H Books

Great book. Insightful writing.

I purchased this book for my American Religious Diversity class and found that it gives you a clear timeline of the Civil Rights Movement and how Martin viewed it as the American dream and how Malcolm viewed it as a nightmare. The book's chapters follow the Civil Rights Movement chronologically by date and discuss Martin's and Malcolm's personal lives, religious obligations, beliefs, priorities, and virtually every other aspect in enough detail to give you a clear picture of the time. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. Cone really points out the differences between Dr King and Malcolm X like no one else. But more importantly he sees so many simalaities. For erxample Malcom X encouraged blacks to go to Christian churches and get involved in social isues. Further, Dr Cone points out that Malcolm X wanted to go to Law School!!.

Also it is interesting that Dr. King refused to debate their respective postions.

Every time I am in Harlem at Lennox Ave and 125th St. I reflect on Dr Cone's masterpiece.

Have all children and adults read this book.

Darrell Pone,MD
Old Westbury, NY

Dr James Cone's MARTIN AND MALCOLM AND AMERICA: A DREAM OR A NIGHTMARE is one of the best books I've encountered.

Cone discusses the rhetorical strategies of Martin Luther King, Jr, and Malcolm X as they applied to their particular audiences: King to the South and Malcolm X to the North. Cone argues that Martin King's strategy of non-violent protest, while effective in the extremely segregated and anti-integrationist South, was not effective in the North (particularly in cities like Chicago and Detroit) because the discourse and policy of "integration" was already superficially accepted by Northeners. The "liberal" North found King's rhetoric to be more or less agreeable even as the structures of discrimination continued to subject black people to a brutal double-standard. Thus Malcolm X's policy of Black Nationalism (separatist rather than integrationist) that allowed for violence epitomized by the slogan "by any means necessary" was more successful in the North because it more effectively confronted personal and systematic racism. Long story short: two different rhetors with different rhetorics because of different situations, different audiences, with different immediate goals. Interestingly, near the close of both men's lives--Malcolm X killed in 1965 and Martin King in 1968--Malcolm began to sound a little more like Martin; and Martin began to speak even more forcefully, not unlike Malcolm had been known to do previously.

I had the great luxury of hearing Dr Cone present a lecture based on the book back in 1992. Twelve years later, my assesment of the book remains constant: Outstanding.

This book is one of the best books I've read concerning MLK Jr. and Malcolm X in a comparative manner. From beginning to end it is written in a fashion that keeps you intrigued. I won't provide a summary because that has already been done but the detail of these mens lives is remarkable. I definitely feel that you can not go wrong with purchasing this book because you will not be disappointed.

As psychologist I recommend especially this book! It is a bridge between an 'ethical theory of personality or men' and 'working with others in any organisation or business'. It can be used in 'Human Resource Management'. In the West a 'free human individual' is the piller of a free society and even all civilization, since Aknaton. (In the book Moses by Freud, Aknaton is mentioned as the first individual.) A free human individual creates more revenue for businesses and is much better for all others. It counters man just seen as a machine, rat, animal, subject or moneymaking instrument.

Without the commentary, you would be hard pressed to pick out Maslow's insights in this stream-of-conscience puffery.

To save you the cost of this book, his main thesis is "A musician must make music, and an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization...
It refers to a man's desire for self-fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become in actuality what he is potentially:
to become everything that one is capable of becoming"

We've all heard of Maslow or the hierarchy of needs in some form or other, but often times simply as a side note in some management or psychology class. Here in one volume is the collection of Maslow's genius insights in to human motivation. The book is a collection of essays on motivation, learning, management, and self-actualization (essentially, to be at piece with oneself and become everything he/she is capable of becoming) Maslow examines our organizational structures and how they greatly influence our ability to achieve self-actualization. He lays out a framework and assumptions that must be made when dealing with people, managing people and motivating them, and recognizes that there are different types of personalities, beliefs, management styles, and management theories. Theory X (authoritarian, untrusting, management style) and Y (a belief that people are trustworthy, responsible, seek meaning in their work, and naturally want to learn) are explored in detail as are the effects of our belief in one or the other.

