Bradford Books

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Prof. Rawlins has written an elegant small book on the history and
future of computers, ranging from Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine
(1842) to future machine intelligence. His book joins such
distinguished predecessors as Hans Moravec's "Mind Children" and Eric
Drexler's "Engines of Creation": speculative-science books more
interesting (and certainly more rigorous) than most science-fiction.

From Babbage, Dr. Rawlins turns to Alan Turing, "another farsighted
English mathematician who dreamt of machines that manipulated
information... Like Babbage before him, Turing saw so far ahead that he
never understood why he had to explain everything he foresaw to the
government." Like Babbage, he lost his funding and his heart.
Convicted of homosexual acts in 1952, he was forced to undergo chemical
castration. He killed himself in 1954.

Rawlins treats the maddening inflexibility of present-day programs: we
can blame David Hilbert (c. 1900). "Hilbert wanted a completely
mechanical way to solve any mathematical problem; something like
directions in a cookbook, only more precise... Although he never knew
it, he was asking for computer programs... We'll eventually have to
give up our Hilbertian total-control philosophy and let our machines be
more adaptive. Because we're already losing control."

"The answer to "Could computers think? is that it doesn't matter...
What matters is whether we *think* they think." His discussion of AI is
succint and illuminating: "A future of smart machines is strange
indeed... it may be much harder to kill yourself by turning on a gas
oven or running a car in a locked garage - both your oven and your car
may figure out what you're trying to do and prevent you... Possessions
might get more dangerous, too... Are we ready for a world of feral
cars?"

"As Thoreau said long ago, we've become the tools of our tools... One
day, something vast and cool and strange may read these very words -- and
chuckle with amusement.

Welcome to tomorrow."

Highly recommended.

review copyright 1997 by Peter D. Tillman
First published at SF Site

I was recently assigned this book by a Java computer course as a general read. As I am not new to the ideas of computers and/or programming them, and even though this book is geared towards newcomers to the computer world, I still learnt interesting facts.

"Slaves of the Machine" was written with a very clear and informal style, and even discusses some new facts that most computer knowledgeable people will find interesting, such as the history of the computers. At times I feel Rawlins exaggerates the movement of computers and is looking too far in future for us to comprehend (ie. humans catching viruses from computers).

This is not to say it is not possible; it does send chills down my spine when I think about some of the topics that Rawlins discusses.

This book will be a superb read for people who are new to the concept and theories of computers. Analogies are packed in this book and this makes grasping some of the issues much easier. Other topics discussed is how man programs the computer, and the current limits of the machines.

If you ever wondered how computers came about and want some insight on where computers may take us in the future (or where we may take them), and whether you are a novice or experienced computer user, I would recommend this book. It's not filled with techie-stuff but written in plain, casual English.

I spent some time looking for a simple bedside aggregation of the various topics associated with the psychology of decision making and the various perceptual biases, without finding much. Most of the books are excellent; but, aside from this one (and Jon Baron's) they are usually compilation of original research. I like to have a readable consolidation of the material not far from my figertips. I was lucky to have found this book, which provides a wonderful and comprehensive coverage of the topics.
It is limpid, precise, illustrative, showing a wonderful clarity of mind.

Now the bad news. The author passed away recently at the age of 48.

The book--although poorly bound--is written very nicely. Kunda has a wonderful way of presenting the material objectively and respectfully while still engaging the reader. There are numerous, minor typos but this does not distract the reader terribly. A natural progression is found in Kunda's style, where she presents a topic, draws on some familiar day-to-day experiences, and presents the experiments and research that support it. She explains contradictions and allows the reader to make his/her own conclusions and inferences concerning topics like hot cognition, influences of mood on memory, subliminal processing, false-memories, and influences of culture on cognition. She, herself, did extensive work in the area of cognitive science and since her passing, will be missed by many as her work was incredibly innovative and interesting.

The book reads quickly and will be enjoyed by most. The only thing I wish was different about this book was its size (there is so much left over white space on each page--it's unnecessary). Most people with some experience or interest in cognitive science should find this book fascinating. Do not expect an in-depth or even moderate assessment of the biological or neurological underpinnings of cognition. This book explains cognition by reviewing social and cognitive experiments.

THE SOUTHERN TRADITION AT BAY was Weaver's doctoral dissertation but did not see publication until after his early death in 1963. Not a few critics regard it as his best book, surpassing even his classic and influential IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES.

Here Weaver surveys the literature of the South from the postbellum era and shows how a variety of writers, from soldiers,journalists, and lady diarists to poets, novelists, and scholars, regarded the traditions of civility, gentility, piety, natural order and individualistic self-sufficiency the South so valiantly defended in the War Between the States. Weaver, though he expresses a discernible point of view in this matter, does not let partisanship hamper his responsibilties as an honest scholar. If he sees some logical fissure in the thinking of one of his featured writers, he notes such unflinchingly. He also permits the voices of dissent from the prevailing orthodoxy in his study, most notably those of Walter Hines Page, George Washington Cable, and Henry Grady, among others, who would, to one extent or another, qualify as Southern liberals. Yet Weaver concludes that even these apostates found much to commend and preserve in the Southern tradition and thus did not denounce it totally.

This is a fascinating study, eminently and surprisingly readable, exhaustive but never exhausting, and well worth the time and attention of anyone truly and seriously interested in the "mind of the South."

