Clark Books

Fascinating beyond measure, and a work that should be read by anyone who has experience in academia, this book details the history, attitudes, and influences behind the modern research university. The latter has been subjected to harsh criticism of late, and some of this is justified, so this book will be helpful in assessing the validity of this criticism, in addition to providing information to the purely curious reader. The author interjects humor into the text, and sometimes a great deal of cynicism, but as a whole the book should sit on the shelf of every academician, both professor and administrator. Those who contemplate entering the academy will also benefit from its perusal, although it might scare off a few who expect the university to be populated by seekers of truth and wisdom. At times in the book the author it seems has an axe to grind, but his intentions are irrelevant in this regard. All that matters is whether or not he has provided evidence for his views. The huge collection of references at the end of the book reveals that he has done his homework, and those who disagree with his words will thus have to counter them with references of their own, a project that would of course be extremely time-consuming, but worth the effort.

For those (such as this reviewer) who are not familiar with the history behind the research university, but who crave to understand why it functions the way that it does, will find many surprises in this book and many questions answered. What are the origins for example of the doctoral dissertation, the oral exam, and the seminar? When did faculty salaries become an issue for the university? What is the origin of the endowed chair? Why are some professors held in such high esteem when their credentials are really weak in comparison to others? When was the first doctorate given? The answers to these questions will be surprising for the reader who has viewed the university as a citadel of truth that is completely divorced from historical context.

It is a little odd to view a professor as possessing "charisma", a word that the title of this book contains. When one calls an individual charismatic it is usually a person such as a military or political leader, who is able, through rhetoric or some other equally nefarious technique of power mongering, to convince others to rally behind his causes. But the charisma of a professor or a holder of an academic chair is tied to a spirit of uncritical adulation, generated by fame and a certain display of "originality" in their writings, the author argues, and he traces the art of charisma acquisition to the German Protestant Lands of the eighteenth century. It survived the rationalization of the Enlightenment and the Romanticist countermovement to bring about the system that we have today: one of "fame through publication" instead of the oral tradition of centuries ago.

The author sounds disappointed, and rightfully so, that this doctrine of charisma was spared, referring to history as being "cunning" in allowing it to survive. But unfortunately the academy is stuck with it, along with anonymous refereeing that encourages verbal sadism, a "publish or perish" mentality that favors lesser problems over ones of fundamental significance, and unbridled sycophancy to faculty who chair institutes and rule adroitly if not robotically. If anything this book will begin a dialog that will grow to such an extent that it will counter the "self-evident" truths that are axiomatized by the members of the current academic elite. It shows at bare minimum that institutions are the result of history and cultural evolution, and their expressions are not carved in stone. It will be interesting to see how rapid the research institution will change. It is currently facing a population of researchers who reach each other through the free exchange that technology provides them. The research journal may become a thing of the past, replaced with rapid communications enabled by the Internet and very inexpensive publication. Will the charisma of the research professor survive this (cunning?) technological and historical whirlwind? Maybe, but most probably not.

At the end of the book, Clark tells us that in 1989 he (then a newly minted PhD in history) received the following comment from one of his former teachers, who had just read the original "Urtext" from which this book grew: "It is too bad I did not have time to combat in you your pernicious Foucaultian reading of Weber's rationalization theories!" This is funny (the book often is -- I found myself laughing out loud several times -- no doubt because some of the analyses struck a little close to home!). It's funny in part because it makes his old teacher look a bit like a hopeless fuddy-duddy (the kind of historian who approves of Weber but not Foucault -- a real generational divide!). But it's also revealing: Clark's book really does read as a Foucaultian micrology of the university, one which teases a "grand metanarrative" about its historical development out of a series of analyses of mundane material items like lists, charts, drawings, etc. found in the archives.

