Product Description
The National Bestseller--now in trade paperback!

"Rock This! ought to be required reading for American citizenship or high school graduation." --Entertainment Weekly

From today's hottest stand-up comic--heir to Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy and known for his Emmy Award-winning HBO Specials and The Chris Rock Show--comes this edgy, no-holds-barred humor book about race, relationships, and politics.
"Everyone wants a piece of the Rock." --USA Today
"Rock doesn't just make you laugh; he makes you think." --Vibe
"Unlike so many comedians' books, this one isn't a wispy flight through the land of whimsy. It's closer to a hip sociology primer, with direct hits on such subjects as the difference between white skin magazines and black ones."--Vanity Fair
"Chris Rock is probably the funniest and smartest comedian working today."

--Caryn James, The New York TimesAmazon.com Review
Rock This reads like a collection of Chris Rock'sroutines, and that's the book's only flaw. A little more of Rockhimself would be nice--maybe something that's a cross between anautobiography and Rock's routine transcribed for print. That said,Rock This is a very funny book. The young comedian speaks hismind about a variety of topics: race, sex, drugs, O. J. Simpson, andrelationships between men and women. Occasionally profane andwrong-headed, most of the time Rock's wry observations--hisassessments of the Reverend Al Sharpton and the Reverend Jesse Jacksonare dead-on--make you nod your head in acknowledgment of their truth,even as you shake with laughter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

LOL
Oh my God. I love this book. Chris Rock is funny in his own expletive way. However, he does have a way of making you think. You have to read it; it's HILARIOUS.

If You've Seen His Stand Up, Dont buy this.
If you've ever seen Rock's stand-up, which i'm sure you have, don't waste your money on this book, unless you feel the need to own a written transcript of his act.That's all this book is, his act on paper.Don't get me wrong, I think he's incredibly funny but there's nothing new in this book.It's all the jokes from his act, pretty much word for word.

Ahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the funniest book I've ever read. I started reading it in the store and couldn't put it down. So I found a comfortable chair and read it straight through in one sitting. A great gift for anyone.

Neither funny nor enlightening
I read the first 100 pages, and that was enough for me. The comments on racism could have been thought provoking, but seem to imply all Caucasians have to apologize for being "white." One chapter discusses how "whites can't tell blacks apart," but Mr. Rock lumps all "whites" into one category, ignorant of the racism and persecution many "whites" have endured, and not all come from the same place and status. By the time he got to talking about doctors and how they shouldn't be paid, I was finished. I can hear racist rants anywhere; just because this is couched in the guise of comedy, it makes it no less of a prejudiced, racist view. Mr. Rock openly admits it is racist, but assumes people will find it amusing and enlightening. I found it to be neither. The sociology of race has been written about in more interesting, engrossing texts; I'll stick to those.

Funny...AND Insightful
Chris Rock isn't just funny.He makes remarkable and illuminating observations about class and race in this book, which is mostly a written version of his best stand-up.Which is of course extremely funny, but a lot of Rock's talent comes from his unique take on all kinds of issues and his ability to enlighten his audience when they think they're just getting comedy.If you buy the book you'll see what I mean.

This is pertains to some portions of the book.Most actually.Other aspects of his comedy are just funny, and although they are generally not as strong, they're still really good.If you doubt Chris Rock's formidable talent, this is the book that will erase that doubt.His remarkable contribution to American comedy is very well demonstrated in this compilation of his best material.Even though some might argue that Rock's delivery is what makes him so funny, seeing how funny his words still are in print makes it hard to believe that his talent is in performance.It's mostly in his material.His performance is just icing on the cake.

