Burr Books

I realy liked this book. The author has spend a lot of effort reserching and producing an original work that argues well that these ships deserve more credit than they get.

Very slim but well work the read.

Naval aficionado Lawrence Burr has done something fairly unusual in an Osprey New Vanguard volume - he has introduced an original thesis and used the slim 48-page format to defend it, as well as to describe the actual subject in some detail. There is nothing stale or rehashed in this volume, but rather, a fresh look at a well-known story. Burr begins by stating that the standard view of British battlecruisers - that they were a flawed design and dangerously underarmored - is incorrect. Instead, Burr writes that, "British battlecruisers were a highly successful class of warship" and proceeds to defend his thesis with great vigor. Furthermore, the author's narrative on the Battle of Jutland provides fresh insight on that much-debated battle, which should also give the reader pause to consider the battlecruiser's role in that action.

There is some similarity between this volume and the earlier NV volume by Angus Konstam on "British Battlecruisers 1939-45," but the overall approach in this volume is far more analysis-based than the previous title. The author spends about a dozen pages discussing the development of the battlecruiser concept under Admiral Fisher in 1904, which the author describes as the marriage of speed, firepower and global communications to produce a weapons system that could be wielded to defend Britain's far-flung interests. However, the execution of Fisher's concept was under undermined when a new First Sea Lord, Admiral Wilson, was appointed in 1910 and he began to tinker with the armament of the battlecruisers. The author notes that Wilson imposed an inferior fire control system upon all but one of the battlecruisers (HMS Queen Mary) and rejected development of improved armor-piercing shells. These two mistakes would cost the battlecruisers dearly at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and sully their reputation. The color plates in this volume by Tony Bryan are excellent and include the normal plan and side views, as well as a view of the underwater wreck of HMS Invincible.

The middle of the volume then has a brief description of each class of battlecruiser, along with its basic data, but there is somewhat less technical detail than in Konstam's earlier volume. Given the space limitations, the author could not squeeze everything in and this is where he decided to skimp. The section on battlecruisers at war is rather detailed for such a small volume and begins with the action at the Heligoland Bight (he does omit the role of British battlecruisers in the pursuit of the German battlecruiser Goeben in 1914, which might have impacted on his thesis), the Battle of the Falklands, Dogger Bank and the Dardnelles bombardment. He then devotes seven pages to Jutland and describes the battlecruiser's role in detail. The section on Jutland best supports the author's thesis that it was ineffective gunnery rather than weak armor that lead to the loss of three British battlecruisers at Jutland. The author, who was involved in recent underwater expeditions to the wrecks of Jutland, then uses modern underwater evaluations of the wreck to further support his thesis that sloppy ammunition handling procedures in the turrets of the British battlecruisers was more responsible for their loss than inadequate armor plate. Certainly the author does an admirable job expounding his thesis and he is fairly convincing, although he omits to mention that there are still some details that don't fit into his hypothesis. For example, the British supposedly rectified the deficiencies noted in their battlecruisers at Jutland, but then 25 years later HMS Hood - not much different from a WW1 battlecruiser - sank after an explosion not unlike what happened to the three lost battlecruisers at Jutland. So maybe inadequate armor was a factor after all. In any event, this volume is well-worth having for its thought-provoking analysis, excellent color plates and incisive battle analysis.

Although this it is a small book, it is well researched. The illustrations are first rate. It is loaded with details and provides the best explanation of why the battlecruisers blew up so easily at the Battle of Jutland.

This is a refreshing change; albeit in a very small volume (hence the 4 rather than 5 start Review). Rather than regurgitate the hackneyed "Battlecruisers were a flawed concept" the author puts forward a rather different angle - that of a successful concept ahead of its time (and probably technology). A concept that was brought into disrepute by the loses incurred through poor strategy and incorrect cordite handling procedures. Its a pity that the companion Volume (British Battlecruisers 1939-45) however Does not follow in this vain- instead it takes the traditional approach to the subject and absolutely contradicts statements made in this volume. It I a pity tat the authors on these two volumes did not collaborate to provide a consistent theme to this story. Of the two I recommend this one because of the difference in view-The second volume adds nothing new to the subject

