Open Books

Take a look at the cover photo of this book, and the inside content becomes apparent. You can see people, who are now branded as terrorists, were, at one time, chief guests in the White House.

This book carries some of Eqbal Ahmad's writings and transcripts of lectures on various international conflicts including US-Afghanistan and India-Pakistan. This book does a good job of exposing US Govt's hypocrisy and its unilateral goal of furthering only its own interests at the expense of everything and everyone in this world. It also tells you why and how the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts erupted, and why they have only worsened ever since they began. There's a brief discussion on the Kashmir issue as well. I wish it carried more details. Overall, this book presents to its readers a brief but accurate insight into the most prominent present day international conflicts.

Do not think that if you are not interested in international politics, you may find this book boring. Due to its concise nature, this book is very much readable and comprehensible to all. I say it is a "must-have" for every American, because it will tell them what their politicians haven't. US is the only country that, since its birth, has been at war every single day of the year at some place on this earth. It is mind-boggling to imagine what kind of wealth its people would have amassed if the same trillions of dollars that have been cumulatively spent on mindless killing of people and building nuclear weapons that will never be used, had been just distributed in cash to its citizens. It is no wonder that Eqbal Ahmad's words carried a great deal of truth. Why else would the CIA send its operatives to his house at night to threaten him if he didn't shut up? Eqbal was however up to the challenge, and told them to pack-off immediately since he was acting only in accordance with the US constitution, which says - "No taxation without representation". He said that since his views were not represented by the policies of the US Govt even though he paid taxes, he had every right to protest.

That was Mr Eqbal Ahmad, a foremost authority on international conflicts, alongside, I would say, Noam Chomsky. Do not miss this book. It is worth a thousand times its cover price. After reading this book, I can assure, you will be only egged on to read his other detailed books.

Now, if this only came with crayons and pictures to color in, it might attract the attention of those who really need a crash course in terrorism. To the point, devine intervention happens to other people, but the self-righteousness of powerful America is what makes it so hypocritical. Unfortunately, I expect this primer to be as relevant for decades to come, so let's hope it doesn't go out of print.

Wonderful prescient, but all too brief. Serves as a good introduction to the ideas of the dear departed Ahmad who would be a valuable contributor to the worldwide debate on what exactly consititutes terrorism. The way he shows that the term "terrorism" is construed to eliminate any links to state-sponsored violence and torture demands our attention and respect. This is a courageous and intelligent book.

From the perspective of someone from South Asia (Ahamd was from Pakistan), this book looks deeper at this thing called terrorism.

There are several aspects to the official approach to terrorism. First, terrorists change. Yesterday's terrorist is today's freedom fighter, and vice versa. Second, there seems to be no such thing as an "official" definition of terrorism. Explanations are designed to arouse our emotions, instead of stimulating our intelligence. Third, government officials may not be able to define terrorism, but they know that it must be stamped out worldwide.

Fourth, it's supposedly possible to tell the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter. Fifth, the official approach ignores the causes of terrorism. Cause? What cause? Sixth, the moral revulsion against terrorism needs to be selective. Terror from disapproved groups needs to be strongly condemned, but terror from allies or approved groups can be ignored.

Why do groups commit terrorist acts? Getting their grievances heard through regular channels hasn't worked, so, to them, terrorism is the only way to be heard. Terrorism is an expression of anger and helplessness, and also a sense of betrayal. Through the spread of modern technology and communications, terror has become globalized. Everyone is a target.

The author recommends several approaches for America. Stop with the double standards. Don't condone some terrorism, and condemn others. In the present situation, such an approach will not work. Also, America should actually consider the causes of terrorism. It's a political problem; seek a political solution. The author also recommends reinforcing the framework of international law. Try going through the International Court of Justice.

This is an excellent book. It's short, and written from a non-American perspective. It does a fine job looking at the background behind terrorism, and it's well worth reading.

This book affirms that American foreign allies are classified on whether their own goals converge or diverge from our own.

During the 1970's and 1980's we had partnered with Saddam, deciding that he was a 'brutal dictator' only when his objectives no longer echoed American public policy priorities.

