I read this in a comparative economics class at Hope College back when Jimmy Carter was President, and it was "in" to deride the U.S. as suffering from too much over-psychologized materialism, the cure for which was to read this book to see how much happier we would be if we switched paradigms to a slower paced, more natural, Euro-way of doing socialism, which would include more frequent trips to the market to buy bread without preservatives, taking fewer showers to conserve water, and waking up later, taking longer lunches, and staying up all night drinking cappucino with interesting people. In short, more like then-"third way" Yugoslavia. What happened to Yugoslavia, and who has subsequently had to go clean the place out, is a metaphor for how the preachings of this book have turned out to fit with reality. What a relief to see that the current generation of college econ students seem to have totally rejected this type of over-phsychologized incoherent "economics" and have instead pursued business careers while simultaneoudsy waking up late, and staying up all night drinking cappucino with interesting people. Lunch can take all day, too. So Tibor got some of it right but most of it wrong. Ronald Reagan got more of it right, but partisans of the left will never admit it. So read this book if your 60's reject professor forces you to, but challenge the paradigm of Veblenesque, dead-to-the-market stupidity which masquerades for "economics" in this book. I still hate thinking about it 20 years after reading it!

This bifurcated question lies at the core of this excellent classic. The assumption that all choice is rational, that rationality choses freedom apriori, and freedom is its own intrinsic good has been the foundation of contemporary economics and liberal political theory for more than a century? This book challenges this and other assumptions, demonstrating that the true human "need" is not for freedom in itself, but instrumentally, so that our choices to bring about the right mixture of stimulation in our lives is balanced by an appropriate dose of comfort. Too much stimulation produces pain, too much comfort produces boredom, the excess of which lies outside the "mean."

This book goes beyond challenging our most basic presumptions; it argues coherently, cohesively, and cogently that the summa bonum of human life is not merely choice, but the right choices that balance our conflicting desires for something "new" with our desire for "stability." Most theories gravitate toward one extreme or the other; Scitovsky demonstrates the Aristotlean "mean."

Sadly, this book is only available in hardback at and is very pricey. Not that this book isn't worth the high cost Oxford Press demands, rather that it will unfortunately limit widespread access to this treasure. For those wanting a preview of this book's contents, see "Critical Review" Vol 10, No.4.

"The Joyless Economy" is a classic attempt to assess the postulates of neoclassical economics (the sort of economics taught in schools and universities!) in terms of evidence about human behaviour from Behavioural Psychology.

Definitely worth a read, particularly if you have reservations about the neoclassical orthodoxy!

From a technical economic viewpoint, he fails to make his case forcefully enough to convince orthodox economists on their own turf, but that is to take nothing away from the strength and worth of the ideas.

The book is well-written in a lively, engrossing style, but... Oh, dear... I found several factual errors within the first 22 pages. This was the part of the story I knew and had researched, so knew there were mistakes in fact. When I came to the part I wanted to learn about the previous errors cast doubts over what I was then reading. Even if the rest of the story is flawlessly accurate, I couldn't trust it. Truly a pity as the book is, otherwise, very well done.

--since originally writing that, I've done more research on the subject and have gone back to the book... only to find more errors! Some are trivial (but would have been easy enough to get right) and some are significant.

What a great read! Frank James, outlaw, enters the office of the governor of Missouri and lays down his pistol. His trial was set in a opera house, since the courtroom could not accomodate the large crowd gathered. Fourteen flamboyant trial lawyers and colorful cast of witnesses head up the supporting cast. If you thought the OJ Simpson trial was interesting, check this book out!

