Society Books

This book is not only aesthetically pleasing but also full of interesting information. It is not one of those coffee table books with numerous comely pictures but do not provide any contents. The book well summarizes and elucidites the cultural milieu of the turbulent but arguably most vibrant period in the modern German history. When fin de siècle Paris represented the beauty of Materialism and diametrically opposite sordid side of the modernity, and fin de siècle Vienna that so illuminatingly coveyed the disintegration and decay of repressive "old" psyche and looming "modern" psyche, what Berlin in 20s was able to provide is extreme creativity and energy that gave birth two modern culture( or post-modernity ) in the last half of the 20th century. Then , how could this aberration be possible from Wilhelimian Bürgertum? The book covers virtually every cultural aspects in Berlin in 20s. Expressionism,Neue Sachlichkeit(New Objectivity ), Movies ( Lang and Murnau) theather (Brecht,Piscator, and Reinhard), and of course, literature. However, the book also doesn't overlook political and social aspects , so first chapters covers the immediate upheaval of breif revolutionary period and consequences.One of the most interesting pictures is the one depicted the march of war wounds. the verisimilitude of Remarque's "the Roadback" and the picture is simply striking.

This is quite an informative as well as beautifully-produced book (by Abrams; printed in the Czech Republic) primarily of photographs but with a very pereceptive textual analysis as well by Rainer Metzger. Among other things, the book contains an abundant selection (often in color) of the Expressionist artists Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, George Grosz, Otto Dix and Max Pechstein. These practitioners of the "New Objectivity" certainly win the award for stark realism. A number of topics are covered: the changing face of Berlin during the period, as the city grows, modernizes and energizes with cultural effervescence; the postwar revolution that was so bloodily suppressed; Expressionism and DaDa; the film industry (Caligari; Golem; Metropolis, e.g.); and Bauhaus architecture. Much attention is devoted to dance and music; night life; theater (Max Reinhard); Josephine Baker; and experimental photography. The power of the masses is illustrated by focusing upon the growth of the media, including radio and even television. The first glimmerings of Nazi Berlin also make an appearance toward the end of the book. The author poses a most interesting query (at 369): how could Berlin which reeked with freedom, nonchalance, laissez-faire, and individual freedom transform itself to become the dour, grey and frightening Berlin of the Nazi period? The same might be asked of all of Germany. A particularly interesting question given the current resurgence of Berlin as a "world city", which ripples with artistic energy and excitement much like the 1920's.

The photographs in this book are so vivid and carefully reproduced that the reader feels as though they are actually present. Providing the reader with highly detailed and carefully crafted photographs of the opulance, sophistication, culture and seeming erudition of Weimar Berlin in the 1920's, this book not only adds to an existing battery of questions but provides an entirely new level of confusion to the already, repeated questions regarding the Germans and National Socialism.....what could have possesed them to secumb to such thought controlling, inflexible, gingoistic, restrictive and Machiavelllian fear and terror?? ......the highly prized, Jewish cultural life of a people, so easily compromised no, sacrificed by a seemingly intellectual and complex society? The seeming self-destruction of the litterary and artistic fabric of what the reader will see as a complex society, (from outward appearances not too unlike that which we enjoy today), practically jumps from the pages. The sense of freeedom and creativity displayed in these photographs is eerily familiar to any New Yorker, San Franciscan, Chicagoan, Londoner, Parisian or Bostonian. Music, Art, intensly frank discussion, schools, meuseums, architecture, philosophical questioning, technological advancement and an engaging active night-life will be seen as familiar to all........leading to one over-arching question.....what happened ? Of course, such a question is nothing new, but this book will shock the reader into re-asking it.

Fascintating and moving pictorial biography of the city's most turbulent period seen through the eyes of the artists of Berlin at that time. Strong on analysis, short on chronology, so if you don't know the story of the city reasonably well, buy this book in conjunction with a more conventional narrative.

"Beyond the Market and the State is a work that in a fruitful and exciting way combines theory, empirical research and political visions...can be recommended to anyone who is interested in contemporary changes of the European welfare state...there is no doubt that the visionary character of the book will be obvious to any reader. The vision Pestoff provides is well grounded in both theory and empirical research and is certainly well worth further discussion." - Journal of Social Policy

"...addresses the need to develop social accounting procedures for organisations...considers whether the social enterprise and civil democracy can serve as a model for rejuvenating the welfare state in the new millennium" - Journal of Economic Literature

"Everyone - politicians and theoreticians alike - seems to be searching for `the third way' these days. Victor Pestoff has come as close as anyone to finding it. In this stimulating book, not only does he explore conceptually a wide range of `social enterprises', and their differing impact upon improving the work environment and empowering their citizens/consumers, but he also examines empirically how these voluntary service-providing associations came about and how they have come to complement both state and commercial providers. ... The message is clear, powerful and compelling: beyond (or between) the market and the state lie many of the solutions for reforming social welfare in an era of globalization and enhanced competitiveness." - Philippe C. Schmitter, European University Institute