Similarly, the people whom the State department now identifies as being 'dangerous' were at one point benign or even considered beneficial---because they had then supported our world view. It is critical and sobering to wonder who is organizing outside of today's policymaker scrutiny.

Regardless of the administration, such relationships of convenience are THE rule in international relations. America talks a good deal about wanting to respect human rights, but the real world often facilitates less stringency.

I have not actually read the book yet, but I know as one of Mr. Hafker's students that this book must be good. Mr. Hafker's love for poetry is shown at its best in this book.

"Bare" by Eric Hafker fuses impeccable raw emotion with an indescribable sense of sensuality. The poems are extremely personal, and incorporate a wonderful attitude with a tinge of humor. It is most definitely worth buying! Good Work Mr. Hafker!

I found the poetry by Eric hafker passionate and gracious. He extends his optimisim and passion to us through poetry. I thought that his words not only speak to the human race, but most importantly it speaks to the soul. I wish to read more from him in the near furture. We are blessed to have him in the world of poetry.

Poems that make you think about life. Excellently written, this group of poems is a great discussion piece. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking at the meaning of life and all of its experiences.

Eric Hafker's poems are profound, personal, and accessible, all in one shot. This collection is the mark of someone with a lot to say, yet the wisdom and courage to let the reader use his imagination as well.

Discovering cancer, and her own mortality, Barbara Stone draws on wisdom, faith, and resolve to lead herself and us on a triumphant journey over fear and disease. Her story will deeply touch you. Truly, it is a "profile in courage." Whether well or ill, everyone should read this book.

Joseph Gustafson, Poet

A fascinating and deeply intimate account of one woman's survival of cancer and the journey she travelled to get there. Open and honest about the feelings and thoughts experienced when one is facing death, be it death of the physical self and/or death of the old life to the birth of a new life. Barbara wonderfully incorporates traditional medical therapies with alternative therapies. Her intelligence and wisdom are apparent as soon as you begin reading. A book you just cannot put down!

The Inner life, the Outer life, and the Transcendant steering of the interplay of emotions makes this a landmark contribution for all interested persons whether they be the cancer patient or family or friend. The writer intensively lives her feeliings and rides this roller coaster displaying the sheer beauty of her thought processes through dreams, journal work, and personal interactions. The use of Kirlian photography to portray her progress is an important feature of the work. She demonstrates the sidestepping of this number one opportunity for passive suicide! It is a great personal vote for engaging life.

Barbara Stone not only wrote an enlightening, creative book, she is an amazing person. My mother and Ms. Stone have been good friends since high school, and I met her earlier this year. I can assure you she practices all that she preaches.

Being from a relatively small, conservative area, I was not aware of much of the Eastern medicine Stone mentions in her book. I was eager to learn all I could, and Cancer as Initiation provided much insight for me into areas I had not previously explored. I was unaware how much basic mediatation would eventually help me.

As I examined the book closely, I found ideas not only about surviving cancer, but about keeping a healthy outlook on life as well. Stone's creativity and completely open mind certainly were well used in this book I recommend to anyone touched by cancer in even the smallest way. By moving away from what is commonly called the "death sentence" theory, Ms. Stone has painted a new picture of the cancer survivor. And painted it well.

My mother happens to be friends with Ms. Stone, the author of Cancer as Initiation. It was after I met her that I became compelled to read her book. My mother also battled breast cancer, and this book gave me a sense of what she might be experiencing. The author uses a unique blend of journal,expository, and personal writings, creating a book that is difficult to put down. I enjoyed learning about her use of both Eastern and Western medicine. Cancer as Initiation offers the family members of breast cancer victims and survivors hope and peace. Cancer is a blessing and a curse, but frightening to all. After reading Barbara's book, and doing some soul-searching of my own, I know that if I am ever diagnosed with breast cancer myself, the power to beat it lies within me, and my own unique combinations of Western and Eastern medicine.

