Lucas Reviews

All the sound effects and music added much as well as having two members of the original cast from the movies(Mark Hamil and Anthony Daniels)was wonderful!! Anne Sachs was brillient as Leia and Perry King was magnifesent as Solo although getting used to King's voice instead of Ford's was a bit difficult.I enjoyed getting more background on Luke and Leia. Brian Daily wrote a wonderful script!! All in all this series should be re-brodcast.

When the Star Wars Radio Drama made its debut in 1981, on the NPR network, it was an instant success. Saga creator George Lucas sold the rights of the story to his alma mater for a dollar After that, a highly creative team took on the task of adapting the very visual film, for the radio medium. The end result is an enjoyable and very worthwhile, experience that makes the film come alive all over again, despite the lack of any of the film's landmark visuals

Using sound effects, the original score by composer John Williams, and with 2 key actors reprising their roles from the film, the radio drama boasts lavish production values. This is not some cheesy adaptation that they slapped together, quickly and put the name Star Wars on it, hoping for the best. Author Brian Daley's radioplay expands on the film verison by including additional "scenes" and backstory. Directed by John Madden (Shakespeare In Love), the radio drama has a top notch cast. Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels add some additional class by recreating their film roles as Luke Skywalker and C-3PO respectively. Brock Peters as Darth Vader, makes the part his own, while Ann Sachs gives Leia the right amount of spunk. Perry King, as smuggler Han Solo, may not be Harrison Ford, but he could be Solo, and that's what counts. Bernard Beherns as Ben Kenobi and the late great character actor, Keane Curtis, as Grand Moff Tarkin, round out the main cast, with style. While I was listening to this, I got the impression that, even though it must have been a lot of work to put this production together, it seems like everyone had a good time too. Sure some of it may sound a bit off at times, because most of us know the film so well. But one must remember that no one working on the project set out to just copy the film. The Star Wars Radio Drama captures the sprit of its of source material perfectlly...and that's all it needs to do.

I highly recommend this presenation. The Star Wars Radio Drama on CD contains all 13 episodes as originally presented, spread over 7 discs, with a running time of about six and a half hours. The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi radio drama adaptations are also available as well.

At first, the idea seems bizarre, even ridiculous. Star Wars, a movie best known for its vistas of alien worlds and epic battles, as a 13 part radio drama? No way would it work, right?

Well, unless you have the cold heart of a Sith, Star Wars did indeed translate well from the silver screen to radio, thank you very much. Yes, Star Wars' visual effects are a big part of the magic of the saga, but the heart and soul of George Lucas' galaxy far, far away are the characters and the storyline. And while the movie is satisfying on its own, the radio dramatization written by the late Brian Daley takes us beyond the movie....beyond the screenplay...and even beyond the novelization.

By expanding the movie's story beyond its two hour running time, the Radio Drama allows us to catch glimpses of Luke Skywalker's life BEFORE the movie. It tells us how Princess Leia acquired the Death Star plans....and what, exactly, happened to her during her interrogation aboard the Empire's battle station...(it is an interesting scene, but not for the squeamish, by the way). In short, by expanding the story to nearly seven hours, characters we loved on screen acquire depth only equaled by novelizations.

The Radio Drama makes extensive use of material written (and in some cases filmed) for A New Hope's silver screen version but cut for editorial or technical reasons. Also, Ben Burtt's sound effects, John Williams' score, and the acting of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Anthony Daniels (See Threepio) give the whole project its "true" Star Wars cachet.

Meek, submissive Elizabeth Gilmartin finds she can no longer deny, even to herself, that she is a writer. Not just a writer of fiction, but sizzling, sensual allusions for which she takes another identity, Lolly Horn. Her husband Edgar, stiff-necked and full of himself, would never approve, nor could he believe that his wife, whom he feels suffers menopausal delusions, is capable of such erotica.

Committed to expensive "Harmony House," Elizabeth must prove her sanity. But is she sane or mad? Has she been betrayed or is she merely deceiving herself?

"P.S. I've Taken a Lover" is a romping, lively read that takes you through hilarious predicaments, many of which are encouraged by Elizabeth's impish, life-long friend, Cass, who delights in aggravating Edgar.

Patricia Lucas White, an award-winning best-selling author has done it again. "P.S. I've Taken a Lover" bursts with energy, twisting and turning at every page. Don't plan on getting anything else done until you've finished this delightful book.