"This book is must reading for anyone interested in progressive alternatives for the universal welfare state." - John D. Stephens, Professor of Political Science and Sociology, University of North Carolina, USA

I love this book. Benjamin Nathans really captures the thoughts of an average russian man. I know this because im his close friend.
thankyou and good night

You should know that having been selected a Slavic Studies award it was not going to be all plot and laughs. Though if you read it with the right mindset, some of it looks like it was made-up by Myron Cohen. Probably the most interesting part of the scholarship brought up by Nathans was that once Russian Jews were allowed into law schools, they turned out to be recognized as the most expert in the law.

Anyone who has studied under a talmudic system will know that you must learn not only the law itself, but learn to read between the lines as to it's intent. Even the non-Jewish lawyers admitted that the Jewish lawyers were much more committed to their clients and their clients welfare. Many non-Jews hired Jews as apprentice lawyers because of their attention to detail.


From the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS) awards committee:

Benjamin Nathans' masterful study provides a fresh look at an age old problem, the entry and integration of Jews into larger territorial, cultural and political communities. The book takes us, literally and figuratively, "beyond the pale" of Jewish life in late imperial Russia to the encounter of Jewish professionals and intellectuals with Russian civil institutions.

Through exhaustive and innovative research, from newly available archives to private family memoirs, Nathans brings to life key personalities and social interactions that redefine the Jewish presence in St. Petersburg, and in turn reshape ties to the other subjects of the empire and to Russian Jewry. Through these vibrant portraits of the Jewish-Russian encounter, the author paints a much larger canvas tracing a cultural world of understandings and misconceptions, a social existence beset by advances and setbacks, and a political discourse of emancipation and reaction.

This is a fascinating study of the Jews in Russia. The book description is accurate... it is a highly detailed and first rate work of scholarship. The only concern is that it is not casual reading-- it is an in-depth and comprehensive study that rewards the devoted reader.

Beyond the Pale: The Jewish Encounter with Late Imperial Russia won the 2003 Wayne S. Vucinich book prize awarded annually by the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS) for the most outstanding monograph in Russian, Eurasian, or East European studies in any discipline of the humanities.

The book prize selection committee wrote the following about this volume:

Benjamin Nathans' masterful study provides a fresh look at an age old problem, the entry and integration of Jews into larger territorial, cultural and political communities. The book takes us, literally and figuratively, "beyond the pale" of Jewish life in late imperial Russia to the encounter of Jewish professionals and intellectuals with Russian civil institutions.

Through exhaustive and innovative research, from newly available archives to private family memoirs, Nathans brings to life key personalities and social interactions that redefine the Jewish presence in St. Petersburg, and in turn reshape ties to the other subjects of the empire and to Russian Jewry. Through these vibrant portraits of the Jewish-Russian encounter, the author paints a much larger canvas tracing a cultural world of understandings and misconceptions, a social existence beset by advances and setbacks, and a political discourse of emancipation and reaction.

This exemplary, insightful book, argued with balance and nuance and written with flair, provides an original interpretation of a central problem in Russian history and politics. More, the intellectual journey goes well beyond Russia to recast our understanding of broader, ever-present issues of identity, integration, and conflict.

This book has great visuals and is full of information. Nice patterns and lots of techniques, great fabric selection tips and materials lists. Detailed cutting and sewing instructions. Overall a great book!
Thanks

The patterns in this book are so charming and give off such energy that they need to be made again and again. The directions are clear, the photographs are great, it is hard to know which quilt to make first! I love it!

There is such delightful energy in this book, in the reading of it, and in the process of creating from it. I find this book to be the perfect mix of directions (how tos) and lots of creative jump off points (why nots)... It's like having a very special secret garden all of your own that the author helps you discover.

I have a large black & white fabric stash and this book had some great ideas on using my fabrics. I really like the directions and instructions; easy to understand and follow.

Blacksun Rising is a story that anyone living in a large Metropolitan city can visualize. It can be any homeless man acting out the evils of what society has imposed upon the male population. Fool fits the description of many homeless mentally ill, yet highly educated persons who has fallen from the top to hit rock bottom, denying family and friends to escape reality. This book is interesting, and will hold the reader in suspense from one chapter to another. You wouldn't want to miss this enchanting story.

I don't usually do this but has to be one of the best I've read in a long time. This novel will captivate your interest and you will want to continue reading till the end. Each event happens will have you glued to you chair spellbound. I loved it and I strongly recommend this reading treat. "Never Surrender"

This book encompasses the experience of a personal journey. A journey that, for some, is inevitable. The struggle to resist, survive, and love are ultimately the components of every man's life or dream. I found the book to be a maze of doors that unlocked the vital essence of the fool/Lazarus. The Divine Devil, the Emims, and Zahra all bring one to recall and question his/her calling in life. The responsibility to find sight once blinded and the true meaning of life is awesome.

