Bergman Books

The book was given to me as a gift. I cannot tell you how great it was, to start a Sunday Morning out, in such a positive way. Jesse James has a great sense of humor , but still profound. His namesake would be proud.
I hope he does another book soon. I am a new fan. Very impressed!

This is the book to read on monday mornings to get you in the right frame of mind for the week. Read a few pages and go out and face the world knowing you can win.

Rich Fox

This was a very fast and funny read. I hope he writes another book soon. Does he do Motivational speaking? If he can talk as well as he can write, we may have a winner here.

Jesse obviously has a way with words...and an optimistic attitude. If you want a fast, fun, entertaining and thought provoking read, buy this book!!

Totally great reading! I loved it, page to page! Even the Authors name is cool! I bought one for myself and one for Dad, for Father's day! AWESOME!! Just one question though, when is the seminar???

I don't encounter color photography very often that literally knocks me off my feet. But,this is a notable exception. The portraits in this book are glorious - a tribute to the profound sensitivity of the photographer who took them. This book is a must for any serious collection.

These are images that go beyond being visually powerful, they also have a profound spiritual, emotional and intellectual meaning. Toni Morrison's provocative meditation, "The Fisherwoman", is an integral part of this great work of art and provides a perfect entree into a gallery of sacred beauty.

I am much more of a devotee of black and white images than color - especially portrait photography. But, this incredible display of artistry sweeps me off my feet! The artistic depth and personal sensitivity displayed through this work makes me want to know more and see more from the master photographer who created it. You won't be disappointed with this purchase!

This superb book is nearly uncategorizable. The portraits contained in this volume, described as "color pictures of everyday people" taken with "a simple 35-mm camera, amateur film, no tripod, and no special lighting" are unlike any other photographs ever published. On a technical level, Robert Bergman's work equals the best of any of photographer now working (including any of a number of celebrity lensmen) while his painterly use of color, texture, and composition is unrivaled. This in itself would be enough for most photographers: in sensual terms there's much to startle and delight the eye. But for Bergman, the revelation of the inner life of the subject reigns supreme, and his masterly technique is entirely in the service of his manifest sympathy for each person whom he presents to us. It's here that these images depart so markedly from what we are used to seeing in a photograph of a person--each individual is revealed with the most penetrating gaze, but with such tenderness of spirit as to leave his or her human dignity unsullied. It's not photography, it's art. As Toni Morrison concludes in her Introduction, "Occasionally there arises an event or moment that one knows immediately will forever mark a place in the history of artistic endeavor. Robert Bergman's portraits represent such a moment, such an event."

Let me say that being able to hold this treasure in my hands and to feel the souls of both the artist and those within, provides an experience I never thought I would have. This book is a road map to the soul of all of us and it is my wish for everyone who is fortunate enough to see it that the door to the inner self that shines from Bergman's work is opened to them. It is a rich feeling indeed to be able to open the book at any point and see the face and love of God. Bergman is blessed with a vision that has brought this to Everyman. A KIND OF RAPTURE is a great and universal gift.

The book could have been subtitled "and the Decline of Openminded Discussion". The fact that so many people have been denied the opportunity to teach or do research because they want to suggest alternative approaches to the same observable data suggests that science is not open-minded after all.

That is too bad, too, because evolution has impeded the progress in some cases. For example, in Dr. Bergman's area of expertise, genetics, progress in an area of "junk DNA" was impeded for decades because the the arrogant assumption of evolutionists that if they didn't know a function for the specific regions of the DNA molecule, then there was none and these regions were simply junk DNA left over from evolution. So, no research was done on these areas. After decades of suppression, new research is now finding that there are uses for these areas after all.

It is time the scientific establishment is brought to account for its narrowness of vision and suppression of consideration of alternatives to evolution.

In 1974 the first volume of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago was published in the West. Rumours of Soviet repression had reached the West before, but Solzhenitsyn exposed and documented this repression in a way that could not be ignored. It generated a firestorm of controversy especially in Europe where admirers of Marx flourished and occupied places of influence in the media. But as time wore on, more and more even people to the left had to admit to the reality of the repression that Solzhenitsyn had exposed. Facts could not be denied.

