Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core mathematical concepts – from fractions, decimals, and statistics to graphs, integers, and exponents – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

really good
this book: 1. will help you solve 80% of the math the average person will encounter in their life, 2. [and if a parent] will allow you the math knowledge to allow you to help you to help your kids with their homework until they reach that age where they are sure that your to dumb and way to old to help them, anyway, 3. [if a student] only half listen to the 'really dull' math teacher and then learn it on your own - but it will really help if you listen and study on your own.

6th Grade Math Teacher Loves This Resource
I teach both average and honors math to typical 6th grade students. I use the Cliffs Quick Review for Basic Math and Pre-Algebra in my classroom and encourage my students to purchase a copy for themselves. I find it to be a usable source for self study and review. The language and examples are useful and simple for students and parents to understand.

I also have several other Cliffs Quick Review titles for my own children. My children use the Quick Reviews for Algebra I & II, Geometry, Chemistry, and Biology. I am so pleased with the format of these books that I will purchase any of the other titles relevant to high school and college study.

This is a great book
If you have a hard time in algebra or pre-algebra, you should buy this book. To get to perform the most odd looking problems it takes basic math and pre algebra, so i suggest this as a good book

basic math and pre-algebra
this was just a good book and i have no need to write a review on it people should just read it themselfs. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core statistical concepts – from numerical measures, probability, and sampling to principles of testing, univariate inferential tests, and bivariate relationships – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent
I am taking Stat 244 after taking the first class 5 years ago. I needed a review to catch up, but I am finding that this is much more comprehensible than the textbook and the instructor. Nice and straight forward... Makes you wonder why you need to spend $80+ for a used textbook in college when you can learn it more efficiently from this little guy... THANK YOU!!!!!!

Get Cliff's Quick Review of Statistics
Cliff's Quick Review of Statistics is a good supplement
to any Stat course, and should be kept as a reference.
Good intro text. It ought to be required.

For non-quantitative concepts, presented for the layman,
get the classic "How to Lie With Statistics" by Huff.

Good condensed review
This book is a condensed review of statistics, without laborious examples. It can be used as a refresher or supplement to a more verbose introductory primer. It is perfect for a high school or a one semester introductory stats course.

Statistics Made Comfortable
One of the best summaries of basic statistics: this is how I see this brief book. It gets straight to the point without unnecessary verbiage and irrelevant exercises cooked up by authors of some enormous volumes on statistics that serve to confuse and intimidate rather than teach. This book won't give you detailed explanations of statistical concepts, but there is enough here to supply any beginner with a lot of good understanding of basic statistical techniques, and the book will give an intermediate user a nicre refresher course.

Good for a partial review
This book reviews the basics of "descriptive" statistics very well. Because of this, it is great for the intro stats student. Although it touches on regression, it does not cover the analytical areas very well.

So, if you only have that high school or one semester stats course to get through, buy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive review guide to help you refresh your study. This guide is particularly useful for midterms and final exams, condensing a semester's worth of information into one concise volume. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

thank you
thank you for the fast delivery of the book.

Great reference
This book made medical microbiology much easier. I used this book for my medical microbiology class. It is easier to understand and it cut my study time because it was to the point. I also used the following:
Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers (ISBN:0971999635)
The second book helped me prepare for the kind of questions on my medical microbiology tests. In fact, both these books helped me to get a 93 average in my medical microbiology class. I was recommended these two books from a friend of mine in another med school. He also got high grades on his medical microbiology exams.

flash cards were disorganized and hard to read
Although others seemed to enjoy this method of learning, I found the cards disorganized and hard to use with repeated sections. I felt it was a waste of $. I still earned an A in Microbiology but found the "Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple" much more helpful. Best of luck!

These flash cards are great
I'm a Microbiology Student and I use these cards every day. All the information you need to know about a certain microbe is listed on the back and a picture is on the front so you know how to identify the organism. Any nursing, nutrient, or medical student should purchase these cards - these cards will save you valued study time and you won't have to carry a heavy textbook with you - just pull out the cards you need to know and thats all you need - everything that I was tested (written or practical) was written on these cards.

When you're taught by Dr. alcamo, you stay taught.
I was a student of the author 20 years ago and his clear, concise teaching method comes across in this text. If you can believe it, after all this time,"Micro" is still one of my favorite subjects. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core algebraic concepts – from monomials, inequalities, and analytic geometry to functions and variations, roots and radicals, and word problems – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great "Review" Book
This book is the 2nd Algebra book that I bought. I am the type of person who goes beyond what is given to me. This book is a great book for review purposes. I am over half way through the year in Algebra 1 and already know how to do everything that will be taught to me by the end of the year. I have really learned a lot from these books and I will say, that this is a great book for anyone that is studying Algebra.

It Really Helps!
I have only bought this book for learning and for studying before I am gonna go back to school, but I have learn a lot from it! I really explains clearly enough so you can understand what it is talking about or you can do it after its example.

Excellent book for brushing up
This book is an excellent overview for people who may not have had any algebra for a long time, it is clear, and has very good examples and explanations. Unlike many 'learn algebra' type books, this one shows you exactly how to do the problems from start to finish. I believe you could actually teach yourself an entire semester of algebra on your own with only this book as a teacher. I highly reccomend it.

