Washington Books

This is a great book about the rich history of Washington Irving High School located in Clarksburg West Virginia.It is highly recommended!!

This is a great book about the rich history of Washington Irving High School located in Clarksburg West Virginia.It is highly recommended!!

This is a great book about the rich history of Washington Irving High School located in Clarksburg West Virginia.It is highly recommended!!

Hair of the Dog is an immensely interesting tale of the life of an American translator aboard Soviet fishing trawlers during a Joint-Venture in the late 1980s. The story gives insight into the lives of the Soviets and how they lived with constant observation by the political commissars and KGB agents while working alongside the Americans. The friendships formed by the author and the experiences she had as both a translator and representative of America were solid and left me wishing I could have joined her out at sea. The story flows well and was an extremely easy read for anyone interested in Russia, the Soviet Union and the people of both great countries.

She gave a detailed of how the journey would go through out the ship voyage and gives reader a great idea of how brave she was on the ship. This book does not only show the readers that even you only spend most of the time on the ship that you can still have fun and this a once a life time experience. You can imagine how people who sail or working on the ship most of the time, and how they spent their time. It's a great and fuuny book and gives me a imagination of how her journey is.

This is a special book and a very enjoyable read. Oakley perservered in getting it published and we are all the beneficiaries. Give yourself a treat and get a glimpse of US-Soviet relations that few Americans have witnessed. This book is not just a factual account of life at sea; it is a view into the Russian soul and psyche. You will not regret it.

Broughton's book is a collection of almost 40 stories of people who helped develop aviation in the U.S. You'll only recognize a few names (EAA's Paul Poberezny among them), but they are a mix of men and women who were there when great events happened. One helped Wilbur and Orville Wright in early test flights; unaware of what was happening, one was flying a mission nearby when Nagasaki was devastated by the atomic bomb; several tell details of experiences as fighter pilots.

Broughton's book doesn't have a theme or direction -- it simply tries to bring out the most-significant accomplishments of each flyer's life. It starts with the early days of flight, progresses through time and ends with a story of space flight and one from the Vietnam War.

This book tells the story of real pioneers in the field of piloting. Some of their experiences would shock today's pilots. Without the dash and daring of these pilots we wouldn't be where we are today in the diverse fields of aviation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Irv Broughton's HANGAR TALK. His interviews with pilots from the early days of flight to those involved in the gulf war conflict provide a fascinating oral history of flight. Broughton has written a brief reflection on each pilot's life and significance to flight, followed by a series of inquisitive questions that allow the pilots to reflect back on their adventurous lives. What was especially enjoyable about this book was reading about the many facets of aviation. The early barnstormers daring willingness to land their planes almost anywhere has always amazed me. There aren't many people left who witnessed the beginning of flight and the early developments. HANGAR TALK has interviews with pilots whose roots go back to the earliest pioneers of flight. Interviews with crop dusters, bush pilots, and experimental aircraft designer/pilots are also included. Of course, pilots involved in the wars provide a higher percentage of the drama in this book. Many stories of combat flying and flying related to the military portray the courage of those that served our country. This is a book about extraordinary people, many who influenced the development of flight. I highly recommend this book to all interested in aviation.

I recently picked up this book - Wow guide - North Cascades.

In addition to exploring the outdoors I seem to collect guide books and I have to say "Thanks! to the authors. The attention to detail and the writing from an actual experience of personally being there comes through.

This book just happens to cover the area I call my backyard. Having been on most of these trails, I can tell you that little advice like... "at 2.5 mi you might notice a faint trail beginning to countour right (northeast). Ignore it. It goes to....." really makes a difference.

I have been in the outdoor industry for most of my life, either in the field or behind the scenes helping others get out there. So I have an appreciation for accurate and grounded information.

Going to the North Cascades (America's Alps)? There are hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, and everyone has limited time to spend hiking. The authors take an opinionated approach about which hikes are the best - because they have the best views, get you up and out of the forest, and otherwise have a lot to offer. Most of the hikes are in Washington, in and around North Cascades National Park, but a few are in Canada.

I didn't know this book existed when I went up to the area, and I was surprised at how useful it was. I had a week to go hiking, and all of the hikes that I did from the book were spectacular. The authors make a great balance of telling you what to expect without giving the whole hike away. The book has amazing color photos for each hike, and simple maps, elevation gains, topo map suggestions, etc. Each hike review is separated into opinion and fact, which makes for easy reading.

