Research Books

Book seems like it will be really helpful before law school starts. It arrived on time and in promised condition.

The text was as described with no issues. The delivery was prompt and handled in a professional manner. I recommend this seller.

I like the schematic structure of American Legal Systems: A Resource and Reference guide. Once I delved into it, I really appreciated the clear and concise organization of the content as well as the presentation in tables and outlines.

As a novice reader in common law, I found the dual outline approach - from general to particular - very interesting: the concepts are first introduced, anchored and defined; thereafter, further developed into an enabling level of details.

Reference books generally do not explain the hierarchy of concepts. If reading the dictionary is not the most practical way to learn English, reading this book definitely makes exploring the American legal systems much less arduous. It is like the wheels under the car that will bring you there!

BOOK COMMENTS

American Legal System: Most Valuable Navigator of American Law for Foreign Lawyers Liu Junhai "American Legal System: A Resource and Reference Guide", written by Prof. Toni M. Fine, is one of the most practical and concise guidebook for American and foreign lawyers, especially those civil law trained lawyers, who want to gain a clear picture of American legal system within short time. Prof. Fine finished this book not only on the basis of many years of teaching American legal system at prestigious NYU School of Law, but also on the basis of her over ten years of productive academic research in this field. As a Chinese lawyer, I personally have benefited greatly from reading this book. Therefore, I'd like to encourage other foreign lawyers to share the informative knowledge presented in this book.

It is true that you can find innumerable books on American legal system either in bookstores or libraries. However, most of the legal works focus on specific or even very narrow areas of law, so as to satisfy academic exploration requirements. And most commonly used approach for foreign lawyers to learn American legal system is to start from very detailed yet specific areas of law. Therefore, it is natural for readers of this sort of books take it for granted that, they have known American legal system. In fact, what they have learned is only a part of American legal system, not the American legal system as a whole. Almost every body knows exactly the story of Indian blind men, who touched deferent parts of the same elephant, and mistook elephant either as a wall, or as a big fan, etc. To avoid the stupid mistakes made by these poor blind men, Prof. Fine just worked out a very clear picture of American legal system in a condensed form. After reading this book, I found the orientation of American law without difficulties, and got very familiar with basic concepts of American jurisprudence, case law, statutes and legislative history, administrative and other executive law, civil litigation, appellate court review, basic legal citation form, preparation of interoffice memorandums, memorandums of law, and preparation of appellate briefs. In a sense, I'd like to call this book a navigator in the ocean of American law. Before I read this book, I had found no such sort of navigator.

In order to enable readers operate and use the navigator easily and pleasantly, Prof. Fine tried her best in developing this book in a coherent, yet active and enabling way. The designation of the hierarchy of the whole structure of this book, including the headlines and sub-headlines, is very clear, concise and logical. The author also tends to guide the readers have the sight seeing from farther too nearer. For instance, the author introduced the basic concepts of stare decisis, court hierarchy, jurisdiction, dual court system, primary versus secondary authority at the very beginning of this book, and developed them further in details when readers proceed on exploring. Reading this book, is just like exploring a well-designed building group. To keep readers excited instead of tired while reading, the author used over sixty live and narrative charts, and avoided boring legal language. Therefore, almost each and every foreign lawyer or business people with basic English language skills could understand this book very well.

When I introduced this book to my colleagues in China, almost all of them think it necessary to translate this book into Chinese, and publish it in Chinese, so as to make it available to hundreds of thousands Chinese law students, lawyers, legal scholars, business people and general public, who have strong interest in American law. I could not imagine that Chinese students do not have this book as an indispensable refrence book if they want to study American law in the future. Although this book can not replace other American law books in specific areas of law, other books could be understood better and deeper with the assistance of this book as a navigator. I believe it is also true with the counterparts in other countries, especially the civil law countries. Of course, American law school students and business school students having interest in studding American law are also the suitable beneficiaries of this book. It is no wonder why this book has been printed for three times sine it was published in 1997. I sincerely hope and believe this book will be published in more foreign languages, and enable more foreign lawyers use this navigator in skillful and experienced way when they explore American law for either academic purpose or business purpose.

