Perry Books

Quality book easy enough to understand for the beginner yet makes an excellent reference book for the experienced.

Definitely recommend this book!

This is an excellent book about knots.

It starts with some simple material about care and maintenance of ropes, and shows some tools used in ropework. It also has a glossary.

We start with stopper knots. While these are often used to protect the end of a rope from fraying, the most common use is simply to stop the end of a rope from running through a block. A simple figure-8 knot is typical here, and we are shown how to make it, as well as how to make many other stops. Another use for stopper knots is to create a weight at the end of a rope that you wish to heave. And we see some examples of these, such as the "Monkey's Fist."

Next is a chapter on bends. These knots join two pieces of cordage. Once again, a figure-8 type is typical, and we see plenty of others as well.

The following chapter is on binding knots. These are used primarily to tie two objects together. A transom knot is a good example. But they are also used as clamps (such as a "surgeon's knot" to tie off blood vessels) or just to protect the end of another rope, or to lash together two parts of the same rope.

After that comes a chapter on hitches. These are used primarily for towing and tethering. One example is a "cat's paw" hitch, which distributes weight evenly on two "legs." In some cases, when one leg of this knot breaks, the other will hold long enough so that the load being held by the rope can be lowered safely.

Now, suppose you need to pull a pole lengthwise. A "rolling hitch" is often recommended. But if that pole is slippery, this knot won't hold. In that case, the book recommends the "icicle hitch," which generally works much better. It's a very practical knot!

We see some other useful knots in this chapter, such as a "barrel sling" (which allows one to hoist a barrel upright) and a "barrel hitch" (which is used to hoist that barrel horizontally). And, given that many knots are of great use to sailors, we see a "mooring hitch." This knot is for mooring your boat to a bollard, especially if you also want to be able to pay out a little rope at a time, if necessary, in a tideway.

The following chapter is on loops, and we see a great variety of nooses and bowlines. We even see how to make the "fireman's chair knot," which can be used in an emergency if no body harness is available for a rescue.

The book concludes with some miscellaneous knots. These include a grommet, some sennits, a mat, and even a rope ladder. When you use that rope ladder, it's best to face on edge, with a hand and a foot on each side.

This is a useful and practical book.

In his typical style, Perry articulates some of the most important issues in philosophy of consciousness and the questions surrounding the philosophical zombie.

Its good to see more and more books on the philosophy of consciousness are coming out, but even better when some of these actually make sense. In this last group I would place books by phiilosophers like the Churchlands, Owen Flanagan, Tye, Papineau, Metzinger, Robert Kirk,Fred Dretske and sometimes at least, Searle and Dennett. Now I would add Perry, for his no-nosense philosophy is a clear example of a defence of materialism that does not hide behind the trenches and waits for dualism to retreat, but actually demolishes their arguments while moving forward on the coherence of materialism itself. And so, in this book, Perry defends antecedent physicalism and takes on the zombie, knowledge and modal arguments, while in the process laying out a theory of mental content and epistemology that can account for some problems in materialistic theories, and can show why some arguments againt it are flawed.

In antecedent physicalism, qualia exist but are purely physical, and Perry tries to account for qualia in purely physical terms, at the level of diferent types of content and knowledge. This is the root then of his attacks on the zombie, knowledge and modal arguments. He first shows that these 3 influential arguments all rest on a fallacy that Perry calls the "subject-matter assumption", the view that extra subject matter content has to be provided when the content is not fully determined by some knowledge. Perry shows that no extra subject matter is needed when the content can be fixed by reflexive content, which is a new way to access (gain knowledge of) the same subject matter content. Reflective content is sort of what idexicals do, and has certain truth conditions that are satisfied in specific situations. If I say, "Perry is a philosopher", and Perry says "Im a philosopher", the subject matter content is identical, that is, perry and that he is a philosopher, but when Perry says it, his statement has a reflexive content whose truth conditions are satisfied iff the speaker of the statement is in fact a philosopher. (this is a crude and simplistic and probably flawed interpretation of perry, but it will do).By making the distinction between contents, Perry goes on to show how the 3 arguments can be shown to not challenge physicalism.