Richard Weaver was one of the best philosopher/writers of this century. This book is far-reaching in scope and theme starting with his first section, The Heritage, which encompasses - The Feudal System, the Code of Chivalry, the Education of the Gentleman and the Older Religiousness - to describe how the world view of the old South came to be.

He illuminates the Southern literary renaissance better than any of the poor attempts I've read by others.

Using a vast amount of material, published and unpublished, he presents in a very well organized fashion the South's own portrait of itself, as accurately as it has ever been presented.

This is an excellent books for the multitude of plays within. Beware- it's HUGE. We used it in our graduate script analysis class and it saved us a lot of money because it has all the top notch plays your professors will teach. Definately worth the money.

Top notch book, a comprehensive look at theatre history. The editors have improved a lot since their last edition. I like to keep mine under my pillow.

I laughed, I cried, it changed my life!

Since AI researchers are generally engineers, they historically did what engineers do: they broke up the mind in very clear-cut divisions, one for the perception of the things out there in the world, and another, symbolically, to do "abstract cogitation".

For deep reasons, this was an invalid move, but only a few could see it. Robert French surely could, for his highly original tabletop project exhibits some of the best insights in Artificial Intelligence ever.

AI is still so much pervaded with the wrong ideas that this book will need to take some time to make its definitive mark on the history of the field.

If genuine understanding is ever to be built into a machine, understanding of the kind that Searle's gang will be forever denying, then it will come from an architecture similar to that proposed in this book.

Then again, I could turn out to be wrong. But let us let History decide on this issue.

It was delivered on time. The book was in great shape, do to the packaging.
Thank you. S.D. Flores

I found this book at a great deal with not much looking to do. I wish i would have received it faster. I chose the Super saver free delivery and it say to be recevied within two days but, it took longer than that. Overall i was pleased with the order. Thank you. M. V.

This is an introduction to the deep, important, and fascinating subject of touch by the foremost researcher in the field. While it may not be the best book imaginable on touch, it is the best book available on touch. Simply put, Touch by Tiffany Field is a book that anyone who has ever been touched or wants to touch should read.

This is not exactly a groundbreaking piece of work, yet it succeeds by convicting us of something that we have so taken for granted and lightly - the importance of touch for survival and well-being. The subject matter in this book is familiar to many of us, and therefore very accessible. It seems intuitive, something we have known all along, except we don't think much about.

Highly recommended for those who seek to stay in touch with themselves as well as others.

I am delighted to recommend the book, "Under the Bridge and Back Again" which is Part 1 of the Winthrope Mysteries by Mike Bradford. Realizing the setting was Louisville, Ky. and other areas I am familiar with, I anxiously awaited the publishing of his new Murder mystery. I found the book to be delightful, fascinating and moving. The combination of a love story and murder mystery kept my interest going and I found it difficult to put the book down until I finished it. The solving of the murder by Davis Winthrope and Kelly Servideo was a very surprising ending. Mr. Bradford is a very warm, witty, and highly entertaining writer which is reflected in his book. I look forward to reading more about the Winthropes and the situations in which they become involved in his next book of the Winthrope Myseries, "The Hole in the Bottom of the Sea."

Set mainly in Louisville, Kentucky, Mike Bradford's "Under the Bridge and Back Again" has just as much romance in it as it has mystery. Davis Winthorpe and Kitty Servideo are the love interests, and the antics of property mogul Harry Snapp add the spice to the mystery. A hallmark of good mysteries is the ability of the author to add an unexpected twist at the end, and Mr. Bradford has skillfully accomplished this.

The 25 chapters run by quickly; "Under the Bridge and Back Again" is the first book in The Winthorpe Mysteries, and I'm looking forward to reading the others.

This amazing woman has shown much of what is denied to most outsiders. Her information helped me understand many traditions that I have been wondering about.
She explains the whys of traditions. I found myself reading her words aloud with a Navajo accent as I became engrosed in this book. Her pictoral history of the last century of Dine gives us a look into the real lives of the people.

Walking Thunder immerses herself as a healer and delights in being human. Her rich heritage, generous heart and possessing a full understanding that she is the vessel the holy ones work through, makes this an "enriching read." Written wisdom is not the same as shared lived wisdom. She shares many lessons from her teachers and her abundant respect of Mother Earth is humbling. Less you think all medicine people are humorless, her laughter and pranks can be heard throughout the book. Walking Thunder is respectful of her culture, elders, family, friends, and Mother Earth. You can experience this from her voice on the compact disc that is included with the book. For those who want to further their appreciation of medicine work, while deepening their understanding of The People, this is the book for you.

A book that will be almost impossible to put down if you have any facsination with living in the woods permenantly. Angier's narrative and slef-note's are seamless and puts you in the story.

Leaving BOSTON MASS, appears to be the best thing these two Americans ever did.

My Dad (I'm 24) almost sold this at a garage sale. I'm grateful that I picked it up.

Long before one might think it necessary to escape to the woods, Bradford Angier and his wife Vera did just that, leaving the bustle of New York City for the simplicity of the Hudson Bay area. This book describes their adventures and personal growth as the couple builds their own cabin in the Far North, and inspires me to dream of doing the same some day. Vera's experiences with cooking new foods especially were interesting to me.