I've re-read it many times, so it's worth buying.I'll wait a year or so and then reread it and it's just as funny as it was the first time.Definitely worth it for Chris Rock fans and those who aren't-but will be after reading the book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals combines 600 vivid full--color photos with descriptions of more than 500 specimens. This authoritative and systematic photographic approach, with words never separated from pictures, marks a new generation of identification guides.Each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics of the rock or mineral and distinguishing features. Color--coded bands provide a clear, at--a--glance facts for quick reference. In addition, each mineral entry features an illustration showing the crystal system to which the mineral belongs. Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals explains what rocks or minerals are, how they are classified, and how to start a collection. To help in the initial stages of rock identification, a clear visual key illustrates the differences between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, then guides the reader to the correct rock entry. A concise glossary provides instant understanding of technical and scientific terms ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Everything you need!
This book is perfect! It goes into great detail about the rock and mineral collecting hobby. The photos are great too! I highly recommend this book to anyone into this hobby.

Good reference for Geology students
As a student seeking a bachelors in geology, I needed a reference book in which to go on, not just the textbooks required for class. This is definitely a great reference book to have, I thought. The book gives you a paragraph overview of each mineral. Also in the mineral portion,the book lists: Specific gravity, hardness, chemical formula, cleavage, how the mineral forms, and any tests that you can use to identify the mineral. They are also separated by the groups the minerals are in, such as sulfides, etc. Some of the pictures are right on to what the minerals that I see in the labs look like, but then some don't even look close to what my hand samples look like. But as a geologist, we should know not to go strickly on looks. The rock section of the book I thought was better done. It is separated into the three rock groups: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The pictures are a lot better here, they actually look like most hand samples. There is a paragraph description of the rock, the texture, origin, structure, grain size, T & P, as well as mineral assemblages are also listed. So if you need a quick reference on which to go by, this is the book I would recommend!

Best Pictures
This book, out of the three or four available has the best layout, with large attractive pictures.Some rock and minerial books can look closed in and stuffy, this one is an exception.Very nice.

Love this book
Love this book. Give me all the information I wanted to know and learn about rocks and mineral. Worth every penny I spent on.

Print colors are off
I agree with positive reviews, but the print colors in my copy were too reddish. Rocks or minerals that were supposed to be white looked reddish. Black slate didn't look black. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Rock Lovers, This Will Rock Your World!
My wife is a rock-a-holic and a half and I thought about getting her a book about rocks for her birthday.While examining the various offerings that are out there, this one stood above the rest.A detailed description including photos was the biggest draw and you should have seen her scouring through the pages with her rock collection -- she was like a kid in a candy store!If you love collecting rocks, then you owe it to yourself to get this book.

The Complete Book of Rocks and Minerals
It was in excellent condition for being a used book and it was what I wanted.Thank you!

identifying rocks and minerals
If you don't know how to identify rocks and minerals, just look at thisbook. ... Read more

Product Description
The stability of rock slopes is an important issue in both civil and mining engineering.  On civil projects, rock cuts must be safe from rock falls and large-scale slope instability during both construction and operation. In open pit mining, where slope heights can be many hundreds of meters, the economics of the operation are closely related to the steepest stable slope angle that can be mined.
 
This extensively updated version of the classic text, Rock Slope Engineering by Hoek and Bray, deals comprehensively with the investigation, design and operation of rock slopes. Investigation methods include the collection and interpretation of geological and groundwater data, and determination of rock strength properties, including the Hoek Brown rock mass strength criterion. Slope design methods include the theoretical basis for the design of plane, wedge, circular and toppling failures, and design charts are provided to enable rapid checks of stability to be carried out.  New material contained in this book includes the latest developments in earthquake engineering related to slope stability, probabilistic analysis, numerical analysis, blasting, slope movement monitoring and stabilization methods. The types of stabilization include rock anchors, shotcrete, drainage and scaling, as well as rock fall protecting methods involving barriers, ditches, nets and sheds.
 
