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 (6)

The recipient loved it
I bought this as a gift for a friend who helped a great deal with my wedding, advising me of dress styles, hair styles, fashion from this era, dances, music, food, and everything in between, as well as arranging all the flowers for the wedding!She was a godsend!When I gave her the book, her jaw dropped and she was so excited to get it... she said she had been wanting it forever.As I consider her quite knowledgeable about the subject matter of this book, and as it came highly recommended by her, I would say that it's a great book to have if this is something you are interested in as a serious hobby or more.

The best place to start for Elizabethan Costuming
This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of Elizabethan Costuming.It mainly contains all of the details of Queen Elizabeth I wardrobe but it has unique points in the society that surrounded the dresses.This book helps to explain the Gloriana image that became so popular and it helps us to understand all the little details that went into the dress of the period.Detailing costumes using portraits and explaining how the fashion progressed makes this book a must for anyone interested in Renaissance Faires and the nobility.The only drawback is that very very few of the portraits and pictures are in color.I think a total of about 7 are in color the rest is in black and white. The only way to make this book more appealing and usable would be to put all of the portraits and pictures in color, but that would make the book even more expensive.After this must have book the 2nd on the shelf should be a J. Hunniset book (the lady who did all the costuming for Elizabeth R and The Six Wives of Henry the VIII produced by BBC).Next, any Janet Arnold book.Last, would be the Norris book:Tudor Costuming and Fashion (although most of this book is very outdated it is nice to look at).All of these are must haves and will make a well rounded library.Dispite the high price of the book it is worth posessing.Enjoy.

Such An Amazing Resource!
For the historical costumer focused on 16th century clothing, this is the "bible" hands down.Big, expensive, and filled with the usual detail that is the hallmark of Janet Arnold, this is one very worthwhile investment for the serious costumer. This book has one tiny drawback, in that it focuses entirely on women's fashion in the 16th century as viewed through the wardrobe accounts of Queen Elizabeth I and some of her contemporaries.Therefore, it has nothing to say on the topic of men's clothing, which is an unfortunately neglected aspect of 16th century research.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1533-1603    2. 16th century    3. Clothing    4. Costume    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Design - Textile & Costume    7. Elizabeth    8. Europe - Great Britain - General    9. Great Britain    10. History    11. Hobbies/Crafts    12. Performing Arts    13. Queen of England,    14. Reference    15. Sewing    16. Sources    17. Theater - Stagecraft    18. British & Irish history: c 1500 to c 1700    19. Fashion design    20. Social history    21. United Kingdom, Great Britain    22. c 1600 to c 1700   

Reviews (164)

Extraordinary
This is one of the most unusual, in-depth and extraordinary books I have read recently. Robert Greene is definitely into the know how of "the art of seduction". I agree that this is quite controversial topic and no wonder that some people are reluctant to explore this area of knowledge. Unfortunately, the reality nowadays makes it a must read. Why? Companies try to manipulate people, medias try to channel your opinion and mindset, and if you are successful and good looking man then there may be many women racing to capture you exclusively for themselves. I am thankful to Greene for revealing that seduction is an old art that is relevant more than ever and it is better to know as much as possible about it. Of course, if your intention is to score better with women then I strongly recommend in addition the bestseller scientifically guaranteed male multiple orgasms and ultimate sex. The ultimate goal of such books is to give you an edge over the others, the competition. If you have it, then it will be easier for you to advance and have fun along the way. Otherwise, you may be one of the left behind by someone else who knows the pros and cons in and out of bed.

Yes it is an art!
Greene has clearly drawn out the ways of the seducer.Most of the men and women in here are naturals at seduction and are not consciously doing the principles taught.But those that tend to mess up their seductions can learn quite a few things from these people.With everything i teach at my site The Seduction Bible, i still believe that this book is excellent for those looking to score that one special girl.Those wanting to learn how to go out to a bar to pick up a woman are better off on sites like mine.But this book deserves 5 stars!

Interesting read.
I thought this book was a very interesting read but wonder, will it really work in real life? There are principals to apply and prehaps morals to leave at the door, which seems to be what others are concerned about. However, it probably will work, if you can deal with the fallout that might happen.
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Subjects:  1. Human Sexuality    2. Love / Sex / Marriage    3. Psychology    4. Sexual Instruction    5. Will (Volition)    6. History / Social History   

Reviews (15)

