Book Description
This guide to fencing includes over 100 action photographs, demonstration sequences, and line drawings to help the reader put its advice into practice. It introduces the weapons and clarifies the rules governing them, explains the basics of the grip and the on-guard position, covers the strokes used in attack and defense, and explores tactics in depth.
Customer Reviews:
Clear and practical guide to Fencing........2000-06-07
Brian Pitmans book is an excellent, down to earth guide to Fencing, he cover the three weapons Foil, Epee and Saber that are used in Olympic style of fencing.
Some Fencing books are to much concerned with the history of Fencing and often teach old or even outdated styles, that may be interesting in itself but if you want to compete in modern fencing you need modern, practical down to earth kind of book and this is it, also if you just want to Fence for fun this book is great, after all most people who want to Fence do it for the joy of it and not to be historically correct and beautiful, you Fence in order to hit the opponent and prevent him from hitting you, of course good and fun Fencing can be beautiful and even though the traditionalist are always complaining about the look of modern Fencing you can see many examples of top Fencers today who are not only very good but also Fence beautifully.
In his book Brian begins, in part one, with the basic history of fencing the aim of the game the rules and conventions and some basic warm up exercices, part two is about the Foil and part three and four are about the Epee and the Sabre.
He covers the footwork the attacks and defences and the strategy of the game and the book is full of good advice about, not only how to get a good technique but also how to use it that technique in an efficient manner, in other words how to Fence well.
My version of the book is from 1993 and some of the rules have changed (it changes almost every year) but the rest is still up to date and relevant.
I have not seen a better book about Fencing so far
Average customer rating:
- concise but outdated floppy
- Good coverage of Sabre system, but needs updating
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A Practical Guide to Sabre Reservations and Ticketing
Jeanne Semer-Purzycki
Manufacturer: Delmar Thomson Learning
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Reservations and Ticketing With Sabre (Travel Professional Series)
ASIN: 0827341962 |
Customer Reviews:
concise but outdated floppy.......2007-05-15
the book is excellent for reviewing Sabre reservations system, but for almost $100, the price I paid, it was VERY disappointing to see it came with a very outdated floppy, which did not work on my computer and which did not work on three other computers (all with floppy disk capability). A DVD should be available instead. For this reason alone, I would have returned it, but I had already written on the book! Although it was expertly written for someone NEW to the Sabre system, I don't recommend it just for the floppy disk situation alone. Too expensive.
Good coverage of Sabre system, but needs updating.......1999-06-03
This book is a great source to self teach Sabre if you have some experience in the travel industry. If not, it looks like the book would be a great text book to go along with a learning class. The simulated disk helps you practice what you've learned. Very complete coverage, but an up-to-date version is really needed here. Overall good source to learn Sabre system.
Book Description
The techniques associated with the sabre differ markedly from those of the épeé and the rapier. This 1889 classic by a pioneer of modern fencing offers both technical and historical views of the art of the sabre. Topics include a variety of different strokes and parries, methods of combining attack and defense, and associated weapons. 55 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Cold Steel (A practical effective guide to the sabre).......2007-07-19
I am new to the fencing scene, and I just wanted to explore the subject before diving in. This book although dated in language (you get used to it), is easy to read and understand for the most part. There are various sections and exercises for training your skills in the use of the saber. Alfred Hutton mixes the best of the "schools" of his day to produce a practical and easy to learn sword manual. The 'plate' pictures used to show some of the techniques are harder to decipher and understand then the newer looking drawings of Hutton with the sabre, but you get the point with the text. Don't expect support for your pursuit of mastering swordsmanship from people these days, but if your interested in late 1800 sabre training then Hutton's book is a good deal.
The forgotten art of sabre fencing.......2007-01-18
I really enjoyed this book because it deals with the technical aspects of sabre fencing. How to use the point, as well as both of the cutting edges.
The text is over 100 years old and was at the end of the era that was at the most perfected stage. Alfred Hutton borrows heavily from the old masters of Italy, France and England with his own style mixed in. A must read book for any serious saber fencer.
