Reviews (21)

He doesn't deserve that Nobel.... It was a political decision!
He doesn't deserve that Nobel.... It was a political decision!

Roller Coaster Ride

A river through time
Pamuk spans the distances of time and memory in this novel as he searches for the meaning of the melancholy, or huzun as he calls it, of the city of Instanbul.Born into a wealthy Turkish family, Pamuk slowly watches his family's fortune dissolve in the hands of his father.He recounts his memories as his family moves from one quarter to another, interspersing personal accounts with various literary observations.Through it all we experience the uneasy balance between Islamic and Western forces that have shaped the city over the centuries.He explores through the writings of Europeans, how foreigners perceive the city, and how Turkish writers have attempted to respond to these views.Pamuk has such an elegant way of writing, with many undercurrents, like the Bosphorus which he so much loves.I particularly liked his literary chapters, like that of the four melancholy writers of Istanbul, and their attempts to forge an identity for the city.These attempts may have fallen short of their grand expectations, but the books became treasures, and helped to define modern Turkish writing.There are also his amusing observations on Flaubert, Nerval and other French writers and painters, who became absorbed in the city and to whom he felt modern Turkish writing owes a substantial debt.While Pamuk tries to escape this melancholy in his painting, ultimately finding a muse on which to hang all his hopes, he can never fully escape it, as he too becomes absorbed in this great city, which proves to be his literary release. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Description And Travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Europe - Baltic States    6. Literary    7. Middle East - Turkey    8. Travel - General    9. Turkish (Language) Contemporary Fiction    10. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (4)

Interesting but reflects the political ambivalence of Holland
Buruma is a good writer and paces the book very well.There are several pointsof value (exile returns to native land, cross-cultural comment etc.) but for me the most insightful were the snippets from newspaper commentaries that Buruma uses as a preface to each chapter. A mixture of shock and surprise, mixed with dollops of self-criticism.
Raises some important issues
Buruma shows how in the Netherlands, genuine concerns about the behavior of Muslim immigrants often do not get expressed due to concerns about accusations of "Islamophobia."After all, slanders against the Jews in the 1930s and 1940s proved to be extremely damaging to European society.But the author shows that in this case, a few simple truths need to be aired, even if they are unflattering to some people.As Buruma explains, Pim Fortuyn did that.He wanted all Dutch to be part of the Dutch community, not as some sort of fascist exclusivists but inclusivists who asked for loyalty towards common goals.
One of the best books I have read this year....
One of the best books you will read this year. And yes the author being of Dutch birth caught my eye, since my husbands family (DeRoos) are also of Dutch background. And the author having lived here in the states since the mid 1970's is able to give the reader a view of both sides of the issue or cultural differances.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Assassination    3. Ethnic Politics    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Ethnic relations    6. Europe    7. Europe - General    8. History    9. Middle East - General    10. Modern - 21st Century    11. Netherlands    12. Peace    13. Politics / Current Events    14. Social Science    15. Sociology    16. Toleration    17. Violence in Society    18. Political Science / Peace   

Reviews (21)

My 105 year old Grandfather gives it two thumbs up!
My family did have an ancestor who fought in one of the Crusades, and as a result, King James gave us our family motto and heraldry in 1607.For a while, I didn't know what to do with this information: hang my head in shame, or be proud of a unique heritage.
Why Care About The Crusades?
I read this in "lecture form" as a book on tape.I assume the book is similer to the lecture series.The Crusades are "ancient history" and have no bearing on the modern world, right?Wrong!The present situation in Israel and The Holy Land is similer in many ways to the situation back in about 1100AD when The Crusades started.In fact, it seems that we are still fighting "the crusades" even to this very day!It helps put the present situation in historical perspective to read this book.You will understand the present situation better after reading this book. Recommended highly.Email: boland7214@aol.co

fantastic book
it's like LA confidential, they throw a lot of names at you, but if you are smart, it is a REALLY GOOD book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crusades    2. General    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Medieval    7. Military - General    8. History / Europe / General    9. History / General    10. World history: c 500 to C 1500   

Reviews (111)

