detail to understand hOlr the effect could be constructed. There is also little discussion of different options on how to accomplish a desired effect. For a book that seems to include so much beginner information, it is surprising that nowhere within the discussion of curtain tracks is there a mention of trareler tracks or hOlr to rig them. Only one type of tripped drop is mentioned. one method of swaging a drape, and the cO\'erage of fl)ing only discusses single point pickup lines. Yet the author briefly touches on advanced technology such as animatronics. The section on sound is a very good source of information for someone \rho is designing a ne\r sound system. [nfornll1ately, little time is spent on actual sound effects in this chapter. This author spends the majority of this section on choosing equipment rather than giving inside secrets of sound effects. There is also little discussion of the older mechanical sound effects which used to be the prOlince of the props master. The special effects section does have a fairly thorough discussion of scenic fog choices and contains one of the most informatire discussions of silk fire effects we have run across. The torch section also has an appreciable amount of information on different techniques and discusses why a technician would choose one over another. These e:\amples could have been e:\cellent models for the rest of the book, but the multiauthor nalllre of the te:\t seems to have precluded that possibility. Many basic stagecraft te:\ts contain as much instruction on the construction and materials involved in th e creation of special effects. The only effects described \vith any detail are ones which the authors have devised for their own theatrical endeavors. E\'en these descriptions could hare been enhanced with technical drawings. schematics and materials lists. There are some e:\cellent colored production photos of effects in performance, but these photos don't shorr the construction and rigging of the effect. Occasionally some useful tips can be gleaned from tlus book such as safety precautions, the necessity of multi-departmental collaboration in creating an effect, and the selection of sound equipment. However, these useful offerings are few and far between. What secrets the authors do provide are the sort already commonly knOlm and not the veteran's secrets that we would hope from a book with tlus title. The authors seem to have tried to take a nuddle ground somewhere between reference guide and coffee table book and so accomplish neither objective very \rell. This failure to choose an audience of either laymen or theater techlucians coupled with inadequate detail and a linuted effects list effectively prevents tlus book from beconung a centralized information source on theatre effects. Reviewed by R. A. \aversen and Tracy Fitch, Unirersity of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale ESTA'5 TECHNICAL STANDARDS PROGRAM RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ETHERNET CABLING SYSTEMS IN ENTERTAINMENT LIGHTING ApPLICATIONS INTRODUCTION TO MODERN ATMOSPHERIC EFFECTS STANDARD FOR CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF WIRE ROPE LADDERS Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications is an important and handy document for installers and end-users of lighting equipment. It clearly lays out how the Ethernet networks used in modern lighting systems need to be designed and installed to as me reliable performance. Introduction to Modem Atmospheric Effects is an informative booklet about current fog-making technologies and their safe and responsible use. This booklet gives a factual presentation of CllITent and popular atmospheric effects including heated fogs. cryogenic fogs and mechanical fogs. Standard for Construction and Use of Wire Rope Ladders describes the minimum specifications for a safe wire rope ladder. and also advises how to Lise one safely. All titles are available through Broadway Press. To order call 800-869-6372 or 502-426-1211. TD&T F ALL 1 9 9 6 63