Clarks's grand narrative -- the eclipse of the oral by the written in the Academy -- sounds more Derridean than Foucaultian actually, but the real point of the book seem to be to show how productive an exercise in Foucaultian method can be, to show how much can be learned from a series of painstaking analyses of miscellaneous material from the archives. These analyses are often extremely entertaining and interesting. (I did find some for me uninteresting stretches, but they never lasted too long, and the book rewards the reader's patience by eventually getting good again -- indeed, it keeps you reading for nearly 500 pages... no mean feat these days!) Still, there's something funny about them (I imagine future historians trying to deduce the nature of our culture by studying such things as collections of plastic Denny's placemats preserved in some archive...), but one cannot help but be dazzled by the depth and breadth of the research this book displays.

The irony here, of course, is that Clark's book clearly participates in the triumph of research whose history it deconstructively reconstructs. Clark recognizes this, and tells us (again showing his good humor) that he was surprised by his former teacher's reaction, since he himself thought his book would be read as "a long-winded diatribe on the ultimate identity of narcissism and nihilism." I think few readers will take it that way, but the book does open up that abyss. Here one cannot help but recall what Clark says about the early dissertations he researched in his own dissertation:

"Most of the erudite dissertations in appendix 4 do not add up to anything beyond themselves. They are specimens of erudition. They resemble displays and exhibitions. ...One cultivated the classical or illuminated the obscure. In either case, the point was display, virtuosity the key."

Clark goes on to show, however, that the early dissertations which were erudite displays of useless knowledge soon evolved into the more familiar, cumulative genre in which dissertations became overlapping pieces of a larger puzzle, thereby contributing to the birth of modern scholarship. Clark's own book is impressive not only for the mountains of research it digests and presents, but also because it is sure to encourage all manner of future research into the fascinating topic of the history of the institutions that continue to shape so many of us. While undeniabley dazzling, Clark's book strikes me as a useful (rather than useless) display of erudition. I cannot predict how the book will be received, other than well, but I suspect that Clark -- instead of (or at least in addition to) being seen as a narcissistic nihilist -- will soon find himself teaching at an elite research university!

I might just add that the book, as a work by a historian intended primarily for historians, does not seem to have realized how widely it would be read, and so does not systematically present much of the historical background against which its various analyses unfold, instead assuming its readers will already possess that historical background. Still, the narrative is rich enough that one can absorb most of the historical background by induction.

As webmaster for the USS Towers (DDG-9) website, it was a significant pleasure to find such a well-researched and extremely well-written text about the man for which our ship was named. I never realized that the Navy had pilots before they had planes, or that 'Anchor's Away' was written for the USNA graduation ball of 1906! There is a great deal of naval history in this wonderfully done book. I would highly recommend this item to anyone that desires to learn more about naval history, while at the same moment being entertained by a extremely talented author.

Reynolds provides a thorough and complete biography of a man who made major contributions to the Allied success in the Second World War. Towers, an early advocate of air power, struggled for recognition and promotion between the wars. His administrative ability during the war was largely responsible for the fact that the right aircraft were produced and delivered. This book is not about tactics. The market is flooded with books about the battles. This is a book which describes the nuts and bolts of putting airpower to work. Well researched, thoroughly documented, entirely typical of Dr. Reynolds.

Dear John & Nicole Clark, Thank you. We have been feeling much like the "Little Dragon" these past weeks. Just as all the ocean creatures helped 'Destiny Dragon' to work through her feelings, they have helped us to do the same. We have shared this book with each other as well as other Teachers and students in our school. Your book has helped us begin to heal."

I enjoyed Adventures In Dreamtime and have had the occasion to recommend it to not only people with young children, but also to adults with whom I have been working in counselling.

Your book is presented in a simple, fun type manner but it's message is very profound. Learning how to face one's fears is an extremely important life skill that many people are never taught. Adventures In Dreamtime gives the steps that children and adults can take to face fear and bring courage and faith into everyday life.