Great Transition!
I got this book recently because I needed a simple small "transition" book to review all the Algebra I had lost from taking Geometry. Well... I really like this book. It is very useful and I hope to be able to easily integrate it with the rest of all my studying materials. I really like how it has such an easy interface and is small. (to fit in small backpack pockets) For these first months of Algebra II, you guys that are too dumb to remember you basic algebra (like me), get this book. It is a great tool for reviewing even the most important sections in Algebra. Thanks Cliff Notes... you allow people to slack at all times of the year. :)

This book REALLY helps!
In school I had a hard time with exponents & terms, etc.But this book put it in english! ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core algebraic concepts – from linear equations, relations and functions, and rational expressions to radicals, quadratic systems, and factoring polynomials – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive review guide to help you refresh your study. This guide is particularly useful for midterms and final exams, condensing a semester's worth of information into one concise volume. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cliff's Quick Review Organic Chemistry I
Though thorough and accurate, it does not have any sample problems and solutions, which is part of why I purchased this book.

Helpful Basic Knowledge
This book is a great source of background information and will provide a great starting point for organic chemistry. I would suggest reading it prior to taking a course, or using it as reference. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great example of Shakespeare, yet easy enough to understand
Having studied this book for GCSE, I imagined it to be a typical example of an Old English story which was either soppy or CRAP!! However I was pleased and surprised to find that I was able to understand it with the help of notes. This play incorporates many features used in Shakespearean plays and which are woven to make this a play of murder, mystery, evil, righteousness, and love. THe author ingeniously uses our humble language so as to produce a masterpiece. The story is compelling and although it appears as a nonsensical plot it makes for great reading. The only reservation I have about this play is that the language will invariably put people off. Strive with it!!!!

A Bloody story of witchcraft and betrayal!!!!
I felt that Macbeth was the easiest to understand of all Shakespeare plays. I thought this play was based on betrayal, witchcraft, and murder. Though Macbeth committed many murders, I think his wife influenced him greatly. She poisoned the guards so Macbeth could assassinate Duncan. The witches also had a lot of influence on Macbeth. Every time he visited them they would tell him the future, what murders he would commit, and what thrones he would take. I thought that Macbeth should have prepared for Duncan's sons and friends to come back for revenge. Since he was going insane from hearing the voices and seeing the ghosts he was doomed for death. I was rather disappointed in this play compared to all of the other Shakespeare play that I've read. Although this is an exceptional book compared to "Lord of Flies". Macbeth is much more exciting.

Suits our needs
I won't even attempt to critique Shakespeare's work, as some have done here. I'm not reviewing MacBeth, but this particular version of it. As a homeschooling Mom with three highschool students, the only way we could get through Shakespeare's works is by having a copy of Shakespeare Made Easy on hand. As it is, we completed 5 plays this year - all done orally, with each of us taking several parts. While I think it's important that my kids read Shakespeare in it's original format (and they did), I had the Shakespeare Made Easy translation handy so that I could give simple, concise explanations whenever they just didn't "get it". I recommend these books for that purpose - not for the watered down versions of these classics, but to make them understandable to the average student who might otherwise find Shakespeare's works boring and a waste of time (as many students do).

Yucketh
This version is horrible. I was looking for one of those Shakespeare versions that footnoted the words and phrases you didn't understand, so you could piece together the meaning yourself. Instead, this version gives you very a very simplistic interpretation of the text, every step of the way. I wouldn't recommend this edition to anyone.

Nice translation of Macbeth
This book is a nice translation from Shakespeare's language in Macbeth to the modern easy to read language of today. As a student myself, I recommend this book to other students studying Macbeth, if they feel they do not understand exact phrases from the play. If you are already good at 'translating' the lines from the play i do not recommend this book as strongly...... but still........ it helped me a great deal with my assignments. ... Read more

Book Description

An international team of scholars offers: - modernised, easily accessible texts - ample but unobtrusive academic guidance - attention to the theatrical qualities of each play and its stage history - informative illustations, including reconstructions of early performances ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Romeo and Jueliet
Romeo and Juliet is a great tragic romance. The story is full of love, violence, passion and hate. It's an excellent epic poem in which Shakespeare tells this tragic story using a beautiful language, very poetic and lyrical. Try it, you'll never forget it.
This story is about a pair of two star-crossed lovers, which take their life in Verona. For years, the feuding of the Montagues and the Capulets has disturbed the peace of Verona.
It all began in a party in the Capulet's house in which Romeo and Juliet made their love vows, and Romeo proposed marriage to Juliet. After this marriage, everything was tragic.
Deaths and fights were constantly a problem in the two houses. So Romeo and Juliet would leave Verona to stop the quarrels, but this plan failed when Lord Capulet told Juliet to marry Paris.
Friar Laurence would make a new plan, to skip this ceremony. Juliet would pretend to be dead and afterwards, when wake up, leave Verona with her love.
This plan also failed because Romeo didn't get to know about this and killed himself when he saw Juliet lying on her grave. Juliet did the same when she saw Romeo lying beside her.
After these deaths, both families realised that hate between them caused lots of deaths. Capulet and Montague made up their quarrel. They promised not to fight again and make a golden statue about the two beautiful star-crossed lovers.

