Eastern University Books

This magnificent volume charts the foundation and development of the University of Hong Kong, one of Asia's most renowned educational institutions, from its humble but significant beginnings (it was, after all, one of the earlier western style universities established in the region which possessed a wider regional outlook) to what it is today. Not only have the admirable editors meticulously documented the often colourful history of the University, given that for a long period of time the University of Hong Kong was the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong, they have also allowed readers to have more than a glimpse of the various political, economic and social changes (and, in certain instances, upheavals) that Hong Kong has undergone over the past century or so.

Indeed, the history of the University runs a parallel course to that of Hong Kong - which gives rise to the title of this volume, "Growing with Hong Kong" - with those columns and marbles that adorn some of the older buildings in the campus having witnessed the transformation of the city from a tranquil colonial outpost through its position as an entrepot hub of the Far East and a manufacturing centre of toys and textiles into an international financial and servicing metropolis of 6.8 million people, an impressive progress that has been marked by British colonial rule, the Pacific War and the Japanese occupation, riots and confidence crises, the resumption of sovereignty by China and the many challenges that all these epochs posed on its burgeoning population.

One of the major focuses of this book is on the University's graduates. The narrative touches upon how different generations of graduates have helped to shape and build Hong Kong through the years. There are separate and substantial chapters on the graduates' contributions in the fields of medicine, law, society and environment, business, industry and commerce, professional bodies, governance and administration, social services, education, arts and culture, politics etc. It is understandable that the editors have to be selective when faced with the monumental task of putting together a book of this kind, as it is virtually impossible to include every one on the list of the University's graduates who have had a significant contribution to society. Nevertheless, this volume still documents in an objective and neutral tone (which, thankfully, is shorn of pomposity or any sense of self-congratulation) the school-life and major post-graduation contributions and peregrinations of an imposing number of its illustrious graduates stretching all the way back from Dr Sun Yet-sen (who graduated from the Hong Kong College of Medicine, which became the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong upon the latter's incorporation in 1911) to those newer generation of graduates who have rapidly make their mark in society by excelling in the respective fields that they have chosen for their careers.

This book is extremely well designed in terms of layout and artwork. It is lavishly illustrated by over a thousand photos, including some rare ones, showing the different faces of old Hong Kong, the various buildings of the University both past and present as well as many of its more famous graduates. In my view, such a wonderful feast of photos is already worth the price for the entire book, which also contains time-lines, chronologies, charts and lists that are appropriate for a publication of its kind, as well as interesting anecdotes and side-articles on some of the more amusing traditions of the institution. In fact, each of the well-filled 350 pages of this book is packed with amusing details, nostalgic reminiscences, robust and inspiring examples or can serve as a reminder of certain time-honoured traditions or show a promise for the future. As a result, it makes a hugely satisfying and informative read.

For the editors, who are alumni of the University, this project, which was commissioned to coincide with the 90th anniversary celebrations of the institution, is obviously a labour of love. And they have indeed produced a most handsome volume that does their alma mater proud. From a wider perspective, as the development of the University is so intricately entwined with the development of Hong Kong, this book is also a valuable addition to the catalogues in field of Hong Kong studies, and it can therefore be warmly recommended to the general reader who has an interest in the subject.

One of the least known aspects of the Vietnam War was the National Liberation Front's foreign policy during its struggle against the American and South Vietnamese governments during the Vietnam War (1960-1975). Now, Bob Brigham has remedied this deficiency with his cogent, well-crafted volume detailing the NLF's careful dance between the world's major powers as they struggled for independence. Bob Brigham, one of the lst American scholars to effectively utilize Vietnamese sources in Hanoi, presents a full and convincing picture of how the NLF skillfully crafted an approach to world opinion that won them support and aid during the war. One of the best new works on the war and really fills a void for those of us who teach.

This is a really interesting, readable exploration of Hindu women's rituals in the city of Varanasi in North India. The author argues that through ritual practice, women creatively reinvent both Krishna and the month of Kartik (one of the most sacred of Hindu months) to fit their own values and concerns. The most intersting material in the book, in my view, is the stuff that challenges Freudian readings of Krishna and women's sexuality; the author argues against Freudian approaches to motherhood and sexuality and reframes these issues from women's perspectives. The song and story translations are beautiful and accessible. There has been shockingly little attention given to the role of traditional Hindu months in the practice of Hindu devotion, and this book is a first step in correcting this lack.