While both theories and the implications of each are discussed, it is clear that Maslow, as well as the contributors to the book focus on, and believe that in general, Y is the dominant (most beneficial, not necessarily the most practiced or popular) theory. Theory Y cultivates growth in personal meaning, satisfaction, and self-actualization, helps to propel an organization to be the most it can be, through the collective learning of the individuals that make it an organization. Applying this methodology in the right environment can contribute to the long term success of an organization as judged both by the self actualization of it's members, and the financial success of the organization.

Maslow scripted and published his journal, close to forty years ago, however, it is at least as applicable to the information based net economy of today, as it was to the economy at the time it was published. While organizations and economies change, people and psychology remain relatively constant.

Much of it has been re-packaged and re-published by various management gurus of today. If you take an interest in people and management theory, order a copy of this book. There isn't a management book out there that contains a magic formula for success, or applies to all organizations or even all people in one organization. This gem is a great start and will provide insight in to people, management practices, and developing a mind set for making a difference in the lives of the people in your organization, if you want it to.

This is a very accessible book of brilliant ideas about management, and human nature in general. U. S. Grant once said, "the best man for the job doesn't go after the job, he waits to be called." This book affirms what I've long thought, that people like Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon, who were desperate to be president, so that they lied and cheated, etc., to get that power, are the LAST people who SHOULD be President (or CEO or whatever). Those who WANT the power are psychologically sick in some way. And Clinton and Nixon should have both gone to prison. They both broke the law. Psychopaths LOVE having power, and both Nixon and Clinton displayed strong psychopathic characteristics. This book gives one some faith in human nature because it shows that the best way to motivate humans is to NURTURE them and give them FREEDOM. That if allowed, they will be GOOD and PRODUCTIVE. There is a worthwhile insight on almost every page of this book. And Maslow had an IQ of 195. So he was no idiot.

One of the world's most renowned experts on human behaviour and motivation, Abraham Maslow is most famous for his perspectives on the "hierarchy of human needs" and self-actualization. This book updates the original edition published in 1963, entitled Eupsychian Management. It demonstrates how even today Maslow's seminal concepts of human behaviour are still playing out in the business world. This book offers new generations of managers insights into Maslow's influential theories which have emerged in modern business, approaches such as continuous improvement, enlightened management, Theory X, and empowerment. Maslow's work has powerfully affected managerial theory, organizational development, education, health care, and science as well as psychology.

A true classic, Maslow on Management is still as important as when it first appeared and thus essential reading for all managers.

The late Abraham Maslow is the most widely known expert on human behaviour and motivation. He is often referred to as the father of humanistic psychology, a body of knowledge and theories separate from the behaviorist and Freudian movements. His books are acknowledged as standards in psychology literature worldwide.

Deborah C. Stephens and Gary Heil are co-founders of The Center of Innovative Leadership. Deborah Stephens is an author, educator, and management consultant in the areas of customer service, leadership, and organizational development. She is co-author of One Size Fits One: Building Relationships One Customer and One Employee at a Time with Gary Heil.

Having served as a Lead B-17 Radar Navigator/Bombardier (Pathfinder) in the same outfit as Captain Alling, it brought back many memories of my tour in the 34th Bomb Group. I too served in the 4th Squadron on the Knockout Dropper, piloted by Jim Sain who was mentioned in this book. Many of the experiences of the author were similar to mine and I participated in several of the same missions. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in getting an exciting description of serving in a lead plane on many missions.

A matter of fact account of U.S. airraids over Germany in WWII. Not told with bravado or hyperbole, but just plain gripping accounts of hair-raising, almost suicidal bombing runs. You get a feel for conditions in the B-17, and the fear and trepidation the pilot (book's author) and his crew experienced, with the flight back to the States at the end of the European theatre one of the most nerve-wracking. I highly recommend this account, which is just one of several devoted to this part of the war.

Having been reading various WWII books this fall and winter, I rate this as one of the best. If you have any interest in what it was like to fight (and luckily survive) the US air war bombing offensive, grab this book today. You will not be disappointed.

A couple of days ago while I was in the middle of this book I mentioned I was reading it to a fellow across the table from me. He said: 'I flew in B-17's during the war.' He went on to say that he had been the radioman/dorsal gunner. I said something about the guys in this book flying 27 missions. He said that he had only flown seven.

I couldn't help but think that this was kind of puny compared to what these guys did. But then he went on.