Excellent Instruction for a Gentleman's Defense.......2006-11-12
"Cold Steel: The Art of Fencing with the Sabre" was originally published by Alfred Hutton in 1889. The book is a classic instruction manual in the use of the saber in one's defense. There are several illustrations showing proper guards, defense and use of the saber.
In addition to discussion of the use of the saber, "Cold Steel" also discusses:
>The Game of the Sword (The Fencing Sword)
>Saber Against Bayonet
>The Saber Opposed to the French Sword
>The Great Stick (The 5-foot Stick)
>The Constable's Truncheon
>The Short Sword-Bayonet or Dagger
For anyone interested in the Western / European martial sciences, "Cold Steel" is recommended reading. For those interested in developing skills with sword, stick, and dagger, "Cold Steel" is a must. Written at a time when men relied on these weapons for their personal defense, "Cold Steel" offers excellent instruction for one's defense.
Highly Recommended!
Customer Reviews:
An excellent primer.......2006-02-10
Gaugler's book on the Science of Fencing is an excellent primer for fencing students and coaches, and is a superb work on basic fencing actions and helps to illustrate to newer fencers good fencing technique. For coaches, this reinforces what should be taught and what the coach should keep an eye on when working with fencers. Which is very helpful in teaching the basics as well as simply reinforcing good technique.
The book is primarily broken into 3 different sections, one for each of the three different weapons. Each section of the book covers basic technique for each of the weapons, talking about target area and basic lines of attack as well as the parries. Even the basics of holding the weapon are covered, to ensure that a proper grip is reinforced for the fencer. Each section also has several prictures (of Gaugler and his students) to demonstrate some of the fencing actions. This helps to understand some of the more complicated actions, as well as blade positions.
Overall, this ensures that the technique that Gaugler is discussing is adequately explained and that the reader can get what is going on here. As a coach, I've found the text to be invaluable for drills, whether it be for beginning fencers or more experienced fencers. Reading the text gives a coach or advanced fencers some areas to explore by using the drills presented as a jumping off point for other drills.
Some of the critics have found one of the following faults with the book:
Firstly, it is too focused on the Italian school. Gaugler makes no excuse for this, and himself mentions that the focus of the book is training in the Italian school; afterall, that's what he says he was trained in. So, you know what you are getting into from the beginning. And, speaking as someone who has read Vass, learning about the Italian school and gaining an understanding of that system is not a bad thing.
Secondly, it is too basic in nature. This is not meant to be an exhaustive text on fencing and tactics. In fact, I would be wary of any book that promises that, as fencing tactics is a difficult subject to cover (and strongly biased depending on your focus). Instead, it reinforces the basics and technique that all fencers should be well grounded in. Even as an advanced fencer, I find myself more focused on practicing the basics and reinforcing good fencing technique first; then reflecting on tactics later on.
Thirdly, the book is too dated. Gaugler is admitedly a historical fencer. As such his book is not geared towards competitive fencing. He does not decry competitive fencing (as some do), just that is not his focus. That being said, even competitive fencers should be able to learn something from his books. Certainly it will not focus on the what is applicable on the piste in a close bout, but it gives enough good technique that competitive fencers should come back to this for their drills and continuing development.
Overall, I've found the book to be an excellent resource and one that I recommend to fencers interested in learning more. The book can be a tough read though, and if you are not familiar with the Italian school it is also difficult to translate the lessons into something that may be more readily grasped (most fencing in the US is based on the French school, and there are big gaps between the Italian and French schools). But, if you can make the jump, then this book is an invaluable guide that can be used by fencers and coaches.
Strong medicine for American fencers' chronic impotence.......2003-04-25
Trained by self-made "coaches" contemptuous of formal teacher training, it should come as no surprise that American fencers have seen no Olympic Gold in an entire century. Ask them what thrusts or feints are to be used in blade seizure, how to oppose an action in countertime, or which counterattacks can be executed with priority and you'll get a blank stare. Their "coaches" will defiantly insist, "That's old-fashioned, we don't do that any more." Well, perhaps they don't, but it's clear that American fencers' eminently successful European adversaries, prepared with a strong foundation in classical fencing theory and technique, know better. In the United States the one resource that holds the key to success is Dr. William M. Gaugler's "The Science of Fencing." Based upon the works of Parise, Pessina and Pignotti, its importance is not overlooked by the Germans, Austrians, and Swiss who now use the German edition. In Italy the Italian edition is widely employed, while Gaugler's "Dictionary of Universally Used Fencing Terminology" and "The History of Fencing" are required reading for all candidates who hope to become fencing masters. For those fencing either solely for recreation or with serious Olympic aspirations, this book is indisensable.