Have you ever found a BAD chicken soup book???? I think not and this fits right into that catagory

"Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul" is a touching book that made me remember and realize all the miracles God can perform and has done. While I was reading, I was in awe. Each story made me smile, and thank God for what he has done for these people. Letting them know in a way that makes it special to all the writers' of all the stories. It was very inspiring to read about real people who have experienced sadness, trials, and obstacles in their lives but still they kept their faith and got their own life miracle. I had several favorite stories but this is my favorite:
"A Miracle of Mermaids". Rhonda Gill's Husband, Ken had died nine months ago. Her 4 year old daughter, Desiree, was heartbroken over it. Desiree was a daddy's girl; she did everything with her father. Rhonda had moved in with her mother after Ken's death. On November 8, 1993, what would have been her dad's 29th birthday, Desiree asked her mom how she could send her daddy a card. Her Grandmother recommended buying a balloon, and tying the card to it. Desiree picked out a Little Mermaid Birthday balloon, and they tied the card, and a note to it, and let it go. Desiree insisted on the thought that her daddy was going to write back to her.
Wade MacKinnon, who lived in the rural area of Mermaid, Prince Edward Island, Canada, decided to go to Mermaid Lake. At the lake, he saw something floating around, behind the bushes. He picked it up and brought it home. It was a balloon with Mermaids on it. He opened the letter written in a little baggy. They read about Desiree's daddy, and what they did. To their astonishment, the balloon had traveled, from Oak, California to Canada in four days, nearly 5,000 Kilometers. The balloon had also landed in Mermaid Lake. Donna, Wade's wife, decided to write back to Desiree. She wrote a nice letter to her, and then bought a copy of the book Little Mermaid, and sent Desiree the package. The package was received by Desiree's Grandma, on January 19, since the MacKinnon family waited till after Christmas to send the package. Desiree, was ecstatic, to know that her Daddy wrote back. She did understand though, that it wasn't her daddy, that it was a family who had found the balloon and who decided to do a good thing.
Years later, Desiree will always call them when she needs to talk to her Daddy.
I loved this story, and the whole book, filled with stories just like it. If you enjoy inspirational stories, 'Chicken Soup for the Christain Family Soul" is a must-read for your list.

After reading almost every edition of the Chicken Soup series of books during the past 10 years, this one being my latest read, I wanted to comment on how wonderful and inspiring the collection of stories and books have been to me.
Chicken soup: the simple, all-natural, inexpensive, easy-to-digest, comfort food, ingested for physical ailments. The title of this series of books promises the same, for the soul/spirit of the reader. And it delivers. Sometimes I feel it contains much more than mere chicken soup, but an arsenal of potent antibotics.
Divided and organized into categories or chapters, each book has stories each person can relate to, written about real people who have overcome obstacles, inspired, learned, thus encouraging the reader to do the same.
With a steady bombardment of negative news, I feel the Chicken Soup series of books creates a much-needed balance of hope to the sometimes-ignored, silent spirit that dwells within us.
If you have not already discovered this series, do yourself a favor and find a book within your interest range or start from the beginning with the first book. These books also make a terrific gift for a friend.

This is such a great book-i would reccomend it to anyone! It is uplifting and after reading it you'll want to read it over and over again!

This book is a definite "feel good" book that I have passed along. It's a book made of love. Many stories helped me to remind me of the power of Christ.

Many of us that were raised near an ocean feel a special connection to it. We are lured back by the soothing waves, beauty, and wonderful memories. The authors of this book effectively take you there, reminding you of the good times and the lessons learned. As you read, you feel the same sense of peace and comfort that the ocean gives. I was particularly moved by Michael Geers' writing in Letters. He movingly describes how the lessons and memories his mother introduced during childhood, continue to guide and comfort him as an adult. He illustrates how the ocean can provide us with physically, emotionally, and even, spiritually uplifting experiences. If you love the ocean and yearn to be close to it again, pick up a copy of this book. You will feel like you've returned.

This book is really excellent. I was in a diving trip in the islets of spratlys when i started reading this book. It really had my eyes fill with tears. The book not only did touch my heart but also my soul. Never did i regret buying this book!

