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Rating: 
Summary: Terminal Man, nostolgic but still relevant
Review: Although the Terminal Man is a little dated (1972), it was definitely a fun book. I have worked in a university hospital most of my working life-in fact the U of M is mentioned in passing in the book-and started my career in neurology. It was fun revisiting the medical world of the 70s. Some of the tests and equipment that the character Benson underwent bring back memories. Some have changed considerably since that time, and some are no longer used. The lounging chair in which Mr Benson had air forced into his spine to enlarge and visualize his ventricles was called the pneumoenchephologram. So passe is that exam these days, that when I asked a medical student if he had ever heard of it, he was honestly puzzled by the reference . Interesting too were the "futuristic" devices that the author predicted in the book. Some of them or variants of them are in fact available now, small implantable batteries for pacemakers that can last for years for one. In other cases, what is available is actually better. At the time of the action of Terminal Man, the now ubiquitous CAT scan had only just begun to appear as cutting edge technology in it's first generation form called the ACTA scan. The MRI, if it existed at all, was probably still in experimental form if not still on the drawing board. The concept of what might more easily be described as a brain "defibrillator" which is surgically implanted to stop intractable seizures is now being attempted as a course of treatment. They have also been tried as a treatment depression. Most interesting is the notion of interfacing living tissue with computer wires to effect behavior-in Crichton's book violent behavior-is now being done successfully according to recent information in Scientific American-in the latter case muscular movement. If nothing, else, Michael Crichton captures that sense of the boundless possibilities of expanding computer technology. I think he also brings to the forefront the moral and ethical issues that are bound to arise as science moves more and more into the arena of behavior, effecting what we believe we are as human beings. As in so many of Crichton's books, disaster follows when the hubris of science attempts to control nature, and simply having good intentions is not always adequate insurance that such disasters will not occur. As we face genetically altered plants and animals, genetically altered human beings, cloning and other types of human dictated changes in nature, these issues will come up more and more frequently. How we as a society, even as a world wide species, will greatly effect the world we and our children live in the future. Amazing book; still relevant.
Rating:
Summary: Terminal Man, nostolgic but still relevant
Review: Although the Terminal Man is a little dated (1972), it was definitely a fun book. I have worked in a university hospital most of my working life-in fact the U of M is mentioned in passing in the book-and started my career in neurology. It was fun revisiting the medical world of the 70s. Some of the tests and equipment that the character Benson underwent bring back memories. Some have changed considerably since that time, and some are no longer used. The lounging chair in which Mr Benson had air forced into his spine to enlarge and visualize his ventricles was called the pneumoenchephologram. So passe is that exam these days, that when I asked a medical student if he had ever heard of it, he was honestly puzzled by the reference . Interesting too were the "futuristic" devices that the author predicted in the book. Some of them or variants of them are in fact available now, small implantable batteries for pacemakers that can last for years for one. In other cases, what is available is actually better. At the time of the action of Terminal Man, the now ubiquitous CAT scan had only just begun to appear as cutting edge technology in it's first generation form called the ACTA scan. The MRI, if it existed at all, was probably still in experimental form if not still on the drawing board. The concept of what might more easily be described as a brain "defibrillator" which is surgically implanted to stop intractable seizures is now being attempted as a course of treatment. They have also been tried as a treatment depression. Most interesting is the notion of interfacing living tissue with computer wires to effect behavior-in Crichton's book violent behavior-is now being done successfully according to recent information in Scientific American-in the latter case muscular movement. If nothing, else, Michael Crichton captures that sense of the boundless possibilities of expanding computer technology. I think he also brings to the forefront the moral and ethical issues that are bound to arise as science moves more and more into the arena of behavior, effecting what we believe we are as human beings. As in so many of Crichton's books, disaster follows when the hubris of science attempts to control nature, and simply having good intentions is not always adequate insurance that such disasters will not occur. As we face genetically altered plants and animals, genetically altered human beings, cloning and other types of human dictated changes in nature, these issues will come up more and more frequently. How we as a society, even as a world wide species, will greatly effect the world we and our children live in the future. Amazing book; still relevant.
Rating: 
Summary: Three early Crighton noverls, in one set.
