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Reading these reviews leads me immediately to the realisation that this work may possibly be little better than plagiarism. Siméon-Denis Poisson first examined the statistical modelling of low-probability events in 1838, within a much wider corpus of scientific research in pure and applied natural and social sciences. One immediate conclusion is that the probability of low-odds events occurring (where there is no impedement to frequent possible events) is much higher than normal binomial probability suggests. As this is the heart of Taleb's thesis, he's at best reinvented the wheel.
On the basis of his introduction, examining the work of Umberto Eco, I suspect he falls into a trap of his own pretentiousness, insofar as Professor Eco sometimes espouses hermetic doctrines in his fictional works established long before our days by the Vatican and other similar bodies. His is not the work of a freelance research student, but of an acolyte, affirmed by his other publications of a non-fictional character, displaying the formation of his mentation. It is not therefore appropriate to suggest that there is much of a serendipitous nature about his well-researched, yet doctrinally conformist, theses, and that disables Taleb's first shuffle.
I therefore conclude that as both foundations to his thesis, namely his starting point and the incremental progression thenceforward, appear to be weak, this may not arrive at any logically coherent conclusions at all. Those of a religious disposition might choose to develop that objection further, insofar as the inexplicable Poisson anomaly has sometimes been argued as a scientifically-rigourous case for a non-bounded ontological eidos (or in plain language, "there are more things in heaven and earth, Nicholas, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."), but each to his own: at the very least, he is not doing fresh research by a very long way, as this was very old hat in our market modelling in the 1980s.

I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn Monroe), and Spartacus [1960] (with Kirk Douglas). I found the book less interesting as it moves into the late years of his life but overall this should be of interest to Curtis fans and fans of the old Hollywood. For more great reading on the end of Hollywood's heyday do try "Misfits Country" Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable brought to life!

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.

This book has made me start to enjoy cooking! No longer the look of bewilderment when trying to cook a decent meal. The instructions are easy to follow, the pictures are a boost! I have her other book, Indian every day which does not have as many photos of the final result.

I have also had great service from shopping with the online retailers for all the ingredients. So simple. The resulting food is truly delicious. Such delicate and yet again tasteful flavours. I can not recommend enough

I have often been critical of Iggulden's work - especially this recent series. However, that criticism has been stopped dead in its tracks. This is a stunning book, and perhaps one of the best I've ever read.

Iggulden has finally worked out what he is so good at - describing battles in a breathless and uncompromising fashion. Most of this book is a series of tremedous battles/sieges - and when he does come out of this, he keeps the less interesting interludes brief and concise. One teeny observation which does annoy me - his total fixation with one word - "wince". Surely he can find a substitute for it!

As I have said before, Iggulden will never be a writer of great sophistication, nor will he be a conveyor of intricate plotting or characterisation, however, if he sticks to what he does best - like he does so well in this book - he will continue to be a great success.

I bought this book and was really happy that I had. It isn't full of glossy photos but it has lots of information and really tells you what you need to know to get growing. I would recommend this to anyone who wants no nonsense information.

Please dont let him write another. Great Britain has the worlds greatest authors.
Anthony Horowitz; Alex Rider, Jason Steed, Ravens Gate, Necropolis.
Joe Craig: Jimmy Coates.
Robert Muchamore: Cherub.
All three authors have proved themselves as being the best teen spy writers not only in the country but the world.
Joe Craig who brought us Jimmy Coates is also the couson of James Bond Actor Daniel Crag.
Yet we have comedian Charlie Higson and part time author writing the young adventures of the great fictional character in the world.

By Royal Command is slows. and has James out of character, fleeing the country. The chapters are slow and boring in places.
When the wolrd is reading books by Anthony Horowitz and Stephenie Meyers this is a let down. Take the James Bond name away and you have nothing. I can see why they have not made a film on the series yet made a film about Alex Rider and are going to make a film on the Cherub series.

We simply refer to this book as 'The Food Bible'. I have used it constantly since starting to wean my daughter. She is now over one and I'm still getting my money's worth out of it. Some of the recipes have become family favourites! Simple, practical recipes which are tasty, what more could you ask. I found I picked about 5 or 6 from each age range and kept cooking batches, adapting to suit what i had in the cupboard, and to my daughters changing tastes. Good practical advice and a great starting point for weaning and cooking for a family.

I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!