Richardson Books

Mark Richardson has a profound command of the work of Robert Frost. This book was an absolute delight to read. I would recommend it not only to those readers interested in Robert Frost, but in the study of poetry in general.

Exceptionally good book, and a must-read for anyone interested in Frost, or occupied with the study of his work. Thoughtful and rewarding. Highly recommended.

A focussed and innovative approach to change management.The model of change management based around ten winning conditions is applied in a number of situations:
* Acquisitions.
* New venture creation.
* Introduction of information systems.
* Turnarounds.
* Culture change.
The guidance is very useful in the field I work in as an Interim Manager/Consultant.

Stan Felstead. Interchange-Resources-UK

Drawing on their MBA executive teaching, research and consulting, the authors present a framework for rapid implementation of organizational change. They assert that the first 200 days of a major change initiative determines its outcome. Successful change calls for Winning Conditions: correct diagnosis of the change challenge; early development of shared understanding; enrichment of shared understanding; establishing a sense of urgency; creating a limited, focused, strategic agenda; rapid, strategic decision making and deployment; a human flywheel of commitment; identifying and managing sources of resistance; follow-through on changing organizational enablers; and demonstrated leadership commitment. Discussion and examples make this approach clear and applied. The book is very impressive in its scope and depth. It is meaty, absorbing and to-the-point.

With Volume II of his epic history of third parties in America, Darcy G. Richardson has outdone himself. While the first volume laid the foundation for the argument that the founders never intended there to be two major parties, this edition tells the story of minor parties' golden age. First, the book tackles Henry George - the father of modern "geolibertarianism" and the Single Tax movement. His influential campaigns in New York briefly united libertarians and socialists - a coalition that obviously could not last for long. The next several chapters deal with the rise of socialism and "populism" during the period, and the many strong third parties that emerged to advocate socialist and populist causes. This all culminates in the elections of 1896, 1900, and 1908, when the Democrats nominate "populist" William Jennings Bryan - who was also popular with many socialists - to head the national ticket. In retrospect, it is difficult to determine whether the Democrats co-opted the populist/socialist message, or the populists and socialists simply influenced the Democratic Party. Regardless, the results of the "fusion" are with us to this day. This book also focuses on the elevated terms of debate in the late 19th/ early 20th century, in which campaigns were waged and coalitions were formed over a subject as seemingly bland (today) as monetary policy. In fact, many Democrats defected from the national ticket when Bryan was nominated, forming the Gold Democrats. All in all, I learned a lot from reading this wonderful work, even though I already thought I was well-versed on the third-party politics of the time. Being a south-east Michigan resident right on the border with Toledo, I had no idea that the city had a popular independent mayor or that it figured so heavily in national politics at this time. Today, the city is bombarded with more political advertising than any other (due to Ohio's status as a "battleground state" and Michigan's proximity), so I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. I cannot wait for Volume III!

There were intense social and political struggles during the period covered by this book. We think our politics today is intense, and it is, but it pales by comparison with the capital-labor struggles of the 1880's, 1890's, and 1900's decade. The book gets into the nitty-gritty of these fierce, unrelenting battles.

As I find myself more and more dissatisfied with the two major political parties, I found myself increasingly interested and drawn to the unrepresented and often unheard voices of the political arena: the third parties of American politics.

It was from my own research (and my own curiosity) that led me to this book: Others by Darcy Richardson. The book is part of a planned four-volume series that looks at the role of third parties in American history. Richardson's research is outstanding and very detailed. He not only provides biographical thumbnail sketches of persons of interest to breathe life into these forgotten heroes of elections past, but illustrates how some of the early third-party movements routinely fielded tickets headed by men of stature and substance, including ex-governors, congressmen, diplomats, and even former Presidents (i.e., Free Soiler Martin Van Buren in 1848 and the Know-Nothing Party's Millard Fillmore in 1856). In this first volume, he thoroughly re-examines these parties and key players from our country's beginning to the mid 1880s, culminating in the demise of the Greenback-Labor Party.

Where I had already thought that I knew quite a bit about the early American parties (the Federalists, Democratic-Republicans, the Whigs, the Know Nothings, the Free Soilers), Richardson not only expands my existing knowledge but also introduces the forgotten parties of the earlier periods, including the Anti-Masonic Party (anti-secret society), the Liberty Party (anti-slavery), and the Prohibitionists (teetotalers). He clearly has his hand on the political pulse of early America and writes in a guiding narrative that leaves the impression that he himself was there at these pivotal points in American history; at the early political conventions with all their intrigue and deal making; reporting the newspaper headlines and pamphlets of the period; the behind-the-scenes politicking between the candidates, the party bosses and assorted movers-and-shakers. Unlike some in academia, Richardson makes no attempt to force his own interpretation of events on the reader, but merely reminds his audience of the impact third parties had on the nation's political development.