Romeo & Juliet, a beautiful love story
Romeo and Juliet are the two most known lovers created by William Shakespeare. Their love story is one to be cried for, and it really shows the true meaning of what love is. Many people have claimed and agreed it is the most sad but romantic play ever written, and it really is.
They're a pair of star crossed lovers, who fall in love at first site. Their hopeless love is denied from the very beginning: their families have an awful hatred towards each other which has been everlasting. They go through many tests for them to prove they really love each other: Romeo's best friend dying; Romeo's exile after murdering Mercutio, Juliet's cousin; and finally Romeo learning his dear lover's "death".
Although it has a tragic ending, many people say this story is actually happy, for they both die at the same time, and their love is kept together, for eternity.

Italian Lovers
This might be shakespeare's best. Its certainly more accessible than Hamlet. This doesn't really need another review at all. I write to inform the reader of another monumental book. This may be the most famous story of Italian Lovers. If you like Italy and/or love Stories, I recommend The Betrothed(I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni. Renzo and Lucia(from the book) are almost as famous as Romeo And Juliet. If Shakespeare and Leo Tolstoy ever wrote a book together, their book would look like The Betrothed. Yes, its THAT GREAT!

Boring
What a boring love story - I wasn't impressed. Bizarre plot, long tedious read.

best
best story ever made. no other.. story touches this. its true love, they wooed, feel inlove, and died for love. Isn't that what we all want? ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive review guide to help you refresh your study. This guide is particularly useful for midterms and final exams, condensing a semester's worth of information into one concise volume. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Economics Book
Good Condition, prompt arival within two days, very much appreciated.

FABULOUS!!
I bought this as a supplement for my first two semesters of Econ and I ended up using it more than my textbook!!

ATTN AP Econ and College Students
I used this book for the AP Macro and Micoeconomics exams, and I scored two 4's. I am currently taking Introduction to Economics at UC Berkeley, and this book serves as a better resource than the expensive textbook.

I got an A in UCB's Econ 1 course.

Best for CLEP TEST preparation
I used this book and CLEP official guide for microeconomics CLEP test, and passed with 92nd percentile. Highly recommended for those taking CLEP.

An excellent, concise and valuable AP tool.
This book is one I highly recommend to the Advanced Placement Economics students in my classes. It is thorough, concise, and understandable. It serves as a valuable back-up to class material and review text for the AP exam as well as in class tests. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core physiological concepts – from cells, tissues, and muscles to the immune system, the respiratory system, and the cardiovascular system – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good review
The book covers important topics in anatomy and phys succintly. However, I kept getting distracted by all of the typos in the book! If you can get past that fact that it needs to be edited, it is helpful.

Good study guide to take to the gym or errands
I found this book a good concise study guide that I could take to the gym or when I'm somewhere waiting and have a couple of extra minutes to study. It breaks down the A&P chapters to simple terms which can finally be the lightbulb you're looking for when dealing with complicated A&P topics. I got an "A" in my class, but more credit goes to the wonderful study guides [Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations by Patrick Leonardi Volume 1 & 2]. Leonardi's study guides, written by an actual professor, are chock full of questions and answers to each A&P chapter, including all of the difficult concepts. It was great because I could mess up taking his tests and know that I needed to study that area further, and not make my mistakes on the real test!! It is an invaluable guide, and while the Cliffs Quick Review is a good primer, to get really in depth, get the Leonardi books!! You won't regret it!!

Good reference for college anatomy and physiology
It's a good book and helped to cut some of my study time studying for my exams in my college A and P class. It's definitely to the point and written in a reader friendly fashion. However, I was recommended another study guide from my pre-med friends at another college which is the following: Key Facts for Anatomy and Physiology ISBN: 0971999694
This study guide helped me to prepare for the specific key facts asked on my A & P exams. It also helped me to cut my study time because it cut away a lot of the fluff in over-written textbooks. I got good grades with the help of these study guides I highly advise getting these 2 study guides.

Good Review for your A&P Class
I bought this book for my Anatomy and Physiology class. For those who are studying or have been studied this class, you know how painful it is having to memorize every single structures and substructures of anything in a human body. Well, if you have this book then at least you don't have a bad time anymore because it does the classification for you already.
To me, the materials that are covered in the A&P Cliffs Quick review is sufficiently enough for you to get a decent grade (from B to A) if you attend lectures, take notes, read your book and finally use it as a cramming tool before the exam.
Unlike other review books which tend to put too much or too little information (I have another review book from Schaum's that does not help a lot), this one actually has the exact information that my A&P professor covered in class. So now I allow myself to relax if I cannot write down everything my professor says in class.
One more cool thing about this Cliff review book that's worth your money is the author listed some websites that have review materials (free and paid) so that you can log on and challenge yourself.
I highly reccommend the Cliffs Quick Review notes on Anatomy and Physiology to all the students that are taking the class and want to have a life rather than devoting all the time to study A&P.

good reference,
This is a good summary of anatomy and physiology if you don't have time to read the textbook. It is written in an easy to understand style. It can help in learning some information. If you want to know the kind of questions asked on exams in college anatomy and physiology class, get the following which is also [available]:
Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Vol 1 ISBN: 0971999619) (Vol 2 ISBN: 0971999627). I used these three books and they helped me get an "A" in my A and P class. When my friend took an A and P class at another college, she used these 3 books and also got an "A". I rest my case. Get these three books. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core American government concepts – from the First Continental Congress and the Bill of Rights to modern political parties and economic policy – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A reader
An excellent concise review of material learned through a whole semester. I used it as my primary source in preparing for the CLEP in American Government. I passed the exam with ease. (I also used the Complete Idiot's Guide to American Goverment as a secondary source)

To the Point.
An excellent way to review the material learned through a whole semester. Easy to read and very helpfull. ... Read more

Book Description

CliffsAP English Language and Composition, 2nd Edition introduces you to the *Advanced Placement program's format and grading scale along with detailed analysis of question types and answers. It includes four full-length practice exams with full explanations for all multiple-choice answers and sample essay responses with analysis.