Rock Slopes: Civil and Mining Engineering contains both worked examples illustrating data interpretation and design methods, and chapters on civil and mining case studies. The case studies demonstrate the application of design methods to the construction of stable slopes in a wide variety of geological conditions. The book provides over 300 carefully selected references for those who wish to study the subject in greater detail.  It also includes an introduction by Dr. Evert Hoek. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Clear and comprehensive
Based on the masterpiece by Hoek and Bray, the book is written in a very clear form and the contents are comprehensive for the field of rock mechanics, rock mass description and classification, laboratory and on site investigation, and stability of rock slopes.
I would suggest it to university students, both graduate and undergraduate, and to teachers of the relative courses as well.
As to Amazon ... the copy was badly binded, so I had to return it. They sent me a good copy completely free of charge in a rather quick time.

Hooray for Hoek & Bray -- Ho Hum for Amazon
If you're looking at this book, you probably already know that Hoek & Bray is the Bible for rock slope engineering... no argument.Wyllie & Mah are simply carrying the torch for the aging masters.Same amazing book.Buy it.As for Amazon, however, I can't say quite as much.I recently purchased 3 books: Terzaghi's Soil Mechanics in hard cover, Wyllie & Mah's (Hoek & Bray's) Rock Slope Engineering in hard cover, and Hudson & Harrison's Engineering Rock Mechanics in paperback (wish I'd gotten hard cover).All 3 are landmark books.All 3 also arrived Saran-wrapped to a flat piece of cardboard and placed in a box large enough to allow it to slide around inside.There was no packing material to prevent sliding.The Terzaghi book was not plastic wrapped (separately from the Saran wrap); the other 2 were.All 3 books appeared (and smelled) wonderfully new inside; but all 3 had covers which were marred to some degree.Yes, I'm picky, but I'm also paying around $200 for some of these books.I don't know whether the slightly bent corners, surface indentations and scratches were the result of Amazon or some previous handler or the publisher/binder, but I was a bit pieved.The books should be delivered to the consumer in perfect condition.I kept all 3, knowing that I would probably inflict more wear and tear on them than what they had when I received them (being an engineering geologist), but I was nonetheless annoyed.I now have a bit of distrust in Amazon.Thanks for taking the time to read my opinion.Enjoy your books!

Good update of a classical book
I'm an engineer working in the field of dams and hydropower.
Many professionals in our field consider all the books written by prof. Hoek the reference books for rock mechanics.
This book is an very good update ( including many more case histories ) of a classical text.
I strongly suggest it at least for all the professionals.
If you're a student in rock mechanics you might also read Hoek's course notes ( that can be downloaded from prof. Hoek's site ). ... Read more

Product Description
Easy to use and fun to explore, this 1,400-page tome is the most complete guide ever published on the artists and recordings that really rock. Compiled by dozens of music critics, it reviews and rates more than 14,000 great albums by over 2,200 artists and groups in more than 400 styles - both mainstream and alternative - including bootlegs, import-only releases, important out-of-print recordings, and lesser-known cult artists. A brief profile details each performerÕs career, while insightful reviews of top recordings help define the musicianÕs artistic development and impact on rock. Expanded biographies spotlight major figures, along with complete album discographies. Also features educational essays and "music maps" that chart the evolution of rockÕs diverse subgenres at a glance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

"Easy to use and fun to explore"
That is what a review said. Ok...the book is good. I have two series of their books: this one and the one on blues. All I can say is get out your magnifying glass - this is some tiny print you'll be "exploring". Grade "A" on content, "c" on readability.

Enjoy

Almost All Music Guide for Rock, Pop and Soul
For those who don't have time to read whole review: BUY IT, YOU WON'T REGRET!
Now, for those who are patient enough.
Before purchasing this one, I already had AMG to Blues and as I have found it very useful and comprehensive I've found no reason not to buy AMG to Rock.
And I am quite satisfied.
I say "quite", because there are some "ingredients" that are missing, but as I understand how hard it is to gather all the info into one issue, I won't blame anyone.
But I was really surprised not to find Rare Earth.
I am not a huge fan of RE but I believe they deserve to be included and let's hope that tiny mistakes like this one will be changed in next issue.
Friend of mine on first glance gave a remark that there are no pictures.
Of course, if there were even pictures it would be hard to imagine how many pages will contain.
But even without pictures, without some "deserved-to-be-included" bands and details, this Guide along with AMG to Blues is all you need to know about history of music in last 100 years.
If that's not enough to convince you, well, what would you say if I tell you that I will buy even AMG to Jazz?
By all means.....