Because of the fact that two lives were ruined among the many that were disrupted, strained and burdened by the complexity of political wars taken to the extreme, this "first political conspiracy" among our founding fathers legitimately deserves scruinty and re-evaluation in each generation for its lessons to remember. Far from an isolated event, scholarship shows that it was at the very heart of the interpretation and conclusion of whether, indeed, democracy can work, and how it can work to benefit participants, or to sacrifice them in a multiplicity of events that when bound together will inevitably produce either a good or a bad outcome, largely dependent upon the loyalty and dedication of the participants and their willingness to entertain different perspectives and personalities involved. By intuitive association, seeing both sides of the story is critical to appreciate the effects of "practicing politics" as a pagentry of honor to be played out upon a national public stage. It merely increases in complexity as the number of participants increases in recent history, and throws a cloud of suspicion over the entire process, generation to generation, the most recent examples, being, of course, JFK, RFK, and even the death of Martin Luther King, among others, perhaps, up to and including the most recent conspiracy/impeachment challenge of William Jefferson Clinton (though, presumably, no loss of life was apparent in that instance). The extent to which men (and women) may differ in political perspectives and express those within the culture of the times is the fulcrum upon which all of these political complications hinge, and have always, beginning with the Burr-Hamilton incident. The outcome in any a direct reflection of the cost/investment in political progress and our ability to accommodate the dimensions they require in hindsight, and to anticipate the future impact of similar divisions of political styles and the persons affected as much as it is upon the fabric of democracy itself. These cases form the "underbelly" of American democracy, its vulnerable parts that other government forms rarely encounter that much be accounted for in the United States due to the nature of its complex experiment that can become apparent only over time and may well determine its degree of success or failure ultimately as the ideal method of self government. It is as much a trial of America and her principles (in theory and in practice) arising from her Consitution and its history of effective performance to serve the needs of its citizens. Far from its idealistic roots, the obligation to assess its weaknesses can only help to strengthen the fragile pillars upon which it is built to insure the integrity of its structure without barnacles as the shining ship of state it professes to be and that we hold out to the world as the ideal form of government to insure total inclusion of all as stakeholders in a challenging venture of supreme importance to all. Beginning with this early period, the "line of legacies" that challenge democracy's foundation in all their complexity that together form the backside of the American family tree of political expression and its importance to the whole, exhibiting what might be called the "sole" of the democratic shoe, rather than its shiny, leather uppers usually presented complete with the holes of a nation that comes with the wear and tear of its arduous and endless journey bearing the weight of its existence as well as its choices.

Aaron Burr, the most misunderstood and complex of our founding fathers, is depicted in this book quite uniquely. Unlike Vidal's book, which too is interesting, this one doesn't victimize Burr, but tells it like it is. It suggests that there is a conspiracy outside Burr's conspiracy. A political frame-up from Jefferson himself to bring about the downfall of the Federalist Party. Trust me, if you're interested, this book in vital!

McCaleb's book has been out for years, but it seems that not everyone knows about it. For anyone who really wants to understand what Burr was doing in the supposed "conspiracy," this book is a must-read. McCaleb accomplished what few have done, either before or after him, in writing about Burr: refraining from unsupported mudslinging, he delves into the documents themselves and makes his own conclusions. Sometimes these conclusions are unfavorable to Burr, but, more importantly, they throw into relief not only Burr's actions, but those of President Thomas Jefferson (who publicly declared Burr guilty before he was tried and ghost-conducted the trial against him) and James Wilkinson (upon whom Jefferson relied, despite strong evidence that Wilkinson had been for years in the pay of the Spanish gov't).

I've owned a copy of this book for over fifteen years and the more I read about Burr, the more I appreciate McCaleb's work. His scholarship is excellent and no one since has surpassed him on this subject (the book was originally written in 1903 and was updated several times). His writing is wonderful, and his insights are invaluable.

Mr. Burr has effectively and thoroughly outlined current available facts revealing the evidence of our current culture's imminent demise due to the gradual collapse of virtually all the systems that support humanity on Earth. He has compiled the evidence, working all of the arguments to their conclusion - we are at the crossroads of a change. Living as we've known it MUST change or we WILL destroy the environment that supports us and we will take the few remaining creatures on the planet out with us! With his exhaustive bibliographical collection of current thought, research and fact he leads us compassionately and with reasonable good humor to this one devastating conclusion.

If you've known this for yourself, this one single book can serve as a 'bible' that meticulously and clearly notes chapter, verse and source of virtually every scribe who's made it their work to reveal the ecological destruction going on at the hands of humanity.

But as he hints at the beginning, delivering doom and gloom is not the sum purpose of this work. And he holds true to that promise... after slogging through the immense volume of data, the lengthy and thorough bad-news preamble ends well, very well indeed... you are rewarded with the meaty message of Mr. Burr - humanity knows how to do it right, has done it right for hundreds and hundreds of thousands of years, we've done it right for many, many times longer than this relatively little period of exponential growth of our current culture AND we can continue where we left off!