We work with people, here at the Family Counselling Centre, who are really struggling in their lives. These individuals often have not learned how to face their fears and therefore have not felt the power, confidence and strength that are produced when fear is met directly. Its message is key. It gives children what they need to meet life's challenges and who are not afraid to face whatever life might give them.

Adventures In Dreamtime gives a little wisdom to children and adults and I am priviledged to have been given the opportunity to review it.

All the best to you and your husband in your future endeavours - you have very important messages to share with others! Gail

James Josiah Webb was a young enterprising man in his twenties who made several trips down the Santa Fe and Chihuahua Trails in the 1840's and this is his account of what life was like then. While not exactly filled with tales of high adventure or edge of your seat drama, it is a good character study of relationships between Americans, Mexicans and Native Americans. The chapters on his 1846 trading venture during war time Mexico are very insightful and gives the reader a feeling for what it must have been like going through those tense and turbulent times of political unrest. A good book.

In January 1888, a few months shy of his 70th birthday, James Josiah Webb sat down in his Connecticut home and began writing his memoirs of his days as a Santa Fe trader, which had consumed 17 years of his life from 1844 to 1861. Unfortunately, a year later, after writing about only the first three years of that experience, Webb died. Although unfinished, this is Webb's manuscript as it lay in his desk the day he died.

After settling in St. Louis from his family's home in Connecticut, Webb became interested in the trade caravans that took goods between Independence, MO, and Santa Fe (and other points in Mexico). In 1844 he made his first trading expedition; although it wasn't a huge success, he returned to St. Louis and, with a partner, planned another trip. This second venture the following year was a big success. But the war with Mexico threw a monkey wrench into things, and on his third trip the partners decided to bring their goods beyond Santa Fe to near Mexico City. They were arrested in Chihuahua, where they remained prisoners for a month, and when finally released, proceeded on to San Juan de los Lagos, where they sold their goods. His account ends with their return to St. Louis.

Webb must have had a phenomenal memory because his narrative is packed with anecdotes and encounters with other traders and trail travelers that seem fresh and complete. He apparently kept all his account books and business records for all his years spent in the trade, but there is no mention of him keeping journals. His style is breezy and informal, and the book hasn't been "doctored" in any way by the editor (except for spelling and grammar corrections). The editor, Ralph Bieber, has done an excellent job (in footnotes) in identifying geographical features mentioned and expanding on various people encountered by Webb. The only criticism I have is the book is lacking an index, which would be useful. It's a fascinating first-hand account of life on the Santa Fe Trail (and Mexico). Webb's manuscript ran some 250 pages yet covered only three years; one can only imagine had he lived longer to complete his memoirs how many volumes they would comprise. If the rest were only half as interesting and informative as this volume, they would still be worth looking into.

This books solves all those little gift-giving problems that come up in a relationship. What do you get a guy who has everything? What is he thinking? What does he like? What does he want? This book makes it simple, and fun, to get to know the man in your life, and to shop for him, too!

This book, one of a set, "All About Her" is the companion book. They allow you to communicate to your partner in an easy and clear way. Simply fill in the blanks with your answers and preferences to the suggestions in the book, and you will create an invaluable resource of inspiration for your mate. No longer will you have to read eachother's minds. No longer will you be guessing what to do for a special occasion, or moments of crisis. This book will all both you and you partner to communicate in a positive way.

This book was DEFINATELY inspired by our Lord. I have read dozens and dozens of christian books, but none have ever brought me so close to God (except, of course, His Word). I wish I had read this 20 years ago, before I bought into the world's lie and wreeked endless destruction through my sexual conquests. What God made to be the most beautiful experience in life has been misused and destroyed by the media, movies, and all of the brilliantly ignorant voices in our godless country. And in the process, deeply tarnished the beauty of our Lord. If your married, READ this, it will bring new levels to your intimacy. If your single and sexually active, your missing the greatest insight and inspiration you will ever experience if you don't hear what God has to say about sexuality. Sex outside of God will NEVER satisfy you, trust me, I've tried. If your single and celebate, this will inspire you so much you will never be tempted to not wait again. And if you are a parent, PLEASE get this for your kids, before Satan and his lies scar them forever, and dishonor our Lord. God isn't trying to restrict us - rather, He is trying to bless us beyond our understanding. Please take the time to read this. From one who has lived outside of God's will and seen the devastation - and it ALWAYS DEVASTATES. Now, I am thanking the Lord for His Mercy and looking forward with great hope and expectation to experiencing this most incredible and glorious blessing AS HE PLANNED IT.