This will have you in awe.
Hampton Sides has written a very readable classic.Ghost Soldiers gives a blow by blow account of the rescue of the remaining Allied (mostly US) prisoners from the Japanese POW camp at Cabanatuan, Philippines.The smallest details are noted, many of which are harrowing.What the POWs went through during their three years of captivity after the fall of Bataan will shock you although readers who are familiar with WWII will know what I mean.The highs and lows of man's character are laid out for all to see in this book and you can't help but be moved.
Better Than The Movie
Hampton Sides' telling of the rescue of 500 POWS, survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March, by U.S. Army Rangers in the Philippines during the waning days of World War II is an outstanding job of reportage. Sides tells the story from the eyes of the rescued and their rescuers, building suspense that wasn't always present in the The Great Raid, the film adaptation of his story. As a working journalist for more than 30 years, I know I good story when I read one, and this one falls into that category.

another story that needs telling
When I was a kid, my father and uncles spoke with reverence of those who were on the Bataan Death March.These men who were heroes in my eyes regarded the Bataan guys as REAL heroes.They described the march as the most horrible treatment ever received by US military personel.Only recently have I really begun reading books about the Pacific war, and I stumbled over this one after seeing the trailer for the movie.I'm really glad I found it
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Subjects:  1. Cabanatuan    2. Campaigns    3. Concentration camps    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. Military    7. Military - Strategy    8. Military - United States    9. Military - World War II    10. Philippines    11. Regimental histories    12. United States    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. History / Military / World War II   

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Cold War    3. Foreign relations    4. History - Military / War    5. International Relations - General    6. Military - Nuclear Warfare    7. Nuclear Energy    8. Political Science    9. Politics/International Relations    10. United States    11. World politics    12. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Europe    14. European history: postwar, from c 1945 -    15. Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe)    16. History / General    17. History, World | Modern    18. International relations    19. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    20. USA    21. War & defence operations   

Subjects:  1. 476-1492    2. Europe    3. Europe - General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Medieval    8. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    9. European history: c 500 to c 1500    10. History / Europe / General   

Editorial Review

World War II may have ended in 1945, but according to historian Tony Judt, the conflict's epilogue lasted for nearly the rest of the century. Calling 1945-1989 "an interim age," Judt examines what happened on each side of the Iron Curtain, with the West nervously inching forward while the East endured the "peace of the prison yard" until the fall of Communism in 1989 signaled their chance to progress. Though he proposes no grand, overarching theory of the postwar period, Judt's massive work covers the broad strokes as well as the fine details of the years 1945 to 2005. No one book (even at nearly a thousand pages) could fully encompass this complex period, but Read more

Reviews (34)

Turns a bright light on a dimly lit corner of recent history.
Postwar is truly a huge achievement.While it is a long book, it is actually short given how much ground Judt covers and how effectively he covers it.the book starts with a great synopsis of some under-stated facts and thoughts about the impact that WWII had on Europe as a whole and on its constituent parts.This book is worth reading for that synopsis alone.
worthy, not perfect
I have just finished Mr.Judt's tome on modern Europe. I am a little embarrassed to admit that it took me several months. I enjoyed learning the information; the book is certainly filled with detail. It is not by any means an easy read or a "page turner, " however. Although I agree with some other reviewers that the US' role is deemphasized a bit, overall I felt the author was fairly objective. In contrast to a reviewer's comment that the French will love this book, I would argue that the author reveals the French during this periodas deeply flawed. Certainly the Soviet leadershipproperly receives a great deal of blame, as do many of the citizenry throughout Europe.I agree that the book's strength lies in the breadth of the information, which at first seems overwhelming but is kept semi-manageable. Mr. Judt is less successful in neatly synthesizing all the info, but I personally think that that is primarily a realistic function of the subject matter. I did find the epilogue discussing specifically the treatment of jews a little jarring in its placement.
What is the future of Europe?
"Postwar - A history of Europe since 1945" by Tony Judt is the best book I have read on the subject.Its perspective on events since 1989 up to 2005 is remarkably good.
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Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Europe    3. Europe - General    4. Europe - History    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Post World War II History    9. History / Europe / General   

Reviews (7)