An okay book on a big topic!!
This book was okay. For the most part, it was good in covering certain subjects like warfare history and religion, but it also lacked in some areas. I did not like the dry humor that Peter Haugen uses, and I thought that the constant refering to similar subjects was also annyoing. That one thing really stopped the flow of thought and reading.
I absolutely love this book.
I absolutely love this book.As a multiple-subject teacher who is teaching 7th grade medieval & renaissance world history plus 8th grade U.S. History, I needed to bone up on history, fast!
Insulting to Dummies
This book is an affront to Dummies.It is also below the standard set by the For Dummies series (Estate Planning for Dummies is excellent).A Dummy would be better advised to get a used copy of a world history textbook, for less money, and just read the table of contents.It's difficult to imagine who Haugen's target reader is, since even Dummies have choices. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. World - General    5. World History    6. History / World    7. Social history   

Reviews (25)

Can I get an "Amen!"??
McDonald's is one of the great symbols of America, and most countries around the world absolutely love McDonald's.If you want to know the history of the mega-giant corporation, this is a good starting place.We are capitalists in America - we love making money, and that can only be considered a good thing.McDonald's embodies much of the American spirit and American dream.Sure, the food isn't healthy - as if that's a newflash for anyone these days.But eating it in moderation is not harmful in any way.Oh, and westcoaster (below) didn't actually read this book prior to reviewing it - that person just has a problem with successful business-people earning money.If you don't have that problem, read the book and marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit.And to Hades with the naysayers - come to think of it, I'm outta here - gotta grab a Quarter Pounder with cheese, baby!

McDonald's - How to Build a McEmpire While Making People McFat
Funny how people always vote a review to be "not helpful" when the reviewer expresses an opinion the voter doesn't like...
authorised corporate bio, but a truly excellent one
This is a great bio of a great company.Though it is somewhat dated, this book will set the standard for every deep inquiry into how McDonald's operates.It is simply a remarkable story.
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Subjects:  1. 1902-    2. Biography    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. History Of Specific Companies    7. Kroc, Ray,    8. McDonald's Corporation    9. Restaurateurs    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / General    12. Food manufacturing & related industries    13. Hospitality industry    14. Kroc, Ray    15. Social history   

Reviews (1)

A College Students Opinion
This book was used in my American History 1865 to the Present class. Basically we followed the textbook and started post-civil war. Anyway, I found this book to differ from most High School text books. High school textbooks are usually overflowing with detail, dates, names, etc. I remember reading them and wondering "What in the world is my teacher thinking? I'm never going to remember all of this!." However, I find after reading this book that I prefer those 600 paged hardcover books rather than this. The American People Volume II should never be used as the prime textbook in a history class. It's descriptions of events are very scarce and I have often found myself seeking other sources to find out what I am reading about. For example, there were about 3 pages describing the Native American conflicts in the late 1800's (Which was also turned into a SIX EPISODE mini series called Into the West. This shows how little is told about these conflicts in the book.) and there was a mentioning of a Dawe's Act. However, the text went to say what caused this act and what resulted from it (2 sentences each), but it did not say what it actually was. This has been the case for many other Acts, Bills, and Laws that are mentioned. This is also not a note-taking book. The descriptions of events are so slim and undetailed that there is nothing to note about them, and I find myself moving on in the reading and not remembering much. Therefore, I would have to conclude that I prefer those large high school history textbooks in comparison to this brief history. At least with the detailed books you can get more of a rounded picture in your head of what is being described, rather than just basic facts such as "Wheat was farmed in the Great Plains." One last comment: the text is also a bit juvenile. Each chapter begins with a story of a family or individual and it is as though you are reading Little House on the Prairie. So before you buy this, make sure that it is absolutly required. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. United States - General    6. American history    7. History / General    8. Social history    9. USA   

Subjects:  1. 1990-    2. History    3. Islam    4. Islam - History    5. Lebanon    6. National liberation movements    7. Political    8. Political Doctrines    9. Political parties    10. Politics and government    11. Religion    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Political Science / General    15. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / Terrorism    16. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (100)

great insight
Imagine the U.S. was occupied by another country. Then, a third country, one that purports to value democracy and freedom, comes along to liberate us. We back them up and tolerate the installation of political cronies and corporate hacks in exchange for some kind of freedom. Then, this country, instead of installing a true democracy, installs a ruthless dictator and, if it is a democracy, is only a shadow one.And then the country continues this policy for 50 years, all the while claiming it supports freedom and democracy.
Insights to Iran
This is a fine read; well written and quite enlightening.It should be required reading for high school history/economics students.Also, the subject leads to dynamic discussions for book clubs.
Messing with other countries businesses
More than a interesting report of specifics of the doings of the English and American governments and corporations, this book shows that there are lessons in 1953 to be learned today about messing with other countries businesses.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. International Relations - General    5. Iran - History    6. Middle East - General    7. Middle East - Iran    8. Political History    9. U.S. Foreign Relations    10. United States - 20th Century    11. History / Israel    12. Iran    13. Revolutions & coups    14. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    15. USA   