I recently appeared on NBC's the "Today" show regarding my latest scholarly discovery of four new photographs of Jesse James, Cole Younger, Jim Younger and Belle Starr. I assisted Gerrard Petrone in writing, what I believe to be the finest book written about Frank James. The book is steeped in scholarly content and full of specific details that relate the true story of Frank James, not a 19th or 20th century reconstruction of the truth. Petrone's writing style and original newspaper source material from the period, make for exciting reading. The story of Frank James leaps off the page, so boldly, that one feels the excitement associated with reading a newspaper headline of the information for the first time. The story of the trial of Frank James and the resulting verdict speaks strongly about the era of reconstruction in Missouri. The war was over, however many still held strong feelings against the North. The trial brought out some of the South's finest generals and decorated survivors. The jury was in awe of the those called to testify and the courtroom presence of Frank James was very impressive. Petrone also includes true tales of the James Gang that are found in the testimony of many witnesses. These stories, which were told in court, were recorded, but have not seen the light of day for decades. The exciting story told by a teenage boy, hiding in a small post office, at night is a fine example. Clutching and aiming a loaded shotgun, he is anticipating being robbed by a shadowy figure on the other side of a glass door.....who is about to try the door knob. The frightened boy almost stopped Jesse James in his tracks and rewrote the history of the West. Astonishingly, he lives to tell the tale in court, to Frank James himself. I would reccomend the book to anyone interested in the authentic history of the American West or criminal law. I am sure that Petrone's book will become invaluable to any further research about Frank James: the man, the myth , the acquitted.

I got this on the hope of hearing some actually scary stories. Instead, I got a bunch of drivel that isn't even suitable for children.

The only slightly interesting one was Transformation, but even it lacked any real story line (and the ending was laughable). The others where just inane in general with their plots, imagery, and readings.

This little horror fest of scary short stories will entertain you without fail. I bought volume 1 on a whim and I am glad I did. While the stories themselves at times are a little too amateurish they will nevertheless make you check your back to see if there is any creepy crawly coming at you or a ghost has suddenly appeared. The CD is best listened to in the dark and with earphones on. There are five stories in all covering everything from curses to werewolves to creatures in the night. I really enjoyed listening to the CD and can't wait to listen to volume 2. This audiobook contains one CD and the text is read by a variety of readers; great incidental music and sound design accompany the narrations. Highly recommended.

I don't know how they dreamed up this concept, but it sure is fun. Just the right combination of humor and gore. At times the stories are really creepy with fright-night "zingers" sprinkled in here and there. The music is non-stop and definitely sets the spooky and intense atmoshpere. After the first cut, "Transformation", an all out thriller about a guy turning into a werewolf, my two favorites were "Quite Child" and "Parasites". Each story crept under my skin more powerful than any Twilight Zone episode. Again, I think it was the string music which really sets the tone. Thumbs up for a musical story telling feat!!

I, for one, am highly skeptical of prior favorable reviews. Does the term "plant" (not in The Little Shop of Horrors sense of the word) come to mind? I found the work highly age inappropriate (although perhaps the authors' concept was to introduce our children to the concept of adultry at an early age to break down any preconceived objections to other family values such as incest that they may plan to introduce in Volume III, should they be fortunate to dupe another publisher into releasing it). As for the much touted "sound design" in the audio version, it is truly much ado about nothing. Perhaps the authors, not to mention reviewers, should sample more audio book offerings and other works on tape to ascertain the vast extent of truly worthwhile material that is available. But enough praise for Little Evil Things, Volume II; I thought the work was trash and would have returned it had I not previously treated it with the respect to which it was so richly entitled and thrown it in the trash.

This hilarious tape made me squirm and giggle. It conjured some delightfully sick images that could out-gross Stephen King. The deadpan narrator sounds like a cross between the actor Tom Poston from Newhart and Rod Serling. Like twisted little Twilight Zone episodes, these ironic tales bring unseen forces into play in the characters' lives. These forces give the bad guys their comeuppance when they open a mysterious Mason jar, or send a set of Siamese twin sisters into a homicidal rage, or simply wait for you at the bottom of a swimming pool. I especially enjoyed the last story about the leftover fat from a Beverly Hills liposuction clinic. The background music also set the mood nicely. Very entertaining (especially for those of us with a sick sense of humor).

LITTLE EVIL THINGS is, by far, one of the most creative endeavors in music and storytelling that I've come across in years. The story-writing is smart and clever; the acting is excellent (especially the distinctive and captivating voice of Little Evil Thing's narrator, Jim McDonnell); and, the original musical accompaniment is inspired and professional as it combines the richness of a well tuned orchestra with tasteful and effective synthesizers. If anyone can find a CD that even comes close to providing the beginning-to-end fun that LITTLE EVIL THINGS has for me, than please let me know. Until then, it seems that LITTLE EVIL THINGS stands in a class all its own! Bravo!!!

