Government Books

Me and my Mother loved this book. It really opened our eyes to whats happening out there.

Good briefing on run-up to Iraq war. Now a bit dated (Sept. 2003), so doesn't include much on rise of Iraqi resistance. Still, the history sections on colonialism in Mesopotamia make for an informative background to current quagmire. Noteworthy also for detailed account of horrendous effects of US-UN sponsored sanctions, surely one of the great crimes of recent history. Book's thrust fits well with US's strategic drive to dominate planet, using oil as key control lever.Though not an "in depth" treatment, all the relevant bases are covered, particularly the deceptions used to cover the criminal invasion. There's also a handy appendix capsulizing the salient deceits for quick reference. Those expecting a strong ideological denunciation from Mr. Everest may be disappointed. Although his characterization of imperialist designs is straightforward, I think it's fair to say that the book could have been written by a muck-raking liberal. Recommended for ease of access and breadth of coverage.

I saw Mr. Everest on Book TV (C-SPAN) today (May 23)--would love to have him lecture at my college. He's done his homework on this one. He brought up two other topics that I researched during the last two semesters and he hit the mark on both (gay marriage and women's rights). After watching him, I went to Barne & Nobles to purchase this book. They did not have one copy. Needless to say, I'm ordering from Amazon.

Larry Everest does a great job of making the "big picture" of the hidden Bush agenda in Iraq and the Middle East obvious and clear. This book will open your eyes, and will make you angry when you understand and realize how unethical, immoral and illegal our agressions against Iraq and the entire Middle East.

I just saw Larry Everest on CSpan as well. This man is no nutcase-- he makes the kind of sense that gives a chilling credibility to one's worst suspicions and fears about what is going on in this country right now. I knew nothing about him or his book but I'm about to buy it innediately!

A useful compendium of Machiavelli's works that reveals a breadth of views not typically ascribed to Machiavelli; yes, we have The Prince, but we also have his Discourses, and even The Mandrake Root.

Reading the dedication to the Prince and following it up immediately with the dedication to the Discourses will show you either how Machiavellian Machiavelli was, or, more optimistically, how much one can change as one progresses through his years.

In a few words:

This is a thick, but fascinating example of Machiavelli.

In quite a few words:

"The Portable" series is generally used to combine the most important works of an author and present them to the public at comfortable, convenient prices for comfortable, convenient books. With Machiavelli, however, the most famous work is rather thin - a small slice out of this thick, well-packed book.

Yes, the most incredible "The Prince" is here, tucked away neatly between other Machiavelli writings. It is remarkably readable (either thanks to the translation, or simply because Machiavelli wrote it so) and amazingly interesting. It is rather like a small history coupled with tactics and tips on "How to Rule Your Kingdom - Ideas for a Young Prince".

If someone is looking only for "The Prince", they could get it here, but as it is not the first piece in the book, this may be inconvenient, and may wish to turn elsewhere to get that book. For people looking for Machiavelli on the whole, this is your book.

"The Portable Machiavelli" doesn't just give us the main published works. Machiavelli's letters are thrust in, as are quite a few plays. On the whole, this book is full of intriguing surprises which may lure readers who enjoyed "The Prince" to purchase this. And that would be a good purchase.

Quite recommended.

Machiavelli was only political philosopher who introduced political doctrines to a ruler.

He had a famouse statement: a prince must have qualities of two beasts, a fox to identify deception and a lion in order to engage confrantion with a enemy.

Here it is, Machiavelli's work in its sinister glory for all to behold. The truth of man's corruption and dishonesty is exposed for all the world to see.

The wise Florentine is not to be blamed and scandalised for lifting the veil on the
cesspool of politics, religion and royalty. No, he is to be congratulated for summarising the dastardly deeds committed by Popes, Princes, Kings and Emperors. Without Machiavelli to set us right, some of us may believe politics is a noble profession.

Use "The Portable Machiavelli" to see through the hazy rhetoric used by spin doctors, or as a tool to aid effective management strategies, or simply for entertainment purposes.