On his seventh mission, somewhere over occupied France they were attacked and he was hit. Back in England he was hospitalized and told that it would be unlikely that he would ever walk again. He was still in the hospital when the plane went out on its 9th mission and didn't return.

I said that this sounded pretty rough.

'Everybody had it pretty rough in those days.'

This kind of 'aw shucks' attitude, from my lunch mate to the author of this book is why they are called 'The Greatest Generation.' Even though they would never admit it.

This is the story of one plane, one crew. It's told in a matter of fact way. Perhaps this is the only way that such a story can be told. Mr. Alling waited a lot of years to tell the story. Perhaps that too is the only way. Perhaps the time and the distance are necessary to get a realistic view. Thank you Mr. Alling for sharing the story.

Captain Chuck Alling masterfully recounts his experiences as pilot of the 34th Bomb Group's lead B17G bomber during the last two years of WW2. "A Mighty Fortress" should be required reading for every military officer and is a "must read" for anyone interested in the Mighty Eighth Army Air Force's operations against the Third Reich. As a retired officer and military historian myself, I believe "A Mighty Fortress" is most probably the most inspirational book about WW2 ever written.

I had read the book as part of a reading list assignment. Liked it so much, I decided to buy it as a gift for an old friend who is now enjoying it also.

Book camme immediately - and was brand new, and in beautiful condition. Thank you so much

The great libraries of history have endured such vicissitudes of fortune through the centuries - destruction by revolution, war and fire, dispersal through pilfering, confiscation, monastic decline, loss of patronage - & perhaps the unkindest cut of all, at one point the sale of its books by Oxford University to pay the librarian's wages. It is truly astonishing that so much has survived. This book is a celebration of 23 of these unique and beautiful cathedrals of knowledge in America and Europe.

At a time when most of his subjects were illiterate, the Austrian Habsburg Charles VI created the Hofbibliothek in Vienna. He decreed that its doors be open to (almost) everyone; they could enter free of charge and as often as they wished, but there were a few exceptions: the library was off limits to "ignoramuses, servants, idlers, talkers and gawkers." Alas, the Hofbibliothek is no longer free and, like many libraries included in this book, it is now accessible only to a favoured few.

Indeed, the closest most of us will ever get to the Hofbibliothek or the 22 other great libraries enshrined in its pages is through this book, and for this reason alone, it belongs in the book-lover's collection. There is a brief history of each library, but the real attraction is the spectacular colour photography, including several "gatefold" pages which open to provide wonderful panoramic views nearly 3 feet wide.

Next to the awe-inspiring magnificence of Hofbibliothek, the white and gold Baroque splendour of the Benedictine Abbey Library of Admont in Austria rivals the gold and marble Rococco opulence of the Monastic Library of Wiblingen near Ulm Germany, although after secularisation the latter lost most of its vast book collection.

Another Baroque wonder is The National Library of the Czech Republic in Prague, with its twisted wood columns and trompe-l'oeil frescoed ceiling which draws the eye upward "to confound the true already impressive scale of the hall". When I had the good fortune to visit nearly three decades ago, ironically, it was as a "gawker", on a bus tour of Eastern Bloc capitals. Whisked in and out, we were prohibited from taking photos; no postcards or souvenir booklets were available; memory faded. I am especially pleased to find this unique library included here.

The Vatican Library might be mistaken for a grand reception hall; gold leaf papal insignia, and biblical-themed frescoes framed by ornate moldings cover its panelled walls and vaulted ceilings - and not a book in sight. All of its books are hidden behind securely locked doors. The Vatican Library is, however, open to authorized researchers and its catalogue of 1.6 million printed works is fully computerized.

The somewhat austere National Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal was modeled after the Hofbibliothek in Vienna, but the money ran out before completion and the Franciscans who took it over in 1792, in keeping with their vow of poverty, declined to gild the woodwork, whitewashing it instead. This has faded to a peaceful but elegant cream, against which the coloured titles of the leather book bindings stand out.

A relative new-comer at barely a century old is the John Ryland Library in Manchester, England, commissioned by the widow of a rich industrialist to commemorate her husband's memory. It was designed to resemble the interior of a Gothic cathedral complete with soaring arches, carved oak panelling and stained glass windows but also was equipped with electricity, air conditioning and millions of dollars worth of rare books.