To really make your advanced level of study pay off, learn how to take the test in a way that will earn you the most credit. This guide to the *AP English Language and Composition Examination will help you maximize the fruits of your study.

*Advanced Placement Program and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse this product. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The most relevant prep book in the market
CliffNotes' AP English Language and Composition is most relevant, cleanest, no-jokes prep book on the market. They have five practice tests, giving you ample preparation before the actual test. The instructions and advice are neatly organized, the writing is concise and easily comprehendible, and the content is helpful and not at all superfluous. This book has great value and could help any student taking the AP English exam.

Stop lying
If I could I would give this book zero stars because it is the worste book that I have ever read in my entire life! I went through all the practice tests, studied all the literary terms and my scores on the practice test never improved. I got the same score of a 2 over and over again. Don't buy this book. It is a waste of your time.

The ONLY book you'll need
This book is definitely the only book necessary for the AP English Language and Composition exam. Especially important for the multiple choice section of the exam, is knowledge of literary term definitions. This book has a short section devoted to clear and coherent definitions of such terms. The other part of the exam consists of writing three essays. While a book cannot teach how to write, this book does an excellent job of helping the test-taker understand what the essay question is asking, and how to answer it. Each essay question is followed by sample essays, and explanations of how each was scored. This book is absolutely essential for the exam, and it helped me get a 5.

Excellent Source of Study
This book really helped me last year to get a 5 on the AP exam. The review is comprehensive, pertinent, and detailed. The practice exams are terrific - they mirror the AP exam very closely. This book gives good information and tips on the multiple choice and essay sections - the explanations and problem explanations really help you reach a new level of understanding. I highly recommend this book - it is very valuable!

Best Book for AP English Language and Composition
This book was a requirement for my AP Class last year. Throughout the year, my class worked with the book as our main tool for studying for the AP Exam. Although the sample tests are not EXACTLY like the real test, they are the closest questions in terms of type and difficulty than any other review book out there, including Barrons and the like. I highly recommend this book if you are taking the AP Eng. Lang & Comp test. Purchasing other review books in addition to this would be helpful, but purchasing any other review book INSTEAD of this one is a mistake. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core Calculus concepts – from functions, limits, and derivatives to differentials, integration, and definite integrals – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An excellent quick reference
I bought this slim little book when I was first taking Calculus in High School. It helped me immensely with learning and studying Calculus, and provided a great refresher come test time. Since then, I have sometimes needed a formula, and this manual has again been very useful. Calculus is one of those things you forget if you don't use it, and I was in danger of forgetting it when I took a Physics class which required a basic knowledge of Calculus. Thanks in part to this little book, I was able to brush up on the subject and be prepared for my class, though it has been several years since I first learned Calculus in High School and I have had little occasion to use it since.

This quick review will provide an excellent study guide for anyone, like myself, who doesn't use Calculus in everyday life but still doesn't want to forget it. It has definitely proved to be worth its weight in gold for me!

One of the Best Calculus Resources
I've been teaching myself Calculus using this book as one of my main resources for about a couple of months now and I am learning a lot from it. It may not help much if you need English explanations, but it is great if you are trying to find the bare essentials of understanding a concept or the whole Calculus, and not a whole lot of fluff.

Perfect companion for begining Calc
Get this useful little book if your learning Calc form the get go. It will hold its own in your Calc I and Calc II classes. A great supplement. ... Read more

Book Description

The Boynton/Cook editions of four of Shakespeare's most popular plays have been reissued with attractive new cover designs and printed on more opaque, easy-to-read paper. This series is specifically designed for high school classes. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Julius Caesar
This is one of Shakespeares most famous plays. I was required to read this play for school and I found that it was best when it was read aloud than when I read it too myself. It has been debated on whether Brutus or Caesar was the main character of the play and having read it i can see why. Julius Caesar is an essential role in the play as the dictator of Rome but Brutus is also a very important character. It is Brutus' internal conflict on whether or not he should betray his friend for the good of Rome that is the main subject of the beginning of the play. Also, many of Brutus' flaws like his bad judgement of character fuels the plot of the play. The lanuage is a little difficult to read but it enhances the play and the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history or wants to read a compelling classic.

Profoundly Powerful - All Hail Caesar!!!
"Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once." - Caesar

Just one of the many brilliant quotes from this powerful and enduring tragedy, which happens to be amongst my very favorite Shakespeare. How could anyone not enjoy Marc Antony swaying the weak-minded and feeble-minded plebians with his vibrant and rousing speech? Julius Caesar is unquestionably quintessential Shakespeare, a monumental work that perhaps is surpassed only by Hamlet and rivaled by Othello, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, & King Lear.

Julius Caesar teaches us about the dangers and pitfalls of ambition, jealousy, power, as well as the sacrifice for the greater good - even if it is another's life. Amongst the bood-thirsty traiotors, only Brutus genuinely believes in the assassination of Caesar for the greater good of the Republic. Julius Caesar galvanizes the brain and awakens the spirit from within with scenes such as when Marc Antony proclaims, "Cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war."
Countless amounts of quotes and passages throughout the play rank among my favorite Shakespeare. Needless to say, this book should be on the bookshelf of any and all with any semblance of intellect and enough cultivation to appreciate such superb literature.

