Fundamentals (DVD)

Advantages: Superb return to form, sublime production and insightful lyrics
Disadvantages: Poltically may alienate some, not bleeding edge

...Fundamental by the Pet Shop Boys was released in May 2006 and is probably their most overtly political album yet. The title itself sets out their outlook and almost certainly refers to fundamentalism, particularly in the American approach to world management. It is also a return to form after a couple of somewhat lacklustre albums but sadly didn't quite set the charts alight on release. Although it peaked in the UK album charts at number 5, it wasn't around too long and the singles didn't make a huge dent apart from the first one, "I'm With Stupid" Sound wise, the welcome return of producer Trevor Horn has a slightly retro effect and it sounds in many ways like their first couple of albums but with a sheen that shows how their craft has developed over the years plus of course the sort of orchestral additions that Trevor Horn is... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Read it, and you'll know all there is about engines
Disadvantages: A bit too heavy for some beginners

...as the title says, it gives you the fundamentals of motor vehicles, the basic principles that all modern cars are based and operate on. However, if you are already very familiar with the mechanical basics and want to expand on the electronics side, I'd really recommend books 2 or 3, which concentrate on Powertrain Electronics and Chassis and Body Electronics respectively. The only criticism that I have of this book is that sometimes it goes a bit too in depth for people who are new to mechanics. There is so much information that sometimes it is difficult to process it all. For that reason I would recommend that 16yr olds leaving school to become mechanics apprentices try this book AFTER reading a different introductory book to mechanics. Similarly for people who just want to know more about cars, work your way up to this book. It... Read review

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Advantages: fantastic guide, brilliant in depth explainations very thorough
Disadvantages: none!

...I am aspiring Motorsport engineering undergraduate and i have found Hilliers book of fundamentals of motor vehicle technology (part one) priceless in teaching me about the anatomy of a car. It gives in excellent detail everything my inquiring mind has needed in the build up to my course. It begins with the very basics reasoning why chassis are like they are, why the drive is at the back in most cars, why steering is only for front wheels etc, and leads very well into more complex components. It explains in leyman's terms and builds up vocab and technical ability as you go through, very thorough and very well written book which covers the following chapters in very very good detail, with a vast range of components and concepts explained: Chapter One: Vehicle evolution, structure and layout Chapter Two: Engines Chapter Three... Read review

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