Memorials Books

I haven't, as yet, read this book of Dr. Karplus', but I was one of those fortunate enough to have been a student of his, and I have most of his other books, and many binders of notes from his classes.
Dr. Karplus was one of those minds that inspired awe and humility in his students. He had an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge in so many areas and subjects that it seemed he must have spent every second reading, thinking, and integrating to have created his mind. I was so struck by his achievements, and more, by him personally, that after the last class I took from him I wrote him a letter telling him how much I admired him, and how much of an inspiration he was to me. After he got it, he called me into his office and thanked me, telling me how touched he was.

I was very saddened when I heard of his death, and I'm very glad that his colleagues got together and created this volume. Thank you, gentlemen.

I urge anyone who is interested in the subject of computer modeling and simulation to read this book, or any of Karplus' books. You can't do any better in this area.

The first essay, by Father Peter J. Powell, is titled, "They Drew from Power: An Introduction to Northern Cheyenne Ledger Book Art", and includes 5 black and white and 8 color plates as examples. The second essay, By Michael P. Malone, is titled, " Montana as a Corporate Bailiwick: An Image in History."

Edwin Heathcote continues his excellent series of books portraying noteworthy architectural marvels, this time looking at monuments and memorials to the dead. After reading two other "Builders" books ("Airport Builders" and "Church Builders") I am now three times impressed.

The first third of "Monument Builders" contains a very good description of the evolution of the "architecture of death," touching on the necropolis, various forms of ancient tombs, and the different manifestations of modernism, including expressionism, cubism and other applications pertaining to war memorials. It's a fine recounting of the history, architectural style and attitudes toward remembering the dead.

The remainder of the book focuses on specific architectural projects with several pages of text supplemented by superb photos, plan drawings and renderings in the first-rate style which typifies Mr. Heathcote's work in this series of books. In most cases, it's one monument per architect; however, an occasional pleasant deviation results in the exposition of several creations by a given architect. I reiterate: the photograpic work is incredible.

Again, true to form, Academy Editions has published a solid volume on quality paper, suitable for library or coffee table.

This book began life as the text of seventh annual Institute of Economic Affairs Hayek Memorial Lecture given by Professor Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth in June 1998.

Dr. Sacks approach was based on a debate that Hayek had proposed in 1978 on the question of "was socialism a mistake". Although the debate never took place, Hayek prepared for it by writing a manuscript which ultimately saw the light of day as "The Fatal Conceit".

Beginning from the thesis that the Fatal Conceit's essential premise eas that for the free market or extended order to emerge, a certain kind of morality needed to emerge also. He develops his argument through a scholarly exegesis beforeutimately arriving at a conclusion that the free market has gone too far such that in effect it has become it's own morality and morals/ethics have been subordinated.

This conclusion is challenged by the the three commentators who were asked to write in response due to the reception received by the lecture. Dr. Sacks was also asked to write a rejoinder.

Norman Barry contends, if I understand him correctly, that markets bring about change and that morality must be adaptive and flexible. Thus the issue is not one of no morality but is one of the changing rules which come about ultimately because markets do not have a life of their own. They a rise through the interaction of people in a social process.

Robert Davidson looks at the role of traditions in religion and the necessity to test them against the reality of the world. In another illuminating passage he refers to the division of labor within society and argues that theologians have a role in giving people a vision of hope.

Michael Novak, takes a different approach by looking at what the world owes to Judaism, articulating the notion that it, as Christianity, is not a monolithic tradition.

In his rejoinder, Dr. Sacks takes the opportunity to clarify his position. He argues that he is not against markets, per se, but that he is against the extension of markets into all aspects of life. He fears that such extension will result in social disaster and makes the case that markets and the free society can only succeed within a strong moral framework.

The lecture was described as stimulating. After reading this collection there is clearly much food for thought. In this excellent little book there is much for all of us to think about.

Highly commended for everyone.

Gilbert Fite's "Mt Rushmore," (1952), like the great monument, is a superb piece of work and lives up to Professor Herbert T. Hoover's description of it, (to me), as the best on the subject.

I have read two new excellent books this year on the monument ('Mt Rushmore:An Icon Reconsidered' By Jesse Larner, and 'Great White Fathers' by John Taliaferro) but I agree with Hoover that Fite's work, now over half a century old, is still the best, in regard to the politics and construction of the 'Shrine of Democracy.'

Professor Fite, a South Dakotan historian now retired in Arkansas,has an easy and engaging style of writing that appeals to the general reader, as well as obvious research abilities that make him repected by his peers.