Wow! I received this book as a gift from a co-worker who knew I was a fan of the work of the artist Wyland. I had seen the Chicken Soup series for years, but found most of the stories to be a little too similar. This book was a VAST improvement and really deserves a look from anyone who thought the Chicken Soup series has burned itself out. I was particularly drawn to the story, "The Sea and the Wind that Blows," by E.B. White, the author of "Charlotte's Web." White, a long-time sailing aficionado, realizes for the first time that he is getting older and is becoming a risk to himself by sailing alone ... and must make a painful decision to give up his beloved pasttime. He ultimately decides that the point of life is to do what you love, and in so doing, decides to continue his sailing adventures, regardless of the consequences. It's a message for everyone who has ever considered giving up on something precious. The other stories are great too -- they come from around the entire world -- but are too numerous to explain in this review. This was simply a great gift that I will treasure as long as my paperback copy holds out.

Coming across this book is much like finding a bit of treasure from the sea. Plenty of "pearls", "gold", and "jewels" are to be found here. There are lovely stories, poems, cartoons, drawings and paintings to be cherished. Each one comes from the heart. Anyone who knows the "Chicken Soup" series of books will know what to expect, each contribution is amazing. Those who have not yet been introduced, this volume will be a wonderful place to start. The ocean theme will bring close to home the importance of the ocean and our responsibility towards it. The Sea's power and mystery reaches out to each of us in all parts of the world. What sets this one a bit apart from others is the inclusion of Wyland's art and his personal stories. This is a soulful, spiritual, and beautiful man who deeply loves the sea and is doing what he can to bring that out in all of us in order to protect it for the following generations. His moving stories will bring you closer to that part of us that that love the ocean and all that live in it. Don't miss out. It is unforgettable.

This is a warm and wonderful book filled with stories, poems and art that will fill your heart with gladness. I can relate to many of these stories as I am a diver and a snorkeler, but anyone with a love for the ocean or even just a love for nature and life will find this book a treasure. I am going to order 3 more copies to give to my daughters and a friend because I don't wish to part with my own copy.

Building on eight character traits and real examples, the authors show how living according to these principles has positively affected the lives successful people. They provide a beacon of hope for those who want to conduct business with integrity and show how good ethics are good business.

DIAMONDS is a well crafted affirmation that values of quality can be put into action in anyone's life with enriching results. The comfortable pace and use of real life illustrations encourage the reader to pause and consider how the qualities described could impact their own experience. I intend to reread DIAMONDS and have recommended it to others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written and held my attention throughout. The stories about real people made this book come alive for me. I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend it.

The old parable about the Seer advising the Pilgrim to fill his pockets with pebbles during the night holds true here.The next morning, of course, the pebbles turn out to be diamonds.

There's a lot of value in this book, and I'm planning to reread it a few pages daily so as to let more of the ideas sink in. I'm also buying some copies as gifts for my sons and other folks I care about.

This is an well written, very inspirational book. The authors make their points through parables, while being respectful of the reader. It contains wisdom that I find applicable to my business and everyday life as well. The book also makes it clear that practicing these key qualities will help anyone have a happier, more fulfilling life, regardless of their profession or status.

Janet Engle's FASHION DESIGN BUSINESS comes with a companion cd-rom and covers opportunities in the fashion design industry. The business side of fashion design receives excellent surveys of various opportunities, from fashion buyers and coordinators to retail store managers. Marketing, manufacturing and design are all covered in a pick any career library will find intriguing - as well as many a business collection.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the How To Guide on how to open a fashion design business. I especially liked the hands-on approach taken by the author, starting off with a summary of the fashion business. I had a better understanding of different types of fabric, material, and how this is important when you focus on the design of clothing and planning what your company will design for consumers, and how this affects your costs to run and manage your product.

The book was very comprehensive, and easy to follow. The book focused on showing an individual how to thrive successfully starting with how to write a business plan, acquire funds to start your business, and how to operate your business on a day to day basis, including but not limited to budgeting, marketing, keeping up with trends, and managing a clientele.

