Illinois Books

Richard McKenzie does an excellent job of taking all of the dry economic theories that college professors "think" they understand and applies them to real world examples.

Economics is never more "Alive" than it is in this book. This is one of those rare books that brings a lot of loose ends of economic theories together, in easily understandable language. It puts them in real life situations where they make sense.

You don't know as much about Economics as the readers of this book do. Jeff B.

Of scholars in the field who have published extended studies of Beckett's early prose (Dream of Fair to middling Women, More Pricks Than Kicks, Murphy, and Watt) three stand above the others and are required reading on the subject for scholars. Anthony Farrow's Art and Allusion ... is one. It is hampered by the lack of an index and extraordinarily poor proofreading. Lawrence Harvey's Samuel Beckett: Poet and Critic is another. Published in 1970, it is out of print, a big shame. Harvey's is the only serious study of Beckett's poetry. The style of both Farrow and Harvey is discursive. Rubin Rabinovitz's The Development of Samuel Beckett's Fiction is the third, written in a more concise scholarly style that makes it the most entertaining of the three for the non-specialist. Rabinovitz is likely to be the most useful to the specialist as well, though of course this depends on what you're after. I have equally high praise for all that Rabinovitz has written on Beckett; there is a particular lack of competition on the subject of the early prose. I have not read John Pilling's new book Beckett Before Godot, and there are, as one would expect, numerous article-length studies of the early prose that are required reading for the specialist.

Cumming's book on Charles Dunham -- known to many by his most prominent alias, Sanford Conover -- fills a gap in Civil War research in the most delightful manner. Dunham's various ploys, scams, and intrigues, under a dozen different alias', are fascinating and dizzying, and Cumming's clever tracking of this ellusive fellow is very satisfying. Better by far than fiction, the outlandish story of Dunham -- including his employment by the gov't to perjure at the trial of the "conspirators" to murder Lincoln -- is quite a ride.

Certainly a must-read for those who've read the Trial, and want to understand Conover's frustratingly confusing testimony.

Devotion Splendor: Medieval Art At The Art Institute Of Chicago catalogues over fifty medieval objects from the Art Institute of Chicago, including works from the early Christian era to the later Middle Ages. Black-and-white and some color photographs of priceless historical artworks draw the reader into a rich collection of vivid and beautiful works. An introduction offers and overview of medieval art for each century, and each photograph of an art object has an accompanying text segment describing its history, original use, artistic themes, and other significant features. Showcased items include a Siculo-Arabic Casket that once served as a reliquary, a double-sided manuscript leaf of sixth-century pope Saint Gregory, an embroidered retable and altar frontal, and much more. A captivating collection of artistic treasures.

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.