He brings to life the major players behind the creation of Rushmore monument: Doane Robinson, the lawyer turned- visionary historian who dared to dream of a great monument; Gutzon Borglum the brilliant but irascible sculptor who created something unique for the national memory; the able administrator John Boland whose financial skills were essential for success as was his humility and ability to withstand the bile and denigration of Borglum; and the political skills of Congressmen William Williamson, Francis Case and, in particular, Senator Peter Norbeck, arguably South Dakota's greatest senator and governor whose name is forever connected with the best in conservation principles.

Fite's description of Norbeck's Iron Mountain Road as ensuring the most spectacular framing, or telescoping, of Mt Rushmore by the use of three different tunnels is spot on and brought back warm personal memories of my visit in October 2001. This road plus the earlier Needles highway,together with Custer State Park and game sanctuary remain Norbeck's monument.

There are some great photos of the the early work at Rushmore and of most of the men mentioned above, including my favourite of Doane Robinson, taken in his later years. It seems to epitomise the author's description of him as "mild and even tempered" and reflects why "through the years South Dakotans had come to love and respect Doane Robinson."

Fite is understandably tough on Borglum, who could be very unfair to people who disagreed with his views, while recognising his genius,(although Taliaferro's book goes into greater biographical detail of the sculptor, his family and Ku Klux Klan background), and chronicles the financial and political struggles of the project as well as the dissenting voices to the monument.

Mt Rushmore is indeed a place to reflect, in a dramatic setting-a monument for the ages, representing the greatness and best traditions of America. However, it should also be mentioned it has been created on stolen land and the two newer books mentioned, as you would expect 50 years on, do detail Indian perspectives and grievances, and the other notable events in the history of Rushmore, since Fite's work was produced.

However, as I write this review on the second anniversary of an evil and barbarous terrorist act, it is worth reflecting on that the men of Rushmore were essentially builders-unlike the wreckers and destroyers of the Taliban whose contribution to history was to smash the great Budhist statues of antiquity because they were not monuments of their faith.

Like Mt Rushmore, Professor Fite's book is well constructed and makes us think of peoples and values of worth. Highly recommended.

This book explains everything concerning Mount Rushmore. The people[visionaries]who decided to build the monument, and why it was built. It also explains of the situations the builders went through for this dream to happen. Everything is explained in great detail. The book has many photographs. The book is really good. I recommendt this book to all who want to know about this great historical monument.

Journalism and literature teacher M.J. Brett presents Mutti's War, a historical novel based on the true events in the life of a German mother forced to smuggle her three small boys out of East Prussia when the Russians surrounded it in 1944. Her transformation from a privileged German wife and mother who unquestioningly trusted her husband to make all decisions for the family to a courageous survivor risking all in a trek across war-torn Europe to keep herself and her children alive and find her missing husband is told with fluid dialogue and heart-rending detail. A vivid, unforgettable story of courage and determination.

This book brings together the best thinkers on the National Mall. Their fresh insights on the history, current status, and future possibilities for this sacred ground are worthy of many readers' attention. Moreover, it must be read and understood by members of Congress and agency heads who should be thinking about the next logical steps to save and improve on the Mall.

The New American Ephemeris for the 20th Century is an awesome tome. This book of the 20th century planetary positions takes things to the next logical step and modernizes the work of Neil Michelsen who began the calculations for these Ephemerides back in the late 1970's. If Neil were alive, I believe he would have continually improved his ephemerides. Instead, Rique Pottenger has taken up the standard and added much indispensable information (including new planet Eris positions!)and increased mathematical accuracy for modern astrologers to do their finest work. Thank you for this excellent reference book Rique, and all who worked painstakingly to produce it for us.

To rebuild New York City after the effects of 9/11/01 and the slugged (not sluggish, but really slugged) economy, we need the advice of someone who knows both the history and dynamics of New York City inside out. Mr. Mike Wallace is one of the few people who knows both and he has published a small book which should go a long way to save NYC from any more damage, and help it get back to the prestigious position it deserves. Mr. Wallace argues the case that the Federal Government must intervene on NY's behalf on a scale as great as FDR's WPA program. While such Federal intervention is hated by Wall Street and rural America alike, the book reasons that no other institution has the resources AND THE OBLIGATION to help America's greatest city. I am oversimplifying terribly the argument that Mr. Wallace puts forth, and there are a couple of arguments which seem to be a little too candy-coated. Still, I urge everyone to please pick up this book and decide for yourself. My only hope is that the people who can lead this charge (Mayor Bloomberg, Gov. Patkai, Senators Schumer and Clinton, President Bush) will be brave enough to do so. This is the time for courage.