If you are unfamiliar with Machiavelli's work then prepare yourself for a shock. It's not a guidebook for tyrants, as many commentators may suggest, it's more of a literary equivalent of smelling salts. Once we have read Machiavelli's work we awaken with a clearer idea of the reality around us.

Lessons from Machiavelli

1)He who hesitates as a ruler is lost
2) Mercenary armies are never to be trusted. To rule securely one must have a defense force made of one's own people.
3) Christian virtue is the opposite of political wisdom.
4) A government of one type, whether it be monarchy, oligarchy, or democracy will become corrupt. 'Mixed government is good government.'
5) A ruler must be ruthless with his enemies.
6) Inflexibility for a ruler will inevitably lead to failure.
7) There are times it is wise to negotiate. Machiavelli felt his beloved Florence was conquered by the Spaniards only because the Florentines refused at a time propitious to them , negotiations.
8) The ancient Greeks and Romans ruled at times more wisely than the city- state Italians of his own times.
9) 'Courage does help make ' Fortune' but Fortune is nonetheless fickle and unreliable even to the brave.
10) It is better for a ruler to be feared than to be loved.
11) Political murder is justified when it leads to the preservation of the polity.
12)Even the greatest of men are subject to Fortune.
13) The study of ancient socieites and history gives relevant lessons for present political behavior.
14)If one does not have an Army one cannot preserve one's power.
15)The political task of Religion is inspiration of public loyalty.
16) The commonwealth, the political entity is more important than the individual.
17)

This is probably the bravest Grant book ever written. Even those biographers favorable to him have a tendency, like so many sheep, to parrot the same old lines about him as the bumbling, inept politician who presided over one of the most corrupt administrations is American history. It does not seem to bother these historians that they are, for the most part, simply repeating partisan attacks that had been made against him by his political enemies for their own questionable (to say the least) reasons.

Frank Scaturro is the first writer I have ever seen to use a fresh approach to the Grant presidency, pointing out not only that the much touted scandals of his term in office were frequently based on weak or exaggerated evidence, but that Grant himself was a strong, enlightened leader who accomplished more than most want to admit. It seems that the victor of Vicksburg and Appomattox was not all that different from the man who occupied the White House, after all.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to hear "the other side of the story" of Grant's oft-belittled political career.

During the 50 years following the Civil War, the presidency of U. S. Grant was completely distored in an attempt to diminish the accomplishments of the Grant era (Civil Rights) and to take away some of the luster from the man who saved the Union.

The Democratic party- particullary of the South- stiffled the great civil rights efforts of the Republicans during reconstruction. As time passed, and voting rights and other legislative initatives of the Granta administration were dismembered by the Southern Demacrats, they constantly sought to sully the memory of Grant. One of the keys to that effort was portraying the Grant administration in a bad light in terms of corruption. This was done by distortion history, and the outright falsification of the facts involved in the Grant administration. To a large extent these distortions have not been challanged.

Grant Reconsidered presents the historical record in a straight fowrward manner: The Grant presidency offered tremendous acomplishments- and really offered a bridge from a slave nation to a nation where all men have the same rights. An outstanding book!!

Readers looking for a history of Grant's presidency will be sorely disappointed. The author assumes that the reader has at least a passing familiarity with previous biographies of Grant and of such events as Reconstruction, the Crédit Mobilier scandal, the Whiskey Ring and the Treaty of Washington. Nevertheless, "President Grant Reconsidered" is an important book that should help reshape debate about these events and rehabilitate the reputation of perhaps the most underrated President in American history.

Readers looking for a history of Grant's presidency will be sorely disappointed. The author assumes that the reader has at least a passing familiarity with previous biographies of Grant and of such events as Reconstruction, the Crédit Mobilier scandal, the Whiskey Ring and the Treaty of Washington. Nevertheless, "President Grant Reconsidered" is an important book that should help reshape debate about these events and rehabilitate the reputation of perhaps the most underrated President in American history.

It really is about time for a thoughtful, well-researched book on President Grant. Too many historians don't do the work required to present truth, hence this book is a real contribution. Now, someone needs to call up the White House and have the "official" biography changed. The current one is pathetic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I worked for Hughes during the time of the event described as his "kidnapping." At the time, the entire Staff on Romaine street was in a major uproar, ostensibly because of a "falling out" between Hughes and Noah Detrich. However, the behavior of some members of the staff subsequent to this event have convinced me that a great degree of truth is contained in Gemstone.