Less ostentatious, perhaps, but still beautiful and certainly more democratic are University Libraries at Oxford, Cambridge and Dublin and truly public libraries in New York City and Washington, D.C.

If your appetite has been whetted by "The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World" you may want to look for more in-depth treatments. For the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, just such a book exists, the lavishly illustrated "Treasures of the Library of Congress" by Charles Goodrum, Abrams, 1980, 318 pages. It contains views of the interiors and chapters on the building of the Library of Congress and its book collection, but the emphasis is on many other artefacts housed there - its vast collection of music scores, sound recordings, films, Orientalia, prints and historic photographs. "Treasures..." is long out of print, but used copies can be found.

Addendum (December 30, 2007): The World's Most Beautiful Libraries was published in 2003. In 2004 the exquisite Rococo interior of the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar, another of the libraries featured in the book, was gutted by fire and many of its 100,000 books and manuscripts destroyed. A heroic fund-raising project ensued and the library was restored and reopened in October 2007. Three books documenting these events have been published in Germany (in German text). They are:"Die Bibliothek brennt: Ein Bericht aus Weimar" (about the fire); "Es nimmt der Augenblick, was Jahre: Vom Wiederaufbau der Buchersammlung der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek" (discusses the losses, book restoration & reacquisition) and "Die Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek: Nach dem Brand in neuem Glanz" (describing the building restoration.) This third volume may be appreciated even by the non-German reader because of its plentiful and beautiful illustrations.

This is a marvelous book to whoever loves books.

It presents many important historic libraries in the world; each library is presented in informative and sober texts and with accompanying photos. These photos try to capture the overall look of the library (even if this is rather difficult) and several interesting details, sometimes including secondary rooms. The texts focus on the history of the library in question, but also give some information about contents.

There is only a minor quibble, and it cannot be taken too seriously: the authors had to chose and that led them to ignore many marvelous libraries. If there is one I particularly lack, it would be the Real Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra (Royal Library of Coimbra University, one of the oldest European Universities). It has been stated to be 'the most beautiful library in the world', and I cannot but agree.

But this is probably a question of personal taste. As it is, the book is wonderful and useful.

Great pictures and text depict some of the most beautiful libraries in the world! Gives me encouragement and inspiration for my humble library at home!

Bruce Franklin has done saltwater ecology a monumental service by explaining the sea's utter reliance on a healthy menhaden population, and exposing a gross dereliction of duty on the part of "regulatory" agencies designed to protect the marine environment. The little fish that few have heard of, is crucial to the health of every species of shellfish and gamefish. The menhaden's unique ability to remove algae and phytoplankton from the water provides a cleansing effect that is of incalculable benefit to all sea creatures.

Largely unfettered by meaningful regulation, the menhaden reduction industry has systematically plundered and devastated the menhaden population, first along the north Atlantic coast, and then the mid Atlantic. Now the ecology of the Gulf coast is threatened by the wholesale plunder of their vital menhaden population.

Franklin provides numerous examples of how the industry, represented now primarily by Omega Protein, continues their rape of the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf coast even though a token and meaningless cap was put on the menhaden harvest in the Bay.

If you want to understand why we need to immediately shut down the destructive menhaden reduction fishery, get this book, read it, then get in touch with your legislators and regulators. Or join the Coastal Conservation Association and become active.

Very informative book. A little scientific for the general public, but great for surf and boat fishermen who target Striped bass and Bluefish.

Written by H. Bruce Franklin (Professor of English and American Studies, Rutgers University-Newark), The Most Important Fish in the Sea is the true story the menhaden - a small, unappetizing fish harvested for its omega protein used in everything from animal feed and oil to linoleum and lipstick. Yet the once abundant menhaden has become increasingly threatened; as its numbers dwindle, bigger fish and birds dependent upon them starve, and seas and bays they filter becoming increasingly choked with toxic algae. Today one small company, Omega Protein, insists on its right to kill as many menhaden as it wishes, while millions of environmentalists, recreational anglers, and commercial fishermen seek to contest this unnecessary and dangerous attack upon the aquatic environment. A riveting cautionary tale about the potential catastrophe that could be unleashed should a small fish hardly anyone in America knows about go extinct.