This is a truly inspiring book. It goes beyond the "save sex for marriage" message. We've all heard why we should save sex for marriage, and this book goes beyond that. The book is inspiring whether you are a virgin or have had sex before. You can start over and see why sex for marriage is truly worth waiting for.

This book will explain why the "Sex and the City" philosophy of sex doesn't work in the real world, and why God's way of sex works best. Its written with warmth and avoids cliches. You can bet that this book has found a place in my library. I liked it even more than Rebecca St. James book, "Wait for me."

Many great, taste-good, feel-good recipes and some amusing anecdotes thrown in as well. A favorite at our house are the "Waffles Supreme".

I really like this book which lists recipes gathered over the years from various American truck stops. Enough to make your mouth water and your nostrils flare! From the basic to the elaborate, old home style to modern. This book will ensure that some recipes are not lost forever in these days of rapid change.

Whilst writing my tome on Sears Homes, I kept Clark's book close at hand as a resource. Years earlier, I'd read it cover to cover and just loved it. "The American Family Home" is written by a college professor but it's a warm, conversational and fascinating read. Lacks the dry-as-dust technical, clunky language that some architectural writers seem to relish (and employ!).

What I love most about his book is that he explains HOW and WHY American architecture evolved the way that it did. He explains (in delicious and interesting depth) why the early-1900s bungalow was actually a specific response to the ostentatious and ornate Victorians of the late 1800s.

This book was well-researched and well written. I highly recommend it, both as an entertaining book and a wonderful resource to help you gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of America's architecture.

Rose Thornton
author, The Houses That Sears Built

Few books, in my experience are written as clearly as this one. Clark leads the reader carefully and thoughtfully from 1800 to 1960, and shows why certain styles of home were popular in each era. His word choice is excellent and his sentence formation is flawless. He gives many examples and the book is well illustrated. For anyone wishing to understand why Americans have bought and built the houses they have, and what they hoped to get out of them, this is the book to buy. Get two.

If you work in any fashion of color therapy, this book is a must. Alot information based on Dinshah's studies and many others who followed. Clark speaks of many testimonies and research that go back to 50 years plus in endless case studies of the certain effects of colors and how they healed the human body thru light therapy. I found it to be a wealth of information and even then some with many aspects that clark covers with her intensive research on all avenues of color. Copyrighted in 1975.

This is a small book, with practical techniques for color healing, written in an easy to read format. It has a lot of interesting stories - case histories - related to the use of color healing through self-hypnosis. Among other things, you'll find out how to rejuvenate yourself with color therapy, stories of couples who were unable to conceive and have successfully used color therapy and many others.

This deck was all I expected it to be. Beautiful Art Work, representing the Goddesses & Heroines of Ancient times. This IS the deck of wisdom card to have on hand, they are beautiful to look & contemplate their details and images. And for the price, this deck of wisdom cards are a steal, buy them for yourself, or anyone who loves the Goddesses & Heroines of old.
Blessings,
Donna M Swindells

This deck consists entirely of goddesses and heronines from greek Mythology. If you have a particular interest in Greek deities this deck is definatly for you. I love it - the art work is amazing and each card has a key word on it and then in the booklet you can learn more about the message and the myth of who that goddess was. A great way to learn more about lesser known Greek female figures too. I didn't realize how many there were and they all have such beautiful things to teach us. I highly recommend this.