The author investigated the unsolved mystery of the Borden Murders by reading the trial transcripts, newspapers, interviews, and the statements of witnesses. He invented a surprise solution: Emma did it! I can't believe his conclusion.

His book is worth reading because of all the background information he provides about the case, including some pictures not seen in earlier books. It provides more information on Emma and the aftermath of the trial than in previous books. It tells of the vicious campaign by the Fall River GLOBE against Lizzie, altho the Providence JOURNAL's editorial after the trial was more damning: "if she knows who did it, why doesn't she speak out?". Spieing (p.197) repeats the story of the 1897 confession altho E. Radin's book exposed it as a forgery in 1961, which he admits in his Notes (p.237).

The best books are still Arnold R. Brown's masterpiece (which solved the crime), and David Kent's book of background material. Edmund Pearson's book is not generally available, nor is Edward Radin's (a crime reporter for a major NYC newspaper).

Residing in Fall River, Massachusetts, makes you curious as to whether the house is haunted. If that is true, what kind of recount would the walls tell? No one knows for sure what happened that hot morning of August 4, 1892 in the home of Andrew and Abbie Borden, with the exception of those who were there, but no is alive from that time in history, to tell us. The city of Fall River was divided in half, supporting Lizzie's innocence and those who firmly believed in her guilt. We, are only left to speculate and to judge Lizzie for ourselves. A true American "Unsolved Mystery".

Lizzies father was asleep on the couch downstairs. Lizzies step mother was asleep upstairs in her room. The maid was also resting upsatirs. Lizzie was outside in the hayloft eating pears. It was a hot Massachusetts summers day. This book attempts to discover who really hacked to death the sleeping Borden's on that hot afternoon in Fall River. Was it Lizzie, or was it...? A great deal of historical research has gone into this book, supplemented with actual photographs of the case. Well worth reading...

Golf club components have changed considerably since this book was published. Many of the conclusions are arrived at through small sample testing (three different lengths of ideal shafts and concluding one of them is ideal) and are inaccurate. I would recommend anything by Dave Pelz rather than this book.

Werner and Greig have written an excellent book on club design that is suprisingly practical. Each chapter is short and readable.The subject matter is directly applicable to playing golf. Golfers who have read Pelz and Hogan will enjoy the combination of analysis and golfing tips. The graphs and technical information can be difficult to interpert, but aren't essential to understanding the key points.

This is a terrific book for those who have been searching for truth about golf clubs. The authors have developed a mathematical model of the golf club and have used computers to analyze innumerable combinations of head speed, center or gravity, club loft, club length, etc. They have come up with an analysis of what is important and what doesn't matter in golf club design. Here's what works for a driver: long (46 inches), low center of gravity, huge club face, unique bulge and roll, and very stiff light shaft. All the other stuff is of no importance, so forget about it. Outstanding.

The tiny vinettes that make up the book are truly worth the read, but to get past the authors continued psychological issues is extreamly difficult.

When she finds out who she is - let me know, she will have something worth reading.

Norma Fields eloquently provides a historical look at post World War II Japan. She utilizes personal memories as well as interviews with private and public citizens that recount their struggles as Japanese. Japanese life is one filled with contradiction. After Japan's surrender in August of 1945 they adopted an Americanized Constitution to symbolize to the world their commitment to peace. This Constitution has been at times nothing more than that, a symbol, because despite efforts to mimic the American guarantees of personal freedom and liberties, the Japanese traditions and cultural practes of Emperialism and Shinto overshadow these Constitutional gurantees, leaving citizens wondering where Japan's future lies. Norm Field puts faith in the Japanese people, that they as the people in her book have, will take the high road in Japan and except their past for all its good and bad and move bravely into the future.

Uncovers many of the hidden parts of Japan with interesting and thought-provoking stories. Anyone interested in the culture of Japan should give this book a good reading.

The text provided a good basic explanation of the theories.My book was missing vital table A-1!!-thank-you-very-much!.No response from the company!
Here,s the problem;You read the book,you are attentive at the lecture,you can't do the homework,you get the solutions to the homework,you still can't do the homework!For this book to be effective, an extensive supplemental solved problems programmed learning document must be authored! Silly me,I thought study hard be successful!Ha.Ha.Ha!

This book paints a good picture of concepts. The formulas are explained adequately and are followed by examples most of the time.