Not for modern fencing.......2003-04-25
This book has little useful information relating to the modern sport. Absolutely NO attention is paid to the rules, concepts of right-of-way, or direction. The book spends all its time on the mechanics of movements with no attention paid to tactics. Furthermore, figures are sparse, and few illustrations are present to detail the evolution of the movements. The book uses the Italian hand positions rather than the easier to understand and more prevalent (in my experience) French numbering. Too much attention is paid to relaxed, exhibitionist movements rather than the overall goal: to score touches and win. Finally, the preference for all things Italian is excessive and unhelpful with insufficient translation.
This is an excellent book for those not serious about or have no interest in competition. Do not buy this book otherwise as it is useless to you.
Centuries worth of fencing knowledge.......2003-04-21
This is an amazingly complete work on Italian fencing actions and theory written for both student and instructor. It is clear Maestro Gaugler has done exhaustive work collecting and translating works from the last three to four centuries in order to write this compilation. The actions and theory presented here are still being taught in Italy and the U.S. For foil, sabre, and epee, information provided in this book includes: the classical guard and lunge, simple attacks, parry and riposting actions, compound and circular attacks, cut-overs, actions on the blade, counteroffensive actions, actions in time, and fencing tactics.
Any serious fencer should be anchored to the foundations of fencing by exploring classical styles. This book may seem wordy, but it is necessary to describe the actions correctly so that one can effectively practice what ultimately must be felt "in hand" on the strip. A number of the advanced actions revealed by Maestro Gaugler are particularly effective against sport fencers who have never been taught or exposed to this breadth of work. If you aren't a fencing instructor, you don't necessarily need to pour over the synoptic tables, but they do reveal how a fencing phrase can progress with your opponent from the given offensive action. For teachers, the tables and sample lessons provide a wealth of offensive, defensive, and counteroffensive actions that can be used to develop your own lessons.
zero relevace to the modern sport.......2002-11-27
I bought all this author's books... zip on the useful info.
Average customer rating:
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Reservations and Ticketing With Sabre (Travel Professional Series)
Dennis L. Foster
Manufacturer: Glencoe/Mcgraw Hill Post Secondary
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A Practical Guide to Sabre Reservations and Ticketing
ASIN: 0028013913 |
Book Description
The most exciting adventure yet for Matthew Hervey and the Sixth Light Dragoons.
1824. The Sixth Light Dragoons are still stationed in India and the talk in the officer’s mess is of war.
The Burmese are encroaching on Company land and skirmishes are common on India’s borders. Meanwhile, across the country in Bhurtpoor the succession to the Raj has been usurped. The rightful claimant Balwant Sing has been forced from the throne by the war-mongering Durjan Sal. The conflict looks set to flair up into bloody conflict, taking the surrounding provinces with it. With the threat of war on two fronts the British troops must intercede.
The trial ahead will test Hervey and his newly blooded troop to their very limits, for Durjan Sal has taken refuge in the infamous Bhurtpoor -- a fortress surrounded by a deep moat almost five miles in
perimeter, with thirty-five turreted bastions and the Tower of Victory built with the skulls of Lord Lakes’ defeated men. Hervey can be sure of one thing: the siege of Bhurtpoor will be hot and bloody work. Once again, the fortunes of Matthew Hervey and his courageous troop will be decided by the sabre’s edge.
Customer Reviews:
Another Worthy Installment.......2004-07-09
Another worthy and recommended installment to the Matthew Hervey series - the study of the life and culture of a post Napoleonic-era British cavalry officer.