I just recieved this book some days ago and I just cannot put it down (well you know what I mean). It is VERY well constructed, and previous knowledge of the "Gemstone Files" and connected theories (I see them as truths) need not be a requirement for this reading. This is in NO way to undermind/understate this superb book. I have shown it to people who know little or nothing of the Onassis-Kennedy connection conspiracy, how even just reading the introduction sparked intrest in some of the most non-believers I know (or have talked to about these subjects). This is a true 5 star book... If any of the subject matter makes you wonder, question or as I said just spark some interest. Get this book! Other popular books on the Gemstone Files are also worthy reading... The full Gemstone Files will be released soon, and all the skeptics that still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone will be in for a BIG surprise. The Kennedys were right on, dismantle the CIA, crack down on mob activity (well infused within the CIA) and get the United States of America back on a rightous track. Something we are suffering from since the "cold-war" and the "arms-race"...to today with the Bush (let's kill more people and lie to the American public) USA I feel so ashamed to be a part of. But I am only a man, a civilian, who feels he deserves to know the truth like the rest of the America and the world should. I am not a patriot at all (at least not in the right-wing way), I do love the USA and our country. This is why these books that reveal how corrupt our government is, and globally connected to other countries for well, POWER SUPREME are SO important. The couragious people who revealed these hidden truths, are primarily dead and from "suspicious circumstances" are no conincidence... Read for yourself. Be Aware, beware and be a "true" American. Big Brother is upon us and growing day by day. Project Seek is a great starting point for those seeking to piece the "Global Puzzle" together...piece by piece it will come out.

Peace everyone and I wish it was as simple as that...

Gerald A. Carroll spent years researching the Gemstone File history, and produced the best volume of documentation and analysis yet available. Well written and great reading, reads like an excellent mystery story but it's all true.

Gerald Carroll did a marvelous job of seeking out the truth behind the "Skeleton Key to the Gemstone File." With several hundred pages from Bruce Porter Roberts' original Gemstone papers published in "The Gemstone File - A Memoir", "Project Seek" is still an excellent, well-written and well-researched supplement for people who want to understand more about what has happened to our world over the last 50 years.

This thick new volume on the famous Gemstone Files is complete with additional research and photos. An extremely valuable book that looks into the roles of Howard Hughes, (Aristotle) Onassis, World War II conspiracies and the Kennedy assassinations in the light of a mysterious document known as the "Gemstone File."

Robert Morgan's books are all worthy to be in anyone's library. This latest book "The Promise" is a fresh look that is wonderful to read and is very inspiring. It makes a wonderful gift for those who are struggling with the stresses of today's life.

This book is a must for any believer in Jesus Christ. It is scripture backed and it is a truth that God has promised us all. Romans 8:28..All things work for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose" Robert Morgan will takse you step by step through the passage and help you to grasp this truth for you life. God truly loves each one of us and He fullfills all his promises. We have a GREAT GREAT God!!

If you need real live encouragement, no matter what is going on in your life, this is the book for you!

This book is great for anyone who has faith and believes everything happens for a reason...

Bestselling author Robert J. Morgan (THEN SINGS MY SOUL) has developed an in-depth model for dissecting one of the Bible's most well-known and oft-quoted verses: Romans 8:28. "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God." This single promise, many theologians agree, could well be the most hopeful, vital and power-packing verse in the Bible.

As Morgan shares again and again in his text, every Christian has the opportunity to view his or her life and circumstances through the lens of faith, believing that even the vilest, most heart-wrenching occurrence eventually will be turned to good. Or, believers can turn away from God in the midst of their pain, refusing to exercise the power of their faith in His unfailing promises to bring a good result in His time and in His way. It is at this pivotal juncture that Morgan exhorts fellow believers to immerse their heads and hearts in scripture and believe.