I expect Bergman's Slaughter of the Dissidents book will provoke similar outrage and controversy in the post-modern West. Those who's livelihood or ideological vested interests are directly linked to the theory of evolution will certainly deny the reality of the repression in academia that is directed against those who dare question Darwin's theory. What choice do they have? One should also expect counter accusation and attempts to shut up Bergman. Even as I write, it is entirely possible that lawsuits are being prepared against this book. Of late, this seems to have become a weapon of choice for evolutionists. Open debate is now typically avoided by the evolutionary elite. As a result lawsuits and judges decisions seem to have become the Final Solution for suppressing any form of dissent in academia or the school system. When you're well connected, why not? Universities in particular have access to the resources for launching such lawsuits. In such circumstances, perhaps it would be appropriate for Bergman to call upon the services of the ACLU to defend his right to free speech. One has to recognise that in the past this organisation has gained considerable expertise relative to the origins debate. Resorting to such tactics seems symptomatic of a theory in serious decline. But in the long term, one can hope that that the simple facts of the repression of Darwin doubters will be recognised. Like Solzhenitsyn's book, Slaughter of the Dissidents is not a "fun" read, but then in life there is a time for fun and a time for dealing with serious matters. Whereas Ben Stein's Expelled movie stuck with safer ID advocates, Bergman ventures into the deep end and explores the repression suffered by the "real heretics", that is the creationists.

No doubt, there will be those that will not accept the reality of the repression of Darwin doubters. For such individuals with a career in academia or in the media I would suggest a simple experiment which would easily allow refutation of the premise of Bergman's book. Here it is: Write up an article proposing a serious criticism of evolution and submit it to a serious scientific journal UNDER YOUR OWN NAME (no cheating allowed either in adding a note indicating the views expressed are not those of the author). After that, just wait and see what happens. And when a couple of years have gone by, get in touch with me. I may be able to provide useful information on how to prepare a résumé...

In closing,, for those who value freedom of expression and the search for truth in science, then Bergman's book is a must read.

Paul Gosselin
Author of Fuite de l'Absolu: Observations cyniques sur l'Occident postmoderne (vols I & II)

I have almost finished reading this book. It is excellent for a number of reasons. First, it's heart-to-heart talking--real life situations. Second, it show that scorn for cherished beliefs is real. It happens all over. I can related to many if not all of the stories shared. Third, it's refreshingly respectful--even of evolutionists. Finally, it is God/Christ-honoring. I've enjoyed every chapter and am disappointed that I'm almost finished. There are real saints revealed in the pages. May God be honored.

Academic Freedom v. Intellectual Discrimination

Jerry Bergman's Slaughter of the Dissidents takes dead aim at assaults on the careers of Darwin doubters by institutions of higher learning. Bergman, a respected scholar and prolific science writer, represents more than the views of an unbiased observer---he himself is a battle-scarred survivor of academic trench warfare.

Dr. Bergman experienced academic discrimination by being denied tenure and ultimately suffering dismissal from a college faculty. He believes his academic "crime" to be tied to his questioning evolution theory, a dogma Darwin himself admitted to be "...a mere rag of an hypothesis ... I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts."1

In the realm of politics and religion, a majoritarian power base doesn't take kindly to dissent whether in the realms of politics or religion, where off-message "heretics" have been silenced by the rack, the screw, the cross, hanging or burning at the stake.

Bergman's case study analysis suggests academia is not immune to suppressing dissent by figuratively "killing" careers of skeptical scholars who doubt Darwinian tradition. His 478-page treatise documents a litany of cases where scholars articulating intelligent design or the Genesis account of life's origin have suffered the sting of less-than-subtle intolerance in the form of blocked research funds, denial of admission to graduate programs, derailed earned degrees, blocked tenure, and unwarranted demotions.

In the context of academic freedom, has the science establishment "become so insecure" that it "can't bear a person who stands on principle" questioning evolution's suspect dogma?2 Is evolution's premise so shaky that it can't stand classroom comparison with alternate views? The scientific method lacks credibility where free and open investigation challenging tradition's status quo is denied.

Attempts to stamp out dissent expose power base insecurity, at sharp odds with academic freedom. Evolution theory has reason to feel insecure!

Darwin recognized his theory's "flaws and holes" by sheltering flimsy ideas in elaborate equivocations such as: "if we may trust these inferences...it is probable...if this has occurred...I think...best of my judgment...if this had been effected... perhaps..."