(The reviewer is Arbitrator, Beijing Arbitration Commission; Associate professor & Deputy Director, Department of Business Law & Economic Law, Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Email: junhai@public.east.cn.net; liujunhai_2000@yahoo.com)

If you are coming from a civil law country and want to learn more about the common law system, this book is just perfect for you. I highly recommend it to foreign trained lawyers attending an LL.M. program at an American law school. If you are planning to start your studies this fall, buy and read it this summer and enjoy the headstart and lean back in your first classes.

I like Professor Fine's book not only because it is so eloquently written (reader-friendly - how exceptional in the field of law!), but also for its clarity and conciseness. Especially the numerous charts are extremely useful and show you on one page what other books try to explain to you on 20 pages.

In short, Professor Fine's book will be your loyal companion through your LL.M. year.

I bought this book for my husband as a birthday gift. He is a music lover and he completely adored the book! I would recommend it to any music trivia whiz or anyone who loves to keep up with hits! It's a fabulous reference and a great source of information.

An absolute necessity for anyone who collects music or is interested in the history of Rock/Pop music in the United States. A must have book that will Never be on the shelf but always close by for reference.

Just overflowing with fabulous info. I only wish there was a paperback version available from Amazon. I'm sure there's one somewhere, since this book was published in '03 and there were always paperback versions of older Whitburn books. It would've been less expensive (and lighter!).

It's a great book for any music fan of the last fifty or more years. It lists all the artists, song titles and chart information for every year. Even a small bio of each artist. It is the bible of popular music. All of Joel Whitburn's books are excellent.

This book is a great help in searching for old records, who sang on these singles, what date they came out, etc etc. I discovered some minor errors though, but hopefully they will be corrected for the revised edition!! Kind of thought it is a waste of space to list who has the most popular songs, this and that; but otherwise I highly recommend this book.

This is an excellent book. The author is very knowledgeable, and the book is well written. It is a must for anyone who is interested in amateur chemistry.

At first I picked this book to help with home-schooling, but it's a bit over my son's (and my) head. It also does not explain the theories as well as a plain school textbook. That said, this book is AWESOME! Every page made me want to go buy more chemisty stuff and try things. The experiments cover safety and post experiment waste disposal; things parents are concerned about.

Whether or not my son chooses to join me in "the lab", I can see several months of fascination and pure joy of learning ahead.

My husband bought this Make magazine Home Chemistry publication because we were familiar with Make and is hands-down more thorough than any other publication that we researched. My old chemistry books were too involved and used as reference books for me. The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments shows you the best ways to obtain basic lab equipment and chemicals necessary for the experiments and which ones can be obtained from local hardware stores. It's great way to make learning fun with all the necessary precautions but yet not so frustrating with the academic and technical jargon. It recommends a schedule of experiments for a typical high school program to experiments tackling more advanced chemistry curriculum. It covers simple experiments as separating and recovering sugar from sand as well as the concepts/types of latent fingerprinting recovery. I highly recommend checking it out if you home school or just want to study or relearn basic or advanced chemical properites in an applicable and understandable manner.

I have been involved in chemistry in one way or another for the biggest part of my life, and being a gold refiner by trade, I must say that I have never seen a text as simple to read and understand as this, for the lay person trying to get a start in the chemistry world... To the point, readable and understandable... A five year old could handle this book! With my prior knowledge, I was still riveted to this book... Excellent job! Bill Lewelling, Goldco Mining and Refining, Lakewood, Colorado

This book is an amazing value. I would pay 50 bucks for this book. Much of the book is full of very useful information about lab equipment and the chemicals you will need--where to find the chemicals, and the specific safety risks of each chemical. The experiments are simply in design, but lengthy enough to be significant learning experiences. Data tables and questions about the lab are included. I'm sure this will turn out to be a very valuable resource for my teaching of secondary science.