The modern perspective following the text enlightens and should be read by anyone seeking more knowledge about this amazing tragedy and time in history. An irrepressible 5 stars.

Julius Caesar
I loved "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet" and other Shakespeare novels, so I thought that I might try a history Shakespeare had written for my advanced English class. However, I wasn't very impressed. I had thought that Shakespeare's beautiful poetry would add much needed excitement to the book, but, alas, it prevailed. However, if one does not try to interpret what Shakespeare is saying and just reads the words aloud in rhythm, it sounds so eloquent and put together. Thus, I give it three stars.

Et tu Brute? Betrayal, Power and Pride
We've all heard how great Shakespeare is, how the 'experts' say he is the undisputed King of English Literature. Many books have been written about his plays and sonnets, explaining the intricacies of his verse and the subtlety in the lines. His command of the English language is phenomenal and his works have been rightfully showered with praise. To me, however it is not Shakespeare's technical genius that draws people, rather it is his keen insight into human nature. This makes his plays still relevant in our modern age.

Some would argue about with the need to read plays that have outdated words and a style of speaking that is so foreign to our day and age. Now, I am definitely not an English scholar, but I'm pretty sure that the majority of the people that attended Shakespeare's play did not speak in the way that Shakespeare's characters do, but they still loved it not so much for the style of speaking but for the way Shakespeare was able to speak what many people had trouble grasping in their own mind. This is what made Shakespeare a genius in my opinion.

I read this play some years back and loved it then, but just recently I decided to read the play aloud with my girlfriend. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think this is the way the play was meant to be 'absorbed'; by listening to the characters speak. Find someone with whom you can read the play aloud, failing that try reading it aloud rather than in your mind, (although this is not as much fun).

Julius Ceasar, as you have no doubt divined from the other reviews is about (you guessed it) Julius Ceasar and his triumph over Pompey, and about the band of conspirators who would remove him from power. There are a lot of memorable lines in the play, which you must have heard elsewhere such as "Cowards day many times before their deaths" or the excellent passage about seizing the opportunity "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune..." Read the play to find these and many more other gems.

Julius Ceasar is a very short play; only a few pages and shouldn't take long to read. The joy from reading it outweighs whatever difficulties there may be in comprehension due to the language. I recommend this book to everyone wanting to find out why Shakespeare is the greatest playwright ever.

Roman political intrigue meets Elizabethan drama
Not much is more sensational than the assassination of a major public figure; reading Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," in which the title character is stabbed and hacked to death by half a dozen conspirators, I feel like I'm depriving myself of a thrilling theatrical spectacle that must be seen to be appreciated. It is not necessary to know much about Caesar to sense the power of the drama; the play provides just enough background and information about Caesar's personality to suggest the reason for his murder and its consequences.

In historical actuality, Caesar's murder was in some ways the pivot around which Rome transformed from a republic into an empire, and the play, which Shakespeare bases faithfully on Plutarch's histories, is ultimately about the political struggle that drives this transformation. The main conspirator against Caesar, and the one to deal him the final blow, is Brutus, who foresees nothing but tyranny if Caesar is made a king. There is something atavistic about his attitude, for he is descended from the family that was instrumental in turning the kingdom of Rome into a republic five centuries earlier.

The scenes leading up to Caesar's murder build with forceful tension. We see Brutus discussing with his co-conspirator Cassius the dangers of Caesar's ascension and Cassius's sympathetic response, the conspirators meeting at night to plan their attack on Caesar in the Capitol, Caesar's disregard of a soothsayer's prophecies of doom, and then the bloody climax, even after which the drama loses not a bit of momentum: Brutus appeals to the people (the Plebeians) that the assassination of Caesar, whom they loved and did not at all consider a potential tyrant, was only for their own good; while Mark Antony, one of Caesar's triumvirate and an eloquent orator, cajoles the people with demagogic irony into suspecting the murder happened for no reason other than malice.

Shakespeare fashions Caesar and Brutus more or less as two sides of the same denarius. Caesar is physically frail and deaf in one ear, but that doesn't preclude his triumphant success as a general and a military strategist. He is also pompous and fatuously vain -- there is nothing he fears more than to appear cowardly to his peers. Brutus is cut out of the same stock of hubris, but his motivations are purely altruistic. He loves Rome -- as a republic -- and will do anything to save it from a dictator, even kill a man he considers a friend and attempt to ally himself with foreign nations to wage a civil war against the armies of the now-empowered Roman triumvirate. Shakespeare brings all of this to light in a humanistic portrait of one of the most fascinating figures from history and his idealistic destroyer. ... Read more

Book Description

The California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) is required in California and Oregon to obtain teaching credentials. This revised edition includes a new math section, new reading composition exercises, and the latest information on required teaching credentials. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Essay Practice
Having not written anything with a pencil and paper in years, I
needed essay practice. The 16 practice essays were very helpful.

This book also had a lot of multiple choice questions.

CBEST Cliffs Test Prep #1
I went to the CBEST prep course for the people who put this book together. This book is the best book out there if you want to pass the CBEST the first time. You will get your money's worth. I have tried many books and this book was right on to the CBEST test. Good Luck All!