A brief synopsis - the setting of this book confines itself to India and Burma. Again, the sights and culture of India, are vividly described, and serve well as young Hervey wades through the trials and tribulations of both troop life and British governance. Again, there are encounters with noteworthy characters from history. The story culminates with the siege of Bhurtpore fortress. Hervey is less tolerant, more cynical, and much less spiritual - a logical result from Mallinson's previous storylines. He exhibits a natural confidence in his abilities, particularly in dealing with regimental affairs. Again, the action scenes are very well done, especially in regards to the siege of Bhurtpore.
In sum, Mallinson again provides an interesting depiction of India and Burma during the time period, with all its politics and military governance baggage. This book does requires a little more reader patience, as they must wade through a lot more history, historical characters, and the realistic portrayal of the monotony of occupation life. But, the story is well paced, and balanced with new and old characters. There is sufficient military action to keep the reader's interest while he or she wades through the associated items of historical context.
If you enjoy historical fiction of the Napoleonic era, especially the cavalry - try this book, you won't be disappointed.
Postscript: This reviewer was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of Mallinson's latest Hervey installment - "Rumors of War" - which is highly recommended.
Hervey back in England with his regiment, contrives to advance his career further. Hervey over the years has become less naive, wiser, and much more of a 'hardened' professional. His flirtation with Lady Greville advances to the next level, as he contrives - with her able assistance - to gain posting to a 'military assistance and evaluation' mission being put together for Portugal. Upon arrival, Hervey is reaquainted with some characters hinted at in previous books. Most notably, a competing romantic interest by a young widow from a noble family, in whom he had an infatuation as a young cornet. Throughout, Hervey draws parallels between his current and past experiences in Portugal. Most notable, are reflections of his coming of age as a young cornet and soldiering during Sir John Moore's Corunna campaign.
This slice of history from Hervey's perspective was very much enjoyed by this reviewer. The 'gems' are well worth the slow-going of Mallinson's writing style, which is consistent in the context of the historical time period.
Book Description
The entry of the United State’s premier jet interceptor into the Korean War was triggered by the ever-increasing presence of the Soviet-built MiG-15 south of the Yalu River. The possibility of the USAF losing air supremacy over the Korean Peninsula was unacceptable. The 4th Fighter Wing got the call for combat in Korea. They were made up of a combination of new pilots right out of jet training and the older combat veterans of World War II vintage. This combination of pilot types wrote and re-wrote the text books on jet warfare. Of the 40 jet aces that the war produced, the 4th Wing boasted 24 of them. They also were the dominating MiG killer outfit with the USAF.
Customer Reviews:
F-86 Sabre.......2007-01-05
The only thing missing in the text its that it should include more about the Sabre technical side and a little bit more about the Sabre - Mig comparison. In my opinion one of the most important thing missing (and it is a case with a number of Osprey books) its that there is no charts showing the regions over which the battles were fought or where the actions were taken. Also, there is a lot of talking about pilots "going from this squadron to that squadron etc."-this is a completely irrelevant information.In any case I think that the book is good and Osprey needs just a little bit to be perfect.
Top-Scoring F-86 Pilots in MiG Alley Action!.......2006-09-20
Hard on the heels of his recent history of the 51st FW, noted Korean War historian Warren Thompson serves up the exploits of the top-scoring 4th FW in this nicely done Osprey 'Aircraft of the Aces' series.
As with previous Osprey titles by Thompson, the reader is presented with many first-person narratives from pilots who flew the Sabre in MiG Alley including acCounts from well-known aces like Lonnie Moore, George Jones, Cliff Jolley and 'Hoot' Gibson. Not every F-86 pilot made ace and it's interesting reading the stories told by the 'wingy's.'
As always, there's tons of photos including many in color and 14 pages of color side-views and some nifty nose art.
A nice, well-deserved tribute to the top-scoring 4th FW!
****
Wouldn't it be great if Osprey has a 'MiG-15 Aces of the Korean War' in the works!?!