Rardin was the first book I used for OR and I keep a copy in my personal library. It offers a series of examples that are followed up throughout the book, chapter by chapter, to provide insight into the application of mathematics to real world problems. By building the level of complexity, on an ogoing basis through the use of specific examples, Rardin shows the extrmely practical side to why Operations Research is such a fundamental use of applied mathematics. The book is easy to read and should easily meet the needs of any upperlevel undergraduate course in Operations Research.

It is both useful for graduates and for undergraduates.

Explanations are easy to follow but at the same time they don't lack detail or correctness. The book is full of examples and it covers different fields of OR.

For me, the best is Rardin's approach to teach OR: he begins from the base and he builds newer contents over that base. In this way, you feel like "that works!". And for graduates, there are some sections called "primers" where Rardin explains subjects outside the scope of the book, but very useful for beginners.

The book is very well written. A good big effort.

The only bad point I found is the book's font/typeset is not very good (I'd prefer a more TeXified style).

The "Search inside this book" feature was not available for this book when this review was published. Hope it helps.

Table of Contents
1. Problem Solving with Mathematical Models
2. Deterministic Optimization Models in Operations Research
3. Improving Search
4. Linear Programming Models
5. Simplex Search for Linear Programming
6. Interior Point Methods for Linear Programming
7. Duality and Sensitivity in Linear Programming
9. Shortest Path and Discrete Dynamic Programming
10. Network Flows
11. Discrete Optimization Models
12. Discrete Optimization Methods
13. Unconstrained Nonlinear Programming
14. Constrained Nonlinear Programming

If you need more information, Professor Rardin (Purdue University) maintains a website that can be easily located using any web search tool.

Review after 2 years of using this book: AMAZING BOOK. There has never been a better book (and probably never will be) in explaining OR.

Previous Review upon purchase:
If you are taking a graduate or an undergraduate course in OR, this book is a must! I have not seen ANY book able to present OR with such simple, direct examples and WITHOUT sacrificing theory.
This is the best written textbook I have ever read. When I compare it with the hundereds of dollars I spend on badly written books, even as a PG (poor graduate) student I would gladly pay twice of what this book is priced at.

This book presents the subjects in a different and novel way which provides many new insights.

In it, there is a great concern with the practical, professional use of operations research, as can be easily seen in the modeling examples. This book could be named "Optimization theory with realistic applications". This book certainly enables the students to apply the theory learned in practical situations, while providing the necessary mathematical foundations.

Rardin exposes the subject in a very clear and non-orthodox manner, unifying all algorithms through the use of the improving-search framework. The text is also innovative, containing sections on Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Tabu Search and Branch and Cut.

But if you want to go deeper in some subject (linear programming for example) you will need another book.

I'm coming to the end of my undergraduate studies (in PHYSICS!) and I was looking for some insight into what graduate school would be like to to try and figure out if a PhD is in the cards for me. This book is easy to read and FULL of useful tips. However the overwhelming majority of these nuggets of gold come from past PhD students in the medical/biological sciences. This began to get really annoying. I was constantly having to decide which comments to take onboard and which to leave behind (because I thought they wouldn't apply to me). As a result, I probably have in my head a very distorted picture of what grad school will really be like.
The title is very descriptive, it's just missing one word, but I suppose if they added it sales would drop significantly.

This book should be required reading for anyone applying to gradutate school in the sciences (physical or biological). A quick read of the text will give one plenty to think about before making the big decision. The earlier you read it the better off you will be. The most important reading regards selecting an advisor. I am in the process of completing my degree and in hind sight agree with the issues on which the author has choosen to focus.

