Washington Books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book is a great culmination to much of Garlake's classic books, which adds a great deal to his work. He has done the hard work of gathering "specimens" of rock art across southern Africa, preserving or recording them, conducting related archeology, toughing through political censorship, etc. Where he hinted before at the possible meanings of cryptic art, he now fleshes out some very credible theories. I find them fairly convincing, if not compelling. Highly recommended to anyone interested. Completely accessible to the lay reader, and with lots of pictures. I also recommend various books on similar topics by J.D. Lewis-Williams, and if you like him, you'll love this.

Tons of beautiful tracings of prehistoric art and some beautiful photographs. The tracings are just as exciting as the photographs. I've barely glanced at the text, but it's an art book - who reads em?

With 185 black-and-white figures and 36 color photographs, this book is a treasure trove of ancient art. Since I bought this book mostly for the graphics, I was well pleased. 176 pages total

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!

If you are new to the political job arena in Washington, Bill Endicott's book is a must-read. I had moved to DC in the fall of 2001 with very little knowledge about the political job market. With "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" as my guidebook, I was able to land the job I had sought.

The author does a great job describing the types of political jobs that are available - truly valuable to someone with little or no knowledge of the DC job structure. Following this, the reader learns how to actually get these jobs. The author's experience and knowledge really shine through, and there is no one better than Bill Endicott to explain the process of finding a job. In addition, the case studies present to the reader descriptions of how individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (and party affiliations) not only landed the coveted first job, but also how they had worked their way up the ranks.

Whether you are a student looking to land that first political job or a professional looking to make a career change into politics, read this book to gain an understanding of political jobs that is unavailable anywhere else. I can honestly admit that without "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington," I would have never developed a successful plan and would have never landed a great job.

Bill Endicott's "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" is a roadmap for those who love politics, but don't quite know how to get started. I can think of nothing else on the market that reveals with full disclosure what working in Washington is like. When I graduated from university 5 years ago, I had countless questions that I couldn't find answers to at career fairs or through contact with alumni: What kinds of political positions are available? How do I decide whom to work for? How does one advance? Should I drop everything and work on a campaign?

These questions and others are precisely what Endicott's detailed description of the political process and his insightful case studies aim to help answer. His years in Washington offer a rich context that shines through in his colorful interviews and anecdotes. Endicott's exhaustive compilation of opportunities available in Washington will be an invaluable resource for aspiring politicos and may even inspire those who like to dabble in politics once in a while to consider public service. Students all over the country will be grateful for Endicott's thoroughness as they will no longer have to rely on word of mouth to get the skinny on what Beltway politics is really like.

At last there's a book that explains what political jobs are all about! Bill Endicott's An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington is a masterful presentation of information, advice and anecdotes. In combination this collection lays out real strategies for preparing for a political career, landing a first job and making a real impact in the job once you get it. The author draws on his own substantial experience in political parties, Congress, executive agencies and the White House to give readers the "insider's" perspective promised by the title. In addition to his own experience, the author introduces the reader to a number of political pros who have "made it" and taken a variety of different paths to their successful careers.

Particularly instructive is the discussion of working in the White House. Regular "West Wing" viewers may get the impression that the chief of staff, the press secretary and the office of communications is pretty much all there is. The book introduces the reader to almost 50 different offices and a variety of different jobs that serve the immediate needs of the President and his senior staff. While one might get the impression from television and movies that jobs working for the President are out of reach, Endicott dispels that myth.

One might expect a practical "how to" book of such detailed quality to suffer from air of cynicism about the entire process. The absence of that outlook is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable aspects of the book. Bill Endicott believes in the process and he offers a passionate defense of both politics and service. Beyond offering the reader roadmaps to successful political careers, Endicott defends service within the political process. In Endicott's Washington, anyone with a strong desire to serve can use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to their country. That is an optimistic proposition, but it is supported by strong empirical evidence throughout the book.

For those inclined to ask John F. Kennedy's eternal question, "what you can do for your country?", Endicott's book reveals where and how to find the answer.