Book Description
From the Civil War to Desert Storm, there stretches an unbroken line of dedicated, distinguished service by African-Americans in the United States military. Buffalo Soldiers is a tribute to the bravery, honor, and sacrifice of these black American fighting men.Sergeant Major Augustus Sharps of the 10th Cavalry and other former slaves had proven that they could fight valiantly for their freedom, but in the West they were to fight for the freedom and security of white settlers who often despised them. The Cheyenne thought the hair of this new kind of soldier resembled buffalo hides, and the men on the 9th and 10th Cavalry became known as "buffalo soldiers."
Customer Reviews:
Don't read it!!.......2005-01-24
The topic seems good: the story of black soldiers fighting bravely during a time of racism, but the story is terribly written. It is full of cliches and weak description. It is very long and filled with event after event, so that you are confused and bored rather than excited and intrigued. It is probably the worst book I have ever read, and I read about a book a week.
Building a Legacy.......2003-05-19
BUFFALO SOLDIERS begins by featuring excerpts from a speech given by Colin Powell in 1992 at the dedication of a monument to honor Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Leavenworth. Immediately, readers become aware of the significance of this monument as well as the important role that these soldiers played in defending our nation and in helping to establish the American West.
As the story begins, we are introduced to Augustus Talbot, later known as Augustus Sharps and the 10th United States Calvary (Colored) and we follow them through more than 30 years of history in the making. Throughout the book readers are constantly reminded of the paradox of African American soldiers. These soldiers faced prejudice and injustice on a daily basis, were provided with hand me down, and in most cases poor quality equipment, yet they defended the United States with unyielding bravery and honor. When Augustus marries and starts a family, readers become privy to the sacrifice, frustrations and hardship that the families of the soldiers had to endure in order to "make a way out of no way." We are also introduced to some Whites who were willing to stand alone to defend and show respect for the African American soldiers and their families.
From the first page, BUFFALO SOLDIERS draws readers into a different time in history where African American men were fighting for a nation that barely recognized them as men, no mind the heroes that they were. While this is a work of historical fiction, readers will learn a great deal about the history through this wonderful book. I found myself searching the Internet to learn more about Buffalo Soldiers in general and some of the specific things, like the types of rifles, mentioned in the book. Willard has written a book that not only educates, but also touches the hearts of the readers. You feel for the characters as they experience hardships, lengthy separations and even death. I gained a deeper respect not only for the Buffalo Soldiers, their wives and families, but also for the brave men and women that have followed in their footsteps through military service. While the Buffalo Soldiers were struggling to build a legacy and gain respect from Whites, they indeed proved themselves to be the greatest of heroes.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
mild recommendation.......2000-12-19
Tom Willard is in the midst of a series of novels focussing on the role of black soldiers in American military history. The first of these, Buffalo Soldiers, begins with Congress creating the first black peacetime units in 1866. Augustus Sharps is a black man who, despite the Civil War, has been held as a virtual slave by a white hunter who purchased him from Indians. Freed by men of the 10th Calvary, Augustus, who is already an expert shot, joins up and spends most his life in the U.S. Army, then joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West show after fighting with the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill. The novel closes with America's entry into WWI, Augustus is too old to serve by then, but as his two sons head off to war, he presents them with his battle saber.
While one admires Willard's effort to recover the memory of the black heroes who served America so ably and with so little reward in the years before the nation desegregated, the story is ultimately more earnest than interesting. I'd give it a mild recommendation. A formulaic rehash of classic Western themes, redeemed only by the reminder that blacks played an important and underappreciated role in creating the American West.
GRADE: C
Courage and Valor and Duty.......1999-12-05
Some up this remarkable book about Colored soldiers after the Civil War taking up arms to help tame the newly expanding American Western frontier. This book tackles the expanding never ceasing politics of race between those with power, and those without, those with weapons, and those with none, those who formerly wore chains, and those who fight to keep them off. Willard's portrayal of the harsh environs of the expanding frontier match and may surpass those of Larry MacMurty's "Dead Man's Walk". The stregnth, valor, bravory, courage, and duty Willard gives his colored sodiers through adversity gives the reader a better understanding and apprciation of those who came before us, those who died for us, and those who were forgotten.