The following was copied from another website's review of The Ph.D. Process, and I think it describes the book perfectly:

Graduate school in science is not an experiential extension of undergraduate education, where the passing of a sufficient number of courses usually guarantees one a degree; nor is it medical school or law school, where there is a delineated and set curriculum. Ph.D students are actually pretty much on their own--and they will sink or swim depending upon their own interpretation of how the system works.

The purpose of this book is to provide students with some insight into this unusual system. The authors--each a Ph.D. in the sciences--reveal the generally unspoken "rules" of the game. They offer the secrets of survival and success: What should you discuss in your application essay? What types of research advisors should you avoid? What kinds of research projects should you never undertake? How hard do you have to work? Are grades important? What steps should you take now to make yourself "employable" when you finish? What decisions can make or break your career? How can you network in the scientific community? What goes on at the oral defense, and how can you prepare?

Described also is the daily experience itself: research life, classes, seminars, journal clubs, lab meetings, interactions with peers and professors, qualifying exams, professional meetings, oral exams, dissertation preparation, etc. Anxiety, frustration, and joy-- all normal responses to a grad student's life--are also examined. (In quotes sprinkled throughout the text, numerous past and present grad students relate their individual experiences and emotions during their doctoral training.) A separate chapter is devoted to the special problems of foreign students, strangers to our culture and educational system.

There are many intellectual and emotional challenges inherent to becoming a scientist. This book prepares students for each stage of the experience. They will learn what to expect--socially, psychologically, and academically!

The PhD process is a great overview of graduate school in the sciences. It covers most basic topics such as choosing a type of school, applying, preliminary exams, comps, thesis work, etc. Of course each school does these things slightly differently, but the main points are there and the authors do a good job of pointing out where differences between programs are likely to turn up. This book also explains things that graduate programs aren't likely to advertise such as using students as `cheap labor' and what things to look for in an advisor other than interesting research. This is a fun to read honest book, and the anecdotes from current and past graduate students are the best part. I enjoyed reading them because so many of the same things have happened to me, and it's nice to know that I'm not alone.

I wouldn't say that I received any great insights from the book because I had some experience with academic labs before I applied to graduate school and had a pretty good idea of what I was getting into. I found it a little calming to read about others' experiences as I was waiting to get started. I think most students who apply to graduate school have already spent much time in labs with current graduate students so this might not be that useful to them as practical advise; however, I found this book to be an excellent resource for my parents. My parents had no idea what graduate school is like, and the fact that I'm at school all day and only go to class for an hour baffles them to no end. Reading this book helped them to understand the structure and goals of graduate school. Though I still don't think they understand journal club. (Why would anyone join that club? It doesn't sound like very much fun.)

I recommend this book to grad students for their parents or to undergraduates who aren't sure if graduate school is the right path for them. This book gives great insight into what graduate school is really like.

The book definitely unfold the whole map of graduate school life, especially for (biological) science students. Many aspects and stages of doing science research and how to survive in graduate school are covered. However, the lack of insightful guidence is the main drawback of the book. Pointint out possible obstacles does not necessarily makes gradute students' lives easier. The interviews from (past) graduate students do help readers build up confidence because it is comforting to know many people suffer as they do now, but at the same time few specific steps or directions are NOT distilled by the authors. It's like everyone just talks their experiences without any conclusions.

Amazon better get a copy soon. I want this book BAAAD. As for Makaveli
heres some more facts.

Starin Through My Rearview
"MulTiple gunshots fill the block the fun stops/******
is callin cops people shot and nobody stops/I wonder
when the world stop carin last night/two kids shot while
the whole block starin"

He was supposedly dead on the 7th.So how can he retell
his death if he never left the hospital alive?


????
"'97 watch me cut these *********** down to size"

Which one of his rivals was gunned down & what year did
he die again? Exactly.


