how it explains the purpose of the QT Margins check box, which has to do with compensating for a margin-cropping characteristic of televisions. Pogue proposes an equivalent label: "'QT Margins' means 'Assume this movie will be shown as a QuickTime movie, and therefore won't have chopped-off margins.'" The meaning of a fairly cryptic label becomes absolutely obvious.

Further kudos go to the book's designers for their liberal inclusion of illustrations. Where multiple frames are needed to illustrate a point, they're included. Tips and notes serve a valuable purpose, and are likely to introduce even seasoned iMovie editors to features they've missed on their own. --David Wall

Topics covered: Capturing video with a camera, then editing it on the Mac to include appealing transitions, effects, titling, and audio. The process of exporting edited video from the computer (such as for videotape or Web publishing).

Book Description

When it created iMovie in 1999, Apple Computer made digital video editing almost as easy as using a word processor--and even less expensive. Built into most modern Macintosh models is the circuitry needed to record pro-quality video from a digital camcorder, and then send the edited movies back to TV or tape with zero picture-quality loss.

Now Apple takes the revolution to the next level with the dramatically enhanced iMovie 2.0. The new software adds the option of inserting new video over a continuous audio track; removes limitations on the number of raw clips from which to choose scenes; and offers bonuses such as special effects and brightness and contrast adjustments, much greater typographical flexibility in its title- and credit-maker, and a far more useful and complete audio-track editor.

But one thing hasn't changed: iMovie 2, though much more sophisticated than its predecessor, still doesn't come with a single page of printed instructions.

Pogue Press/O'Reilly's iMovie: The Missing Manual, released in May 2000, became an instant bestseller, requiring two reprints in three months and earning rave five-star reviews on Amazom.com. This entertaining guide covers every step of iMovie video production, from choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning the finished work onto CDs. The book's philosophy: Giving someone iMovie without also teaching basic film technique is like giving a map to a teenager without teaching him to drive.

Now author David Pogue is back with an expanded, revised edition, now called iMovie 2: The Missing Manual, rewritten to cover iMovie 2 and nothing but.

Far deeper and more detailed than the meager set of online help screens included with iMovie, the book helps iMovie users realize the software's potential as a breakthrough in the cost, complexity, and difficulty of desktop video production.

With a technical review by Glenn Reid, architect and lead engineer of both iMovie and iMovie 2.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Must-Have iMovie book -- a bit outdated though.......2003-02-20

First I have to give props to David Pogue and his Missing Manual series. As a bookseller and computer geek I've long favored the Dummies books as the best entry-level source for third-party information on software. However, O'Reilly made a smart move when they turned their attention on that market and grabbed Dummies standby Pogue to headline the new series. The Missing Manuals (and their mutant-dogcow mascot) are a credit to O'Reilly and a must-have... assuming, that is, that they cover the program you need. The series is still too small, but I'm sure it won't stay that way.

Now, to the book itself. If you need to do something with iMovie, it's in there. That pretty much covers what I need to say in this review, but it doesn't cover everything the book has to offer. Remember back in the 80s when the Mac made desktop publishing a reality, only to unleash a torrent of wretchedly amateurish graphic design? Well, Pogue spends much of the first couple of chapters attempting to prevent that from happening. This book starts off with a very basic primer on video production and how to use your equipment -- assumed to be a typical consumer-grade MiniDV camcorder, but it covers other options as well, particularly video bridges and the like.

The meat of the book discusses iMovie 2's capabilities, including discussions of its weaknesses and how to work around them. Effects, titles, and transitions are discussed in detail, including some useful information on crossfades (never fade straight to black -- instead, you want a black stillframe). Conversion to other formats is also an issue, and a significant part of the book discusses postproduction using QuickTime Pro. Directions are given for converting your work for DVD or VCD as well.

The issue I have with the book is largely its focus on iMovie in MacOS Classic, and the bugs that are present in that version that might not be in the OS X version. Screenshots all come from 9.x, with the only Aqua material being the interface of iMovie itself. I don't mark down for this since the program operates more or less the same, but an inexperienced user may have trouble. (I might note as well that the book works just as well for iMovie 3, which has a superficially different interface but handles more or less identically.)