OUTSTANDING, Thank You, Tom Willard.......1999-05-21
i couldn't put this book down, this is an excellent book. I really put myself in SGM Augustus Sharps' shoes. As a decendant of the Buffalo Soldiers, and former US Army soldier, I really wish the story was mandatory reading at the HS and college level
Book Description
Wuji meets an incredibly powerful new player who pledges his allegiance to him and the Ming Rebels as they all prepare for the coming battle with the two Jinxes!
Book Description
In another classic adventure in the Modesty Blaise pulp fiction series, Modesty and her partner, Willie Garvin, are up against the nefarious Karz, a modern Genghis Khan, and his army of ruthless mercenaries. After orchestrating an audacious theft to attract Karz's attention, Modesty and Willie find themselves on the run through London, Paris, and Lisbon, and finally to Karz's remote fortress in the Hindu Kush. Once captured by his army, only Modesty can break Karz's hold, fighting his terrifying executioners, the Twins. A battle ensues that brings the adventure to its thrilling climax.
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-30
Reading Modesty Blaise can be a dreamy experience, then you end up immersed in what you could call close combat porn, almost, with am amazing descriptive level of detail. O'Donnell is the master of this, easily, I think. Modesty and Willie are looking for an angel to help destabilise a small army looking to take over Kuwait, when things get nasty and personal. This Kuwait Liberation Army wants them as section commanders, and to this end, kidnaps their ward as leverage.
They have no option but to go along, and things get nasty.
An excellent read..........2007-06-10
Peter O'Donnell's Modesty Blaise books are, in their way, elegant. They are, of course, thrilling, but the real attraction for me is the relationship between Modesty and Willie Garvin. Some might call Willie Modesty's right-hand man, but that description's not entirely accurate. They are equals who work extremely well together (the escape from the villa in Lisbon in this novel is a suspenseful example) and who care for eachother deeply, but not in a romantic way.
Sabre-Tooth is the second in the series. In it, many of the world's most notable mercenaries have disappeared off British Intelligence's radar. Modesty and Willie are enlisted to infiltrate and destroy the organization which has employed the mercenaries. First, though, they have to make it seem as if the master criminal Modesty Blaise has fallen, lost her fortune and is desperate for work. There are several great action set-pieces, some great banter between the leads and more of the exploration of Modesty's past, before she was a free-lance secret agent. In all an excellent read, and I'm looking forward to getting caught up to the four or five I haven't read.
My thoughts.......2007-03-21
I purchased the first two books in this series (Modesty Blaise & Sabre-Tooth) to see how I'd like the characters and writing. After having read both, I'm going to get the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the stories, even though it's definately written from a British point of view, and some of the terms used aren't familar to me. Based on context I understand what's meant - and I find it interesting.
This series reminds me a lot of the James Bond series, except with partners rather than a solo character lead. It's a good escape into fiction, and I like that!
Boy, The Early Modestys Are Fun!.......2005-09-19
This is #2 in the series of Modesty Blaise's adventures-- start with the eponymous #1 for her origins and first mission. Here she and Willie, her anima/animus soulmate, take on as nasty a group of bloodthirsty mercenaries as you'd ever want to meet. It's fun all the way.
If you like the Bond books, try these-- you'll like them as well. They have the same tongue-in-cheek sense of absurdity/reality, the same slightly-outrageous bad guys with odd physical qualities, bright action sequences, and a real sense of style-- author O'Donnell can't resist telling us what Modesty's wearing (or not wearing) every few pages. This is solid spy genre writing from the sixties, before it got old. Enjoy!
"All right, Princess, let's go an' win it.".......2005-06-26
Willie Garvin, Modesty's loyal partner, makes the above statement just as he and Modesty are about to set out on what becomes an incredibly harrowing and dangerous caper. Willie makes this statement to Modesty (who he calls "Princess") at a time when he and Modesty have already been dealt a severe blow - they have just discovered that they are not only fighting for themselves and the need to save the world, but must fight for the life of an innocent child who is dear to them. This makes it of utmost importance that they have to defeat the bad guys.