Now it would be good to point out that Perry shows us only a way to defeat the arguments, for many ways can be found that do the same. For example, the knowledge argument (knowledge of the physical facts does not allow you to know what red looks like, so red qualia is not physical) can be put away by simply denying the premise, by saying that knowing is not the same as having, that qualia is knowing-how not knowing-that, that objectivity does not work the way the argument suposes, that knowing the physical facts of qualia and having qualia are different ways to access the same physical phenomenon, or that the knowledge gained is of a kind that does not present trouble for physicalism. Perry shows that this last argument works against all three arguments, and states the new kind of knowledge as the reflexive content as opposed the subject matter content of the knowledge in question.

So just because one knows all the physical facts, this does not mean one has all the physical contents, that is, refelxive content is missing, and such (physical) content is gained by having the qualia, and thus the argument fails. Perry similarily explains the apparent contingency of mind-brain identity, and using his knnowledge content analisis shows that the argument does not present problems for physicalism. The zombie argument (I can imagine a physically identical world without qualia, so qualia are nonphysical) is likewise flawed, but for many more resons. Perry shows that the zombie argument beggs the question in an important sense, and actually is an argument to differentiate between epiphenomenalists, fuctionalists, emergentists, dualists and physicalists, but does not show that physicalism is false. If PHysicalism is right, then it is in fact not possible, logically or otherwise, that the world be physically identical but without qualia, which are physical as well. DEpendence on what can and cannott be imagined to draw metaphysical conclusions is quastionable at best.

Of course I have left many things out. Perry is quite thurough however in his points, and one should not judge his arguments by what I wrote here, or the reading I made of them. I think that the three arguments are flawed, even for reasons independent of Perrys points, and find this just another way of showing how bad the arguments are. But I still learned a lot on differeces in content, and found Perry's epistemology very interesting, and it looks like it could solve many hard problems for materialists. Ultimately the book is valuable because Perry shows materialists do not have to fall on emergentism or functionalism, but can remain identity theorists, while still holding a coherent and, well, the most plausible views, on the miind-body problem.

Mozart is a delight in his own right. But this "rendition," using music to accompany the story, makes it seem so much more complete. Including the music with various part of his life helps the reader to see/hear the progress of his genius.

It seems the most popular budget classical music label, Naxos, not only makes most of the Western musical output available at very reasonable prices (no top stars who demand absurd fees make this possible), but it has also issued three very nice boxed sets of recordings on cassettes and CDs (I have the latter) that together give you a quick, fairly accurate, and quite enjoyable survey of three major topics. Perry Keenlyside's (NA 314412) is on three tapes or CDs and more or less delivers what the title promises in about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The text is considerately divided into sections--"Mozart, the child prodigy," "January 1762, the first journeys," "Paris and London, 1763-4," and so on--with tracking cues for each section. The narration and quotations from letters and journals of the time are accompanied by the appropriate music drawn from the bottomless Naxos catalogue. Nigel Anthony is the narrator, aided by Paul Rhys (Mozart), Edward de Souza (Leopold Mozart), with David Timson and Anna Patrick in "other parts." I have not seen the original books to see how much of an abridgment this is, if at all, but that is immaterial. The voices are personable, the information digestible, the whole project very worth while, especially at the price. My only objection to the Naxos recordings of books in the low recording level that makes it a bit difficult to hear on a walkman set up on (say) a noisy train. But this should offer no problem to home hearing or even in your car. These sets are really perfect listening for long trips.

I have a published review that I would like to send to Amazon. It's longer than 1,000 words but from the Journal of Chickasaw History, Volume 5, No. 1 (1999)by Richard Green, editor. In addition there is a very new CD of the same title, which are stories read from the book. Various Indian People Publishing Co in Richardson, TX, phone number 1-800-776-0842. Retail $19.95.

I love the author's style of writing. The book contains the stories about the Little People, the Steel-lo-booch-go-gee that were told among generations. The author uses the storytelling device to present the stories. I was fascinated by the stories of the Little People and their connection to children and healing. I would highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.

This book is one of the more impactual books I have ever read. The author weaves the lives of 5 affluent African-Americans into a wonderful story about Black wealth that has never been told. She exposes us to the inner mind sets of African Americans, the struggles and triumphs. This book will keep you constantly on the edge. It reads more like a movie. You can see the scenes and hear the ryhthmn of the music. I highly recommend this unique rendition of Black Society.