Certainly, Morgan's experiences as a pastor, husband, father and friend have exposed him to life's tragedies on a regular basis. With real transparency, he recounts his own periods of emotional disbelief and heartache when the unthinkable happened to those he loved and has shepherded in his church. Yet Morgan doesn't leave readers wondering what happens next. He goes full circle and tells his reading audience both the before and after; how life must be lived in the now by faith, but in the "after" we frequently understand the purpose behind our suffering.

Each chapter offers multiple and engagingly written real-life accounts of people who faced circumstances so unthinkable that none believed it could be transformed into good. And by the story's end, God indeed brought about such benefit, personal growth and spiritual insight that the participants thanked Him for the trial. The author takes apart each key word of Romans 8:28 and details chapter by chapter what the words mean, how they fully impact other sections of the verse, and how all things do work out for our good.

Morgan then changes the focus a bit by delving into other parts of scripture, which he terms "echoes of Romans 8:28." Readers will become more fully cognizant of how God works things out in conformity to His will, for the good of others, for the deepening of the soul, for the spreading of the gospel, in situations where there are multiple distresses, and even unto death.

In a very appropriate way, Morgan closes his study of Romans 8:28 with a final word on what to do (and think) when it seems as if things aren't working out, by providing a careful and thoughtfully written expose of Psalm 44. Again, he takes apart each heartfelt cry of anguish and brings hopeful encouragement and timely perspective to today's pain. Christians will value and appreciate this deep look into the wondrous promise from God to make all things good, for its message is surely a timeless one.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

I plowed through this thought provoking book in one sitting! Great, intriguing read - I couldn't put it down.

This is a thriller with non-stop action. The writing is choppy and the transitions are not so smooth but what it lacks in artistry it makes up in the importance of the questions raised. What is "freedom?" when do you know you are free? Can a society impose its will on members if an overwhelming majority of other members concur? When is it permissible to use force to ensure compliance with norms? Who has the right to determine norms and how?


These are highly relevant questions to consider in a post 9/11 world.

Thriller, science fiction, satire, plea for human dignity and liberty,
mysticism, novel about families: you can answer All Of The Above, but
you can't stop turning the pages. Again and again as I read this book,
I said to myself, This could never happen here. But each time it was
with less conviction, until I was left asking, How close are we
already to losing the freedoms that matter above all else?

I got this book in the evening and was finished by lunch the following day - I just couldn't put it down! Really well written, the plot, characters, and pacing of the story really drew me in. And the message about freedom, that one of us is not free, then none of us is, really struck a chord, and applies to so much of what is going on in this world... Am waiting for the next one from this author, for sure!

An all-to-real political thriller that transports today's government
into the future as they place societal desires over individual rights.
If you think government has a legitimate role to redistribute our
wealth and property as they do today, then why not the rest of your
assets, why not your intellect. Maymin portrays a future where medical
technology allows government into your brain where they can
redistribute intelligence to those less fortunate. Don't worry, the
government says it won't hurt and they won't take more than they need.

My optimism shines when a state that is known for progressives, bible thumping, and other forms of collectivism (take your pick), produces a rational voice that is seldom heard in the local papers. Jack Criss delivers a straight-forward defense of individual rights and free markets in his book, _Ready, Aim, Right!_.

This is a collection of Jack's writings over a fourteen year period that covers our culture, politics, business, local issues, and even a few book reviews. Also, Jack has a section dedicated to personal issues where Jack discusses his father, family, children, and of course his beloved Minnesota Vikings.

If Mississippi had only a few more voices in sync with Jack's, the state would be a beacon on the road back to restoring the founding principles of our country. Kudos to Jack for a job well done!

This book offers a very enjoyable read.

I found it of interest that Criss discusses his own "odyssey" from "Marx, Ginsberg, Siddhartha, long hair and 'Rock Against Reagan' ... to Ayn Rand, Aristotle, Ludwig von Mises, Voltaire and business meetings," as he puts it in the Preface of his book. He praises "laissez-faire, individual freedom, high culture"-values "most often identified with the Right," while having no sympathy for the Libertarian Party (though he clearly agrees with the LP's core principles and "party message").

All this seems pretty "Right-wing" to me, including some of his stances on the current war.

But Criss is no traditional conservative, since he takes issue with the "Family Values" crowd in the GOP.