The information was presented in a very easy to read format, with several checklists, case studies, and information that will prepare an individual to open their own fashion design business and maintain success.

How To Open and Operate a Financially Successful Fashion Design Business is for you if you are a fashion designer with perhaps a degree in Fashion Design, but without a business degree or experience running your own business. A start-up business is not for lightweights-a huge number of them fail every day-and this book offers the basic tools and information necessary to be a successful fashion design business owner. The author takes you step by step, in a no-nonsense and easy-to-understand way, through the process of preparing, opening, and running a fashion design business.
The author really seems to understand fashion and what it takes in this particular industry to be successful. Along with great advice, info, and ideas, the book includes checklists, worksheets, charts, forms, sample agreements, sample evaluations, etc., that will be extremely valuable and useful to a new business owner. There is an entire chapter dedicated to writing a business plan.
Case Studies throughout the book offer interesting snapshots of Design business reality. A sample quote from one: "Everyone wants to be Hank Williams, but no one wants to die. You have to pay your dues to put out good products."
This book is a detailed, comprehensive guide and resource and I definitely recommend it to fashion designers who aspire to go on their own, or to someone looking for a gift for a recent Fashion Design School graduate.

The creator of this book has captured from start to finish the very essence of starting a design business.

She has covered every aspect of starting and maintaining a business complete with statistical information as well as comparison charts and case studies and has provided a very useful and informed view of what it take to compete in today business world.

Not only does it include a business plan for start up businesses, it also includes a companion CD-rom.

I recently have been looking into various business plans, hoping for inspiration, and I have had the good fortune to stumble upon a couple different books published by Atlantic Publishing Group. These books have been a pleasant surprise in the otherwise dull volumes I have perused and "How to Open and Operate a Successful Fashion Design Business" has been one of my greatest finds.
While I may not choose to open my own fashion design business, a lot of the information I found within its pages can transfer into whatever business I do choose to open. This book has resources for developing a business plan, marketing, budgeting, staffing issues, and just about anything else a new business is likely to encounter. It also has more detailed information for those more interested in fashion - like how to develop, sample and manufacture your own fashion line!
Overall I was blown away by the amount information this book contained and by the easy to follow way it was put together. I tend to follow information better if it is somewhat interactive and with the case studies, charts, questions and companion CD this book can hold even the most distracted person's attention!

This was worth the time to read if you are or ever will be interested in how to open a pizzeria. It has every detail on how to run your business to include a checklist on whether you are the right person for the business. The included CD ROM with all the lists and pertinent information in the book was an awesome addition. The business plan was also very helpful.
All in all a good book if you are new to the pizza business and looking for a map to opening your own.

Shri L Henkel and Douglas R. Brown have produced a phenomenal book on how to not only open a Pizza and Sub Restaurant but on how to be successful financially in starting this type of business.

Great details have been provided in every phase of the business process from research gathering to the actual operations of the business including how to budget and control your costs, techniques on marketing the business as well as being aware of governmental requirements whether federal , state or local.

This book of instructions and guidelines will assist anyone in becoming successful in the Pizza & Sub Restaurant business if they are willing to follow the suggestions and advice the authors provide in this book. The CD included with the book is an added plus in that it provides all the necessary forms that are mentioned in the book. What better way to provide Readers with something they can use in the start-up and progress of their business.

There are plenty of books on the market which cover how to open a general restaurant and a few which even address high-class establishments; but pizza and sub venues are different and need the close inspection of a subject-specific treatment. That's why How to Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant stands out from the crowd: with its companion cd-rom of all forms in the book plus an editable business plan in Word, it offers the specifics neeeded to tailor a plan to such a venue, from incorporating a wood fire stove into a structure to sales analysis and successful employee relations. A 'must' for any would-be pizza or sub shop owner or franchisee.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

As a business owner who has looked closely at opening a restaurant, I find Henkel and Brown's book to be the best single-volume insight into that process. The authors take the reader from the typical but business-flawed dreams of restaurant ownership through each step of the process. Those painstaking details, which are so accurately and thoroughly presented in the book, are truly invaluable for anyone considering a career as a restaurateur.