I found this book when doing a search on "bunker". I am a new recreational angler in NY and while fishing for Striped Bass I usually use bait that is called "bunker". Curiosity ensued and I did a search and found this book. I started to read the background information and reviews and picked up a copy. I was glad I did. What a great read for my commute into NYC. It is chock full of interesting facts and historical data. It opened my eyes to the importance of this fish to us here in the Northeast and to the Atlantic coast in general. Just for kicks I decided to visit Omega Protein's site and as advertised they argue that they are managing the Menhaden (the correct name for this species) resource to as they say "remain productive for the foreseeable future." It was like I was reading the book all over again.

In my opinion this book was well researched and brings the facts home on an issue that I think is important to the recreational fishing community as well as the Atlantic and Gulf coast communities as well. If you are a recreation fisherman, someone who loves seafood or you just have a general interest in marine life and ecology then I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes to a topic that I think needs our attention. Believe me this is coming from someone who isn't an environmentalist but the reality is spelled out and being objective I realize that the devastation of Menhaden will spell certain doom to many of our great sporting fish.

As I stated this book is a great read and should be on at least every East & Gulf coast anglers list.

Franklin weaves a compelling tale that includes the biology, natural history, fishery development, politics, and ecological significance of menhaden to marine communities along the Atlantic seaboard of North America.

Menhaden are unusual fish. They are filter-feeders that can strain phytoplankton, tiny free-floating photosynthtic organisms, out of the water. That diet causes menhaden to accumulate high concentrations of oil in their tissues, and that makes them a poor food fish for humans. On the other hand, their oily bodies make them a prime food for other fishes, such as bluefish and striped bass - highly prized food fishes for human consumption.

In this book you will read about how over 100 years ago enterprising commercial fishermen found that they could use purse-seine nets to capture huge numbers of these tightly schooling fishes, take that catch to nearby shore facilities, and press their bodies to collect high grade oil in a pre-petroleum economy. They could also use the remaining partsof menhaden bodies to produce either fertilizer or protein-rich animal feed. Then, through increased fishing pressure and improved fisheries technologies manhaden schools that once contained billions of fish were decimated.

You will be amazed when you read about how fisheries scientists uncovered the significance of this low profile fish to the ecology of the Atlantic seaboard, and to estuaries, especially the Chesapeake Bay. Fewer menhaden meant less filter-feeding, and that meant more algae, and that meant ecological shifts...

Maybe menhaden ARE the most important fish in the sea - at least along the North American Atlantic seaboard.

5 stars all the way!

This book should be of interest to sport and commercial fishermen (though the latter will probably not like or believe the main theme of the book), ecologists, conservation biologists, and just about anyone interested in the environment and how the world works.

This very good translation of Sabato's book will allow English speaking readers to appreciate an outstanding book, do not miss this opportunity!

I first read "On Heroes and Tombs" when it was just edited, almost 40 years ago. It was an overwhelming experience at that time. I've recently reread it and still stand as a major work, resisting the acid test of time.

Mr. Sabato has written up to day only three novels: "The Tunnel", "On Heroes and Tombs" and "The Dark Angel" and a score of sociological essays. With the present novel he has won a well deserved place into the best Latin-American writers of the XXth century.

This is a complex and dark novel staged in three levels: one the love affair between Martin and Alejandra situated in 1955's Buenos Aires; second the recount of a fleeing party of defeated Unitarians soldiers, carrying the corpse of their fallen leader, General Lavalle, in 1840's during the Civil War; third the "Report on Blind People" staged in a fantastic underworld that coexist with the "real and normal" world.

The three narrative layers are intermixed and connected to each other with Alejandra as a fulcrum.
Alejandra's character is very complex and mysterious. It remind me of Justine, described in the first volume of Lawrence Durrell`s "Alexandria Quartet". Both are women in distress, searching love and protection, but at the same time rejecting lover and protector. They are torn by tragic experiences, and the lover to be can't penetrate their souls and cringes in desperation.

Martin is the desperate & frustrated lover; nevertheless he won't quit and defies all dangers & mysteries to try to save Alejandra.

It is a great novel with touches of "magic-realism" and some echoes of Borges' and Cortazar's tales.