I wish the authors could write books like this for all the major hiking areas of the country - it would have saved me a lot of not-so-memorable hikes. I look forward to their upcoming Utah hiking book. One thing to note is that most of the hikes are fairly serious endeavors, even the day hikes. If you also enjoy doing easier hikes, you will have to purchase another guidebook, or rely on park information.

Craig and Kathy have updated their opinionated prior work "Don't Waste Your Time in the North Cascades" and have done a spectacular job again. I wanted to wait to write this review until I had the opportunity to use the book during a recent extended backpacking trip to the North Cascades, and wasn't disappointed in the quality or accuracy of this guidebook and the opinions expressed by Craig and Kathy Copeland.

I agree with their approach. I flew 3,000 miles to backpack in the Glacier Peak Wilderness with my 23 year old son, and didn't want to have a second-rate experience of slogging through uninspiring stuff to get to the "WOW" stuff. So this book was a big plus.

It all depends on what you want. Yes, the entire wilderness is wonderful. Yes, it can be appreciated regardless of whether the scenery is spectacular. But spectacular makes me shiver with excitement, and while I don't mind working for it (and working hard, too!), I definitely want the WOW. If you want this type of mountain experience, then get this book.

By the way, I also purchased the MP3 on their website about bears which is a must download. Their thoughts on water purifying technology and trekking poles are also invaluable for those unfamiliar with such topics.

So, if you are planning a day trip or backpacking trip to one of the places the Copelands write about, and you want to maximize your experience...then buy their books and enjoy.

Hiking Washington's Geology is a well-written, informative book that describes the geologic evolution of a wide and varied landscape. I especially appreciate the detailed directions on how to get to the trailheads and equally detailed descriptions of things to look for while hiking. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the geologic natural history of Washington....

This is an excellent read! The book highlighted some outstanding hikes and I learned lots about the interesting geology of the PNW. This book is a must for any hiker in Washington!!

This is a great book outlining interesting geology in Washington State, and offers suggestions of which hikes should be done.

The author was himself an expert in number theory and modern algebra (as it was) in his day. These volumes were published in 1919-23 so don't expect the latest results. In fact, the terminology won't even be the same since much of the theory has undergone a great deal of mollycoddling and reformulation...publish or perish, you know.

If you plan to do original research in the theory of numbers, these volumes are a must (even with the heavy price tag). Why? There is so much work constantly being done, results are often lost with time - what seems like something new is probably not. Like the constant rediscovery of Bernoulli and Striling numbers.

The volumes are probably not what you expect. They're really just a large annotated bibliography without detailed proofs or much immediate historic motivation (long-term history is the over-riding theme). Dickson catalogs near-misses as well as sometime pointless generalizations, so the text is not all meat. (Perhaps he's being more journalist here, than editor). In fact, it can become quite tiresome. You may be content to read these in a library, as any results will probably require you to look up the original source for more details. You'd better take notes and write down the page numbers while perusing. It's hard to find your way back, so many papers, so many authors, and the index is not optimal.

Andre Weil's "Number Theory: An approach through history" is a more literary and biographical account, but less comprehensive in the excruciating details.

5 stars for being an indispensable reference (if only for the historically-minded). Not without shortcomings.

"History of the Theory of Numbers" is a quite unusual type of reference/history book.

Rather than list entries in alphabetical order or in a strictly chronological order, "History of the Theory of Numbers" lists a very large number of important discoveries in number theory by topic in chronological order. Although the book will not enable a novice to understand most concepts within the field of number theory, the amount of detail it gives about how knowledge in such fields as prime and perfect numbers evolved in the centuries up to its publication in 1923 is quite remarkable.

Where else can you find the name of the man who proved 1111111111111111111 (nineteen ones) to be prime - and see that remarkably there was no attempt to test it for primality even when mathematicians of the calibre of Lucas could prove it had almost certainly had not factor? Where else can you find the factor of (2^53-1)? I could list so many other facts in number theory that would surprise even those with the experience I have studying prime and other famous numbers like perfect and multiply perfect ones.

Although using it can seem awkward at first, for those with a reasonable knowledge of number theory, "History of the Theory of Numbers" should become easy after a few reads as it is structured very logically.

All in all, even if not for the beginner, this is one of the best reference mathematics books you will ever find.

This long book is sort of the equivalent of an extremely long review paper, with innumerable references. It is the only work of its kind on Theory of Numbers. Written in the early 1920s, it is still the only place where one can find information on who did what in various topics of number theory, and many of those topics are still fertile ground for further research. So if one wants to do research on any topic in theory of numbers, or on related aspects of algebra, topology, Ramsey Theory, theory of graphs, etc. one *must* have Dickson's book handy. It's expensive; if you're lucky, a colleague or your departmental library may have a copy handy for you, but if not, go ahead and spend the money to buy it. It has been of great use to me.