Breathin
"Woke up wit 50 enemies plottin my death all 50 seein
visions of me shot in the chest,couldnt rest nah ***** I
was stressed....,complete my mission/my competition no
longer beefin,I murdered all them bustaz now Im the last
********** breathin"
Retelling his own death once again



****** Wit The Wrong *****
"why call the shots nobody real as clear as me,aint
tryna help the feds getta case for conspiracy/murder my
foes get disposed of....tried to rise but they tried me
I guess they all had to die cuz we tried peace Ill die
in these streetz blast till they recognize..., they keep
it poppin lotta bustaz wanna see me fall I ****** yo
***** now this new **** gon fadem all,my ****** ball
made a call for some backup/the lil homies and my doggz
in the black truck buck buck was the sound as they gats
burst/no need fa ambulance baby bring the black hearse
shoulda never ****** around busta how you figga makin
moves onthe wrong *****? You know Its wat it sounds like
bing bing bing,why you ***** withe wrong *****?! ******
gettin hit when they ****** wit the wrong *****"

Talks about how he killed Biggie.
You cant B dead if your retelling an event you never
lived to see.

MAKAVELI DON KILLUNINATI: THE 7 DAY THEORY
ON THE 7TH YOU THINK IM DEAD,YET IM REALLY ALIVE

I am looking to purchase this book from someone PLEASE but I cannot pay a ridiculous amount of money for it...is there anyone out there that is willing to sell their copy to me I'd be fair about it just not crazy? I am a HUGE PAC fan I have a on going web site about him and his controversial death I cannot beleive I missed this book? This book would really be a great benefit to me and my web site if anyone would let it go?

this book is tight
2pac aint dead

BUY THIS BOOK>>>>!!!!

It's nice to see a published work that dedicates some, but not enough, of its focus on the lyrical evidence that can be found throughout Tupac's massive body of work that tells of his disappearance. That being said, I don't think the proud, hard core, and faithful fans will find any surprises in this book. It did not give me chills as the cover said it would. This would be something for new fans of Tupac, or older fans that may finally want to explore things further. A quick read with some redundant material - this book could be even shorter, but still worth adding to a collection.

Raise 'Em Up!

I had Tupac Lives: Death Of Makaveli/Resurrection Of Tupac Amaru for almost 3 years now! 3 years, I've been keeping this book a secret from everybody! why? Because Tupac diserves to live in peace! Tupac has had a tough life, even when he was a musician! Tupac keeps getting decapitated from the media and I am getting sick of it! Tupac is a very spiritual guy, and probably has learned a lot more about life after he faked his death! Let this guy live in peace, stop rattling him out! I don't think Tupac appreciates that! Not to mention there are 7 Chapters in this book! there is that number 7 again! These are the chapters!

Chapter 1: Ignited Light and the history of Tupac "Amaru" Shakur, Tupac on Religion, Timeline of Tupac's life, Tupac's Revelation, What is the Don Killuminati?

Chapter 2: The Legal & Suspicious Evidence. The Last Night in Las Vegas, the Birth of Makaveli.

Chapter 3: Machiavelli: the Historical Legend, Revision of the Machiavelli Teachings, the Death of Makaveli, Seven Day Theory. Thug Immortals, Numerological Coincidences.

Chapter 4: The Lyrical Evidence

Chapter 5: Why & Where? Speculations on the internet, Chuck D's 18 reasons, the Suspicious Facts and Web Chat.

Chapter 6: The Resurrection. Clever Politics.

Chapter 7: Tupac "Amaru" Shakur and the Introduction of Tupac Amaru and "Shining Path." The History of Tupac Amaru, Hollywood Hints, and A Prophecy to Ponder.

There you have it, all 7 Chapters in the book. This book has more information then just the 7 Day Theory, and all the numerolgical evidence. It has some history of this very religious guy, his name is William Marrion Branham. Also, check this out. William = 7 letters, Marrion = 7 letters, and Branham = 7 letters. Interesting huh? It also has history of the original Tupac Amaru. Its not the history of the rapper, its history of this old legend, his name is Tupac Amaru. Its very interesting stuff.