"Evolutionist G.A. Kerkut identified seven assumptions anchoring evo theory. Opinion built on assumption requires faith, and evo is faith-based, out-of-context with testable science."3 Reliance on "assumption" and "surmise," built on luck-of-the-draw coincidence, absent corroborative evidence, resembles obeisance to a faith-based religion.

"Assumptions" provide no cover for Darwin 's confession that "Science as yet throws no light on the far higher problem of the essence or origin of life."4 Nor do "assumptions" explain just how DNA, corrupted by mutations, delivers entirely new and original genetic information essential to the "evolution" of millions of transitional life forms.

Bergman's studiously documented analysis provides chapter and verse confirming that intolerance is alive and well in intellectual sanctuaries where academic discretion reigns!
So what's with trampling on dissent and suppressing the adventure of exploration and discovery that might suggest the emperor has no clothes? What's to fear?

Serious scientists don't dispute the obvious that personal computers were designed by human brain collaboration. Then why would an enlightened academia censor an agenda open to discussion as to the possibility that an intelligence superior to mortal minds designed all things?

The judicial system offers a level playing field for the presentation of evidence advocating conflicting views. Should centers of higher learning do less? University forums betray academic freedom when they become knee-jerk propagandists for unproven assumption!
__________________

1---Charles Darwin letter to Asa Gray, cited by Adrian Desmond and James Moore, Darwin, (New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 1991) pp. 456 & 475.
2---These phrases paraphrase Anna Quindlen's comments in "This Is Important," Newsweek, September 29, 2008, p. 70. These comments were expressed by Ms. Quindlen in the context of current national politics and without any reference to academic freedom or to evolution.
3---Warren LeRoi Johns, Beyond Forever (CreationDigest.com, 2007) p. 10.
4--- Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species, p. 637.

Warren L. Johns, Esq. (ret.)
Author, Beyond Forever

The new book Slaughter of the Dissidents documents in detail with almost 1,000 footnotes and close to 500 small print pages the fact that questioning orthodox Darwinism today can, and often does, end a promising career in academia. All of the cases in the film Expelled are meticulously documented in this book, proving the website expelled exposed is inaccurate and distorted. This is the first volume of a series of books documenting the fact that opposition to what has become a dogmatic worldview called Darwinism is a career ender. The book does not argue for evolution, creation, or Intelligent Design, but for academic freedom and the right to be part of the current exciting scientific discussion about origins. The prejudice and irrational opposition against those who challenge Darwinism (or neo-Darwinism, if you prefer) is horrendous, and unfortunately, so far at least, this intolerance has been supported by the courts. This issue has become the new civil rights conflict of this century and each person must ask him or herself "which side are you on: freedom to question Darwinism, or suppression of the right to question this now almost sacred worldview." This book will help all those in favor of justice and fairness to side with freedom, tolerance, and equal rights and oppose suppression, intolerance and injustice.

Edited Videotapes illustrating the brief systemic therapy described in Fishing For Barracuda are available from THE TRAINING TAPES, 80 East 11th Street, Suite 326, New York, NY 10003, 212 777-6688; email: joel.bergman@cwixmail.com

This book is possibly one of the best on brief therapy with "barracuda" (difficult clients)that I have ever read. An excellent resource! thanks

joel.bergman@prodigy.net from New York, New York, USA , October 22, 1999 Summary of Videotapes available Edited Videotapes illustrating the brief systemic therapy described in Fishing For Barracuda are available from THE TRAINING TAPES, 80 East 11th Street, Suite 326, New York, NY 10003, 212 777-6688; email: joel.bergman@prodigy.net

A very concise look at brief systemic family therapy in a way anyone on any level can understand and appreciate.

Toward the end of his 1971 conversation with Richard Meryman, easily the best interview in this collection, Bergman says that "to make a film is to try to open up the roof--so we can breathe" (p. 112). This is as good a one-line characterization of Bergman's project as I know. Bergman's films defy easy analysis, sometimes because they're poorly conceived, as Bergman himself admits (he thinks, for example, that "Through a Glass Darkly" is a prime example), sometimes because even Bergman in retrospect isn't quite sure what he was trying to do, but sometimes because there's simply a great deal of depth to them. How, for example, to collapse the message of loneliness, despair, human nature, and hope conveyed in "The Silence" into a couple of sentences? But what Bergman at his best does succeed in doing is expanding us, opening up the roofs of our worldviews, inviting us--sometimes forcing us--to breathe in an atmosphere that's crisp and thin and heady.

