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View Full Version : Who was Fred Neff? (author)



John Lindsey
21st July 2000, 20:13
<center>http://www.e-budo.com/pics/neff.jpg</center>

Saw this on Ebay but I never heard of this book or the author.

Joseph Svinth
22nd July 2000, 07:53
Check http://www.amazon.com . This is what appears about his historical juvenile book, "Great Puzzles of History."

Except for the brief references in its who Discovered America chapter, this volume focuses exclusively on controversial figures in European history, including Princess Anastasia, Rudolf Hess, Robin Hood, and King Arthur. Regrettably, awkward wording and excessive speculation cripple this historical study. Black-and-white reproductions of photographs and artwork accompany each chapter. Bib. -- Copyright © 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

The books listed tend to focus on the juvenile market, and I would assume his "awkward wording and excessive speculation" apply here, too. Half his books are out of print, but the kids who read them and write to Amazon seem to like them. Adults, however, often have different views. See, for example, the review of his book on commando methods.

His publisher blurb reads:

Fred Neff started his training in Asian fighting arts at the age of eight. In 1974, Mr. Neff received a rank of fifth degree black belt in karate. In the same year he was made master of the art of kempo at a formal ceremony. He is also proficient in judo, ju-jutsu and certain methods of chuan-fa. Mr. Neff's study of East Asian culture has taken him to Hong Kong, Japan, The People's Republic of China and Singapore. For many years, Mr. Neff has used his knowledge to educate others. He has taught karate at the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, and Inver Hills Community College. He has also organized and supervised self defense classes for special education programs, public schools, private institutions, and city recreation departments. Included in his teaching program have been classes for law enforcement officers. He has received many rewards for his accomplishments and community involvement, including the City of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award in 1975, WCCO Radio Good Neighbor Award in 1985, and the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1990. He is the author of 19 books including Everybody's Self-Defense, Lessons From The Western Warriors, Lessons From the Eastern Warriors, Lessons From The Fighting Commandos, Lessons From The Samurai, Lessons From The Art Of Kempo, Lessons From The Japanese Masters, Basic Karate, Self-Protection Guidebook For Girls and Women and Keeping Fit.

None of his books are listed in the Library of Congress, so I can't tell you when he was age 8, or how old he was when he achieved his 5-dan grading in karate.

Ken Allgeier
26th July 2000, 03:25
Maybe Fred Neff was a dojo mate of grandmaster Dr. soke Irving Soto?





ken allgeier

ghp
26th July 2000, 04:24
"Neff" said!