So, yeah. If you're doing video production on iMovie, this is the book to get, hands down.

5 out of 5 stars Informative, Clearly Organized and Useful.......2002-10-22

I bought three books to teach myself how to produce DVDs. The Erica Sadun book is for advanced users and was not helpful to me. The Bob LeVitus "Little iDVD Book" is probably one of the most poorly organized and edited books I've ever come across on any subject.

Pogue's "Missing Manual", on the other hand, is comprehensive, clear and well-organized. I've produced about half a dozen DVDs since reading (and re-reading) Pogue's book and it clearly made a huge difference in what I was able to construct using iDVD.

In my opinion, this is the only book you need to read to learn how to produce movies using iDVD.

Beyond teaching readers to work with iDVD, Pogue also offers loads of helpful suggestions about editing in general. This book is outstanding.

5 out of 5 stars Solved a problem in my first reading.......2002-08-11

I love this book! I was ready to give up trying to use iMovie because of a small glitch that was incurring. After browsing thru the book the very first time I opened it, I came across the trouble I was having with iMovie. Mr. Pogue directed me to the correct settings and I am now having a great time editing my DV movies.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone attempting to use iMovie. There is so much more to this program than Apple addresses in the help file. Mr. Pogue's writing is concise but not out of reach for the average Mac user.

I have many books by Mr. Pogue and I would recommend any of them if you are stumped and need a well explained how-to-manuel.

3 out of 5 stars It's OK.......2002-06-17

It's OK. It has about the same amount of material as the "iMovie 2 for Macintosh Visual Quickstart Guide" - The missing manual is fatter because it contains additional stories and things that a reader might find amusing, but that are not particular relevant to the topic. The section on movie making basics is very good. For an expanded view see "The Five C's of Cinematography". I thought I would find more information in this book since it is fatter than in the VQG, but it ended up that they are about even in content.

5 out of 5 stars Simple Simon.......2002-05-21

Can it get any simpler !! ha ha ha ha ha
I found this book to be extremely informative and easy to understand (especially since i am yet to purchace a mac and digital video cammera ).. I will have no hesitation now to go out and purchase a Mac and a Digital cammera .. and feel confident making my first feature film or "Home Movie " LOL
iMovie 08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
Average customer rating: Not rated
    iMovie 08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
    David Pogue
    Manufacturer: Pogue Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    MacOSMacOS | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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    iMovie + iDVDiMovie + iDVD | Apple | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0596516193

    Book Description

    Whether you consider yourself a pro or a hobbyist, you have to admit that Apple's iMovie 08 and iDVD 08 are amazing right out of the box. Unfortunately, the box doesn't include much of a user's guide, so learning about these applications is another matter. iMovie 08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual gets you up to speed on all of the themes, motion graphics, titles, effects -- everything that lets you turn raw digital footage into highly creative video projects.

    You get crystal-clear and jargon-free explanations of all the iMovie 08 and iDVD 08 features, including the new video library, how to view transitions, titles, and sound in real time as you add them, and ways to publish your creations directly to YouTube. Renowned author David Pogue -- tech columnist for the New York Times -- uses an objective lens to scrutinize every step of process, including how to: From choosing and using a digital camcorder to burning the finished work onto DVDs, posting it online, or creating versions for iPod and iPhone, iMovie 08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual zooms right in on the details in a concise and understandable manner. The book also provides a firm grounding in basic film technique so that the quality of your video won't rely entirely on magic.
    iMovie 2: The Missing Manual (The Book That Should Have Been in the Box)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      iMovie 2: The Missing Manual (The Book That Should Have Been in the Box)
      David Pogue
      Manufacturer: Oreilly & Associates Inc
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000L587J0
      IMovie 6 and IDVD the Missing Manual
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        IMovie 6 and IDVD the Missing Manual

        Manufacturer: O'REILLY
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback
        ASIN: B000HCWV0I

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        9. Material Safety Data Sheets: The Writer's Desk Reference
        10. Mirrors of Time: Using Regression for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Healing

        Books Index

        Books Home

        Recommended Books

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