Review: Depending on your own opinions on the writing of Michael Crichton, you may or may not like this set. They are good examples of the wide range of topics on which Crichton writes and his "movie" writing style. While, I am not his biggest fan, I do find his books to be fun and fast reads. The Andromeda Strain concerns microscopic spores from space that have contaminated an artificial satellite. The satellite has returned to Earth and landed in a small western town. All but two of the town's inhabitants have been killed and an investigation team of scientists has to discover a cure or treatment as well as discover why the only two survivors, a baby and a drunken old man weren't killed. Even though this novel entails many scientific ideas, it is quite simple, almost too simple at times. It was an exciting story, but throughout the whole story I was waiting for the story to unfold into the great book it 'could have' been. He just ended it with the easiest explanation imaginable. The Great Train Robbery takes you throughout the mastermind of the criminals who committed the most historic robbery ever known. Edward Pierce charms the most prominent of the well-to-do as he cunningly orchestrates the crime of the century. Who would suspect that a gentleman of breeding could mastermind the daring theft of a fortune in gold? Who could predict the consequences of making the extraordinary robbery aboard the pride of England's industrial era, the mighty steam locomotive? Based on fact, as lively as legend, and studded with all the suspense and style of a modern fiction master. If you enjoy historic fiction, mystery or suspense, chances are you will enjoy this book as well. In The Terminal Man, the story focuses on a man by the name of Harry Benson, someone who needs brain surgery to correct epileptic seizures. Yet, this is no ordinary brain surgery. This is a Category 5 brain surgery, never performed on a human before. The doctors do not know much about this type of surgery and Benson volunteered to be the test subject. Doctors Morris, Ellis, Ross, and MacPherson all attempt to place electrodes inside Harry Benson's brain. They literally turn his brain into a computer, which proves too much for Benson to handle... Like most of his other books, Crichton mixes science, medicine, and thrilling suspense into one novel. But then somewhere during the ending all the science was dropped for chase scenes, although many scenes during the end was good it just didn't get the interest that was sparked in me at the beginning.. Crichton does a good job vividly describes all the characters in the limited time he allowed for it. And like usual, he produces an exciting, movie-scripted novel. If you enjoy Michael Crichton then go out and purchase this set of books. If you have yet to read him. Buy a paper back version of one novels, and decide for yourself, whether you like his style or not. As for me, I still think his best work was his memoir "Travels."
Rating:
Summary: Three early Crighton noverls, in one set.
Review: Depending on your own opinions on the writing of Michael Crichton, you may or may not like this set. They are good examples of the wide range of topics on which Crichton writes and his "movie" writing style. While, I am not his biggest fan, I do find his books to be fun and fast reads. The Andromeda Strain concerns microscopic spores from space that have contaminated an artificial satellite. The satellite has returned to Earth and landed in a small western town. All but two of the town's inhabitants have been killed and an investigation team of scientists has to discover a cure or treatment as well as discover why the only two survivors, a baby and a drunken old man weren't killed. Even though this novel entails many scientific ideas, it is quite simple, almost too simple at times. It was an exciting story, but throughout the whole story I was waiting for the story to unfold into the great book it 'could have' been. He just ended it with the easiest explanation imaginable. The Great Train Robbery takes you throughout the mastermind of the criminals who committed the most historic robbery ever known. Edward Pierce charms the most prominent of the well-to-do as he cunningly orchestrates the crime of the century. Who would suspect that a gentleman of breeding could mastermind the daring theft of a fortune in gold? Who could predict the consequences of making the extraordinary robbery aboard the pride of England's industrial era, the mighty steam locomotive? Based on fact, as lively as legend, and studded with all the suspense and style of a modern fiction master. If you enjoy historic fiction, mystery or suspense, chances are you will enjoy this book as well. In The Terminal Man, the story focuses on a man by the name of Harry Benson, someone who needs brain surgery to correct epileptic seizures. Yet, this is no ordinary brain surgery. This is a Category 5 brain surgery, never performed on a human before. The doctors do not know much about this type of surgery and Benson volunteered to be the test subject. Doctors Morris, Ellis, Ross, and MacPherson all attempt to place electrodes inside Harry Benson's brain. They literally turn his brain into a computer, which proves too much for Benson to handle... Like most of his other books, Crichton mixes science, medicine, and thrilling suspense into one novel. But then somewhere during the ending all the science was dropped for chase scenes, although many scenes during the end was good it just didn't get the interest that was sparked in me at the beginning.. Crichton does a good job vividly describes all the characters in the limited time he allowed for it. And like usual, he produces an exciting, movie-scripted novel. If you enjoy Michael Crichton then go out and purchase this set of books. If you have yet to read him. Buy a paper back version of one novels, and decide for yourself, whether you like his style or not. As for me, I still think his best work was his memoir "Travels."
Rating:
Summary: A Very sad monkey who loves a sausage
Review: this book was pretty darn good
Rating:
Summary: Three Great Books In One
Review: This collection houses Michael Crichton's first three novels in one convenient place. The Andromeda Strain was his first book, and it is a sci-fi thriller involving a virus found in space. Also destroys the alien stereotype! It is one of the best books of modern science fiction, and is considered by many to be his best book. The Terminal Man was his second novel, and while actually being one of his weaker books, it is better than most stuff by other writers. People who don't believe that you can put computer chips in people's brains, read this book and prepare to be amazed. The Great Train Robbery is one of MC's finer works. It is set in Victorian London and involves a master criminal trying to rob a train (duh). Anyways, it is a very good book, and in it simple things like stealing a key are made exciting because of Crichton's writing style. Think Sherlock Holmes from the criminal's point of view. Buy this if you haven't read these books, but if you have then just find a Crichton you haven't read.
Rating: 
Summary: great vlue for the money
Review: This is a great bundle and with it, you save $ by buying all three. IF you haven't them I recommend reading the Great Train robbery. That one is the best out of all three.
Rating:
Summary: great vlue for the money
Review: This is a great bundle and with it, you save $ by buying all three. IF you haven't them I recommend reading the Great Train robbery. That one is the best out of all three.
Rating:
Summary: Review
Review: This is a great package comprising all of Crichton's best novels. All are packed with adventure and action!
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