"Sabre-Tooth" is the second book in the Modesty Blaise series of books and was written by Peter O'Donnell in 1966. It is a direct sequel to the first book, with Sir Gerald Tarrant of the British Foreign Service sending Modesty and Willie out on another dangerous mission.
As usual for a Modesty Blaise adventure the bad guys are bigger than life and extremely nasty. Karz, the huge Mongol who has assembled an army of mercenaries in northern Afghanistan, is totally ruthless, but still not the most fascinating of the villains.
That honor must go to "The Twins", a grotesque pair of killers who hate each other's guts but must endure each other's constant proximity to avoid insanity. This is because The Twins were once Siamese twins, and even though they were successfully separated, the separation was not viable due to a mutual psychological dependency. Now The Twins wear a harness that joins them at the shoulders, and they spend every minute of their lives linked together.
The high point of "Sabre-Tooth" is the fight to the death between Modesty and The Twins. How can Modesty, completely unarmed, survive in a fight against a four-legged, four-armed, two-headed killing machine?
The plot of "Sabre-Tooth" is fascinating, especially seen in retrospect after Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Peter O'Donnell's premise was that oil-rich Kuwait was a plum for the taking, and that in 1966 Kuwait's military defenses were such that they could not withstand a surprise attack by an army of ruthless mercenaries with the amazing firepower of modern weapons.
The story of how Modesty and Willie infiltrate Karz' army of mercenaries and their attempts to derail the attack on Kuwait is developed with a sure hand. Peter O'Donnell shows himself once again to be a master storyteller.
In this book we are introduced to the American businessman John Dall, a recurring figure in many of the later Modesty books. Willie Garvin's fondness for obscure English words is also presented, another recurring element in the series.
In my opinion "Sabre-Tooth" is one of the best books in the Modesty Blaise series, and well worth five stars. The unique and powerful relationship between Modesty and Willie is presented in a wonderful way, and their forcefulness and drive in the face of huge odds is also great.
If I had to mention a couple of negative factors it would have to be the minor inconsistencies that a good editor should have caught. For example, Mr. Vaubois, head of the French secret service, is referred to as Léon Vaubois in the first half of the book and as René Vaubois in the last half. Similarly, one of the bad guys is referred to as both "Chief Recruiting Officer" and "Chief Security Officer" - on the same page, no less.
A few more negatives: Modesty and Willie spend so much time smoking that they come across as nicotine addicts. And the book, like all of the Modesty books, is too short.
Highly recommended; both this book in particular and the Modesty Blaise series in general, especially the first six or seven books in the series.
Incidentally, you may wish to take a look at my "So You'd Like To" guide about books by Peter O'Donnell. It includes a link to my MSN group about Modesty Blaise where you can find more information about this whole series of books and an article entitled "Why I love the Modesty Blaise books".
Rennie Petersen
Books:
- Fields Virology 2 volume set
- Fish! Sticks: A Remarkable Way to Adapt to Changing Times and Keep Your Work Fresh
- Fundamentals of Mathematics (Ninth Edition with Interactive Video Skillbuilder CD-ROM )
- Ghosts of Vesuvius: A New Look at the Last Days of Pompeii, How Towers Fall, and Other Strange Connections
- Goodnight Moon
- Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning
- Happy Birthday to You! (Classic Seuss)
- Heart-Shaped Box: A Novel
- Heartbreaker
- High-Performance Jeep Cherokee XJ Builder's Guide 1984-2001 (S-a Design)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France
- The View From Pompey's Head
- They Called Him Wild Bill
- Weird Ideas That Work: 11 1/2 Practices for Promoting, Managing, and Sustaining Innovation
- An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits
- 1634: The Baltic War
- Creating Learning Centered Classrooms: What Does Learning Theory Have to Say
- The Arnold Encyclopedia of Real Estate, 2nd Edition
- Hungary Business & Investment Opportunities Yearbook
The Art and Science of Fencing
Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series)
Fencing: Basic Beginners Training
The Inner Game of Fencing: Excellence in Form, Technique, Strategy and Spirit.
Fencer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Fencing (Start-Up Sports series)