Most importantly, the authors have already conducted their readers' market analysis: by limiting their analysis to a specific type of restaurant, they provide readers with information that is specific to their concerns. The book's twenty-three chapters cover every important aspect of the process, from buying a shop, to bookkeeping, to marketing, and to dealing with the local food and health safety officials. The CD-ROM that is included with the book features an editable business plan.

In short, this is a must-have for anyone even remotely considering opening a restaurant. Buy it, learn, and be successful!

This is a great book whether you really want to open a pizzeria or just want to know what goes on behind the counter. I fall into the second category - I'm always interested in how other businesses are run.

The first few chapters will help you understand if owning a pizza restaurant, or indeed any kind of business, makes sense for you. It clearly lays out the skills and talents you need and the first steps to make your business successful.

Read it from cover to cover. Every little detail is in here. What kind of oven should you buy? How should your menu look? Will you offer delivery? How will you evaluate employees? There are even about 70 recipes to get you started.

Most people who go into the pizza business probably won't read this book. Reading it will give you a leg up on the competition. They may have good recipes and a strong work ethic, but they'll struggle with bookkeeping, marketing, and so on. Meanwhile you have the answers from this book, or you know where you get them (from resources listed in the book). It includes a companion CD-ROM that includes all the forms, worksheets, and recipes.

I highly recommend it.

Each chapter represents one program and most consist of a dialogue of sorts between Adler and Luckman, with Adler also answering viewer questions. But as it must already be clear what this book is, I will seek to establish why I gave it only three stars. Firstly, because Amazon does not permit assigning 3 and 1/2 stars. Second, that it is rather long considering how much there is to actually gain from it. The number of subjects that he attempts to cover reduces most of the discussions to a rather elementary introduction. This is good in the sense that it might whet the appetite, before you might get bored by a tedious analysis, but often you get a sense that Adler's final word is good enough before he moves on. Some of the brevity and incompleteness is a function of the presentation, and this limits how much you might actually gain in understanding the topics. The accurate presentation of dialogue adds nothing to the book. Probably it would be most interesting to those who are fond of Dr. Adler and like reading his other books. It is hard to recommend another book that would fulfill the same function that this one does, and this is the first of his that I've read.

This is an excellent book for academicians, journalists, historians,
philosophers, linquists and a whole host of thinkers in the
arts and sciences. The author discusses theoretic universals
in some level of detail. For instance, he roughly equates
consistency with truth. In mathematics, a proof is not complete
without enough consistent examples of an application and no
deviations from the theorem. The author discusses the distinction
between knowledge and opinion. He states succinctly that ignorance can be preferable to academic errors. In addition, he points out that opinions are accepted voluntarily. Emotions are
likened to instinct in that they are not learned. Freud discussed things to avoid; namely, bad love, pride and too much
reliance on monetary things to the exclusion of aesthetics.
The good thing is desirable over the bad. Goods are classified
into wealth, goods of the body, goods of the soul or spiritual
domain, knowledge, truth and wisdom which is the highest
form of knowing. Children spend much time learning skills;
while adults and elders develop and impart wisdom. Learning is
discovery and discussion. We learn things in the natural sciences
by observing them in a lab. For instance, a drop of blood may
be examined under the microscope for specific characteristics.
A frog may be dissected and examined under the microscope to
learn more about the vital organs-their placement and functioning.
This book is a wonderful acquisition for a continued discussion of philosophical, theoretical and scientific techniques and processes. It is a good value for the price charged.

I found this book very helpful.

I was introduced to Adler's writing about a year ago and have read 4-5 of his books, his two autobiographies, and 30 or so of his papers through the TGI website with Max W.

This book is a great summary of basic ideas in very accessible manner, such as: definition of truth; the moral *obligation* not just the right, to be controversial; crystalization of Adler's arguments against Darwin of why man's mental capabiliteis are a difference in kind and not degree from apes and other animals, etc.

The consice presentation clarified earlier readings and more than made up for any shortcomings due to editoral sloppiness, lack of charts, and difficulty in general with transcripts of a TV show.