CBEST PREP
Dedication to the Oxford English Dictionary (aka: OED), Norman Lewis' Syntactics and Etymology, for example, as well as life-long devotion to Pythagorian Theory and Polynomials, provide undeniable essential foundations as a preparatory for the CBEST that not but one (1) or even ten (10) Study Guides can match... Lifetime devotion to diplomacy and communicative-logic skills remains foremost; not one study guide but the avid reading of many volumes of study guides that scholars recount and recommend to be critical foundations...

Good, concise prep book -- with good sample tests
I used the Clifftestprep book by Jerry Bobrow to prepare for the CBEST, which I took on June 8, 2002. I found the book to be very concise. The book reviews the things you'll need to know to take the test -- reading comprehension, math, and essay. The book gives good tips on test-taking techniques. Also, there are numerous mini-tests, and four complete (4-hour) sample tests included. I actually spent four hours one Saturday afternoon taking one of the sample tests, and it was great preparation for the real thing. As for the comment left by the previous reviewer about there being some errors and typos, I think I did find one or two typos out of 400 or 500 solid pages of text and examples, but these few minor typos were not a big deal at all, and in no way detracted from the valuable knowlege the book provided. I say, check it out.
--Mark V.
p.s. I get my results in two weeks. I hope I pass. I'm fairly confident that I did pass.

Sloppy work, full of errors
I really can't recommend this book, since there are so many errors in it. Test preparation guides should really be much more circumspect about printing errors. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master the core concepts of advanced organic chemistry -- and get the best possible grade. From biosynthesis and integrated metabolism to the molecular cloning of DNA, you get clear, jargon-free explanations of all the fundamentals, illustrated throughout with a wealth of figures and formulas. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a must for orgo students!
This book simplifies the many aspects covered in "Fessenden & Fessenden" book, and the rxn's at the end are extremely helpful to study for exams. Unfortunately, this book doesn't really get into nucleic acids, but it does a great job covering all functional groups synthesis & rxns! A key book for reference as well as explanations regarding intermediates for rxns. A+

Great Review
This was a great help to me as I prepared for my finals. The last few pages are especially helpful in summerizing the numerous reactions in organic chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a concise review before a test. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core geometry concepts – from perimeter, area, and similarity to parallel lines, geometric solids, and coordinate geometry – and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very handy little summary
After several years in a corporate engineering job, I started moonlighting as a math tutor. The Cliff's Quick Review Guides are wonderful to have in my "back pocket" when I need to quickly look something up that is covered in dust in the "archives of my brain."

A Good Start for Geometry Review
This is a helpful tool for practicing concepts of geometry, and stimulation of memory. However, it may not be helpful if you never had any experience with geometry.

A Great Review of Geometry
This review of geometry is exceptional. It is quick, simple, and easy to use. It provides access to all the common postulates and theorems of geometry. This book is designed to be read straight through as a review. In fact, it does not even have an index. Because of this, I found myself searching through the book hunting for small pieces of information. But through the use of the table of contents, I could find the desired information.
Reading this book is an excellent way to prep for any geometry midterm/final or any standardized test (ACT, PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, etc.). It helped me greatly for the SAT, and in a lot less time than studing a text book or reading SAT prep books. If you need to review geometry in a short amount of time, this is the book to get. ... Read more

Book Description

Among Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet is considered by many his masterpiece. Among actors, the role of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is considered the jewel in the crown of a triumphant theatrical career. Now Kenneth Branagh plays the leading role and co-directs a brillant ensemble performance. Three generations of legendary leading actors, many of whom first assembled for the Oscar-winning film Henry V, gather here to perform the rarely heard complete version of the play. This clear, subtly nuanced, stunning dramatization, presented by The Renaissance Theatre Company in association with Bbc Broadcasting, features such luminaries as Sir John Gielgud, Derek Jacobi, Emma Thompson and Christopher Ravenscroft. It combines a full cast with stirring music and sound effects to bring this magnificent Shakespearen classic vividly to life. Revealing new riches with each listening, this production of Hamlet is an invaluable aid for students, teachers and all true lovers of Shakespeare -- a recording to be treasured for decades to come. ... Read more

Reviews (138)

A Classic Drama that Delights Everyone
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, written by William Shakespeare, considered to be one of the best playwrights of all time, was a solid, entertaining drama. Hamlet is consistently suspenseful and full of struggle between the characters.

As a first time Shakespeare reader, I found the play challenging to read because it contains language written about four centuries ago. However, Shakespeare carefully crafted his words of prose so that every sensible person would enjoy reading it.

Hamlet is about a prince of the same name. He learns that his father, once King, had been murdered by his uncle, now the King, who, soon after his father's death, married Hamlet's mother. The ghost of King Hamlet arrives one night and wants Hamlet to revenge his father's death. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is woven with many unique characters that only Shakespeare could provide. These characters include the pathetic Polonius, the suicidal Ophelia and the ignorant and foolish Queen Gertrude. Hamlet struggles throughout the play to determine the right thing to do regarding his father's death, and how to do it.

I recommend this book to all people who love great drama. In this bold piece of literature and many of his other works, Shakespeare has the unique ability to teach many valuable and interesting lessons, some of which are comical, and some of which are serious. If you are new to the world of dramas such as Hamlet, you may soon become an addict. As you can see, Shakespeare is an amazing playwright, and I hope you have the pleasure of reading this story in the future.