Reviewed by Mary E. Trimble, author of "Rosemount" (Crossroadspub.com).

I was a fan of Patricia White's long before reading PS, I've Taken a Lover, but this book just blew me away. Not only can this woman write, she can definitely write MY demographic! There's not a 50 year old woman anywhere who won't find something to laugh or cry about between these pages. It should be required reading for all women, no matter what their ages, and it wouldn't hurt a few of the men to read it either. What a hoot! This is an absolutely wonderful story.

P.S. I've Taken a Lover was truly delightful to read. I started reading it on a Saturday morning and finished on Sunday evening! I got nothing else done the whole weekend. White's story is about a meek housewife, Elizabeth; I would consider her a doormat, milk toast, wallflower kind of woman. Her life is spent in service to her husband and "his" house. But Elizabeth has a dream to become a writer that she buried long ago. Her controlling husband doesn't think she is capable of doing anything beyond taking care of him, his house, and his needs. I think any woman who has even a mildly controlling husband can identify with Elizabeth. And that is the real attraction to this story; the reader can identify with the characters and feel their pain, joy, hope, and laughter. Elizabeth writes a steamy novel under the alias Lolly Horn and her husband and his predatory secretary have her committed as a mad woman. This is the story of a woman reaching for her dreams regardless of the consequences and obstacles. It is truly inspiring, humorous and enjoyable.

I just got this book and it touches all bases. This great for anyone that want to get in shape, not just surfers. It has cardio, stretching, strengthing, balance, enruance and more. One thing I like was the flexibilty assessment, which tells you what areas you should work on.

I wish there was a video

A great book! Really helpful. I also bought 'fit to surf' which was really terrible. If you're gonna buy one book about getting in shape for surfing. Buy this one!

I am already obsessed with surfing. This book got me obsessed with fitness, because I realized that if I stay in good shape, chances are I will still be out in the water when I'm 70, and everyone else my age is burned out and bed-ridden.
I have never been terribly athletic or interested in fitness, but this book helped motivate me, because it links fitness to my passion--surfing. It is written from a surfer's perspective and addresses issues specific to surfing. Excellent.

This is such a cute story, and so well done, it could easily be as popular as Rudolph, or Frosty the Snowman. I wouldn't be surprised if it were made into an animated Christmas TV movie. Olive is the female equivalent of Rudolph, and is quite a good choice to read as a companion to Rudolph, especially to little girls. Little girls need a good heroine at Christmas time and this is just the right one.

"Olive, the Orphan Reindeer" is written in a direct style which serves to enhance the story of a young reindeer finding a new home for herself at the North Pole. I am far older than the recommended reading range, yet I enjoyed Michael Christie's story about wishing for something and having your dream granted. Who can't identify with wishes come true? Above all, this is one reason we have Christmas, to make dreams real. Merry Christmas!

This is a great heartwarming story for families at Christmas. I can't recommend it enough!

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IN CAIRO BUT FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO GET THERE THIS IS THE SECOND BEST WAY TO VIEW THE OBJECTS. THE COLOR PRINTS ARE AS GOOD AS CAN BE PRINTED AND THE DETAIL IN DESCRIPTION IS VERY HELPFUL. I HAVE A LIBRARY AND THIS IS THE BEST AND MOST DETAILED BOOK I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS WRITTEN ON ARTIFACTS FOUND IN EGYPT. 5 STARS !!!

This book presents the collection of Egyptian antiquities located in the Egyptian Museum of Cairo; each featured object is accompanied by a short description and a photograph. The photographs, never before published, were expressly made for the book by internationally acclaimed photographer Araldo De Luca. The numerous essays were written by international contributors, among which are Francesco Tiradritti, Christiane Ziegler, Zahi Hawass, Jean Yoyotte and Anna Maria Donadoni Roveri; they cover topics such as Egyptian art, history, the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun. Art lovers will thoroughly enjoy this beautiful and informative guide, now available in many languages.

The artifacts are arranged from earliest to latest, which creates a greater understanding of the arts and their progression. The arts themselves are mostly jewelry, coffins, statues, and painted carvings. There are many other objects like beds, chairs, etc. A discription of the objects is listed with it's use, material properties, aerchaeological founder, and a story behind each item.