A very good music reference book.
A nice book to have. I read it everyday. It has thousands of artists and their different albums. Plus each is rated. It is a good book. However, I would like to question the author's definition of rock. How can you include teeny bob (Jessica Simpson) and gangsta rap (Notorious BIG) and exclude several actual rock bands (no Widespread???) Plus, they're rating system is kind of a joke. (They give Pink Floyd's Division Bell two stars and Britney Spear's Oops!...I Did It Again four stars!!!) I also wish they would give lineups of the bands. I am being picky though. I love this book and have bought several more for gifts.

Marvellous
This is the 3rd edition of the AMG guide and its a brilliant read. Subtitled "The Definitive Guide To Rock, Pop and Soul" it is five years old now, but as its nearly 1400 pages in length you won't get bored with it.

Artists are listed alphabetically and an enhanced 5 star rating system is used. Apart from the number of stars some albums additionally get either a filled circle a filled star or the outline of a star. Generally the very best recordings by an artist will get a filled star and any acknowledged masterpieces will get an outline star. So most of The Beatles albums are 5 star albums with an extra outline star. Sounds complicated on paper but its not - its just difficult to describe!

At the back of the book are a series of essays on different genres, such as electric blues, Rap etc. These feature family trees of the most important artists and are interesting reading their own right.

AMG also do separate books on Jazz, Soul and Blues all of which I recommend. You can waste hours with this book reading about what you are listening to, which makes the whole experience that much more pleasurable.

Why Does All Music Guide Get Their Facts SoMixed Up?
When I read things written, as in biographical form, in All Music Guide, I have to wonder if theydo, 'fact checking'. How about comparing the lp/cd's and official bios and websites to get the honest picture of what really happened. Read the track listing on Smashes Crashes Near Misses,Will Birch puts in the 'lost' two tracks Huw recorded before leaving the band. The guitar player listing for Crashes is incorrect.Barry Martin plays guitar on 10 tracks, Jude on a couple but mostly sings.I don't know what the expectation for Jude's role was, probably vocals but as I said, "I don't Know...".So find out or drop what you are saying if you are uncertain. Otherwise, the journalism ultimately loses credibility. AMG leaves you with the feeling that Gower who is so accesible dropped off the face of the earth. I get complaints from other clients as well. I find it frustrating when you can't reach a publication. - especially Chris Woodstra. THANK YOU for pointing me in the direction of AMG!You can reach Huw at [...]..I had no preferences for 'guides' I just think the job has to be very professional.

Annie Pfeiffer Gower
Former "National Tour Publicist" for the launch of Virgin Records USA 1979/ meshing of Virgin/Atlantic and launch of both labels including Frontline and Caroline, Virgin Publishing (including The Sex Pistols) and many bands on the road - the most important was all the press done before The Records even hit the States.The Records bio is never correct and I continue to get complaints from otherartists who I have represented AG ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with crisp photography, engaging activities, and clear explanations, Rocks and Fossils is an authoritative and fun guide to this favorite subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Informative, concise text with helpful illustrations
Both of my grade school age children spent several minutes 'studying' this book.They both seemed to learn from it and have gone back to it again to learn more. ... Read more

Product Description
An unflinching look at the rise of one of the most recognizable names in pop music -The Police

The Police have sold more than 50 million albums, made Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time list, and finished a triumphant world reunion tour in 2008.

