Pennsylvania Books

Zolo writes a fairly devistating critique of current democratic practices and thought. The book is written fairly compactly. Zolo does not bandy words. This is one of the few books on political theory I find myself rereading repeatedly. While Zolo's analysis leaves one a bit somber about the future of democracy, his analysis at least brings light to the fundemental problem facing governance today, namely social complexity. This understanding gives a foundation from which to explore how democratic institutions need to be organized in the future.

Kenneth Shadlen has produced a compelling, timely, thoughtful, innovative, and well-written book which is sure to secure a place as a "classic" in the literature on comparative politics. Far too little attention is paid to small industry, especially its role in political participation. While various classes of enterprise may indeed benefit from market liberalization, concurrent developments in the sphere of democratic governance in society can produce negative effects. This meticulously researched volume is must reading for students, professors, researchers, and policy analysts and an indispensable addition to university libraries. I eagerly await Shadlen's next opus.

This was written in the 80s and revised in the 90s, but television has undergone such a revolutionary shift in its very nature (with hundreds of channels where there were only a few when this was first written) that Marc needs to do a complete rewrite. Even so, the book is still a goldmine of THEORY about how to think about TV: why we watch, what we're seeking when we turn on the tube. Yes, there's some academic jargon, but it's generally a clear and concise look at the dominant medium of our age. He dissects several popular shows and really gets inside the box. There's a little of everything here: history, theory, criticism, sociology. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand TV instead of just watching it.

This book was very helpful to me in researching early ancestors. Dr. and Mrs. Rader put a lot of work into this book. Although it is an expensive book, it is well worth the price.

This book is still available from Heritagebooks.com. It is NOT out of print!

Detecting Texts is a wonderful resource for those interested in the metaphysical detective story. It contains some of the most insightful essays I have ever read on the subject. The essays in this book provided me with excellent raw materials for my essays and ideas. Thank you to all the contributors for providing such innovative ideas on a relatively new literary genre.

Great weekend read! Lighthearted, easy reading

T. Anthony Perry has written another outstanding book. He is an academic of the highest caliber, and this book is the best in its field.

Also available in a hardcover edition (1932236376, $25.00), Dickens And The Social Order evaluates four of Dickens' early novels - Nicholas Nickelby, Barnaby Rudge, American Notes, and Martin Chuzzlewit - and derives from them Dickens' social philosophy. Presenting the affirmation that Dickens in fact held a surprisingly traditional wordview, as a champion of authority, customs, and accepted mannerly behavior, Dickens And The Social Order progressively reveals Dickens as a solid pragmatist, who considered practical realities first and utopian dreams in a far lesser light than others would claim. Astutely written and solidly argued, Dickens And The Social Order is a welcome addition to classical literary criticism shelves.

Do not be misled by the title. This is more a detailed encyclopedia of glass than a simple dictionary, with many in depth articles covering the history, art and technology of glass working.

All forms of glass craft are represented, including blowing, lamp work, stained glass, etching and engraving. Raw materials, chemicals, tools and techniques for industrial and artistic uses are described.

Styles & important historical pieces are also covered. The book is well illustrated with b/w photos & diagrams. Two sections of color plates showcase some beautiful & unusual artistic pieces in a wide variety of techniques.

Lists of periodicals, suppliers, societies, schools and museums provide a great source for further information. This is a complete and essential reference for anyone interested in glass.