The most successful species the Earth has born, we've lived effectively on the planet for so, so long. All the evidence points to ancient 'pre-historical' humanity having done this devoid of our current multitude of whole system threats churning in our hearts, minds, emotions, lifestyles and intentions... and that 'way' has always been an option, just an option that has never been embraced.

By piecing together the facts as we know them of pre-history man, Mr. Burr comes to the conclusion that, contrary to the 'primitive savage' scenario we've believed, ancient human culture held in their hands, minds and hearts the secrets to a perfect marriage with the planet that mothered them into a mutual harmony that lasted for millions of years. It's only been the last few thousand years that we've been off track, so far off track that the consequences visible to us are truly staggering.

As alarming world news is now, his fresh, brilliant, new message is that the answers that served humanity well for so long before these times can still serve us well. In fact, combining the best of both world's, it could be so great, we'd look on the last few thousand years as a mere hiccup.

As he puts it, it's arguably foolish to attempt to fix our mess employing the mindset that created it... the very mindset responsible for the endlessly frustrating ecological situation we find ourselves in. Let it go, it's going to be thrown out at any rate, Mother Earth is doing that quite dramatically now. The challenge is to start a better, completely new way based on time-tempered and proven successful track record of the ancients. CultureQuake's message is putting an important first step forward in this new direction. Read it now while you have the luxury of 'testing the waters' of this fresh new approach to living in harmony in the Earth... it may not be long before it's your children's only option!

CultureQuake takes you on a great literary ride. It starts with a brief tour of human history, and offers a discussion of Takers and Leavers as developed by Daniel Quinn, author of Ishmael and The Story of B.

Part II explains the "growing perfect storm". Burr's in-depth research takes the reader through issues including population growth, environmental degradation, global warming, peak oil, energy descent ad totalitarian agriculture among others. The intriguing examples will lead you to the extensive bibliography, wanting more.

In concluding chapters Burr supports our individual ability to walk away from the current paradigm leaving old modes of thinking behind. We have much to learn from tribal cultures that have evolved and survived over thousands of years. What is it we really need from a culture - and is there a way to get what we need without destroying our world? The tribal community concept morphs the intentional community into a hybrid that bridges the gap between ecovillages and tribes. A common vision of self-reliance and self-determination is essential as well as a recognition, even celebration of interdependence.

While not everyone is ready to drop their current lifestyles, the idea that there is a different way to live that harmonizes our relations with all living beings is both comforting and exciting. Culturequake is a highly recommended read.

A thoroughly researched and well-indexed book. Great for those who are new to the idea of how people in our culture live beyond the human definition. It also serves as a great reference for those already "in" on the taker/leaver concept. Chuck writes in a simple, easy to read style without a lot of flowery conjecture. This is a fact-filled book that I believe I will use as a reference for years to come.

Dr. Sue Johnson's HOLD ME TIGHT: 7 CONVERSATIONS FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE comes from the developer of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and provides a simple admonition: forget about learning how to argue better or analyzing the past, and recognize the underlying co-dependency that exists between partners. The way to enhance or save a relationship under such conditions is to be more responsible to the other, and to emphasize this emotional connection: her program, narrated by veteran audio reader Sandra Burr, tells how to achieve this underlying connection.

As a marriage and family therapist it is wonderful to finally have a reference for clients that will show them why they continue to fall into patterns of fighting and disappearing with each other. It unites us all in our need to be safely attached to our mates. It shows how any couple with the desire to live together with harmony and love can understand and improve their marriage. Thank you, Dr. Johnson, Sue. You are as great in print as you are in person. I could actually visualize and hear you as I read. Thanks, and keep it coming.

if you never buy another self help book in your life make it this one . Having bought thousands as my amazon account can confirm this is "smply the best"

I think this book is fantastic! Every young boy should live the adventures of a pirate through these fabulous illustrations and imaginative poems. I think young and old, female and male will enjoy this book as well.

As one who has been fascinated with pirates ever since I first saw Peter Pan, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. And as the mother of two sons, I am thrilled to see the combination of engaging poetry and vivid illustrations that can capture the imagination of young boys. The poetry is rugged and bold - not sissy stuff. And the illustrations nearly jump off the page. Every elementary school should have this book on its shelves to invite youngsters into the world of poetry and art - and pirates.