Now British journalist Chris Campion draws on extensive research and new interviews to trace the inside saga of this iconic group, including the unorthodox business strategies employed by manager Miles Copeland that took them to the top and the intense rivalry that drove Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland to split at the height of their success in the 1980s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

I'd rather read the ingredients on my cereal box over and over
What a waste of my time. This book is utter trash. All it does is tear The Police down, especially Sting. It offers little insight to their music and is in fact, a weak attempt at bashing the subject over and over.
Who was this for exactly? It became irritating after a few chapters and blantlty obvious that the "author" had an agenda here which was to destroy The Police and those around them (including Miles Copeland) and their music. If there's anything positive in there, good luck finding it.
There are also large sections that have absolutely NOTHING to do with the subject matter with useless, painful to read junk like talking about A Soviet Crusade Against Pop in 1985 which was an essay nobody in their right mind could possibly care about that also had ZERO to do with The Police and New Wave. And we also get a large section dedicated to a talentless hack writer/pervert Arthur Koestler. Again this seems like an attempt by the "writer" to enlighten us fools who listen to fantastic music like The Police by including this bile.
Every opportunity to rip The Police and Sting or include quotes from equally talentless old journalists and their dated quotes is used. This is a terrible book, poorly conceived and written and it is truly amazing any publisher would approve of such a hatchet job. Campion did not need to endlessly praise The Police-just to write a good history.
The cardinal sin he made (aside from not being remotely neutral)-it's not even interesting.

Disheartening for fans
Like a lot of people here, I was thorougly dismayed by this book. I don't understand Campion's motives really. I suspect he was a fan of punk and blames the Police/New Wave for bringing about its demise. I've written a fuller take on the book and the legacy of the band which can be found in the link below, but my main point is do not waste your money if you are a fan. The best Police book is still Summers' memoir. It's the most sensitive and complete. Sting's is a thoughtful build-up to the band's prime, but he needs to write a follow-up covering the most compelling and dramatic years of his career. Stewart's is good for a behind-the-scenes look at the reunion tour, but like Sting's virtually ignores the peak years of the band.

[...]

about the personalities
This was a fast and fun read. As other reviewers have said, it's unflattering of the Police. It's also worth mentioning that it's focused on the personal, marketing and management side of the band rather than the music. It's interesting that so many of the songs that are described as being written in an atmosphere of in-fighting and tension turned out so well musically. The book describes how the creation of the band's later songs were usually strongly overseen by Sting, yet on many of them (eg. Synchronicity II) I remember as a youngster being impressed by the playing of the others just as much.

Don't waste your money
I agree completely with the other two reviewers.I got this book as a Xmas present and I wish the person who gave it to me had read the reviews (maybe she did and wanted to mock me for liking the Police).This is a completely biased look at the group and its history which, as far as I can tell, does not have a single positive comment about the group.We all know Sting is an egotist and that Andy and Stewart have flaws but it is also pretty evident that they are talented and driven musicians.Their music has made millions of people happy and become part of important moments in their lives.

Chris Campion is a "hater" or perhaps he considers himself "pure" musically and morally. He appears to think that the punk movement was the zenith of musical and political expression (a very questionable assessment of that genre).Maybe that's why his book is full of anger and negativity.In my view, it's harder to create beautiful things than to just criticize and tear down other people's work. And it was dishonest to not clearly label this is a critique or expose of The Police. Instead, Campion cashes in and exploits the hard work done by The Police and their staffs. I saw four of the reunion shows and thought they rocked.Yes, they are older but wiser and still very talented. They deserved a more fair analysis of their work and lives.

Brutally negative and mean spirited.
The author went to a lot of trouble researching this book to substantiate his character assassination of this band.It's very brutal and mean.If you'd never heard The Police you would assume by reading this book that it was about three no talent hacks who dyed their hair blonde and got lucky being represented by a money obsessed fascist manager.By association it's also about the stupid mouth breathing fans that bought into them and made them millionaires.