Readers who pick up Raphael Shargel's collection of Bergman interviews in the hope that the master will explain what his films are about will be disappointed. Bergman tells us that he wants to elicit emotional experiences first and cerebral ones second in his films; that dreams have influenced his scripts and his director's eye; that he works best when his days are rigorously scheduled; that he thinks a film is "selected reality" (p. 106), which reminds me of Tarkovksy's beautiful characterization of film-making as "sculpting time"; that he thinks a certain "childishness"--a naivete, an openness to experience--is essential for good art. But what Bergman doesn't do, appropriately enough, is tell us how to interpret his films. So in many ways, his intervews are as mysterious as his artworks.

The interviews collected by Shargel vary in quality. As I've mentioned, Richard Meryman's is the best of the lot, closely followed by A. Alvarez's. The "Playboy" interview conducted by Cynthia Grenier is worse than worthless, and seems intent on focusing on little else than sex in "The Silence" (the interview was conducted shortly after the film's American debut). There are numerous typos in the text. "Feeling" is consistently spelled "felling," for example, and at one point Bergman is referred to as the "15 year old creator of 'The Silence'"! The only other book I've read by the University of Mississippi Press was also poorly proofed. Strange that an academic press is so careless in its copyediting.

Shargel's collection is a decent starting point for readers new to Bergman, but better ones include Bergman's memoirs, The Magic Lantern (2007) and Images (1995). Jesse Kalin's The Films of Ingmar Bergman (2003) is highly recommended for serious students.

This collection of interviews with Ingmar Bergman gives the reader almost a definitive view of not only the great director's vision, but of his constantly evolving artistry. As a teacher, I found the discussions of individual films invaluable.

No film critic could have approached Bergman with such passionate understanding and insight as Raphael Shargel. Following his film reviews in The New Leader for years, I am not surprised by his far reaching ability to grasp a life's work as he does his movies, always interested in their impact on society and us as individuals as well as the history that produced them in our time. When you get to it, your understanding of Bergman and appreciation for the value of interviews across a lifetime will be as rich as this book's index.

I'm a big fan of Bergman, and I was thrilled to see these interviews come back into print. They tell you so much about Bergman's life, films, and his personal opinions. Organized chronologically, this book reveals a development of Bergman both as an artist and as a person. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about Bergman's genius or film in general. The introduction offers terrific insight into the mind of an artist.

This book is a must for elementary prinicpals!
The handouts are very helpful.

The Survival Kit for the Elementary School Principal is full of practical advice, common sense solutions, and scores of forms and letters that are of instant use to the busy practitioner.

The resources included are true "time savers" and reflect the seasoned and reasoned practice of a wise, politically astute elementary principal. Tips and techniques for creating a school vision and building and sustaining morale-- all-the-while developing a positive school culture are offered.

The accompanying CD is a true bonus. I simply inserted the CD, downloaded the included Acrobat Reader, and voila, I had within my reach, ready for adaptation, many useful, relevant, and well-written forms, checklists, and letters.

This has been a required book in my graduate course in elementary school leadership for the past two years. I think that it gives a well-developed background in the major issues of the principalship and practical tips for the beginning principal. Students who have completed the course and gone on to leadership positions feel that this was a very practical guide that helped them in their work. As a bonus, students within the class felt that inclusion of this book added relevance to their academic study. It is clear that Bergman has written a very practitioner oriented text. I plan to continue using this book as long as it is available.

Jay A. Heath
Professor of Educational Administration
University of South Dakota

New school administrators, as well as veterans, will find this book useful. The book comes with a CD and is an incredible resource for elementary principals. The CD alone was worth the price. Administrators who are revising and restructuring their schools will have a format to build on in areas ranging from technology and internet use policy to long-range planning.

Great stuff. The authors have demystified what was until now a very contentious subject; but I'll bet they'll manage to keep you thinking well after you close the book. This tome is to Bergman spaces what Catch-22 was to bombing missions.

A real eye-opener that also keeps you thinking long after you've finished reading. This tome is to Bergman spaces what Catch-22 was to bombing missions.

This book is great. It covers all of the basics needed to work in the field of Bergman spaces, plus a whole lot more for those who are already experts. The proofs are very clear and the exposition is fantastic. Most math books are terribly written, but this one reads like Hemingway went and got a PhD in math!