This was an awesome book!! There were so many dilemma's. At the end Lucas seems like he is fighting for his life. Why? You'll just have to read the book but, I can tell you this much, you won't regret reading it (unless you haven't read the other 6). Katherine Applegate did an excellent job with this series. There are so many cliff hangers. I really suggest you read this series.

I Just Love Applegate. She is the best and the Making Out series is too awesome. I can't wiat to get the newest book. But they come out monthly and my friends in England are up to like thirty something. That is so unfair! In this book I can't wait to see what happens to Zoey and Lucas And Jake and Claire. I just hope that Claire doesn't get with Lucas it just wouldn't be fair for Claire to get him AGAIN!!! I just hope that Christopher also realizes that its wrong to get revenge no matter how sweet and everything works out for Zoey's parents. The only person who has their head on their shoulders is Benjamin and I'm starting to wonder what'll happen to him. E-mail me and we can discuss the upcoming books.

This storyline takes yet another interesting turn. Ben finds and meets Laura. Lucas' dirty little secret comes out. Between Lucas and her parents transgressions, Zoey is about to snap completely. Book 8 is going to be classic

This book has all the memory techniques that are typically taught in memory courses and other memory books. Even if they are sometimes introduced by other names, all of the techniques are variants and combinations of word-substitution (mostly used for foreign words, but also people's names and words that can't easily be pictured), link, peg, loci (sometimes called Roman Room technique) and phonetic (letter for number substitution) systems. The book is mostly re-hashed information that has been presented earlier (even by Lorayne himself), but the writing style makes it a book worth keeping.

The real strength of this book over others of its kind is the dialog between Lucas and Lorayne. They are fun to read and almost never get boring. There are anecdotes to at the beginning of most chapters and spread throughout the book.

Personally, I found Kenneth Higbee's "Your Memory" a better book, it's more complete a reference and gives much more of the why of memory rather than just the how of remembering. Depending on your needs, you might like this book more, it's got more examples on how to use the systems it introduces and is much lighter and a little less dry, although Higbee's book is very readable.

As with every other memory book, the techniques take time to learn and take considerable effort, but work very well. For a book on memory techniques, this book doesn't dissapoint.

Harry Lorayne, a master magician and card entertainer, is also one of the world's leading memory experts. "The Memory Book" will change your life, literally. In the book, Lorayne describes in detail several memory techniques that, with a little practice, will have you remembering virtually anything you want. Among the techniques, the three I use the most are the Link, Substitute Words, and the Peg. The Link is used to remember any number of items, such as 20 objects, etc. The Peg is used to remember any number of objects in order. Using a phonetic type alphabet for numbers, that is, assigning a consonant sound for each number, Lorayne shows how to memorize numbers easily. The techniques really do work. Frankly, I've never spent so little for something that has changed my life so much. One testimonial is in order: I am a professional teacher. The first day of class I use one of Lorayne's techniques in my class that allows everyone in the classroom, including me, to remember the name of everyone else in the classroom. And it takes less than 20 minutes. The systems work. The only minor quibble I have with the book is that after reading this book, I also read widely in the area of memory improvement. Other books have used the identical techniques to improve memory, so I'm confused as to how much of Lorayne's techniques originated with him, or were borrowed from the literature. This minor point aside, you really do need to have this book on your "READ" list. A real treasure.