DeAugust's creative colorful coupled with his intense flavor is definetly a keeper.

Prepare yourself for the journey!

I found this book to be quite stirring. It has a powerful message about not giving up our minds today. I found it to be a treat, after realizing that the metaphorical fool was the man who dealt with the world without knowing himself. Great read, Mr. Deaugust!

Experts predict that 80 percent of the technology that will be in use in our day-to-day lives 10 years from now hasn't been invented yet. Over two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies from 35 years ago have vanished due to 'blindsiding.' Jim Harris offers a diet of four strategic tools to help secure your company's ongoing vitality and growth.

First you must understand the laws governing the future. He offers 12 of these. 1. Moore's Law (1965)- computer processing power will double every 18 months until 2014. 2. Metcalf's Law - your network's value is proportional to the square of the number of its members. 3. Gilder's Law - bandwith grows 3X faster than computing power. 4. Coase's Theorem - corporate activities are driven by lower transaction costs. 5. Information Explosion (not management)- information quantity on the net doubles every 2.8 years. 6. Expanding Storage Capacity and Falling Costs of Memory - in 1993, a gig of memory was 1000 dollars, now it is about 50 cents. 7. The Wireless Explosion. 8. Schumpter's Law of 'Creative Destruction'- the old makes way for the new - a corporation's average life is less than 20 years - you must make your own products obsolete in order to survive. 9. Dr. Geus' Law of Learning - the only sustainable competitive advantage is to learn faster than the competition. 10. 3% rule of Product Waste - only 3% of the elapsed time for a corporate process is actually needed to complete an activity. 11. The Peer to Peer Law of Distributed Computing - joined networks have more power. 12. Environmental Imperative - lowering environmental impact of new technoloy, such as ebooks or mp3s over books and cds.

The weight of this book is given to what these laws mean to your company, and how they can be used.

The second part of the strategy is to get your company to operate in 'real time' just like your body.

The third part is CRM - Customer Relationship Management. 80% of your profit comes from 20% of your customers per Pareto's principle. It also states that 40% of your profits come from 60% of your customers, and 20 percent of your customers will cause a negative profit of 20 percent.

The fourth discusses breaking some of the dominant rules in your business sector.

The fifth stratey is 'Scenario Planning' developed by Herman Kahn of the Rand Corporation think tank in the 40s. Create plausible future scenarios. Which may be likely? Which would have the biggest imapact? "Backcast", look backwards from the future, possible bad futures, and determine what could have been done to prevent it, and what were its markers?

Chock full.

Five Stars

This is one of the best books I have read so far. The author was prolific in his writing and contains very rich contents. He has very explicitly shared his experience throughout the book. The books gives good insight about the American music industry and how companies like napster, netscape really skinned through the time. Also microsoft, IBM and, Dell. Amongst all the case studies quoted, CISCO was the best and it was excellent. I am waiting to read Mr. Harris's next book which he will probably name it being and becoming.

Also, his earlier book the Learning paradox was an amazing book.\

I recommend blindsided to be read by all those in the world of business not only in America but globally.

Best Regards,

Kamal

Jim's book offers extrordinary insights and research. He has delved deep into the complex psychie of the corporate strategic misfires. Read it and see why he is asked to speak to many organizations yearly on change and managment. Pay attention to the parts about Kodak and Microsoft. Your orgainzation may not be in the technology industry but this means you need to read this book more. From volunteer organizations to small start-ups this book has practical advice. We apply it.

In Blindsided, change expert Jim Harris discusses the startling way some major companies got "blindsided" - caught with their antenna down by fast-moving technological changes that undermined their businesses. He fills you in on how change works, and works quickly. Then, as if to make you feel better, he offers practical techniques that superior companies use to avoid being walloped. Harris tells you (consider this a warning) what to do to deal with change. Generally, this is a top-notch, straightforward book, although some corporate histories and guideposts on recognizing change may sound like retreads of other material. Still, Harris provides a guidebook for heeding and handling change. Just ask yourself the questions at the end of each chapter to find out if you need this heads up strategy check. We from getAbstract suggest that diagnostic dialog to business strategists and executives. Just keep looking behind you while you are reading - someone, or something, may be gaining on you.

This book is perfect for people who want to understand more about information technology and don't want to read something long or technical to learn it. The authors do a superb job taking the reader through how major technologies function (computers, the internet, cell phones, etc.), how they are shaping our lives, and what impacts they have on our laws and society. Amazing stories are woven throughout it, making it readable and fun for techies and non-techies alike. At the end of the book, you'll have a new understanding of the things we take for granted - and what possibilities and threats they pose. You'll also be light years ahead of most other people - who themselves will need to come up to speed in the coming years. A great read!

