Illinois Books

Dr. Vogels is clearly a true scholar of film. His book on the Maysles is deeply researched and gives a thoughtful analysis of the Maysles film artistry. But Dr. Vogels also clearly loves films as a true film fan. His book is filled with insights about why the films of the Maysles are worth seeing and appreciating, why the films are important reflections on American culture, and why their documentary approach reveals truths about people and their lives. Too many film books are dull recitations of facts and history, without giving any understanding of who the film makers are as people and why they make their films. Not this book. I love the films of the Maysels and this book helped me appreciate them even more. An added benefit is that Dr. Vogels is a good writer. I'd recommend this book for anyone who loves films, not just fans of the Maysels. I give it a thumbs up!

Musicologist Ken Kreitner's book on town bands and music in Wayne Co., PA was obviously a labor of love. His connection to the area and to music in general is apparent throughout. While this closeness to the subject might be cause for academic concern in some writers, this is not the case here. The author's methodology is thoroughly transparent and ample evidence is provided for all his claims. But this book is not only for the musicologist. Kreitner's style is that of the local historian who finally finds someone interested in what he has discovered about the town. He speaks to the reader in first and second person frequently and often provides his opinion when historical data are not sufficient. In other words, he tells a fascinating story about small-town Pennsylvania, the people, the industry, and the culture. He then discusses the place of the bands and some of their more colorful individuals in this context. This book is not only a valuable addition to the meager scholarship on the subject, but a thoroughly enjoyable read from cover to cover.

Guy Stuart has presented in a very cogent and readable way some of the reasons why discrimination and segregation persist in U.S. housing markets and it may not be for the reasons most assume. Stuart illustrates how conceptions of "value", particularly in the process of property appraisals, risk estimation in underwriting, and lender-broker-realtor networks characterized by racial homogeneity all contribute to disparities in lending to minorities, particularly African Americans. Stuart illustrates how all of the participants in the process play a role, though none may be directly intending to encourage the negative consequences.

To break the cycle, Stuart correctly suggests that we need to hold GSEs, lenders, regulators, appraisers, and others responsible for correcting disparite EFFECTS, with or without assigning intent to discriminate to any specific actor or group. Whether or not such accountability can or will occur will depend on whether there is political will and a solid understanding of the issues. At least on the latter point, the public is well-served by this book.

The book is well-written in clear and direct prose. Stuart succeeds in avoiding confusing and jargon-laden descriptions. Given the subject matter, this is a real victory for the reader. The book also provides a very useful history of the mortgage lending industry and is recommended for students and activist alike trying to get their heads around a confusing and poorly understood field that has profound impacts on the persistence of racial segregation in the U.S.

Cobble has written an invaluable history book about a large segment of the twentieth century workforce that would have otherwise been overlooked and forgotten. Waitresses have been ubiquitious and invisible at the same time. This book speaks to gender, class, ethnic, and work issues. It is written in a style that is informative AND interesting throughout. The historical research and organization of the book is superb. If you didn't know you were interested in this topic, the minute you start reading Cobble's book you will find out otherwise.

Pyrrho claimed that if matter is indeterminate, then knowledge is impossible. David Weissman addresses this problem at its very core. Matter is demonstrated to be determinate within a limited range of indeterminacy. This claim fits with human experience.

Thus, nature can properly be taken as manifesting order. This order extends to the constituents of human minds.

Not only is this a welcome conclusion, but the author clearly demonstrates proper philosophical techniques.

The critical events and personalities of the civil rights movement weren't confined to the southern United States. As Gretchen Cassel Eick so ably demonstrates, Wichita, KS was itself a center of the struggle in the critical period from 1954 through 1972.
From a 1958 drugstore lunch counter sit-in that predated the more famous one in Greensboro, NC by two years, to agonizing struggles for school and housing desegregation, this mid-sized city far from the national headlines had all of the elements.
As reviewer Randy Bradbury said in the Wichita Eagle, "Gretchen Cassel Eick's book is a well-documented reminder that Kansas has been and is a place divided along racial lines, where opportunities differ depending on skin color."
Professor Eick creates a compelling narrative by weaving Wichita happenings in with those on the national level. So we see Wichita events in a context of changes in social beliefs, political leadership and even how they shaped and were shaped by infighting in the national leadership of the NAACP.
She also introduces us to a fascinating cast of activists at the center of the local struggle, a few of whom also played national roles.
The book works on two levels -- both as a narrative for the lay reader and as a well-documented study for academics.
As Bradbury wrote in his Wichita Eagle review, the book "must be considered an essential read for anyone interested in the history of race relations in Wichita or hoping for a foundation to begin understanding where those relations stand today. Additionally, however, the book is an exceelent primer on the national civil rights movement..."

I loved the advice in this book. It was easy to read, easy to follow and made the whole messy process so much easier and stress free. I don't recommend a divorce but I do recommend this book.

I think that I have read the Best Criticisme on Sam Peckingpah's Wild Bunch, which I bought trough Amazon, about four times. This book is dedicated to Paul Seydor. Very correct because it was he who has been very important for the legacy of the movies from Sam Peckingpah. I enjoyed the crtitics of Robert Culp and the other contributants. After reading this book I saw the movie since then, off course the director's cut, with different eyes.

Great story of one of our time's best architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, & his building of the Domino's Mansion in a way that was harmonious with nature. Easy to read, lots of great photos as well. Excellent book.

A fascinating journey through the doowop era in Chicago. It's all here-singers, songwriters, record companies. If it happened, Pruter has chronicled it. Another book by the same author-"Chicago Soul"-picks up the story where this book ends.