A good book for those just beginning their reading of Adler's summary and critique of philosophy and a good reference summary book for those well read with Adler's books.

Paul Baier
Boston, MA

How do you summarize a summary of 2500 years of thought? Great! Mortimer Adler was one of the greatest philosophers of the 20th Century, primarily because of the literally ecyclopaedic nature of his knowledge. I say literally encyclopaedic because he edited the Encyclopaedia Britanica and wrote The Synopticon, a summary of Western philosophy, among the scores of other books bearing his name. He is best known for popularizing the Great Books theory of education. This is based on his own original reseach distilling the essence of Western Thought into 102 "Great Ideas." How To Think About The Great Ideas is a condensation of transcipts of a popular TV show of the 1950's, but the superficiality such an origin suggests does not permeate the book. The TV show covered only 21 of the great ideas, while the book deals with about half of the 102. The somewhat colloquial style will surprise readers who may have read Aristotle, Decartes, or Kant in full. We are not accustomed to hearing about philosophy from TV. But the simplicity of the presentation only serves to heighten the clarity of the ideas. The Great Ideas which you struggled over in college really can be discussed in ordinary language, and this is the real achievement of this book. The ideas build from the basic question of "What is truth?" to a consideration of the nature of man, human freedom, society and even a review of the arguments for the existence of God. Adler himself came to faith from agnositicism in his 80's before his recent death at the age of 98. Even so, the book is more of an invitation than an argument. It is best approached as a string of pearls, a series of thoughtful but isolated studies, rather than an essay in how to approach life or a true philosophical treatise. Refer to the Synopticon the academic treatment. But Adler never wrote just for academics. He believed philosphy is for everyone, and this book proves it. Now that Mortimer Adler has recently passed away, How To Think About The Great Ideas will remain as his exortation for all of us to lead thoughful lives.

This work is a handy reference to which I refer often. Adler provides a very useful "history of ideas". Each section covers what the some of the greatest thinkers have said about a particular idea, ideas such as "justice", "knowledge", "truth","God", etc. This book is a must if one wants to get a quick "birds eye" view of ideas and what great thinkers have said about them, and provides a nice springboard and direction for further study.

It is a good book to read and has interesting facts about the movie industry. Came in good condition. Would buy it again.

This is an absolutely fantastic book. It is a series of essays from very well known industry professionals and will help anyone to better understand the perspective of the other people you're working with on the set.

My wife and I are movie fans...though not like those hard core guys who hang out at independent film festivals...and we love this book.

It's a wonderful introduction to all the ins and outs of the movie business. The writers talk about film as a business and how the business side of film influences their creative choices. Revenue streams, copywrite issues, and how to "make it in Hollywood" are all discussed thoroughly in this book.

The authors were obviously choosen because of their expertise, but most of them are surprisingly good at conveying information in a way non-industry people can understand. I was expecting that each chapter in this book would be filled with Hollywood jargon...like when you read an article in Variety, but that is not the case.

If you love movies and REALLY want to understand how they work, this book is a must. Other books are great at explaining the artistic side (for example, How to Read a Film is a great title), but The Movie Business Book is wonderful since all of its contributors understand that modern film cannot be fully understood as a work of art unless you understand how the economics of Hollywood influence how the art is shaped.

I had the great good fortune of studying for a summer with Jason Squire. Quite simply, the guy gets the goods in this book. Great interviews, covering every subject of the biz from A to Z. Especially wonderful was how easy to understand this book was - biz books can be so dryyyyyyyy...this one was fun, informative, helpful. In short, a great read.

When I saw this was featured on Amazon, I had to throw in my two cents.

I have recently bought over ten movie business making books, all starting with this one. I would have to say that out of all of the books I have read thought, this would have to be the best out of them all. Not only do they have chapters written by different people, they are all people that are in the business. They break down hollywood lingo and include a basic pay structure. This book is the most informative of the film books I have read. This is the book you buy if you want a break down of movie careers, but not for how to personally make it yourself into the business.