This is a book I had years ago and lost
It is juat as listed and very fast delivery
I would highly recommend this dealer

I was given a paper back version of this book by a young lady who knew I was into fly fishing. She was going to throw the book out but I was lucky enough to be the recipient of her kind deed. This was the only book I ever read about trout fishing. The way he described his youth in developing his skills in becoming a fly fisherman made me feel comfortable in the start of long journey to enjoy catching trout with flies. The description on how to fish streams helped me in my effort to hunt for trout. If it was not for this book I probably would not have pursued this sport with the enjoyment I have for the last 20 years. I have a deep regret that this book magically disappeared from my house a few years ago but I can still see the pages in my mind when I am on a stream searching for trout. For me this was my text book for learning about fly fishing for trout.

Mention the name of Ray Bergman to any group of grey-haired flyfishermen, and they will nod knowingly. Even today, Trout is looked upon as a must in any fisherman's, and especially a flyfisherman's, library.

Why? Certainly there is no shortage of literature on fishing and flyfishing. Many gifted writers have turned their talents to both the beauties and practicalities of fishing; yet Bergman is one of the few whose work has endured well past the author's lifetime. Ted Janes, editor of the book's last edition in 1976, goes so far as to include Trout in the same category as such cornerstones of the fishing literature as Dame Juliana Berners' Treatyse on Fysshynge with an Angle, Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler, Alfred Ronalds' The Fly-Fisher's Entomology, and W.C. Prime's I Go a-Fishing.

Trout speaks in a unique voice, and its voice is independent of the listener's time era. When the reader absorbs the information, he can almost picture Bergman sitting down next to him and talking to him. His very first words in the book - the dedication - immediately invite the reader to a closeness, a camaraderie.

"To you all - The many good fellows I know and have fished with, and those whose paths may never cross mine except through the medium of these pages. This is my visit with you, our fishing adventure together. I trust it will be enjoyable, instructive, and memorable."

Bergman's talents of observation and instruction are a pleasure to read. They allow the reader to immediately envision what the water is doing, what the weather is like, and how the fish are behaving. And the reader can just as easily picture himself working through the approaches that Bergman describes to the different angling puzzles he presents. Bergman details step-by-step trials, including some errors, that culminate in each puzzle's solution.

In one example, he describes an episode fishing with a companion at Brodhead's Creek in Pennsylvania. As happens with all of us, initial efforts proved fruitless.

"Because a few fish were rising we first used dry flies, but after a half hour without results we changed to wets. I don't know how many times Fred changed his flies, but I know that I tried a dozen patterns before I got a rise - to a size 14 Orange Fish Hawk that was being manipulated close to the surface by the 'hand twist' retrieve. Because occasionally the trout were breaking on the surface, we kept fishing our flies near the top, but after an hour of hard work we still had only one fish, which had taken the Orange Fish Hawk the first time it was used."

He proceeded to experiment with different depths, keeping the Hawk on and using the same retrieve style. After finding the proper depth, he exults that the "combination of depth and retrieve proved to be what was needed, and we both took quite a number of fish before tiring of the location."

This illustrates the kind of analysis that Bergman used, his powers of observation, and attention to detail. His unproductive efforts in the episode are an important part of the analysis, and he is not shy about recording them faithfully.

The appeal of his anecdotes is timeless, because, after all, a trout's gene pool and its inherent behavior patterns have changed very little over the past hundred years - and we don't expect much change for another hundred years. The types of puzzles Bergman describes are just as likely to be encountered by today's angler as by the anglers of half a century ago.

As Bergman himself observes, his life occurred during that in-between era of history, which saw the last of the so-called "old-fashioned ways" typified by stateliness, Victorian values, and a much slower pace of life. That culture was supplanted by the beginnings of the modern era, characterized by scientific and technological advances and the consequences (both good and bad) thereof. He describes it in the chapter "Early Experience:"

"When I was a boy, conditions were quite different from what they are today. I am old enough to have experienced the old-fashioned ways of the latter part of the nineteenth century and the rapid-fire progress of the twentieth. I saw the horse and carriage give way to the automobile, the dusty roads change rapidly from macadam to Tarvia and then to concrete. Each advance of progress had its effect on fishing."