Editorial Review

The sequel to Frank McCourt's memoir of his Irish Catholic boyhood, Read more

Reviews (555)

'TIS A GRAND BOOK, !
Poignant,intense, exciting, gutwrenching yet heart warming are the scenes, actions and memories described inthis continuation of an indepth look at the the trials, tribulations and successes of FrankMc Court and his family. As you read it,you "are there" in New York, in Ireland, -at Mam's almost reunion with Frank's father, - in the army with Frank in Europe, - in church,- in the boarding house which provided meager temporary shelter, - in the countless dull mind-numbing jobs he had beforebecoming a teacher,- in the classroom trying to inspire lethargicstudents.With wit, and a lot ofmischievious charm, author Mc Court escorts us through his romantic liasons, marriage and birth of his daughter, -his brothers arrival and existence in New York,- his own "coming of age in America" as he matures, -and the death of his beloved mother, Angela, (Mam).
THE CONTINUING MEMOIR, BY THE AUTHOR OF ANGELA'S ASHES
Frank McCourt has a flowing, gifted writing style that is all his own. This, the second in his memoirs, tells the chapter of his life where he leaves Ireland for a life in America.How one can endure his hardships and still keep a witty sense of humour is nothing short of amazing.Low paying jobs, racial criticism, and scorn await McCourt upon his arrival.
Dissapointing but with a few gems
I felt that he was trying to gain sympathy for his situation unlike the frankness of Angelas Ashes. I was dissapointed with this sequal. He was brave to tell the truth of his situation, however he must have cringed upon reflection of his early life. He does use humor throughout the book and that makes it more bearable to read. I felt like slapping him rather than giving him a hug at the end of this second book. He does tell the truth, to his credit, and doesn't candy coat anything, a continuation of the first book in the context of style. Would recommend this to an older audience, because of the content matter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Educators    6. Elements In The U.S. Population    7. Emigration & Immigration    8. Ethnic Cultures - General    9. Irish Americans    10. Literary    11. McCourt, Frank    12. Regional Subjects - MidAtlantic    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Immigration & emigration    15. Literature: History & Criticism    16. Social history    17. USA   

Reviews (13)

So You Thought You Knew Your History
This is one of the better college texts for American history.The information is straight forward compared to the full text version, and no information is missed between its big brother.The second half highlights from 1865 onward into the 21st century.I would highly reccomend this book for students taking a introductory course in college or AP American History in high school.

Great Overview!
This book gives a great overview of the social aspects of U.S. History since 1865.It was rather refreshing to read a history book that was not so narrowly focused on the death and carnage of war in this nation.The wars are discussed, of course, in relative detail, but more weight is placed on how they affected our nation's citizens and society as a whole.The photographs and illustrations were fantastic in revealing how life truly was at a time we often have a hard time imagining, let alone comprehending these days.In addition, I found it really helpful in learning the information and doing well on my exams!

Worst History Book Of All
This has got to be the worst and boring history book of all. Throughout my entire years in school reading history book this has to be the worst. It gets so boring you can't even read it if you try. If you did read it, chances are you did not understand them 10 pages. Combining with a horrible professor and book it's going to be one long semester for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. United States - General    6. United States History (General)    7. American history    8. History / General    9. Social history    10. USA   

Reviews (2)

Cliches and action
This book is rife with cliches and stereotypes.It is a cast of characters of bad guys cut from perhaps to much of a need to see the 'other' as intrinsically negative.There is the 'bad' white "neo-colonialist" who wants to topple a poor native government just as his ancestors did in the 17th century.There is the 'bad' Afrikaner 'thugs' who are vilified just as they have been since 1950, no one bothering to ask if perhaps there is more diversity among the Afrikaners than meets the eye, no one bothering to point out that just because they are South African whites doesnt mean they are Afrikaners(descendants of the Dutch), but rather members of the English speaking community.
Lessons from a Failed Coup
Equatorial Guinea isn't much of a nation, even for Africa."In most atlases, the country lies hidden under the staple," writes Adam Roberts.But it has oil, and that makes quite the difference. In _The Wonga Coup: Guns, Thugs and a Ruthless Determination to Create Mayhem in an Oil-Rich Corner of Africa_, Roberts has told the story of an attempted coup by international businessmen and mercenaries in March 2004.The aim was not to gain political power, or to help the blighted nation's poor start claiming some of their country's riches.The aim was simply to get "a large splodge of wonga" as one of the plotters called a big infusion of cash.(Surprisingly, the _OED_ says that "wonga" is British, not African, slang.)The plot, for many reasons explained here, did not work, and plenty of the plotters and their henchmen suffered, but it has had some effects on Equatorial Guinea, and also reflects the current larger problems in the economic development of Africa.The book is well researched, and at times reads like an adventure novel, sort of a failed _The Dogs of War_.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Africa - General    3. Africa - West    4. Central Africa - History    5. Coups d'âetat    6. Equatorial Guinea    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Mercenary troops    11. Political corruption    12. Revolutions & coups   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Case studies    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. Corporate Culture    7. Economic History - 20th Century    8. Family-owned business enterprises    9. Reference    10. History / Social History   

Reviews (26)

Great book
This is every bit the mind bender that the blurbs say it is.Wow!