This Tupac Lives book is not your ordinary Tupac conspiracy book. It has more information then you think. Some stuff you may have already herd about before, but I garantee you that you will be amazed and shocked about this book. Tupac Shakur is living! Let him live in peace, and lets all move on with our lives! Thats what Tupac wants! He also wants a change in this world, he said "if I can't change the world completely, then I garantee you that I will spark someone's brain to change the world." Tupac also said, his old albums are there for people to learn from. He has past all those albums. Obveiously he did because he is a lot older now. I'm talking about 2Pacolypse Now, Strictly For My N.I.G.G.A.Z., Thug Life, Me Against The World, All Eyes On Me, and even the Makaveli album. Tupac is pass those albums and is on a whole other level now. But he wants us to learn from them.

Tupac, I hope you read this review. I understand why you wanted out of the limelight. Let him live in peace, Tupac diserves it! much unconditional love!

Peace & Respect.
MrCoffin23.

This is an EXCELLENT book about the inner workings and decision makeing process of the Bush Administration during Panama and Desert Shield/Storm.

It is easy to become jaded today about what our government is doing and why, but The Commanders, is one of the most engaging looks at your government coming together. For better or for worse, it is even more engaging since so many of the "players" in this book are in the forefront of our news today. One of Woodwards' best.

I bought this book on a Friday night and compulsively read the book until Sunday morning. The read is quick, and the parts about Panama are very fascinating. It's nice to read about something that doesn't involve the Middle East....oh wait a minute, the middle east is covered as is the military history of this period. Colin Powell is a hero and a great pragmatic man, which mkes me long for the pre-Clinton days. History would be much different if Goerge the 1st stayed in power just 4 more years. The bravery and pragmatism of the 1st Bush administration makes you wonder about this Bush administration.

Bob Woodword seems to have become the reporter of authority when it comes to writing what I have heard called "instant histories", that is, histories that will surely be expanded as perspective is gained on a given event, but ones that accurately record how people saw things at the time. In "The Commanders" Woodword gives blow by blow accounts of two major foreign policy crisis' which ultimately led to military action: the removal of Manuel Noriega from Panama and Operation Desert Storm. The book is a quick and absorbing read, focusing almost entirely on the relationhip between the military (Pentagon) and civilian (White House) leaderships, and how that relationship operates during a crisis.

I assume that many who read this book now look to widen their view of some of the key players in the current administration, namely Cheney, Powell, and Wolfowitz (though in much lesser role here) and now is as good a time as any to do so. My impression of Powell, while widened, remains consistent. He comes off as more hesitant to use force than others, very conscious of organization, very thorough, and very aware that words have power. Cheney, however, doesn't at all resemble his sinister caricature. He, too, is careful and analytical, often concerned with Bush "ratcheting up the rhetoric way too much," and, at one point, even recomending that Bush slow down and "wait for the UN." Whereas these two figures are painted as rivals within the "W" administration, they pictured as allies in the first Bush Administration.

Our problems with diplomacy are also present, though they are not the focus of the book. The presumed reaction from Latin America contrained our ability to craft a war plan in Panama, even though it was "anticipated that privately most of these governments would send back-channel word that they were nuetral or even pleased" that Noriega was removed, and it was certain that the Panamanian people hated their leadership (92% were ultimately in favor of Noriega's removal, according to Woodword). Also, many instances show Arab regimes begging for protection, though not wanting their populations to know about the American presence. At one point, the exiled Emir of Kuwait even refuses to meet with members of the US Senate. And of course, "The French were a problem and required a major effort". We will continue to have problems if governments, particualrly democratic ones, refuse to reveal to their publics what they see as in their own national interest. Ahh, the trials of a superpower!

If you are looking for an account of the diplomatic manuevering, the assembling of the coalition, or the national political debate preceeding either conflict; or you want an account of Gulf I itself, this is not your book. Taken for what it is, however, "The Commanders" is an excellent. There are a number of times where statements from this book could fit perfectly into the latest foray in Iraq, but I'll let you hunt for those.