This bridging or blending of eras has a curious effect on his writing. The Victorian literary style is evident throughout, yet his approaches are clearly influenced by scientific method.

Another aspect of Trout that has helped its longevity is that it appeals to the thinking angler. Much of Bergman's success can be attributed to his powers of observation and deduction, and he clearly communicates the value of these. By encouraging the reader to follow the dictates of his own reasoning rather than simply following the crowds or conventional wisdom, he strikes a chord in the intellectual snob lurking in all of us. The following comes from the chapter "Water Types and How to Fish Them."

"Most of us have so little time,... we think we must fish the best-looking spots where everyone else fishes because they must be good or no one else would fish them. This is false reasoning, because we are relying on precedents established by easy fishing and in most cases by anglers who have followed the established rules rather than the dictates of their own minds. It would pay larger dividends if we spent more time at thinking and observing than at fishing. Remember that locating fish is more than half the battle. When you know exactly where they are, then you can intelligently fish for them. Otherwise you are simply trusting to luck."

All of these factors came together at one time in history, in one man, and in a book called, simply, Trout. As long as there are members of the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, or Salvelinus swimming in streams and lakes, and there are people trying to deceive them into taking a pointed, bent piece of metal in their mouths, Trout's place will remain secure.

Oliver Shapiro

It always pays to look at things from another angle. You may discover they are not exactly what you took them for at the first glance. Reading this book gives you a perfect oportunity to look at literature not only from a very different angle but also through the eyes of an eminent novelist and a keen literary critic. You may quarrel with White, reject his views but one thing is certain - it is very difficult to remain indifferent. A perfect addition to White's novels and an unorthodox course in 20th century literature.

Edmund White is one of the foremost novelists of our day. He is also a literary critic and social observer of the first order.This collection of essays and reviews spans the period of the late 60's through the mid 90's and charts the changing views and mores of the gay world of which White is an important member. In addition, White's literary analysis of both well known figures such as Nabokov and lesser known poets and authors from all over is acute and thoughtful. White's discussion of his own work is invaluable to those of us, like myself, who are devotés and places it within the greater context of literature. Reading these essays and reviews made me want to explore further the authors and poets favored by the author, and that is what literary criticism is all about.

As a struggling writer I find it difficult to consult my creativity in a nurturing yet properly instructive way. One of the main difficulties is finding the right literary setting to allow my ideas to flourish (or at least a place to plant them). Until I read The Burning Library I was only familiar with White's fiction. I was apprehensive about his essays; that the power of his imaginary voice would be subdued in the realm of non fiction. It is subdued but it is no less brilliant, no less insightful, and no less stimulating. White rules his world with a brutal and sensitive brain; he debunks "myth" as he creates it. When the essays turn to biography it helps to be familiar with who he's talking about (I reccomend a class in contemporary French Literary Criticism) but it isn't necessary. White is accessible, provocative and entertaining. After reading these essays it took me a long time to return to fiction--both reading and writing it. These are inspiring articles; intellectual, risque, humorous, and most importantly... still chic. I am--as with all White's writing--inspired to create but usually disappointed with how short I fall in my attempts to be similar. I highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in gay history or the contemporary gay culture.

Well written and interesting to read, Information Appliances & Beyond is the lone book (at least that I've come across) that helps product designers create Information Appliances. The Interview with the creator of the Palm Pilot is excellent, as are the examples of the Nokia 7110 mobile phone, and the i-opener. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the future of consumer computing.

In this book, Eric Bergman surveys some of the most influential and thoughtful people in the user interface design world - Don Norman, Chuck Clanton, David Haitani (designer of the Palm Pilot) and more. Their comments are insightful, practical, and visionary at the same time. I particularly liked the chapters by David Haitani and the one by Chuck Clanton on computer game design. This book will be helpful to anyone who has designed software user interfaces for desktop machines or web sites and is now wondering what the brave new world of wireless devices might look like.

I find that I like read the chapters in order of what interests me, not necessarily in the order they are bound together in the book. And that is a strength of the book - it acts more like a reference than like a novel. In this way, it reminds me of Brenda Laurel's excellent book "The Art of Human Computer Interaction."

Many information technology designers forget that the purpose of product design is not to display technical virtuosity, it is to help their users solve problems in the real world. This book, alone among those I've read, confronts this issue in a compelling and useful way. It's a "must read" for anyone thinking seriously about how to design information products.