The Soul of the Dane In Tortured Pain
If you're not familiar with Hamlet, a pox on you! Hamlet is the most famous failed law student in Western culture. Go see a live production. Read the play. Or get a video, or listen to an audio version. Do all four. Versions of Hamlet have been done by Laurence Olivier, Nicol Williamson, Mel Gibson, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, or the unattainable version done by Baylor University Theater in the 1950s - the film version won a world film festival in Brussels in 1957. (Yes, I know Jacobi plays the King in Branagh's version, but Jacobi himself played Hamlet - - about the time when Branagh was 15 years old. It's better than his I, Claudius.)

Hamlet, like Shakespeare's other plays, has created a huge cottage industry of scholars, actors, theaters and books. The force of Hamlet's personality dwarfs all others, however. To see a man driven mad, and while mad, feign madness, is one of the most clever story twists of world literature. The mind and heart of Hamlet has been thrown into great, tortured pain by several levers -- the death of his father, the overhasty marriage of his mother to his uncle, the usurpation of his throne by his uncle, the threat to the entire kingdom from Fortinbras, the horrifying appearance of the ghost of his father in purgatory torments, the news of the murder of his father from a supernatural phenomenon. The rejection by his lover, Orphelia, and his ensuing mistrust of her, adds nuclear fission to the fire.

You must experience Hamlet. Oh, for a true friend like Horatio!

Chasing Shakespeare, finding Hamlet
The sheer magnitude and dramatic measure of Shakespeare is never to be missed -- but it can be a challenge tackling the linguistics of sixteenth century English, especially text from the original Folio published by Applause.

For those (like me) who need a leg up, the Durband (Editor) additions of Shakespeare's work are an invaluable help. For the ambitious reader, an additional resource in cracking the code of 16th century grammar comes in the form of Adamson, Hunter, Magnusson, Thomposon, & Wales's "Reading Shakespeare's Dramatic Language, A guide." Finally, an invaluable guild to understanding not only Shakespeare but also any dramatic structure comes from David Ball's "Backwards and Forwards, A Technical Manual for Reading Plays." With all these resources firmly in hand, I chased Shakespeare, and managed, in some sense, to tackle "Hamlet," the first Shakespeare play I had ever read . . .

So what's the play about -- other than ~3-4 hours of live performance? This question actually decomposes (like Polonius: "if you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby", 4.3 (Act 4, Scene 3) into 3 questions: what's does the play "mean," what's its "theme," and what's the play "about?"

I've actually no idea what it means, and I'm not sure I understand what is meant by 'what does it mean?' so I'll let that go . . .
What are it's themes? That's easy: revenge, parental fealty, trust. Most helpful is the last question: what's the play about? I've read that constraints on the answer to this question are: it should be short, 1-2 sentences, and if you were telling it to someone who knows little about the play, it should 'draw the person in: make them want to know more,' so here goes:

Hamlet is a play about a son who pretends to lose his mind while attempting to avenge the perfect murder of his father, and he loses his own life in the process.

This isn't particularly poetic, but it does capture the basic main plot line, and it's underscores the tragic nature of Hamlet. The murder of Hamlet's father is perfect: it's takes a supernatural event to uncover the murder, i.e., the ghost of his father has to come back and tell Hamlet what happened. These are the two main events that drive the plot: the murder is perfect, and Hamlet chooses to take up the task of avenging his father with absolutely not one shred, not one bit, of evidence that Claudius killed King Hamlet.

And this is just how the play reads, how it looks to the audience: If you didn't know the story, the earliest point you might believe that the ghost really was telling the truth is Claudius' line #59, 3.1: "How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience!" And what exactly is he feeling so guilty about anyway? It is unclear, not explicitly stated (e.g., it could be guilt for marrying Hamlet's mother so quickly, which is what Hamlet is initially bummed out and angry about, and justifying the quick marriage is in part what Claudius' initial speech is all about in 1.2.) And up until 3.2, Hamlet's not even sure about the veracity of the ghost -- so he sets a 'mouse trap' ("the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king"). Up until 3.2 (at the earliest), the audience doesn't really know if Claudius murdered the king, and they only know this with certainty during Claudius's confession of the murder in 3.3.

And if the audience (and Hamlet) are not absolutely sure about Claudius until Act 3, Scene 3, what about the other characters in the play? They never know. All the way through the play, to them, Hamlet looks just like the guy he's pretending to be: someone who's coming unglued. Take out Claudius's confession in 3.3, and I don't think the audience would believe Hamlet or the ghost. To them, Hamlet would be seen as he is seen through the eyes of all the characters (except Horatio): they'd think Hamlet is crazy, and to his mother (3.4), he's ranting and raving about a murder, and yes, there is a murder, but not of King Hamlet -- it's of Polonius, and yes, there is a murderer, but not Claudius -- it's Hamlet! Killing Polonius was a BIG mistake: Claudius sends Hamlet away to England, to be killed. Hamlet, far from being a man incapable of action, is "acting" every moment, struggling with one (huge) obstacle after another . . .

Hamlet's a brilliant play, a masterpiece, though I'm not convinced it's Shakespeare's best, plot-wise -- but certainty character-wise: as Bloom so aptly puts it: it is "The Invention of the Human." Shakespeare dramatizes a man that's *almost* (not totally) paralyzed with fear and uncertainty until most of the way through Act 4 (these are his first obstacles), and one main action he takes up to the end of act 4 is trying to satisfy for himself that Claudius really did kill his father, and avoid detection that that's what he's trying to do -- by acting crazy. A great play, and a full measure of the genius of Shakespeare.