My book of the week this week is Pirates, a picture book poetry collection by David L. Harrison, and illustrated by Dan Burr. I love this book! This collection is emotional and sometimes violent and not a "pretty" picture of life as a pirate. I think 3rd graders or so will love it--and many other ages, too. Each poem shares a moment from the rough and dangerous life of a pirate, and each painting is gorgeous and dramatic. Terrific for boys and for any kid who thinks poetry is boring. Think again! And for kids who already like poetry--perfect!

This book examines the background of the genocide in the Sudan by examining the history of Chad's relations with Libya. Libya inserted itself in African politics in the 1980s and began a major degree of meddling in Sub-Saharan Africa, training revolutionaries and rebels such as Charles Taylor. Increasingly it involved itself in Chad and Chad became a brooding ground and testing ground for Arab Islamist militias persecuting indigenous Africans and Christians. This was a viscious recipe and it eventually led to the problems across the border in Darfur where similar rivalries based on race, religion and tribe ignited a genocide, backed by Khartoum.

A fascinating history and a new perspective.

Seth J. Frantzman

Images of the genocide in Darfur have shocked the Western world: Upwards of 300,000 of its inhabitants have died, and another 2.5 million have become refugees. Those affected by the violence are estimated at almost 4 million, 700,000 of whom are now beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance. These are staggering numbers, and the fractious insurgent groups involved-- Islamist Arab tribal militias against Christian black Africans and other militias made up of deserters of the Chad Army--were and still are supported to kill, rob, and terrorize by the governments of the neighboring states of the Sudan, Chad, and Libya.
These are the consequences of a decades-long war, as J. Millard Burr and Robert O. Collins explained in their earlier book, Africa's Thirty Years War: Libya, Chad, and the Sudan, 1963-1993. The Long Road to Disaster in Darfur updates this study and covers the events of the last thirteen years.

Reviews of Africa's Thirty Years War
"A lively detailed and informative study...The authors consider ethnic, religious, cultural, technological,geographic, and meteorological variables and present brief enlightening political portraits of the stories' protagonists. Historically situating the war within the struggle for supremacy along the borders of the Islamic world, the book seeks to explain why so many governments invested so much for so long in the control of such seemingly worthless expanses of sand and rock."
--Foreign Affairs

"This is a fine work, well documented and well argued, and convincing."--Journal of Military History

"This fascinating study combines analytical depth with accessible lucidity. It should be essential reading for any student of African history and politics." --African Studies Review

"...a timely, useful contribution. ... The volume is replete with meticulous detail. ...well documented and lucidly written...useful for years to come." --International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies

This is a book is for anyone interested in new ideas for education. Even though it was written a while ago, its still as relevant as ever. Since the school system is still using the same outdated tactics to get kids to learn, and it suffers continual degradation in results, the system still hasnt got the message that its way off track. This book will pull the reader back to a sane way to educate your child. One that doesnt sacrifice the child's desire to learn in favor of regimen, rules, standardization, repitition, uniformity, etc. This book will tell teachers how to create an envirnment where the student wants to learn. It will re-ignite the childs passion, sense of wonder, creativity, and yes, freedom to go as far or in any direction he/she wants to.

This is a book is for anyone interested in new ideas for education. Even though it was written a while ago, its still as relevant as ever. Since the school system is still using the same outdated tactics to get kids to learn, and it suffers continual degradation in results, the system still hasnt got the message that its way off track. This book will pull the reader back to a sane way to educate your child. One that doesnt sacrifice the child's desire to learn in favor of regimen, rules, standardization, repitition, uniformity, etc. This book will tell teachers how to create an environment where the student wants to learn. It will re-ignite the childs passion, sense of wonder, creativity, and yes, freedom to go as far or in any direction he/she wants to.

If you want to know God's will for you, this is a must read! It changed my entire attitude towards the POWER and PURPOSE of prayer!

Anyone seeking to develop their stnad in God should take the time to read this wonderful book. If you have a great desire to know God is a better way and reach a higher level in Him, please commit yourself to reading, studying and appying this and the Word of God to your daily living.

This was a great book! The author did a great job of making the story suspenseful and making you feel like you are right there in the middle of the action. I did not want to put the book down at all from start to finish. I would recommend it for anybody!!!

I could not put this book down from the time that I picked it up. The Flag is a fantastic story with plenty of twists,turns and suspense throughout.

This book is a lovely addition to my Christmas collection. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the story is touching without being sappy. I read it to a group of 12-year olds and they were mesmerized. The CD is also good - a nice addition and reinforcement to the message of the story.

This Christmas book of the journey to Bethlehem touched my heart. Christmas is a time of giving, not extravagantly, but giving what comes from the heart... The beautiful illustrations, music and message that will brighten anyone's Christmas.