This is one of those books that will change the way you look at the world, or at least, your computer (which, as you'll learn, might be a lot more of the world than you think!) In a very readable prose, the authors explain how the world is fundamentally different now that so much information -- so many bits -- is being generated, monitored, and stored about nearly everything we do. The book covers not just how the internet actually works but also weaves together many applicable examples from the worlds of commerce, entertainment, government, and law.

It is one of those books that will cause you to share what you just read with whomever happens to be in the room, as it is filled with many gee-whiz moments. A great read.

I could not put this book down. It presents in approachable and lucid terms the complexities and subtleties of the information age. It goes beyond the mere didactic, using well thought out and entertaining vignettes to make it a joy to read. Read this book.

One does not often stop to think of how the rush to technology has dug itself into our lives. Blown to Bits gives you an engaging perspective and makes you think every time you do something "on-line" like this simple review, right here, right now!

This is still the best book out there on the subjuct. Most others are little more than atlases. First ed published in 1995, second in 2001....we should be soon due for another edition!!!

I present my heartest thanks to the author
This book is of high quality both in their pictures and its text. I recommend the book for the relevant individuals in this topic (hematopathology)

Every pathologist should have this book. The images are wonderful and the info is easy to read and understand.

You may love this book or feel it is just so-so. I'm in the former category. As a pathology resident I refer to it often. Although it is sometimes difficult to read for long periods, it serves extremely well as a reference source. Information is often presented in more than one way i.e. in text form or in tables/charts. The illustrations are outstanding, although, like most books, idealized. I highly recommend it.

This volume is a small gem. It contains all 150 Psalms in the Authorised (King James) Version, laid out in spectacular format, as if this were a medieval manuscript cross-bred with a modern printed book. Illuminations appear on every page, as the first letter of each psalm, in addition to the occasional frontpiece from the ornately decorated pages of other manuscripts.

For example, in Psalm 40, whose first word is 'I', the 'I' extends the full length of the page.

I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he inclined unto me,
and heard my cry.

Within the decorations of the 'I' are the scenes from salvation history -- Noah's Ark, the Ten Commandments being given, etc. This particular illumination comes from the Winchester Bible, circa 1175 AD/CE. There is a brief listing at the conclusion giving credits for all the illuminations (alas, some are missing dates, and it is organised alphabetically rather than in page order, making identification a bit of a chore).

In a format under 5 inches x 8 inches, it fits perfectly in the hand for use for personal study and for reading aloud. The binding is very sturdy, and there is a strong cloth cover that resists wear and tear. Every page has colour, and the serif font selection and size make reading easy. I use this for my regular Saturday chaplain service at the retirement home -- the use of the KJV coupled with the interesting illuminations delight the listeners.

There is no commentary here, not even so much as an introduction. The Psalms speak for themselves, together with the beautiful, intricate and often-times cleverly devised illuminations.

This is a lovely book for a gift, for private devotions, and for corporate worship.

This is a wonderful Psalm collection. The illustration at the beginning of each Psalm is exquisite. Besides my own copy, I recently bought another copy to give as a wedding anniversary gift. The illustrations alone lift the spirit. Jean Rhoads, Bloomington IN

This book has one of hte most beautiful presentations of the Psalms. Adapted from the King James Version of the Bible, the Psalms are poetic and simple to read through. The beatuiful Celtic reproduction enhance the reading experience. A must have for any Biblical collector.

I had been looking for a nice psalter to function as a sort of book of hours and this edition of the Book of Psalms was exaclty what I wanted. It's a nice size - only slightly larger than an average paperback - and each psalm begins with a large, illuminated letter taken from a medieval manuscript. These manuscripts are cited in a short, simple form at the very end of the text. Although not all of the citations contain dates, the source manuscripts seem to range from the 10th through the 16th centuries. All in all a beautiful copy of the psalter for anyone who is interested in medieval manuscripts.

Great book. One of the classics by Clarence Larkin. In my studies over ther years - I felt that Revelation is a very difficult book to understand.This book helps- excellent material.

Clarence Larkin is the top dog when it comes to interpretting Bible propesy. If you want to understand one of the hardest books of the Bible to comprehend, then get Clarence Larkin's The Book of Revelation. But don't think it's all about the future. Much of what I read was very pertinent to my life as Christian today. It actually changed my life. I'll just say this...I don't want to get spit out.

Mr. Larkin's book is easy to read and understand..The drawings are exact and give more clarity to his teaching....I have never read a more detailed account of the Book of Revelation than this one....

After reading 4-5 different books on this subject I was perfectly delighted to come across this book. It was exactly what I was looking for to have a grasp on the upcming actions illustrated in the best way I can understand: Graphs. The book also gives very good cross reference across the Bible Books.