Taken in stride with Prometheus Rising
This book brings about few concepts that weren't already brought up in Prometheus Rising.Its a Wilson book, so of course its a mind-bender, but its also a repeat, in my opinion.Wilson seems to like to reiterate his many philosophies and theories throughout all of his book with little more added to the soup in each title.This one, in particular, contains group activities suitable for an open-minded (or close-minded I suppose) eclectic party.The setting in which he writes, to the group, reminds me of the feel of groups that meet in the Methodist Church on Monday nights in the basement.Its stuff anyone can do, anywhere in their life, at any time they choose.In a group, its very reinforcing and explorative and thats why I believe Wilson suggests it so heavily.I believe the material IS relevant, but just a tad bit repetitious from Prometheus Rising and points made in Schrodinger's Cat, etc.This is not a detractor because in a world that uses frequency and label control to catagorize our experiences for us, its not so bad to have someone else giving us these messages with both frequency and good content.Please enjoy irresponsibly.

Typical Wilson :-)
This is like Prometheus Rising for a group setting. If you enjoy Wilson's writing then get the book, if you have a bunch of pals who will get together to do the exercises buy the book. I really have no gripe save one my wife has. You need a dictionary handy. He does not dumb down his works and unless you are a wiz with word meanings and history you will be looking stuff up. I like it though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit / Personal Transformation    2. General    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Philosophy    5. Psychology    6. History of ideas, intellectual history    7. Personal Transformation    8. Philosophy & theory of psychology   

Editorial Review

How would a musical genius like Mozart have performed on the SAT or GRE? Well enough to go to an Ivy League? Difficult to say, of course, but thank goodness Howard Gardner thought to ask the question: Can every sort of intelligence be measured with the tools we've been using for the past century and more? In his 1983 book, Read more

Reviews (17)

Excelent overview of Gardner ideas
If you haven't read already Gardner this is a great overview of his ideas and discussions around them.If you have read them this is a superb synthesis plus an update of arguments, pros and cons.The two new intelligences added here(spiritual, and naturalistic)enhance his theory greatly.The analysis of diferences between creativity and intelligence, and between leadership and intelligence are just superb.Highly recommended.

Interesting read
Howard Gardner offers thought provoking questions in relation to intelligence and how test that measures this factor may not be adequate.
Many Intelligences Enabe Us to Work Smarter not Harder
Twenty-one (21) years ago, a Harvard University developmental psychologist, Howard Gardner, wrote quite an interesting book called "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences".He thought that he was writing the book to enlighten, in the main, conventional psychologists, not state-funded public school educators such as classroom teachers and school administrators.In that book, he suggested a novel notion: that the psychological construct 'intelligence' should be formally measured in many more cognitive avenues than simply through dry statistical analytical lenses of widely accepted logical/linguistic IQ-type formalized tests, tests standardized for most schooling systems.More precisely, he questioned the mainstream belief that human beings throughout the world could have only a single 'mode of representation' about life; instead, he suggested that a more pluralistic viewpoint for measuring cerebral capacities ought be addressed -- a variety of intelligent ways of thinking.
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Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education & Training    3. Educational Psychology    4. General    5. Psychology    6. History of ideas, intellectual history    7. Intelligence   

Reviews (9)

Understand The Amish As They Really Are
Many readers probably bought this book after visiting an Amish community or seeing a Hollywood movie that triggered their curiosity for a culture and a way of life that seem to defy the passing of time. For most people, it will be the first and also perhaps the last ethnographic study that they read. They couldn't have fallen on a better piece of work. Not only will they learn a wealth of facts about the Amish, their history, their beliefs, and their social organization, but they will also come across a fine scholarly work that makes use of the distinctive methods of the social sciences in a thoroughly accessible way.
In-depth, scholarly and effective
Growing up near some scattered Amish church districts in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, I have always been interested in learning more about the Amish going way back to my childhood.Hostetler's book is my first attempt at this and I managed to pick a very good starting point.
Interesting but sometimes slow
This book is so informative, but at some points it is slow moving. The good thing about the book is that the chapters are divided so you can skip chapters you don't think you would be interested in.It is a great book to buy if you are interested or wanting to learn more about the amish community.It covers everything from funerals to marriage.A great read! ...