All in all, Richardson has written a wonderful book that is insightful, informative and a terrific read. He brings to light the lives and dreams of so many forward-thinking Americans who, for the most part, have been overlooked by other historians. I look forward to his subsequent volumes so that I can expand my knowledge on the third parties of the 20th century. I can see where this book will be a reference for anyone looking to examine the role third party politics have played, especially during some of the more volatile periods in our nation's history.

Third party politics wreak havoc in the two party system of America. It has been proven. Yet time and time again, a third party springs up out of the desires of the people. Some go strong and some fizzle out from the very beginning. The desire for change is a looming giant in the United States, and always has been. For the history of third party politics one only need to look to Darcy Richardson's "Others: Third-Party Politics from the Nation's Founding to The Rise and Fall of The Greenback-Labor Party." It's a long title and a long book but it is quite thorough and a highly recommended read for anyone who is intrigued by or even mildly irritated by third parties.

Beginning with the views of our founding fathers, Richardson covers the history of American politics, including: Free Democrats, southern rights and Native Americans, the emergence of the know-nothing party, the liberal Republican movement: reformers versus politicians, the prohibition and anti-monopoly parties in 1884, and so much more. This epic history lesson is extensively detailed and seemingly all-inclusive. However, Darcy Richardson writes like a man entranced with his favorite plaything. His book reads like the work of one who is in love with his topic. Thus, the reader is also entranced and finds the reading captivating.

The book can be read in bits and pieces; the reader choosing their favorite of the bygone parties and moments in history, or it can be read in whole in study of the American way. Whether for the home enthusiast or a college library, this holding will be greatly admired. The first in a four volume series, "Others" is a thoroughly researched piece of work that sets the bar for Richardson's future books. Expect good things from Richardson and you won't be disappointed.

As a reviewer I am not the biggest fan of reading lengthy history books, but "Others" was a compelling, enlightening and entertaining read.
Review by Heather Froeschl.

John Richardson's *Paradise Poisoned* is an important, timely, and groundbreaking book. The product of more than 18 years of work, it is a carefully researched account of Sri Lanka's fall from a beautiful island paradise and international development "success story", to a headline-grabbing example of a nation torn apart by terrorism and deadly civil conflict.

Drawing both on an innovative methodology and his long-standing work in the fields of international development and conflict, Professor Richardson demonstrates how Sri Lanka's tragic story clearly exposes a world-wide issue that has long been hiding in plain sight--that international development programs, conflict, and terrorism are intimately linked, and often in very negative ways. This is obviously a highly important and policy-relevant finding that is rarely discussed or analyzed in a rigorous manner--the only other book I can recall is Peter Uvin's work on Rwanda (Aiding Violence, 1998). Other important authors, like Mary Anderson (Do No Harm, 1999) offer valuable advice to practitioners on how to reduce conflict in the field, but Richardson and Uvin's more structural analyses expose how contemporary international development policies, put in place by well-meaning leaders and the international community, can be a factor that leads to deadly conflict in the first place.

The book has many lessons, but for me the most important is this profound critique of contemporary development wisdom, and Richardson's carefully documented case study makes it impossible to ignore his findings, or write them off as a simplistic superficial analysis based on preconceived conclusions. Quite the contrary, Richardson's approach is highly sophisticated, and his innovative systems methodology enables him to clarify how deadly conflict arises not from a single cause, but from a complex interaction of a number of critical factors that, acting together, help to explain the fall of Sri Lanka from apparent success to disastrous failure.

The practical policy lessons to be drawn are many, and reach well beyond the Sri Lanka case. Perhaps the most important lesson is that development policies need to be examined with an additional lens that clarifies the ways in which well-intended programs can exacerbate this complex set of factors that undo the development goals and lead to violent and persistent conflict and terrorism. Professor Richardson's useful book goes a long way in this direction by pointing out some of the most critical reference points for this new perspective. It is essential reading, both as a cautionary tale, and as an important source for anyone concerned with discovering specific ways to improve international development policy and reduce global violence.

Steven Arnold, University of Washington (formerly Director, International Development Program, American University)

John Richardson's *Paradise Poisoned* is far and away the most comprehensive study of civil violence in Sri Lanka ever undertaken. In its narrative sweep, mastery of detail, conceptual acuity and analytic range, it will never be surpassed. Indeed, no other study of civil violence anywhere rivals Richardson's in these several respects.