Although I've only had this book a few days, after several glances and skimming more than a few species accounts I can say with confidence that this reference perfectly compliments Roger Conant's field guide. Since Conant's guide (which is also a five-star book), many taxonomical changes have occurred, rendering Conant very useful, but out-dated in several cases. Bartlett's new guide introduces many new findings based on DNA analysis since Conant's work. Nice to have some work done on sorting out some of the Desmognathus sp., "Jordan's" complex, etc.

I do have one criticism, however. The distribution maps are quite 'hoaky' in appearance. Very blocky. The range maps in both Conant and in Petranka (Salamanders of the United States and Canada) are much better, but for the new species even these poorly drawn maps are still a big help.

Because of the attractive lay-out, nice color photos (each illustrated with at least one photograph), and new up-to-date information, I give this guide five stars. Highly recommended.

This book is exactly what its title suggests: It's a survey of HISTORIC architecture in eastern North Carolina, one of the richest concentrations of colonial, federal, and early Romantic architecture in the country. Eastern North Carolina is a feast for anyone who enjoys small coastal towns packed with historic churches and houses, small regional cities that aspired to metropoli but failed and are now preserved gems of early 20th century urban architecture, and rural plantations off the beaten path just waiting for that late afternoon thunderstorm. This book, along with its two equally good companion volumes covering the Piedmont and West, is a joy to simply browse for a quick daydream or a resource to pour over as part of a larger research project. They're really that good.

In the world of architectural surveys, the variation in standards can be frustrating. Some are generally excellent, complete and (relatively) objective, while some are grossly incomplete or out of date. Some are packed with structures that have otherwise been demolished or destroyed (what's the point?). Some are so overstuffed with editorial political correctness and arcane archi-speak that they can't be enjoyed for the art itself. Also, some like to use what I call "iconoclastic postdating." That's the process by which an expert tells you the gorgeous old plantation house you thought was built in 1785 was REALLY built mostly after World War 2. It allows that expert to express the fact that he or she knows far more than you (and the general public) about such matters. If you've ever seen Antiques Roadshow, you know what I mean.

This guide, miraculously, resists ALL of these flaws. It is of the highest scholarly and editorial quality. There are no significant omissions to reveal the author's political or aesthetic bias. The summaries are concise and well researched. The coverage is truly exhaustive. The photographs are largely functional rather than artistic, but are well chosen to reveal the structures in entirety.

If you're a fan of architectural surveys, these are among the very best and every bit as good as Oxford's BUILDINGS OF AMERICA series. If you're a fan of rural and small-town historical architecture, these books are representative of the genre. Buy all three and you can carry historic North Carolina around with you in your briefcase or backpack.

This book is very intelligently organized. Ms. Levine chose to order the identification keys in a manner that would be most helpful, rather than strictly by botanical taxonomy. This makes sense given that the winter remains of plants do not track their taxonomy. The illustrations are also a joy just to look at.

I liked the buying experience, book was in great shaoe and showed up very fast

This here book is pretty good.

"Haoma and Harmaline" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoctive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy." http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy

The material contained here fills in some much needed details concerning Jewish interest in the "footsteps of the Messiah". Most of the primary source material sited in this book is only available in Hebrew and in special archives not easily found. I hope that more of the authors books are translated into English for those of us not fluent in Hebrew.

The events describe the Perushim, a group following the Ga'on of Vilna Rabbi Elijah. The narrative is fascinating and shows an angle of Jewish belief and actions and the intensity of their love-desire-anticipation concerning the exiled Jewish nation and the land of Israel. Do you know what the 3 oaths are? Get the book.

As has been common in prophetically oriented movements through history they made mistakes, they had disappointments when Messiah didn't appear in 1840. But the core of their beliefs and zeal for HaShem is something to appreciate, not criticize. It shows early stirrings of Zionist like activities in Palestine. The later history of Zionism found in other books illustrate the twists, turns and the conflicting motivations of Jews wanting to return to Zion. This book shows one step along this way.

This is excellent material for comparison and contrast to studies of Christian prophetic movements in the same period. The Christian missionaries from England provide as interesting backdrop as they tag along with the Jewish immigrants to Palestine.

May Messiah appear in our day.