For a person with average who has little concept of the power of imagination and creativity, and who generally views it as being something childish, this is a great book. For a person with above average control and understanding of imagination and creativity, this is a sorry adaptation of 'The Art of memory'.
For the average person this is a great book. It helps build imaginative power and a little creativity as well. It describes that the best way to remember things is to build a mental image of interaction between the various facts you're required to remember. It recommends that the more ridiculous the image, the easier it is to remember which is true (and should only be applied in special situations), but if taken to seriously then with every new image you create you'll constantly be trying to 'out-do' the previous image you created to remember something else. You'll be forced to imagine images that are so out landish that it'll cense to trigger your memory. That's how I see it and like everything in your life, a word of caution can be said that you shouldn't take it to seriously and try to remain grounded. This book takes no effort in helping you to understand what it is you're remembering. For the best I suppose because that isn't the purpose of the book (for an easy method of understanding, read my review of The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's...). I do compliment them for their complete lack of fluff or Anthony Robbins b.s.. They are straight forward and don't attempt to sell you anything. They certainly don't try to motivate you or make you believe that all of life's problems can be solved if only you had a better memory. A great memory is a tool, not a solution for life. For the person with above average imaginative abilities you're better off reading the more in depth 'Art of Memory' which is literary classic and is everything but a light read. The 'Art of Memory' is far more complicated and in-depth in it's description and style of memory techniques (better might I add). But to use 'The Art of Memory' techniques requires a high amount of visual processing by the mind eye and a good deal of discipline, but worth it. It is not for the faint of heart. But if you're looking for a read that is quick and fast and has little or no historical back ground (not necessary a bad thing I'm only stating that facts), then this is your book. If you're a busy person and time is money, then this is your book. I do believe that the technique that is describes is the best. Everything else is probably new age [stuff]. Final analysis: All though weak in it's description of the technique in comparison with is predecessor, it's content is far more accurate and use ability than is peers. In short: the best of it's kind.

I'm a Star Wars fan, and always wondered what kind of person George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, was. This book pretty much answered any and all questions I had about the Master Jedi himself.

Pollock's narrative of Lucas's life begins with George's childhood, then proceeds into his rebellious teen years--which was the inspiration for American Graffiti--then straight onto Lucas' student filmmaker years and finally to his highly successful movie career. The latter of which is when Star Wars and its sequels were produced and established Lucas as one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of the medium.

The book offers a balanced, journalistic account of Lucas' life, with very little opinion injected into the book. Some places Pollock seems to praise Lucas too much, but it's nothing too extreme.

The only real problem is that the book was written during the production of Return of the Jedi, when Skywalker Ranch wasn't finished, George was still married to first wife Marcia, and before the flops Willow and Howard the Duck. I read the revised edition which has an intro mentioning these things, but the book's main narrative is about what's happened to Lucas up to 1983.

I'd recommend this book to any fan of Star Wars, and anyone else curious about Lucas himself.

In times past the function of biographies was generally to elevate their subjects to noble heights and focus on the individuals accomplishments. In modern times the function of biographies often seems to be to tear down their subjects, ruthlessly exposing every flaw and possible past transgression of the person under examination. This biography of film director/producer George Lucas is an evenhanded look at his life and work, even if some of the conclusions it's author arrives at are necessarily personal rather than certifiably factual in nature.

The book is peppered with many quotes from Lucas himself as well as Spielberg, Coppola, Milius and others which lends it a feeling of legitimacy which I believe is probably lacking from other, less sympathetic biographies. Lucas himself is quite forthcoming about his feelings on his own work and what he sees as his limitations as a director. His comments on Hollywood were amusing if understandably bitter, especially for someone who has worked there in the past.

If one omits his earliest film shorts such as the student version of THX 1138 and the documentary Filmmaker, Lucas has only directed three films in his career, THX 1138, American Grafitti and Star Wars. His function since that last mega-smash has primarily been as producer and head of the state-of-the-art Skywalker Ranch production facilities up in scenic Northern California. He has also helped finance a number of less "mainstream" works such as Kurosawa's Kagemusha. It's unfortunately probably true that Lucas has never been taken seriously by many critics ever since Star Wars because that film was so consciously intended as a "kids movie". Despite the fact that it was embraced by popular culture around the world due to its quality and mythic resonance it does tend to overwhelm his early, more adult-oriented films. Lucas himself is quite skeptical of some of the intellectual critical analysis that has been produced on what was intended to be an innocent hommage to 30's style action movie serials and not a "think piece". It's also surprising that so many people continue to consider the Star Wars films science-fiction when they really fall much more into the fantasy genre despite all the high-tech trappings.

Of course this book includes reams of trivia on the films, from the origin of all of the characters names in Star Wars to the details behind preview screenings and loads of very funny anecdotes that could only have been provided by an industry as crazy and high-stakes as Hollywood. Mostly however this is the story of a man from modest origins who managed to beat Hollywood at it's own game and achieve financial independence from "the system" through a combination of very savvy business choices, luck and a personal vision that happened to coincide with what a large number of the paying public wanted to see on screen.

This review refers to the original 1983 hardcover release of this book.