Biased?!!!
Yes, it is a shock therapy book. It is filled with some of the most cruel and bloody imagery. But this shock therapy is needed, both in Russia and in the West. Because that imagery is not a figment of somebody's imagination nor is it some particularly violent page of the world history book long turned over and forgotten. It's reality. It's happening right now, right at this moment. Even now, 3 years since the book's last interview with Akhmed Zakaev took place. And virtually nobody outside of Chechnya has a good idea what is going on there.
Flawed But Few Alternatives
In looking for substantive reporting on the Chechnya conlict, one quickly finds that there is simply not much out there of note.Titles tend to range from academic histories of the region to cursory reporting (though in the last year or so, this seems to be changing a bit).It was with this in mind that I picked up this book.While the author clearly has invested her time and labor in the region, the book does not have any coherent narrative flow and doesn't provide much background or context for the events being covered.Also, one gets the sense that the translation may be much too literal, losing the author's passion and intended meanings in the process.It is a disciplined read, but given the paucity of alternatives, probably worth the effort if you are interested in the conflict and the region.

Propoganda
Expecting to learn the truth about the Chechen War from Anna Politkovskaya is like expecting to learn the truth about the Iraq War from Michael Moore. Very biased and propogandic account by a Liberal reporter who has claimed to want to be the "Russian Michael Moore." Anna tries to make excuses for the terrorist acts committed by Chechen Jihadists. Too much has happened since she wrote this book, and there is no sympathy for Wahabbi terrorists who strap suicide belts on brainwashed women and send them into restaurants, subways, concerts, airplanes, and kindergardens. If you want to know the real facts about Chechnya, read a book by an American counter-terrorist expert, Wolves of Islam. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chechnia (Russia)    2. Chechnëiìa (Russia)    3. Civil War, 1994-    4. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    5. General    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Journalists    10. Personal narratives, Russian    11. Press coverage    12. Revolutionary    13. Chechnya    14. European history: from c 1900 -    15. History / Russia (pre- & post-Soviet Union)    16. Interdisciplinary Studies    17. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    18. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (2)

great book, buy it!
honestly, i didn't pay any attention at all in my ap euro class. but a month before the test, realizing i didn't know anything, i bought this. though it doesn't cover all the facts in enough detail, if you know this book you can still pull off a 5, and who can remember all the details anyway? the practice tests are easily the best availible too. and trust me, if i can scrape a 5 with this book, so can you!

So So
It's a great book, however, the facts are too consice. It would be great if it had more meat, however, the practice tests are great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advanced Placement    2. Advanced placement programs (Education)    3. Europe    4. Europe - General    5. Examinations    6. Examinations, questions, etc    7. History    8. Study Aids    9. Study Guides    10. Test Prep    11. Study Aids / Advanced Placement   

Reviews (31)

AP European History Students: Please Read!
I just got my AP exam scores today for the 2005 examinations and I am proud to say that I got a 4 on the exam thanks to this book and the Princeton's Review Book. This book has a really good and easy to understand review for each of the topics tested on the AP exam and it really helps alot!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
I was in an AP class. I did not put my full effort into the AP Euro class and was scared right before the AP. Right about a month before the test I bought this book and read it all the way through. The day before the test I reviewed what I felt were the top 5 most important subjects (French Revolution, WWI, etc.) Needless to say, to my surprise I got a 5 on the test. An I truly would have to say that 85% of that grade came from reading this book.

Partition of Lithuania
I have found one error in this otherwise excellent book, an error that has been repeated in many other books of modern European history.When discussing the partitions of Poland the author discusses the partition of Lithuanian territories as though these territories were a part of Poland.He states that Byelorussia and Polish Ukraine were ceded to Russia by Poland.This is not true.The fact of the matter is that Byelorussia and parts of the Ukraine were ruled by Lithuania and not by Poland.There was a Lithuanian Ukraine but there never was any such thing as the Polish Ukraine.Hopefully these matters will be resolved in later editions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1492-    2. Europe    3. Europe - General    4. History    5. History, Modern    6. History: World    7. Study Guides    8. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    9. History / Europe / General   

Editorial Review

"I wonder what is the appropriate first action when you come from a country at war and set foot on peaceful soil. Mine was to rush to the tobacco-kiosk and buy as many cigars and cigarettes as I could stuff into my pockets." Most war correspondents observe wars and then tell stories about the battles, the soldiers and the civilians. George Orwell--novelist, journalist, sometime socialist--actually traded his press pass for a uniform and fought against Franco's Fascists in the Spanish Civil War during 1936 and 1937. He put his politics and his formidable conscience to the toughest tests during those days in the trenches in the Catalan section of Spain. Then, after nearly getting killed, he went back to England and wrote a gripping account of his experiences, as well as a complex analysis of the political machinations that led to the defeat of the socialist Republicans and the victory of the Fascists. ... Read more

Reviews (82)

War: ugly, torpid
This work lacks human interest. This is war coverage, a journalist's tale on the front lines - but does not make for literature of depth and humanity.