Irene Edgerton Perry's, Light In The Basement, is a thought provoking story on Black love, wealth, situations and circumstances. Her rare ability to reveal how wealthy African-Americans relate to one another and the struggles they have is well worth the read. I took this book to Taiwan with me and could not put it down. It is definetely a page turner. I especially enjoyed how she smoothly wove the lives of the primary characters smoothly into the story. Everytime I thought I had everything figured out, I was fooled again. I can't wait to read her subsequent novels. Ms Perry is definetely an up and coming new author.

This is comparative history writing at its best. I am in awe.
I picked up this thick book thinking I'd just poke around at a few of the chapters but I found myself so drawn by it that I had to go back and read it from start to end (all 550+ pages). Anderson isn't just interested in historical detail, he's interested in trying to shed understanding on big fundamental questions such as why was serfdom re-imposed in the East at the same time that it was collapsing in the West, why absolutism arose at the time it did and took different shapes in different regions. Solidly argued and authoritative, I can say without exageration that this is one of the most important history books I have ever read (scratch that, this is simply one of the most important BOOKS I've ever read). It changed the way I think about economic development, absolutism and nation states.
It is also well written. I found myself reading the book almost like a novel. No sooner had I finished a chapter on say Prussia that I found myself unable to put the book down because I wanted to find out what was similar but different in Poland, or Russia. Anderson has framed the questions so nicely that you just keep begging for more.

This is the second volume of the two part work. The first volume is ¡®Passages from Antiquity to Feudalism¡¯. On a review of the first volume, I explained the purpose of the work. So I¡¯ll go directly to the content of the second volume.
This volume deals with the absolute monarchies. Absolute monarchies emerged from the crisis of feudalism which was tackled in the first volume. Anderson begins with the conventional consensus: Absolute monarchies are the reconstruction of feudal state to defend the interest of ruling class. Anderson overviews the path various countries like Spain, France, England, Italy, Sweden, Prussia, Poland, Austria, Russia, Islamic world, and Japan followed from the 16th century to the emergence of modern nation-states. The reason he covered Eastern Europe is the same one as he does in the first volume: comparative study. he argues that Western absolutism are different from Eastern absolutism. They follow different lineages. The aim of this volume is to answer the question, why the capitalism emerged in Western Europe just like the first volume. But the main point of the second volume lies in comparing Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Why did seemingly the same absolutism diverged?

Meeting the author on Tom's frivilous myspace, I chose to read this book. I've read all the good Christian fantasy books that I know of, therefore, I chose to order this tale of a princess who's freedom is being suffocated by her royalty seeking nanny, as well as her cunning and selfish father. But when she asks her dearest friend, Prince Brydon, for help in planning her escape from the castle's cold, cruel walls, she sets out pn the adventure of a lifetime in which she gets the chance to prove herself to all who doubt her. But is it worth it to give up those closest to her? Even in ways she never expected?
I discovering the author was only thirteen when writing this, I was impreseed with this story of Layla, the princess. It was very inspiring that even someone so young could fulfill the dream of publishing.

This is the best book you will ever read. Some call it the christian alternative to Harry Potter. I personally can't say that, myself though, because that would be bragging. I am sorely dissapointed that a year has passed and no review has been posted whatsoever. Next month i wil be fifteen, and publishing my next book (actually, it is sort of like the sequel to this, but The Lone Princess of Tentaleigh is included in as Part I. It will be over 300 pgs long, which i daresay, is better than the 142 or whatever it is now.)I, if you havent guessed, am Lacie. Many people i know would be able to tell that by the way this is written; those of you in doubt this is the author just know that i am a young teenager who has only had one book signing, and am not to high an mighty (yet! jk) to post a review about my own book on a bargain website. I will be selling autographed copies soon on the new and used section, and oh yes-- has anyone a CLUE why my book is being sold from all over the UK? If someone knows, please tell me! if you know me personally then you know how much i wish i was british, though it sounds odd... nonetheless my agent (aka grandpa) doesnt even know anything about my book being sold from UK. Weird, or what? I will check back in a month or so and see if anyone has bought my book and left a review. I'm counting on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fosdick takes a broad-view look at the life of Jesus, and in doing so, examines the characteristics Jesus possessed as a man here on earth. This isn't a "HOW TO" or "SELF HELP" manual like most Christian growth books out there today. Rather, it just looks at Christ and asks how we measure up. It doesn't sound like earth-shattering stuff, but Fosdick digs deep and really brings it home several times throughout the book. Some of it will blow your mind. The entire thing is scripture based. Whoever reads it will, no doubt, come out of it with a much clearer, deeper perspective on the person and Diety of Jesus Christ. You won't be wasting your time on this book.