Haven't read a bigraphy so interesting since I browsed through richard branson's 3 years ago. it's always great to read about a rollercoaster life, especially one as up and down and then up up up as george Lucas...

Really Well Written... top marks

This CD set is great. You think you know Star Wars because you've seen the movie? Wait till you hear it! I'm so glad I decided to go for the Collector's Edition. There were only 7500 of these made, so it is quite expensive, but I think it is worth it.

Important about the COLLECTOR'S EDITION: it contains the following special tracks: comments from four of the principals, the speederbike scene without sound or music added, then with all the effects, for comparision, two public radio membership spots by Tony Daniels (C3PO), and the touching "Message for Brian." For me, "Message for Brian" was worth the extra all by itself. (Brian Daley, the writer, was ill with pancreatic cancer when this was recorded, and the cast recorded this "get-well card" for him, only to find that he died within 24 hours of the completion of the recording sessions.)

Unfortunately, Brian never got to hear this message. But the radio dramas he created, which are now dedicated to him, are a great monument to his efforts. I would recommend this set to anyone who is a real fan of the Star Wars universe.

I listened to these on NPR Playhouse when I was young, and tried to record all of the episodes onto cassette tape. I finally got to throw the old recordings away when I got this excellent box set. As a long time fan, I could not be happier with this collection.

The Star Wars trilogy translates well to the radio play format. It helps that a few of the original cast members reprised their roles. Anthony Daniels is the mainstay, and voices 3-CPO through all three productions. The other cast members are all talented radio actors, and suited to their parts. The actors keep their roles for all three productions, so there is nice continuity of character.

The stories are considerable longer than the films, and fill in the gaps of the storyline. Star Wars contains all of the famous deleted footage between Luke and Biggs, as well as a window into Luke's life on Tatooine. (As a side note, some of this was included in the Star Wars special edition re-release, as well as The Phantom Menace. Look for the pod racers to "thread the stone needle" as described in the radio play.) The other two series are not as expansive, but still deliver more story than the film. The excitement and gradure of the series is well translated to audio.

This collector's set includes many extras not available in the standard releases. These include commercials, making-of features, and the touching get well card to Brian. The box is very nice, and the entire set has very high production values. It is worth the price.

I remember receiving bad recordings of all 13 episodes of Star Wars and only 6 of the 10 episodes of Empire from my English teacher many years ago. Despite these disadvantages, however,I listened to these episodes religeously, whether it was after school or on the weekend. Why? Mostly because of their atmosphere and if you're a Star Wars fan you would know that the Star Wars movies alone are drenched in atmosphere. The Radio Dramas however go one step further and extend the already classic story.To understand What I mean...GET IT!!...NOW.

The third book ive read in the Prey series, and i loved it. None of them have disappointed me. Love the way Villian John Mail and Lucas Davenport kind of play games with eachother and have a battle of wits with eachother. Davenport using witty ideas to find where he is, lure him into traps, while Mail, mentally ill but very intelligent, uses his brain to dodge Davenports traps and tricks, but to send Davenport and his men into booby-traps of his own. The suspense was thrilling. I loved the irony of Davenport having fun with Mail, claustrophobic, in the end, after Mail got to have all the fun leading Davenport around through most of the book. I finished in three days only because school wasted my time, but every chance i could get my nose was buried in it. For a good thrill i would recommend this or any Sanford book in the Prey series.

Mind Prey one of many of the "Prey" series is a outstanding book. I have read every one of the series. The lead Lt. Lucas Davenport has a cool way about him Very likeable character..Any of the books are hard to put down. Rules of prey the first of the series starts you on a rollorcoaster of psychological drama and edge of your seat reading!! Good luck putting it down. Hey John when is the next one coming out?? Your due.

Mind Prey was the very first "Prey" book I ever read. I picked it up in an airport and was instantly hooked. John Sandford has the rare ability to build "real" characters that are flawed but real - cruel but interesting - attractive but not cheesy.
For those of us with kids - this particular book is savage! It starts with a guy fishing on a lake... and right then your nerves will start to fray - you know that something BAD is going to happen.

Step in Lucas Davenport - Part detective, part game designer, part animal. This guy is about the best detective I have seen portrayed. He isn't Sherlock Holmes and He isn't Mike Hammer, but he is definitely a bit of both.

One last thing - if you read one - be prepared to buy the rest!