Criss has a fightin' style to his writing: very colorful and very entertaining. Even when you disagree with him on any specific issue, you marvel at his way with words.

The book is not all politics, however; I was most enchanted by his various musings on his personal life. A tribute to his father and his reflections on becoming a father offer the most poignant moments in the book.

Well done!

Jack is a breath of fresh air....it is a great refreshing departure when a person can stand and deliver his opinion
on matters without folding before the status quo. I respect his intelligence...his insight and his courage.

Edward S.
Jackson, MS

It often seems today that the voice of reason is trying to make itself heard above a howling, never-ending hurricane of perilous irrationality. It shouts, it pleads, it warns, it explains. Sometimes, it even damns the stubbornly, consciously deaf. It knocks on the doors of men's minds with the same persistence that the hurricane rattles and buffets those doors.
But most people, it also seems, can barely hear that voice because they have taken refuge from the endemic irrationality in reason-proof states of mind. They cannot be blamed for fearing the hurricane; they seem to think that the irrationality is a natural phenomenon, and that they are powerless to stop it. They think their only option is to ride out the storm and pick up the pieces after it has passed. Regrettably, when they lock out irrationality, they also lock out its antidote.
The number of American periodicals in the print medium that consistently promotes reason in men's affairs can be counted perhaps on the fingers of two hands. Almost without exception, these are conservative publications such as The New York Sun and the Washington Times, which unfortunately leave reason behind when the subject is abortion, the promotion of "family values" as government policy, and religion. Perhaps the only newspaper in the country that does not exhibit this dichotomy is The Orange County Register in California.
Jack Criss, career editor, journalist and former talk-show host, is also one of those exceptions. Ready, Aim, Right! is a collection of his writings covering fifteen years of shouting, warning and explaining in a variety of prominent Mississippi business publications. However, Jack Criss does not plead, whine or beg. Should the welfare state be abolished? Yes! Should the government, local and federal, get out of the lives of Americans, and protect their rights instead of violating them every day and everywhere citizens turn? Yes! Should the government cease its policies of fraud, deceit and extortion via Social Security and the income tax? Yes! Should the government abandon the education racket that accomplishes rampant illiteracy at the cost of billions? Yes!
Where in the original Constitution, Criss might cause a reader to ask himself, is the clause or article that grants the federal or any state government the power to "manage" the economy and the lives of Americans? And if such a clause or article exists, wouldn't it nullify the balance of the Constitution? He refuses to allow Americans to forget their rights and the original purpose of government, first enunciated by the Founders. Wherever he detects dishonesty, scams, lies, and outright robbery by career politicians and bureaucrats, Criss is on top of it, exposing it all. He does so with style, wit, frankness and integrity, virtues no longer apparent in most journalists today, either in the print or the broadcast media. His is a voice that should be heard and heeded.
We hope Criss's next book project will be a collection of his radio interviews, which should also make interesting and infuriating reading. They are discussions with notables ranging from populist demagogue Jesse Jackson to philosopher of reason Leonard Peikoff.

I am the author of "Ready, Aim, Right!" I must say that I am very proud of this work on many levels: I believe that the ideals of classical liberalism (i.e., Enligtenment values such as this country was founded on) find voice in my essays. Individual rights, the defense of the market along with those who create and produce in it, high culture, reason as an absolute, et al, are some the values I defend vigorously and cogently in a way that I believe is unprecendeted. As an autodidact---and business owner--the essays in "Ready, Aim, Right!" come from the frontlines of the modern, non-tenured boardroom. My perspective is that of a self-taught philosopher who is also a business owner. I attack and vivisect, yes; but I also propose solutions in a clear, often humorous and highly personal way. I urge you to buy the book. As a salesman, I would appreciate the business! As a classical liberal who is disenchanted with both the Right and the Left I will also add that you will find these essays unlike most commentary you might read today. Thank you.

Gripping story of the harsh reality of life in Vietnam after 1975. So often we have heard of Vietnamese who got to the point that they were willing to throw caution to the winds and risk everything to escape on some kind of a boat. This account as seen through the eyes of a young boy helps explain why in graphic detail. It is also a tribute to the courage and devotion of his parents who were later lost in their attempt to join their children.