Mr. Magocsi's "History of Ukraine" often takes a second billing to Mr. Subtelny's "Ukraine: A History" - and I think, unfairly. Both have a lot to offer, and frankly, no passionate student of Ukrainain history should choose one over the other. He or she should get both. A wealth of information, and first rate scholarship are impressive. Mr. Magocsi has done a first rate job. Mychajlo Hrushevsky would approve of both, and we should too.

From pre-history to Independence in 1991, this book surveys the history of Ukraine and its people. It is unique in not only portraying the history of the Ukrainian people but also includes the other peoples who live or have lived in the land now known as Ukraine.

The organization of the book is chronological with 49 chapters divided into ten parts. Each part covers a significant period in Ukrainian history: Pre-Kievan Times; the Kievan Period; the Lithuanian-Polish Period; the Cossack State; the Hetmanate; Ukraine in the Russian Empire; Ukraine in the Austrian Empire; World War I; the Interwar Years; and, World War II & the Postwar Years. Forty-two black-and-white maps help illustrate the concepts described in the text. Also included are thirty-six textual inserts which provide lengthy quotes of important documents. Sometimes these feel redundant because the author has described so well the events highlighted by the inserted texts.

For readers to whom 700 pages of Ukrainian history is not enough and who want to learn more about specific events or periods described in this book, Magocsi provides a forty page bibliographic essay called: For Further Reading. One of the great stumbling blocks for English-speaking readers who want to learn Ukrainian history is the fact that so many Ukrainian sources have not been translated. A great feature of this bibliography is that the vast majority of the works listed are in English.

Ukrainian history is complex. This book, although daunting to read because of its size and depth of coverage, can help the student of Ukrainian history untangle the puzzles of Ukraine and its people. It is a great reference work that belongs in the library of anyone interested in the subject.

A beautifully written history of outstanding excellence. I have found it most helpful. Professor Magocsi is to be commended on a another success.

As a person about to re-enter the world of academia in the pursuit of a masters degree in political sociology, I picked up this book as a means of refreshing the basics. The title intrigued me as a fan of Jimmy Stewart and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I hold a BA in both political science and sociology, and loved every minute of it!
I find that this collection of works would be well suited to many disciplines; be it political science, sociology, communications, or journalism. Each element of the political process is covered, from the offical institutions (executive, legislative, & judicairy) to the unoffical (media, lobbyists, and interest groups). Sources are as diverse as Democracy in America, The Federalist Papers, The Colbert Report, and of course, The Simpsons. As the first reviewer also noted, there is no need to be familiar with any or all of the "pop culture" references, because each author uses simple explanations and day-to-day analogies.
Homer Simpson Goes to Washington is a perfect example of its own thesis; a combination of education and entertainment!

I purchased "Homer Simpson Goes To Washington" on the recommendation of a friend and I am very pleased that I did so. While I studied politics in college it has been a few years so the book was like a fun refresher course on media and government. There is no denying the two topics are linked and the goal of this book is to show that the connection has a positive place in our democratic society.

The book is written in essay form by multiple authors which makes you feel as if you are receiving the highlights of each author's knowledge. As with all books, some sections really stand out though the book as a whole reads very well. It of course makes liberal use of references to popular television shows, news shows, music and movies. I would be lying if I said I recognized all the references made to `pop culture' however the many authors did a great job of always getting their point across. Not once did I feel I missed the knowledge they were trying to share just because I had never watched the TV show or movie.

All and all this is a great book that covers an interesting and timely topic. It is not so overly intellectual that it talks down to the reader or makes you feel as if you are missing the point of the author's arguments. While the majority of people will talk about the melting of politics and entertainment (for good and bad depending on your view) this book provides actual, documented proof of how the general population is exposed everyday to this phenomenon. The fact of the mater is most people are moved in someway by the shows they watch and the music they listen to. We know our environments influence us so we should try to more deeply understand what those forces are and how they can change us. I know I will watch a little more closely movies and TV shows that mix politics into their storylines and one-liners. It is not a negative that entertainment teaches people, after all as "Homer Simpson Goes To Washington" points out laughter can be a great teacher and the starting point to very serious conversations about our government.