Free Mind
George Orwell (Eric Blair) shows how someone can be an idealist but, at the same time, is able to keep all his observation and reasoning capacity.
Insightful
I say insightful because I, of course, had read 1984 and Animal Farm in high school. I knew about Orwell's participation in the Spanish Civil War with the POUM/"Trotskyite" sympathzing Independent Labour Party and that it influenced his work in both of the aforementioned works. But hearing it from Orwell's own words, his description of the Barcelona May Days and the reaction to it in the international press, of the Communist Party led suppression of the POUM in Catalonia, etc... All made the book very insightful. If you've read 1984 and/or Animal Farm, this is a must read to completely understand those books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-1939    2. 1936-1939    3. Civil War    4. Civil War, 1936-1939    5. Europe - Spain & Portugal    6. History    7. History: World    8. Literature - Classics / Criticism    9. Personal narratives    10. Politics and government    11. Spain    12. Catalonia    13. History / Spain & Portugal    14. Journeys    15. Orwell, George   

Reviews (15)

A great resource
I remember that my grandma bought this book to give to my mom, so that she could share it with me.I developed pretty early, so my mom had already talked to me about my period before I read this book.I remember that she allowed me to read it myself and let me ask questions (I had lots).I also remember looking at the book with my cousin and laughing at the pictures of the developing male and female bodies.All in all, it's a great book that I'm glad is still in publication.I'd caution parents to give it to their children earlier than the age the book recommends.Both boys and girls are reaching puberty earlier these days and need to know about all of this.

Wonderful in 1975, and still is
My parents read both this book and "Where did I come from?" to me when they were first published in the mid-seventies (I was born in 1970).I don't remember feeling awkward or embarrassed about the books.I was at an age where everything was pre-sexual.I had no social hang-ups about my body parts.I remember very clearly starting elementary school about this time and I was able to understand what all the innuendos were about. Yes, sexual innuendos by many other children that couldn't have been older than nine.I remember other kids laughing at the girl who really believed that children came from the cabbage patch!I remember one of my friends crying and running to her mother when she caught our friend Kenny using the toilet while standing up.She though he had a horrible tumor.
I loved this book...
I think I'll make it a tradition in my family! My mom gave me this book when I was growing up, and I swear I read it cover to cover each day!! I loved the illustrations; I thought they eased the transition from Uncomfy-with-the-whole-puberty-thing to Yay!-I'm a Woman!! :P I'd recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adolescence    2. Children's 9-12 - Diet    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Family & Relationships    6. Health & Daily Living - Maturing    7. Health - Maturing    8. Juvenile literature    9. Puberty    10. Sexuality    11. Body & health    12. Family & Relationships / School Age    13. Kunze, Johannes   

Reviews (22)

A great introduction to Spain
While visiting Spain with my wife we bought this book in Seville. I enjoyed every part of it especially the end of each chapter which holds a list of the monuments relevant to the history of that chapter. I took it on a trip to Spain with my wife and it made the trip magical.
Trust the negative reviews and save your time
Is there substance?Yes, not a lot, but there is a brief overview of history here.
Hollywood Movie
No wonder this book has not been translated into Spanish. It would be an absolute fiasco. "The Story of Spain" was so obviously designed to be a good seller among American tourists, that it would make an excellent Hollywood movie -such is the distortion of history!
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. History    3. History: World    4. Spain   

Reviews (15)

Written for a 12 Year-Old
What a disappointment!It is only lacking cartoon illustrations to make it seem competely childish.But more disturbingly it is deceptively simplistic.Told through rose-colored glasses, leaving out what is convenient to ensure a "happy" ending.
Absorbing history that reads like a soap opera
As a lifelong and very active Catholic I was shocked to learn just how little I knew about the history of St. Peters in Rome.
A Mixed Bag
I've been waiting for a popular history dealing with the Renaissance, Reformation, Catholic Reformation, etc. And at first glance this book is it. It's an easy and absorbing read, and endlessly fascinating.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano    4. Buildings, structures, etc    5. Christianity - History - Catholic    6. History    7. History - General    8. History - General History    9. Religious Buildings    10. Religious Buildings Architecture    11. Renaissance    12. Vatican City    13. History / Europe / General    14. Italy   