Trinh Do is my hero. The story of his life in Communist Vietnam and of his escape is a testament to the his determination, perseverance and inner strength.

He and his parents displayed amazing resilience in the face of despicable conditions imposed by the corrupt regime. I greatly admire Trihn's:

* Dedication to his intellectual and scholastic development
* Determination in single-handedly toiling on the family farm to stave off starvation
* Moral fortitude in the face of daily bombardment from communist propaganda
* Courage during the terrifying escape

At the risk of seeming trite, I must say that Trinh's tenacity in the face of horrendous situations is my inspiration. When I am feeling sorry for myself, or when a task seems overwhelming, remembering Trinh's story refreshes my perspective.

Life is good. I will persevere.

Trinh Do and his wife are the parents of one of my daughter's classmates. It was amazing to know these people and then to read the story of what Trinh Do survived. I remember the boat-people stories as meaningless news clips when I was a child, but this book has made the faces of all those people real to me. This story inspired me. It was absorbing, suspenseful, and well-written.

Trinh Do's account of daily life after the war is a shocking eye opener for those who are blessed enough not to have live under communist rule. A story of pain, hardship and the will to survive at all cost. The eternal love and sacrifices parents give to their children. A must read for all the ages.

I just finished reading Trinh Do's incredible tale of his life in the years after the fall of South Vietnam. It is a captivating, poignant read interspersed with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Besides giving a candid account of life under communist rule and the insidious infiltration of propaganda into every aspect of society, Trinh Do's book is also an account of a Vietnamese adolescence replete with dreams, friends,and first love; albeit in a background of utter tragedy.
It is truly amazing that Do can write his memoir with such smooth and flowing prose, as the story is one that can bring out strong emotion in the reader. I have read many memoirs of survival in desperate circumstances-Nyiszli's Auschwitz and Ung's First They Killed My Father come quickly to mind. Do's book ranks at the top of my list.
I will keep a copy to give to my daughter for the time when she is old enough to read it and understand.

What possessed me to purchase this book? There I was, in Bonanza Books, my favorite book store in my parent's home town. I looked at the title and thought, "Maybe I am interested in the struggle for mastery in europe (1848-1918).

I'm not at all a fan of european diplomatic history. Though the material has a certain "Wes Anderson" (filmmaker of Rushmore and Royal Tennenbaum) flavor to it. Lots of triple ententes, diplomatic notes and, my favorite phrase in the whole book- "secret diplomacy". You see, through out the time period of this book, few of the European Powers resembled the modern democracy of free press and public opinion. In fact- of the major powers (UK, France, Prussia/Germany, Austria Hungary, Russia and sometimes Italy and Turkey), only England was arguably a "demoracy" for the entire period.

So basically, European Diplomacy during this period resembled a version of Risk- alll the players plotting with first one partner, then the other, with the idea of maintaining a balance, rather then provoking a final reckoning. Taylor- an english historian who is widely acclaimed for being one of the first "tv" personalities from the history profession (though not on you tube), was also one of the very first "revisionist" historians. "Mastery" was originally published in 1954. Talor is revisionist in an American sense because he doesn't adopt a principled/moral perspective on the events of history. Although Taylor is "anti-German" in a broad sense, it's a more sophisticated perspective on world affairs then most americans are used to reading at the college level (though I'd imagine post graduate students of european history are required to read taylor.

In my reading, the nuances of each event (Colorful sub chapters like "The Andrassy Note" or "The Leauge of the Three Emperors" abound) are subsumed by the broad flow of Taylor's broader "anti-great men" of history approach. Taylor takes the position that most deailng in international affairs are dealing with a lack of solid information about their oppoenents and partners. I can think of at least twent occasions where Taylor was "But Minister X was wrong about his assumption."

That there largely was no war amongst the so-called Great Powers between the Crimean war of the 1850s and World War I of 1914 is largely ascribed by Taylor to the brilliance of Bismarck. Bismarck's genius is that he subscribed to a world view where Germany DID NOT dominate all of Europe. After he leave the scene, the German/Prussian leadership is gradually won over to the "German mastery over Europe." "German Nationalism" serves as an eerie prologue to events that this book does not cover, but the time period in Mastery is just as close to Napoleon's French Empire- an era also not covered in this book.