For those of us who have seen Sri Lanka from the inside, Richardson's large claim is beyond challenge: the country's descent into violence had no single overriding cause. Richardson assembled vast amounts of data (helpfully displayed in innumerable graphs and tables) on every conceivable contributing cause. His background in the analysis of dynamic systems gave him the best imaginable tools for mapping tangled developments over many decades. His conclusions are always compelling, strikingly so when he catalogs the beneficiaries of violent conflict.

One by one, the ten imperatives Richardson puts forward for preventing civil violence in developing societies may seem like common sense. His exhaustive, fully integrated study of the Sri Lankan experience massively substantiates every one of them. Taken together and taken seriously, they are represent our best chance for a better, safer world.

Nicholas Onuf
Professor Emeritus
Florida International University

The quilt world was fortunate to have Beth Gutcheon for a brief period of time. She has subsequently moved on to write several books of fiction and screenplays, also of merit. However, while she was in our clutches, she wrote one of the first intelligent books about quilting, a primer which did not "write down" to women who sewed. It is a book which assumed from the onset that quilters were more interested in exploring visual patterns and their impact, rather than making ducks-and-bunnies quilts (which, while perhaps appropriate for children, somehow became associated with female creativity in the 70's and 80's). This book was a welcome relief.

I bought this book in the 70's and it still has an honored place in my bookcase. Yes, I learned to quilt from it but more than that, I learned to think about handwork as craft and art. The book is fabulously funny as well. I didn't last long as a quilter but I've incorporated many of the designs into my knitting.

Every craft book should be this well written, clear in instruction and as well illustrated! I smile every time I pick it up or pass it on the bookcase. It is a masterwork.

Great view of blacksmithing of the 1880's. Lots of good suggestions for today. I bought the hardback with all 4 volumes in one. Great deal for the combined volume.

I first came across this book in a used book store in virginia over ten years ago. I lent it to a friend, and promptly forgot who had it. When you get your copy, chain it to your forge.

This book is a comprehensive treatise on the art of blacksmithing, as it was practiced at the turn of the century. It covers the basics of working with iron, detailing how to determine temperature by color, how to build your forge fire, how to use the basic tools and so forth, but it goes far beyond that.

In this book, you can find descriptions of such nearly forgotten subjects as how to weld wagon tires, how to make hoops for your local cooper's use, and even how to repair a broken anvil!

This book is a fascinating, clearly written encyclopedia of a nearly forgotten industry.

Martha Johnson's cookbook is a wonderful collection of recipes of Hill Country, Texas flavors. Easy to follow recipes, producing wonderfully tasteful dishes. A valuable cookbook for any kitchen.

I have enjoyed these recipes immensely. Mrs. Johnson ran a wonderful restaurant in the Hill Country of central Texas for 34 years. This book contains practical and delicious recipes from her years of running the restaurant and loving to cook for family and friends. My personal favorites from this cookbook include Raleigh House Orange Rolls, make-from-scratch pancake mix, and the Raleigh House blueberry muffin mix. Thank goodness for these delicious recipes! This is a must for every collector of cookbooks, or anyone who likes to cook. For those who don't cook, buy this one for those who do!

He loves this author, and was pleasantly surprised to receive a signed copy of this book.

WOW! What a refreshing read! This is exactly what our world needs today...literature with a positive message for young girls and boys. The Real Slam Dunk allows children to dream and explore the many possibilities of what they can be when they grow up. This easy reader is a valuable asset in the classroom and at home. It puts a positive look on school, careers, friendships, and family life. I have recommended it to many friends and collegues. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Crystal Hicks
Elementary School Educator

Few people know that Elliot Richardson wrote many of Richard Nixon's speeches, and advised on others. Richardson was a man with deep analytical skills, common sense, and solid ethics, and he assumed his political allies observed the same high standard he did. He is known as a "Martyr of Watergate," but his sacrifice and misuse started a decade earlier and extended a decade beyond that shameful period. Through example and advocacy, Richardson believed he could influence the Republican Party to take the high moral ground.

When so many people agreed with Nixon's political point of view of the 1960's and 70's, they were actually agreeing with Elliot Richardson. Richardson was an up-and-coming hero, attorney, and political leader who was misled and misused by politicians who we now know to be dishonest. Richardson wrote what he sincerely believed, and people who were better-known but less sincere used his wise words to gain support for themselves. Richardson's final years were spent in frustration and depression, as he saw how his life's work had been hijacked.

Read his book, and see how Elliot Richardson influenced American political thought.

I really enjoyed reading Elliot Richardson's insights into government and politics. His book should be mandatory for all those involved in running the government today. The clowns in charge today (from both parties) could learn a great deal from someone who not only has a great deal of experience, but also possesses a great deal of integrity.