Lastly, funniest line in the book: "the secure internal electronic-mail system, called E-mail, provided a means of quick nearly instantaneous communications by computer with the boss." Who knew only a decade ago that you needed someone to explain what an E-mail is?

This book starts at the beginning of the GHW Bush Administration and goes through to the very beginning of the Gulf War.
It's always a little difficult to know how accurate Woodward's recountings are of conversations and inner-thoughts of the most important people, but there are rarely serious complaints about the accuracy of his books - at least as far as I am aware. For the most part, the book comes from the perspective of Powell and Cheney, with important additions from other key folks at the Pentagon and White House.
The beauty of reading about the GHW Bush Administration is that one also learns about the GW Bush Administration, for many of the key players came back for an encore.

Woodward did a top notch job of discussing important issues in a way that appeals to the general reader. I hope he continues to do so with the GW Bush Administration; both "Bush at War" and "Plan of Attack" are fine books, but "The Commanders" is much better.

I'm the pastor of a Wesleyan church in the US and I have been learning to pray the Daily Office - morning and evening prayer. This little book is great for a travel prayer book, as it is smaller and much less complicated than the Benedictine Daily Prayer.

As a protestant, I have to adjust some of the wording about Mary and the saints, but that is a small sacrifice for the joy of praying with the larger church throughout history!

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who seeks to deepen his or her experience of God through dedicated times of prayer each day!

This book is a perfect introduction into the liturgy of prayer. It is basically a simplified version of the Liturgy of the Hours (simplified in complexity, not content). Each day of the week has morning and evening prayer. There are also prayers for mid-morning, noon, afternoon and evening. Also included is a very nice selection of traditional prayers (the Creed, Act of Contrition, etc.) as well as prayers for various occasions. At the end of the book there is a selection of quotes from the Rules of St. Benedict.

This prayer book is put out by the Benedictine community of Glenstal Abbey in Ireland. The book is a slim volume and is easily carried around. It is perfect for someone (like myself) who wants to develop the habit of prayer and needs a nice introduction to it. There is only one ribbon to move around and it just goes from one day of the week to another. The prayers and liturgies are fairly short and can be done in five or ten minutes. The prayers for mid-morning, etc., are perfect for doing in your car before or after lunch (in the parking lot, not propped up on your steering wheel).

If you are looking for a great tool to help you develop the habit of prayer and that is easy to incorporate into your home and work life, this is it.

Simple reverant prayers in the Benedictine tradition that brings the holy to the every day. A wonderful book to bring along whenever one is seeking a practice to remember the art of spiritual surrender.

I have been looking for a good benedictine prayer book that is easy to follow, and practical for my Oblate studies, and the Glenstal book fits the bill. The monks of Glenstal really put clever thought in putting together this book of prayer for non-monks. Thank you for an excellent tool for lay-monastics, and anyone interested in a solid book of christian prayer.

The secular prayerful person may find in this prayer book a schema of prayer accessible to and useful for the person who cannot give up their day job for contemplative purposes. I keep a copy on my prayer table at all times, and find it very useful for constant prayer.

Unlike other such Books of Common Prayer or Monastic Diurnals, it is not overwhelming in its requirements. It gently and lightly suggests a system of prayer for every day of the week, and for the holidays, morning and evening, following the traditional monastic format which dates back before Saint Benedict. No wonder as Glenstal is a Benedictine Abbey.

It also includes much of the traditional prayers once so well known but now difficult to locate, in a very useful and handy lay out. Many of those traditional prayers heard at your grandmother-s knee and not heard since but cherished in memory are represented here, as well as suggestions for prayers at every occassion of the day.

Highly recommended for anyone wishing to introduce regular prayer into their lives (or the life which God has so generously lent to us) as a centering worship of recollection and peace in God-s love. An urgently necessary element of any prayerful life.