El Prof. Taylor, de Oxford ,ha escrito una pieza maestra. Por decadas sera leido y recordado con furor. El libro es ameno y de facil comprension. Su estilo brillante y claro ha hecho historia en si mismo. Un libro para releer.

A. J. P. Taylor's The Struggle for Mastery in Europe is the book to start reading about those 70 crucial years in Europe's history.
The book begins with the Revolutions of 1845, that's why it would be a good thing to have some knowledge regarding the Napoleonic Wars and its outcome (Treaty of Metternich). Taylor analyses the out coming system of the Balance of Power that governed European diplomacy until War World I. According to This system, the five great powers (England, Prussia, Austria, Russia and the defeated France) would balance each others force, avoiding the out come of war.
The system worked pretty well until the fall of Bismarck. That is because Bismarck, as his successor once said, knew how to "play with three balls at the same time". He could keep Russia and Austria tied to Germany at the same time. Thus, France was checked. Nevertheless, when Germany didn't renewed its treaty with Russia the obvious move was Russia's alliance with France.
It could be said that by 1885 the outcome of a Great War was a matter just of time. The system of alliances so well designed by Metternich and so well understood and curried out by Bismarck was at the same time the cause of War World I. Without a great politician as Bismarck nobody could make Metternich's system work.
All through his book, Taylor explains what I have just summarized in a really better way. I highly recommend the lecture of this great book.

Taylor successfully tackles a sprawling, detailed subject -- seventy years of byzantine European diplomacy that set the stage for the First World War and, not so indirectly, the Second. He doesn't hold the reader's hand, and assumes you are familiar with many of the events and people he discusses. I wasn't, so I referred often to Britannica, Encarta, and Wikipedia as I read. By doing so, I learned a lot from this book.

A. J. P. Taylor's book is the sine qua non for university students of European history. This is the real deal: Taylor was a genuine historian who never went further than his facts--and his facts are incredibly well researched, well documented, and bountiful. This is true historiography: the way history ought to be done! Plus, Taylor writes very well, in a lively and entertaining fashion. He has good language, wit, and trenchant observations.

It must be noted that this is a history of diplomacy--with some political and military of necessity treated. What does this mean? Well, it means that the characters of Taylor's book are mostly forgotten professional diplomats, and therefore most of their names won't be familiar to those unschooled in modern European history--Bismarck and Disraeli excepted. But this esoterica only increases the value of Taylor's work; for it reveals these forgotten characters to us once again: a gem of historical literature.

Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Businesses is a MUST-READ for anyone involved in the government contracting procurement cycle. Everyone from the technical level manager in business and government to the owners of businesses and top level government managers should have a working knowledge of the information presented in this book. Specific key people who should use this book as a technical reference are:
1. all business development staff in private industry
2. technical managers in both industry and government
3. all technical publications staff
4. all government buyers, and procurement staff: including technical officers, source selection officers and source selection board and committee members.

The business development principles illuminated in this book apply equally when businesses sell to and buy from other businesses.

Moreover, I would like to see a companion periodical publication, a CD-ROM or a newsletter, that updates the rapidly changing technological and regulatory aspects of the book. Subscribers to such a service would include all full-time business development and government procurement staff.

The book's style is that of a successful proposal. The book, as the successful proposals discussed by Mr. Frey, is an effective sales document as well as en extremely informative technical reference. The key strengths of this work are its completeness and depth. Mr. Frey provides us with a broad overview of the procurement process presented from the perspective of the business developer. The book clearly shows how the various members of a small business organization should interact to produce a successful business development effort.

At each stage of the business development process the book describes all of the necessary steps to a winning proposal. Detailed schedules, document templates, document samples and examples clearly illustrate every critical step required for planning and executing a successful proposal effort. The book presents all aspects of proposal writing including the development and use of themes, illustrations, style, and even the physical production and delivery of the proposal have in a "user friendly" manner. Mr. Frey's system of handling acronyms and his implementation of the glossary are extremely valuable to the reader. The completeness of the acronym list alone is, in my view, worth more than the price of the book.