Brilliant Performance.....
This review refers to the Caedmon Audio/Full Cast Recording edition(HarperCollins) of "Hamlet"....

The first thing I need to clarify is exactly which audio edition this is. If you are on the product page with a light purple box pictured, this is the 1963, full cast recording, complete play in 5 acts, starring Paul Scofield as "Hamlet.It is not, as the audio file editorial states the one with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. And if the Scofield performance is what you'd like to hear, you are in for a real treat.(You can enlarge the product picture to see a better view of the box)

The entire cast including Diana Wynyard as Gertrude,Roland Culver as Claudius, Donald Houston as Laertes and Zena Walker as Ophelia turn in powerful performances and will captivate your imagination no matter how many versions of this brilliant play you have heard, or seen. Paul Scofield("A Man For All Seasons") is masterful as the complex Hamlet, wanting revenge for his father's death, yet torn by his own conscience.

There are so many different versions of Shakespeare's "Hamlet", and on this taped set you will find a performance worthy of his genius.It is one you will want to listen to many times and well worth the price. After listening to it at home, I now bring it with me in my car to keep me company in traffic and on long trips.

This three tape set(6 sides) has the entire play, Ronsencrantz and Guildenstern included,in five acts. The entire play runs about 3 1/2 hours, each side of the tapes running between 30 to 45 minutes. The scenes are nicely seperated by music and the sound quality remastered(1995) in Dolby B is excellent.Although the tapes are not enclosed in their own cassette cases, there are individual cardboard holders inside the box for each.

A brilliant performance that you will remember, and one we are fortunate to have on these fabulous recordings.

Enjoy...Laurie

To buy this edition or not to buy it - to buy it, I say.
My review merely glances at the New Penguin Shakespeare Edition, rather than saying anything about the famous play. This edition is well worth getting: it is cheap, small, toughly bound, & durable (so it can fit in your pocket without falling apart). Best of all though, it is extremely reader friendly, and so, with interested dedication by virtually ANY reader, Shakespeare's plays - the language, plot, etc. - can be mastered; yes, thoroughly, fluently, enjoyably grasped. How does this paricular edition so effectively enable this? Well, the edition is split into three parts: First, there is a large, plainly & elegantly written, introduction on all aspects of the play, and then there is the play itself, and finally there are textual notes, i.e., explanatory and interpretative notes on the play's text. Everything you could want on this play - except a dictionary - is bound between the covers of this sturdy little book.
Five stars for the play, five stars for the edition! ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core chemistry concepts – from atomic structure, chemical bonding, and states of matter to solutions, acids and bases, and thermodynamics — and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase – and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK
If your confused about chemistry do not get this book. The chapters do not provide enough explanation for the problems, and the examples are different and simpler than the problems it didnt help.

Should be mandatory high school reading
I wish I had this book when I was 15. Kudos to the author(s). This is also a perfect book to read front-to-back for anyone preparing to take a college course in chemistry or for anyone who needs quick review to master the basics of chemistry for an exam like the MCAT. Simple, concise. Every chapter gives you the fundamentals so that you can build a foundation for future study. Great guide for parents to buy for their kids so that get an edge on classmates. I read it in two days to refresh my memory from what I learned years ago. Key to any science -- master the basics. This book allows you to do that.

cliffs chem
this is a very good book thus far in my reading, it gives a little backround into the scientists who created such concepts and ideas like dalton, avogrado, mendeleev etc... it gives practice problems and explanations, a very nice index, and a very good reference, although im using to prepare for my honors/AP chemistry class im taking this year, and im sure i will be very prepared thanks in part to this book

The book my biology teacher made me read
This book is good for a person who likes Science, but me i dont like science to me its boring. I liked maybe one sentance of the book but otherwise I Didnt like it. ... Read more

Book Description

CliffsQuickReview™ Trigonometry mirrors the curriculum for a typical trigonometry course, which includes trigonometric functions, trigonometry of triangles, trigonometric identities, vectors, polar coordinates, and complex numbers. And, like all CliffsQuickReview books, it includes concise, focused review on introductory-level courses, tear-out pocket guide that highlights fundamental concepts, easy-to-navigate design, self-tests and exercises, resource center for recommendations for more books and more! In short, this is the ultimate supplement for studying Trigonometry – compact, portable, and crammed with everything you need to succeed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Handy Little Summary
After several years in a corporate engineering job, I started moonlighting as a math tutor. The Cliff's Quick Review Guides are wonderful to have in my "back pocket" when I need to quickly look something up that is covered in dust in the "archives of my brain."

Great series... Great book.
I'm a (returning :P) university Freshman preparing for the College Board CLEP tests. I was already familiar with the material covered in this book, but needed to refresh my memory. This review turned out to be *exactly* what I needed.

The author's ability to explain the material to the student are just shy of enlightening. The discussions & theorem proofs are written in a very concise, clear style.

I'm a big advocate of the Cliff's QuickReview series. Intended as a course supplement, these books are also *GREAT* for students wanting to refine their skills. Most of them are also very accessible to students with less familiarity on the subject; trying to learn it for the first time.

After reading this, I bought the Calculus & Differential Equations QuickReviews & I'm looking forward to reading them! ... Read more