With its clear graphics and its wonderful illustrations, this version of the Art of War adds the element of the various interpretations of the text, set up much in the way that the classic Talmudic texts read. An important work in the history of military strategy and philosophy, this book has much to teach to anyone.

I cannot rave enough about this book. As I'm sure most translators or more authoritative people will point out, the translation quality here is superb. But, from the angle of the guy who knows almost zilch about that, the book offers guidance and discipline. While the original is short and to the point, this book offers a more 'warm' (if I can call it that) feeling, with photographic, smooth paper and various related pictures from the time.

That being said, this book also features commentary by other guys from the time relating to their opinions of Sun Tzu's words. It's definitely interesting to get perspectives from them and not just the author or translator. I felt that was a unique addition that really added to the book. You can read the whole thing of Sun Tzu's words in a couple days or so, but the deep discussion behind it offers a whole 'nother book in and of itself.

book arrived on time and in condition described

This edition makes for a terrific gift for the college graduate. The illustrations and photos add visual interest; the text layout makes for "easy" reading. Although we already own several editions of this classic, this will be added to our personal collection.

This is a classic work on what works and doesn't work it war. It is from the 3rd century BC and cuts through the BS of modern war science. Must reading for all future Presidents, Secretaries of Defense and General Officers.

This book goes beyond the surface to the mind of successful entrepreneurs, which is refreshing. The ballooning analogy to strategic decision making is very interesting and amusing. The real life stories of many successful entrepreneurs and particularly their reflecting back to the past successes is fascinating on the one hand and confusing on the other. One would like to ask what guide this book provides to persons without successful story in the past. Despite some unanswered questions, overall, the book is very readable, interesting, and rewarding.Learning to Think Strategically (New Frontiers in Learning)

The author denies this is a "How-To" book, but if read with the same care that went into writing this learned volume, it is just that. She combines historical overviews with theory and practical advice. I would think this is required reading for anyone in business (and, one hopes, by government policy planners).

Julia Sloan models the very concepts she espouses in her brilliantly written and just-in-time book. What sets her work apart is that she not only reminds us of the imperative for critical thinking particularly within the competitive global business environment, but she offers the strategies needed to develop these new skills in today's complex world. Sloan does this by demonstrating the practical application of classical adult learning theory. Sloan's insight and wonderfully engaging style makes this work a pleasure to read. This is a valuable addition to my own library, and a book I will certainly recommend to others.

Dr. Linda Dale Bloomberg
Adjunct Faculty, Adult and Organizational Learning
Teachers College, Columbia University
Co-author "Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Roadmap From Beginning to End" (Sage, 2007)
August 1, 2007

Julia Sloan has produced a powerful, insightful and clearly written book that will become a benchmark in reframing our understanding of strategic thinking and decision making. In this timely work, Sloan effectively moves the reader from linear and traditional notions of planning and decision
making to the kind of critical thinking needed to gain competitive advantage in todayÂ's world. Sloan demonstrates how thinking strategically can be learned in a systematic way and she does this brilliantly by applying sound theory to real practice. Her work is at the same time innovative and down-to-earth as she guides the reader to the key attributes required in learning how to think strategically.
Dr. Marie Volpe
Adjunct Professor
Adult and Organization Learning
Teachers College, Columbia University

This is an exceptional book! Essential reading for every global business person.The author is clear,succinct and right on the mark with the differentiation between strategic thinking and strategic planning. The first half of the book is informative and the second half is insightful and challenging. Sloan raises questions that should be at the forefront of every strategic discussion: what and how are we investing in developing strategic thinkers? This book is candid, thorough and original. The author makes a convincing and sobering case for plain, hard work when it comes to learning to think strategically -- a welcome and honest assessment of what is necessary to compete on a global scale -- no simple short cuts. This is an outstanding leadership book and should be read by every serious executive. Bravo!