Reviews (15)

Understand that any civilization may fail.
Gibbon is one of the first historians of the Enlightenment.He does not have a favorable opinion of Christianity or the times he lived.This bias does not detract from this book.Nor is this book an effective argument against Christianity.His thesis is Christianity helped bring down Rome.The Christian mindset made it impossible to defend their empire in a way similar to how they made their empire.If you lose your basic traditions your empire will crumble.An excellent book, a must read.

MISUNDERSTANDING OF BYZANTIUM
Historians agree today that this book is responsible for the modern misunderstanding of Byzantium. Think of only what the labeling "Byzantine" means today. If you want to know more about Byzantium start with one of the books on the empire by Sir Steven Runciman.

Considered the most scholarly collection of Gibbon's work
I do not recommend buying an edition of "The Decline and Fall" based upon price alone, because for many reasons, which will become clearer to you after reading this complicated and scholarly work, the editions vary in content and price, nor does price alone guarantee quality.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. Byzantine Empire    4. Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D    5. Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Rome    10. Ancient Rome    11. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    12. Fiction / General    13. Scottish Gaelic   

Editorial Review

Some historical events simply beggar any attempt at description--the Holocaust is one of these. Therefore, as it recedes and the people able to bear witness die, it becomes more and more essential that novel, vigorous methods are used to describe the indescribable. Examined in these terms, Art Spiegelman's Read more

Reviews (129)

Why are so many amazed that its a "comic" book?
...I loved this graphic novel, and so many accolades have been heaped upon this book that I need'nt say more. However, in reviewing some of the readers responses, and colligiate papers regarding the works of Maus, many seemed surprised or shocked that such amazing storytelling could be attributed to the comic book form. Why? I have been a lover and reader of comics for many years and this so - called "low" art form has produced some of the most memorable, touching, exciting, and thought-provoking material I have ever read. Granted, a large percentage of "comic" books cater to the stylized "men-in-tights" brigade, however even this attitude has changed much within the industry and modern comics. Even the long-running "hero" titles touch upon modern issues with a compexity that some people might find surprising. It should also be noted however that largely indie, underground, and other "non-mainstream" works really drive the graphic novel and comic industry in terms of content. If you thought comics simply "silly childrens stories" or "lame escapism" you should read some of the highly recommended titles of the genre and see why "comics" are being used as source material for a lot of current and upcoming films.

An Incredible Historical Perspective
Making one man's story about his life during the Holocaust into a comic book isn't contrite or demeaning. It's brilliant.
Ja! Like lightning!
Despite all the press and hype regarding it, I had never heard of Maus until mid-last year when browsing through a book store. The image of Hitler as a cat with two mice seemingly losing all hope on the cover really struck me, and I then made a blind purchase. I didn't even flip through the pages to see the art style, or read the back of the book or inside flaps to get an idea of what it was about. All I knew was that Nazis = cats, and Jews = mice. Having loved my experience in various history classes, I figured I'd get something out of this comic. Then I read it, and didn't. It all seemed bland, some parts rushed, and I didn't like the art style too much. Then, almost a year later, I reread it, and I don't know what it is, but my view changed. I actually got the characters, loved the story of survival, and understood just how bad the times were from the narrator's point of view. I still hated the art style, but everything else was meaningful. While most stories of the Holocaust rub in your face how bad things were, giving you every tiny detail about the pain and suffering, Maus takes things in a different direction. Art Spiegelman, the semi-author and artist, interviews his own father, a Holocaust survivor, and tells his story in comic form. It's not "normal" though- his father, Vladek, is a cranky old man now, and Art even makes a comment that he's now the stereotypical Jew. Maus takes both the real story of the Holocaust as Vladek experienced it, as well as the in-between portions of getting together with his father and the difficulties the two experience together in trying to make things work out. It's these little things that make the story so much more real than just simply a survivor telling their story straight forward.