Written in the style Abbott is known for. Written from the works of Herodotus and Xenophon. Herodotus is considered the first historian an Xenophon was a general that proved capable in campaigns. Both have their own views of Cyrus and mostly embellished stories. Abbott tries to settle some of the issues of both but leaves the reader to make their own conculusion. Cyrus took over his grandfathers dominion. Grew larger than life in his time and conquered the Babylonians as well the known world at the time. Abbott even gives the account of Cyrus from the bibical account as well. Quite interesting read. Not the whole story but for the one looking for the general outline of his life this book covers his thoughts, ways, attitude and abilities of Cyrus. Comprehensive text in some ways but not exhaustive. Excellent read and should be read by any student of history.

The book is written well and can be understood by even the beginners. The chess section is well thought out and shows many good positions. Easy to follow, the only problem is the board layout. It is completely useless. If someone would spend the time and set up the board layouts as pics of some sort, this book would be a great read. In checkers you have to understand his way of board pieces with X's and O's for me it is not easy to follow. It just does not work. I would like to see this book redone with a complete set of modern board layouts. The few board plays I took the time to work out were great but difficult. I will some day do a complete reread of this book and do the board in a modern layout. Nice easy read but be prepared to do alot of work on reading his form of board setup.

This could be preached today. Old is new again. Murry clearly shows the heart of man. Modern or otherwise he is still the same. Christ comes alive as he points the way to a living saviour. He is not dead but alive and ready to live in our hearts. Murry' style of preaching is so easy that a child can follow it. The message is not wrought in deep theology, but in the simple message that Christ lives in us and through us. A must read for any christian.

If you love the study of the Civil War this is a must read. A live account of the actions of Generals, men in arms, the battle in all its horror.

Olney gives the account as it was seen from his points in the battle at large. The hours spent during the day before battle and during are as real as one could possible describe it. The smoke, the blast of cannon, the whiz of buck and ball, all there. Generals commanding lines of men and mistakes that cost thousands of lives. As real as any movie made today of any war. Worth the hour or so to read.

Well written, the descriptions he gives, every reporter could learn from today. Many of the writers of accounts in the Civil War are far more descriptive and eloquent than todays reporters. Keeps your attention. Nice read.