I wholeheartedly recommend it!!!!

Reviewed by Max Yofre.

this is one of many books you read trough your life that will stick in you head as simply one of the greatest books you ever read. A definitive worth it experience.

This book of Ernesto Sabato is a masterpiece. The narrative ability to lead the reader through the conflictive love story between Martin and Alejandra, reveals, at the same time, the understanding of the complexity of human beings.

This book is not only a masterpiece, but a sort of encyclopedia almost indispensable to understand the nature of us, the argentinians. Our love to the neighbourhood and its carachters, the bohemian Buenos Aires, our introspection and constant dissatisfied and melancholy. This hugh writer (one of those that are born once in a lifetime)couldn't had been born somewhere else but here. Anyway, it doesn't matter where you are from, you shouldn't let this book pass. I don't have much else to say, a good piece of art always talks by itself.

Sabato was in his early twenties a notable physician , but suddenly he discovered his real bliss in the literature world .
This work contains the Brody file in which the author talks about a secret society composed for blind people who wants to rule the world .
In the great tyradition of Lovecraft and Maupassant we find this latin american writer .
Get close to him and you will be surprised with his enormous gifts and talent.

What a terrific resource this book is! This book is a comprehensive compendium of facts regarding herbal solutions. It is written in an easy to read style. To often today folks reach for the next "best" pharmaceutical when often a less expensive, less dangerous and sometimes more efficient solution can be found in nature. This book is a good guide for those willing to step outside of western medical mind-set.

YES, THIS BOOK DOES COVER THE NEEDED SUBJECTS THAT I AM INTRESTED IN.

Very informative. Well organized and easy to locate info depending on herb or illness.

Alan Tillotson is an experienced herbalist and independent thinker whose One Earth Herbal Sourcebook is useful for professionals and educated consumers alike. Trained extensively in Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine in Nepal, Tillotson draws upon a sophisticated herbal repertoire in dealing with MS, opthalmologic conditions, hepatitis C, diabetes and allergic rhinitis. He uses the best of Chinese, Ayurvedic and western herbs in protocols that are practical and effective. Written with humor and intelligence, the book is over 600 pages of useful herbal and nutritional advice. This is one of the better books of herbal medicine I own.

By far the most scientific based compilation of information on herbology. Dr. Tillotson provides clear, organized information in a systems based format. As an osteopathic physician I highly recommend this source to all medical professionals interested in integrated western and eastern approaches to health and disease.

Excellent book. I am not a golfer, but admire Phil Mickelson because it has always seemed to me that he has his priorities straight. His wife and his children are uppermost in his list of what life means to him. Must confess that I merely skimmed the details of the hole to hole play in the Masters tournament being described since I had purchased the book to read about his personal life. However, my husband, who IS a golfer, very much enjoyed the "play by play" in addition to more information on the personal side of Phil. This is an athlete children can look up to and admire without parents fearing an ugly, hidden side. That simply doesn't exist in this athlete. I have always enjoyed watching him play; now I will enjoy those tournaments even more.

This was a very personal book that brought you very close to the life of Phil Mickelson. When he describes his final round at the 04' Masters you feel like you were there with him every step of the way.

It was so good I got a audio copy for my husband.

i find this book very good , iam a golf player and i think that every golf player will enjoyed to read this book , phil mickelson biography is very interesting for a golfer , phil teach : thinks can do when you work hard .

If you are a golf fan, this is a must read. My wife read it too and she doesn't even like golf but she loved it too. Great insights into Phil's personal life, family, and values. Definitely worth the read.

Well differential equaitons are all about change, and this book changed my life. I read this more than 30 years ago, and all the mathematics I know, I mean really know, I learned from this book. Along with Aristotle's ethics, it is probably the most important book in my life.

No doubt the best book on ODE by a master!! Ecuaciones Diferenciales Ordinarias (Fondos Distribuidos) Kiseliov Krasnov is another great book! Translated in English!! Like Spivak's Calculus on Manifolds, thin but good!!!

This is a classic in the field. Excellent presentation and geometric perspective of dynamical systems. Most definitely a book to be kept as reference.

I had always hated d.e.'s until this book made me see the geometry. And I have only read a few pages.