The author wrote a book about a band he truly hates.I suspect it's personal.Though the book seems credible from a research standpoint with a bunch of omissions and errors, it's laced through and through with negative OPINIONS.He points out negative aspects of the band's individual personalities, their body of work and attempts to make the reader feel like an idiot for enjoying their music.I don't mind the dirt, but where's the balance?Where's the love?

He sucks the joy of the music right out of the room and goes out of his way to diminish some of their best songs.The Police had their problems, shortcomings, egos, credibility issues, etc, on many levels.It goes without saying that success in the music industry is a crapshoot.The Police were lucky and worked the system, but they were also very talented.The book skips this last point.No matter how lucky you get, you get nowhere with crappy music.It also fails to mention the many successful concert tours that moved people on an emotional level and the many musicians and songwriters they influenced.

The author despises the band, the music, the management, and feels they are a fraud for jumping on the punk/reggae bandwagon.I hope he feels better now that he's worked so hard to purge all this hate.The book makes you want to put on a DVD of their 80's shows to remind yourself about the thing you loved so much about the band.This book is about jealousy and hatred for a great band.If you want artistic and musical insights go elsewhere.It ain't here.
... Read more

Product Description
The definitive guide to all things Stoney Point. Bouldering and top-roping. Area maps, schematics and action shots included. Third edition. ... Read more

Product Description
This fact-filled, accessibly written book encourages young readers to start exploring our rocky world and discover the treasures that lie beneath our feet, from fascinating fossils to precious gemstones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals
We gave this book to our grandson who is nine years old.He is currently interested in fossils and geodes and loves the book.It appears to be just right for his age. ... Read more

Product Description
Pack up your gear and get ready to go on a dig. Whether it's iron ore, dazzling gemstones, or a prehistoric creature preserved in amber, a mother lode of exciting discoveries await budding paleontologists and geologists in this informative picture book.Large and detailed full-color spreads, complemented by clear, concise text unearth the mysteries of the ground beneath our feet. Children will learn how rocks, crystals, minerals, and fossils are formed, where they are found, and how they are used.Step-by-step illustrations and captions explore such processes as the fossilization of ancient animals and plants, together with the work of the scientists who catalog and preserve them.Includes an illustrated glossary and an index to sharpen the young reader's reference skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful book for a budding geologist
This book was and is a big hit with my four-year-old.Clear, easy-to-understand text and big, bright illustrations make the book accessible to young readers.It is neatly formatted into two-page"chapters" focusing on specific topics, which makes it easy forhim to "look up" whatever he's interested in that particular day. It also has useful tips for starting a rock collection, and (important forparents) convenient ways to store said collection. I recommend this book toany parent with a child interested in any aspect of geology. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the popular comedian, known for his stand-up routines and for his role on the late-night television program, "Saturday Night Live." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chris Rock
This book is the funniest book i have ever read, when i was reading it, i could never put it down. His hilarious comic reviews on life bring the book together. I recommend this book to anyone who loves chris rock, and whoever wants a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
Combining microscopic studies and beautiful landscape photographs, this stunning and amazingly accurate guide is the perfect reference for collectors and enthusiasts to use in identifying the vast array of rocks, minerals, and fossils found throughout the world. 330 color photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantastic photos!
It's such a shame this book went out of print because the photographs in it are stunning and exactly what you need for field recognition. The big size was probably it's undoing but at second hand prices it's a great buy despite it's age.

This is the best introductory guide I've ever used.
You can throw away those rock and mineral guides you've been collecting through the years; this well-written and well-thought out guide makes them pale and obsolete. I bought this for myself, then needed another one for ayoung niece who was captivated by its straightforward style andunbelievable photos. It is clean and organized and easy to use as areference. It would also make a great text for self-education as it placesrocks and minerals in context, including photos and descriptions of famouscliffs, sills, and other geologic formations around the world. ... Read more

Product Description

Igneous Rocks looks at how igneous rocks form, change, move, evolve, erode, and are recycled around the world.
... Read more