This book contains an interesting and entertaining collection of essays that attempt to explore core concepts and questions in American government and politics through popular culture artifacts like "The Simpsons", "Chappelle's Show", "V for Vendetta", "Thank You for Smoking", "24", "The Daily Show" and more. Each chapter focuses on a particular element of politics ranging from political thought and culture to the presidency and Congress to ethical questions surrounding "enhanced interrogation techniques," and explains that using familiar examples from politically relevant shows, movies and music. The book got a good review from Publisher's Weekly and The New York Post, so I thought I would check it out. I was not disappointed. Although written by scholars in political science, philosophy, music, English, the law, history and cultural studies, this book is designed to be accessible to a casual observer of politics (or fans who are looking to thinking about their favorites tv shows or movies in a different light). Each author is mostly successful at achieving this goal, which makes this a good entrance into the study of American government and politics. Some of the more interesting issues raised were competing versions of the American dream as shown in The Simpsons, foundations for American political thought and the Declaration of Independence through "V for Vendetta," heroic images of the presidency in "The West Wing," racial and economic biases in the legal system using "Chappelle's Show," and critiques of pluralist democracy and interest group politics using the political satire "Thank You for Smoking." Readers may not be enthusiastic about every chapter contained in this book, but there is certainly enough there to keep almost anyone who has an interest in politics happy.

I initially read this book on vacation 13 years ago and was looking for a hard cover version. A very entertaining tale of redemption for a Jewish former phenom who fell on hard times. A great vacation read.

A DECIDEDLY MASCULINE BOOK THAT SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM APPEALING TO THE FAIRER SEX. ERIC GOODMAN IS NOT ONLY A TALENTED AUTHOR BUT A MUCH LAUDED PROFESSOR OF THE ART AT INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS: UCLA AND MIAMI OF OHIO (WALLY SCZERBIAK!). I HIGHLY RECOMEND READING THIS NOVEL NOT ONLY FOR ITS ENTERTAINMENT VALUE BUT SIMPLY TO SUPPORT AN OFTEN EMPTY GENRE- THE SPORTS BOOK , WITH SUBSTANCE.

i just wanna say it was the greatest book i have ever read. eric goodman has a great style of writing. the story is great. it just makes u think how could this not be real. when u finish this book you'll see the impact it has on u. it really reaches out and u feel like u know the characters and at the end u wonder what happens to them.

If courage has a new meaning it would be Mukhtran Mai; a simple woman caught up in a storm of malevolence. The village council verdict of "gang-rape" in retaliation for falsified accusation of her brother's questionable frolic rendevouz with the tribal leaders daughter. Mai was quarentined for a ruthless gang-rape by savages of our times. Against all odds she stood up and fought back for justice and is redeemed. Her revenge on the society that shackled her down was a gesture of kindness by setting up a school by all the earnings she received as compensation for her struggles. A school where the family of the savages do attend. In her you find the spirit of forgiveness and mercy. I salute you Mukhtar Mai; for you a semblance for all the goodness left in our society.

To the readers i recommend this highly.

This is an astounding story of a simple ordinary Pakistani woman raised in poverty and illiteracy, who has courageously managed to fight against the violence and gender discrimination directed at her and countless other women, with an insistence on justice, education, and gender equality. Mukhtar Mai, who herself has been a victim of one of the many `honor punishments' still widely prevalent in rural Pakistan, was 'justifiably' gang-raped as a punishment for a crime neither she nor her family committed. To have such a rape-victim in the family is considered a social taboo and most of the women who are in similar situations end up committing suicides. But Mukhtar Mai did something different. In spite of getting thoughts to commit suicide, she chose the more difficult path - she decided to live and fight against the injustice inflicted upon her and her family. With the help of the media and various national and international NGOs, Mukhtar Mai's case gained worldwide popularity and in a matter of days a poor illiterate woman living in absolute obscurity in one of the remotest parts of Pakistan gained international fame. This story is a personal rendition of the many trials and tribulations Mukhtar Mai has gone through in the process of obtaining justice in one of the most chauvinistically male-favored justice systems in the world. It is also a story of a stupendous victory at a personal level wherein Mukhtar Mai uses the aid she gets from all over the world to establish a school in her village so that girls living in her village and the surrounding villages can use literacy and education to fearlessly protect themselves from similar injustices. This book would obviously be any feminist's favorite but more than that it is a must-read for anyone interested in the sociological and gender-related issues in the subcontinent.

I felt sick reading this book. It made me realize the perversion that gets called "justice" in many parts of the world. Mukhtar Mai is probably one of the very few women who has actually had the courage to talk about her ordeal... a gang rape masquerading as punishment for an honour crime supposedly committed by her brother. The book describes the Pakistan tribal justice system in a simple and lucid style. She is neither emotional nor dramatic about the events but attempts to describe what she went through and the odds that she had to overcome to fight the system. This book is amazing!