My only dislike of the book is the examples that are shown are very elementary and don't offer a lot of help on solving new problems. Another thing that the book needs is answers to the problems, because if you are working the problems and arrive at an answer, you don't know if you are correct.

As far as textbooks go, I thought this was an excellent one. The text itself is useful, the example problems are relevant to the problems related to each chapter, and the theory is clearly mapped out.

Our class used this text to supplement another, though I thought the course could have stoof alone on the Incropera and Dewitt text. An excellent introduction to the topic.

I don't see how anyone could approve of this book. I'm taking an udergraduate class in optics and the professor chose this book. It is the worst textbook I have ever had. And everyone else in my class agrees with me. If I don't understand or miss a lecture, there is no way I'm going to get up to speed by reading this book.

We used this book for a one-semester undergraduate optics course. Readers should be aware of the fact that this textbook focuses more on the applications, not so much with theory. You only need the first-year introductory physics to keep up with the most stuff in the book, and the problem sets are very manageable with the answers to most problems provided at the end of the book. As a physics student, this made the entire course awfully boring and meaningless. I think many colleges teach optics after undergrad E&M, and if you are in one of those colleges, I strongly recommend NOT using this book as the textbook. Ideally, you would want take Maxwell equations as a starting point and going into diffraction theory, boundary value problems, etc., especially if you have already finished sophomore/junior level E&M. This book treats these only toward the end of the book. Who wants to bother with a bunch of geometrical optics, only to solve different kinds of problems without being exposed to new principles? I think an optics course in physics should be taught in a fashion that the phenomena in relation to Maxwell equations are illuminated. On a good side, I do think the book does a pretty good job of teaching the materials that it covers.

I used this book for an undergraduate optics class and felt that it was very clear and readable. It is good for a survey optics course, but it lacks some more technical information useful in the laboratory. For classwork and theory, it laid a good foundation. For lab work, I often found myself having to look to other books such as Hecht or Jenkins & White. It has since served as a good reference book for many basic concepts. The concepts and mathematical procedures can be found easily and quickly without wading through the technical parts.

Even today, in the year 2002, it's hard to find any American who hasn't heard the name Jesse James. All types of wild stories have been passed through the years about him, some saying he was nothing more than a cold blooded killer and some swearing he was more like Robin Hood. In William Settle's book, "Jesse James Was His Name", he chronicalizes the events of Jesse's life starting with his boyhood home on a farm in Missouri, through the bloody years of the Civil War where he fought in Confederate guerrilla bands, and then on to his outlaw career.
The book, in my opinion, was too lengthy, it was full of facts a lot of which were unnecessary, and it didn't flow very well. So as Jesse James himself was an exciting person, this book was far from it. If you want to find more about Jesse James, don't read this book.

The research in the book seems to be first-rate. However the author doesn't seem to present the information in a way that leads to the the implied conclusions. He gives information on various robberies, implying they were conducted by the James/Younger gang, but the information doesn't support the conclusion--I wouldn't convict them based on the info presented. In fact, I was left leaning far more toward the James' and Youngers' own statements that they _weren't_ involved in most of these robberies and were convenient victims of post-war, anti-Quantill sentiments. Evidence of the James/Youngers' guilt struck me as being rather shoddy. Sorting out which robberies really could be attributed to whom is largely left to the reader.

Though well worth reading, I would view this book as a suppliment to other reading and research rather than the sole, final statement on the events.

Author Settle (true name: Dr. Robert Parker) was a college history professor from Oklahoma who spent 20+ years researching his subject - the notorious James Brothers of Missouri. His book, first published in 1961, still stands as the resource work in the "Jesse James" field. A historian, Settle refused to use or dwell upon anything except fact when dealing with his material. His research included developing a friendship with Frank James' only son, Robert - who lived on the James brothers' Missouri farm until his death in the 1950's. Settle leaned on family history, but primarily used grass roots documentation in reporting all of he known facts - through the time of publication. His work is the most often cited reference used by current authors. His research and book opened the way for the current boom of writers and researchers in the field of the James Gang. Nicely written and easy to read, the book not only discusses the family history and known criminal activities of Jesse and Frank, but tells how and why Jesse James - a known murderer and thief - has crept into legend as a hero. If you are interested in outlaw and lawman history of the Old West, this book is a "must".