Two key concepts developed throughout the book are: the concept of proposals as sales documents, and the critical requirement for solid and continuous upper management's support of the business and proposal development process.

Private companies, both small and large, will find this book invaluable as the blueprint for establishing, and implementing their business development infrastructures.

To set expectations this book is heavily slanted towards winning Government business. It is also applicable to large businesses as well as small ones. That said, the information in this unique book can be effectively used by consultants and companies intent on competing for commercial contracts. I am fortunate because I have experience in Government contracting (on both sides of the fence - writing RFPs and evaluating responses when I was a member of DoD, and responding to RFPs when I was in the DoD contracting industry), and in the commercial world where I have been working as a consultant since 1988. From my vantage point I see the value of this book as advice and guidelines for developing effective proposal strategies regardless of whether you are competing for Government or commercial business.

I have used this book as a ready reference since the first edition was published in 1997. This second edition reflects a major update to the original book in that the proposal management tools in the first edition were woefully out of date and the focus was not on some of the Government opportunities for small business, such as Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)that require a tailored proposal strategy. The second edition also addresses new Government initiatives for e-business and a plethora of other topics that were not present in the first edition.

If you are competing for Government business this is the most complete, accurate book I know of that covers the RFP-Proposal-Negotiation-Award process. Short of memorizing the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations), amassing years of proposal writing experience, and gaining the wisdom of knowing what works and what doesn't you will not find a more concise guide to the process. Also, you will benefit greatly from the wealth of tips and pointers that the author provides from his own extensive experience. If you are in the DoD contracting business, regardless of business size, I cannot overemphasize this book's value when it comes to cutting through the maze and providing a clear roadmap. If you are a proposal or capture manager I strongly recommend that you get a copy for every member of your team.

For the book's readers who are in the commercial sector the approach outlined in this book will add process and structure to your proposal writing efforts. The rigorous requirements imposed by the Government are too often lacking in the commercial process, which results in sloppy proposals that meander around issues and miss important client requirements. Also, because the proposal development process can be as large a task in the commercial sector, managing it can be a nightmare without a well thought out strategy for ensuring that all of the "t"s are crossed and "i"s dotted. The approach in this book practically hands you a ready-made process that you can apply to proposal development. This process will not only improve your ability to respond quickly and accurately to RFPs, but do so in an efficient manner. The result will be a significant competitive advantage.

For both sets of readers I think some of the advice, such as using the proposal as a marketing tool as well as a due-diligence instrument for responding to RFPs is excellent. For example, the author emphasizes backing up responses with examples to demonstrate claims. This is a powerful technique that I have used repeatedly to good advantage. It goes a long way towards assuaging client concerns about capabilities versus empty claims, and will turn a proposal that is merely responsive into one that is compelling.

Other things that make this book extremely valuable include the CD ROM of checklists and templates, and the numerous examples from the author's past proposals.

In my opinion this is the best book available for proposal development, and the only one that fully addresses every aspect of managing the proposal process for Government business. It should be on the shelf of anyone who responds to RFPs, and in the library of every company that does Government or commercial contracting.

Winning proposals and new work are the lifeblood of any business. Bob Frey has provided the business development and project management communities with a winning, working reference. Technical project managers and task leaders will benefit from a fuller understanding of the close relationship between outstanding contract performance and proposal awards. From philosophy to tools, this well-balanced book (and accompanying CD for quick-search) provides the organizational structure, choreographed processes, and in-the-trenches tips for successfully building and fueling a quality enterprise.

Don't let the trade price of this book deter you. Mr. Frey analyzes every aspect of the RFP-proposal process, and he includes a storehouse of resources to place you at a competitive advantage. No other book even comes close.

Mr. Frey's book covers the full lifecycle for capturing new business. He provides a clear strategy for identification and qualification of "winnable" opportunities,and a section-by-section cookbook for how to plan for and create a winning proposal. In our case, we have successfully applied the processes and guidelines found in this book to position us for capture of over $30,000,000 of new small business competitive Government contracts. This is good stuff!