Tho written more than a century ago, Fosdick's insights and reflections on the personality of Christ remain fresh and relevant. My grandfather took this little daily devotional book with him into the First World War; my father took it with him into the Second; and it is just as insipiring for the conflicts of today. You will find daily gems of insight and inspiration. Well worth your time and study.

I defer to the excellent review of this book by Michael Potemra in the National Review, Decemeber 31, 2006 page 50.

The fact that this book was written at all makes it interesting. Dr. Perry, a Protestant, sets out to explain and even defend traditionally Catholic views of Mary. And why? He explains that we are fascinated with Mary because, "we are fascinated with Jesus. She directs the faith away from herself, always to her Son." Indeed, this is the precisely the point Catholic theologians have attempted to make for so long and, perhaps, one reason why Protestants and Catholics have found so little to share in common. Dr. Perry correctly identifies the close linkage between Marian and Christological doctrines.

Dr. Perry is to be commended for his commitment to understand and challenge his own assumptions in order to do so. The result is well-organized record of his studies and where those studies have led. His conclusions may seem not enough for some Catholics but shocking to some Protestants. Those who would argue his conclusions fall far too short may have a poor appreciation for how difficult these questions can be for a Protestant. Those who are shocked that he has concluded too much may need to pursue a similar study themselves to see if what Dr. Perry finds is not true. A good place to start would be Dr. Gamero's Mary and the Fathers of the Church: The Blessed Virgin Mary in Patristic Thought.

At times Dr. Perry seems to be riding the fence, at one point explaining how scripture must be interpreted always in light of the sacred tradition of the church - a bold admission for a Protestant to make. On the other hand, he keeps returning to the test of scripture alone as the test for orthodoxy - the more traditional Protestant stance. But even with such inconsistencies, Dr. Perry makes some rather startling (from a Protestant perspective) conclusions. And, what is more, those conclusions are backed up with solid exegesis that will likely make many squirm. Rather than give away what those conclusions are, I will refrain from further comment and leave it to your discovery. This book is like a good mystery, building the evidence all along but still keeping the end hidden to the last. At times you will think the conclusions will be in favor of one side then wonder if perhaps the evidence is leading to the other side. The writing style is clean and entertaining so that you will find it difficult to set aside.

In the process of his investigation, Dr. Perry has to lay out some ground rules for tradition, scripture, and doctrinal development. Those alone have serious implications in their admission from a Protestant and that alone gives the book its four stars. For more on these topics you may also want to see the work of another Evangelical Protestant, Dr. Willams, in Tradition, Scripture, and Interpretation: A Sourcebook of the Ancient Church (Evangelical Ressourcement: Ancient Sources for the Church's Future).

Dr. Perry's research recorded in this work will go far to raising the awareness of Protestants to their mother. Perhaps too, it will give Catholics a better understanding of the difficulties their Protestant friends may have with Mariology and, in the process, give them the tools they can use to share those doctrines without being threatening. Pope John Paul II stated on several occasions the importance of Mary in the unity of the Church. Dr. Perry seems to second that opinion. May it be that this is the crack that will begin the collapse of the wall that divides us. It is, at the very least, a step in the right direction to understanding.

I enjoyed this book, and it was nice reading a book about a woman making a new beginning after the floor has been pulled out from beneath her. Naomi Harvey had so much happen in her life and I wondered at times how she kept going, but she did. She gave all of herself to her children and God. She's a very courageous woman who never gave up, knowing her God would provide, no matter what. Some things I found hard to believe, but this is a true story, and that's what I took it for.

My congrats to the author. She was able to convey Ms. Harvey's life in a very beautiful way. To take someone else's life and get in down in print is something most of us could not do. You felt pain and happiness of the main character. Darlene Bogle has done a wonderful job.

Naomi Harvey is my pastor. She has endured more than any human should but has never rebuked God. She reminds me of Job. She has faith like I have never seen before. She is gentle, loving and kind. She has been a friend for over 20 years. Read the book, you will come to love her also.