I never realized before that the existence and uniqueness theorem defines an equivalence relation on the compact manifold, where two points are equivalent iff they lie on the same flow curve. This instantly renders a d.e. visible, and not just some ugly formulas.

He also made me understand for the first time the proof of Reeb's theorem that a compact manifold with a function having only 2 critical points is a sphere. If they are non degenerate at least, the proof is simple. Each critical point has a nbhd looking like a disc. In between, the lack of critical points means there is a one parameter flow from the boundary circle of one disc to the other, i.e. thus the in between stuff is a cylinder.

Hence gluing a disc into each end of a cylinder gives a sphere! It also makes it clear why the sphere may have a non standard differentiable structure, because the diff. structure depends on how you glue in the discs.

What a book. I bought the cheaper older version, thanks to a reviewer here, and I love it. No other book gives me the geometry this forcefully and quickly. Of course I am a mathematician so the vector field and manifold language are familiar to me. But I guess this is a great place for beginners to learn it.

One tiny remark. He does not mind "deceiving you" in the sense of making plausible statements that are actually deep theorems in mathematics to prove. E.g. the fact that in a rectangle it is impossible to join two pairs of opposite corners by continuous curves that do not intersect, is non trivial to prove.

Hence the staement on page 2 that the problem is "solved" merely by introducing the phase plane, is not strictly true, until you prove the intersection statement above. All the phase plane version does for me is render the problem's solution highly plausible, and show the way to solving it. You still have to do it. But it was huge fun thiunking up a fairly elementary winding number argument for this fact.

Good teachers know how to deceive you instructively by making plausible statements that a beginner is willing to accept. I presume a physicist, e.g., would not quarrel with the statement above about curves intersecting.

This is the best differential, equaitons book I know of if you want to understand what they are, as opposed to learn to calculate canned solution fornmulas for special ones. He even makes clear what it is that is special about the special ones, e.g. linear equations are nice not just because the solutions are familiar exponential functions, but because the flow curves exist for all time,...

This is an amazing book. Arnold's style is unique - very intuitive and geometric. This book can be read by non-mathematicians but to really appreciate its beauty, and to understand the proofs that sometimes are just sketched, it takes some mathematical culture. This is the way ordinary differential equations should be taught (but they are not).

This book is the most intriguing book I have read in outlining a truly strategic system for running a business. You can call it wisdom or experience, but I assure you most business people will enjoy the read and relate to many of the topics. Illustrations are concise and creative and are designed to help visualize the concepts.

A definite winner and must read!

This book takes a very practical approach at describing the impact of market conditions on corporate strategies and provides a framework for how to deal with what you can't control - your market conditions.
The examples are crisp and clear and the methodology is practical and proven out over years of consulting practice.

The authors have picked one of the key aspects of a company's strategy toolkit. Strategic or market planning should give a company the ability to respond to changes in the market (e.g. customers, competition and technology). But my actual experience in strategy consulting and then marketing strategy for a large corporation has been somewhat different. Several times companies' response to analyzing market changes starts by looking out but quickly turns more and more internal. The result is usually "more of the same" strategy with some incremental refinements - of course all this is backed by impressive financial and other quantitative analysis. 2 things become a casualty in such a process - the willingness to strain outside of comfort zones and "see" what is happening. And the ability to tap your own employees (and customers and other stakeholders) who are the closest to the change and may have a good feel for what's coming! In my view marketing/product/strategy functions should develop a joint mechanism to see, evaluate and act upon the key developments in their expanse of the market.

That is exactly what this book provides. The book is easy to read and structured well, essentially taking the reader through a clear 7 step process on how to anticipate and respond to changes. The Appendix at the end that details the "Strategic Eye Exam" serves as a useful starting questionnaire.

The book will be a very good read for those who believe that the world around them changes quickly and want to develop a BU or company wide process to learn, evaluate and act on those changes, including the ability to discard the red herrings.

Highly recommended!

Day and Schoemaker have written a fascinating book on how to increase one's vigilance, all wrapped up in a larger tale of Darwinian ophthalmology. It's a book of the times. Read repeatedly, learn, and inwardly digest. You will be amply rewarded.

A decent book, I found the information to be useful and beneficial especially since I work at a firm that has little, if any "peripheral vision".

A fast and easy read that can actually significantly help both growing and mature organizations.